June was also the month of some remarkable renovations to the Lessard Lake Outdoor Education Centre . Notably : the kitchen area was enclosed ; the sink and gas stove were moved ; the floor was resurfaced ; a ceiling was installed ; and the lighting was replaced . The overall effect — amazing ! More plans are in place for additional upgrades to this vital County facility in 2017 .
MONTH OF JULY With the start of summer holidays for local students came the always-anticipated Community Services summer programs for children and youth . Close to 450 registrants attended a variety of programs offered in Alberta Beach , Lessard Lake , Mayerthorpe , Onoway and Sangudo . Options included half-day kinder camps , full-day youth camps , exciting , jam-packed day trips ( with pick-up locations in Alberta Beach , Mayerthorpe , Onoway or Sangudo ), and the ever-popular overnight camps at the Lessard Lake Outdoor Education Centre . Special thanks to the dedicated summer staff who worked diligently to ensure each participant left with a smile on their face and many great memories to share .
MONTH OF AUGUST The washroom / shower facility at the Sangudo Riverside Campground underwent much-needed renovations including a new roof , ceiling , flooring , counter tops , sinks and faucets .
Also in August , two lucky County students were selected from among many applicants to jet off to the Cosmodome Space Camp in Laval , Quebec . A pair of young ladies from the east end of the County enjoyed an all-expenses-paid learning opportunity of a lifetime ! Space Camp is an annual contest open to Lac Ste . Anne County residents between the ages of 12 to 15 years old . Application forms are available at the Community Services department .
MONTH OF SEPTEMBER After a busy summer , children were excited to return to playschool ; some for the first time . We ’ re proud of our successful Onoway Playschool Program , and thankful for Mrs . Vivian McDonald and Mrs . Sheryl Zajac , who ensure every child has a positive start — often in their first adventure without a parent . We started the 2016-2017 year with 65 students , and anticipate 90 students by the end of the school year . We offer either a two day per week program ( Monday / Wednesday or Tuesday / Thursday ), or a one day per week program ( Tuesday only or Thursday only ), with separate classes for three-year-olds in the mornings and four-year-olds in the afternoons .
MONTH OF OCTOBER Two much-awaited Direct Delivery programs — Snow Angels and Home Support — were launched in 2016 . Snow Angels matches volunteers with local seniors to assist with snow removal on their sidewalks and parking area . The Home Support program is available to County seniors aged 65 and older , assisting them with light housekeeping duties at a subsidized rate . It is anticipated that , once fully implemented , the Home Support program will be expanded to include other demographics .
MONTH OF NOVEMBER After many requests from campers , a playground was installed at our Paddle River Dam Campground and will be ready for the 2017 season . It is situated with the developed campground by Peter ’ s Pond , near site # 38 in Phase II . We acknowledge the Alberta Recycling Management Authority , and their Municipal Demonstration Grant , for providing partial funding towards the purchase of “ pour in place surfacing ” for this playground . This amazing product offers a safe , clean , almost maintenance-free surface that will enhance this play space for years to come .
MONTH OF DECEMBER The County continues its involvement in the Highway 43 Come Play with Me Early Childhood Coalition , as a major stakeholder . The County assists the Coalition in administrative and co-ordination capacities . Early Childhood Coalitions of Alberta receive funding through a tri-ministry collaboration between the Ministries of Health , Education , and Human Services . These Ministries engage the Family & Community Support Services Association of Alberta to provide coordination and support . Confirmation of additional funding for 2017 was received , and this Coalition looks to continue promoting itself and supporting the importance of early childhood development .
— Donna Kerr Community Services Manager
LSAC ACTIVITY REPORT | County Progress 2016 / 17 780.785.3411 www . LSAC . ca