There was a tremendous show of support for the Community Event Showcase hosted by the Clifford Recreation Association (CRA) recently at the Community Hall here.
A good turnout of local residents attended to see what clubs, groups and organizations exist within the community and beyond.
There was a chance to ask about Big Sisters Big Brothers, the Merry Makers, Seniors Centre for Excellence, food bank, horticultural society, historical society, trails committee, geocaching, and the Town of Minto. All three churches – Knox United, St. John’s Lutheran and the Community Church – had displays.
The event also provided an opportunity to sign up for curling, hockey, broomball, figure skating, dance, nursery school, or women’s hockey.
Many of the cornerstone sponsors – Larry Grummett Insurance, Weber Contracting, W.C. Smith Wholesale, RBC Royal Bank of Clifford, Wightman Telecom, Redwood Restaurant and the Clifford Rotary Club – set up displays as well. The Clifford Rotary Club could be seen in action through a video presentation.
The CRA offered a free dinner at the showcase. CRA president Randy Ruetz praised the groups who joined forces to raise money for the ball diamond project.
They decided to sponsor a walking trail, dugouts, outfield fencing, and lights for the ball park with a price tag of $72,000. They wanted to ensure the best for the residents, to ensure quality and committment and that the Clifford Lions, who committed time, talent and resources to the former diamond, will ensure their custom-built fountain and food booth will have a home at the new diamond.
Ruetz offered appreciation to the cornerstone sponsors, whose financial support provided grants to boost the useage of the arena and sporting facilities.
He expressed appreciation to the CRA board and all the volunteers who apply for grants and work off their donations by scheduling a shift or two at the arena food booth.
Ruetz was especially appreciative of the big and bold cheque presentations that were sported totals of $500 to $20,000 – totalling $48,630.
Brad Richardson, representing the former Clifford Recreation Committee and the new CRA, presented two cheques; Lorne Underwood – Clifford Curling Club; Dan Ellis – Clifford Volunteer Firefighters; Fay Binkley – Clifford Lions Club; Reg Grice – Grein’s Fastball Club; and Phil Baumgarten – Clifford Rotary Club.
Along with Ruetz, the CRA board includes Karen Dowler, Cindy Reading, Lorne Underwood, Brad Richardson, Bill Raynard, Perry Webber, Kayle Hummell, Al Carr, Hope Robertson, and past president Paul Wightman.
