December 2020

December 2020

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Councillor Update December is an interesting month, with budget meetings being held over a period of four days from December 1st to 4th, 2020. Council will be presented with the proposed 2021 Capital and Operating budgets for the region. In October, Council passed a resolution to give me the opportunity to sit on committees for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). FCM has significant ability to influence debate and policy with the federal government. FCM is the national voice for Canada’s local governments, as we negotiate with the Government of Canada’s departments and agencies on behalf of municipalities. I began attending virtual meetings with the FCM in November. I am on a number of committees which include the Northern and Remote Forum, the Prairies & Territories Regional Caucus, the Rural Forum, the Standing Committee on International Relations and Community Safety and Crime Prevention. Sturgeon County presented some interesting information during one of the committee meetings. They are increasing outdoor skating rinks and having lit their trails with Christmas lights until the end of February. The project is called Cabin Fever. I have forwarded this information to Administration at the RMWB, as some residents in Anzac were looking for an outdoor rink. There has ben limited usage on the indoor rink due to COVID-19. During the rural forum, I asked if I could receive a list of Covid-19 related federal funding programs. I am also asking for housing projects that include operational funding. At the present time, the Government of Alberta has put a moratorium on funding for social housing in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. The end result is that we have a very large waiting list for families needing social housing. I have copied some web links for provincial funding opportunities below from information I received from the Wood Buffalo Economic Development Corporation. The links are for grants which might be of interest for business owners, non-profit organizations and faith-based organizations. Small and Medium Enterprises Relaunch Grant (SMERG) Application intake will remain open for 4 weeks following the start of Stage 3 of Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy. Eligible small-and-medium sized businesses, co-ops and non-profits can apply for funding to help get Albertans back to work. Eligible job creators can apply for up to $5,000 through this program. If you have specific questions about the program, email inquiries can be sent to: SMErelaunch.program@gov.ab.ca CEWS program redesigned for Period 5 applications More businesses are now eligible for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. Learn how the redesigned program can support your business. The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) helps employers impacted by COVID-19 to keep workers on their payroll or bring previously laid-off employees back to work. To ensure Canadian workers and businesses are in a better position as our economy safely re-opens, the Government has implemented changes to the CEWS that broaden the reach of the program and provide better targeted support. Community Initiatives Program The Community Initiatives Program (CIP), Project-Based grant stream supports projects that enhance and enrich communities throughout Alberta by providing assistance to non-profit organizations for new programs / enhancement to an existing program; community events; gender equity projects; technology; and portable equipment. Ministry of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women This Ministry has many grant programs that accept applications through multiple intakes on an annual basis. For more information , visit: https://www.alberta.ca/culture-multiculturalism-and-status-of-women-grants.aspx

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Government of Alberta Faith-based and Cultural Facility Relaunch Grant One-time reimbursement to relaunch facilities used for cultural, religious, spiritual and ceremonial gatherings during the COVID-19 crisis. The program is currently open and accepting applications until March 1, 2021. There are 2 intake deadlines, December 15, 2020 and March 1, 2021. For more information visit: https://www.alberta.ca/faith-based-and-cultural-facility-relaunch-grant.aspx For assistance navigating Government of Alberta’s economic development supports. please contact James Tessier, Regional Economic Development Services at 780-815-4036 or jamestessier@gov.ab.ca At the Council meeting on October 27, 2020, a report was put forward to reduce the Roads and Transportation Bylaw fines by 25%, if the municipal tag is paid within seven days. In reviewing the parking fine comparisons to other municipalities in Alberta, we were still higher than the majority. As a Council member, I have received numerous complaints about the RMWB fines. I put forward an amending motion that the violation tickets be reduced by 40%, if paid within seven days. I also put forward a supplementary motion that Administration be directed to complete a full review of the Roads and Transportation Bylaw and bring forward a rewrite by April 2021 and take into consideration violation ticket amounts in other Alberta municipalities. Council voted unanimously in favour of these motions. Stella Lavallee who is the President of the Willow Lake Métis Nation in Anzac kindly sent me information on Louis Riel Day. Mayor Scott read out the proclamation at the Council meeting on November 10, 2020. Each year on November 16th, Louis Riel Day is observed by the Métis citizens in Canada. This is the anniversary of Louis Riel's execution in 1885. On this day, Métis people commemorate Louis Riel's life and celebrate their culture, language, heritage and ancestral homeland. Louis Riel stated, “We must cherish our inheritance. We must preserve our nationality for the youth of our future. The story should be written down to pass on.” The Métis Councils across the 6 regions, as well as the Alberta Métis Federation Council relate to this statement. Thank you to Stephanie Burtenshaw for providing the information on the good work of the Anzac Scouts on completing their Engineering Badge. The Anzac Scouts had a field trip to visit Corwin Broesky and his forging shop. To qualify for the Engineering Badge, the Scouts had to complete 4 tasks;

1. Plan/design the blade. 2. Learn about the elements and uses for specific knives which included safe handling. 3. Help cut the elk antlers used for the handles and make the sheaths the knives are stored in. 4. Try their hands at hammering out some steel and learning what the forging process is all about.

I have included a couple of photos that demonstrate their hard work and concentration on the task.

For any good deeds or concerns please e-mail jane.stroud@rmwb.ca or telephone 780-799-6024

May the magic of the Christmas season fill your home with joy and peace.

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The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo continues to monitor the on-going COVID-19 pandemic and

follow the direction of Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

For regular updates, please visit Alberta.ca/COVID19.

For municipal information related to COVID-19, visit rmwb.ca/COVID19.

FACE COVERING BYLAW RMWB Council passed the Face Covering Bylaw. This means face coverings are now required on all public transit in the region. For indoor public spaces, face coverings are mandatory if there are 50 or more active cases of COVID-19 in the region. To learn more about the Face Covering Bylaw, visit www.rmwb.ca/facecovering.

JANVIER MUNICIPAL OFFICE

Staff members are still working even though the municipal offices are closed to the public.

You can reach them in several ways:

• Call 780-559-2230 (leave a message and we’ll get back to you)

• Email martha.nokohoo@rmwb.ca

Need fast answers? Call RMWB Pulse toll free at 1-800-973-9663 or email pulse@rmwb.ca

December 2020

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Engineering/Construction Updates – Janvier

Janvier Sewage Lagoon Project

Each year the municipality takes on capital projects that helps maintain and improve the municipality’s infrastructure. From design to construction to system operations, the engineering and construction team worked tirelessly to ensure the Javier Community received a system that is reliable, and relatively low maintenance for treating municipal discharges. The following are some highlights from the Sewage Lagoon Project.

Weaver Group Limited is currently winterizing the site and has installed temporary fencing around the work zone to protect public safety. The remaining work will be completed in the Spring/Summer of 2021 weather permitting. Rural Water and Sanitary Sewer (RWSS) Project

This is the largest capital project ever undertaken by the Municipality—and it’s exciting to see service connections now open for the application and approval process in Janvier. Residential lot owners interested in converting to the municipal water and sewer system can find more information about the process by visiting www.rmwb.ca/rwss. For assistance, please call the Pulse Line at 780-743-7000 or 1-800-973-9663.

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You’re invited to join Council as they review and deliberate the proposed 2021 Budget meetings!

• December 1: Community Investment Program

• December 2: Operating Budget

• December 3: Capital Budget

• December 4: Additional Budget meeting, if required.

All budget meetings begin at 9:00 a.m. and are being held virtually. A live online stream of the meetings is available at rmwb.ca/council or you can call in and listen to the meetings live at 1-833-286-6444.

Participate in the Budget meetings

• You have the opportunity to make a 5-minute verbal presentation to Council during a 30-minute

delegation session at the beginning of each budget meeting and during the Community Investment

Program grant meeting following the administrative presentations for each specific grant stream.

• Anyone wishing to speak via teleconference, must register as a delegate for the budget meeting

most relevant to their presentation and before the day of the meeting.

• To register as a delegate, email Legislative.Assistants@rmwb.ca or call 780-743-7001. Details on

how to participate via teleconference will be provided after registration.

• You may also make a written submission as a delegate by emailing Legislative.Assistants@rmwb.ca

at minimum one day before the budget meeting most relevant to the submission. A name must be

included for the record.

Review the Municipal Budget Community members are encouraged to review the proposed 2021 Budget Primer for highlights and strategic priorities of the proposed budget. The complete proposed 2021 Municipal Budget and supporting documentation is available in the Council Agenda at rmwb.ca/council. Highlights of the approved 2021 Budget will be shared after Council finishes deliberating, refining and approving Budget 2021.

Do you have questions about the budget? Are you wondering how the budget process works? To learn more, visit rmwb.ca/budget Stay tuned for more budget updates by checking the municipal website, following us on Facebook or Twitter, or contacting Pulse at 780-743-7000, toll-free 1-800-973-9663 or rmwb.ca/pulse.

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EMPLOYERS INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE!

To participate please visit www.choosewoodbuffalo.ca & click “Complete Survey”. All employers in the region are requested to complete the Labour Study Employer Survey by December 21, 2020. The labour study survey encompasses the entire Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region, including Indigenous communities, and will assist local and regional employers with practical strategies to address workforce needs and shortages. The full report is expected to be completed in March 2021 and will be made available as a public good. The project is being conducted by Applications Management Consulting Ltd. in partnership with Willow Springs. Responses are confidential and results will be compiled in group form by. This survey can be completed over the phone by calling 780-425-6741 or online at www.choosewoodbuffalo.ca. To request a paper copy or for technical questions, contact Gurpreet Sidhu at 780-425-6741 or gurpreet.appl@mac.com. Please direct any other questions related to the project to Lisa Sweet, Director of Business & Investment Attraction, Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism at 780-793-1063 or lisa@choosewoodbuffalo.ca.

For any questions, please contact Pulse!

Residents in rural communities can contact the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo 24/7 by contacting Pulse via the following: • 780-743-7000 • 1-800-973-9663 (toll-free) • www.rmwb.ca/pulse

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Do you own a small business in a rural community within the RMWB?

You may be able to save money on your taxes by applying for the rural non-residential small business tax rate.

Regardless of the status of your application, property taxes were due Sept. 30, 2020.

If you qualify for the rural non-residential small business tax sub-class after you pay your taxes, you will receive a credit on your account or receive the funds via cheque. To apply and learn more, visit rmwb.ca/taxes Your current tax bill doesn’t reflect this rate and you must apply every year to receive it. Eligibility requirements and criteria are available online.

Applications are being accepted until Dec. 31, 2020.

Nominate your Neighbour or

local business for brightening

our community

We think our neighbours and businesses

deserve a thank you for their efforts in

beautifying our region through their festive

outdoor decorations.

That is why we have made it super easy to recognize them through our mobile friendly form!

Simply take a picture on your phone in landscape mode of your neighbour’s or a local business’ outdoor decorations,

visit rmwb.ca/nyn and fill out our mobile friendly form.

It takes hours to decorate and only seconds to nominate! The program will run until Dec. 15.

December 2020

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Bylaw Services: Driveway snow removal reminder

Snow removal is an inevitable part of winter in our region, the proper cleaning and clearing of snow ensures public safety on roadways, sidewalks and driveways. Collaborative efforts from government and residents make proper snow removal possible. For residents, Roads and Transportation Bylaw No. 02/079 governs snow removal in our region; this ensures safety precautions are met as well as consistency of efforts. Bylaw Services reminds residents of some important sections of the bylaw in regards to snow removal of driveways;

• Residents are responsible for snow and ice removal on their driveways and the sidewalks abutting their homes (Section 13.26 & 13.27).

• Residents are not permitted to place snow and/ or ice from private property onto the highways or other public places of the Municipality (Section 13.30), this includes ditches (Alberta Traffic Safety Act, “highway” definition).

• Snow and ice are to be removed within 48 hours of the time when it was formed or deposited (Section 13.26 & 13.27).

Bylaw Services thanks residents for their compliance as this ensures a safe Wood Buffalo. For any questions regarding snow removal, contact Pulse at 780-743-7000 or toll-free 1-800-973-9663.

December 2020

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Janvier Garbage and Recycling Drop-off

Do you know that you can drop off residential garbage and recycling, including household hazardous waste, for free

at the Janvier Waste Transfer Station?

Help protect the environment and keep Janvier clean by disposing of items properly. All dropped off items are

brought to the Municipal landfill for proper disposal or recycling.

Everyone, including First Nation communities, are encouraged to use the facility! It is located at the end of

MacDonald Ave. in Janvier.

Janvier Waste Transfer Station Hours of Operation:

• Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The following items are not allowed to be dropped off at the Janvier Waste Transfer Station:

• Commercial waste

• Ammunition

• Explosives

• Radioactive waste

• Biological, biomedical or pathological waste

• Animal carcasses or deceased pets

• Asbestos

• Oilfield waste

• Waste containing free liquids

• Vehicles and vehicle parts

Learn more about garbage and recycling services at rmwb.ca/garbage.

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Janvier Newsletter needs a new name.

This is a contest for all residents to participate in.

Submit your suggestions to

Joanne.clark@rmwb.ca or Koralee.samaroden@rmwb.ca

Contest closed December 31st, 2020

Do you like to take pictures? Do you like to

draw?

We are looking for pictures and/or images of Janvier to use in the Community

Newsletter

Submit your digital pictures or artwork to joanne.clark@rmwb.ca

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In 2019, residents were asked what a revitalized downtown would look like. It’s time to share what we

heard as we develop a new Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan.

Did we get it right?

Join us at a virtual open house on Dec. 2 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. to review concepts for the draft plan. You can

also weigh in online by:

• Completing a survey.

• Participating in a forum conversation.

• Submitting a question.

See all the engagement opportunities at rmwb.ca/ARP. The deadline for feedback is Dec. 13.

What is an area redevelopment plan?

An area redevelopment plan provides a roadmap for the revitalization and development of a community.

Why is it important?

The downtown core has the potential for further growth as a destination for all of Wood Buffalo.

Feedback received from the community has remained consistent over the past 15 to 20 years. Residents

want a safe, aesthetically pleasing downtown with better access to the waterfront and opportunities to

engage in cultural events and activities.

An action plan that is realistic, implementable and accountable is needed to drive these changes in our

region’s hub.

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Pick your park!

It’s time to choose your preferred preliminary park

concept design.

In the fall priorities for park features and amenities

were identified and used to inspire the

development of two preliminary park concepts.

We are now encouraging residents to choose from

these two preliminary designs.

Have your say with our online poll! The deadline to participate is Dec. 13.

Visit rmwb.ca/franklinandmainpark.

VULNERABLE PERSONS REGISTRY (VPR) The VPR is a free, voluntary and confidential service that helps improve the safety of residents living at home who may be at greater risk during an emergency. The program provides key information to local emergency responders to efficiently identify and assist vulnerable individuals during an emergency. The VPR is available to residents in the region who:

• Experience severe difficulty with mobility, vision or hearing

• Have developmental/intellectual, cognitive or mental health challenges

• Require electricity for life-sustaining equipment such as life support, oxygen, dialysis

etc.

To register, go to rmwb.ca/VPR or call Pulse.

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Tuesday and Thursday: Janvier, Anzac and Gregoire Lake Estates – Trip #1

Time Pick Up/Drop Off Location

8:00 a.m. Pick up Manning Avenue (AMA Parking Lot)

8:05 a.m. Pick up Hardin Street at MacDonald Ave

10:00 a.m. Pick Up Janvier Store

11:00 a.m. Pick up Anzac Recreation Centre

11:15 a.m. Pick up Gregoire Lake Estates (mailboxes)

12:05 p.m. Drop Off Hardin St & MacDonald Ave (Across from Provincial building)

12:15 p.m. Drop off Manning Avenue (AMA Parking Lot)

Tuesday and Thursday: Janvier, Anzac and Gregoire Lake Estates – Trip #2

Time Pick Up/Drop Off Location

16:00 p.m. Pick up Manning Avenue (AMA Parking Lot)

16:05 p.m. Pick up Hardin St & MacDonald Ave (Across from Provincial building)

16:40 p.m. Pick Up/Drop off Gregoire Lake Estates (mailboxes)

16:55 p.m. Pick Up/Drop Off Anzac Recreation Centre

18:00 p.m. Drop Off Janvier Store

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Community Programs, Activities & Events

Residents in rural communities of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo can contact Wood Buffalo Addiction and Mental Health Services for free and confidential support. Individual counselling services offered virtually (zoom/telephone):

• Addiction and Mental Health Support • Stress Coping Strategies & Life Skills Development • Psychoeducation on Relapse Prevention, Harm Reduction,

Wellness and Wellbeing and Loss and Grief • Referral to Addiction & Concurrent Treatment Programs, and

Psychiatry Services • Any other therapeutic interventions as needed

Please call 780-793-8360 for more information or to book an

appointment with Addiction & Mental Health Rural Service Team

Wood Buffalo Addiction and Mental Health Services #120-339 Powder Drive, Fort McMurray, Alberta T9K 0M4 PH: 780-793-8360 FAX 780-793-8361

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Family Violence Prevention Month: Getting to know the Waypoints Outreach Team

Family violence can affect anyone. It does not discriminate against age, race, religion or economic status. It can come in many forms, including physical or sexual abuse, stalking or being kept from seeing others. Family violence is an abuse of power in a family or other trusting relationship where people rely on each other. When someone experiences family violence, their well-being, security and survival are threated. Each November, communities across Alberta gather to raise awareness and take a stand against family violence. By raising awareness all year around, the Outreach Program hopes to bring family violence out of the darkness of the home to support survivors and create healthy individuals, relationships and homes. The Outreach team provides services in the urban and rural communities of the RMWB. We travel to Anzac, Conklin, Fort McKay, Fort McMurray, Janvier and Fort Chipewyan. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we have been working virtually with clients via zoom as well as over the phone support. The Outreach team provides support, advocacy, safety planning, information, and referrals to people affected by family violence, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and trauma. The Outreach team recognizes the impact of intergenerational trauma and strives to help individuals break this cycle through prevention and awareness measures. We are here to help families establish healthy homes and move through the process of healing. All our services are free of charge and open to all residents of the region. Our Outreach Counsellors provide 1 on 1 counselling to individuals who have been impacted by trauma. A traumatic experience can be different for everyone. It can happen if someone experiences something scary, threatening, dangerous or upsetting. It can impact and negatively change a person’s body, mind, relationships, beliefs, identity, and general living. Our counsellors provide emotional support and assistance to positively navigate through personal difficulties for those affected by historical trauma and to prevent further harm. Our Support Workers facilitate a variety of presentations and workshops related to domestic-family violence and relationship conflicts. We also run a 12-week psychoeducational program called Creating Your Own Direction Circle which can be completed in a group or individual setting via Zoom. Over all themes of this program are thought awareness, emotional regulation, boundaries, healthy/unhealthy relationships, and self-compassion. If you or someone you know may need help managing symptoms that can be associated with trauma, or are looking for information or resources to better assist you in your healing journey, feel free to reach out to one of our Outreach Team members! If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or an unhealthy relationship, please call or 24/7 Family Violence Crisis Line at 780-743-1190

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Some Other Solutions Society for Crisis Prevention Fort McMurray’s trusted resource for mental wellness A society for crisis prevention, Some Other Solutions is a trusted resource for mental wellness in Northern Alberta with professional counselling services, mentorship programs and a 24/7 crisis line to ensure everyone in the community is supported in the moment they need it most. As one of the longest running social agencies in Fort McMurray, we are here for you now and beyond. We offer: • Free Video and Phone Counselling At SOS, we provide health and wellness support to close to 1,300 people every year. Our professionally trained, knowledgeable counsellors offer individual and family counselling in a non-judgemental, safe, confidential environment. All appointments can be booked online. Please visit https://someothersolutions.janeapp.com to book an appointment and visit our website for more information on how our counselling services can help you. • SOS 24-Hour Crisis Line The 24-hour crisis line provides emotional support and resources to individuals struggling with life’s challenges and crisis situations. Call 780-743-4357(HELP) to have someone listen. • Virtual Grief & Loss Support Group Join us in our virtual group sessions and connect with other people in our amazing community Grief & Loss Support Group June 17, 3 pm - 4:15 pm Call our office at 780-743-8605 to register. • Online Resources Our annual community resource poster as well as wellness videos, podcasts, and blogs can be found on Some Other Solutions Facebook page and website. • Mentorship Programs Our programs empower and support children and youth to develop resiliency, self-confidence, and positive mental wellness to meet life’s challenges. Facilitated by a dynamic team comprised of diverse educational backgrounds, our programs are offered through the local school divisions as well as our annual summer camp. Please visit our website for more information.

Downtown: 202A-8706 Franklin Avenue Fort McMurray, AB T9H 2J6 Timberlea: #5-118 Millennium Drive Fort McMurray, AB T9K

2S8 Office Number: 780-743-8605 www.someothersolutions.ca

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Best wishes to everyone celebrating

birthdays and anniversaries in December!

While our physical location and lending libraries are unavailable, we are still getting your library materials to you! Simply place your holds at wbrl.ca, select your community, and someone will be in contact about delivery! Need to get your free library card or help with placing a hold? Give Sheri a shout at sheri.anthony@wbrl.ca. Don’t forget – we’re more than books! Check out video games, music and more! Browse the catalogue at wbrl.ca.

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JANVIER MUNICIPAL OFFICE

Please note the office is closed at this time due to COVID-19. Staff can still be reached via the info below 110 Janvier Drive, Chard AB T0P 1G0 PH: 780-559-2230 FAX: 780-559-2230

martha.nokohoo@RMWB.CA

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION PULSE (MUNICIPAL SWITCH BOARD)

1-800-973-9663 780-743-7000

PULSE@RMWB.CA

RMWB.CA/PULSE

COMMUNITY CONTACTS: SOCIAL MEDIA:

RCMP 780-788-4000

@WOODBUFFALORURALCOMMUNITYCONNECTION

@RMWOODBUFFALO

@RMWOODBUFFALO

FISH & WILDLIFE 780-743-7200

JANVIER SCHOOL 780-559-2240

ATCO 1-800-668-2248

JANVIER DENE WOODBUFFALO COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE 780-791-6247

HEALTH LINK 811

ALL EMERGENCIES 911 DEADLINE FOR JANUARY NEWSLETTER SUMISSIONS: DECEMBER 23TH, 2020

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COMMUNITY EVENTS & PROGRAMS CALENDAR

DECEMBER 2020

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9

10 11 12

13

14

15 16

17 18 19

20 21 22

23 Newsletter Submission Deadline

24

25

Christmas Day

26

Boxing Day

27

28

29 30 31 New Years

Eve