The CES School Community Council does great things for the town and its youth and is rarely recognized. Over the course of a year the council raises a large amount of donations for charity as well as fights for and against things affecting the neighbourhood's children. "Just over the past year the council has raised $22,000 through jail and bail, equipped every single classroom with a smart board," said Tammie Riddell, the current council Chair. "We gave $500 towards pink day, received $2,000 through the Mom's Pantry event, organized meals for teachers, played part in organizing the community barbeque at the end of the year and now organized the first annual welcome back barbeque." Unfortunately, four of the current members will be leaving their positions this year and the council is in need of fresh blood. With fresh blood comes new ideas and often just adds a new view to an already incredible bunch. The group has often come together to fight for what they believe in, even when others doubt them. "We stopped CN from bringing their transload facility to Carlyle," said. Riddell. "I honestly believe that the letter from the committee is the reason that they are no longer considering Carlyle as an option."Many of you may know what Riddell is talking about as the Observer featured the original story months ago. For those who don't, back in February CN was considering a transload facility in Carlyle. The facility was going to be placed directly between the two schools along the tracks. The school community council met with Carlyle Town Council and it was decided that the school council would take it upon themselves to write a letter to CN. The letter was sent a few days later and cc'd to several other government officials at the local, provincial and federal levels.Surprisingly, on June 12th the council received an encouraging email from Honorable Denis Lebel, Federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. The email stated that CN was no longer considering a facility within Carlyle. "I was ecstatic. For the community it was not a beneficial addition or even reasonable," said Riddell about the decision. "My kids walk that road twice a day."Riddell will not be running for another two year term as she is in need of a break after being on the committee for four years."It's a really good board," she said. "I will probably end up back on it at some point, and I think it's important for fresh faces and new blood to join in."If you would like to be involved in making healthy choices for the community and its youth, you should attend the annual general meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 10 or contact one of the existing members."All you need is some time on your hands and to be interested in youth education," declared Tammie Riddel. "It's as simple as filling in a nomination card. You can even contact any of the current members and fill one out via email."
