BARRHEAD - Barrhead residents will be able to learn what groups, organizations, businesses and government agencies are available in their community, this Thursday, Sept. 7, from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the curling rink.
That’s when the Barrhead CARES coalition is hosting the annual community's Make the Connection night, allowing residents to learn more about the type of services available, especially regarding programs for children and youth.
Barrhead and District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) community and volunteer development coordinator Darin Flemer said the event has been going on almost as long as anyone can remember.
He noted that the town's park and recreation department initially hosted the event, but about eight years ago, CARES took over organizing the event.
Barrhead CARES is a coalition of community members who banded together in 2003, initially as the Barrhead and District Drug Coalition, to combat the problems associated with the effects of alcohol and drug use in the community. In 2012, the group changed its name to Barrhead CARES to reflect its growing mandate. FCSS, as a CARES member, is the event's co-organizer.
Although the venue and format of the event have changed slightly over the years, the date on the first Thursday after the Labour Day weekend and its purpose of connecting residents and service providers have remained constant.
"Uptake this year has been very good," Flemer said, adding currently 34 vendors.
He noted this year's roster includes multiple sports organizations; a dance studio; service clubs; youth organizations, such as the 4-H; cadets and scouts, an art club; the town parks and recreation department; and other government agencies.
"It really is a good cross-section of the services and programs available in our community," he said, adding due to the event's popularity in recent years, CARES may have to look for a larger venue. "I still have to measure everything out, but the curling rink should be pretty much packed."
Flemer also noted that the Barrhead Regional Fire Services (BRFS) will attend, providing a free hot dog barbeque.
However, he joked that firefighters might not be the ones doing the cooking, adding that last year, just before Make the Connection started, BRFS was called upon to respond to a multi-vehicle collision, forcing town Coun. Ty Assaf and Barrhead RCMP Sgt. Bob Dodds to fill in as the chefs.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
