Moving to a new community can be a challenge, especially when it comes to making friends and getting involved.
The Sheep River Library Board wants to make it easier for new residents in the High Country area.
The library board created a newcomers steering committee that is inviting residents of Turner Valley, Black Diamond and surrounding communities to meet at the Sheep River Library in Turner Valley on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. for an information and brainstorming session.
The hope is everyone who attends will join at least one activity.
“We know of many people who have moved into the community and want a way to connect with new neighbours and new friends,” said Diane Osberg, a member of the steering committee and library board chairperson.
“There are a lot of newcomers that have come to town the last three to five years and may have been settling into their home, but not necessarily got out to mingle in their community as of yet.”
Osberg said next week’s meeting will have newcomers explore their interests and hobbies with other like-minded people and the library will serve as a meeting place for those groups, whether it’s the existing Sheep River Ramblers walking group or a new group.
“They can break off into whatever subgroups that they find would be interesting,” she said.
“The initiative is going to be on them to make their own little groups to work. The steering committee will be there to help them along.”
Osberg said while there are newcomer groups in Okotoks and High River, there has been nothing available for residents in the Diamond Valley area.
As a newcomer to Black Diamond seven years ago, Osberg said she was thirsting to get involved in the community.
When she learned a position was needed on the Sheep River Library Board she joined and soon found herself connected with the community.
“I thought that would be a nice way to meet new people,” she said. “(In four months) I was the chair of the library board.”
While it was easy for Osberg, she understands that’s not the case for everyone.
“There’s people that just don’t know how to get out and get involved,” she said.
“They are a little bit more shy and a little bit more reserved.”
Betty Holthe, the newcomer steering committee chairperson and library board member, said the newcomers group is a starting point for anyone who wants to get involved in the community.
“We want to promote the programs that are already underway,” she said. “There is already lots on the go, but we are also interested in something new. We are hoping there will be some curiosity.”
During next week’s event, High Country Wellness Coalition chairperson Linda Nelson will talk about existing groups and resources available in the area while Diamond Valley Chamber of Commerce president Bev Geier will talk about the businesses in the communities.
Subsequent newcomers meetings will take place in May and September, offering different speakers and inviting reports from the subgroups, as well as more newcomers from the communities.
Brochures about the newcomers group are available in businesses throughout the communities.
For more information, contact the Sheep River Library at 403-933-3278 or email [email protected]
