The anticipated loss of several dedicated long-time members from Falher and Area C.A.P.S. (Community Association for Professional Services) this year is leaving the door wide open for the emergence of some new blood on the local board. “We’re in serious need of new committee members in order to maintain an efficient level of operations within our organization,” says Michelle Morin, secretary for the organization, noting that three to four existing members have expressed an interest to step down at this week’s annual general meeting. Their absence is expected to create a huge void on a board which has operated with a bare bones minimum of between eight and nine members over the course of the past year. “In order for Falher and Area C.A.P.S. to keep going we will need a minimum of three new members to come forward.” “Most of our members have been directly involved on the board for the past eight to 12 years. It’s time for a change,” Morin adds. The desperation call for additional community support coincides with the organization’s annual general meeting, which runs tonight beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Falher town council chambers. Morin says the board is crossing its fingers for a positive response from the community. “We’re hoping to see new faces from Falher and the surrounding area at our annual general meeting April 16,” she says, adding that the future of the valuable organization hinges directly on the response to tonight’s meeting. “Without additional support from the community our future as a board and organization is unknown.” A big drawback for some people involved on the board in the past has been the countless hours of work which go into coordinating the annual festival of trees – a major fundraising event which sees proceeds applied to an existing mortgage on the Falher Medical Clinic. And with roughly $90,000 now left owing on the clinic, Morin says it’s extremely important for the organization to see things through right to the end. Still, she admits that may not be possible without an increased level of community support. “We simply cannot continue to operate as a board with four or five members. It’s time for new members to get involved. New members bring new ideas, and that’s what we need,” Morin emphasizes. Morin says this year’s board intends to establish a festival of trees committee, which would absorb many of the previous responsibilities from board members. The sub-committee of the board will run under the direction of C.A.P.S. and be required to meet weekly from September until the festival of trees event in November. Meetings will consist of planning and preparation for the festival of trees. “If you are creative or just want to help out, please join the festival of trees committee. The more people we have the easier it is to pull it together,” Morin points out. Falher & Area C.A.P.S meets once a month for a couple hours with the exception of the summer months. Anyone who can spare a couple hours of their time once a month is urged to stop by the town office for tonight’s AGM. For more information, contact Michelle @ 837-2420 and leave a message or call Barb Gardecki @ 323-4486.