OLDS — Uptowne Olds has a new board of directors, including a new president.
Clare Janitz is the association’s president, succeeding April Jemieff, who held the post for many years.
In addition to Janitz, board members are now past-president April Jemieff, secretary Katrina Kerr, treasurer Ashlee Elliott, members-at-large Michelle Imbery, Lindsay Caskey, Mike Caskey, Delena Simanton, Robin Corsiatto and Amy Lee.
The organization’s association coordinator and social media creator is Amber Supernant.
The Albertan asked Janitz why she wanted the job.
“I have a business in Uptowne, (the Cacio e Pepe Bistro), so I have a very vested interest in Uptowne,” she said, noting she also works at Olds College.
“I’m a small business owner and I just really care and feel that Uptowne is a key part of the town itself. We need to support each other, so I’m excited to be a part of that and lead that with a really awesome board.”
Janitz said there was concern that the group might fold if a president couldn’t be found. She said that gave her “a final push” to take on the role.
The association’s plans for the future are to keep running their three main events: Summer Oldstice, Halloween Howl and Midnight Madness.
“We’re going to continue as we are,” she said. “It (the association) has been doing an amazing job for years, so there isn’t really anything that needs to change.
“We just have to keep it going and hopefully recruit more volunteers for the events, because it’s usually the same people that are doing the events every year.
“They’re really starting to struggle with some burnout, so we hope to infuse a little bit of energy and bring in some new people. That will help lighten the load for everybody else.”
The board has some new faces. Janitz is delighted by that fact.
“People get tired after so many years and step away from it, so there are new people on the board, which is a great thing,” she said.
“But then there’s also a lot of people still stepping up and wanting to help that have been part of the association for years and years.”
She said the association is “very lucky” to have that combination of experience and energy.
Janitz began her new term a few weeks ago.
“It’s term of two years, so I’m committed,” she said with a laugh.
Janitz is grateful for the job Jemieff did in the president’s role and happy she’ll still be helping out.
“She did a really good job and worked very hard and she was just kind of done. But she still wants to be involved,” she said.
