From the Ottawa Citizen—"After listening to pleas by neighbours hoping to influence plans for 34 Brighton Ave., the City of Ottawa’s committee of adjustment on Wednesday [Jan. 18, 2012] reserved its decision on the severance of the Old Ottawa South property." Read  the full article here. Another interesting Ottawa Citizen article illustrating that urban intensification is a "city-wide" issue can be read here.

At its January meeting, the OSCA board discussed and passed a resolution requesting that restrictions be placed on City digital signage. The City is holding consultations on the regulation of Digital Billboards, and there have been concerns about large digital signs, such as where they could be placed and what sort of community consultation will precede the approval of a sign. The OSCA Board passed the following resolution:

This year Havana Night II will have a silent auction to entice and excite your interest and it will be bigger and better than the 2011 version! We have gathered many delectable and sensational items from the generous merchants “between the bridges” and from those supportive neighbouring businesses in the Glebe and Ottawa East.

(To purchase your tickets, click here, select All Programs, then scroll down to the bottom.)

A sampling of the delights awaiting your bid are:

The 2012 edition of the Winter Carnival is fast approaching on Sunday February 5th and OSCA needs people to fill the volunteer roster.  You could assist with set up, the  jelly-bean contest or raffle, the sleigh ride, or the clean-up crew.  If you can't help out on the day of the Carnival,  you could put up a few posters around the neighbourhood. Contact Lisa Drouillard leucodendron@gmail.com to sign up.

If you'd like to nominate Old Ottawa South for the annual Great Places in Canada competition, please see below. "The competition is sponsored by the Canadian Institute of Planners to recognize the work of professional planners across Canada and to celebrate the great places we are fortunate to share in this vast country."

You can now see Deborah Margo's winning art installation panels in our Photo Gallery. To view them, click here. Deborah won the 2010 City of Ottawa art competition for the display of works of art in pubic places, and the set of copper panels now holds pride-of-place in the vestibule of the Old Firehall—the Ottawa South Community Centre—at 260 Sunnyside Avenue.

Are you yearning for the exciting sounds of Cuban music, for scrumptious Cuban (Havana Cafe) food, for the exhilerating sight of sand and surf, for the distinctive taste of a mojito?

Havana Night II, a reprise of the sold out event last year, is the place to go on Saturday, January 28th at 8 pm at the Ottawa South Community Centre. This OSCA event is guaranteed to bring some sparkle to your tired January eyes!

To purchase your tickets, click here, select All Programs, then scroll down to the bottom, where you will see Havana Night II under Special Events.

Every year, OOS photographer Tom Alfoldi likes to get up into the skies for some aerial photography of Old Ottawa South and surrounding areas. In 2011, he captured our surrounding bridges, which can be seen in the December OSCAR. Here, he has taken aerial shots of a few of our famous buildings.

The Bridging Program at Carleton University provides an affordable 12-week course that prepares adults for university study. Try out academic study in a supportive small group environment, designed to increase skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging to the academic community.

The Old Ottawa South community garden may have found a home. What they need now is knowledgeable organizers and keen volunteers.

The upcoming fun event, Havana Night II, needs help, your help, in order to happen on Saturday, January 28th at the OSCA Firehall.

The Old Ottawa South Community Association is looking for a dynamic and community oriented individual to be its new Executive Director. Deadline for applications is fast approaching: Jan. 31, 2012.

Most wireless routers do not default to the most secure configuration. Chris Taylor, of the Ottawa PC Users' Group, will be at the Sunnyside branch library to show you how easy it is to make sure your network is secure. Registration. Click here to register.

Come to the Sunnyside branch library to enjoy National Film Board Animation. A selection of four short films will be shown: Sunday, Oma’s quilt, Painted Tales: In Winter Still, and The Dingles.

Book launch and reading presented by the College of Humanities and the Department of Political Science, Carelton University, at Room 303 Patterson Hall.

Planning Primer Program is offered to help residents become more aware of, and more involved in, the land-use planning process. The program is a series of half-day courses.  The series includes two core courses and two elective courses. This is the first one, and is a prerequisite to attend the others. Details here. Location: City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West, Champlain Room. Also to be held Mon. Jan. 23.

Get gaming at the library with your friends and family. Scrabble, Monopoly, Twister or Clue—you can play our games or you can bring one, too! Sat. Jan. 21, 2012 (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm), Sat. Jan. 28, 2012 (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm), Sat. Feb. 04, 2012 (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm),Sat. Feb. 11, 2012 (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm), Sat. Feb. 18, 2012 (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm), Sat. Feb. 25, 2012 (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm).

A documentary about pit bulls and breed discrimination, sponsored by the Dog Legislation Council of Ontario. WAG (across the street) will re-open at 7:30 pm for coffee and discussion. Tickets for the movie on sale now at www.beyondthemythmovie.com.

Room 324 at 40 Elgin St, Ottawa. Questions or comments: Telephone: 613-239-5000 or 1-800-465-1867 (toll-free) Email: info@ncc-ccn.ca

Is alchemy quackery, a Royal Art or simply the precursor to modern chemistry? This ancient and mysterious practice, rich in figurative language and bizarre imagery, has inspired artists and writers through the centuries. Join Cecile Wilson, a scholar of the Western esoteric traditions with a particular interest in alchemy, for a brief overview of the history and iconography of alchemy and its relevance for writers—and readers—today. Registration. Thurs. Jan. 26, 2012 (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm), Click here to register

Meet new people and join in stimulating discussions on selected titles in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Newcomers are welcome. Registration. Click here for multi-session registration.  Fri. Jan. 27, 2012 (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm), Fri. Feb. 24, 2012 (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm), Fri. Mar. 30, 2012 (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm), Fri. Apr. 27, 2012 (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm), Fri. May 25, 2012 (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm).

A dramatic narration of different, profusely illustrated books. The images from the books are projected behind Mr. Glover during his performance. Licensed show, 19+ only.

A hot night in the cold capital. Proceeds to benefit the Friends of Lansdowne. Buy your tickets online by choosing the  "All Programs" option on the OSCA e-registration system, then scroll down to the bottom where Havana Night II is under Special Events. More information here.

Alzheimer Society’s fund raiser event held annually inside the Carleton University Fieldhouse. New participants welcome, more info 613-523 4004 x126, or www.alzheimer.ca/ottawa. To donate: www.walkformemories.ca.

Carleton U. course to help prepare for academic study begins. Details here.

Full-time Exective Director for community association OSCA needed for April 2012. Application deadline Jan. 31, 2012. Details here. If you've got what it takes and want to make a difference in a vibrant community managing recreational programming and community involvement, check it out. You may be the right one for the job!