MAYOR'S AWARD WINNER - MR. GREG WRIGHT
Hearty congratulations are in order! Greg Wright, OSCA Past President and Board member, recently received one of the inaugural City of Ottawa Mayor's Awards at a ceremony held at City Hall. Greg has been active in the community for a number of years, the last six of which he has served on the OSCA Board of Directors.
Greg chaired the Steering Committee of the Old Ottawa South Traffic Study, was a founding member of both the City Centre, and, the Inner City Coalitions, was a Vice President of the RA Centre and is the Alternate Chair for the Airport Parkway Extended Traffic Impact Study. As well, he is the current Vice President of the Coalition of Inner City Community Associations. Greg also found time to volunteer over the years as a coach and league co-ordinator for Girls' Softball in the Glebe and in Old Ottawa South. We are very proud of Greg both as a colleague and neighbour and are pleased by the recognition that Mayor Watson bestowed on him.
CITY OF OTTAWA CAPITAL WARD WHITTON AWARDS
Nominations for the annual Whitton Awards should be forwarded to Councillor Berg before the end of March. While OSCA will be submitting the names of some individuals who we believe are worthy of recognition, anyone can nominate a person or group for receipt of an award in one of the following categories: Arts and Culture; Sports and Recreation; Business; the Environment; and, Community Activism.
OLD FIREHALL RESTORATION AND RENOVATION
Committees have been formed to address both long and short-term deficiencies of the Firehall. The Restoration Action Committee, concerned with immediate improvements to the building and headed by Kate Fawkes, has been working with local architect Gordon Stokoe to identify what can be done to spruce-up the facility. This will likely involve painting and decorating and some minor repairs. We hope to match City funding under its Self-Help Programme. The Renovation Committee, chaired by John Graham, will develop plans and attempt to secure City Capital Funds over the long-term to expand the building to meet our current and future needs. At a recent design charette facilitated by architect and former OSCA Board member, Bill Semple, and fellow architect and recent City of Ottawa Architectural Conservation Award winner, Bob Webster, participants came up with a number of reasonable ideas for the expansion of the Firehall. In support of our goal, Regional Councillor Clive Doucet has again helped out financially with a $1,000 donation to our renovation fund. Thank you Clive for your generosity! If anyone can spare a few hours to join us for a work-party sometime in the spring to do some painting and a clean up of the Firehall, please call Kate at 730-0776 to volunteer.
TRAFFIC IN OLD OTTAWA SOUTH
In response to requests from parents and school officials concerned about an alarming increase in minor pedestrian/vehicle accidents and a number of "near misses" on Hopewell Avenue, Councillor Inez Berg has arranged for "No U-Turns" signs to be erected in the vicinity of Hopewell Public School. Drivers are asked to obey the new signage and to be extra careful in the school zone. Due to the potential for a tragic accident, police and traffic enforcement officers will issue tickets to those not obeying the new signs and existing parking restrictions. Those ignoring the laws and disregarding the safety of students and other pedestrians will run the risk of having their licence plate numbers recorded by volunteers from the Hopewell School Council.
FOURTH ANNUAL MEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA NIGHT
Saturday April 17th is the date for our annual social and fundraiser at the Firehall. A number of local residents employed in the media will entertain us with stories about their profession. We will also be treated to musical selections and witticisms from our interesting and talented neighbours. A light snack is included with the $15.00 entry fee. A cash bar will be available. The event always sells out so get your tickets early when they go on sale on Monday the 15th of March at the Firehall.