COUNCIL STICKING TO COMMITMENT TO FOCUS ON GETTING BACK TO THE NEGOTIATING TABLE TO RESOLVE TRANSIT STRIKE

In the last week councillors have been avoiding commenting publicly on negotiations to make it easier for both sides to get back to the bargaining table. It means that there is not as much information available about the strike. However, at this point people want Councillors to do everything possible to get the strike resolved, even if it means that there will be questions that don’t get answered until a settlement is in place.

DO YOU KNOW A VOLUNTEER WHO DESERVES RECOGNITION?

Each year the City of Ottawa recognizes the efforts of volunteers in our community with Civic Appreciation Awards. Any volunteer who lives in Ottawa, has a business in Ottawa or whose volunteer work is in Ottawa is eligible to be nominated.

Three Citizen of the Year awards are handed out recognizing the hard work of youth under 26, adults between 26 and 55 and seniors over 55 respectively. There is also the Brian Kilrea Award for an amateur coach who has made an outstanding contribution to amateur sports and 12 awards to recognize volunteer work in specific categories.

One of the things that makes Kanata such a great place to live is the number of people who volunteer their time in any number of ways. That fact has been reflected in the large number of Kanata residents who have been recognized with Civic Appreciation Awards.

There are many volunteers in our community whose efforts deserve recognition. If you know someone, please don’t hesitate to nominate her or him.

Information about the awards can be found at www.ottawa.ca/residents/volunteerservices/civic_appreciation.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 27, 2009. Nominations after that date will be carried forward for next year's ceremony.

OUTDOOR RINKS AN EXAMPLE OF VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION

Visiting the Young’s Pond rink last weekend was a reminder of what volunteers do for our community. Even though it was cold, the rink was filled with families playing pick-up hockey or just enjoying skating outdoors.

The work of volunteers is essential to outdoor rinks. While the City provides funding for rinks, it is the volunteers who do things like keep the rink clear of snow. As the number of people at the Young’s Pond rink last weekend showed, people are grateful for the efforts of volunteers.

WORK OF FRIENDS OF THE OTTAWA PUBLIC LIBRARY PAYS OFF FOR HAZELDEAN BRANCH

At many libraries in Ottawa the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library operate used bookstores to help raise money. Since it opened in November 2007, the Book Nook at the Hazeldean Branch of the library has brought in over $7,700.

Funds from the store go towards things that will help the Hazeldean branch provide better service that are not normally included in the regular library budget. Examples are a new projection screen for the meeting room and a number of easels to display books. The Friends also support other Library initiatives such as the children's summer reading club, the Awesome Authors Youth Writing Contest and the Every Kid a Card campaign. 

Thanks are due to the volunteers whose hard work has made the store a success and the many Kanata residents who have supported the store through donations or purchases.

WORKING FULL-TIME FOR KANATA SOUTH

I appreciate the chance to hear from you about issues affecting our community. You can reach me at 580-2752 (office), 580-2762 (fax), www.feltmateforkanata.com or peggy.feltmate@ottawa.ca