End of April Newsletter
This is a newsletter, not the meeting agenda. If you’re interested in the agenda, please email or send a message!
In here you will find: meetings, volunteer opportunities, a quick word about the recent Drop and Swap event, and some of the projects we’re looking forward to this summer. More details will be provided at tonight’s meeting, so be sure to attend!
Meetings:
First, we will have our monthly meeting tonight, April 27th at 140 Darlington Private Landmark Seniors Residence. 5th floor, from 6:30 until 8pm. It will be a hybrid meeting, so if you would prefer to attend remotely, please reach out and we’ll provide the zoom link.
Lonely Mitten Volunteer Meeting: You have filled out the volunteer form, received a few emails and now it’s time to take the Lonely Mitten Project to the next level. Join us for a [https://Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85050399805?pwd=jUhNlFN0blAr5rMhaGJxAm32jMdgHT.1]Virtual Volunteer Meeting on Sunday May 3rd at 7:30pm, and in-Person on Tuesday May 5th St Paul’s Innovation Space (The Hub - 95 Clegg St) at 7:30pm
Protecting the McCarthy Meadows and Forests - Next Steps.On Sunday May 17th, OSEAN will be hosting an action meeting at the Hunt Club Community Centre from 1:30-3 pm. We will update the community on what we know so far, our attempts at connecting with the NCC and our federally elected MPs and what our next steps are. Flex those writing muscles as we foresee some letter writing happening, and possibly some in-person demonstrations. If you want to learn how your can help protect these local greenspaces, or maybe you just want to protect trees in general, please attend! RSVP here! No RSVP needed but it helps us determine numbers and we can send you a reminder!
OSEAN Volunteer opportunities
Special Events:
OSEAN is hoping to have a booth at the following events, are you free to help us? (You will always be paired with an experienced volunteer!)
Saturday May 16 - 1 to 3:00pm @ Ernie Calcutt Park (759 Mooney’s Bay Place)
Saturday June 20th - Pollinator Appreciation day - 10am to 2pm @Fletcher Wildlife GardenTuesday June 23rd -Carleton heights BBQ and fair - 5:30pm to 7pm @ 1665 Apeldoorn
Ongoing - Planting and Weeding OSEAN pollinator habitats.
Please reach out to us if you have any interest in these volunteer opportunities.
Drop and Swap: We’re thrilled by how enthusiastically and joyously the community showed up, as well as how well we were able to organize and keep things running, thanks to our volunteers! We counted over 500 attendees, with hundreds of items swapped. At the end of the event we were able to donate over 20 boxes to Caldwell Family Centre, as well as donating some bulky items like chairs and lamps. Donations were also given to Helping with Furniture and HighJinx. There were people who showed up again after having been to our first event in September, as well as many new faces. So many people took the time to share how great they think the event is, how it helps them declutter or find treasure (or both!), and how everyone is interested in more Drop and Swaps to come in the future!
Upcoming: We won’t say too much here because we want you to come to the meeting, but for some intrigue:
- Environmental and Ecological Guardianship: OSEAN is always trying to stay up to date with what’s happening in Ottawa, and now that warmer weather is back, and the ground is thawed, many actions will ramp up - both by the city as well as by OSEAN and others. We’re teaming up with a few local groups to help expand our impact. For any volunteers, we’ll be looking for green thumbs for pollinator patches, as well as whatever the opposite of green thumbs are for removing invasive species!
- Community Building: We’re guided by the principle of “stronger together” and host events around environmental awareness, but always focusing on building community connections. We’re inviting everyone - experience is not required, however, curiosity and a helping heart are fantastic assets to bring!
We hope to see you at Monday’s meeting or one of our upcoming events!