Your community association news: new board and community art activity

Betsy Schuurman (Chair, Action Sandy Hill)

A big thank you to everyone who joined us at the ASH Annual Meeting on April 27. We had a great turnout of new ASH members and longtime community volunteers. It was wonderful to see so many neighbours together again in Borden Hall!

A special thanks to the Environment Committee for organizing the always-popular plant sale, to departing board member Nick Harrison for his leadership on the Homestead fund project, and to allsaints event space for generously donating their venue.

At the Annual Meeting, Action Sandy Hill members unanimously affirmed the following to the ASH Board of Directors: Alec King, Andrew Johnston, Cilaine Maurin, Patrick Munro, and Marilyn Whitaker. Welcome to Alec and Cilaine, who are joining the Board for the first time. Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers and to everyone who has supported Action Sandy Hill over the years.

At the ASH Board of Directors meeting in May, Tom Waller was elected Vice Chair. Betsy Schuurman continues as Chair, Kathleen Lalande as Secretary, and Megan Reilkoff as Treasurer.

Marilyn Whitaker and Bryan Dewalt are chairs of the ASH Environment Committee; Patrick Munro is chair of the ASH Town & Gown Committee; Masood Qureshi is chair of the ASH Planning Committee; and Andrew Johnston is chair of the ASH Heritage Committee. Interested in one of these issues or have a comment or suggestion? Email actionsandyhill@gmail.com and we’ll put you in touch with the appropriate board member.

A reminder that our monthly ASH Board of Directors meetings are open to the public. The meetings are at 7 p.m. on the last Monday of the month (except July and December) and are in the boardroom of the Sandy Hill Community Centre, and hybrid on Zoom. Check the ASH events page on our website (http://www.ash-acs.ca) for details, agenda, and Zoom link.

Want to know more about what’s happening in Sandy Hill? ASH Community Conversations are virtual on Zoom at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of every month. This year will feature discussions about the upcoming developments and new construction of student residences at the University of Ottawa as well as topics related to planning, heritage, and the environment. Keep an eye out for the schedule and Zoom link on the ASH events page.

Finally, a shout-out to Julie, Ben, and Vanessa for launching the inaugural ASH Art Activity! Proceeds from the 2024 and 2025 One & Only Arts & Crafts Fair are supporting this new activity to bring art experiences into our community. Whether you’d like to participate in a future activity or contribute as an artist, email actionsandyhill@gmail.com and watch the ASH events page for upcoming activities.