SPRING 2011 CANADA DAY 2011

SPRING 2011 CANADA DAY 2011 By André Paul Nearly 530 volunteers devoted more than 3,500 hours to Canada Day 2010. The contribution of volunteers is ve...
Author: Benedict Bryan
37 downloads 1 Views 947KB Size
SPRING 2011 CANADA DAY 2011 By André Paul Nearly 530 volunteers devoted more than 3,500 hours to Canada Day 2010. The contribution of volunteers is very important, as it supports all of the preparations, including logistics, for this major activity. Volunteers help to ensure that the festivities go as planned. They also ensure that the region’s residents and visitors receive a warm welcome and enjoy the day, direct them to the many free activities, and are on hand when guests raise their flags to show their pride in being Canadian. For Canada Day 2011, the Volunteer Centre will need as many volunteers as possible. So, we need you! There are so many ways that you can help out. You may distribute free flags (you will be the most popular person around); help set up and take down facilities for the activities (for those who like physical work); ensure the safety of participants; direct crowds (crowd controllers); provide information on the activities (use your knowledge to inform others); help out at the crafts workshops; assist the coordinators; or welcome guests, artists and dignitaries to the sites.

NCC Volunteer Centre Telephone: 613-239-5373 • Fax : 613-239-5133 Email: [email protected] • Website: canadascapital.gc.ca/volunteer

Editorial Team

Writing (Staff): Karen Massicotte • Translation (Volunteers): Karen Arial, André Paul Photographers (Volunteers): Thomas Alfoldi, Normand Radford • Coordination: Karen Massicotte

11-032

Writing (Volunteers): Lucie Artish, Robyn Bozek, Charlotte Cameron, Marcel Chartrand, Stephen Knowles, Beverley Miranda, André Paul, Rachel Ziahourou

2

BUSY BODIES • SPRING 2011

I never miss the opportunity to participate on Canada Day. I love the lively and festive ambiance that we see everywhere — on the sites, in the streets, all over the city. I like to see people dressed in red and white clothing, costumes, hats and accessories and celebrating the anniversary of Canada’s founding. In the last few years, I have been an information officer. It was so much fun welcoming people of all ages to the kiosk. Everyone was smiling and there were many families with young children wearing tattoos on their faces or arms, and carrying flags and balloons. I like to walk around the site, zigzagging among the crowds, distributing programs and answering questions as visitors watch the shows and participate in the activities. It is a pleasure being a “participant,” but it is even more fun to be a volunteer and to be part of the action and the activities. I like to think that my small contribution helps to make the event a success. I invite you to join those who commit themselves, as I do, year after year. And please encourage your friends and acquaintances to offer their services by contacting the Volunteer Centre by telephone at 613-239-5373, or by email at [email protected]. See you on July 1, 2011!

MAPLELAWN GARDEN By André Paul “Maplelawn”… Does the name mean something to you? And have you heard of the “Friends of Maplelawn Garden”? Perhaps you are like me: until about three years ago, I only knew of this name and group through the Busy Bodies newsletter and its volunteer opportunities listed on the Volunteer Centre’s website. But one day, my curiosity led me to visit the garden at 529 Richmond Road, in the west end of Ottawa. I was charmed by this small, tranquil oasis that dates back more than 175 years. But what do volunteers at the garden actually do? Their tasks are mainly to garden and maintain the flower beds and shrubs. Early in the spring, the summer season must be planned, and this is when volunteers turn the earth and plant seed. Next, they weed and replant some of the existing plants to create the arrangements that give the garden its reputation. The garden is also well known by the photographers who come to photograph young newlyweds. The old stone walls, the trees and the flowers create such a beautiful background. You may say, “I don’t know anything about gardening.” The Friends of Maplelawn Garden have plenty of knowledge and experience to train you. All you need is a willingness to learn and a desire work in the garden. These friendly and passionate gardeners will help you to get your tasks done and, at the same time, to gain knowledge that will help you with your gardening at home! They will reassure you and calm your worries about gardening. The gardeners and Friends of Maplelawn Garden need several dozen volunteers to keep this magnificent historic garden in excellent condition. If you would like to get an idea of the significance of this garden and the fantastic work that is done there, please visit the Friends of Maplelawn Garden bilingual website at maplelawn.ca. During the 2010 season, 41 volunteers devoted 2,178 hours of work at the garden. If you are, in any way, a “green thumb”, please don’t hesitate to join this group of volunteers. They will give you a warm welcome. Contact the Volunteer Centre to join or to obtain more information.

BUSY BODIES • SPRING 2011

3

NANCY E. M. SMITH — A FOND FAREWELL TO A FRIEND OF THE MAPLELAWN GARDEN Nancy E. M. Smith, the co-founder of the Friends of the Maplelawn Garden and an 18-year veteran volunteer passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2011. Nancy left her imprint in the garden and will be remembered for her warmth and passion for flowers and history.

Nancy E. M. Smith receives a certificate of recogniton from the NCC’s Michelle Comeau

The Maplelawn Project It was in 1993 that Nancy Smith and the late Ann Falkner approached the NCC to bring the 1834 stone walled garden back to life. At that time, the Maplelawn Garden was only receiving minimal maintenance, and a group of volunteers (the Friends) began working on the flower beds and paths to revitalize this designated Canadian National Historic Site, which was awarded with a plaque in 1996. The Volunteer Centre Team had taken steps to honour this great lady by installing a plaque in the garden. Fortunately, the plaque was installed last week, and we were able to recognize Nancy by showing her pictures of her plaque. She was very touched by this gesture. Thank you to the team that supported this project!

4

BUSY BODIES • SPRING 2011

HAPPY NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK! (APRIL 10 TO 16, 2011) By Karen Massicotte Did you know that 2011 marks the 68th annual National Volunteer Week? Proclaimed in 1943, this week was originally intended to draw attention to the very important contribution of women to the war effort on the home front. It was in the late 1960s that the concept was revived and expanded to cover all volunteers working within communities. We would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you! It is the sum of all of your efforts that ensures the success of our programs and events. During the 2010–2011 fiscal year, 1,265 volunteers contributed close to 18,000 hours. This past year, the following volunteers celebrated 5-, 10- or 15-year anniversaries of volunteering with the NCC.

15 years

10 years

5 years

André Bordeleau Sealen Chang Rosanna Esposito Marc Fournier David Ho Madeleine Hopson Rena Itan Monique Lortie Karina Sanscartier

Shannon Au Belinda Briones Ross Brown Toni Brown Ruth Carrasco Lisette Cossette Josée Deslauriers Anna-Lisa Ferrari Nicole Gagné Stephen Knowles Géraldine Leduc Caroline Lemay Paul Matthew Beverley Miranda Cheryl Page Jocelyne Richard

Jean Abou-Mourad John Bell Claude Cardinal Marcel Chartrand Benoit Crevier Patrick Lalande Suzanne Lévesque-Cardinal Greta Louis Keisha Louis Émilie Mérette Phil Mullin Nathalie Peters Suzanne Rodrigue Ming Song Denise Soulières Yi-Fong Tam Frama Yakubu Georgette Zakaib

Rena Itan and Marie Lemay, Chief Executive Officer of the NCC.

Benoit Crevier and Marie Lemay, Chief Executive Officer of the NCC.

BUSY BODIES • SPRING 2011

5

Also, the following volunteers were recognized for having volunteered more than 125 hours during the year.

Volunteer

Number of hours

Lucie Artish André Bordeleau Belinda Briones Suzanne De Sève Anne Gosselin Eileen Hunt Jacky Rollin Wayne Rutherford

201.5 hours 126 hours 159 hours 135 hours 172 hours 195 hours 162 hours 374 hours

Thank you to ALL the volunteers for being part of our big family!

VOLUNTEERING AT THE MACKENZIE KING ESTATE By Charlotte Cameron William Lyon Mackenzie King was an important Canadian prime minister. We remember him not only for his parliamentary contribution, but also because of his personal life. Among the most significant legacies he left us are his land and cottages. It is always a pleasure volunteering at the Mackenzie King Estate. Imagine yourself in the most splendid gardens of the Outaouais region, in the middle of Gatineau Park. The Mackenzie King Estate, open only in the summer, is where these gardens are located. Visitors arriving at the park first notice the beauty of the forest, the ponds and the surrounding cliffs. Entering the estate, we are impressed by the road leading to the cottage, bordered by three gardens, the arch and the ruins. This Canadian heritage site is full of history, symbolism and perfectly planned details that we, the volunteers, point out to visitors from across Canada and all over the world. Sometimes the visitors, intrigued by our period costumes, even want to take our photo. Volunteers do not have to be horticulture or architecture enthusiasts! We are taught basic information, which is sufficient for us to point out the characteristics of the gardens and ruins. So, if you are interested in Canadian history or landscaping, why not volunteer at the Mackenzie King Estate this summer?

6

BUSY BODIES • SPRING 2011

FALL TRAIL PATROL IN GATINEAU PARK By Stephen Knowles Three years ago with some seven years behind me as a winter patroller in Gatineau Park, I decided to add to my volunteer commitment by joining the fall trail patrol. As an avid hiker, it seemed strange that I had not thought of the idea before, considering that from late August until the end of October, you only have to be available for six days, which can be flexible. As is the case for the winter, all patrollers must be qualified in first aid, and able to carry a backpack containing the indispensable first aid kit, two-way radio, water and lunch, as well clothes for any change in temperature. The final item is a smile, because every walker tends to greet the person wearing the bright yellow NCC volunteer vest with the distinctive white or black cross. The Saturday or Sunday patrol day begins at 9 am at the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre in Old Chelsea, where we collect our first aid kit and radio, receive the latest updates on park events and trail conditions, and then are assigned our patrol area. The park is divided into sectors so that in the course of the season, every patroller covers the entire park from the near urban south and the very popular central area to the more remote northern sector around Philippe Lake. Partners, family members and friends are welcome to accompany the patroller. Gatineau Park is probably the premium fall attraction in the National Capital Region. Visitors flock to the Park to see the green forests transform themselves into a profusion of red, yellow and gold. Family groups are more numerous than in the winter — many perhaps making their first venture into a forested area. The patroller’s presence is certainly reassuring to newcomers to the park. At the other end of the spectrum are cyclists tearing along the multi-use trails and are therefore the most likely to find themselves in an accident. The fall season is really two, or even three seasons. In the beginning, it is warm enough to wear shorts and finish one’s day with a swim in Meech Lake. By mid-October the leaves are falling and by the end, they are almost gone opening spectacular vistas that were invisible through the summer foliage. A cool, late October day with the sun low on the horizon might even bring the odd snowflake. At any rate, whatever the weather, visitors are always happy to see a patroller at a shelter, enjoying the sun, or perhaps joining them inside, around the wood fire.

BUSY BODIES • SPRING 2011

7

If there is a problem, chances are that it is in the shelter that someone will ask a patroller for assistance. A blister? No problem. “Where are we now?” The patroller gets out the park map and together with the visitor plots a course back to the car. “What a friendly dog you have, but you know that all dogs must be on a leash in the park.” “Are there bears in the park? Have you ever seen one?” Interacting with visitors, and thereby contributing to a positive park experience, is part of the satisfaction of the patroller’s day. The patroller can also experience solitude, particularly on the backcountry trails. However, the solitude can be interrupted when meeting a surprised hiker who hardly expects to see an official representative of the NCC deep in the woods and far from the crowds on the trails leading from the parking lots. Having lunch beside Lusk Lake with the sun reflecting the autumn colours is a favourite patrol memory. However, it means a hustle to get back to the parking lot in time to get to the Visitor Centre before closing time at 5 pm in order to return equipment, fill out the patrol report indicating any first aid action or assistance offered, trail problems such as needed bridge repairs, branches or trees which could fall or have fallen across a trail, and suggestions for improvements to procedures. After that, there may even be time with fellow patrollers to stop for a refreshment in Old Chelsea on the way home!

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ACROSS CANADA ILLUMINATION CEREMONY By Robyn Bozek Fifty-five volunteers gave 119 volunteer hours to the NCC Christmas Lights Across Canada illumination ceremony on Parliament Hill. As I had attended the Christmas Lights celebration before, I was very excited to be able to volunteer and I actually had the day off. I arrived at Parliament Hill early that evening. My telephone call from Karen had advised me of the position I would be fulfilling that evening. Fire pit supervisor — cool! I love to be outside, and to be outside enjoying an open fire on Parliament Hill at the opening of the Christmas season — what a thrill to be able to be a part of this joyous celebration! Upon arrival, I was paired with my partner Denis, and off we went to fire pit no. 5, armed with a bin full of white, spongy, sweet marshmallows and of course, the roasting sticks needed to toast these scrumptious little gems. It was a perfect brisk, clear evening, Denis and I waited patiently for the contractor to come to start our fire. Once the fire was started, we maintained the flames, and the warmth and joy began to radiate. The people came and grouped in different areas around the colourful warm blaze. A group of young people came over first and said, “A fire, really? Marshmallows, really? On Parliament Hill?” and the smiles began to grow and grow alongside the fire pit; smiles of joy, love and peace on this most beautiful evening. One of the young ladies called her friend and said, “I am roasting marshmallows on Parliament Hill,” still smiling. Then the families began to come to the fire pit, “Would you like a marshmallow,” we asked? “Really?” said mom and dad. “Sure” and the smiles of joy and love grew across their faces. Mom and dad gave the stick with a marshmallow on it to the little one, whose bright big eyes of wonder sparkled with joy and soon the fire pit was surrounded by people of all ages enjoying the warmth of the fire and the sweetness of the marshmallows. We slowed down only for a moment during the Prime Minister’s heartfelt speech, then got back to the ambiance of warmth, love and marshmallows.

8

BUSY BODIES • SPRING 2011

Near the close of the evening, a little one, who had been enjoying a number of marshmallows, came over to me and said, “une autre guimauve s’il te plait?” She wanted only one more marshmallow and then she, her sister and dad were leaving. We gave her the marshmallow and watched as she roasted, smiling and smiling and smiling. As the people began to leave for their homes and the crowd was diminishing, a group of about six fellows came over to the fire. It seemed that all but one of the men could not speak nor understand English or French and were visiting from another country. We asked if they would like to roast a marshmallow and the interpreter explained how to do this. Again, the smiles and the love radiated and grew along with the crackling fire. This evening, December 2, 2010, we gave a brand new “Canadian experience” to people from across our planet who had never seen or roasted a marshmallow before, and where, but on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario! As the wondrous evening grew to a close, Denis and I handed in our vests with smiles and love that would last till next year when we will gladly and joyously begin our Christmas season with the most amazing evening ever, at the launch of Christmas Lights Across Canada on Parliament Hill!

THE 2010 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ACROSS CANADA ILLUMINATION CEREMONY — GOOEY FUN! By Lucie Artish During the 2010 Christmas Lights Across Canada illumination ceremony, I volunteered at the fire pit, passing out bamboo sticks with marshmallows. I wasn’t certain if I would enjoy it or find it stimulating — after all, it’s just marshmallows! To my surprise, it was one of the most enjoyable volunteer tasks that I have ever participated in. Children of all ages enjoyed warming up by the fire and roasting a yummy treat. I was amazed by the amount of people who were experiencing roasting marshmallows for the first time. Tourists from China were excited to see their marshmallows catch fire and the gooey treat inside. Many people, including me, enjoyed going back to our childhood while reminiscing. So many Canadians and tourists enjoyed a wonderful, yummy and colourful evening!

BUSY BODIES • SPRING 2011

9

WINTERLUDE SPECTACULAR — 2011 EDITION By Beverley Miranda Winterlude was created in 1970 by the National Capital Commission as a means of celebrating Canada’s unique northern climate and culture. People — parents, children, and the young-at-heart — all donned their colourful hats, scarves and mitts, and came out to celebrate the joys of winter in Canada’s Capital Region, from February 4 to 21, 2011. The festival featured ice sculptures, a playground made of snow, performers; and best of all, the Rideau Canal — the world’s largest skating rink. Given the weather, the majority of the visitors decided to walk and breathe in the crisp, fresh winter air, or take the ever-popular SnoBus that merrily drove the entire Winterlude circuit on the quarter of the hour. This was best for our environment, and judging from the amount of questions on the SnoBus, we, as information officers, know that this was the biggest hit. It was fast, no search for parking, and kept everyone warm with the greeters’ warm smile and the warmth inside the buses. The NCC has one special team that makes Winterlude, in Ottawa, Canada’s favourite destination, and that is the team of volunteers who tirelessly give countless hours performing different duties, and do it all with a smile, great positive attitude and pride to serve everyone. So did our volunteers enjoy themselves? Let us look at some statistics that should paint a picture for us as readers. In 2010, we had 856 volunteers who gave a cumulative of 10,181.25 hours. In 2011, there were 744 volunteers who were on hand for a total of 9,181.25 hours. Returning volunteers made up 63 percent of the total. Wow! That speaks volumes that more than half return, which means the NCC volunteer team has a secret to success. Those under the age of 18 accounted for 57 percent of all volunteers, and there were 198 brand new volunteers. Winterlude tops the diversity score with 94 individuals from outside of Canada who pride themselves as volunteers. This year, I decided to try a new role — the information officer. It was a magical experience just like every other one we sign up for. To me, speaking to visitors who are thirsting for where to go, what to do, how to optimize their day, what is the most popular event, is there a way they can be at two places at one time? Yes, all these questions made me use critical and strategic thinking and help me plan their day. Some even stopped by to let me know what a great time they had, or if the restaurant I suggested was good or not.

10

BUSY BODIES • SPRING 2011

These interactions were countless, and what I learned is that even though no two people are alike, they all have the same need to have fun and be child-like. With the myriad choices to offer, I quickly became adept at understanding each person or each family’s needs, and informed them of what would be best given their children’s ages, their time constraints and the time of day. I was reminded of the wise words of Nido Qubein “Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start!” All to say I may not have been outside, but through the eyes of others, I was there too. The most smiles were from those who grabbed their skates for an unforgettable experience on the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest skating rink. I think that this year, the skateway was open for 53 days — a good record. The young and the young-at-heart were captivated by glittering ice sculptures, and all returned back to their homes, determined to return to next year’s event which is slated for February 3 to 20, 2012.

THE MAGIC OF WINTERLUDE 2011! By Djapi Rachel Ziahourou I am a native of a warm country where the temperature hovers around 30 degrees Celsius all year. Winterlude 2011, with its temperatures below zero, was a fantastic experience for me. Landing in Canada to celebrate the cold was just incredible, not to mention a bit foolish of me. I especially enjoyed: • Flux and Fire: dancing to the music, while activating the detectors to set off the flames, was so much fun. • The ice sculptures, which I just wanted to bite into.

BUSY BODIES • SPRING 2011

11

I also made friends of different origins. One of my volunteer friends of Chinese origin goes by the name John. At Winterlude 2011, I did not stop moving, laughing and having fun, while at the same time being serious about my tasks as a volunteer. It was an exciting and enriching experience that I hope to repeat again and again. And I thought that winter was just cold and trees stripped of their colour! Participating as a volunteer at Winterlude 2011 taught me that winter in Canada is also filled with delight, human warmth, friendship, fun and excitement. Finally, I have to say that Winterlude was my “baptism by fire” to Canada, or more precisely, my “baptism by cold.” I can’t wait till Winterlude 2012! Hats off to all the Winterlude organizers and volunteers!

THE ICE HOGS — A FAMILY AFFAIR By Lucie Artish As you well know, we have a special family at Winterlude — the Ice Hogs! They are not only famous; they are the best ambassadors an event could ever wish for! What you may not know is that the many volunteers that animate our Ice Hogs do so as a family: the Fleets, the Fauvelles, the Carriers — I cannot name them all — and of course, my very own family. It all started 10 years ago when my niece, Caro, wanted to be an Ice Hog. Today, her whole family participates! To make it short - her mother, who happens to be my sister, her brother, stepfather, stepbrother and stepsister have all participated for a few years now as a family. Making this volunteer coordinator, aunt and sister very proud!

12

BUSY BODIES • SPRING 2011

WINTER PATROLLING 2011 By Marcel Chartrand From one year to the next, a patroller sees the sights of Gatineau Park through different eyes. Having already spent a whole day in one sector of the park, the volunteer saunters along at his own pace, looking ahead, to the left, to the right, sometimes above, observing people and nature. On Burma, trail no. 3, heading in the direction of Fortune Road, having walked there dozens of times, he notices for the first time, to his left, the rocky formation at the marker for kilometer three. He stops and says to himself that the formation resembles the enormous stones transported and carved by the Incas of Peru. On trail no. 52, after having finally climbed from the small valleys of trail no. 50 toward parking lot P17, just before the bend leading to Brown Cabin, he notices, to the left, the surface of the water that flows toward the setting sun, between snow banks etched by the wind. A definite photo opportunity. A passerby mentions that this is his favourite place in the park. Click! Across from Shilly Shally, a skier points out to the patroller a raccoon at the top of a maple tree. She has already seen it on Fortune Road two hours earlier. Near the fire tower, at the very end of trail no. 1, near the notice board, three deer, fixated on the patroller, follow their own route, which they use to travel around this escarpment at Luskville — a sight the patroller has never seen before. Here we are on these vast recreational grounds, meeting families, youngsters flying by at top speed, and groups strolling along, worry-free. Some of them wave to us, ask for a bandage or some advice, or complain about the poor condition of the trails after a bad storm on a March night. The patrollers are there to respond to their questions and concerns, to let them know that they are safe, and that we are looking out for their well-being.

Patrollers Guy and Thérèse receive comments from two regular visitors to the park.

BUSY BODIES • SPRING 2011

13

VOLUNTEER REPORTER NEEDED — A NEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY! By Karen Massicotte Are you looking toward a career in journalism and would like to gain some free experience? If so, we need you!

Responsibilities

Skills and personal qualities

• Develop questions to ask volunteers about their volunteer experience. • Interview volunteers during different events and activities (the Volunteer Centre will provide you with a list of activities and events throughout the year). • Write articles about the volunteers that will be published in our Volunteer Newsletter.

• French and English is an asset. • Must be good at relating to all kinds of people. • Be good at absorbing information quickly. • Be able to write.

If you are interested or require additional information, please contact the Volunteer Centre at 613-239-5373 or [email protected].

CODE OF CONDUCT By Karen Massicotte The NCC recently presented a Code of Conduct essentially to maintain public trust in our organization, and to help employees and volunteers incorporate the NCC’s fundamental values which are respect, well-being, commitment, fairness and honesty. There are three rules of conduct that each and every one of us must adhere to: ensuring a respectful work environment; preventing conflict of interest; and protecting NCC assets and other resources. If you would like a copy of the NCC’s Code of Conduct, please contact the Volunteer Centre at 613-239-5373.

14

BUSY BODIES • SPRING 2011

GREENING INITIATIVES By Karen Massicotte We want to keep you posted on our Volunteer Centre greening initiatives. You may have noticed, or not, that we no longer send out printed recognition certificates following events and programs. The reason is simple; we are trying to save as many trees as possible. We want to reassure you that this decision does not reflect your work. Keep up the good work and if you have any ideas on how we can become even greener, please let us know! For your information, we are still working on making the volunteer application form available online.

THANKS VOLUNTEERING! FOR

NEWS FROM THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE TEAM By Karen Massicotte Not much gossip on this end. Chantal, Jeanine and I are always available to make your volunteer experience a better one. We are very lucky to be surrounded such great volunteers! We look forward to working with you in the future! Happy spring and have a great summer!