In July of this year I received a copy of the City of Ottawa’s Annual Report entitled “Providing for Today Planning for Tomorrow”. The message from the Mayor states: “A true sign of a community’s health can be found in how it expresses itself artistically. Ottawa is renowned for its festivals and vibrant arts community. Last year, Council approved a four-year investment strategy in the arts and festival sector. This new plan will result in increased funding for the arts, festivals, fairs and special events……” He also states “It is important that all Citizens...have access to choices for a broad range of fitness and sport activities, recreational, arts and heritage programs...." Read more...

Our current city council is threatening to destroy arts and culture in our community with far-reaching and damaging long-term effects.

As a member of the board of Directors for the Ottawa Arts Court Foundation I urge you to read the following letter issued today by the Ottawa Arts Court Foundation.

Sincerely Eric Manherz

Dear Arts Court Members and Friends:

This is an urgent call to action:

The City of Ottawa recently announced its proposed budget for 2009. As part of the budget, arts, culture and heritage take the brunt of the blow in the City's cost-saving measures to the tune of 4.7 million dollars, representing a 43% reduction to the funding envelope. The proposed cuts include the elimination of artist grants, elimination of project grants, elimination of arts organization annual operating funding as well as the elimination of funding to festivals, fairs, special event programming and heritage organizations and projects. The severity of the proposed cuts for 2009 has hit the community with an unimaginable force.

What can do if your Ottawa still includes Culture:
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The cuts will reduce Arts, Culture and Heritage funding in 2009 by $4,133,000.
This represents a 54% CUT to the existing budget!

Following is the impressive list of arts, culture and heritage organizations and programs that CURRENTLY exist in Ottawa. These cuts will impact not only the 286 recipients (organizations and artists) who operate cultural programs and facilities but all the members, volunteers, audiences and supporters that they represent! Read more...

Ideas for families looking for fun on a budget
Kanata, ON, October 23, 2008 - - During difficult economic times, everyone tries to curb spending. Many times, this means limiting the activities families share together. For a family of four, the average cost of dinner and a movie is $120. Many families simply don’t have that kind of money. As a result, they just end up staying home.
Read more...

The Women’s Business Network presents its first full-day conference:“Riding the Silver Wave”

Navigating the Challenges of Looking After Our Aging Loved Ones
Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Do you find yourself facing many complex issues surrounding aging relatives? Has it become a frequent topic at social and family events? Our expert presenters will speak on such issues as legal matters, housing, competence, driving concerns and even intimacy.

If you are, or will be, in this situation personally, or if you help others who are faced with these challenges, be sure to book October 29th in your calendar!