OrKidstra
211 Bronson Ave, #210/204 K1R 6H5 Ottawa, ON, Canada

Next up on how OrKidstra staff self-care, we hear from our Program Adminstrator, Emily Porter! My ultimate way to beat the winter blues is by having a nice long bath every Sunday afternoon. I treat myself to a Lush bath bomb, light a candle and read a book with some calming background music. Helps me reset for the week ahead!" #selfcare #winterblues #mentalhealth

Mark Constantine, our amazing Artistic Program Coordinator shares his kitty-approved trick to beat the winter blues: My cat, Moe, keeps me company (and keeps my legs warm!) during these long work-from home winter days! #mentalhealth #beatthewinterblues

Does this winter feel like it's dragging on? We're here to help! We asked our staff to share how they beat the winter blues and help you find some inspiration. First up, our wonderful Senior Development & Communications Officer- Rebecca Russell! Rebecca enjoys getting outside for some winter exercise and great scenery in her local area.... Stay tuned for some more ideas! #motivation #mentalhealth #winter

ANNOUNCEMENT: After devotedly serving on the OrKidstra Board of Directors for almost three years, Sharon Rusu has recently announced her resignation as Vice-Chair of the organization for professional and family reasons. Long-time OrKidstra Board Member Salim Charabati will be stepping in as Interim Vice-Chair. As she leaves the Board, Sharon continues to support OrKidstra’s work in the community. It is with sadness that I leave OrKidstra, she says. I strongly support OrKi...dstra’s principles and practice to bring the joy of music to enhance the lives and development of kids from under-served communities in Ottawa. This last year has indeed demonstrated what can be achieved. As programmes went online, OrKidstra moved into the big leagues of a global presence. This is not adieu but ‘au revoir’ as I will be ever-committed to following developments and promoting OrKidstra in all areas of my professional and social endeavor. OrKidstra is pleased that long-time Board Member Salim Charabati will be stepping in as Interim Vice-Chair. Now more than ever, OrKidstra remains committed to harnessing change and broadening possibilities for our students as the COVID-19 crisis continues to impact our communities profoundly, he said. As a member of OrKidstra’s Board since 2016, I am honoured to be stepping in as Interim Vice-Chair and excited to work closely with OrKidstra Chair Mark Sutcliffe, CEO & Artistic Director Tina Fedeski, MSM, and our Executive Committee during such transformative times. OrKidstra is a charitable social development program that empowers kids from under-served areas of Ottawa by teaching life skills through playing and singing music together. In 2021, OrKidstra continues reaching kids through OrKidstra @ Home online programming. MORE: https://orkidstra.ca/news/vice-chair-announcement/

Please join us for OrKidstra’s Virtual Winter Celebration! a free online celebration of music, hope, magic, and family on Friday, December 18, 2020, at 5:30 PM (EST), LIVE on YouTube! Don’t miss our biggest-ever virtual celebration! Packed with amazing musical class-projects, a behind-the-scenes look at OrKidstra @ Home, live interviews with the OrKidstra family, and special guests, this is one virtual event you don’t want to miss! Find out more at: https://orkidstra.ca//upc/virtual-winter-celebration-2020/

We would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to our incredible Co-Founder and conductor, Ms. Margaret! Thank you for showing us everyday how to "play every note with love". We're sending you lots of birthday hugs, we love you!

Congratulations to Claire Marshall for being a true #CommunityBuilder Our past Chair and longtime volunteer was one of five individuals presented with the United Way East Ontario - Centraide de l'Est de l'Ontario Community Builder Award this past Tuesday! The award was given to individuals who have shown unwavering support for their community and made people across the region feel connected, nourished, comfortable, encouraged, safe, involved, and heard. ... Congratulations to all the recipients for their hard work and dedication! More on Claire and the other recipients here: https://www.unitedwayeo.ca//community-builders-making-our/

A big OrKidstra thank you to Claire, David, Leslie and Penny! As of the 2020 Annual General Meeting, Claire Marshall, David Van Dine, Leslie Ram, and Dr. Penny Reedie have retired from OrKidstra's Board of Directors. Many thanks to Claire, David, Leslie, and Penny for all their hard work and dedication; their commitment to OrKidstra has been truly inspiring, and we remain ever-grateful for their contributions.... Claire joined the OrKidstra Board in 2011. She served as Chair from 2014-2019 and was re-elected as Chair in February 2019. After an unexpectedly long tenure as Chairsix yearsI pass the baton to a new Chair at the 2020 AGM. My heart fills with joy when I reflect on the sheer excitement of OrKidstra and what it means to so many. My thanks to you all for your constant support. You turn the idea of OrKidstra into reality. Claire Marshall David joined the Board in 2014 and had been Secretary since 2015. Leslie had been a member of the Board since 2015. Penny joined the Board in 2019.

We are honoured and delighted to announce that Mark Sutcliffe was appointed Board Chair at the 2020 Annual General Meeting on November 18! Mark brings to OrKidstra a wide range of experience as a writer, broadcaster, entrepreneur, coach to business and non-profit leaders, and as a volunteer and community activist. It's an honour to become the Chair of this wonderful organization. I'm excited to support the amazing vision and incredible work of the entire team at OrKidstra. E...verything I've learned and witnessed about the Board, the leadership, the staff and the volunteers has been extraordinary. OrKidstra is truly changing the lives of many young people in our community and I'm thrilled to be able to contribute my time and energy to this fantastic mission. Mark Sutcliffe Sharon Rusu will continue as Vice-Chair and Marie-Josée Lambert will continue as Treasurer. Jeff Heynen has been appointed as Secretary. MORE: https://zcu.io/pAc3 Stay tuned for more on our wonderful departing Board Members.

The KiddlyWinks got a special treat when their teacher Ms. Raina broke out her violin for Ode to Joy last week! Check out this fun video where she plays violin and leads the kids in singing, at the same time!