GNAG, your COVID antidote
Mary Tsai
GNAG Executive Director
As we approach the one-year anniversary of this insane pandemic, GNAG continues to be optimistic about bringing programs and camps back to the GCC. In fact, the announcement that school is resuming in person just came out as I write this. I can practically hear parents cheering from my living room. Like you, we are beyond excited to have the children back at the GCC.
March Break and Summer Camp
Planning for a normal future includes GNAG’s popular March Break Camps and Summer Day Camps! We have a huge buffet of offerings which I know your family will love. Registration is currently open for March Break. Summer Camp registration begins February 18 at 7 p.m.
While Ottawa Public Health guidelines for Summer Camp are still uncertain, families can change their minds without penalty by May 1 – you can switch camps or withdraw completely without any charges. We want to make sure you feel confident about your camp choices. Whatever happens, we promise a summer experience that is safe, social (but distanced) and a blast.
In the meantime, many of us continue to be bored at home, passing the time with hours of online shopping, running out of things to talk about over Zoom. Maybe it’s time to change things up. We have put together a variety of innovative virtual classes, workshops and events that will help you get through the final lockdown lap.
Trivia and food event
GNAG is hosting its first-ever Trivia Night in the Glebe! Friday, February 26 will be an evening of fun entertainment, laughter and friendly competition. Team up with your friends while eating delicious food prepared by My Catering Group in the comfort of your own home. The winning team will be given the Neighbourhood Exceptional Reasoning Distinction (NERD) award. Trivia questions will be supplied by CustomTrivia.com and the event will be hosted by GNAG’s very witty duo of John Muggleton and Geoff Kellow. Sign up as a team or individually or ask to be put on a team. Just sign up. You will only regret it if you don’t.
Healthy living during lockdown
If you are in need of some extra motivation to get through the lockdown, then become a GNAG Fitness member. There are lots of online classes to get you moving and feeling great! We are also offering a February Fitness Challenge. All members will receive a list of fun challenges that are great for your physical and mental wellbeing. There are more than 50 activities to choose from. For every 10 items checked off in February, you get one ballot for a prize draw. Not a fitness member but still want to participate? You can download our fitness challenge sheet at GNAG.ca and see how many boxes you can check off!
As an added bonus, GNAG Fitness is also introducing free wellness education workshops for members. They will be run by chiropractor Dr. Chandler Kutney of Natural Sole Wellness Centre. She will be offering workshops on Working from Home & Spinal Pain Prevention, Daily life Injury Prevention, Osteoarthritis & Joint Health and Osteoporosis & Bone Health.
Room 2 Breathe – downsize,
declutter and organize
Recently I had the pleasure of chatting with Glebe resident Martha Tobin about her new business, Room 2 Breathe. She specializes in decluttering and organizing homes so that individuals and families can reclaim their space to allow for more “room to breathe.”
I told her about my situation with precious antique furniture inherited from my in-laws. There was no room in our home to keep it, so we decided to put it in storage. As you can guess, three years and a couple of thousand dollars later, the furniture has not moved. Tobin helped me realize that it isn’t hard to find a good home for these precious pieces and that the money for renting a storage unit could be put to better use, like travel (one day) or a little home reno.
Need help like I do? Join Tobin on Thursday, February 18 for a workshop on Decluttering to Downsizing. She will talk about the do’s and don’ts and the tips and tricks for decluttering sentimental items, paper items and photographs, furniture and more.
Tobin has a second workshop on Friday, February 19 called Conquering Your Clutter Once & For All. She will teach you the five-step process for organizing, decluttering and maintaining these spaces so they remain uncluttered and optimally functional.
Which workshop do I need more? Probably both! You can sign up online for $25/workshop. Money well spent.
These are just examples of offerings to get you through the lockdown blues and beyond. Download our guide at GNAG.ca and register now. It’s not too late!