It’s all happening at GNAG  

GNAG’s vaccine policy

After a stellar March Break week, there is nothing better than the feeling of life slowly returning to normal.

As you are aware, there have been some changes to Ottawa Public Health and provincial COVID restrictions. As we navigate the health, safety and comfort level of all our clients and staff, GNAG has decided to take a more gradual approach to changing our safety practices.

Proof of full vaccination is still required of all staff and participants in GNAG programs. This includes children starting new programs after April 1.

Some of you may be wondering why or how is this fair? During the pandemic many businesses, including GNAG, have had to respond and pivot quickly to the constant and sudden changes set out by public health officials. The volatility of the pandemic has put a huge strain on our not-for-profit business. It has also made clients and staff feel uneasy.

Like everyone, we want to get back to normal as soon as possible. We are a small team doing the best we can. We continue to monitor the situation, and for the moment this is the best way forward for us.

An online Daily Health Screening is no longer required; however, we ask that all participants and clientele perform a passive self-assessment before entering the premises. If you are not well or your child is not well, please do not attend your program or enter the building. Please note, GNAG and City of Ottawa staff have the right to ask you to leave the building/program if signs or symptoms of COVID-19 are detected.

Masks are still required while indoors for all those 2.5 years and older. Some activities are exempt (dance, fitness, theatre); for these classes, masks must be worn until the start of the class.

As things evolve, our policies may change. For updates and the most current information about GNAG’s safety protocols, please visit gnag.ca/covid-19-updates.

Career opportunities at GNAG

In the February issue of the Glebe Report, you may have read the article “There is something about Mary” by GNAG chair Elspeth Tory announcing my retirement. I am overwhelmed by all the kind words and well wishes. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to Elspeth (the movie reference still makes me LOL) and to my many wonderful GNAG friends.

My plan is to end my role as GNAG’s executive director by the end of June. Our board is in the process of finding its new executive director. If you are interested in learning more about the position or would like to apply, visit GNAG.ca/careers or GNAG’s LinkedIn page for details.

Summer Camp staff opportunities – this is how it all started for me

How did I get into recreation? Believe it or not, I was once a camp counsellor. My summers were spent playing with children in wading pools, going on out-trips to Mont Cascade and the museum, camping at Lac Philippe and making friendship bracelets at the beach. As a teen, these were the summers of a lifetime. I got paid to play while making lifelong friendships. I learned how to be an effective leader, how to be responsible and that giving back to the community was fun! While it was not my intention to pursue a career in recreation, I realized the skills I learned at a young age were transferable to any career path.

Do you want to get paid to play? Want to laugh, be out in the sun, learn some valuable job skills? Sign up to be a summer camp counsellor. You will not regret it. Check gnag.ca/careers/ for updates.

An Act of Grace – GNAG Theatre is back this May

Award-winning playwright, director, actor and GNAG’s very own adult program manager John Muggleton pitched the idea of bringing GNAG Theatre back to the Glebe Community Centre stage, and the play to be featured is his creation.

An Act of Grace is written by Muggleton and directed by Venetia Lawless. In this dark comedy thriller, greed, an illicit affair and a dying woman’s last wish may force two men to turn to violence in order to survive a business meeting. It will feature Muggleton himself, Jenny Sheffield, Dale MacEachern and me (yes, you read that right!) as Julie.

Warning: Strong language, mature themes; this production is not intended for children.

Tickets are now on sale at a cost of $32, and all proceeds will go towards GNAG COVID Recovery. It runs May 5, 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. in Scotton Hall at the Glebe Community Centre.

Make it a date night or a fun evening out with friends. Stick around after the show for a glass of wine and a social.

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