hanks to those people who filled out our information sheets at Winter Registration. Below is an attempt to answer some of the questions you asked.
1. Why can't program registration be done by e-mail or by phone? Why do community members have to stand in long lineups?
OSCA has looked into both e-mail and phone registration. As yet, we do not have either the technology or credit /debit card capability. We will continue to investigate all possibilities. Although there are usually long lineups at registration, once the registration gets underway, people move through the system quite quickly. Some people actually like the opportunity to talk to neighbours and catch up on all the news.
2. Why can't the community centre be open on Sundays?
The Firehall can be open on Sundays, but we find that there currently is not a great demand for Sunday programming.
3. Why does the centre sometimes look underused?
In general all rooms at the Firehall are in use most of the time. But there may be times when people see a room not being used at a particular time. There are many reasons for this. Sometimes, if a particular program requires quiet, it is impossible to have another program in an adjoining room. Also, one of our three programming rooms is accessed through one of the other two. The fact is we need bigger and better space to serve this community, and we are fundraising to this end - come on out and help us.
4. How does the centre decide on what program to offer?
The OSCA Program Committee, which consists of Firehall staff, OSCA board members and community volunteers makes decisions regarding programming. We are lucky to have city staff, such as Dinos Dafniotis who is our program coordinator. Many ideas come from him. Also, people tell us what they would like (we really like to hear from the community) and we will make every effort to accommodate requests. You too could be part of the Program Committee.
5. Where does the centre recruit its instructors for the programs?
We get our instructors from many sources, word of mouth, from other centres, people approach us with an idea for a program, etc. Again, if you have expertise and want to share, call us.
6. When will the renovation be done?
We would like it to be done as soon as possible, but we have to do a little more fundraising, which should encourage the city to do a renovation for us. We will keep you updated through OSCAR.
7. Does OSCA do any lobbying of politicians?
OSCA has always had a very good relationship with our city councillors who usually attend our board meetings and who have always been very helpful - so yes, we do lobby.
If you have any further questions, call Deirdre McQuillan at 247-4872, or email her at OSCA@cyberus.ca