REMEMBERING CELIA FRANCA

Current Director of The School Of Dance in Ottawa, Merrilee Hodgins. She along with Joyce Shietze and Celia Franca co-founded the school in 1978.
This picture is of the original poster for the first performance of the new National Ballet Guild of Canada later renamed The National Ballet of Canada. This new company was founded by Celia Franca. She moved from England in 1950 and in just 10 short months put this program together which premiered November 12, 1951.

The Celia Franca room ended up overflowing and standing room only. Many friends, former students and colleagues came by to remember this great lady and listen to some of the personal stories and share some laughter and tears.

Mr. Neil Bregman who is President of Sound Venture Productions in Ottawa. His company along with Veronica Tennant Productions co-produced a new DVD called Celia Franca: Tour De Force. For your own copy you can order online at: http://www.soundventure.com/

Marrilee Hodgins thanks everyone for coming out to pay special tribute to her friend Celia. Pictured below is Celia from 1960 in a photo from the National Ballet of Canada website by photographer Janine.On February 19, Ms. Celia Franca passed away at the age of 85. On April 1 The School of Dance held a memorial for her at the school located at 200 Crichton St. in Ottawa. On a personal note I don't think I have ever been to a memorial or celebration of a life lived where I didn't actually know the person or something about that person. I will be honest in saying that I did not know Celia Franca and how important a person she was to Dance and Ballet in Canada and on the world stage. She live here in Ottawa for many years and I have lived here for about 18 years. I have heard her name before of course, but after listening to the stories and what a special person she was, I am a lessor person for not knowing her. You cannot possibly know everyone for sure, but if we could turn back the clock she would make the top of my list for people to see.

http://www.theschoolofdance.ca/, http://www.celiafrancafoundation.com/, http://www.national.ballet.ca/

THE GREAT GLEBE GARAGE SALE

Bargains, friends, food, music and so much fun at the annual GGGS.

The Ottawa music scene has always been great and with these two new discoveries on Bank St. it's future is in good hands. Introducing 10 year old Bethany above,

and her good friend Bennett who is also 10 years old. These two were playing several tunes when I stopped to watch and were getting lots of attention.



All the food vendors were doing a landslide business like Nathan's who was lined up 20 deep.


Introducing The Squirrel Hunters.


A great bargain heads down the street. It was listed at $40 and then reduced to just $20.
Getting ready for the FIFA Under 20 coming to Ottawa at the end of June.
Never too early to shop for Christmas. Why it's only 7 months less a day away.

Introducing Guitar Missy.

Introducing the Ralph Mercredi Quartette and funny enough they were playing on Ralph St.

Seen chatting is Paul Dewar, NDP - MP for Ottawa Centre.
A beautiful seashell lighthouse looking for a new home.

Thousands came out to the annual Great Glebe Garare Sale. Perfect weather for a day of bargain hunting, hanging out with friends and neighbours and getting down to some serious bartering.

CANTEBURY HIGH SPRING JAZZ NIGHTS

HOPE AND HEROES

Some of the valuable items for the auction were autographed Sens Jerseys.


Sens Alumni President Brad Marsh, The Seventh Man Award recipient Bruce Armsden who has given more than 50 years of volunteer service to the Arnprior Junior "B" Packers hockey team,
The Rehabilitation Centre Individual Achievement Award winner Peter Morel with The Team 1200's Stuntman Stu.




Super funny lady Cathy Jones with Mr. Dennis Jackson, District Vice-President of Scotiabank and
Master of Ceremonies Stuntman Stu.

A very touching part of the evening was the return and first public appearance of Dick Maloney. Mr. Maloney had a fall about a year ago that left him a quadrapalegic. In his speech he talked about the excellent care he has received from The Rehabilitation Centre and St. Vincent's Hospital. He also spoke of his wish to get back on the radio for his show called Sentimental Journey which airs on Oldies 1310 on Sunday mornings and to also get back to singing in concert. Since this event the radio show is now back on the air. Mr. Maloney is pictured above with his lovely wife Carrie Cole. http://www.dickmaloney.ca
The evening was capped off by award winning comedienne Cathy Jones below, who is best known for her work on This Hour Has 22 Minutes.http://www.livetourartists/cathyjones
On March 14, more than 600 people attended the fourth Annual Hope & Heroes fundraiser that was put on by the Sens Alumni and The Ottawa Hospital Foundation. $60.000 was raised and the event has now raised $250,000 which goes to support the Acquired Brain Injury Program at the Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre. During the evening the Sens Alumni announced it's commitment to help for another four years and bringing it's total commitment to $500,000. http://www.ohfoundation.ca

FIVE DAYS IN MAY

As part of the Celebrations for the 150th Anniversary of Ottawa being named the Capital, and the Rideau Canal Celebrating it's 175 Anniversary, the National Capital Commission has installed these decorative banners throughout downtown and on the Ceremonial Route that also goes into the Hull section of Gatineau.
Dancing on the lawn.
Celebrating Holland's gift to Canada. Thousands of Tulips are planted each year and from May 4 to May 21 we had the 55th Annual Tulip Festival.
Preston near Somerset.
Everyone is doing the town in Senators colours including the couple in front of the National Library and Archives on Wellington.