On your mark! Get set! Get ready to write!

Posted Jan 5, 2012 By Eli El-Chantiry

EMC News - The Ottawa Public Library's 17th annual Awesome Authors Youth Writing Contest is under way. This contest, for aspiring young poets and short story authors, is open to writers between the ages of nine and 17.

They are invited to submit poems and short stories in English and/or French. The contest deadline is Monday, Jan. 30.

Participants can win awesome prizes which will be presented in the Spring. For contest details, visit http://www.biblioottawalibrary.ca or contact InfoService at (613) 580-2950.

This contest is sponsored by the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association. They annually publish pot-pourri, an anthology of the winning poems and stories. pot-pourri also makes a great gift. Visit the Friends of OPL website at http://www.ottawapubliclibraryfriends.ca/ to place an order.

Sign up for e-Newsletter

As mentioned in one of my previous columns, I will be starting a monthly e-newsletter early in the New Year. I encourage you to sign up today by going to www.eliel-chantiry.ca. My newsletter will include important information on what's happening in Ward 5, the goings on at City Hall and any other topics and issues that may be of interest to the residents of West Carleton-March.

Tips for contacting city

With the start of a new year, I thought this would be a good time to remind residents on some of the most common concerns we hear from residents and the best way to have them dealt with to ensure speedy results:

The City's 3-1-1 service is the quickest way to get answers to residents' questions or to obtain information on the City's full range of services.

Rural West Guide

With January 2012 now in full swing, the City's various winter recreation programs are starting back up. Make sure to check out the Rural West Activity Guide and sign up for programs in our area.

The Guide is posted on my website or can be found at www.ottawa.ca/rec_culture/images/rural_west_guide.pdf.