By: Zak Omar, Lowertown Transitions Program for Youth
Another eventful winter has finally come to an end. From mega snowstorms to winter festivals, much has happened during this snowy season. From February 12th to the 14th there was a tremendous snowstorm with record breaking snowfalls. Thirty to forty centimeters of snow blanketed our neighborhood, and all of Ottawa. Some people lost power, while others couldn’t make it to work. Many children and youth were kept in their homes for their safety. Some sport games, tournaments and after-school activities were canceled. Students had to come home immediately, or calls were made to their parents to inform them that school was cancelled altogether. During Winterlude there were many impressive ice sculptures scattered across Ottawa that you could photograph, or take selfies beside. There was also a mini ski course filled with challenging obstacles and a 10 meter high ice slide! There were also soooo many long line-ups for the activities, and the food!
The youth from the Lowertown Community Resource Centre’s Transitions after school program have many things to share about their winter experiences. The discussions that ensued evoked a mixture of emotions in them. They feel as though this was the coldest winter EVER! Here are some of the thoughts and feelings….
Nathaniel Garcia
“It was a very mixed winter. The weather changed a lot, from positives, to low low negative. I didn’t like the weather changes, but there was a thing, February 13th, there was a snowstorm that closed the school, which never happens at our school!! I also went to the winter festival, but I couldn’t go on any of the rides because the lines were so long. I say it was a so-so winter.”
Suhaib Yusuf
“My experience was very neutral, We had a snowstorm. I saw people falling, and I felt really bad on it. Also, I saw people having trouble with their cars, and um, my experience was very good otherwise. I got to go home early after school from our program. And one more thing, I would like to say. School WAS CANCELED!!!!!!”
Ava Morton
“Ha, my winter experience, It was a good one, you know. It was full of adventure, self-discovery, and snow. For me, it was a very thoughtful winter. I had time to reflect on the simple things in life. It was also full of snow, FUN FACT,FAM: It was one of the most snowy winters on record. And honestly, I can see why. I felt very nostalgic. It was full of snow. It brought me back to the times when I played in snow. Overall, I very much liked my winter experience, but at the end, I missed summer. I missed sprinting around, for it is one of my favourite-est hobbies. Stay Gucci famzzzzz!”
Josh De Barros
“So, I was at New York near the start of winter to celebrate Christmas, and we had a party. The party was good, but we had to drive to back after. I went to skate at the rink, and met some friends, it was fun. At school, when the snowstorm began, I felt sad. People were having a hard time with this big, major incident. My message is, we have to help other, and have fun, no matter what. Even if it’s the winter season.”
Club 310 Haikus By: Nile Club 310 is fun And sometimes ALOT of fun It starts after school Lowertown is great The residents are funny It is welcoming Haiku By: Jacob Club 310 is fun Over there I meet new friends I like Club 310 I like Club 310. I have been there for years. Ever since I was in grade one. Most of the time it was fun because of the stuff we did. I hang out with my friends, doing things like the awesome arts program, and dodgeball. Club 310 ends at 4:30, and homework club starts then. The staff at Club 310 help the kids do their homework. Jacob At Club 310 I met a ton of new people. After meeting them at Club 310 we have become friends. That is my main reason I love Club 310, and the reason I have stayed for years. Treasor
Zak Omaris a Youth Worker at the Lowertown Community Resource Centre