On behalf of the Ottawa Valley Branch of the National Association of Federal Retirees, I am writing to update you on a few upcoming branch activities and seek your support to help our branch move forward. A key pillar of our plan in 2026 is to actively engage with our members and our local community groups through strengthened outreach and events.
In collaboration with the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, we are pleased to invite you to a “Healthy Heart” day. The Heart Institute will be offering publicly funded health assessments to registered participants, along with an opportunity to review individual results with a qualified health professional. Please see the attached poster for details about the assessment and registration process.
The event will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lanark Animal Welfare Society, 253 Glenview Rd., Smiths Falls. Please note that capacity is limited to 20 participants and registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. You may reserve a time by completing the registration form as available on the attached poster. For more information, please contact Kathy Hoyland, director and secretary, at klhoyland@rogers.com.
Our second, major event is our branch annual general meeting (AGM) which will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Carleton Place Curling Club, 120 Patterson Cres., Carleton Place.
We encourage all members to attend this meeting to benefit from the insights of our guest speakers and, through your input, help to shape the future of our branch. A detailed agenda with exact times will follow in the weeks ahead including information on our guest speakers, possible information booths with preferred partners as well as materials and presentations on branch business.
Importantly, we will be seeking your feedback on our branch plans and priorities for 2026. A key aspect of our branch AGM is the formal call for volunteers to support the branch either through leadership as branch board members or as volunteers to assist in our special initiatives. We have an urgent need for both types of volunteers and we encourage anyone that may be interested or wishes additional information to contact us at ottawavalley@federalretirees.ca.
We remain vitally committed to listening to our members and responding to their interests or concerns. If you are unable to attend our AGM or if you wish to provide any feedback on how the branch may serve you better, please reach out to us at ottawavalley@federalretirees.ca
We look forward to engaging with you further in the coming weeks and in the interim, on behalf of the board, I wish to extend our very best wishes for 2026.
Sincerely,
Christine Walker
President, Ottawa Valley Branch