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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, December 12, 2014 | 22 Volunteering in support of Oakville arts community For Oakville's Mike Lee, the Oakville Centre for Performing Arts (OCPA) is more than a place to volunteer his time -- it's one of the best ways to support the performing arts locally. "Volunteering here is a great way to help ensure that the town will be able to carry on its 37-year tradition of supporting local, Canadian and international artists," Lee told the Oakville Beaver. "It's also a fun way to spend your time working with a great group of people who have a passion for the performing arts." Lee, 32, is the co-ordinator for the OCPA's volunteer program, which launched earlier this year and he helped develop from the ground up. Tasked with facilitating the program, Lee schedules and co-ordinates the volunteers and is currently working to recruit and train new applicants. "(The volunteers) see the value to our community in having a venue that brings more than 240 performances a year from across our community and the world to our town," he said. Lee joined the OCPA as volunteer co-ordinator in July. As part of his duties, he is sometimes called on as a house manager for performances at the centre to answer questions and assist patrons. He previously worked for the Town of Oakville in various capacities since he was 15, including different roles at the Summer Sizzler day camps and March Break camps, as well as a youth worker at the Oakville Youth Centre and recreation assistance for its child and youth programs. There are currently two volunteer roles available at the OCPA: usher and coat check. "We're looking for enthusiastic people with a passion for the performing arts to volunteer in Artscene "Connected to your Community" Volunteering here is a great way to help ensure that the town will be able to carry on its 37-year tradition of supporting local, Canadian and international artists. It's also a fun way to spend your time working with a great group of people who have a passion for the performing arts. Mike Lee Volunteer co-ordinator, Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts Oakville resident Mike Lee has been the volunteer co-ordinator for the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts (OCPA) since July and says volunteering is a great way to support local arts. | photo courtesy Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts our front of house positions," said Robin Horwath, OCPA manager. "We are very excited to introduce the new volunteer program at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. The program offers the opportunity for residents to support the performing arts in Oakville and be a part of our volunteer team. "At the same time, the volunteer ushers and coat check attendants provide invaluable services by assisting patrons to their seats, answering questions, checking valuables and, most importantly, creating a pleasant and welcoming environment for our patrons." To be eligible to volunteer, participants should be at least aged 16 (volunteers under the age of 18 need written consent from their parents); have excellent customer service skills; be a team player; have the ability to climb stairs and stand for an extended period of time; be able to commit three shifts per month; and have a passion for arts. For more information, interested candidates can contact Lee at 905-338-4161, ext. 3237 or volunteer.ocpa@oakville.ca, or complete an application form online at www.oakvillecentre.ca/ support-the-arts/volunteer.html. The OCPA is a division of the Town of Oakville's Recreation and Culture Department, and supported by the Ontario Arts Council, Canadian Heritage and numerous sponsors. For more information, visit www.oakvillecentre.ca or call the box office at 905-8152021. BrentButt Canadian Comedy Tour with special guest Jamie Hutchinson OAKVILLE CENTRE GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE Any denomination. Call 905-815-2021 or order online. Rachael Kennedy performing at concert Local singer/songwriter Rachael Kennedy will be performing at a charity Christmas show being put on by Rotaract Oakville Thursday, Dec. 18. The event will be held at Monaghans Sports Bar, Pub and Grill, 1289 Marlborough Court, 7:30-10 p.m., and will raise funds for the Lochan Memorial Library in Guyana. Tickets cost $15 and are available online at http://goo.gl/XFtZlr. Kennedy, 22, just returned from a trip to Los Angeles where she was one of 14 participants (out of 150 applicants) who were selected to take part in the Lester Sill Songwriting workshop for Advanced Songwriting. The workshop is put on by the American Society of Composters, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). "It was an amazing experience that involved working with Grammy-nominated songwriters and talents from all areas of the music industry," said Kennedy, an Appleby College alumus. The Oakville performer also has an original Christmas song titled I'll Be Home For Christmas If You Want Me, which is currently on rotation on CBC radio and can be heard online at www. youtube.com/watch?v=LOWHORbN0Vc. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9 at 8 p.m. The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts 130 Navy Street, Downtown Oakville Box Office: 905-815-2021 | www.OakvilleCentre.ca Ballroom & Latin Dancing Zumba · Line Dancing GIVE THE GIFT OF DANCE Come Join Us! Great Holiday Gift Gift Certificates Now Available www.comedancing.ca · 905.339.3373 · 609 Ford Dr. (S. E. corner at Royal Windsor)