As a guitarist, I've always had a passing interest in the resonator (often referred to as dobro) guitar.  For those unfamiliar with it, it's an instrument that looks like a regular guitar, only it has a large silver cone in the body.  There are various types of resonators, but it was the square neck version (which is played on your lap) that most interested me.  The catalyst for finally going out and buying one was hearing Jerry Douglas - one of the finest dobro players in contemporary acoustic music.  Even before buying a guitar I had gone out and acquired his instructional DVD and the required steel slide for playing one.  Finally, on November 11th last year, I managed to find one that seemed to work and began the arduous task of learning how to play it.  Three months later, thieves broke into my house and stole it.
 
The morning after my guitar was stolen, I called Howard's pawn shop on Merivale road and described my missing guitars (there was also a Martin stolen as well) .  At supper that evening, I received a call from Kenny at the shop informing me that 4 people had shown up with my guitar.  Unfortunately he was unable to acquire it.  The people in possession of my stolen property left and hopped on an OC Transpo bus.  I figured that it was gone for good.
 
Three weeks ago, a guitarist in my group was watching the news and saw the story about Heartwood House's May 1 Auction.  During the segment, he saw the quick flash of a resonator guitar.  He had never seen my resonator, but thought he would mention it when we spoke again.  On Thursday, April 29th, we were talking on the phone and he recalled seeing the news segment with a resonator.  I immediately called Heartwood House and described my guitar.  Rightfully so, Maureen and the staff were skeptical of my query, but after they did some research they realized that it was indeed my resonator.  The journey was over.
 
My resonator has certainly not had much respect.  It was purchased after being abandoned at a pawn shop in November 2009.  It has competed for my affection with several other instruments that I try to play.  Finally, it was dragged out into the cold by thieves to be pawned off for a few bucks and, when that was unsuccesful, left abandoned on an OC Transpo bus only to sit in exile for several months.  I would just like to thank Maureen and the staff at Heartwood House for doing the work to get this great guitar back to me.  I now plan on making up for the lost time and perhaps giving this guitar the musical life it rightly deserves.
 
Craig 

 
Salem - Heartwood House volunteer

"The Ottawa Valley Weavers and Spinners Guild feels fortunate to be a member group in Heartwood House.  Not only do we have a secure studio space but we are surrounded by friendly, helpful people who are interested in what we are doing.  We are "berter together" not only for being located in downtown Ottawa with rent that is more maneagable but for the community spirit, which enables us all to thrive!"

"Capital City Mission is so grateful to be a part of Heartwood House.  To find a place to serve the poor in lower town Ottawa is very difficult.  Some may think because of the rent costs, it's a good place to be.  But truly the biggest reason is respect.  At Heartwood there is respect for all people regardless of age, race, religion, culture, past and present struggles.  People who live in poverty face systems every day that stop short of treating them as people.  For our guests at CCM Heartwood House expands their home.  "Houselessness" is not as big an issue in Ottawa as homelesness.  Trillium and all those involved in making decisions to support Heartwood's development should be glad for the investment that was made has multiplied for many charities like CCM and the community that Heartwood House serves."

 "At RESULTS Canada, we are a network of volunteers from across Canada who are committed to creating the political will to end hunger and the worst aspects of poverty around the world.  But RESULTS staff call Heartwood House home.

It's a joy to work here - the building is filled with people doing good work and that's a constant inspiration.  From the laundry coop across the hall to the ESL and sewing groups next door.  The building is alive with energy and diversity.  It's a privilege to work in an environment where people share resources, contribute their time to fundraising and community building, and share a common vision."

 "At English Language Tutoring for the Ottawa Community (ELTOC) our ability to serve our students is stronger because of the solid working relationships ELTOC has with other groups in the building such as PWC and ALSO where we have referred students or shared resources (such as childcare) on many occasions.  One of the most appealing factors about Heartwood House is that it is more than a building; it is a caring community."

 An ALSO student says...

"At Heartwood House, I volunteer at the OC Transpo Lost and Found. That was one of the things my teacher got me involved in. I help answer the phones, I do inventory, too. I also help people find things, when they come in or call on the phone. All the people who volunteer work as a team, which is really nice. I think it's a great place to get job knowledge, and it is also a great place to volunteer."

From Jennifer Noxon to the Heartwood Arts Series team, on the occasion of the first concert of the 2007-08 Season. 

"Hi all,
 
I want to extend my thanks to all of you for inviting me to open your series. With all that you've got going for you...it's going to be a hit, and hopefully  become a tradition. What a great room and set up.....thanks to Nicole and Sean and Micheline and all of their professional experience - dinner was perfect, the room was cozy, I had a quiet place to get focused and the lighting worked well too to create a really comfortable atmosphere from my end. That Nicole, she thought of everything......
 
The building is a special place. You can just FEEL it and kudos go to all who work so hard at making it feel like a home.
 
Keep warm. Peace to you all.
 
Jennifer"