| Susan Shaw |
 Susan Shaw is a long-time OSCO volunteer and has held just about every post on the Board of Directors, from secretary to President. Susan is well known for taking a strong, informed position on issues. Most recently, she was one of the key drivers behind The Power to Lead, a collaborative project to create a solar panel demonstration project at Landon Library. A mechanical engineer by day, Susan is also Vice-Chair of the Mayor’s Sustainable Energy Council. What’s your favourite place in Old South? I have to confess it’s my little bungalow, for the peace inside, and for Old South right outside my door. If you had a magic wand and could change 3 things in Old South, what would they be? I wish that more people who love living here would spend time working toward making sure that it stays a place that they can love. I’d also get rid of January completely. I’ll save the last one until I really need it. What’s your vision for Old South? In 30 or 40 years, that it’s still a place people admire and where they want to live, work, walk, relax and shop. What do you think is OSCO’s role in the community? I’ve heard us called a bunch of self-appointed do-gooders. What’s so wrong with that? What I really appreciate about OSCO is how supportive the organization is. If you have a great idea – like Cruise Night or public art or naturalizing a green space – come see us. If you’re passionate about it and willing to work hard to make it happen, you’ll probably get OSCO’s support in advice, volunteers, time and sponsorship. If you don’t have any ideas right now, you can come and get a real thrill making someone else’s vision a reality. What challenges face OSCO and Old South in the near future? The tension of the past and the future – how can we keep the things that we love while still embracing the inevitable changes. |