On Thursday October 29th, Hooley's Pub played host to ECC Ottawa's kick-off “kitchen party” and networking night. The event generated a lot of buzz and proved that there are scores of Ottawa residents looking to connect with "back home".

A steady stream of over 170 easterners and friends representing all four Atlantic provinces turned up for the lively meet and greet. Highlights included tasty Atlantic seafood chowder, prizes and east coast tunes courtesy of band Kilbride. ECC founder Chris Crowell, President Jay Dingwall, and ECC Ottawa head Curtis McGrath mingled with the crowd and said a few words from the stage.

Maurice Gallant was the winner of a trip for two to Atlantic Canada graciously provided by WestJet. Thanks to the generosity of Alexander Keith's, Sonic Records and Hooley's, a number of other prize winners were announced throughout the night.

ECC Ottawa head Curtis McGrath (middle) with new ECC Ottawa members. Photo credit: Jeffrey Meyer

A special thanks also goes out to each and every ECC fan that joined us for the Ottawa kick-off as well as the ECC Ottawa organizing committee. Stay tuned for details of ECC Ottawa's formal launch, slated for Winter 2010, the next of many future opportunities to connect in Ottawa.