The
O•S•C•A•R© The Community Voice of Old Ottawa South Year 38 , No. 2 The Ottawa South Community Association Review FEB 2010 Ceremonial Procession Through OOS
By Mary Anne Thompson
n Thursday, January 7, 2010, Sunnyside Ave and Bank Street formed the two kilometre Oroute from Carleton University to the Aberdeen Pavilion at Landsdowne Park for the ceremonial procession honouring slain Ottawa policeman, Const. Eric Czapnik. Thousands of Ottawa police officers, RCMP and military police, US and International police, Quebec police, paramedics, and local dignitaries marched along the streets, which were lined by hundreds of people, including students from Hopewell Avenue Public School, who held a large handwritten banner reading, “Thank you to Eric Czapnik and every police that keep us safe.” Czapnik was stabbed to death on Dec. 29 outside the Civic campus of the Ottawa Hospital, where he had been sitting in his cruiser taking notes. Czapnik, who had been with the Ottawa Police Service since 2007, is only the second Ottawa police officer to be killed while on duty in more than 25 years. Kevin Gregson, a suspended RCMP officer from Saskatchewan, has been charged with first-degree murder. Bronson Avenue was closed from Colonel By Drive (southbound) to Riverside Drive (northbound). Sunnyside Avenue was closed from Bronson Avenue to Bank Street. Bank Street was closed between Riverdale (northbound) and Fifth Avenue (southbound). Southbound traffic on Bronson Avenue was diverted onto Colonel By Drive, Hog’s Back Road and Brookfield Road, and then onto the Airport Parkway. Final Salute for a Fallen Police Officer Photo by Bob Adamyk Northbound traffic was directed onto Riverside Drive. Two Hopewell Kids on Sabbatical: Update
Floating market in Can Tho
Visiting the floating market at Can Tho, the biggest in the Mekong Delta
For more, see pages 24, 25, 26 and 27 Page 2 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR FEB 2010 Tom’s Photos From Wakatobi, Indonesia
ere are some amazing photos from Tom’s recent trip to Wakatobi, Indonesia. He spent 11 days there, doing three dives Hper day for 10 days, always with camera in hand. He finds that if for some reason he can’t have a functioning camera when he’s diving, he feels lost, empty, and unfulfilled. Fortunately all went well on this trip and he produced over 2000 photos. From that collection, he had serious problems selecting a “reasonable” number for display. But they are there on his photo web site, at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ tta/. He selected a much smaller number for publishing in this issue of OSCAR.
Love those sea fans. They were lush This underwater “still life” was one of and healthy. And they held still for their many hundreds that I photographed. portrait. My model and dive buddy There was literally an infinite number completes this photo. of beautiful scenes like this. Often with a crinoid like this or a sponge or sea fan as a “centerpiece” The lionfish has many spines which are quite venomous, so I kept my distance. Well, not really. The photographer’s call lured me closer, but when he showed “concern” for my proximity (head down, spines extended) I backed off and just optically zoomed in.
This tiny shrimp has a body length of about one centimetre ! I inspected many many bubble corals before finding him.
This is just one example of the many and varied nudibranchs found in Indonesian waters. They’re all about 2 or 3 inches in size and usually quite colourful. I find it very difficult to stop taking pictures of them! They’re like an underwater snail, moving very slowly, so they’re an excellent target for The bluespotted stingray just minded his own business photography. (looking for food) and wasn’t interested in me. That allowed me to follow him. This was a night dive which makes it This anemone fish (a cousin of Nemo) is trickier to find “targets” for my photography. hiding in his anemone. Their symbiotic relationship involves the fish cleaning No, I didn’t find this one. I had to have help from a local divermaster “house” and the anemone (quite who is familiar with the habits and habitat of the pygmy seahorse. poisonous except to this fella) protecting They’re superbly camouflaged to look exactly like the sea fan they live the fish. Fortunately he’s quite curious on. And, besides, their full length is less than one centimetre !! The about this huge black thing approaching divemaster had to point several times, and I had to strain my eyes to see him, so he poked his head out and I got him. It was even worse when I tried to spot him through the camera’s several good shots of him. viewfinder.
This Blenny is about an inch and a half long. I managed to get On this trip I had the luck to see my first cuttlefish. With a face that only a close enough with a long macro lens to get this shot before he mother could love, these squid-like beasts remind me of octopus too. They have darted away. Cute, eh? eight arms and two tentacles and are reputed to be quite intelligent FEB 2010 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 3
CONTRIBUTIONS The OSCAR The OTTAWA SOUTH COMMUNITY Contributions should be in electronic format sent either by e-mail to ASSOCIATION REVIEW [email protected] in either plain text or WORD format, or as a printed copy delivered to the Firehall office, 260 Sunnyside Avenue. 260 Sunnyside Ave, Ottawa Ontario, K1S 0R7 www.OldOttawaSouth.ca/oscar SUBSCRIPTIONS Please Note: The OSCAR Has No Fax Moving away from Old Ottawa South? Know someone who would like E-mail: [email protected] to receive The OSCAR? We will send The OSCAR for one year for just $40 to Canadian addresses (including foreign service) and $80 outside Editor: Mary Anne Thompson of Canada. Drop us a letter with your name, address, postal code and [email protected] country. Please include a check made out to The OSCAR. Distribution Manager: Larry Ostler 613-327-9080 Business Manager: Susanne Ledbetter [email protected] SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS Advertising Manager: Gayle Weitzman 613-730-1058 The OSCAR is sponsored entirely from advertising. Our advertisers are [email protected] (not classy ads) often not aware that you are from Old Ottawa South when you patron- OSCAR is printed by Winchester Print ize them. Make the effort to let them know that you saw their ad in The OSCAR. They will be glad to know and The OSCAR will benefit from their support. If you know of someone providing a service in the com- munity, tell them about The OSCAR. Our rates are reasonable. NEXT DEADLINE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 FUTURE OSCAR DEADLINES The OSCAR is a community association paper paid for entirely by ad- vertising. It is published for the Ottawa South Community Association Feb 12 (March issue), March 12 (April issue), April 16 (May issue), May 14 Inc. (OSCA). Distribution is free to all Old Ottawa South homes and (June issue), June 12 (July/Aug issue), businesses and selected locations in Old Ottawa South, the Glebe and Aug 7 (Sept issue). Billings Bridge. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily of The OSCAR or OSCA. The editor retains the right to edit and include articles submitted for publication. The Old Firehall FOR DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES, Ottawa South Community Centre CALL 613-327-9080 [email protected] or email: [email protected] The OSCAR thanks the following people who brought us to your door this month: HOURS PHONE 613 247-4946 ZONE A1: Kathy Krywicki (Coordinator), Mary Jo Lynch, Brian Eames MONDAY TO THURSDAY 9 AM TO 9 PM and Kim Barclay, Wendy Robbins, Jim and Carrol Robb, Terri-Lee Lefebvre, Kevin and Stephanie Williams. FRIDAY 9 AM TO 6 PM ZONE B1: Ross Imrie (Coordinator), Family Gref- Innes, Gabriela SATURDAY 9 AM TO 1 PM* Gref-Innes and Fiona Fagan, the Montgomery family, Laurie Morrison, SUNDAY CLOSED Stephanie and Kulani de Larrinaga. *Open only when programs are operating, please call first. ZONE B2: Craig Piche (Coordinator), Pat Eakins, Laine Mow, Hayley Atkinson, Leslie Roster, Kathy Krywicki. ZONE C1: Laura Johnson (Coordinator), the Williams family, Josh Rahaman, Lynne Myers, Jeff Pouw, Curt LaBond, Brendan McCoy, the WHAT’S THAT NUMBER? Woroniuk-Ryan family. ZONE C2: Craig Piche (Coordinator), Alan McCullough, Arthur Taylor, Curt LaBond, Charles and Phillip Kijek, Sam & Avery Piche, Kit Jenkin, Ottawa South Community Centre - The Old Firehall 247-4946 Michel and Christina Bridgeman. Ottawa South Community Association (OSCA) 247-4872 ZONE D1: Bert Hopkins (Coordinator), Emily Keys, the Lascelles family, Ottawa Public Library - South Branch 730-1082 Gail Stewart, Mary Jane Jones, the Sprott family. Rob Campbell - [email protected] 730-8128 ZONE D2: Janet Drysdale (Coordinator), The Adriaanse Family, Gaia Kathy Ablett, Catholic Board Trustee 526-9512 Chernushenko, The Rand family, Aidan and Willem Ray, the Stewart family. Centretown Community Health Centre 233-5430 ZONE E1:Brian Tansey(Coordinator) , Wendy Johnson, John Sutherland, the CARLETON UNIVERSITY Rae Brown-Clarke Family, Anna Cuylits,Mary O’Neill. ZONE E2: Chris Berry (Coordinator), Mary-Ann Kent, Glen Elder and CUSA (Carleton U Students Association) 520-6688 Graduate Students Association 520-6616 Lorraine Stewart, the Hunter family, Brodkin-Haas family, Allan Paul, Community Liaison 520-3660 Christina Bradley, Larry Ostler. ZONE F1: Carol and Ferg O’Connor (Coordinator), Jenny O’Brien, the Mediation Centre 520-5765 Stern family, T. Liston, Ellen Bailie, Dante and Bianca Ruiz, Wendy Kemp, Athletics 520-4480 Kelly Haggart and Taiyan Roberts, Walter and Robbie Engert. CITY HALL ZONE F2: Bea Bol (Coordinator), the Tubman family, Paulette Theriault, Clive Doucet, City Councillor ([email protected]) 580-2487 Ryan Zurakowsky, Susan McMaster, Cheryl Hyslop. Main Number(24 hrs) for all departments 3-1-1 ZONE G: Bernie Zeisig(Coordinator), Claudia and Estelle Bourlon- Community Police - non-emergencies 236-1222 Albarracin, David Lum, Cindy MacLoghlin, Hannah and Emily Blackwell, Emergencies only 9-1-1 the al-Asad family, Katya and Mikka Zeisig. Serious Crimes 230-6211 Echo Drive: Alex Bissel. Ottawa Hydro 738-6400 Bank Street-Ottawa South: Rob Cook, Tom Lawson, Paula Archer. Streetlight Problems (burned out, always on, flickering) 3-1-1 Bank Street-Glebe: Larry Ostler. Brewer Pool 247-4938 Ottawa East: Brian Lowley, Dave White. Brewer Arena 247-4917 City of Ottawa web site - www.city.ottawa.on.ca Page 4 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR FEB 2010
A REEL LOVE OF OLD MOVIES Love And The Classics At The Mayfair
By Brenda Lee friendship”. The most famous and and admits he knows of Ilsa’s love can happen and be healthy and a also the most famously misquoted for Rick and tries to convince him to real partnership of equals, but there was recently asked to start a is “Play it Sam, Play ‘As Time Goes use the papers for himself and Ilsa. He is something about tragic love that monthly review of classic movies By’”...often misquoted as “Play it will stay behind. reels us in. Perhaps it is simply for the OSCAR. It seemed to only Again Sam”. (It is almost eerie to watch Bogart because love is complicated, it isn’t I The plot is simple and yet intense. transform from such a bitter man to as easy as romantic comedies are: make sense to include the Mayfair in this plan. The result is a combined Rick (Bogart), a bitter American, a man so in love, and a bit of acting love doesn’t often end with a sudden effort between Lee Demarbe and owns a bar in Casablanca: he has that reveals a true master, but we as realization and a declaration after myself. I’ll offer my humble (or not recently acquired papers that would an audience know it can’t last. We running through an airport to stop so humble) opinion and the Mayfair allow two people to travel through like our Bogart broody and tortured a flight (why is it always flights out will show the movie that month for German controlled Europe to the and to see him too happy makes us of the country and weddings to the the community to experience. Never United States without being detained uncomfortable…the writing is on the wrong person that are interrupted?). having been a movie critic, except or questioned. Priceless papers that in wall) At times love is complicated, intense, with my friends, I can assure you that Casablanca have a huge interest due Laszlo is arrested, Rick convinces fraught with problems, ….and in the these articles will not have a cinematic to the number of refugees hoping to Renault to let him go and to trick him end completely worth it. We all know expert’s perspective. Mostly I will flee Europe. Ilsa (Bergman) arrives into a more serious charge by being this. It is why we flock to these stories offer up my basic viewpoint, memories with her husband, Victor Laszlo (Paul found with the illegal papers. Renault and why Casablanca is an all time I might have that are associated with Henreid), a fugitive Czech resistance agrees. They flee to the airport where favourite. it, a few tidbits from “wikepedia” and fighter who is sought by the Nazi’s and Rick pulls a gun on Renault and We all wonder what we would my opinion of the movie over all. So needs the papers to escape. They have forces him to help in the escape. At have done? We all wonder if Rick let’s see how this month goes? heard the papers are in Casablanca. the last minute Rick makes Ilsa board and Ilsa made the right choice. We all This month the Mayfair offers up a Rick refuses them. Meanwhile Laszlo the plane with her husband, telling wonder if Laszlo really needed her, if true Romantic Classic for Valentine’s is being followed by a German Major her she will regret it otherwise, that he was worth it? Day weekend, in 1942’s Casablanca. and Police Chief Renault both of Laszlo needs her. The German Major I think we all can look back at Directed by Michael Curtiz and whom are suspicious that Rick has arrives, Rick shoots him, Renault our pasts and recall a relationship starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid the papers. We soon learn that Rick covers for Rick and they walk off into that might not have been as dramatic, Bergman, it won three Academy and Ilsa had been lovers in Paris, that the fog together with the exit line” but certainly has left us with those Awards, including Best Picture. they were about to flee France before Louis, I think this is the beginning of questions. I think that there are many It has gone on to be considered a the German’s took over, but that Ilsa a beautiful friendship. “ of us who hear the quote” We’ll always film classic, often in the top 5 of Best hadn’t met Rick at the train station. Ilsa I remember first hearing about the have Paris” and we get a bittersweet Movie in History lists, with lines confesses that she had thought Laszlo movie in High School. Our History smile on our faces as we think back that are so well known they are pop was dead and that she had learned of teacher recommended that we all and wonder about our choices. I know culture now. We all immediately think his being alive just before they were watch it on TVO that weekend. To be I do, and I know there is someone else “Casablanca” when we hear, “Here’s to meet at the station. She admits that quite honest I was looking to score out there reading this who feels the Looking at You Kid”, “Of all the gin she had loved Rick and still does. The points and watched it solely to “brown same way. joints in all the towns, in all the world, lovers embrace and plan to help Laszlo nose”. Sad, and yet true. The tragedies are where we she walks into mine”, and “Louis, with the understanding that Ilsa will So I settled in to watch what I find the real complexities that are this is the beginning of a beautiful remain with Rick. Laszlo visits Rick was sure would be a rather dry and associated with love and this February boring movie about war, and instead the Mayfair offers up more than just was introduced to a world that I one choice for romantic angst. was immediately immersed in and They are showing Casablanca and re-visit as often as I can. Bogart so two other classic movies that have tortured, so bitter, so clearly closed fate and human fallibility interfering off. The drama of love gone awry, self with love and mere mortals once sacrifice, murder, war, desperation, again. 1953’s Roman Holiday starring intrigue, corruption everywhere. Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck The moment that the screen first and 1939’s Gone With the Wind reveals Bergman in all her glory. starring Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable, She too is tortured, fragile and yet a Olivia de Havilland and Leslie pillar of strength, clearly holding a Howard. Two movies that show how secret close, torn between two men. circumstance, different life styles, All is revealed, the tragic love story war, tragedy and sheer stubbornness explained, misconceptions cleared, and stupidity can keep people apart. I love regained…..and then love falters. am overcome with sadness as I watch We see duty, promises, loyalty all Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn) tell honoured and love is once again lost. Joe (Gregory Peck) in code at the It was the first movie I had ever press conference, that she loves him, seen where love was not enough, where but must leave. Their worlds are too circumstance and fate intertwined different. I want to shake Scarlett to separate love, where there was no O’Hara (Vivien Leigh) and Rhett “And They All Lived Happily Ever Butler (Clark Gable) and scream that After”. I sat and sobbed like a baby, Ashley is nothing but an idealistic great heaving sobs that shook me to fantasy of youth and they should both the core, because while tragic, I knew Wake Up and realize they are meant in my as yet untried heart that what for each other. I had seen rang true. That is the real Ahhhh….the tragedy of it all, the beauty of Casablanca, the fact that we futility, the pain, the sorrow…..I can’t all recognize it’s truth. The great lines, wait! superb acting, complicated characters and overall plot are indeed wonderful, Casablanca - February 14th at 3:00 but the honesty of it is what I think pm and 15th at 5:30 pm. really draws people to it. Gone with the Wind see the Mayfair It is probably a sad part of our schedule at www. mayfairtheatre.ca human nature that the love stories Roman Holiday - February 14th at considered to be the best are those 12:30 pm and 16th at 7:00 that end in tragedy. Obviously, love FEB 2010 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 5
OSCA PRESIDENT’S REPORT Landsdowne, OSCA Website, Winter Carnival and Firehall Renovation
By Michael Jenkin by the City to provide some design do now. A lot of the content has been recently will have noticed some expertise on various parts of the site. updated and new features will enable changes. The addition’s foundations Lansdowne Developments I will be reporting on these meetings, you to search the site, post upcoming are complete and the steel skeleton for and others that concern Lansdowne events, participate in forums and link the building is now in place. By early he pace on Lansdowne is that may happen over the month in my to the OSCAR. A full article on what February the roof and walls should be picking up after the Christmas next column. will be available on the site will appear up so that interior work on the addition break. As I mentioned in in next month’s paper. The address can begin in earnest. The Firehall T for the site (www.oldottawasouth.ca) itself has been entirely gutted inside my January column, we have been New OSCA Web Site pressing the City to be consulted on will remain the same. and partially excavated. So far the the planning and studies that are being I reported in my January column project seems to be on schedule and undertaken with respect to the site. that work was proceeding well on Winter Carnival just as importantly, no unanticipated This seems to be having some effect as the design of a new web site for issues have been encountered that we have been invited to two meetings: OSCA. Well, the Board reviewed and OSCA’s annual winter Carnival would slow construction or add to the one to be held at the end of January to approved the final design of the new will be held in Windsor Park on cost of the project, always a worry review the terms of reference for the web site at its January meeting and it Sunday, February 6 between noon and when you are dealing with a building new traffic study that will be carried should be up and running in February. 2 p.m. This is always a fun event with as old as the Firehall. We are already out on Bank Street . The study will The web committee under John sleigh rides and games for both kids doing some initial planning for the attempt to determine the street’s Calvert, including Chris Solar and and adults and lots of hot food and move back and on the grand opening ability to handle the additional traffic Gwen Gall have put in a ton of work drinks to help keep you warm. Please events, as well as what the new generated by the site. Needless to say on this project and the results speak do come out, have some fun, and meet programming structure will look like this will be an important issue for us for themselves. The new design will the neighbours! with our expanded facilities. There and getting the study right is key. The be much easier to maintain and will be will be articles on both of these issues second meeting we have been invited easier for users to navigate. Access to Firehall Renovation in future issues of the OSCAR. to has still to be arranged, but is with the OSCA program guide will be more Those of you who may have George Dark the urban planner and straightforward and you will be able walked by the construction site his team who have been engaged to enrol in programs online as you Phone Numbers for Police Services The distribution 911 Life Threatening Emergency or Crime in Progress routes for which 613-230-6211 Other Emergencies 613-236-1222 – 0 General Police Inquiries OSCAR requires 613-236-1222 – ext. 7300 Call centre for crime reports (not for crimes in progress) volunteers: 613-236-1222 – ext. 5804 Constable Hoedeman at the Somerset Community Police Centre (e-mail: [email protected]) 613-233-TIPS (8477) Crime Stoppers & Gun Crime Stoppers 1) East side of Fulton from Woodbine 311 By-Law Enforcement Place to Aylmer/south side of 613-580-2424 ext. 23653 City of Ottawa Needle Removal Program Aylmer from Fulton to Carlyle/ 613-236-1222 - ext. 5766 D-23 Central West Neighbourhood Police Officers west side of Carlyle from Aylmer to Woodbine Place (40 papers) 2) North side of Aylmer from Roslyn to Seneca/east side of Seneca from Aylmer to Col. By Drive/Col. By Sudoku Sudoku Solution on page 11 Drive from Seneca to Roslyn (47 papers) 3) The triangle bounded by To complete the Warrington, Harvard and Raleigh puzzle: and the five-sided section bounded 1. all rows must by Wendover, Warrington, Raleigh, contain digits 1 Harvard and Chesley (26 papers) to 9 only once 4) South side of Cameron from Bank 2. all columns to Riverdale/west side of Riverdale must contain from Cameron to Bank (25 papers) the digits 1 to 9 5) South side of Riverdale from only once. Avenue to Glenview (39 papers) 3. each of the 6) South side of Avenue from Bristol nine boxes to the point where Avenue meets must contain Glenview (17 papers) the digits 1 to 9 only once Contact Larry Ostler, Distribution Manager at 613-327-9080 for more information.
OSCAR Needs Volunteers For Monthly Distribution in OOS Page 6 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR FEB 2010 Brief Notes From the Firehall Flying Turkeys Predicted For Feb 7th By Brenda Lee
unday, February 7th, from 11-2 Windsor Park will By Dinos Dafaniotis once again be the site of a flying turkey! Our Gaming Camp “RPG with Steve OSCA”S Special Events Committee is pleased ‘Mithras’ Winsor” is aimed at the 9 - 13 S s the renovations progress on schedule to announce the return of the Winter Carnival and the now at the old Firehall, we continue to year role playing game enthusiasts. They famous Turkey Toss! run our programs at Southminster will experience a variety of games as well as Come and join your friends and neighbours as Windsor A participate in a gaming tournament at the IGO Church, Hopewell School and St. Margaret Park is hopping with games for the kids, the annual dog Mary Church. Cyber Café. Afternoons will feature a variety contests and races, music, food, local vendors, raffle of recreation activities. prizes, the annual chili contest and of course the Turkey Yoga For Haiti Fundraiser Toss. Yoga Instructor Andrea Robertson will March Quest and the RPG run from It just isn’t winter until you have joined your offer a Yoga For Haiti Class on Sunday, 8:00am - 4:00 pm with after care available neighbours in flinging a duct-taped turkey across the ice to February 7 from 9:15am - 10:30am at until 6:00pm.March Break this year runs land on the curling button. The closest gets the 50/50 prize our location at the Southminster Church March 15 - 19. For more details or to register (2 dollars per toss) and of course bragging rights in Old basement. All proceeds raised from the all please go to our website oldottawasouth.ca or Ottawa South as being the best Turkey Tosser of 2010! levels Hatha Yoga class will be turned over to call us 613-247-4946. Don’t forget to also compete in our annual chili the Red Cross for relief efforts in Haiti. Please competition. This year we have three categories. Best register on-line oldottawasouth.ca or by Winter Carnival Meat, Best Vegetarian and Best Spicy chili! This year we phone 613-247-4946. Payment is not due until Our annual Winter Carnival is scheduled also have a new competition of BEST BREAD! the morning of the class with cheques made for Sunday, February 7 from 11:00am - 2:00 pm Great Prizes for all categories! Just bring your pot payable to the Red Cross or by cash. We hope featuring Sleigh Rides, Games, Chili Contest, of chili or loaf of bread to the park, clearly labeled by participants will donate a minimum of $20 for Bread Contest and Doggy Games. Lots of fun 12:00p.m. Judging will be at 1:00 p.m. this fundraiser. The Red Cross will issue tax for the whole family. D&R will provide the This year both Quinn’s Ale House and Patty’s Pub will receipts for all donations. musical entertainment starting at 12:15pm. be entering the challenge and daring all to compete against their chili. To see what the competition is offering, visit March Break Spring Programs Quinn’s or Patty’s between Feb. 1st and Feb. 7th to sample March Break will be busy as we are The March issue of OSCAR will include their entries. Let’s see whose is best?? offering three camps. our spring brochure as an insert. Spring John Taylor will also be at the park this year with his program registration starts on-line famous soup and his gourmet palate to judge the chili Aletha Phillips is coordinating “Everything on Wednesday, March 10, 9:00pm and in- offerings! But The Kitchen Sink” for children person starting Thursday, March 11, 9:00am at Tracy Arnett kindly offers up free Horse Drawn sleigh attending Jr. and Sr. Kindergarten. Like the 15 Aylmer Ave. Our spring soccer league will rides for all. Many thanks to Tracy for donating this treat summer edition of the camp, it will run out once again require lots of community support annually to OSCA! of St. Margaret Mary’s from 9:00am - 1:00pm to help coach all our teams. Please contact Starbucks will also be in the park serving up free hot featuring games, craft, drama, songs and lots Deirdre McQuillan at osca@oldottawasouth. chocolate, cider and coffee! of adventures. ca or 613-247-4872 to volunteer. The Winter Carnival is an annual event that we all look forward to. It is a break from the insular world that For grade one to 12 year olds we have If you have any questions about our we all have thrust upon us each winter and a chance to see “March Quest” which will include swimming, programs please contact me at dinos. our neighbours, have some fun…and of course…Toss a a movie, snow tubing in Gatineau (weather [email protected] or 613-247-4946 . Turkey!! permitting) and lots of fun organized by See you there. Coordinator Darcy Middaugh.
Donations Sought For Victims Of Glebe One Way To Help Haiti Avenue Fire he Glebe Community Association (GCA) has set up a bank Thinking about donating to help will send cheques for earthquake account to accept donations for victims of the three-alarm fire on victims of the Haiti earthquake but relief to the MCC. January 18th that burned down a multi-unit apartment building at not sure how? Your donation will be matched by T An easy walk to Ten Thousand the Canadian government until 12 114 Glebe Avenue. “The Glebe and the City of Ottawa is rallying to help,” said GCA Villages, 1174 Bank with a cheque February so don’t wait.. President Caroline Vanneste. “Many of the tenants didn’t have insurance made out to Mennonite Central Your contribution will go to and have lost everything.” Committee, Haiti Earthquake will immediate aid, medium- and long- A special account earmarked for the contribution fund has been make a difference. term rebuilding. opened at the Royal Bank at Bank Street and First Avenue. Donations Ten Thousand Villages is a non- can be made at any RBC branch or online if you have an RBC account. profit program of the Mennonite For more information visit the The account number is 00116-1012954. Cheques are also accepted Central Committee (MCC), the Mennonite Central Committee’s and should be made out to the Glebe Community Association with the special account number written in the memo portion of the cheque. The relief and development agency of website canada.mcc.org
CITY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT Good News and Bad News, Landsdowne, and What To Do?
Dear Oscar Readers: are in the process of working with Lansdowne to have cancelled the old surface community leaders to prepare a list light rail project. Voting against the Between Fifth and Bank, of small but important community The latest version of the developer’s deal at Lansdowne means the winter sky exposes itself projects that this money could fund. Lansdowne project has some good admitting it was a mistake to have calmly, surely, news. George Dark and Company cancelled the International Design in an unending, Bad News. are well respected urban designers Competition – politicians loathe to in an unknowing, and they will bring added value to admit they have made a mistake. in a serene and infinite smile. The bad news is all city wide stuff. this version. For example, I doubt Leaving me to skate Starting with transit cuts and transit that Mr. Dark will recommend that 2010 Councillor’s Cup alone on the edge forever. fare increases (7.5%), the transit the Horticulture building be moved tunnel and the Lansdowne Mall. The but the problem that remains is the This year’s Councillor’s Cup will Good News first stage of the tunnel will cost 2.1 basic financial deal remains in place be held at Brantwood Park in Old billion, ultimate costs about 6 billion and unchanged. The developers still Ottawa East on Saturday February can’t help but breathe a sigh of which if it improved service you might get an exclusive leasing authority to 13th from 1-4pm. relief at this year’s budget, as be able to swallow. But it provides the entire park with the right to sublet For more information please there is no burning neighbourhood no new service and no faster crossing as they please. The city still hands contact Sarah Lindsay, 613-580-2487. I of the city centre. The savings from 120 million dollars of the taxpayers project over which the sword of Damocles hangs. The renovations avoiding the intersections will be money over to the developers to Coffee with Clive at the Firehall and Sunnyside are eaten up by a longer walking distance build a stadium with no guarantee underway and the money is already to the stations – some ten stories that there will even be a CFL tenant Coffee with Clive happens in Old committed. The Sunnyside traffic underground, a longer route across beyond five years. Finally, you, me Ottawa South at Bridgehead, 1176 study is underway and the money is the city and transfers to buses at Blair and the rest of the city will subsidize Bank Street, on the second Thursday also committed. Happily there is also and Tunney’s Pasture. the commercial development with of the month from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. small amounts of money in the budget While we’re spending billions our taxes because 75% of the taxes committed for a feasibility study for on a tunnel for no new service, we’re from the development will be used All the best in 2010, a pedestrian/cycle bridge across the busy cutting present service and to help pay down the 120 million in Rideau Canal between Pretoria and telling students we can’t afford to debt the stadium will require the city Clive Doucet Bank. We also have some money in fund a universal transit pass for them to contract. City of Ottawa the budget for new boilers, dressing as other cities do. The topper is the 110 Laurier Avenue West, room showers, light fixtures and rink clean street friendly transit, electric What to do? Ottawa, ON, K1P 1J1 exhaust at Brewer arena. rail will be buried but the polluting, Tel: (613) 580-2487 There’s also good news because noisy diesels will be left on the Nine councillors representing Fax: (613) 580-2527 of the new share of the cash in lieu of surface. Finally, seismologists are almost 400,000 Ottawa residents voted [email protected] parkland development charge which now telling us that tunnelling may against the leasing of Lansdowne to www.clivedoucet.com returns 60 per cent of this cash to the compromise the integrity of the fault this group but unfortunately, I don’t ward where it was raised. This will line which runs north south through see this changing much. Politically, provide our ward with about $350,000 Carleton University and from time to it’s very similar to the tunnel for small recreational projects. We time sends a tremor through the city. situation. Voting against the tunnel means admitting it was a mistake
The Many Ways to Contact the Mayor and Councillors Mayor Larry O’Brien Ward 5 - West Carleton- Ward 10 - Gloucester- Ward 15 - Kitchissippi Ward 20 - Osgoode Phone 613-580-2496 March Southgate Councillor Christine Councillor Doug Thompson Fax 613-580-2509 Councillor Eli El-Chantiry Councillor Diane Deans Leadman 613-580-2490 Address 110 Laurier AveWest 613-580-2475 613-580-2480 613-580-2485 [email protected] Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1J1 [email protected] [email protected] Christine.Leadman@ottawa. [email protected] ca Ward 21 – Rideau-Goulbourn Ward 6 – Stittsville-Kanata Ward 11 - Beacon Hill- Councillor Glenn Brooks Ward 1 - Orléans West Cyrville Ward 16 - River 613-580-2491 Councillor Bob Monette Councillor Shad Qadri Councillor Michel Bellemare Councillor Maria McRae [email protected] 613-580-2471 613-580-2476 613-580-2481 613-580-2486 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Ward 22 - Gloucester-South Nepean Ward 2 - Innes Ward 7 - Bay Ward 12 - Rideau-Vanier Ward 17 - Capital Councillor Steve Desroches Councillor Rainer Bloess Councillor Alex Cullen Councillor Georges Bédard Councillor Clive Doucet 613-580-2751 613-580-2472 613-580-2477 613-580-2482 613-580-2487 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Ward 23 - Kanata South Ward 3 - Barrhaven Ward 8 - College Ward 13 - Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 18 - Alta Vista Councillor Peggy Feltmate Councillor Jan Harder Councillor Rick Chiarelli Councillor Jacques Legendre Councillor Peter Hume 613-580-2752 613-580-2473 613-580-2478 613-580-2483 613-580-2488 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Ward 4 - Kanata North Ward 14 - Somerset Ward 19 - Cumberland Councillor Marianne Ward 9 - Knoxdale-Merivale Councillor Diane Holmes Councillor Rob Jellett Wilkinson Councillor Gord Hunter 613-580-2484 613-580-2489 613-580-2474 613-580-2479 [email protected] [email protected] Marianne.Wilkinson@ [email protected] ottawa.ca Page 8 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR FEB 2010 The Grosvenor Avenue Gastronomic Society “Life is too short to eat disappointing food.” “A Peach of a Pick for Pairs”
ith Valentine’s Day would order. Of course we started menu; this really speaks to the appeal fondue. You’ll be shocked to hear approaching and love in with some appetizers, and the sweet of the non-beef options that evening. that, yep, these were also delicious, Wthe air, we thought that a potato, Bosc pear, and cardamom Our first taster ordered the pan-roasted although both were quite dainty – so restaurant appropriate for romantic soup was reported to be the best duck breast with cranberry and aged don’t save too much room. special occasions was the obvious soup one of our tasters has ever had. cheddar spaetzle, fried kale and carrot As the menu consists of a wide- choice for this month’s review. We In fact, four days later she was still ribbons, celery root fries, cheddar variety of unusual ingredients, we selected The Urban Pear located in talking about it! The standard mixed cheese tuile, and creamy juniper- advise you to leave the kiddies the heart of the Glebe and were not green salad garnished with cranberry, infused duck gravy. Everything at home; and it should definitely disappointed. The Urban Pear is a merlot, and vanilla vinaigrette as well about this dish was outstanding and be avoided if you are a finicky or relatively small establishment with as crumbled Quebec blue cheese, the duck was just right at medium- unadventurous eater. That said, we high ceilings and large windows apple julienne, and roasted mixed nuts rare. Just as delectable was the seared had a very enjoyable evening at The along one side. Although the view is was very good and came in a generous Quebec pork tenderloin seasoned Urban Pear thanks to the great food nothing special (i.e. the parking lot), portion. We also tried the pan-seared with rosemary salt and accompanied and the fantastic service. Although the layout is open, airy, and pleasant. scallops with bacon and Granny by a potato, leek, and chestnut mash, expensive (our tab was nearly $400 One of the neat things about the décor Smith apple-braised purple cabbage braised fennel bulb, roasted squash, before gratuitues for the four of us), is the featured works of a local artist on a base of sweet carrot and vanilla pickled mustard seeds, and a cranberry we thought it was totally worth it – that decorate the walls. When we bean puree. This was also a delicious and olive jus. The pan-fried Ontario particularly for a special occasion visited, oil paintings and charcoal choice, and the carrot and bean puree pickerel fillet with fennel bulb puree, such as an anniversary, birthday, drawings by Karen Whyte (www. was so good it could have been eaten Jerusalem artichoke chips, roasted Valentine’s date, etc. karenwhyte.com) were on display. on its own. However, for $16 we carrots, and a grilled king oyster The Urban Pear The menu at The Urban Pear is were expecting to receive more than mushroom (all of this covered in 151 Second Avenue, Ottawa fairly minimal and changes regularly, three scallops, even though they were sesame blood orange vinaigrette) did 613-569-9305 sometimes daily. They strive to use done to crispy-outside, tender-inside not disappoint either. The vegetarian www.theurbanpear.com local ingredients as a basis for their perfection. Our one other appetizer option on the menu that night was a yummy dishes and a team of local was also great and consisted of fried Portobello mushroom, goat cheese, Appetisers: $8 - $16 organic farmers supplies the fruits and Balderson’s cheddar cheese, potato, and root veggie ‘lasagna’ with sides Main Dishes: $26 - $35 veggies during the summer months. and onion perogies accompanied by of cinnamon cap mushroom fritter, Unlike the food menu, the wine list bacon ‘steak’, braised leek, and a brussel sprout leaves fried with pearl As always, please feel free to is quite extensive and features a wide spiced tomato broth with horseradish onions, and a tomato truffle emulsion contact us at grosvenor.gastronomic@ selection of Canadian wines, as well as crème fraiche. with leek coulis. Keeping with the gmail.com to pass along your feedback some international choices. We chose When selecting our entrees, quite a extraordinary food theme, this lasagna on our review, or suggestions for the Waterstone Los Carneros Pinot bit of wheeling and dealing took place was built with layers of thinly sliced, restaurants you’d like us to visit. Noir (2007; $65) from California and among our tasters as every offering earthy-tasting veggies without a trace Happy Eating, liked it so much we had two bottles. on the menu sounded amazing. In of pasta detected. Our meat-loving The Grosvenor Avenue Although the wine we selected was every case, it turned out that the ‘real- taster had no regrets and loved the Gastronomic Society. pricey, they provide bottles at a range thing’ was just as good as it sounded tempura-like mushroom caps. of price points starting at around $30. on paper. Everyone in our group is The dessert menu offered up a The evening we visited The Urban a serious carnivore and is usually handful of tempting selections, and Pear, the menu offered so many wildly attracted to any variation on in the spirit of review most of us set appealing selections we were nearly beef tenderloin. It was therefore aside our New Year’s Resolutions to halfway through our first bottle of quite surprising that no one ordered try the peach grunt cake with vanilla wine before deciding on what we each the yummy-sounding version on the ice cream and also the dark cocoa
To book an OSCAR ad Silent Film Classic Ben Hur call Gayle 730-1058 [email protected]
Friday, March 5 at 7:30pm and Saturday, March 6, at 7:30 pm. St. Matthew’s Church, 130 Glebe Ave., Adults $25 and Students $15. Tickets are available at Book Bazaar, 417 Bank St., Compact Music, 785A Bank St. and 190 Bank St., Leading Note, 317 Elgin St., Herb & Spice Shop, 1310 Wellington St. W. or at the door. www.seventeenvoyces.ca FEB 2010 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 9 1924 Silent Film Classic Ben Hur Meets Carmina Burana By Margret Brady Requiem and Vaughn Williams Five entrance into Rome were shot in two- Seventeen Voyces choir has Nankivell Mystical Songs. The superb Seventeen strip Technicolor, although the chariot presented several silent film screenings Voyces’ choir will be boosted by eight race was not. over the past few years including The n Friday, March 5 and additional singers. “This may be the most challenging Hunchback of Notre Dame, Phantom Saturday, March 6, Ottawa’s A total of 200,000 feet of film silent film production we have of the Opera and Peter Pan. These Seventeen Voyces chamber was shot for the chariot race scene undertaken,” says Reeves, who has ingenious film presentations have O alone. The scene, edited down to 750 wanted to bring this version of Ben- attracted large crowds of silent film choir, directed by Ottawa South’s Kevin Reeves, will present the 1924 feet, has been frequently copied, most Hur to Ottawa for years. “The film is buffs and music lovers. silent film classic Ben- Hur at St. recently in the “pod race scene” in a tour de force and is a great lead-up Matthew’s Anglican Church in the Star Wars Episode 1. The silent film’s to Easter.” Glebe. Accompanied by music from chariot race scene was also filled with Carl Orff’s compelling work Carmina off scene drama including the death of Burana, the Biblical epic was the a stuntman in the first version that shot most expensive silent film ever made. in Rome. Other portions of the pivotal Ben-Hur, starring ”Latin lover” scene were shot in Los Angeles. Ramon Novarra in the title role, will Francis X. Bushman played the be projected on a large screen and villain Messala, and unlike Novarro, accompanied by live choral music. It learned how to drive a team of horses will also showcase organist Matthew and a chariot competently. When the Larkin, who also lives in Ottawa Charlton Heston version of the film South, and a battery of percussionists. was made in 1959, Heston quipped The presentation will feature that “the only man in Hollywood Quebec bass baritone Philip Holmes, who can drive a chariot is Francis X. a finalist on the Bravo original Bushman – and he’s too old!” television series Bathroom Divas who When the epic was released in has sung with Opera Lyra Ottawa. 1925, it was promoted as “The Picture His performances have included Every Christian Ought to See”. Its Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Brahms’ religious scenes and Ben-Hur’s Seniors Benefit From Weightlifting By Joe Scanlon about 17 to more than 80. (I am 77 and (in my opinion) are more likely to early (6 a.m.) attendees and then a feel right at home.) be meticulous about wiping down a drop off about the time most people go here’s a place in Ottawa South Most important, all those have the piece of equipment after they have to work and most students attend class. where old people and young same interest – keeping fit. Yes there used it. Males for example may wipe It gets busier late in the day. There is people male and female all go are a few body builders but even these equipment but rarely wipe the handles also reduced attendance during the T are more than willing to help anyone even though those – given the recent summer when Carleton holds fewer to do exactly the same thing -- the weight room at Carleton University. not sure how to use a particular piece scare of H1N1 – would seem to be classes. Until some years ago I always of equipment. more important than where you sit. But – and I suspect this is true of thought of a weight room as a place When I went to school, boys Those are very minor complaints. most facilities – it is quite busy right where males tried to build impressive and girls took physical education The pay-offs are that I have made now. It seems that many students muscles. separately. some old and young friends (I even decide to do weights as a New Year’s That view changed somewhat I did of course play mix doubles ended up hiring one student to do some resolution. Most of them last a few when I attended a lecture by Greg in tennis but I was still uneasy with research) and that with my improved weeks then attendance return to Poole, then fitness director at Carleton. the idea that I might embarrass myself strength I am now far less likely to slip normal. What Greg said was that research in front of young, athletically talented and fall and also less likely to break a Of course weight training is only now shows that weight training has a women; or be sneered at by the body hip if I do fall. It also made it easier for one aspect of keeping fit. You still very different impact on older people builders – why was I invading their me to keep playing tennis and helped need to walk, jog, run, skate or cycle than on younger ones. Quite simply, he territory? me muscle out a few shots in golf. or work out on some of the machines explained, if you are old and you don’t Those fears were unfounded. I am retired Carleton faculty, so designed for that. But there is a real do weights your muscles deteriorate. Occasionally one person or a group I get access to Carleton’s athletics feeling of satisfaction from watching If you do weights, they don’t. will dominate a piece of equipment. facilities free; but they are of course your body improve at an age when He mentioned one study done at Usually, however, if you want to use available to anyone on a pay for use you thought that was impossible. I was a home for seniors in the USA. Those something the person using it will basis. personally delighted when I was able who did weight lifting all improved. immediately offer to alternate. The to do something I could never manage One woman even gave up her walker atmosphere is to say the least very co- Like any facility, usage varies in high school – a chin-up. (I never had for a cane. In the control group it was operative. One of the regulars told me depending on the time of day and the any upper body strength). just the opposite. One woman went one young man told her he was really time of year. Usually there are some from a cane to a walker. pleased to see older people working Despite the lecture, I was nervous out. He saw them as role models. In about going to a weight young with all fact – and we agreed on this – younger those young virile males. people are easier to get along with Carleton helped make that than some of the older ones. They are transition easier by having a special not burdened with some of the male- class for mature adults and introduced female stereotypes that some us grew us to the weight room when no one else up with. was around. That helped us get over Are there any differences among what now seem like trivial concerns the age groups or between males and such as how to adjust a weight. females? Once I started doing weights Yes. regularly however my concerns Some males and a few females disappeared. focus on much heavier weights than I On a typical morning the weight would consider trying. But they tend room at Carleton includes male and to work in the far corner of the fitness female students, some middle-aged centre and are not a problem for those males (usually faculty) and older men of us who simply want to stay in shape. and women. The age range runs from Perhaps more significant females Page 10 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR FEB 2010
ABBOTSFORD HOUSE Mardis Gras….Louisiana Style!
The Swampwater Jazz Band a six piece Jazz band who play traditional New Orleans style of Jazz from the 1930’ and 40’s.
By: Pat Goyeche from the 1930’ and 40’s. This band square. The aim is to keep the chair moving has been performing for over 25 years for two hours all the while enjoying bbotsford @ The Glebe in the Ottawa region and has been Sham Rock-a-thon 2010 entertainment and encouragement Centre (your local community a smashing success at Abbotsford, from the audience. Kevin Nelson centre for folks 55 +) is where we have “tripped the light The luck of the Irish will be with from Majic100 Morning Show has A fantastic” to the wild beat and heat of graciously agreed to Chair the event hosting a big party/dance on Thursday us all on Saturday March 13 between February 18th. Doors open at 6:30 their Swampwater Jazz! 2 and 4 pm on the second floor of The and is sure to line up an excellent pm and tickets are $15 and should be Your cover price will include Glebe Centre’s main building facing team of celebrity rockers and pledges! purchased in advance either over the delicious hors d’oeuvres, non- Monk Street. We’ve changed the We are seeking pledges as well as telephone (230-5730) or in person alcoholic punch a glass of wine and venue and the date to match up with corporate sponsorship. If you want at Abbotsford, 950 Bank Street, just a fine time! Non members welcome the annual St. Patrick Day Parade and to lend you business name to our across from Lansdowne Park. to attend this event…you don’t even the spirit of the occasion. charitable cause, learn more about Our featured band is none other have to be 55! Everyone welcome, This is our 13th annual Rock-a- our organization and the event please than The Swampwater Jazz Band a six bring a friend, don a mask, feathers thon Fundraiser where we ask for up contact Karen Joynt at 238-2727 ext piece Jazz band who will be playing and mardi gras beads if you dare, but to 12 teams of rockers to canvas their #323. traditional New Orleans style of Jazz if not, it’s ok, we won’t think you’re colleagues and friends for pledges. Missing Name Mystery Solved
In the Murder Mystery from left to right are: Joseph Cull (Frank Sinatra); Judith Haney (Ava Gardener); Ross Imrie (Dean Martin); Pat Goyeche (Grace Kelly); Alex Neve (Marlon Brando); missing name from last month -- Clare Rogers as Liz Taylor; Alex Rawek (Marilyn Monroe); and, Justine Boutette (James Dean). Photo of the actors by Jane Stallabrass. FEB 2010 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 11
BACKYARD NATURALIST Weird and Wonderful Woodpeckers
cold snowy day. These woodpeckers Woodpeckers are a wonderful alone makes them weird in the bird are well adapted to survive our cold part of the winter landscape, but what world. How do they avoid brain winters, but are uniquely equipped makes them weird? Most songbirds injury or knocking themselves out? in some other weird and wonderful have four toes on their feet: three of Some woodpeckers have been timed ways. the toes point forward and one points at delivering 100 to 300 blows per Some species of woodpeckers back like a “thumb” for grasping minute, with a force that would migrate south in the winter (such branches. Most woodpeckers also render other birds unconscious or as the Northern Flicker), but others have four toes but they are arranged dead. The trick is that their brains are are resident year-round. I regularly differently: only two toes point relatively smaller than other birds, see Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers forward and two point backward. This and the frontal bones of the skull are at my backyard feeders and around is, of course, an ideal arrangement for arranged in such as way as to protect the neighbourhood throughout the clinging to the bark of a tree. and cushion their brains. winter. These two species are almost Weirder still are their tongues. Finally, unlike other birds, some identical, and even experienced Woodpeckers search for food by of the feathers in a woodpecker’s tail bird-watchers can sometimes have probing with their beaks under bark are very stiff. This rigid tail is very difficulty telling them apart. Both and leaves and into wood. But it is useful as a prop when the bird is are widespread and common, but the with their tongues that they actually holding onto the side of a tree trunk. smaller Downy is the most frequent grasp their food. A woodpecker’s Because we are blessed with a resident in urban neighbourhoods. tongue is designed for probing good number of mature trees in Old The Downy Woodpecker is so light into holes and crevices, and can be Ottawa South, including some trees it can even perch on weeds and thin extended a long way. To accomplish that are declining in old age, we can stems like goldenrod. The larger this feat, it has a special apparatus count on seeing woodpeckers. Winter Hairy Woodpecker prefers larger, inside its head. Their tongues are so would be very dull indeed without more mature trees. long, they wrap all the way around these wonderfully weird birds in our Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers the base of their skull and back over midst. are easily attracted to backyard the top, and are attached at the base of feeders, and they prefer suet and their beak in front! Imagine the shape Linda Burr lives in Old Ottawa peanut feeders. They need the energy of a backwards question mark, and South and is a biologist and avid backyard naturalist. by Linda Burr provided by the fats and oils, as well you get the idea. as the protein, to provide fuel for the Since woodpeckers are by n a quiet winter day, as I cold winter months. Woodpeckers’ definition “head-bangers”, this fact walk down the street, all is main source of food is insects in the still and muffled by lightly form of eggs, larvae, or adults, and O they are very active in seeking out falling snow. The only sign of wildlife is the persistent tapping of a small every nook and cranny that bugs woodpecker on a nearby tree. I pause could hide in. and look up, and am rewarded by the Even if you don’t have a sight of a little Downy Woodpecker, feeder, you can usually spot these intent on finding its next meal. Its woodpeckers on a walk or a visit to lively behaviour and striking feather the local park, as they actively forage patterns make it a welcome sight on a for food on trees and shrubs.
To book an OSCAR ad call Gayle at 730-1058 or email: [email protected] Sudoku Solution
Sudoku Puzzle is on page 5 Page 12 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR FEB 2010 Squirrel Talk Winter Wonderland
inter wonderland, the skating has begun. responsibility of defining a cohesive policy. Lack of existence should extend into the city (birds and The slushy canal promises us fun as await city policy has allowed an unprotected roadkill pit small animals, trees,…) and out into the deepest Wthe cold sun. Charles of Valois (1394- to be placed near homes and attract wildlife. And wilderness. In Ottawa there are many interesting 1465) was Duke of Orléans at the age of 14, one of lack of planning is allowing Coyote culls to happen organizations who care about wildlife, for example his poems: even though culls have been shown to be ineffective http://wildlifeinfo.ca/conflicts.html and http://www. Rondeau de printemps both here and across North America. Coyotes have wildlifeontario.ca/. Le temps a laissé son manteau been shown to be a very resiliant species and culls Speaking of co-existing, last summer three De vent, de froidure et de pluie, simply result in the Coyotes reproducing faster. We baby raccoons passed through our yard - they were Et s’est vêtu de broderie, were shocked that the Osgoode councillor attached not aggressive at all. Just don’t feed them and don’t De soleil luisant, clair et beau.Il n’y a bête ni an invitation to a hunting club contest on his City leave accessible garbage. We include a picture of oiseau of Ottawa newsletter wherein people bring in dead them in our yard at night, with their bright glowing Qu’en son jargon ne chante ou crie : Coyotes and could win a shotgun. Supporting eyes. Le temps a laissé son manteau citizens to hunt wild animals for animal control We are the sum of all our actions and the sum De vent, de froidure et de pluie.Rivière, fontaine et within city limits and as entertainment is simply of all our actions is the footprint we create. We can ruisseau unacceptable and dangerous, as local news will choose to better the world and our community by Portent en livrée jolie attest. We would like to think Ottawa leads with positive individual actions. Gouttes d’argent, d’orfèvrerie; ethical and humane animal control – this isn’t the Have you seen those thieving squirrels taking Chacun s’habille de nouveau: wild west of a century ago. If a true strategy was birdfood ? They never have enough!... Just like Le temps a laissé son manteau. adopted then animal control would not be to go out humans…in a certain way. Write us at taniamich@ in a posse and gun down (harmless) wildlife but gmail.com. We spent a lovely peaceful holiday season, would mean intelligent and peaceful co-existence, regenerating energies and redefining our balance in as has been achieved for example in Vancouver and life, enjoying some nice time with our families. We Portland. now return to our normal mixture of dance courses, We ask for responsible and ethical municipal guitar playing, working, and studies. We’re very governance. excited about going to play in the snow in Gatineau Continued urban development is encroaching Park and skating on the canal ! deeper into rural areas and destroys our biosphere This month’s thought is about Ottawa City with little concern regarding the environment, such policies on animals, or lack thereof. You may as impacts to fragile wetlands. Animals are being have seen local news on councillors supporting a pushed out of their homes by “development” and Coyote cull in Osgoode (google it or contact us for entire species are lost every day due to the loss of details). It turns out the planned cull is due to lack habitat. David Suzuki has taught us that it is possible of city policies to guide and lack of planning. Lack and in fact imperative to co-exist and live as part of city policies is creating a quagmire with a lost of nature and that this includes the wild animals council trying to get provincial MNR to pick up the in their habitat. This peaceful and respectful co-
Sips from the Poetry Café How-To Write A Valentines Poem For First Time Poets by Susan Jane Atkinson the words ‘My love’ and then aims to personify this emotion/feeling. up it’s that time of year Once a description for each line is again, the air redolent with chosen, try writing a simile (a simile roses and chocolate, the is a comparison using the words Y like or as) for poetic effect. Follow heady scents of love floating around. Perhaps this year you’d like to give along and see what you can create. your true love something new, Step 1 Find a pen and paper something different, something so Step 2 Remember poems DO personal and so unique that it could NOT HAVE TO RHYME. In fact only come from your heart. And I highly recommend if this is your well why not – I have an idea what first attempt at writing poetry DO that perfect gift could be – a poem. NOT USE RHYME. Rhyme tends That’s right a poem from your heart to bully the other words causing the that will send an arrow straight poet to use some words that they through the heart of the one you love. may not really want to use. Now I’m not suggesting “Roses are Step 3 Think about what colour red…” (I think we all know how that love is to you. It may not necessarily one ends!) but what I am suggesting be red, it could be purple or pink or a is following these ten easy steps and very specific colour, say vermillion you’ll have your Valentine asking or magenta or other exotic sounding “will you be mine?” shades. Choose a colour and then This poem has six lines, which write a simile to create a visual follow a specific set of directions. It image. For example your first line is a ‘form poem’, meaning it is like may read something like this: a recipe. In this particular poem My love is as red as the sweetest the beginning of each line repeats cherry
Cont’d on next page FEB 2010 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 13 THE BIG PICTURE The National Capital’s Film and Television Industry Celebrates Their Own
By Michael Dobbin Gémeaux for best directing for a Animated Program or Series. the Algonquin College Media Hall of documentary series for “Destination “The Pinecrest Diaries”, made by Fame. On Thursday January 14, the Nor’Ouest II”, produced by Les Holmwood/Hot Flash Productions National Capital Region’s industry Productions R. Charbonneau and Les and produced by Susan Stranks won Composers: talent came together at the Productions Rivard. an honourable mention at the 2008 David Burns was nominated for Centretown Tavern to celebrate this “Golden Age Warriors/ Champions 56th Columbus International Film 2 Gémeaux– Best score and best past year’s achievement in the film Grisonnants”, produced by Balestra &Video Festival, also known as musical theme for the documentary and television industry. received a Best Documentary Award The Chris Awards. Susan was also series “Destination Nor’Ouest in the “Individual Sports” category at inducted this year in the Algonquin II”. He also received a nomination Sponsored by the Ottawa-Gatineau the 27th annual Sport Movies & TV College Media Hall of Fame. for a Gemini Award for Best Music in Film & TV Office, the “Spotlight on International Festival in Milan. Actors: a Documentary or Lifestyle series for Award Winners” tribute was packed Old Ottawa South resident and Pierre-Luc Lafontaine, a young “Design U”. with many of the region’s companies director David Chernushenko Ottawa actor, was awarded best Serge Côté was nominated this year and individuals whose work in film, received a “Green Apple” Award performance by an actor in the short for two Gemini Awards; Original television or animation, has recently at the 2009 Green Lifestyle Film film ”Déraciné” at the Fantasia Music Score for Rollbots and “A won awards and acknowledgement. Festival in Los Angeles for his int’l Film Festival. He’s also a main World of Wonders”,” The Amazon Some of the highlights included: documentary film“Be the Change”. actor in many television shows (“La Rainforest” (Genuine Pictures). Dramatic Film Galère”, “Marconi Tout Garni”) He was also nominated for two Brookstreet Pictures feature length Television: and in films (“Le Poil de la Bête”, Prix Gémeaux and two Summit horror “Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer Mountain Road Productions recently “Quitter Montrél” and “5150 rue des International Awards. “ was recognized as the winner of received at the 2009 New York Ormes”). Best DVD release at the 2009 Saturn Festivals a Finalist Certificate for Community Awards: awards. “The Real Estate Adventures of Sandy Screenwriters: Lois Siegel an Ottawa Producer, Ottawa director Matt West won and Maryse” and a Gold World Sharon Buckingham, at TSB Director, Casting Director & “Best Canadian Short Film” at Medal for “Design U” Productions was a writer (with Photographer received the Twenty- the Charlottetown International GAPC Entertainment and producers Andrew Wreggitt) and creative Fourth Annual Ethel N. Fortner Film Festival (P.E.I.) in September Hoda Elatawi and Ken Stewart producer on a CTV movie called Writer and Community Award by 2008 for “The Funeral... Again!” received a Silver Remi Award “Sticks & Stones” which won the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian College produced by Michael A. Dobbin at for “SPELLZ” in the TV Series - Shaw ROCKET PRIZE for Best (Laurinburg, North Carolina). Quiet Revolution Pictures. The film Family /Children category at the Canadian Family Program in May Annie Coutu, Producer at Aisha qualifies for a Canadian Academy Houston International Film Festival, 2009. This movie also won “Best Productions was recognised for award. Television & Cable Production Foreign Film” at the International her career as a finalist for a prix“ Stephen MacDonald’s film, “Doug Awards. GAPC received The Family Film Festival held in Los d’excellence Gilles-Gagné” at the and Rickles’ Big Score” was the Silver Pinnacle Award for best TV Angeles and was also nominated “10e Culturiades de la Fondation winner at this year’s BoxcART Film Promotion for the Genies. this year for Best TV movie at the pour les Arts, les Lettres et la Culture Festival in Ottawa. Amberwood Entertainment’s Canadian Indy Awards and was a en Outaouais”. A tribute gala was Produced, directed by Izabel “RollBots” earned a Gemini Award nominee in the same category for a held recently by the city of Gatineau Barsive and choreographed by in 2009 for Best Direction in an Gemini Award last year. for her documentary film Rouler“ Anik Bouvrette at Tara Luz Danse, Animated Series or Program by Tom Shoebridge, one of the Ottawa vers l’autonomie”. “Lustrale” is a dance art film that directors George Elliott and Joey region’s most recognized Canadian Mathieu Provost was a Finalist for was presented at many festivals So. “RollBots” was also nominated screenwriters and founder of the the “Prix de la Relève” at the “10e around the world. for two Gemini Awards for Best Canadian Screen Training Centre and Culturiades de la Fondation pour Documentary: Animated Program or Series and the Summer Institute of Film and les Arts, les Lettres et la Culture en Martin Cadotte received a Prix Best Original Music Score for an Television, was inducted this year in Outaouais”.
How-To Write ....Cont’d from previous page Step 4 Think about what size you think signature/personal stamp. Your last line should love would be and again create a simile for be a personal reflection of how you feel. poetic effect. For example: If we put my model of the repeat-a-line My love is as huge as a summer’s sky poem together it might look like this: Step 5 Think about what shape comes to mind when you think of love. A heart would My love is as red as the sweetest cherry probably be the obvious choice here but it’s not My love is as huge as a summer’s sky necessarily the only choice. My love is a circle that has no end For example: My love is loud like waves slapping My love is a circle that has no end against rocks Step 6 Think about what sound love makes My love is as soft as a newborn kitten and if you like, use a simile to compare that My love blooms each day for you sound. Step 9 Put your poem together and think For example: about how you’d like to ‘present’ it. Perhaps My love is loud like waves slapping against in a card shaped like ‘your love’, maybe on rocks. colourful paper, maybe on a heart or a small Step 7 Think about what texture love is (i.e. sculpture. The way you give your poem is part soft, hard, rough, smooth). Once again finish of the gift. the sentence with a simile. For example: Step 10 Surprise your Valentine and enjoy My love is as soft as a newborn kitten the rewards of your efforts! Step 8 Finally think about how you would Happy Valentines! like to end your poem. This is the place to add some creativity and originality, to add your own Page 14 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR FEB 2010 TRINITY ANGLICAN CHURCH Trinity Lends A Hand At Southminster Dinners By Jim Robb team chopped, stirred and cooked a one or two dinner evenings each pancakes were served up in many tasty dinner, set out muffins, coffee year and in the past has held Pancake countries in Europe. Hence the term embers of Trinity Anglican and tea for early arriving patrons, and Suppers to raise money for Out of the Mardi Gras (fat Tuesday) for pre- Church invaded the greeted them as they arrived from out Cold. Lenten carnivals. kitchen and church hall of the cold. Pancake suppers are traditional Shrive Tuesday refers to the act M Then a second team of men, feasts (if you can call them that) of confession (or being shriven) in at Southminster United Church on Saturday, January 23. women and teenagers took over the that take place on Shrove Tuesday, church in preparation for the solemn It was Trinity’s turn to host an task of serving the salad, main course, the day before the beginning of the Lenten season. Out of the Cold dinner, a major and dessert while mingling and Lenten season on Ash Wednesday: For the record, Pancake Tuesday Southminster project that has been a chatting with the dinner guests. Lent traditionally involves making this year is February 16, regular winter fixture for a number of The dinner evenings are held sacrifices in the period leading up to *Trinity Anglican Church is at years now. through the winter months, to the end Easter. Lenten sacrifices including 1230 Bank Street, corner of Cameron Led by Judy Richardson, the of March, with Southminster playing giving up meat and also fats and dairy Avenue. Trinity people spent the afternoon and the lead role. foods including eggs. evening at Southminster. An afternoon Trinity takes responsibility for So to get rid of these food items
SOUTHMINSTER HAPPENINGS Elixir of Love Submitted by Pam LeBlanc sweethearts and friends with a Belcore, Sophie Martin as Gianetta, others, all performed in the beautiful perfect Valentine’s Day alternative and Fraser Rubens as Nemorino. Southminster church sanctuary. ttawa South residents to chocolate – the Elixir of Love!! Esther Gonthier (l’Opera de Montreal) Concert ticket sales enables SMCC enthusiastically support Southminster Music for Charity and is the Music Director and piano to support local charities in the their community and as a Community (SMCC) offers a concert collaborationist in this fun Valentine’s community such as Old Ottawa South O performance of Donizetti’s L’elisir Day performance, February 14th at Out of the Cold Suppers, L’Arche result they have access to a rich and vibrant array of activities and venues d’amore (Elixir of Love), narrated by 2:30 pm at the Southminster United Ottawa, Stephen Lewis Foundation to satisfy their interests and pursuits. the Honourable Bob Rae. Church at 15 Aylmer Avenue. and others. SMCC and Southminster That strong community spirit extends This concert will benefit L’Arche Tickets are $30 for general United Church proudly share this to the arts and to helping others less Ottawa and will feature nationally- admission and $20 for students. They prime concert space featuring a fortunate. An important upcoming recognized singers including Maria are available at the door as well as The glorious 9-foot Steinway and of event on Valentine’s Day, supports Knapik as Adina, Taras Kulish as Ottawa Folklore Centre (1111 Bank), course the wonderful acoustics with both these objectives and provides Dulcamara, Alexander Dobson as Compact Music (785 * Bank) and the artists interested in using this venue church office. to present chamber music concerts. Southminster Music for Charity How can you help? By attending and Community (SMCC) is an the concerts, Just check our website independent charitable organization at www.southminstermusic. dedicated to supporting peace, com or email us at information@ justice and well-being through southminstermusic.com Or how about music. Since its inception, SMCC making a donation to SMCC, now a has supported the production of registered charitable organization. musical events featuring well-known There is also a great opportunity local talent as well as nationally for corporate partnerships and for and internationally renowned artists partnering with us and in return such as Julie Nesrallah, Amanda we want to help you and your Forsyth, Jean Desmarais and many organization.
To book an OSCAR ad call Gayle 730-1058 [email protected] Area Church Service Times
Sunnyside Wesleyan Chuch Chapel 58 Grosvenor Avenue (at Sunnyside) St Margaret Mary’s Parish Sunday Worship Service at 9am & 11am 7 Fairbairn (corner of Sunnyside) Children’s program offered during both Sunday Liturgies : 9:30am and 11:30am worship services. Christian Meditation: Mondays at 7:30 pm. Trinity Anglican Church Evening Prayer: Tuesday at 7 p.m. 1230 Bank Street (at Cameron Avenue) Sunday Services 9.30 am -- sung eucharist (summer Southminster United Church schedule June 14 to August 30) 15 Aylmer Avenue Regular 8.30 eucharist , and 10 am 10:30 a.m.: Worship and Sunday School sung eucharist with church school - September through June and nursery, resume Sundays, starting September 6) Thursdays 10 am – Eucharist or Morning Prayer in FEB 2010 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 15
A HARD DAY’S PLAY Sometimes the Style is the Substance
By Mary P. the years, reaps enormous benefits he’s decided to stand his ground. rather than shriek. when they’re 15 years old. Trust me “No, no, no! It’s mine!” “I can has a toy, Noah, please?” ometimes, in my job, the trick is on this. Nissa’s response is instantaneous “Sure!” (Told you he’s a mellow to look beyond the facts under Whereas once I might have tried — a long, loud howl. She is not little dude.) “You can have this one.” my nose to the larger picture. to explain how they didn’t need to be saddened, she is OUTRAGED. She “No. I want DAT one.” (And S having this particular conflict, maybe wants the toy he is playing with, and Nissa’s not. She’s made one Seeing the forest for the trees, as it were. Nowhere is that more obvious even that it was a silly thing … that she wants it now! How DARE he concession already, dammit, she’s not than in conflict. line of reasoning? Waste of air. And thwart her will??? making another!) Because toddlers and conflict? not in the best interest of the larger The howling is all the more Noah looks at the toys in his People have done studies to track the picture, which is to 1) teach them aggravating because this girl has been hands. number of conflicts a toddler has in a how to manage their anger and 2) to talking in sentences since she was 16 “Okay. Here you go.” day. Staggering. And also inevitable. manage their behaviour in conflict. months old. Sentences of three and She snatches it. I take it from her When working with toddlers, the I’m sure there are things I get four words. Now she’s up to… um… and give it back to Noah. “Take it thing we’re after is not conflict annoyed about that wouldn’t bother lots of words. Lots and lots and lots gently, Nissa, and say thank you.” avoidance (no, no it’s not), but conflict you at all. I’m quite sure that if you and lots and lots and lots and lo… We try again. A civilized management. Not me managing them, tried to tell me why I didn’t need to be Let’s just say that, for little Ms. transition is accomplished. Each tot either, but them managing their own annoyed, I would probably only get Articulate, the issue here is not an settles in to play, Nissa with her blue selves. Stop snorting. We’re in the annoyed… inability to express herself verbally. plastic wrench with a yellow screw business of raising adults remember? So. We don’t often get into the “Nissa. Use your words.” mechanism… and Noah with… his It’s a long-range project, with long- substance of the conflict. But we do “AAAAAAA…” blue plastic wrench with a yellow term goals… worry a lot about the style. It takes three and a half minutes screw mechanism. My old mantra: “You may be Noah and Nissa are squabbling on the quiet stair, during which time Yes. Yes, I know. angry, but you may not [insert anti- over toys. This is routine. Nissa is a Noah gets to play with BOTH toys — Big picture, big picture, big social behaviour here],” which I strong-willed little thing and Noah is both toys directly in her line of vision picture… start when they’re about 15 months much milder, but even mild-mannered — (what? twist the knife? me???), old, when applied unceasingly over Noah can be pushed only so far. Today but she does finally concede to speak OSCAR Seeks Volunteers To Distribute Monthly OSCAR Newspaper In Old Ottawa South Page 16 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR FEB 2010
AFTER THOUGHTS
Wealth from Richard Ostrofsky to flourish. Yet I remember as a poor you currently understand it – is a form you at all. But ‘flow,’ when it is just of Second Thoughts student in the ‘60’s being conscious of wealth. Conversely, any conditions right, “involves a paradoxical balance Bookstore (now closed) of the difference between my own that constrict, inhibit or thwart your between structure and release, www.secthoughts.com condition and that of the slum- growth are subtractions. Death is the between control and surrender, [email protected] dwellers only ten city blocks away ultimate subtraction from and loss of between heightened awareness of – that I had prospects, while they did personal identity, but old age and the self and a sense of connection with exico today is certainly not. And today, as an elderly man prospect of death can be additions, as others, between concentrated focus not a third-world country. living on social security, I anyhow some have argued, to the richness of on a goal and a feeling of automatic Sectors of its economy are feel very rich – for the opportunities life, and to one’s identity in the time effortlessness.” It is a Zen experience, M I have had, and still have, to read and one has. The problem of deciding in which you actually lose the sense thriving, and as a culture it’s very rich. Yet there are many poor people write and travel, to discuss issues of what factors further or limit identity of time. here, and the tourist is conscious of global or perennial human interest in does not go away, but my formula at At my hostel in Oaxaca, there is poverty everywhere he goes. I wrote print and with good friends, to watch least removes some confusion about an indio woman named Frank (short last month that there are wonderful my daughter and step daughter raise money, and what it can and cannot buy. for ‘Francesca’) who comes every opportunities here to think about their lovely children – my grand If all your time and energy are spent day to re-make all the beds and clean history and politics, and to observe children. On the other hand, my life scrabbling for a living, you have little the place from top to bottom. Her life the human animal in action. In could be richer than it is. I still feel chance to cultivate an identity. On the would bore me out of my mind, but particular, Mexico is a great place the breakup with Carol as a real loss. other hand, with a lot of money, one she looks happier than the hostel’s for norteamericanos to meditate on All in all, I am left with a lot to be can become so involved with money prosperous owners – and happier the nature of wealth, a subject on thankful for, and an inclination to games and money management as to than I’m feeling in this period, getting which we tend to be . . . not so much wonder wherein wealth and poverty be restricted in a different way. my current writing project off the deluded as lopsided and partial in our really consist. Wealth is an abundance of good ground. I’m feeling frustrated by a understanding. I am drawn to the conclusion choices about where and how to self-appointed task; but Frank is a From early childhood we have that wealth has much less to do with invest one’s time, efforts, attention perfectionist who works hard for a been trained – everyday, when we material goods than we tend to think. – and yes, one’s money. But it living, all day, with total absorbtion. watch television, read a magazine or For a concise definition I would must be something more than that, I’ve been here for two months now, walk in the shopping malls or districts offer that wealth is the opportunity a because abundant choice without the and never once seen her looking as if – to identify wealth with material person has for autonomous expansion grounds and values for choosing is no she wished she were somewhere else. goods, and with the ability to acquire and development of his or her advantage. A bewilderment of toys to She puzzles me, nonetheless. You more goods. Up to a point, this is identity. Poverty is the lack of such play with can be more of a deprivation cannot call her wealthy because her valid. With few goods, or only limited opportunity. Whatever conduces to than no toys at all. expectations are so low. My sense is and shoddy ones, it’s pretty difficult individuation and human growth – as I am drawn to the conclusion that either her culture, or social status, that wealth is neither an external or both, have deprived her even of condition nor an internal one, but a the possibility of wishing she were kind of harmony or accord between somewhere else. Or am I just being the two. Csikszentmihalyi’s concept the patronizing gringo for thinking of ‘flow’ may get at the real nature this way? of wealth better than anything I can My father used to tell a story think of. (That name, by the way, is about old man Rockefeller who used not as impossible as it looks. Just to dine on Graham crackers because pronounce it “chicks sent me high,” his ulcers would not let him eat much and it will flow off your tongue. else. But those crackers were brought ‘Flow’ in his special sense is a state of to him, in his vast dining room, each optimal challenge in which a person evening on a silver tray by a servant. is totally involved in what he or she I don’t know whether this fable is true is doing. Too much challenge and or not but it does raise a question: there will be frustration. Too little What is wealth anyhow? and there is boredom. The wrong kind of challenge will not engage FEB 2010 Page 17 Update on Lansdowne Park Legal Challenge and the Legal Trust By John E. Martin the legality of the process. An Application for Judicial any local Scotia Bank or mailed to The City attorney has publicly Review and an Injunction Motion on Maclaren Corlett, Suite 1625, 5O y the time you read this, the stated that the non-competitive the process at Lansdowne Park have O’Connor Street, Ottawa, ON, KIP legal fund will have surpassed process is legal because football and been accepted by the Superior Court of 6L2 the first target of $10,000.00, the construction of a stadium to enable Ontario and are awaiting scheduling. This is not about stopping B football to take place in Ottawa are The Motion for Injunction will progress; it is about following rules held in trust, at Maclaren Corlett LLP. Thanks to all those who have “unique”. The City Auditor, a trained be made should there be any threat of already in place to achieve best value contributed and we encourage all accountant, simply repeated the City material change to cause “irreparable for the citizens by way of competitive those wishing to offer support. The solicitor’s comments in his report. harm” such as shovels in the ground practices. needed amount to successfully launch Common sense will tell you that such or an agreement to commence work. For questions or updates please this is $30,000.00. an interpretation of the word “unique” The need for a Motion for send them to [email protected] or As many of you now know, there is exceedingly large and that football Injunction will be known on or about call 613.898.1284 in order to keep has been a further delay with regard to is certainly not “unique” to the city of the time of the next City of Ottawa administrative charges from the Trust Lansdowne Park pending the outcome Ottawa. vote in June 2010. to a minimum. of more studies. These studies, Some have said that there is no inluding a design for essentially the argument since sole-source or non- This legal challenge cannot be Donations by phone to the landscaping, will undoubtedly be competitive procurement is allowed done alone and your help will be Lansdowne Park Legal Challenge completed in a concerted rush prior to at the City of Ottawa. However, needed. can be made by calling the Trust an attempt to vote things through on non-competitive procurement is Donations can be made at any Law Firm Maclaren Corlett at (613) the anticipated council vote of June only permitted in extremely rare Scotia Bank to the Lansdowne Park 233-1146. 10, 2010. cases, such as during an ice storm Legal Fund or mailed directly to What has been put forth and (where time is of the essence) or in the legal Trust (instructions further so far allowed by the City is a non- truly unique situations where, for down). John E. Martin is a Glebe resident competitive situation where only example, the only manufacturer of a It will cost $15,000.00 for the and local businessman in computer one tender was examined to develop medical device for ambulances has Injunction motion and an additional technology. He is the proud father of Lansdowne Park, on a project that will demonstrated that the device can save $15,000.00 is anticipated for the a 12-year-old daughter. Mr. Martin require a minimum of $200M dollars lives but that there is only one supplier Review. The total goal is $30,000.00. is a keen supporter of professional of taxpayer money. This choice by the due to its truly unique capabilities. All monies raised are for legal and amateur sports. Legal experts City cut short a competitive initiative One must also understand that expenses alone. Monies not used in administrative and municipal law for the entire park that was underway. procurement at the City of Ottawa will be returned by the Trust to the have assisted him in his research. Mr. Total control of the public Park has special provisions for what are contributors. Martin was a keen participant in the will change to private landlord rights called “unsolicited bids”. However an Research and preparation by a Design Lansdowne initiative and has as a result of the non-competitive unsolicited bid may only be examined trained litigator are required. One set up Vitally Ottawa -Absolument contract. This closed method has if there are no initiated projects either has been selected. The process will Ottawa, a volunteer Public prevented due process. going on or planned. The City had require both time and money. Advocacy group for open competitive There is however something that an initiated project with the Design To allow for public support of this procurement and quality design in has the power to prevent a rush to Competition at Lansdowne Park, application and action, a Legal Trust Ottawa. judgement, and allow due process; which was, contrary to the directive, at Maclaren Corlett LLP has been set The City of Ottawa Procurement namely the thoughtful examination stopped by the Manager’s Office to up to collect and administer funds. By-Law may be seen at: http://www. of the facts in a court of law. A legal examine an unsolicited bid. Contributions of $100.00, city.ottawa.on.ca/business/bids_ challenge has been initiated and is The fact that the administrative $250.00, $500.00 or more may be contracts/bids_tenders_en.html currently before the Superior Court of branch, the City Manager’s Office, made at any Scotia Bank to Maclaren Ontario awaiting scheduling. stopped an executive branch, the City Corlett LLP in Trust with reference to The most basic and fundamental Council, voted design competition, Lansdowne Park File #83540. issue, namely the process, is the issue leads to another odd situation of the Cheques may be deposited at that is before the Court. tail wagging the dog so to speak. Some have falsely been led to Under our current laws, when believe that what has taken place, citizens have a dispute of a legal though distasteful, is legal. Such nature with the City Corporation, pronouncements of course are the only recourse is to approach the incorrect. courts for Judicial Review. There are Only a court of law can decide on precedents for this approach. Lansdowne RFQ Released: Whole Park Will Turn From Public To Private
By John E. Martin
he entire park will be developed and run under the OSEG Landlord status, including the “front lawn” area. T The plan will include close to 200,000 sq feet of new retail as well as office space. The Glebe BIA does not wish to stop the process but rather try and curtail with negotiation. Members of the Glebe BIA have two options, 1) accept that negotiations will improve things and hope that a small reduction in retail space to 150,000 sq feet will not affect them and accept the direction January 26 at Irenes for the next Glebe BIA meeting. or 2) demand that the Glebe BIA stop using their funds to negotiate and use their funds to attempt to stop the process by court action in favour of open, transparent and competitve procurement. Please note: Negotiations to date have not produced any significant change to the overall plan. th Page 18 The OSCAR - OUR 37 YEAR FEB 2010 OTTAWA SOUTH HISTORY PROJECT Celebrating Heritage his month’s contribution to the its activities in 1905. In 1922 George Ottawa South History Project A. Crain & Sons constructed the two- Tcomes from guest columnist storey clubhouse on the property by Kathy Krywicki. the Rideau River. The ground floor February is heritage month and contained a buffet, a secretary’s what better time to honour our rich office, a lounge rotunda, locker rooms local history? and show facilities. The second floor Every year the City of Ottawa contained a main lounge, a ladies’ coordinates a get together of local lounge, two card rooms, a dining room community museums, archives, and a kitchen. A wide veranda and a historical societies and heritage balcony were built across the front groups to celebrate our rich cultural, of the clubhouse. Members came by historical and natural heritage. street car to the facility not only for This year’s theme, in keeping with sports but also for social programs coinciding with the Olympics, is such as cards or ballroom dancing. “Heritage of Sport and Recreation”. On the north bank of the Rideau So what type of things would River on either side of Bank Street, a people have done for fun in the past in small park pays tribute to local athlete our neighbourhood? a034354 Winter Sports on the Driveway near Bank Street circa 1920 – Photo and Olympian Linda Thom. Linda Of course a big focus for recreation Credit: William James Topley/Library and Archives Canada/PA-034354 won the Gold medal in the sport pistol is our surrounding waterways, both event at the 1984 Summer Olympics the canal and the river. Canoeing and swimming lessons for more than 50 space at the end of Brighton Avenue and lives in Old Ottawa South. The boating clubs were nearby. Many years. In the 1960s Brewer Pond was is a great space for catching tadpoles, park includes a replica of her gold folks enjoyed summer days at the two created by enclosing a channel on tossing a Frisbee and neighbourhood medal. Who knows, maybe another former beaches in Old Ottawa South: the river. Ice hockey was and is still parties. hometown athlete will triumph this Brewer Pond and Brighton Beach. popular on the pond and parts of the Precursors to the ever popular February in Vancouver? By the 1970s both were closed for river that easily freeze. The old Brewer Winterlude festival were events on What kind of recollections and swimming. Brighton Beach began beach pavilion now houses the Ottawa the Rideau Canal such as the Jack memories do you have about our operation in about 1920 and offered Sooners football club and the green- Snow Dog Derby and associated sporting and recreation as part of our ice sculptures. In the 1900s getting local history? around by horse and buggy was more If you have a chance, come utilitarian than recreational but in the celebrate with us on Tuesday recent past trotting races were held on February 16th at noontime at City Hall the frozen canal. Now the residents and check out the full slate of heritage of Old Ottawa South have ringside events in the Ottawa area at http:// access to events along the skateway. www.choocopo.ca . Tennis had always been a well- Contact the Ottawa South liked past-time and the Ottawa Tennis History Project at HistoryProject@ and Lawn Bowling club has been a OldOttawaSouth.ca or visit us fixture on Cameron Street since the online at www.OldOttawaSouth.ca/ 1920s. The Ottawa Lawn Tennis Club HistoryProject. formed in 1891 and added bowling to
a034282 Swimming Place on Rideau River, Ottawa, 1920’s – Photo Credit: Canada. Dept. of Interior / Library and Archives Canada / PA-034282
Via Rail ...Cont’d from next page page
great service Via Rail provided and stayed (my 4th time) at the same hotel: true to their promotion: A More Human “English Bay Apt. Hotel” on Denman Way To Travel” and Thanks Via Rail. St. It was the most convenient location I was asked by many whether I would in Vancouver. recommend and my answer is “Do not 2009 a year to remember for me miss a chance like this” and I would and The Ocean and The Canadian made do it again when opportunity knocks. I it all happen. had been to Vancouver 5 times before but the 6th one was by train and again I FEB 2010 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 19 NAPA Auto Parts at Bank and Glen Closes By William Burr automotive-related businesses in Old Hood, another veteran, to its flagship have kept it going. We could have Ottawa South. There used to be many store on Industrial avenue. made it work.” ollowing the Seven Eleven, more gas stations and mechanics in The outlet closed only one year However, a lot of the people another little piece of Old the neighbourhood. Dunn attributes a after the parent company took it over. from the neighbourhood have clued Ottawa South has disappeared: lot of the change to the fact that cars Dunn estimates that sales dropped in to Dunn’s new location and have F are better made these days. around 30 % during that period. followed him there. NAPA Auto Parts at Bank and Glen. Many Old Ottawa South residents The story behind the NAPA Throughout its history, he and his He holds on to fond memories will fondly remember the auto parts outlet’s closing, though, according to colleagues liked to think of the store of his neighbours at Bank and Glen: dealership, which opened in January, Dunn, has more to do with a change as “a country store in the middle of the Bruce and Sue, who live right behind 1951 as Ralph’s Auto parts, and the in people. city.” Customers knew him and other the store, Roddy, who lives upstairs, men and women who worked there. The store had changed hands staff such as Ed Hood by name, and and Sammy the barber next door, Tim Dunn was there for almost 30 numerous times over its history, but there was a feeling of goodwill and who’s been there almost as long as the years, starting in 1980. it had always kept the “Ralph’s Auto honesty to the way they did business. auto parts dealer. In high school, all his friends were parts” name, even after 1995 when “I always had the time to say hello He also remembers how Ralph into cars. In his late teens he followed it also started bearing the NAPA and how are you and all that,” he says. Saslove, the original owner, would the economic boom out to Alberta. colours (NAPA is a multinational Dunn’s brief foray into antique have his staff do all the math for sales Upon his return to Ontario shortly corporation). At that point, John auto restoration didn’t suit his fancy, by hand, without a calculator or a thereafter, he saw a help wanted ad in Holmes owned the store, but ran it and he now works at the big NAPA computer. This practice continued the paper for Ralph’s. They took him as a NAPA outlet. In 2008, however, on Industrial road. He describes it right up until 1991. on, he got along well with the guys Holmes retired, and NAPA bought as a typical big box store: “It’s fast. December 31 was the last day working there, and he stayed. complete ownership of the store. The I do miss the conversation.” He has for NAPA at its Bank Street location. He has seen the kids walking to corporation removed the “Ralph’s an easy, genial way of speaking that Dunn went back to work there on Hopewell school become high school Auto Parts” name, and at the same would seem out of place to me in a that day, despite not having worked students, and then start families of time, the store lost two of its long time sales-oriented, corporate environment. in Old Ottawa South for a year. “I their own. He’s seen many locations employees as well as Holmes: Dunn, He regrets that the days of the wanted to be there,” he says. around him change hands. seeing a “change in direction” on the Bank and Glen store are over. “I Among the changes, there has horizon, began working at an antique really think that myself and Ed and a been a steady decline in the number of car restorer, while NAPA moved Ed young, gung-ho salesman …we could Via Rail: A More Human Way To Travel By Anant Nagpur long (4 nights and 3 days). I had train but to my surprise I was rock they say and the people you meet, you taken trains before between Ottawa/ steady, standing admiring, gloating, would never meet otherwise and what ne significant thing I did in Montreal/Toronto/Niagara Falls/New looking at the front of the train and year 2009 was to travel by York City), in India and in Europe but saying to myself: “ I did it, boy! I did train the whole country and I this one is referred to as the “Mother it” and what a train journey it was, Cont’d on previous page O of all”. You never realise how big something for the history book as always wanted to but I finally did in 2009 and wow! What a trip it was. First Ontario is, my goodness! It took until I went to my nephew’s graduation in the next day (Wednesday around 6pm Halifax (he graduated from Dalhousie when we crossed to Manitoba). What University) in May 2009 and instead a huge province! The train stopped of flying (I had done twice before) I in Winnipeg (7.45am Thursday) and decided to take a train from Ottawa I wandered in Winnipeg returning to Halifax via Montreal. I had a cabin by 11.15am to start boarding and for one and it was an overnight trip, departing at noon. Once again by 6pm the train left from Ottawa at noon and we crossed to Saskatchewan and what from Montreal (The Ocean -- the name a contrast compared to Ontario, totally of the train) at 6.30pm and arrived in table top provinces, flat, just flat. If Halifax at 4.30pm the next day. It was the sky is clear, you never get to see such a pleasant journey and that’s so many stars as you would see from when I decided to go to Vancouver as the train here in these 2 provinces. well. After I came back from Halifax Just amazing. The next morning we I booked my train ticket to Vancouver arrived in Edmonton (6.30) crossing in August. There is something special the border in the early hours and first about the trains that normally you thing you notice are huge oil refineries never get to see or feel either by bus and you know this is Alberta. Just an or flying or even when driving. Once hour there and the next stop is Jasper, you sit in the train and it starts moving the Switzerland of Canada and the stop it is like magic. I crossed 4 provinces was about 90 minutes and you get a by the time I reached Halifax quick sample of Jasper and nature in (Ontario/Quebec/New Brunswick/ all her glory. I was hoping to see some Nova Scotia). I stayed at the same elk or mule deer but they had other hotel I had stayed twice before in plans. Once the train left Jasper, the Halifax (Garden South Park Inn, a scenery is yours to capture and enjoy little gem). After my Halifax trip, I and for me I was thinking of when I was really looking forward for my trip took the train from Oslo to Trondheim to Vancouver and until I was actually (Norway) and from Paris to Zurich in in the train and when the train (The Europe, very similar but the beauty Canadian) pulled away from Toronto, here is in one country, ours to cherish I couldn’t believe it: I am doing this here in Canada. Until nightfall, enjoy and it was considered as one of the what you get to cherish and next greatest train journeys in the world. morning we arrived one hour early Tuesday night till Saturday morning in Vancouver, 7.45am on Saturday. (When I reached Vancouver) in the When I got off the train in Vancouver, train and once again I had a cabin for I had this feeling that I was going to one. fall off the train’s platform when I I had never been in a train that got off since travelling 4 days in the Page 20 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR FEB 2010
BOOK REVIEW Autumn by Emily-Jane Hills Orford Autumn and landscapes has led her to create a one ‘snow house’ to another. Now, years to come. The author effectively by Emily-Jane Hills Orford series of novels of which “Autumn” is while seriously out of tune as a result links the central characters of her ISBN: 978-1-926596-42-6 the third volume. Each book is named of the extreme climate variations, it is previous novels with Martha’s story. after one of Antonio Vivaldi’s Four still in workable condition. While it might be preferable to start Baico Publishing, Ottawa, 2009 Seasons’ violin concertos, the Italian How do we get to Martha and the the Four Seasons Series from the Reviewed by Friederike Baroque composer’s best-known mystery? The novel starts with Tommy, beginning, the reader coming new to Knabe work. Martha’s great- great-grandfather. it with “Autumn” will definitely be Following the theme of music, it Orphaned when he was still almost a greatly motivated to catch up with “Life is full of truly extra-ordinary is not surprising that each novel in the child, and having to fend for himself, Melanie and Hope in the earlier books. people and extra-ordinary stories. We series has featured musical talent. In he happily accepted a passage into the Without wanting to give anything all live a life that is really ‘beyond “Spring” (2005) and “Summer” (2008) unknown as the Captain’s boy on the away of the remarkable events as they the ordinary’ and we all have our respectively we met Melanie and HMS Brianag. The ship, like the others unfold for Martha over the next ten own unique and fascinating stories to Hope - each from a different cultural of the time, is doomed and the crew years, I can say that the bond between tell.” Canadian background - growing abandons it. Among the few supplies Martha and her square piano are tested into world class violinists. They also they could pack onto a sled for their more than once and the mysteries have become friends over the years onward journey to find help, Captain that the piano encompasses take on and have made mentoring young McTavish has stacked his beloved dramatic and possibly dangerous musicians an important part of their piano. The captain and Tommy are proportions. lives. The central figure in “Autumn” eventually found by an Inuit hunter, Emily-Jane Hills Orford is a is Martha Kapakatoak, a young pianist whose people were referred to in those musician in her own right and a music from Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut. days as “Eskimos”. Despite efforts teacher. Her love for and knowledge Martha has inherited a small “square” to treat him, the captain succumbs to of a wide range of music, classical and piano * from one of her ancestors and, exhaustion in the night leaving young contemporary, is palpable throughout with no piano teacher available in her Tommy the sole European survivor. the novel. This aspect of the book hometown, she works hard to teach He has to promise the dying captain alone will make it a great read for herself to play and to read music. The that he will guard the piano with his young people who have some interest love for music, evidently, is in her life and return it as soon as possible to in music and playing it (as well as for genes... its rightful owners. their parents!). In addition, the author And therein lies the beginning of Tommy never returns to Scotland; has created a rich and multicoloured here is no doubt that Nepean the mystery that surrounds her and he is accepted into the Eskimo family canvas of people and landscapes. author Emily-Jane Hills Orford her piano. The instrument is a very who saved him. Over time, he becomes The themes of friendship, solidarity, enjoys telling a good story, special one. Not only was it brought the head of the household, completely commitment and spirituality are T over from Scotland to the Arctic on a integrated into the culture and routines strong themes here, giving the story whether about ordinary or extra- ordinary people. Love for music and mid-1850s expedition to find the North of his adopted people, distinguishable sometimes more than a touch of for the richness of Canadian cultures West Passage, it survived close to one mainly by his red beard and his talent optimism and idealism. Still, major hundred fifty years the transport from to entertain family and neighbours challenges accompany Martha as with his piano tunes. His commitment she grows into an adult. Last but not to his captain is passed on to his son least, Hills Orford so skilfully and and through the generations to finally perceptively conveys the power of reaching Martha. Tommy’s story is the natural environments in which her interspersed with Martha’s and her characters breathe and live - whether growing up into a musician is set it is the Canadian Arctic or the deep against major and minor historical forests of northern British Columbia events between 2000 to 2010. - that the reader feels transported into The author sensitively portrays the their midst. young pianist who strives to do her best, The author’s talent and enthusiasm practising every day either at home or for her subject matter is evident in the cathedral of Iqaluit where there throughout. Using aspects of various is a ‘digital piano’ with at least full size real-life events or historical facts such keyboard that gives her a better range as those around a square piano or a for her fingers and a somewhat better dubious fire in a composer’s house sound for her ears. As she grows in in the nineteenth century, Emily-Jane confidence she also gains in creativity Hills Orford loves to spin a good story - composing music that brings together of ordinary and extra-ordinary people. and even merges her European and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons not only plays Inuit musical traditions. Martha is a special role for the young heroine and supported in her musical ambition by her musical friends and mentors, it also her family: her mother and her cousin provides connections throughout the Sarah in particular are her fans. The novel. The original Four Seasons score vast landscape of the Northern Tundra of 1725 was published to go along with provides a beautiful backdrop to the a set of sonnets, one for each concerto description of the family’s daily life with one verse for each movements. and Hills Orford describes it with great Attributed to the compose himself, skill and evident affection. She shows the sonnets beautifully describe the how living in such an environment theme and reflect the mood for each can enrich a person’s outlook on life movement in each of the concertos. and strengthen the bonds to nature The author introduces key chapters that city dwellers might find much of “Autumn” with an epigraph citing more difficult to develop. In these from the relevant sonnet. In all, she surroundings music can often say has presented us with a rich and more than words could express. moving reading experience whether Martha’s talent and skills as a we are younger or older. pianist are tested when two well-known violinists - Melanie and Hope - visit * See the interview with the author Iqaluit as part of a northern concert on the next page for more details on tour. The result of this first encounter this kind of piano. will direct and guide Martha’s life for FEB 2010 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 21 Interview Emily-Jane Hills Orford By Friederike Knabe for which is about Bishop Henry Marsh incredible. Performing with nature a particular group of readers in mind OSCAR, of Yukon, and The Whistling Bishop, as both your audience and your when conceiving the series? If so, Baico Books, 2008, which is about counterpoint is a powerful experience. why? Bishop Jamie Clarke of the Arctic. The I would like to think that my stories 1. You are a musician, a teacher Whistling Bishop was named Finalist 7. In each novel the chosen might inspire young musicians. I and a published author. You are also for the 2009 Next Generation Indie instrument plays a central role not would hope that my stories would also somebody who loves telling “extra- Book Awards). I don’t think there only for the young musician. Martha’s spark some interest in those who don’t ordinary stories about extra-ordinary is any one person that inspired the inheritance of a nineteenth century have the benefit of a music education, people”. And it seems that you can creation of my characters. I was more “square piano” is particularly who see Canada as being void of a even find extra-ordinary stories in the interested in presenting truly Canadian dramatic. Can you explain why the music history, void of music talent. We lives of ordinary people. What or who personalities, not famous people, just existence of such a piano in the do have a lot talent and, as Canadians, inspired your love for story telling? extra-ordinary people. Canadian Arctic had such wide and we need to show our national pride and I don’t think there is any one important ramification? support and encourage our talented person who inspired my love of 4. The story relates some key There are very few musical musicians. storytelling. Actually there are many historical events and developments, instruments that can survive the drastic people. I come from a long line of starting with the mid-eighteen climate of the Arctic. I have been 10. When can we expect the last storytellers. My grandmother was a hundreds to the creation of Nunavut, told that there are no acoustic pianos volume of the Seasons Series? Without wonderful storyteller. Everything in the fire of the Iqaluit’s important in Iqaluit, only digital keyboards. revealing any secrets, can you share her life was a story. She would come cathedral and more recent events. It’s not just the climate that makes it anything about WINTER? to visit us for a week and my mother How important was it for you to relate impractical to own an acoustic piano Winter is currently still rambling always claimed that she would start the fictional story to reality and fact? in Iqaluit. It’s the cost of shipping the around in my mind. I have another telling her stories the moment she I believe in writing about real instrument to Baffin Island. Iqaluit is book in the works at the moment. walked in the door and she wouldn’t places and real events. I didn’t want the only capital city in the world that I think I can safely say that Winter stop talking until she left a week later. to write about a fictional setting that is inaccessible by land to the rest of will take place on the East coast. I’ve She was such a wonderful storyteller, may or may not be a specific place the world. Shipping a piano to Iqaluit already covered southwestern Ontario, that I had to write her story (Personal somewhere in Canada. I wanted to use would be very costly, to say the least. the west coast and the far north, so it Notes, Moosehide Books 2008). My a real place. I felt it was important, Martha’s square piano is an anomaly. only makes sense to tell a story from parents were also storytellers. We considering the time period of the The mere fact that it survived the trek the Maritimes. I don’t know if Winter also had a constant stream of visitors, novel, to include specific events that across the frozen tundra, let alone be will be the last book. I know it would missionaries from around the world have had a profound affect on people. still marginally playable 150 years certainly finish the ‘four seasons’; but and people my parents knew. They There is a documented story of a piano later is nothing short of miraculous. our seasons have certainly changed were all storytellers. I used to love to that was dragged across the tundra However, that’s fiction. One can since Vivaldi’s day and perhaps we sit and listen to whoever was visiting on a dogsled. One has to remember stretch the imagination through the art have more seasons in a year. There are us. There were always fascinating that pianos in the mid-1800s were of telling a good story. certainly more parts of Canada, more stories being told. not the big cumbersome instruments stories, more potential adventures, that we have today. The piano in Martha’s 8. Your expertise in the field of haven’t been included in my first three 2. AUTUMN is the third book story would be what was called a music and your love for all aspects of books. We shall see. in your “Four Seasons’ Series” – square piano, which was really more it permeates your novel. We can all Thank you Spring, Summer and now Autumn. rectangular than square, probably the learn alongside Martha about a wide Can you explain briefly why you have shape and size of a coffin, and, yes, range of musical epochs, styles, and chosen Vivaldi’s Four Seasons as the it would fit on a dogsled. St. Jude’s interpretations through different ages overriding theme for your novels? Cathedral did suffer from a tragic fire and cultures - – from Bach to Inuit Music describes life in so many that was maliciously set. Making this throat singing. How important has the ways. I think the poems that Vivaldi story part of Martha’s drama seemed educational component been for your wrote to complement the music of important in the development of the in this novel and the series? his “Four Seasons” so aptly describe mystery surrounding her instrument. I am a strong advocate of the how life is like the four calendar Relating a fictional story to things importance of music in every person’s seasons. I wanted to write stories that really happened seems to add education. Music is such a vital part about young musicians, particularly credibility to the story. And why not? of our lives and there have been young Canadian musicians, and depict Historical fiction does it all the time countless studies on the effectiveness their lives, their musical careers, as . of music in improving one’s mind. I they evolve through the four seasons. 5. Have you visited Nunavut and guess I wanted to present a very real Vivaldi’s music and his poems seemed Iqaluit to explore the history of families person who had a very real passion for to me to be the perfect formula, if you like the Kapakatoaks and take in the music and who was, at the same time, like, on which to develop my stories. beauty of their natural environment? an interesting person. So often music, I have been to Iqaluit and I have especially classical music, is labelled 3. Each of the volumes centre had the pleasure of meeting people as dull and the people who perform around one young musician with there and exploring its wonderful this music are equally considered Martha Kapakatoak, the young Inuit landscape. As I wrote Martha’s story, unexciting. I wanted to tell a story from Iqaluit the heroine of this most I imagined myself walking where she that was exciting, interesting and recent novel. What made you select walked, especially the steep uphill involved a talented classical musician. young women from different – and climb from the centre of town! I think I’m also a strong advocate for ethnically multi-ethnic – backgrounds, everything that is Canadian. So much and Martha in particular? Did 6. Your novel evokes the different of Canadian history is taught as dull any actual personalities inspire the landscapes that their deep impact on facts and dates. So much of Canada creation of any of the characters? the central characters – whether the is brushed aside as uninteresting. I I chose my characters and settings Northern Tundra or the deep forests wanted to present the Canada that I from different parts of Canada because of Central British Columbia. Can see, that I know and love. I have a great love of the wonderful you share why making music in open multi-diverse regions of this country. I spaces plays such an important role in 9. Your enthusiasm for certain have a special affinity to southwestern your story? composers and piano pieces is Ontario, having grown up there. I Canadian music itself speaks palpable throughout the story and spent several years living in British strongly about Canada’s great open Martha clearly reflects strong Columbia, studying and writing about spaces. Many of the summer music emotions in that regard. She develops the various regions of the province, camps in Canada feature outdoor her talents in amazing speed. Do you and the art of the First Nations. I have practice facilities and performance see Martha as a role model for young long held a fascination with Canada’s opportunities. I had the opportunity people with interest in music? Are far north. Two of my previous books as a young musician to study at one there other role models you would like are about missionaries in the north such camp and the experience was the readers to follow? Did you have (Ukulele Yukon, Baico Books, 2006, Page 22 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR FEB 2010
WINDSOR REDUX B PART 10 Winter Carnival
For nearly eight years, from Dear Boomer, playing with one another. They forget But when I tried to scamper in February 2000 to August 2008, their proper place, which is to stand pursuit of the alleged turkey, I was OSCAR carried a monthly column. umanoids know how to have around and watch while we play. whistled back off-side. Apparently The Windsor Chronicles, written by fun with their whelps. You And the mortification of it all! the object of this game is not to see Zoscha the Wonder Dog. Zoscha have to give them full points Alpha even tied me up to a light how fast a dog can catch up with a became something of a celebrity H standard while he and the Pup played frozen hen while it slides across the for organization. in our neighbourhood, and her At this time of year, when the days games with the others, using a brightly ice. I never did figure out what the observations on the passing scene, are getting just a little bit longer, they coloured nylon parachute. I thought object of the game actually was, but from a canine perspective, attracted gather in large numbers at Windsor that maybe they would all gather on I’m sure we could have made it a lot her share of loyal readers as well as Park. There’s so many humanoids top of it to lie down and have a nap. more fun for those humanoids if they critics. that it’s hard to see beyond the forest But there’s no rest for these humanoids had allowed us to participate. OSCAR is reprinting some of of legs. More than ever, we have to once they get it in their minds to play Zoscha’s musings from eight years rely upon our smell. They humanoids games. I just think it was highly unfair Hoping this winter will last ago. The editors have annotated cook hot dogs and stews, and that to leave me tied up by the sidelines. I forever, where we feel that today’s readers leaves wonderful smells. They bring could have shown them all a thing or may need to be informed of in horses to pull sleighs, and the two about how to play tug-o-war with Zoscha references that may no longer be horses leave scents that linger for a nylon parachute. remembered by readers today, or days afterward, as a reminder of how Their imaginations seem to be (1) The annual winter carnival where recent scholarship has shed we could bound through the snow quite limited in how to play. All the in Windsor Park was already a further light on the world described after them.(1) whelps lined up for something they neighbourhood institution in 2001. It in the Windsor Chronicles.. But I’ve observed this about the called “the turkey toss.” It wasn’t continues to this day. species: when humanoids gather in much of a turkey. More of a cornish February, 2001 such numbers, they tend to become game hen. And it wasn’t much of a very self absorbed. They’re too busy toss. More of a slide along the ice. Turks & Caicos For Christmas
By James Hunter wind chill back home – an almost 50 degree difference!). Once you get he Internet age has brought to the Islands, things are relatively us a major benefit in terms expensive, and there is not a lot to of how we can find out about do other than beach and water related T sports, so it is a chance to relax and great deals on airfares. We subscribe to several regular emails that list enjoy the sun, ocean and coral reefs. travel deals. Perhaps the most useful The islands are surrounded by is TravelZoo. It listed a flight to Turks a lovely set of coral reefs which & Caicos over the Christmas week for make them one of the top 10 diving only $400 return (including taxes) via destinations in the world. There are 2 reefs which are just a few feet off shore Air Canada direct from Ottawa. Note culture to be found on shore, but it is a touristed and there are many desolate and can be reached by swimming that if you go on the Air Canada site, great family destination. beaches where you can be the sole from the beach and snorkelling; as the cheapest you can regularly get this The islands have an interesting occupant. We were still able to find well as many other reefs which are flight is $600. history. They were the first place such stretches of beach on Provo, best reached by boat. We spent time The Turks and Caicos islands are visited by Christopher Columbus in especially at the South west corner in every day snorkelling and marvelling about an hour flight south of Miami, 1492 on his first trek to North America. a spot called “Pirates Cove”, a cave at the colourful coral and fish. just north of the Dominican Republic, They harboured pirates for much of that harboured pirates! I was very proud of my 11 and 14 a 4 hour flight from Montreal. They their history and were controlled by Some of you may be wondering year old daughters who were able to are a series of islands with very lovely various countries (including Spain, how we could afford such a trip (and dive down 20-30 feet to examine fish beaches and a great climate. While we France, Jamaica and Bahamas) before if you read the OSCAR you may note and coral on the bottom. There is even were there, it was 27 degrees Celsius becoming a protectorate of Great that we went to Peru earlier this year). a “snorkelling trail” which has metal (as compared to -29 Celsius with Britain. Slaves were brought to the Well here are some tips: Look for plaques on the bottom indicating islands at one point to work on cotton discounted airfare on Internet groups. highlights of the area; you need to plantations, but the soil was not strong Contact the local tourist agency and dive down to read them. My older enough to support this. ask them to find you accommodation daughter was quite scared by a close More recently, Canada has been in your price range. Bring your own encounter with a barracuda. She went looking at becoming involved with food (we brought a backpack with down to take a look at this large fish the Turks and Caicos and I must packaged food, a cooler with frozen and then noticed that it had very big say that this would be a great idea! food and a cooler with cold food). teeth and was following us. Barracuda The government of the islands is Bring your own mask/snorkel/fins. are scavengers and although they currently “suspended” due to rampant You may even be able to rent out your won’t usually harm snorkellers, they corruption by the officials – mostly house while you are away (but make will follow them in the hope that we related to allowing outsiders to buy sure that your insurance covers you will kill something and leave food citizenship. Now would be a great for this). scraps for them to scavenge. We time for Canada to step in and help I can highly recommend the Turks soon lost the barracuda, but were establish a stable government. and Caicos island as an idyllic family enthralled to see a large turtle slowly We stayed on Providenciales retreat very much appreciated during ambling its way along. island where a lot of development the cold winter months! There are plenty of things to has happened recently on the beaches do on the water including sailing, with many major resorts having been kayaking, wind surfing, kite surfing, constructed. This takes away from the parasailing, glass-bottom boats, and natural feel of the island. However, scuba or snorkelling trips. There is Photos on next page the other islands are not as heavily not much in the way of nightlife or FEB 2010 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 23
NOTES FROM THE GARDEN CLUB Garden Renovation Creating the Garden You Love From the Garden You Have By Colin Ashford been called in to tame. Ailsa can be reached through her website: fter a break over the Christmas period, www.hortusurbanus.com the members of the Old Ottawa South The next meeting of the Garden Club will be on Garden Club started the New Year with a Tuesday 9 February, 2010 at Southminster United A Church at 7.30 p.m., Aylmer and Bank (enter from big turnout for an old friend—Ailsa Francis. Ailsa used to run Hortus Urbanus—an entrancing and Galt Street), when Mary Reid of Green Thumb wonderful retail outlet in Old Ottawa South full of Garden Centre will be talking about how to choose an eclectic assortment of things practical and things and use varieties of climbing, trailing, and creeping decorative for the garden. After ten years in retail, plants. Drop-in membership for the evening is $5 Ailsa decided to return to her roots as a garden and new members are always welcome. designer and consultant; and, in that context, she gave the Garden Club membership an entertaining and informative presentation on garden renovation. Before Taming Photo by Ailsa Francis. The theme of her presentation was getting an unruly garden under control, whether you, or the and weed seeds. previous owner, had let the garden go. Before staring And, of course, once the garden is under on a garden renewal project, Ailsa recommended control, to keep it so by: incorporating compost deciding on your “maintenance threshold”—that is, to fertilize and condition the soil; using mulch to how often you are prepared to work in the garden: suppress weeds and conserve moisture, selecting once a day, once a week, or once a month. For those the right plants for the location; pruning or replacing with a low tolerance for garden maintenance, Ailsa overgrown plants; and daily hoeing to control the recommended focusing on hardscaping and pot weeds. plants. In all cases, she recommended avoiding the In terms of design, Ailsa emphasized the need garden “monsters” (Golden Hops, Virginia Creeper, for well-defined boundaries for both lawns and Grapevine, etc.) and being prepared to say goodbye flowerbeds. A path can provide a good definition to overgrown and out-of-control plants. Serious and so can varying the heights and forms of plants. After Taming Photo by Ailsa Francis. weed problems may require longer-term solutions Ailsa finished her presentation with a number of such a solarization: baking the earth under clear before-and-after pictures of gardens which she had plastic sheets with the summer sun to kill weeds Turks & Caicos For Christmas
Photos by the Hunter Family -- article on previous page Page 24 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR FEB 2010 Two Hopewell Kids on Sabbatical: Update
Aloha Junk in Halong Bay - The Chinese junk where we spent New Year’s Eve in Halong Bay
In mid-August 2009, Old their two children, Chloe, who are missing grades travels. Last month’s article Ottawa South residents 9 and Ciaran, 7. They are 4 and 2 respectively, are was about southern Thailand Patti Ryan and Mark backpacking their way sending monthly articles to and Cambodia. This month, Newman left Canada for a around southeast Asia and the OSCAR with descriptions the focus is on Vietnam. 6.5-month trip to Asia with India. Chloe and Ciaran, and updates from their
Silk dress fitting in Hoi An - Getting fitted for the silk dress I designed with a tailor in Hoi An at Christmas FEB 2010 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 25 Continued ...... Two Hopewell Kids on Sabbatical: Update
Ha Tien was just a 10-minute ride away, and we had asked to be dropped off at the bus station. Our plan was to catch the next bus to the Mekong Delta town of Can Tho. At the Ha Tien bus station, the scam really got underway. The moto drivers brought us to a market area that we later realized was not the real bus station. There, a skinny guy with long, straggly hairs on his throat appeared. He had a glossy pamphlet displaying bus times, and told us there were no more buses from Ha Tien today. We would have to go to the next town instead—Ban Ho—to catch a bus. The scam my mom had read about involved a skinny guy with “a hairy neck” appearing at the bus station. The warnings about him could be summed up as, “If an English-speaking guy with a hairy neck shows up offering solutions that seem too good to be true, they probably are.” I kept whispering to my mom, “It looks like the hairy neck guy! This could be a scam!” but he was the second hairy-throated guy we’d seen that morning, and she didn’t want to jump to conclusions unfairly. My Homestay cooking - Cooking dinner at the homestay near Can Tho in the Mekong Delta parents looked around and saw no buses, and didn’t want to be stuck in this scruffy border town overnight, bikes to the border for five dollars Ha Tien, so we got them to drive us By Chloe Ryan so they agreed that we should go to each, since the taxi could not cross the after all. The rule was no more than efore I start describing what border. Luckily, my mom had a vague two people per bike, so each of us was awesome about our memory of this being part of a trick had to get on a different motorcycle, Cont’d on page 26 month in Vietnam, we’ll from her online research, and with even Ciaran. My parents were not too B my dad’s persistence, we were able to happy about that. have to talk about the terrible border crossing from Cambodia to Vietnam. stay in the taxi and get the driver to Land border crossings in Asia are take us all the way to the border. notorious for scams, so my mom had However, the motorcycle drivers done a bit of reading about what we rode alongside us, determined to get our business one way or another. They
Kayaking around Halong Bay in northern Vietnam should be on the lookout for during this one. All the same, we missed a followed us all the way into the no- bunch of clues and got caught in a man’s-land between the two countries. giant scam. (We realized later on that The buildings at the border were so many things had been screaming, just wooden shacks, and there were “Scam! Scam! Scam!” at us along the no line-ups, since so few people way). use this remote crossing. With our First, we took a taxi from Kampot passports stamped at the shack at the in Cambodia and drove for over an entry to Vietnam, and the drivers still hour, until we were on a dirt road about waiting for us on the other side, my 20 minutes from the Vietnam border. parents concluded that maybe these Then our taxi driver stopped near a guys were okay and just very hungry handful of men with motorcycles and for work. In any case, there was no told us we should get out and ride their other way to get to the nearest town, Page 26 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR FEB 2010 Continued ...... Two Hopewell Kids on Sabbatical: Update stay with a local family living in the delta and see what their way of life was like. We left for the homestay the next afternoon. The family lived in a small house with large grounds, and on the grounds was the separate bamboo hut with a thatch roof that we slept in. It was cool. We went on a long bike ride soon after arriving, along narrow paths that wind through the delta by the water. It was really fun. My bike was a little bit too big, and happened to have a very wobbly steering wheel, and I crashed a lot. The first time, I bonked straight into a cement wall. Several times, I fell onto grass and debris, and I almost fell into the river once or twice, and stuff like that. Once, I almost hit a stray dog. Another time, I hit my mom’s back tire. That’s all very swell and all, but the worst time was when I almost hit an old lady who was planting flowers. I didn’t hit her, but I swerved, and then a second later, I fell off the path and squashed some plants. The drop from the cement path to the ground was about a foot high, Homestay - Our little room at the homestay near Can Tho in the Mekong Delta so I fell off my bike and then I had a
Ban Ho. It meant getting back on the motorbikes with these four guys for what turned out to be a half-hour ride down a highway. In the end, Ban Ho was no town at all, just a pit stop off the main road. We got dropped off at a little food stall and ordered some drinks. This, of course, was no more a bus station than the one at Ha Tien had been. But after 15 minutes of waiting, a grubby, overcrowded local bus pulled up—not actually even a real bus, just a battered minibus which, in my opinion, is a lot worse than a normal bus because it’s always much bumpier and noisier. Anyway, someone came out and told us the bus fare, asking for five times the regular price. My parents, who were both really angry by this time, argued it down to double. As we were boarding the bus, we realized we’d been tricked yet again—the bus wasn’t even going to Can Tho, but to a different town in the delta from which we would have to change to a second bus, making it a much longer trip. Beach soccer on Cua Dai Beach - Beach soccer instead of road hockey at Christmas, Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An
Inside the bus, all the passengers were locals except for us. At one point, pack of dogs running after me. After somebody got on carrying a little blue that, I had to walk my bike. bucket in one hand and a big beehive It was interesting to see people’s in the other, with a bunch of live bees lifestyles from the water’s edge along in it. There was no glass or plastic the network of bike paths. The paths enclosing it—just bees. It looked like were too narrow for cars, so there they could come over and sting you were only bicycles, motorbikes and wherever. They didn’t, but it was kind pedestrians. We actually saw a little of scary anyway. gas station whose only customers were motorbike drivers. There were The Mekong Delta lots of flowers, and on the water we often saw people working on wooden With the long and dreadful bus boats. ride behind us, we arrived at Can Tho After we’d been riding for a while, after dark and found a hotel. Things we stopped at a little restaurant with got better after that. The next morning, an orchard attached to it so we could when we were mostly recovered from taste some tropical fruit and see how the border ordeal, we went out to it’s grown. We had mango, jackfruit, arrange a homestay. The idea was to starfruit, dragonfruit, pineapple and FEB 2010 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 27 Continued ...... Two Hopewell Kids on Sabbatical: Update
watermelon. It was all really tasty. soccer team won the semi-final match what we wanted. My mom and I kept cake, and pretty much everyone in Then we got back on our bikes and in the Southeast Asian Games in pointing at the tree we liked and he the restaurant sang Happy Birthday to returned to the homestay. Vientiane, Laos. It seemed like there kept running off to get us lights or Ciaran. I think it was really a one-off We were invited to help cook were a million people carousing in tinsel instead. At last, we got him to birthday experience for him. the dinner, so we crowded into the the streets, on motorbikes or on foot, understand that we wanted the actual, One of the most interesting gifts family’s kitchen and learned to chanting, singing, dancing, shouting, whole small tree. He went over, I got for Christmas from my parents make spring rolls as well as other clapping, banging drums or pots and unplugged the lights, picked up the was the opportunity to have a silk Vietnamese specialties, like pumpkin pans and waving Vietnamese flags. tree and plopped it on the sidewalk dress made for myself by one of soup and pork cooked in a clay pot. Some were standing up on their in the rain, decorations and all. It Hoi An’s many tailors. I was able to The menu also included fresh spring motorbikes while their partners drove still had the lights, tinsel, decorations choose the style, fabric and color, and rolls that we made ourselves, which full-speed ahead. It was an incredible and everything on it. We stood there, then it was custom-made for me. were awesome. Before bed, our guide sight. covering the tree with our umbrella, From Hoi An, we flew to Hanoi showed us some card tricks, and we I would have liked to see what waiting for another cab, and I named for our final week in Vietnam. We showed him some of ours. It was fun. happened if Vietnam won the final the tree Milliter (My Little Tree, so spent New Year’s Eve north of Hanoi My dad has been practising ever since. game, but as it turned out, we had left Mi-Li-Ter). in Halong Bay on a Chinese junk. The next morning, we took a boat Saigon by then and in any case, they For Christmas dinner, we went to Halong Bay is an incredibly scenic to see the floating market. The market lost. a very fancy and expensive restaurant area of Vietnam where limestone rocks was a massive cluster of boats of all in the old part of the city called The and islands jut out of the turquoise sizes and shapes whose passengers or Christmas in Hoi An Cargo Club. They were serving a water. I danced until midnight and owners were selling mainly produce set menu with all the traditional had a fabulous time getting everyone from their boats. Some of the people Before we knew it, Christmas Christmas foods, like turkey and else on the boat to dance too. The lived on their boats, every day, and had had arrived. During Christmas we cranberries, but I ordered a quesadilla next morning, we kayaked around the laundry hanging off the edges to dry. were in a place called Hoi An, about instead. My mom got one of the non- bay, checking out caves and floating There were people tossing pineapples midway up the coast of Vietnam, traditional set meals and it came villages and oyster farms. It was through the air onto smaller boats. where we stayed for 10 days. In my with some excellent desserts that really beautiful. When we returned to Because the market is so crowded and opinion, Hoi An was a great place for we helped her eat, like passionfruit Hanoi a few days later, we met some noisy, the big boats would have the Christmas because it’s so scenic and sorbet and tropical fruit crumble. friends of my parents who were also varieties of produce they were selling atmospheric, but it was difficult to This was the same restaurant we’d travelling around Vietnam for the strung up at the tops of tall bamboo find the decorations and other things gone to just a few evenings earlier to holidays, and went out for dinner with poles on their boats so buyers could that we needed there. There were celebrate my brother’s birthday. That them. see what was available. It was cool. only two shops we found in the whole time, we let him order anything he Then it was finally time to fly to You wouldn’t see anything like that in town that were selling Christmas wanted from the menu and he chose India to start the final section of our Canada. things. My mom and I took a taxi to the seafood pizza. We had arranged trip….And so India will be the subject After the Mekong Delta, we them, and bought Christmas cards, for him to have chocolate mousse of my final article next month! travelled north to Saigon, Vietnam’s tinsel, wrapping paper and some craft cake for dessert, with seven candles. biggest city. There, we went on a day supplies. I thought my mom bought The slices were so big that no one trip to visit the Cu Chi tunnels, where way too much wrapping paper, but could finish theirs. The staff dimmed the Viet Cong lived underground for I was much mistaken, as I ended up the lights when they brought out the a long part of the Vietnam War. That wrapping some gifts in plastic bags was really interesting, but I think the when we ran out. most memorable thing that happened The biggest challenge was finding to us in Saigon was simply being a mini fake Christmas tree (since out on the streets downtown on the there are no real ones). It was difficult evening when the Vietnam national getting the shopkeeper to understand
Visiting The Cu Chi Tunnels Near Saigon
By Ciaran Ryan
hen we were in Saigon, we visited the Cu Chi tunnels. The tunnels are leftover from the Vietnam War, and are a couple hundred Wkilometres long. They were made by the Viet Cong. During the war, people slept in them even though there were bats inside, and that’s how they lived during the war. The tunnels helped them win, because they could disappear underground when the other side was trying to attack them. Nowadays you can visit the tunnels for a tour if you want, and crawl inside them. The first tunnel we went down was extremely small and dark. Some of the adults were panicking, but my sister and I were as cool as cucumbers. We showed them the way out with the light from our cell phone because they thought it was too dark. The second tunnel we tried had been widened a bit for tourists and was a little brighter, but also much longer. I think it would have been really hard to live in those tunnels. The bus ride to get to Cu Chi from Saigon was really long, but visiting the tunnels was really cool.
To book an OSCAR ad call Gayle 730-1058 [email protected] th Page 28 The OSCAR - OUR 37 YEAR FEB 2010 Bags Of Wishes From Curves
By Sue Ironside
ith an incredibly generous spirit of giving, the members of the Curves Clubs in OOS, Bank & Sparks & Stittsville delighted Win filling gift bags with presents for clients of the Shepherds of Good Hope and the Cornerstone shelters. For the 5th year, wish lists of appropriate gifts were placed in Christmas bags provided to Curvesí members and the ladies did the rest. For many, the fun and joy of filling the bags was the simplest and most rewarding part of their Christmas shopping! The over-stuffed bags were returned to Curves in the weeks leading up to Christmas, filling the centre of the Curvesí circuit with more than just the spirit of the season. Warm slippers, tuques, mitts, scarves, pyjamas and toiletries brimmed from many bags. Nearly 300 gift bags were received by the two shelters and hopefully delivered the message to the recipients that someone was thinking of them at Christmas. It ís always great to be at Curves!
Carleton U Sports By Joe Scanlon and sabre.) This year, half way through the season, the men While the fencers are at home, Carleton’s men’s are again contending for a National championship. encing conjures up images of old movies like and women’s basketball teams are on the road: they They have beaten every team except Lakehead Douglas Fairbank in “The Three Musketeers” have games at York in Toronto and Laurentian in and – in the National rankings – are second only in 1921 or maybe Errol Flynn in “The Sudbury (February 5 and 6) and against RMC and to University of British Columbia, a team they F Queen’s in Kingston (February 12 and 13.) defeated in the national final last March. As this is Adventures of Robin Hood” in 1928. However, fencing is now and has for decades Those are the final regular season games for being written, UBC had yet to lose a game. Barring been a major part of Carleton University’s Varsity the women but the men will play their final home a complete collapse, the men will be at home for sports program. Even when there were severe game against Ottawa U February 20. The game one, probably two rounds of the playoffs and there financial problems some years ago and sports had may decide which team will have home floor for is a good chance they will be playing Ottawa in the to be cut, fencing survived. the play-offs as Carleton and Ottawa are first and Ontario East final. As host team, they are guaranteed This year Carleton hosts the Ontario University second in their conference and are – as of mid- a spot in the eight-team National championships championships on Saturday-Sunday February 13 January – both ranked in the top 10 in Canada. tournament at Scotiabank Place March 19-21. and 14. The championships are in the Norm Fenn Tickets for that game will be close to impossible The women – at this point – also seem likely to gym (the original Carleton gym) and are open to to get. Carleton has a large number of season ticket have a home playoff game; and it is possible they, the public. holders and must allocate tickets to Ottawa. too, will be playing Ottawa U. After losing three of In their home tournament in mid-January, the For years now Carleton men have been one of the their first five games, the women won six straight Raven fencers won gold in the men’s sabre event dominant teams in university basketball. They have to move into first place in Ontario East. They (Ben Riley, Jonathan Girard and Devan Marr) and won six of the last seven Canadian Interuniversity also had a good showing at the McGill Christmas gold in the women’s foil event (Kelleigh Ryan, Sport (CIS) National championships. They have tournament where they dropped the opening game Jennifer Duney and Brittny Vondara). been ranked first or second all season. to McGill then came with two wins. Then, after (There are three events in fencing: foil, epee Until recently, the women have not done well. losing to Ryerson in Toronto on January 15 they had a come-from-behind win the next night against the University of Toronto, a win that put them back in first place – a win against a team they had not beaten for 12 years. However, the women would have to win the OUA East playoffs to make it to the women’s Nationals at McMaster in Hamilton March 12-14. Like the men’s and women’s basketball teams, the men’s hockey team is playing well. In January, the men came from behind and scored four straight goals to defeat Ottawa U 4-2 then went on to two spectacular wins, defeating 5 ranked McGill 3-1 and one day later, Concordia 2-1 in overtime. McGill will be at Carleton on February 5 but the Ravens finish the season with three away games. Since hockey playoffs are never sudden death, the men’s hockey Ravens will have some home playoff dates later this month. The team is led by Mike Byrd, 11 goals and nine assists, Andrew Self, eight goals and 12 assists and Ryan Bedard, six goals and 15 assists While the men play teams from both Ontario and Quebec Universities the women play in the five team Quebec league against McGill, far and away the best team in Canada (a team that has now had more than 70 consecutive wins), and the University of Montreal Carabins, another outstanding team. The women host McGill February 6rh, a game worth seeing, as well as Montreal on February 14 and Concordia on February 20. In Mid January, the struggling women lost to Ottawa 4-3 and to University of Montreal 3-0 before ending a five- game losing streak with a 3-1 win over Concordia. FEB 2010 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 29 February 14 - Valentine’s Day By Anna Redman Valentinus had a large following card in order to celebrate Valentine’s would place her name into an urn, and started his own group when he Day. and then the single males would each very February, couples all was not selected to become a bishop. The reason for February 14th being select a name. These pairings lasted over North America, England, His school of Gnostic philosophy now selected as the “most romantic day of an entire year and often resulted in France and Australia celebrate goes by the name of “Valentinianism,” the year” is a little uncertain, however, marriage. Eventually, however, this E and was created through books from there are several speculations. One system was deemed “un-Christian,” the “most romantic day of the year.” With flowers, candy, and cards, the New Testament and ideas from such speculation is that February 14th and was forced into disuse. Valentine’s Day has become one of a disciple of St. Paul, by the name is or is close to St. Valentine’s date of France and England believed that the most commercial annual holidays. of Theodas. The second myth states death. Therefore the annual holiday Valentine’s Day corresponded with However, there is a history behind this that St. Valentine was a priest who is also an annual celebration of this the mating season of birds, reinforcing famous holiday that is less commercial performed secret marriages for young saint’s passing. Another speculation the idea that this should be a day for than one may expect. couples after marriage was banned by is that Valentine’s Feast Day was romance. Valentine’s Day began to The story behind Valentine’s Day the Emperor. The Emperor, Claudius designated to the middle of February be popularly celebrated around the is actually a religious one. There are II, decided that men who were single as an attempt to make the Pagan seventeenth century. By the end of three saints who are recognized by the made better soldiers than men who Lupercalia festival more Christian. the eighteenth century, thanks to Catholic Church as St. Valentine, all were married and thus outlawed In Ancient Rome, February was technological advancements, printed with a different story. marriage. When it was discovered deemed the beginning of spring, and cards were more readily available and The first tale suggests that that St. Valentine was defying the this new season was viewed as a time began to replace the previously hand- Valentinus was killed on account Emperor’s wishes he was killed. for purification. With it came “Spring written letters. The oldest known of helping Christian prisoners to The third, and most romantic Cleaning,” and Lupercalia, which was Valentine’s letter was written by escape from harsh Roman prisons. story, depicts St. Valentine as the first a fertility festival dedicated to the God Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife. Valentinus is the best known early sender of a Valentine’s Day Card. of agriculture and Rome’s founders. The greeting was written in 1415 and Christian Gnostic theologian. He While in prison St. Valentine wrote To commence the festival, priests is now part of a collection belonging taught that there were three kinds of a letter to a young girl that he had would sacrifice a goat (for fertility) to the British Library in London. people; the spiritual, the psychical fallen in love with. Upon concluding and a dog (for purification). The goat Valentine’s Day has evolved and the material. These teachings the letter he coined the phrase “From was then sliced and dipped in blood greatly since its original inception. indicated that those of a spiritual your Valentine,” which is still often by males before being taken to town. It is now celebrated by young and nature, his followers, would obtain stamped on greeting cards for this Here women were touched with the old alike through cards, candy and the knowledge required to return to holiday. goat, which was strangely welcomed flowers. Venus, the Goddess of Love the divine powers. Other Christians, These greeting cards are now a by the females of Rome, as it was sends her son Cupid as a myth and a those of a psychical nature would key component of the February 14th believed to make them more fertile symbol of this romantic day, so that be preserved, but to a lesser extent, celebration with 188 million cards for the upcoming year. However, it every February 14th people continue while the Jews and Pagans, who were being exchanged annually, according was later in the day when the more to declare their love for one another placed in the material category, were to Hallmark research. This research traditional Valentine’s Day element and celebrate the “most romantic day doomed. also suggests that more than 50% of was incorporated into the festival. of the year.” the American population purchases a Each young, single woman in the city Transforming Bombshells Into Bicycles Necklace Sales Raise $4,405 For Mines Action Canada
en Thousand Villages’ Peace Dove Campaign has been wildly successful: 881 necklaces have been sold, 41 in the Ottawa stores, raising a total of T$4,405 toward the purchase of wheelchairs and bicycles to help child victims of landmines in Cambodia travel to and from school. The dove necklaces, which are hand-cut from the shell casings of munitions littering the Cambodian countryside and hand-stamped with messages of peace in both Khmer and English, are created by the artisans of Rajana, a Cambodian Fair Trade group. In a campaign to support the victims of landmines and the producers of the necklaces, Ten Thousand Villages has donated $5 to Mines Action Canada from each necklace sold between the International Day of Peace and Remembrance Day. “This money will make a huge difference in the lives of our friends and colleagues,” said Song Kosal, Cambodian landmine survivor and Youth Ambassador with the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. “It will allow our program to purchase dozens of bicycles and wheelchairs to help disabled kids get back to school. We thank you, Canada!” Bob Berg, CEO of Ten Thousand Villages Canada is equally enthusiastic: “The support for this program has been overwhelming, what a wonderful Christmas gift from the people of Canada to the people of Cambodia.” Ten Thousand Villages, Canada’s largest and oldest Fair Trade organization, provides vital, fair income to Third World people by marketing their handicrafts and telling their stories in North America. Ten Thousand Villages is a non-profit program of Mennonite Central Committee. (www.TenThousandVillages.ca) Mines Action Canada (MAC) is a coalition of Canadian NGOs campaigning to ban landmines and cluster bombs. MAC’s vision is to bring humanity one step closer to peace and social justice by eliminating the impact of victim- activated weapons and restoring the rights and dignity of affected individuals and communities. This includes raising funds and political will to ensure the provision of assistance to victims, clearance of landmines and mine risk prevention education. Page 30 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR FEB 2010 OCCSB TRUSTEE REPORT “PUTTING STUDENTS FIRST”
Kathy Ablett, R.N. neighbourhoods. Trustee Zone 9 Phase-one ELP schools for Capital/River Wards implementation in September 2010 Telephone: 526-9512 are: • Bayshore Catholic School, Nepean Happy New Year and may 2010 • Brother Andre School, Gloucester bring opportunities for happiness, • Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, peace and success. Ottawa • Our Lady of Wisdom School, Orleans xams are just around the corner • St. Bernard School, Gloucester for Immaculata High School • St. Brigid School, Ottawa students and I’m sure that their • St. Daniel School, Ottawa E • St. Catherine School, Metcalfe hard work and study will equal success for them. Good luck! Congratulations • St. Elizabeth School, Ottawa on Arts Nite 2009. It was an awesome • St. Martin de Porres School, Kanata performance. • St. Michael, Corkery School, Carp Supporting “Step by Step” the Head Boy and Head Girl of Immaculata Corpus Christi elementary school is • St. Patrick School, Nepean. High School spoke about the “Torch of Life Relay” and the school’s back in full swing and is accepting continuing efforts to raise awareness of organ and tissue donations. kindergarten registrations. This annual The Ministry of Education has Left to right: Student Sarah Dodsworth, Trustee Kathy Ablett, Student event began on January 25th and teams writing curriculum for the full- Ben Gunn-Doerge and Vice-Principal Phil Capobianco. welcomes students who turn 4 years day program and the Elementary of age by December 31, 2010. The Student Success Department is also available for some families, based on – Catholic Education Foundation programs are top-notch. The parent reviewing program options. Full-day financial need. These programs will be of Ottawa. Widely recognized for community is so involved and a patient kindergarten students will receive 75 similar to our current before- and after- leadership and motivational skills, Mr. staff is dedicated to the success of your minutes of French instruction every day. school programs run at other schools. McCracken continues to be approached children. Minor upgrades at some schools will be made under the Facilities Renewal as a keynote speaker for national and Director of Education to Retire international conferences Early Learning Program (ELP) Program. Existing cross-boundary The Board received a letter Update – 12 Schools Approved policies will apply – transfers are granted for exceptional circumstances from Director of Education, James Balanced Day Pilot Project McCracken, announcing his The Board received a report on Starting in September 2010, the or, at the elementary level, for care- retirement effective August 31, 2010. the successful pilot project in two Ottawa Catholic School Board will giving reasons. The Communications Mr. McCracken has been director of schools of the Balanced School Day. begin phasing in full-day learning for Department is coordinating news education for 7 years and an educator A balanced school day plan rearranges four and five year old kindergarten releases, mobile signs at the 12 ELP for 34 years. the time periods during the day to allow students. The twelve (12) schools sites and information on the Board’s “Jamie has been a transformational for three blocks of 90-110 minutes chosen for implementation in phase- website. leader for this Board,” said of uninterrupted learning sessions one were chosen based on several Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, divided by two nutrition/recess breaks. criteria. They are: community need; ELP Before and After School Gordon Butler. “Early in his tenure, Dr. Lauren Figueredo outlined that space availability; school readiness Programs he tasked each and every employee of the pilot schools had experienced more to implement; positive impact of During the school year, the selected the Board with the responsibility of time for core subject, less homework program on student achievement; and ELP sites will also offer before and after student success and faith development. needed to be assigned, and students low/zero impact on existing child- school programs led by registered early He created an environment open to and their families were more focused care programs. Some of the selected childhood educators. These programs change, one where all staff participate on preparing healthier foods for the schools are located in low-income are optional and will be available for a reasonable fee. Subsidies will be in the leadership journey. This group nutrition breaks. commitment to the goals of Catholic Principal Micheline Harvey from Education has made the Board a St. Emily and Principal Michael recognized leader in education in Schreider from St. Isidore implemented Ontario. Jamie will be missed, but the new schedule in March 2009. thanks to his vision and leadership, he After almost a year of experience, both leaves behind a flexible and innovative school communities are enthusiastic Board that will continue to ensure about sharing their experiences with excellence for all students.” other schools. “It has been a privilege and honour to have served this board for most of Superintendent of Student Success my career in education. The Ottawa – Elementary, Diane Jackson, and hear Catholic School Board is a model of team have developed a communication teamwork and collaboration rarely and action plan. They will consult seen in organizational life,” expressed with staff, students and parents at Mr. McCracken. other schools that might be interested The Director leaves at a time when in proceeding with a Balanced Day the Board has flourished under his schedule for the next school year. This leadership with continual improvement process will be completed by the end in student success, staff development, of February. The Student Success and stewardship of resources. During team will then present the names of the his tenure as director, the Ottawa schools to the Board of Trustees that Catholic School Board has achieved will pilot Balanced Day 2010-2011. a balanced budget every year since 2003. If, at any time, I can be of In addition to his service in local, assistance to you please do not hesitate provincial and national education, to call me at 526-9512. Jamie is an active member of the Sincerely, Ottawa community. Most recently, Kathy Ablett he chaired the 2009 city-wide United “Your Trustee” Way campaign. He is also Chairperson – Success by 6 Council, Director – Shepherds of Good Hope, and President FEB 2010 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 31
OCDSB TRUSTEE REPORT Next School Year’s Budget
By Rob Campbell we will have. Teaching staff is some at the old Confederation HS building year. This $103m provides valuable of the last staff we would normally - go see the web site. services, however, including some eaders of this column will consider reducing. However, the The Board has asked that about ESL supports, teacher training, anti- recall in the Fall that difficult budget cuts we may need to make $18m in different cut options be bullying, outdoor education, school budget decisions for next in order to balance, as we must do consulted on. We probably only need budgets, arts and music intermediate R by law, are fairly important and this to cut about $14m and so this will teachers and much much else. So, school year were flagged. We started to vision how to handle the shortfall means that this time around we must give us options. We may have to cut $14m on this $103m is going to be in the Fall: January is the big public look at teacher cuts also. Thus it is even less if the Province does not hard to make. consultation month, in February we that we are consulting on the budget reduce funding too much. To be seen. So it is that we are trying our have to make decisions about any as a whole this month and will be The Board has a close to $3/4 billion best to consult with the public at teacher or principal staffing cuts we making preliminary decisions as early dollar operating budget and so $14m large about this. It’s why I’m putting need to make, with other cut decisions as February. may not seem like much but it is really this column out now. What are your following on in the Spring after we If you would like to learn more huge. Most of our costs are labour and priorities for receiving funding? What have got definitive word of our grants about how we got to this point, or most of those are teacher salaries with can be cut? What principles should for the year. to become involved in the public staffing largely set out by law. govern our decision-making? Let us Each year unfortunately we consultation process, or even just We also need to bus kids, clean know. operate in the dark with respect to input your views on what is important buildings, run our payroll, provide how much teacher staffing we can to protect or to cut, then please go to special ed supports, heat buildings, If you have a suggestion or a afford as legacy collective agreements the budget section on the web site at and some of our funding is flow- concern then please contact me via require proposed staffing to go to a www.ocdsb.ca. Please let me know through in that if we cut spending it, [email protected] or at 323-7803. joint Board / Federations committee what you think as to how we should then others stop funding it, and so there Meeting and document info available for consultation mid-March, always address our budget situation. Finally, is no advantage here. Of our budget at www.ocdsb.ca before we know how much money a District-wide public consultation on only about $103m is ‘discretionary’ the budget will occur on January 25th and could be cut theoretically for next
Kaleidoscope Kids’ Books To book an OSCAR ad Going for Gold! call Gayle 730-1058 [email protected] By Karin Fuller award and closing ceremonies. This book includes suggestions on things f your home is like mine, perhaps to do for your own garden Olympics you’re also starting your ramp event, including a recipe for an up to full-fledged Olympic fever. athletes’ energy drink. I Hockey fans: lets’ face it, all that time Uplugging the phone, re-arranging the viewing area – re-working schedules we spend in the arena has primed us and activities to make the most of for the big rivalries on the ice. While the exciting opportunity to see our you’re cheering for our women’s athletes leaving it all out there on the and men’s teams, might we suggest ice or in the snow. This month, we’re a couple of handy resources that’ll recommending books to help you and ensure you know when the ref has the kids get into the Olympic spirit! made the right or wrong call? Two To introduce your young athletes options are How Hockey Works by to a wide variety of winter sports, Keltie Thomas which covers every Kingston-based Per-Henrik Gurth has angle of the sport, and Inside Hockey written and illustrated Snowy Sports: also by Keltie Thomas which outlines Ready, Set, Play!. Readers join an legends, facts and feats. adorable cast of animal characters Although most of the world’s attention as they skate, slide, sweep, sled, ski is focused on the events surrounding and snowboard a winter’s day away. the Olympics, it’s good to recognize Truly, a winning combination! that each individual competing has a Perhaps you’d like to give the kids story of hard work and determination a bit of background on how the that could be shared. In Simon Says Olympics came into existence around Gold: Simon Whitfield’s Pursuit of 3000 years ago, and how some of the Athletic Excellence, this gold medal- traditions have been carried through to winning triathlete documents his this day? The Story of the Olympics personal journey to Olympic glory. by Minna Lacey is part of the This book for older readers provides Usborne Young Reading Series. This not only a recounting of Simon’s charmingly-illustrated book outlines winning day in Sydney (2000), but how a festival in ancient Greece has also his experiences in Athens in 2004 transformed into a worldwide event. and his comeback at the Beijing 2008 For the fairy lovers in the crowd, Games. check out The Fairyland Olympics Whether you’re out there on the by Mighty Meg and Lucy Longlegs. slopes, on the ice, or curled up by the A fanciful story about the inhabitants fire watching our athletes competing of the Enchanted Forest deciding to in Vancouver, we hope your February hold a Fairy Olympics – this picture sparkles with the enjoyment of book will take young readers from the outdoorsy winter fun. We’ll see you planning stages, to the actual events, out there on the canal… Page 32 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR FEB 2010 36th Ottawa Scout Troop
he 36th Ottawa Scout troop garlic pork and rice, the evening camp Wheel Centre, Val-des-Monts in the traveling the Klondike Trail by sled. finished 2009 with a flurry fire was spent playing games, telling Gatineau Hills. There they were briefed Regarding badge work, special Tof activity. Our sponsor, stories and singing songs. The older by Dominique Larocque on the local mention needs to go to Ariana J., Glebe St. James United church, has scouts (Ariana J., Christopher B., flora and fauna plus the ‘leave no trace’ Christopher B and William W. who perennially ensured that the boys and Daniella S., and Robin W.) headed philosophy. The scouts participated in have all completed their Voyager level girls in the downtown core get many out early Saturday morning on a 10 a 10+ kilometre hike and in order to awards. Also, Daniella S and Nicholas excellent opportunities to develop their kilometre hike. They hiked up the local earn their Naturalist badge they had G. who have received their green leadership and outdoor skills. The five mountain, across a broken beaver dam to identify over 20 local species in lanyards and have completed half their leaders and approximately 20 scouts and finally arrived at the remote site to the wild. The all day event was very Pathfinder level awards – it won’t be meet every Tuesday evening from pitch their tents before dinner. After a rewarding despite the difficulties in long before they have earned their 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Corpus Christi light dinner, the scouts interacted with starting a fire to roast marshmallows. Chief Scout Award. School gym. There are three patrols seven other troops also participating The final event before Christmas For their Chief Scout Award, and the scouts have named them the in the camp. On Sunday morning the was the collection of food and other Daniella S and Nicholas G. are Extreme Oak Trees (EOT), Iroquois hikers retraced their path and made it items to put together two hampers. The researching the history of the 36th and the Nonames. For the EOTs, the back to base camp for lunch of pizza. hamper recipients are gathered from Ottawa Scout Troop and would Patrol Leader (PL) is William W. and After lunch, they assembled with the the clients who use Centre 507 and welcome any feedback from past the Assistant PL is Christopher B. The other scout troops in Heritage Area to the Emergency Food Centre supported scouts, articles, clippings, examples Iroquois have Daniella S. as the PL and participate in a Scouts Own and camp by the downtown United Churches; as of old uniforms or other paraphernalia Ariana J. as the Assistant PL. For the closing. Then it was the long drive well as other downtown centres, such that may be available. Any and all Nonames, Nicholas G. is the PL and home and to hot showers for everyone! as The Well, a drop-in program for assistance would be appreciated so that Adrian B. is the Assistant PL. The next major activity for the women and their children run by the Daniella and Nicholas can accomplish The 2009 fall camp took place scout troop was the Food Drive held on Anglican diocese and The Laundry this task by early May 2010. They can at Foley Mountain Conservation 7 November with the assistance of the Co-Op plus Salus, a group that runs be contacted via Scouter Stan at the Area, 23 to 25 October and was well McKeen Metro Store on Bank Street. halfway houses in the community for coordinates listed below. attended by both new and older scouts The Cubs, Ventures and Scouts ( Adrian adults with mental illness. Note, the 36th Ottawa Scouts meet in the troop. The Friday night set up B, Ariana J., Charlotte H., James M., The first major activity in 2010 every Tuesday evening from 7:00 to and welcome was enjoyed by all. On Jay S., Josef D-P, Oscar D. Christopher will be the annual winter camp at Otter 9:00 pm at the Corpus Christi School Saturday, the new scouts stayed in B., William W. ) volunteered for two Lake, PQ from 23 to 25 January. The gym and is open to boys and girls 11 to the base camp and worked on their hours shift throughout the day to gather scouts will sleep in snow shelters/ 14 years who would like to join scouts. permits for the use of the following: all the various food items and money quinzhees and work on their winter axe and saw, match and fire, stove and donated by the generous patrons of camping badge. Then on 20 February, Scouter Stan, lantern plus knife. Despite the rain, McKeen’s. The event was a great the scouts will participate in Heritage 36th Ottawa Scouts, Heritage Charlotte H., Julian B., Josef D-P, and success for the Food Bank. Area’s Klondike Days, which involves Area, Voyageur Council Andrew W. were all able to complete On 12 December, seven scouts 21 outdoor activities throughout the [email protected] their training. After dinner of honey and three leaders went to the Creative day at Fitzroy Provincial Park, while
guysread too! Sunnyside Library Bookclub By Susan Townley, Man and other fairly stupid tales, Sunnyside Branch Library and the ever-popular series The Time Warp Trio, started the guysread o you love to read or do movement. When Jon Scieszka first you just read because your started writing he was working as a parents and teachers tell you schoolteacher and realized that there D were not as many books being written to? Maybe you know lots of books and like to talk about them with your with boys in mind. His first bookThe friends or maybe you just can’t find True Story of the Three Little Pigs the right book to read! Either way was published in 1989 and has now we have the group for you! We are sold over 3 million copies and been looking for boys between the ages of translated into 14 different languages. 8 and 12 to join our guysread book As his books became more popular club. We are a group of boys and he received many letters from boys parents who meet once a month to telling how much they loved his discuss great books that interest us. books but how could they find out Our mission is to make some about other great books to read. noise for boys! There are book He decided to set up a website with groups for adults and mothers and information for boys and anyone who daughters but what about boys? Boys worked with boys about reading and sometimes struggle to find the right the importance of reading for boys. books to read but there are so many His website, guysread.com is filled ways to enjoy the literate world. Boys with great information about books to often have to read books they don’t read and why reading is such a great really like. They don’t get to choose way to spend your time. what they want to read. And what The Sunnyside Branch Library is they do like to read, people tell them closed for renovations until spring, so is not really reading. There are boy we are meeting at Mutchmor Public friendly non-fiction, humour, comics, School (185 Fifth Ave.). We meet on graphic novels, action/adventure, Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. and our magazines, websites, audio books and next meeting is January 13, followed newspapers. by February 17, March 10, April 21 Jon Scieszka, author of the kid’s and May 19. For more information book favourite The Stinky Cheese please contact the Sunnyside Depot at 613-730-1082. FEB 2010 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 33 Have You Opened Your TFSA Yet? by Rick Sutherland, CLU, Unlike a Registered Retirement TFSA are not subject to the income investments include mutual funds, CFP, FDS, R.F.P Savings Plan (RRSP), contributions attribution rules (since income earned stocks, bonds and all investments that to a TFSA cannot be deducted for within the TFSA is not taxable). On are currently permitted in RRSPs. any Canadians have already income tax purposes. However, death, TFSA assets can be transferred You can see that there are many taken advantage of the Tax investment income (including capital to the surviving spouse or common- advantages with the new TFSA. Have Free Savings Account gains) earned in a TFSA is not subject law partner without affecting the you opened your TFSA yet? Contact M to tax contribution room of the survivor. your trusted financial planner today (TFSA), which was introduced by the government in January 2009. This There is no tax payable on Individuals can transfer investments for more information on how you can savings program is available to all withdrawals from your TFSA. from an existing non-registered begin benefiting from the Tax Free Canadian residents age 18 or older Investors can withdraw funds from account into a TFSA, just as they can Savings Account. with a Social Insurance Number. a TFSA at any time for any purpose transfer investments from an existing The foregoing is for general TFSAs allow Canadians to save and will not be taxed or otherwise non-registered account into a RRSP. information purposes and is the money on a tax-exempt basis for any penalized. Any amounts withdrawn The investments transferred are opinion of the writer. This information financial goal. It can be long-term will be added to your annual deemed to have been disposed at fair is not intended to provide personal such as retirement or a house purchase contribution room in the following year. market value. This may trigger a capital advice including, without limitation, or short-term such as a car or vacation. Income earned and withdrawals from gain or loss which would be reported investment, financial, legal, The annual contribution limit began a TFSA will not affect your eligibility on an individual’s income tax return. accounting or tax advice. Please call at $5,000 per year for 2009 and will for government benefits and credits. There is no age requirement for or write to Rick Sutherland CLU, be indexed to inflation and rounded to You have no worries for such benefits conversion or collapse of your TFSA. CFP, FDS, R.F.P., to discuss your the nearest $500 in later years. Unused as the Canada Child Tax Benefit, You can hold your TFSA until you die particular circumstances or suggest contribution room can be carried Employment Insurance Benefits, regardless of your age. Each year, the a topic for future articles at 613- forward to future years. It is important Guaranteed Income Supplement, Old government will determine and advise 798-2421 or E-mail rick@invested- not to exceed your annual limit as there Age Security Benefits, Age Credit individuals of their TFSA contribution interest.ca. Mutual Funds provided is an over-contribution penalty. The and Goods and Services Tax Credit. limits for that tax year. through FundEX Investments Inc. Canada Revenue Agency will charge Individuals can contribute to a You are free to choose your a penalty of 1% per month based spouse’s TFSA. Contributions made investment based on your time on the over-contribution amount. by an individual into a spouse’s horizon and risk tolerance. Eligible
Seller Property To book an OSCAR ad Information Statement call Gayle 730-1058 [email protected] By Anna Sundin
hat do the US Army and the sale of real estate have in common? They both have a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. In the real estate Wworld it is called “caveat emptor” or buyer beware. The law in this area is that except for hidden defects that make the property dangerous or unfit to live in, sellers do not have to disclose hidden defects in a property that is for sale. There is no duty to disclose defects that only affect the value of the property. There is an obligation to disclose deficiencies discovered after the Agreement is signed but before closing. However, Vendors are not liable if they have no knowledge of the latent defect. If vendors make any kind representation at all, they can be held liable if it is later discovered there is a problem with the property. As well, any attempts to hide existing problems will also lead to legal liability for the vendor. The Ontario Real Estate Association created a form to attempt to deal with this situation. It is called the Seller Property Information Statement. It asks Vendors to provide information about the property that is being sold. If the information is accurate and complete it can be helpful to a purchaser. The form also states that “The Broker/Sales Representative shall not be held responsible for the accuracy of any information contained herein” and “Note: sellers are responsible for the accuracy of all answers”. The questions on the form are vague and may be difficult to answer without specialized knowledge, even for the vendor. This can lead to more problems for the vendor and the real estate agent, including law suits arising out of the answers provided. Several cases have made their way through the Guidance, Protection courts where purchasers have sued vendors and/or real estate agents for the information provided on the form. In Ward v. Smith (2001) 45 R.P.R. (3d) 154 the B.C. Supreme Court and Peace of Mind. adopted the following descriptions of Disclosure Statements: Anna E. Sundin, Barrister & Solicitor (a) “The purpose of the disclosure statement is to raise questions and GEnErAl PrActicE includinG: concerns rather than give detailed answers to the disclosures made.” Family Law, Wills, Real Estate, Incorporations, Litigation and Collaborative Family Law (b) “Although the property condition disclosure statement forms part of – A Cooperative and Dignified Approach to Separation and Divorce.– the agreement for a purchase and sale, it is not necessarily a warranty. Its main purpose is to put purchasers on notice with respect to known problems. The disclosure statement … merely indicates that the statements therein are true according to the seller’s current actual knowledge.” (c) “The disclosure statement does not call upon a vendor to warrant a certain state of affairs. It requires the vendor to say no more than that he or she is or is not aware of problems”. If a Vendor is asked to complete the SPIS, it is a good idea to get a lawyer’s advice first. Perhaps “don’t ask don’t tell” is the best policy for most vendors to follow.
Sundin-OSCAR-Ad-2006.indd 1 7/27/06 11:15:35 AM Page 34 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR FEB 2010
Local Veterinarian - Dr. Emily Black
The “Not So Bad” Lumps and Bumps
By Dr.Emily Black, DVM point of growth. Unfortunately, it non-healing, ulcerative sores. The is also associated with non-cancer weird thing is that they come up for y special request, our topic related tumors, without distinction. I unknown reasons, hang around a today will be what I like to will limit my discussion to the latter while and then disappear for equally call “not so bad” tumors. today. unknown reasons. Apparently they B This month my little dog, Boo, are one of the itchiest things known wounds associated with self inflicted Now I hear many of you gasp, “How trauma. can there be a ‘Not so Bad’ Tumor?” who will be fifteen years old in to man or dog and frequently fail Finally, I will discuss my favorite Well first of all, we should make a March, did a good impression of a pin to disappear due to licking and lump, the cyst. There are all sorts of very clear distinction. In everyday cushion. This was due to the amount scratching, and therefore have to be cysts, but they are all related to glands language, the words “Tumor” and of testing she was put through lately, surgically removed. in the skin which become blocked. “Cancer” are often looked at as the as her old age gives more opportunity In cats, these masses are associated The chamber in which the glandular same thing, but medically they are for her cells to overreact. There is a with the cell types that deal with product accumulates swells like a very different. A tumor is any sort of certain chance that things will go parasites, called eosinophils. They balloon, causing the cyst. Generally growth on the body, whereas cancer wrong at any cell multiplication, behave similarly to histiocytomas, but there isn’t much problem with is the abnormal proliferation of cells regardless of age, therefore the longer whereas the former frequently occur these, unless of course, they either due to an intrinsic error in the DNA the life, the more cell multiplications on paws, these tend to occur on the impede movement through physical code. For example, a pimple, that have occurred, therefore the higher lips, ears, and neck. They actually obstruction or pain, or due to pressure simple blemish loathed by teenagers the chance for errors. As it turns out, used to be called “rodent ulcers” from the swelling. In the worst case everywhere, is actually a tumor. It is all of Boo’s lumps were fat lumps, or because it was thought they were scenario, the cyst pops or ruptures not, however, a cancer, even if those lipomas, which are very common. In injuries incurred by hunting unusually through a site of weakness other than teenagers may regard it as something my mind, they are the body’s means vicious “Rous,” or rodents of unusual the normal pore or hole, due to a of a plague. These pimple “tumors” of padding bumpy bits of the body size. I have my own personal theory blockage. At this point the glandular are actually abnormal amounts of and protecting them from abnormal about these. It basically runs as product leaks out into areas not suited normal growth. wear. Boo is growing a good sized one follows: Back in the day, cats were to house it, and this contact causes It can be confusing hearing terms on her xiphoid bone on her chest and hunters that ate parasite laden mice inflammation, infection and pain. The such as sebaceous cyst, lipoma, and the end of her ribcage. Although the and birds, and because of this, they two principle means of treating cysts histiocytoma, as this confusion is location and feel can be suggestive of have a heightened parasite protection is to drain them as they repeatedly not limited to layman terminology. their identity, it’s always best to check system. Now that most cats live come up, or to surgically remove I’m sure that all of you have heard of it out with a veterinarian because they cushy domestic lives, these protection them. This must be done as delicately the word ending in “oma,” meaning have been known to hide underlying mechanisms, like the eosinophils, are as if they were bombs because if they benign, which is the fairly general problems. redundant. The mechanisms don’t should pop during surgery they would “not so bad” medical indicator. It There are also tumors associated know what to do with themselves, and contaminate the site, which is not tends to be associated with cancer, with the young. In dogs, these are you could say that in their boredom much fun for anyone involved. meaning a non-invasive abnormal associated with a connective tissue they arbitrarily form plaque like There you have it, my review of growth which is less likely to spread cell type known as histiocytoma. lesions. Left to their own devices, the the “Not so bad” variety of lumps and or metastasize further than its original They look like nasty, fairly sizeable, cats become very itchy and will create bumps.
Dorothy’s Recommendations
ver the past few months, Stieg detective with the Reykjavik Police. person’s cases, which he often works Larsson’s books The Girl In the first book, Tainted Blood-- on in his spare time. Owith the Dragon Tattoo and originally translated as Jar City and The series is subtitled A Reykjavik The Girl who Played with Fire have is the version the Library has in its Murder Mystery, but unlike writers not had a moment’s rest on library collection -- Erlandur investigates like Rankin or Leon who firmly shelves, flying out of our branch to the death of a 69 year old man found position their readers in the pubs meet unrelenting reader demand. murdered in his apartment with the of Edinburgh and on the campi of With the third title in the series, The note: ‘I AM HIM’ affixed to his body. Venice, Indridason conjures more Girl who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest on When Erlandur discovers that the of a sense of place. Iceland seems order (coming soon, we promise!), victim himself perpetrated a violent almost to be a player in his mysteries, many readers have been stopping by crime 30 years previously, the focus the embodiment of a harsh and the Info Desk for recommendations of his investigation shifts to the past. mysterious force of nature, inexorable on what to read while they wait. In the process, he is soon caught up and incomprehensible to man. It For those who enjoy books about in a genealogical puzzle of a uniquely plays an important role in these books, crime in a cold climate, a few series Icelandic nature, involving the contributing to the pervasive tone of immediately spring to mind: the (existing) Genetic Research Centre, a loneliness and (internal) struggle. Kurt Wallender books by Henning national medical database containing Sounds bleak? It is a little, but this Mankell, for instance, as well as the the genetic data of every Icelandic is a characteristic of most Nordic Martin Beck mysteries by Per Wahloo citizen. mysteries and one of the reasons why and Maj Sjowall (one of the best Erlandur himself is a reserved yet they are so effective. crime series ever written, it is hard to likeable protagonist. An introspective being preoccupied with Eva Lind, Indridason’s six books in English believe these books are 30 years old, loner, he is estranged from his two Erlandur is haunted by childhood are available at the Ottawa Public seeming as contemporary as anything children, one of whom, Eva Lind, tragedy. As a boy, he lost his younger Library, including his latest book written in the past few years). makes an appearance in Tainted brother in a violent blizzard while Hypothermia. I can also enthusiastically Blood aka Jar City. An on-and- traversing the moors near his family recommend another series set in the off junkie, her relationship with farm. His brother’s body was never Dorothy Jeffreys north, the books of Icelandic writer Erlandur is rocky, despite his attempts found. Forty years later, Erlandur is Librarian, Alta Vista Library Arnaldur Indridason. This series to atone in his own way, for the still not reconciled with this loss and stars Inspector Erlandur Sveinsson, mistakes of his past. Aside from has become obsessed with missing FEB 2010 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 35
M.P.P. OTTAWA CENTRE A Midterm Review
By Yasir Naqvi just a few short years, we expanded Full day learning is a key part of superior services that make Ottawa MPP Ottawa Centre the intensive care unit at the Civic our government’s plan to strengthen Centre the best community to live, Hospital, built a new critical care unit education and reduce poverty in work and raise a family in. Ontario. To further help struggling As always, I am here to help am a little over half way through at the General Hospital, and nearly families, we have: invested over achieve those dreams any way that I my mandate of serving you as your doubled the size of the Montfort $30 million to add over 340 new can, so do not hesitate to contact me Member of Provincial Parliament Hospital. As a result, our community I is getting world class health care right affordable housing units in Ottawa at my Community Office at 613-722- in Ottawa Centre. As I reflect on my Centre; raised the minimum wage 6414 or [email protected]. first two years as an MPP, I cannot in their own backyards. seven times since 2003; and created org if I can ever be of service to you. help but marvel at the changes I have Cranes must be in short supply the Ontario Child Benefit to help over seen in our community. here in Ottawa, because besides being a million children, by providing up to The biggest change I think we at every hospital, they are also at every $1100 annually to families in need. have all noticed is the construction all post-secondary institution. As an Although I am proud of what we over town! From sewers and roadways alumnus of both Carleton University have accomplished, I recognize that to hospitals and universities, it seems and the University of Ottawa, I could more needs to be done. Our economy every time you turn a corner you are not be happier to see our government is still recovering. People are still faced with a crane or a tractor. invest in building new facilities on unemployed. There continues to be This is no coincidence. Here in both campuses. We invested $26.24 waiting lists for child care. Some Ottawa, the provincial government million in Carleton University’s people in our community do not have has invested almost a billion Waterfront Project to build two a family doctor. dollars in transit and transportation new buildings, and $50 million in To address these issues, I infrastructure in our city. This is the University of Ottawa for their need your help. I need your ideas money to get you where you need expansion of Vanier Hall. This is in and experiences to find creative to go – to repair our roads, expand addition to the money we invested in solutions to the challenges that face our transit, build bridges and pave the new Environmental Demonstration our community. Throughout the bike paths to ensure that people and Centre for Construction Trades and month, I will be hosting Pre-Budget goods flow freely throughout our Building Sciences at Algonquin Consultations to gather feedback from community. College, and the 911 Institute that you about where Ontario should be In addition, we announced is being built at La Cité collègiale – going in the future. I encourage you in December that the provincial proof that our government is serious to participate in these consultations government is investing $600 million about supporting higher learning and by attending a session, or by visiting for rapid transit in Ottawa. This research in Ontario. my website yasirnaqvimpp.ca and money will help expand and improve However, not all of our submitting your feedback online. our public transit system – getting investments are in bricks and We all know it takes more than people where they need to be faster mortar. I am proud that we are the money to build a community, and and more efficiently. government that invests in people. We for that, I want to thank all of you. While you are travelling across just announced that full-day learning It has been a pleasure and an honour the city, you may have noticed that for 4- and 5-year olds is coming to to serve as your MPP for the last two every single hospital has a crane on 39 Ottawa Schools this September – years. I have enjoyed working with site. This is because we recognize that including Cambridge Street Public you to build relationships and make our population is growing, people are School and W.E. Gowling Public connections – ties that will strengthen aging, and we need to meet the new School in Ottawa Centre. our bonds and help deliver the demands of treatment and care. In Nearly 1,500 Charges Laid In December For Speeding And Impaired Driving
he Selective Traffic and enforcement campaigns. Ottawa residents have identified Enforcement Program (STEP) In 2003, two City departments - traffic safety as a top priority. The Tfocus on speeding and Public Works and Ottawa Public IRSP is committed to using available impaired driving resulted in 1,488 Health - and the Ottawa Police resources to make Ottawa roads safer charges being laid in December, Service developed the IRSP to for residents. according to the City’s Integrated provide a comprehensive approach in Road Safety Program (IRSP). promoting road safety. Specifically, 1,378 tickets were issued for speeding and the impaired driving initiative resulted in 110 alcohol-related criminal charges (the result of 59 drivers caught driving under the influence). During the four IRSP/CAA- sponsored R.I.D.E. initiatives conducted in December, approximately 2,000 vehicles were stopped, one driver was charged and seven 3-day driver’s license suspensions were handed out. Each month since 2004, STEP has been profiling and enforcing two initiatives that target specific traffic safety priorities. These initiatives support larger IRSP public awareness Page 36 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR FEB 2010
l’Amicale francophone d’Ottawa - Cercle de Lecture
Par Jean-Claude Dubé encan spécialisé. de cité. Hannah, née d’une mère par une femme noire esclave avant A mon avis, ce n’est pas une africaine et un père inconnu (elle a la Guerre de Sécession qui sévit ’Amicale francophone autobiographie mais plutôt un récit la peau presque blanche), s’échappe aux États-unis durant les années d’Ottawa a pour mission genre roman-feuilleton populaire au de ses maîtres en deux reprises. Elle 1860. Néanmoins, monsieur Gates, d’encourager l’usage du 19ième siècle. Ces romans-feuilletons est rattrapée, emprisonnée, vendue, avec ses recherches scientifiques L étaient des contes de longue durée humiliée, échangée, et revendue. et généalogiques, ne parvint pas à français parlé et écrit dans les vieux quartiers d’Ottawa, tels que le Glebe, relatant des aventures fantastiques Elle subit toutes sortes identifier l’auteure Hannah Crafts. le vieil Ottawa est et le vieil Ottawa dont nos aïeux se régalaient. d’événements au grand péril de sa Nous ignorons si l’histoire est vraie sud. Pour mener à bien sa vocation, Présentés en tranches hebdomadaires, vie qui sont toujours résolus par même si elle est charmante. l’Amicale encourage les rencontres ils étaient souvent écrits par des enchantement. Adulte, elle rencontre Les membres du Cercle de lecture sociales ainsi qu’une participation auteurs nécessiteux. De ces auteurs, et reconnaît des personnages de se sont dits satisfaits de ce récit car il dans ses Cercles de lecture et de nous retrouvons Dumas (les Trois sa tendre enfance en des endroits apporte de fortes descriptions du lot discussion. Un site sur la Toile a Mousquetaires), Balzac (La Vieille inusités tels que la berge d’une rivière des esclaves tout en constatant aussi récemment été réactivé et tous et Fille), Zola (Mystères de Marseille) d’où elle venait d’être rescapée ou la division en classes sociales que les chacun sont encouragés à le visiter et Hugo (Une Famille tragique). Les sur une rue achalandée de la ville de esclaves s’imposaient à eux-mêmes. et d’y mettre leurs mots (voir www. grands journaux s’en regorgeaient Washington. Sa mère, vendue à une Les noirs, vraiment noirs, travaillaient amicaleottawa.com). puisque qu’ils favorisaient un lectorat plantation du Mississippi lorsque de peine et misère dans les champs et A la dernière rencontre du fidèle. Hannah était nourrisson, la rencontre étaient pauvrement nourris et logés Cercle du lecture, nous avons discuté L’histoire de l’esclave Hannah par hasard sur une rue au New Jersey dans de misérables cases. Les mulâtres du livre « Autobiographie d’une Crafts se déroule en divers endroits et la reconnaît aussitôt comme sa fille mangeaient, dormaient et vivaient esclave » de l’auteure afro-américaine aux États-unis durant la première adulte. plus aisément comme domestiques au Hannah Crafts. Le document original moitié de 19ième siècle : la résidence Selon Henry Louis Gates, ce domicile du maître et de la maîtresse. de ce récit est présumé d’avoir passé d’une plantation en Virginie, la ville manuscrit a été écrit à la plume Il faut dire que le maître avait ainsi plus d’un siècle enfoui au fond d’un de Washington, la résidence et les d’oie sur du vieux parchemin avec des favorites à sa portée. C’est aussi grenier américain. Un spécialiste en champs d’une autre plantation en une encre antique. Il propose que l’ ainsi que les mulâtres furent conçus. études afro-américaines, Henry Louis Caroline du Nord et enfin, au New « Autobiographie d’une esclave » Gates acheta ce document lors d’un Jersey, où l’esclavage n’a pas droit est le premier livre authentique écrit Shannon Mercer Joins Christ Church Cathedral Ottawa Girls’ Choir for Spectacular Evening of Choral Music on Sat Feb 13th
he Girls’ Choir of Christ performance of your choice, dinner Music (both locations) or via email English. In addition to mastering the Church Cathedral Ottawa is gift certificates for some fantastic ([email protected]. For intricacies of multi‑part harmony Tone of the few girls’ cathedral Ottawa restaurants and more ! more information, or to donate an item and a cappella singing, many of the choirs in North America — perhaps Ms. Mercer will open the concert for the Silent Auction, visit the Christ choristers also pursue independent the only such choir in Canada! with Vivaldi’s Ostra Picta, followed Church Cathedral website (www. music studies either through private Thanks to their hard work, dedication by Vivaldi’s Gloria sung by the christchurchcathedralottawa.ca), or lessons or at school. and talent, the Choir has been invited choir with solos featuring Shannon. call Timothy Piper (613‑236‑9149 x to sing two services at Washington Following intermission, Ms. Mercer 20). Recent highlights include: National Cathedral, Washington D.C., will again be featured as a soloist. The In 2008, the girls’ choir went in July 2010. concert will close with the Cathedral Additional Background on their first major trip as they were To help offset the substantial Girls’ Choir, Shannon Mercer, The Girls’ Choir of Christ Church invited to sing at Espace 400, as part costs of this special trip, the Choir Matthew Larkin and members of Cathedral Ottawa was founded in of the celebrations for Quebec City’s has launched an ambitious fund- the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra 2001 under the direction of Timothy 400th anniversary. They were also raising program, which includes a performing selected compositions by Piper, and includes approximately invited to provide the music for a series of concerts at various locations Timothy Piper including Love from 25‑30 choristers between the ages of Sunday morning service at Quebec in Ottawa and the sale of various the choir’s most recent recording of 8 to 18. As one of the two principal City’s Holy Trinity Cathedral. items including Choir CDs (Choral his ten movement pop cantata: The liturgical choirs at the Cathedral, the On July 4th, 2009, they were Evensong for Washington Audition, Mystic Centre — a fitting choice for Girls’ Choir sings regularly at many honoured to be chosen to sing at the The Mystic Centre, and Glorificamus Valentine’s Day weekend. morning and afternoon services residence of the U.S. Ambassador Deum), Free-Trade locally roasted If you already have Ms. Mercer’s throughout the year as well as at a as part of the annual Fourth of July coffee, Hasty-Notes and seasonal gift 2009 Juno Award winning CD Gloria: variety of special functions either celebrations. baskets. Vivaldi’s Angels, or if you have heard alone, or in conjunction with the The weekend of October 24th, the The major fund-raising event the Girls’ Choir in concert, at one of Choir of Men and Boys’. choir presented Timothy Piper’s The of the year will be the Girls’ Choir the many services they sing, or on one The Girls’ Choir operates in Mystic Centre in Kanata and Perth. concert of Saturday, February 13th, of their several CDs, you will know accordance with the principles of the In Almonte and Ottawa, 2010 at Christ Church Cathedral that this concert promises to be a treble chorister system. Originally November 27th and 28th, the choir Ottawa. This unique performance will memorable and moving experience. established by the Royal School of performed Britten’s Ceremony of feature Juno Award- winning soprano On the other hand, if you have not Church Music — an international, Carols with harpist Lucile Hildesheim Shannon Mercer and the Girls’ Choir yet heard these remarkable musicians multi‑denominational institution along with a selection of choral music under the direction of Timothy Piper then this is a wonderful opportunity to dedicated to church music — its six accompanied by the NorthWinds singing Vivaldi’s Gloria, accompanied discover them for yourself! increasingly challenging levels of Brass Quintet. by Matthew Larkin and members of Treat yourself and someone you achievement provide a supportive Antonio Vivaldi wrote several the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra. love this Saturday February 13th; and tangible goal structure which settings of the Gloria, with RV 589 (c. The doors open at 6:30 for a enjoy spectacular music and the encourages the development of a 1715) the most familiar and popular. Silent Auction (cash or cheques Silent Auction and help this splendid deep understanding of the workings Scored for vocal soloists and chorus, accepted) and the concert begins at Girls’ Choir get to Washington D.C.’s and language of music, as well as a with a small orchestra comprising 7:30. The Silent Auction will continue National Cathedral in July. high degree of personal growth and oboe, trumpet, strings and continuo, during intermission and a cash wine/ General Admission at the Door: discipline. the wonderfully sunny nature of the soft drinks bar will be available. $35/Adult; $30/Senior; $25/Student; Through weekly rehearsals, Gloria, with its distinctive melodies Items already donated include Under 12: Free. Purchase your tickets choristers learn an extensive repertoire and rhythms, is characteristic of tickets to Blue Rodeo, the Ottawa in advance and save $5/ticket. Advance of both classic and contemporary vs Toronto Senators game, Opera tickets ($5 discount) are available choral music, in a variety of languages Cont’d on next page Lyra’s MacBeth, vouchers to an NAC at The Leading Note, Compact including Latin, German, French and FEB 2010 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 37 COMPUTER TRICKS AND TIPS E-Reading Is Coming Soon. . . It’s Here! By Malcolm and John downloaded overnight, to be ready Perhaps the most important reason to immediately but if they have been Harding, of Compu-Home with your morning coffee. There is wait is the great number of much more “checked out” previously by someone even a built-in dictionary. innovative and useful devices that are else, you go automatically onto a here was lots of splash last You are reading text displayed just around the corner. By this time waiting list and receive an email December when Amazon’s by a process called e-ink, which uses next year we’ll see combination units when your reservation time arrives. Kindle came to Canada. The an off-white background that is more that are an e-reader/tablet/netbook/ The books expire from your computer T restful to the eye than a traditional cell phone/GPS/digital camera/mp3 after a two or three-week lending Kindle is the most popular of the current pack of dedicated devices computer screen, and which results in player, all in one instrument that is period. Think about it: two trips to the that allow you to download and read a huge efficiency in battery use – the smaller than the paperback of War library avoided, no intimidating Card books onscreen. The only Canadian best of these machines can go for many and Peace and at prices competitive Catalogue, and not one tree harmed competitor to the Kindle at present days on a single charge. As a matter with today’s Kindle. Keep your in the whole process. This is an ideal is Sony’s e-Reader, although there of fact, the e-reader is apparently not chequebook in your pocket for the way to try the e-reading concept with are several more in the United States using the battery at all, except during time being. no investment in soon-to-be-outdated that we can expect to arrive on our the moment you are turning the page. The Ottawa Public Library, on hardware, to help you decide if this doorstep at any moment. Unfortunately we have to the other hand, can offer you right is something that will add to your All of these readers have their recommend that you hold off on now a free preview of the world enjoyment of reading. individual strengths and weaknesses, buying one of these beauties. Despite of e-reading, using your present but they are all remarkably easy to their huge geek-allure, there are too computer or PDA. Just go to www. Malcolm and John Harding use, from downloading the content, to many rough edges just yet. First is biblioottawalibrary.ca and in only are owners of Compu-Home, zooming text sizes, adding bookmarks, the problem of compatibility; for a few minutes, using your low-tech specializing in assisting home and inserting your own annotations, or example: Amazon’s books won’t run library card, you can download free small business computer users. sometimes even letting the unit read on the Sony machine, and vice-versa. Adobe e-book software and then use Visit www.compu-home.com the book aloud for you! The concept Another issue to be resolved is what it to read hundreds of new titles from and go to Suggested Websites to is terrific – a virtual library of more to do with the e-books that you have the collection, not to mention the huge see a list of favourite useful and than a thousand books stored in a purchased and then read, because library of public domain works that interesting websites. unit smaller than one hardcover, each present digital rights management have been digitized over the past few Write to harding@compu- purchased and downloaded cheaper rules severely limit re-sales or even years, most notably by Google and home.com or phone 613-731-5954 than the paperback versions. Daily giving them to someone, in the way the Guttenberg project. Most books to discuss computer issues, or to newspapers can be automatically that you might pass on a real book. can be downloaded to your computer suggest future columns.
Shannon ....Cont’d from previous page all of Vivaldi’s music, giving it an international press for her musical immediate and universal appeal. artistry, she has been hailed as After his death, the Gloria lay “one of Canada’s most promising buried amongst a pile of forgotten young sopranos” and a “Leader of manuscripts until it was rediscovered Tomorrow” (Macleans). in the late 1920s. In September 1939, Ms. Mercer won the 2009 Juno a version that had been significantly Award for Classical Album of the Year embellished by composer Alfredo for her recording of Gloria! Vivaldi’s Casella was performed in Sienna Angels performed with Matthias during “Vivaldi Week”. The now Maute’s celebrated Ensemble Caprice. familiar original version was published Particularly praised for her and given its premiere performance at performances of baroque and the First Festival of Baroque Choral contemporary music, Shannon Music at Brooklyn College, New York maintains a challenging balance of in 1957. opera, concert and recital appearances. Although often presented by Her upcoming 2009‑2010 season is no choirs of mixed gender with both bass exception. She began in Ottawa where and tenor lines, the traditional scoring she reprised her “achingly beautiful” with an all-female choir results in Pamina in Opera Lyra’s The Magic delightful sonic surprises — because Flute. In October she appeared at the intervals between the soprano and London’s famed Royal Albert Hall for alto registers are smaller than those in a performance of Eric Idle’s highly a mixed gender choir, the harmonies popular Not the Messiah are closer, enhancing the impact of During the next few months dissonances. The effect is stunning. leading up to her performance with Shannon Mercer is originally a the Christ Church Cathedral Girls’ native of Ottawa. After graduating Choir, Ms. Mercer will be touring from Canterbury High School, she extensively in eastern Canada joined the San Francisco Opera’s and the United States. Highlights prestigious Merola Opera Summer include Carnegie Hall in New York Program. She began her operatic for Bach’s Christmas Oratorio with career as a member of the Canadian Les Violons du Roy, Roy Thomson Opera Company Ensemble Studio Hall with the Toronto Symphony Program and has since gone on to Orchestra for Handel’s Messiah and perform major roles with a variety concerts at the TSO’s Mozart@254 of opera companies, including the Festival, Luc Beausejour’s Clavecin l’Opèra du Quèbec, Opera Lyra en Concert, Generation Purcell in Ottawa, Opera Ontario, Opera Atelier, Houston with Mercury Baroque and and the Toronto Operetta Theatre. Les Voix Baroques, and in Montreal Mercer’s voice has been described for Handel’s German Arias with Les as luminous, dazzling and shining Idées Heureuses. and her acting witty, delightful, and feisty! Critically acclaimed by the th Page 38 The OSCAR - OUR 37 YEAR FEB 2010 Red Apron Cooks “Cooking is like love; it should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” arriet Van Horne was a together. At the Red Apron, people with those you love, in the comfort Cranberry Preserves syndicated columnist often give food to celebrate the birth of your own home. Our four-course Happearing in the New York of a new baby, or to acknowledge the menu features many local and organic 2 c. frozen or fresh cranberries Post and other newspapers during passing of someone dear. Feeding ingredients, and I can assure you it will 1 c. sugar the 1940s and 50s. Van Horne was people is our way of telling them that be made with love. We feel privileged 2 tsp. brandy described as a dainty, blue-eyed we care, that our thoughts are with to be able to work in an industry we 1 tbsp grated orange zest blonde with a sweet-voiced, feminine them, and that if there is nothing else are passionate about - cooking good, Simmer ingredients on stovetop until manner – and a harpoon in her we can do to ease their pain or help healthy food for wonderful people to the cranberries break down, stirring typewriter. As evidenced by the above them through a difficult time, then at enjoy with their families. It doesn’t frequently. For a smoother texture quote, she was also a passionate cook, least we can feed them. Just last week get any better than this! you can pass the finished sauce and she understood how to love. a woman was in our store buying food For full details, visit our website through a sieve to remove the skins. Valentine’s Day is a time when for a family with a very sick child. at www.redapron.ca. Order early to we think about the people in our “I don’t know what else to do,” she guarantee availability. Cheesecake hearts. It’s a time to remember how cried. For those of you who want to cook important it is to love, and be loved. Our memories are linked to food something special for Valentine’s Day, 500 grams cream cheese (cubed and And if we are lucky, we will get to in ways that amaze us. When we we are sharing a recipe for Jo-Ann’s at room temperature) spend some time with the people we smell certain foods we can conjure maple cheesecake. This can be baked 1 c sugar care about, whether it be our children, memories of special people, places in a springform pan or in individual 1/4 c flour lovers, life partners, good friends, or and occasions, as well as feelings of muffin cups with liners. 1/4 c sour cream parents. comfort, joy and satisfaction. 1 egg Food and Love are connected in My father often made a simple Happy Valentine’s Day! ¼ c maple syrup a way that is difficult to understand dish of boiled pasta (usually and sometimes more difficult to macaroni), canned diced tomatoes, Preheat oven to 300°F (for muffin describe. When we cook for people, butter, salt & pepper. As simple as Maple Cheesecake with cups) or 325°F for springform pan. we are showing them that we care this dish sounds, when I am feeling enough about them to spend hours sad or tired, or in need of love and Chocolate Crumb & Beat cream cheese and sugar in large preparing something that might take attention, there is nothing that makes Cranberry Preserve bowl with electric mixer on medium minutes to consume. We often cook me feel more comforted than enjoying speed until well blended. Add flour, using recipes that have been passed a bowl of Dad’s pasta. Crumb sour cream, egg and maple syrup, down through generations as a way My grandfather loved Oreo mixing on low speed after each to honour and remember people from Cookies and would eat two of them 2 c graham cracker crumbs addition just until blended. our past. By dining together, we are on a plate with a butter knife, which 1/3 c organic, fair trade cocoa Gently spoon the cheesecake batter telling each other, “You are important he used to separate the tops and scrape 1/3 c sugar into the muffin cups or springform to me. I want to break bread with you, out the middle. Each component had 1/2 c butter - melted pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 15 to spend time with you.” to be enjoyed slowly and separately. minutes (for muffin cups) or at 325 Having worked in a variety of As much as I generally despise Preheat oven to 300°F . for 40 minutes (for springform pan), industries, I can tell you that there is processed food, I can’t think of or until the centre of the cheesecake no business that speaks to people’s Oreo cookies without smiling at the Mix ingredients and press into a is set. Remove from the oven and set hearts the way the food business memory of my sweet grandfather. springform pan or individual muffin aside to cool. When cool, spoon the does. Food is a means of celebrating In celebration of Valentine’s Day, cups in a muffin pan. Bake at 350 Cranberry Preserves over the cake. joyous occasions, and a way to mourn we have created a menu to be enjoyed degrees for 10 minutes and let cool. Enjoy!
To book an OSCAR ad call Gayle 730-1058 Pancake, Shrove or [email protected] Fat Tuesday - Feb 16
Good old Swedish stand-bys: Crepes or Pancakes
2 eggs 1 cup milk 1/2 cup flour 2-3 tsp sweetener (sugar/honey/maple syrup)
Heat frying pan on medium heat until very hot. Melt some butter in the pan. Pour thin layer of batter in frying pan. Flip when cooked on one side and batter on top is no longer runny. Serve warm with jam and/or whipping cream. For savoury crepe filling omit sweetener and add a pinch of sale. Provided by Anna Sundin
Pancakes and doughnuts are associated with the day preceding Lent because they were a way to use up rich foodstuffs such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent. The liturgical fasting emphasized eating plainer food and refraining from food that would give pleasure: In many cultures, this means no meat, dairy, or eggs. FEB 2010 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 39
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE LIBRARY Elmvale Acres Branch Library
Elmvale Acres Branch of the Ottawa Cumberland Village Museum Heritage Colle et bricole (Bilingue) Programs for Newcomers: Public Library - December and will explained how Woodworking was Le collage, pas à pas et autres bricos. Wills and Estates January Programs practice long ago, and you will create 6-12 ans Registration. Learn about wills and estates from a 1910 St-Laurent your own piece to take home. Le mercredi 17 mars, 10 h 15 (45 min) lawyer and an insurance specialist. Call 613-738-0619 Ages 9-12. Registration. 613-668-5594 to register. Monday, March 15, 1:13 p.m. (60min.) Create-a-Currency Wednesday, February 10th, 2:00 PM Programs for Children: Join us to learn how money is designed (90 min.) Introduction to Theater Games and printed at the Bank of Canada, and Babytime (Bilingual) get a chance to design and print your Services for Seniors Tuesdays 10:15am Want to act? Here’s your chance! own currency. Meet a community health worker from February 2, 9,16,23 Come to play and learn theater games Ages 6-12. Registration. the South-East Ottawa Community with actors from Ottawa’s A Company Thursday, March 18, 10:30 a.m. (60 Health Care Centre and find out about Storytime of fools theater group. min.) the services available to seniors. Call Mondays 10:15am Ages 6-8. Registration. 613-668-5594 to register. February 1,8,22 Tuesday, March 16, 10:30 (60 min.) Programs for Adults: Wednesday, February 03, 2:00 PM (60 min.) Toddlertime Initiation au jeu scénique (Bilingue) Mystery Lovers Book Club Wednesdays 10:15am Vous voulez être comédien? Voici Share the enjoyment of good mysteries Safe Youth - Safe Community February 3,10,17,24 votre chance! Venez découvrir le jeu in a relaxed atmosphere. Join us for Learn how to protect youth from gang scénique avec des comédiens de la discussion. activities and how to work with other Frontier College Reading Circle troupe A Company of Fools d’Ottawa. Monday, February 1st, 6:30 PM (60 parents and the community for the Ages 6-11 6-8 ans Registration min.) safety of all. Call 613-668-5594 to Saturdays 2pm (60 min.) Le mardi 16 mars, 10 h 30 (60 min) Monday, March 1st, 6:30 PM (60 min.) register. February 3, 10, 17, 24 Monday, February 22nd, 6:00 PM (60 March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Game On! FSL Conversation min.) Challenge your friends to get gaming. Improve your French and meet new Game On! Compete on the Wii and Xbox for friends in a relaxed setting. This Are You Ready for an Emergency? Challenge your friends to get gaming. bragging rights. program is offered in partnership with Learn about planning for an Compete on the Wii for bragging Ages 10-14. Registration. the Conseil économique et social emergency. Call 613-668-5594 rights. Tuesday, March 16, 2 p.m. (60 min.) d’Ottawa-Carleton. to register. Ages 10-14 Wed., Feb. 03, 6:30 PM (60 min.) Monday, March 8, Wednesday February 24th and March Cut & Paste (Bilingual) Wed., Feb. 10, 6:30 PM (60 min.) 6:00 p.m. (60 min. 31st 4pm (60 min.) Discover the art of collage and other Wed., Feb. 17, 6:30 PM (60 min.) craft. Wed., Feb. 24, 6:30 PM (60 min.) How to Prepare for Your Canadian March Break Programs for children Ages 6-12. Registration. Wed., Mar. 03, 6:30 PM (60 min.) Citizenship and teens Wednesday, March 17, 10:15 a.m. (45 Wed., Mar. 10, 6:30 PM (60 min.) One-on-one help to prepare for the min.) Wed., Mar. 17, 6:30 PM (60 min.) citizenship test. Call 613-668-5594 Woodworking Workshop Wed., Mar. 24, 6:30 PM (60 min.) to register. Come and learn a creative and ancient Wed., Mar. 31, 6:30 PM (60 min.) Monday, March 22, craft! A museum interpreter from the 6:00 p.m. (60 min.)
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT OTTAWA CENTRE
Stephen Harper’s Undemocratic Act
anadians are justifiably to pass laws and hold the government Canadians are naive? strengthen our democracy. In the disappointed by Stephen accountable. In fact, the idea of What can we do to protect our weeks ahead, my New Democratic CHarper’s anti-democratic responsible government rests on the democratic institution? We have to colleagues and I will put forward decision to prorogue parliament. At ability of citizens to speak to their speak out, as many Canadians already proposals that would return a time when our troops are fighting government through their elected have. I’ve set up a page on my website accountability to our government. in Afghanistan, our community is representatives. Holding government to stay connected with constituents on still hurting from the recession, and to account is key to any functioning this issue. If you would like to sign Paul Dewar we have an emerging climate crisis democracy and when that right is a petition against the prorogation, 613 946-8682 before us, Stephen Harper has placed denied the primary function of our please go to www.pauldewar.ca and www.pauldewar.ca his own narrow partisan issues ahead democracy is affected. tell Stephen Harper to end the abuse of the wellbeing of the nation. It is important to note that prior to of prorogation for partisan purposes. With the abrupt shutting down prorogation, the government refused We also need to reform our of our nation’s parliament many to comply with an order of the House parliamentary procedures and have asked the questions why does it of Commons to hand over documents matter, why was it done and what can in relation to the Afghan detainee we do to ensure that it doesn’t happen abuse issue. A committee motion again? asking for the same documents had It is clear that Stephen Harper the same fate. Later, government wanted to avoid scrutiny on the Afghan members boycotted meetings of the detainee issue and was anxious to special committee that was given its “recalibrate” senate committees to his mandate by parliament to oversee the benefit. He was hoping that Canadians mission in Afghanistan. wouldn’t notice, or worse, wouldn’t The frivolous reasons given care. But clearly he was wrong. by the government as to why they I have received close to a thousand decided to suspend parliament are of messages from people across the course not credible. They have gone country protesting the prorogation from saying they wanted time off to and calling for accountability. enjoy the Olympics to arguing that Why do Canadians care? The democracy is bad for the economy. primary function of a parliament is Do the Conservatives believe that Page 40 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR FEB 2010
An In-depth Journey into Nutrition
Vitamins – Part 4 - Vitamin K
By Karen Cowen, in the sterile gastrointestinal tract of Vitamin K is not recommended as a 90 mcg – Females, 19 years and older Registered Holistic Nutritionist newborns, which is why they are given routine supplement, unless advised by a 75 mcg – Pregnant women, 18 years (RHN) an injection or oral supplementation of qualified health care provider, although and younger Vitamin K soon after birth. (Normally, higher doses than are needed by the 90 mcg – Pregnant women, 19 years ontinuing on from my article production of Vitamin K will begin body do not cause excessive clotting. and older last month on Vitamin E, which around the fourth day of life.) Although rare, symptoms of toxicity 75 mcg – Lactating women, 18 years I hope you found useful, we will Antibiotics kill off intestinal bacteria can include flushing, sweating, or a and younger C 2 now move onto the last of fat soluble (good and bad) and thus reduce K feeling of chest constriction. 90 mcg – Lactating women, 19 years vitamins: Vitamin K, a.k.a the ‘Band- synthesis in the colon. As K2 is the Deficiency of Vitamin K is also rare, and older Aid’ Vitamin; what it does in the body, best source of Vitamin K for humans, but is more likely in pregnant women, sources and how much is required. keeping the gastrointestinal tract healthy celiac disease sufferers or in individuals *(Haas, Elson M., MD; Levin, Buck., Vitamin K was discovered by a is essential. To maintain a healthy with poor intestinal absorption due to PhD, RD. 2006. “Staying Healthy with Danish scientist and thus named after gastrointestinal tract and increase inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s, Nutrition”) the Danish word, koagulation. This functioning of the beneficial microbial colitis). Low dietary intake, decreased Please note: High doses of supplemental provides a clue as to what it does for flora, and therefore aid K2 production, production in the intestines, liver Vitamin E may reduce absorption of us – Vitamin K is essential for proper one should minimize the use of oral disease, genetic conditions, mineral Vitamin K. blood clotting, or coagulation. The antibiotics and avoid excess sugars and oil laxatives and aspirin use may also minerals Calcium and Potassium aid processed foods, as much as possible. cause deficiency. Signs of Vitamin K Good Sources: Vitamin K in its clotting function. Supplementing with Acidophilus (or deficiency can include impaired blood Vitamin K also plays a role in bone other probiotic cultures) and eating clotting and abnormal bleeding, as in Dark green leafy vegetables such mineralization, in conjunction with the plenty of unsweetened yoghurt and/ spontaneous nosebleeds and internal as spinach, kale, collard greens, alfalfa, hormone osteocalcin. or kefir may help intestinal bacteria in haemorrhage; blood in urine, blood in lettuce, turnip greens, cabbage, broccoli, There are 3 main forms of Vitamin K: producing Vitamin K2. stool, tarry black stools, excessive heavy cress, kelp; brussels sprouts, asparagus, K1(phylloquinone), K2 (menaquinone) Rancid oils and fats, X-rays, menstrual bleeding, easy bruising, and cauliflower, potatoes, green beans, and K3 (menadione). Forms K1 and radiation, aspirin, air pollution and ecchymoses (bleeding below the skin). soya beans, peas; blackstrap molasses; K2 are naturally occuring, but K3 is freezing of foods all destroy Vitamin K. polyunsaturated oils (soya bean and synthetic (artifically manufacteured) Reducing exposure to toxins and eating Requirements: canola oil); olives; cereals; dairy and has been banned by the U.S. Food fresh, local, organic foods is definitely products (milk and yoghurt containing & Drug Administration (FDA) for use the best way to ensure sufficient vitamin The amount of vitamin required fat); liver, pork and egg yolks. as a supplement for humans. K3 has K and to stay healthy! per day is referred to as the RDA or twice the activity of the natural Ks, Again, because fat soluble vitamins Recommended Dietary Allowance and Fun fact: Vitamin K is not destroyed by making it more easily absorbed by the are stored in the body, there is the is “the average daily nutrient intake cooking. body and thus more toxic, although it is potential for toxicity, in large doses. K1 level sufficient to meet the nutrient used in some animal feeds. and K2 are unlikely to cause toxicity as requirements of nearly all healthy This concludes our look into While Vitamin K1 is abundant most is eliminated/excreted, however, individuals in a particular life stage and Vitamin K. Next time we will move in dark green leafy vegetables, K2 is K3 has been found to build up in the gender group.” (Haas, Elson M., MD; onto the water soluble vitamins, starting naturally produced by the friendly blood and Haemolytic Anaemia, an Levin, Buck., PhD, RD. 2006. “Staying with the Bs. Until then, I wish you bacteria which inhabit our intestinal abnormal premature destruction of red Healthy with Nutrition”) An AI is abundant health, energy and well being. tract. These microbes are not present blood cells, is a possible problem. described as “a recommended average If you should have any queries or daily nutrient intake level based on require further clarification, please do observed or experimentally determined not hesitate to contact me: cowen.k08@ approximations or estimates of nutrient gmail.com, or make an appointment intake, by a group (or groups) of for Nutritional Counselling or Reiki at apparently healthy people, that are Soul Matters: 1093 Bank Street – 613 assumed to be adequate.” (Haas, Elson 730 7685 – where I am available every M., MD; Levin, Buck., PhD, RD. 2006. second Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. “Staying Healthy with Nutrition”) The key word here is “healthy”. In Yours in Health, theory, the amounts of vitamins required Karen are higher for individuals who are ill or chronically stressed. Note: Vitamin K This article is not intended to treat Need Renovations? requirements will be increased in those or diagnose and is for educational who regularly consume fried foods and purposes only. If you have any refined and/or rancid oils. nutritional issues or concerns, Fat soluble vitamins are typically please consult a qualified nutritionist measured in International Units (IUs) (preferably me!) or healthcare provider. - each unit being equivalent to 3.33 Many thanks to Melanie Seed. micrograms (mcg). Vitamin K is the Karen Cowen is a Registered exception and is simply measured in Holistic Nutritionist (RHN) living in micrograms. Rather than a RDA being Old Ottawa South. Having studied suggested, we refer to AI, as there Nutrition for 2 years at the College of is insufficient evidence concerning Naturopathic Medicine in Edinburgh, Vitamin K toxicity problems. Scotland, she moved to Ottawa with For Vitamin K, the AIs* are as her husband and continued her studies follows: with the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, graduating with merit. She is 2.0 mcg - Males and females, 0-6 also a Reiki Master and utilizes crystals Custom Designed Additions and months in her Reiki practice. 2.5 mcg - Males and females, 7-12 Karen considers one lifetime to Major Renovations that respect the months be too short to learn everything about 30 mcg - Males and females, 1-3 years holistic practices, but in an attempt Craftsmanship and Architectural 55 mcg – Males and females, 4-8 years to at least learn as much as she can, style of your older home. 60 mcg – Males, 9-13 years she is currently studying Reflexology 30 mcg – Females, 9-13 years at the International Academy Heath 594-8888 75 mcg – Males and females, 14-18 Education Centre. years www.gordonmcgovern.com 120 mcg – Males, 19 years and older FEB 2010 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 41 CARLETON CORNER Help Prevent arleton welcomed U.S. Ambassador Heslop has been researching the branding of the Vehicle Break-Ins David Jacobson who visited the Games based on work conducted by her and a university early in January to celebrate team of professors from Syracuse, Stanford and C ttawa Police are looking to the public to help the newly-founded Carleton Research Centre Nipissing universities following the Games in for American Studies. The centre will become Beijing. Their research on the Beijing Olympics prevent vehicle break-ins, particularly in a public source of expertise pertaining to the recently won an award in China. Odowntown core. United States, as well as a place for researchers Industrial Design students started the new In an effort to decrease the number of vehicle break- to explore common themes and issues. It will year with an innovative assignment that used ins occurring in the downtown core of the city, the facilitate student exchanges and internships their creativity to re-design, re-manufacture, Ottawa Police Service is seeking the public’s support in Washington, D.C., through the Washington re-arrange and add value to household items through greater vigilance when leaving items in their Center for Internships and Academic Seminars purchased at Ottawa Neighbourhood Services. vehicles and through the reporting of suspicious and with American studies programs elsewhere. These revamped items were sold at a silent activity. Scholars affiliated with the centre will organize auction held on campus which raised about There has been a recent increase in the number of conferences, workshops and symposia, and co- $250. The money was donated back to Ottawa vehicles being broken into downtown, predominantly ordinate graduate and undergraduate courses and Neighbourhood Services. Since 1932, Ottawa in covered or underground parking lots and parking curricula. The centre is based in the university’s Neighbourhood Services has been helping those lots adjacent to hotels and malls. Thieves are most Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. in need by collecting, selling and distributing often targeting valuables left in plain sight, for An extensive two-day international unwanted, second-hand and used items. example, electronics, (such as laptops, GPS units, symposium highlighting border issues that In February, Carleton will continue hosting iPod’s and satellite radio receivers), loose change and joined key federal policymakers with 30 top its popular semi-weekly Science Cafés on other bags or parcels. academics from across North America was Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 Vehicle owners are asked to ensure they do not hosted at Carleton. The policymakers spoke p.m. at the Wild Oat Café in the Glebe. On Feb. leave any valuables in their vehicles when parking. If about the central security, economic and 10, Mike Runtz from the Department of Biology items must be left in vehicles, they should be secured environmental issues at play in Canada-U.S. will be presenting Lovers and a dangerous tine: in the trunk, out of sight. relations. The conference was organized by The remarkable sex life of moose. On Feb. 24, Members of the public can also assist by reporting Carleton and Fulbright Canada, which lends his colleague Susan Aitken will be presenting suspicious persons and all theft incidents to police in support to researchers and students wishing Enzimes: Nature’s molecular machine. For a timely manner by contacting 9-1-1 for an incident to study in the United States or Canada. It more information on these presentations and in progress or the Call Centre at 613-236-1222, evaluated what is working at the border, and other Science Cafes, visit the website http:// ext. 7300 (TTY: 613-760-8100) for all other theft what’s not, while developing new strategies to www.carleton.ca/science/cafe/. incidents. respond to changing political realities. Carleton Corner is written by Carleton The Ottawa Police Service has responded to this The Vancouver Olympics are just around University’s Department of University issue through proactive enforcement, the use of crime the corner and Carleton has several connections Communications. As your community prevention strategies such as “positive ticketing” to the 2010 Games. Industrial Design alumnus university, Carleton hosts many exciting (i.e. leaving theft prevention notices on vehicle Tim Fagan was one of lead designers from events of interest to Ottawa South. For more windshields) and public education. Bombardier who worked on the Olympic torch information about upcoming events, please go Additional prevention information can be obtained that has been criss-crossing its way across the to carleton.ca/events. from the Ottawa Police website at: country. Sprott School of Business Prof. Louise http://ottawapolice.ca/en/CrimePrevention/ SafetyAndPreventionTips/RoadSafety/crime_ Valentine’s Weekend A Blast prevention_vehicle_owners.aspx From The Past At Billings Estate
By Emma Jackson
o you pine for the past? Are you in love with crafts, campfires and Dquality time? Share your love with the whole family this Valentine’s Day weekend at Billings Estate National Historic Site. On Sunday, Feb 14, bring the kids for a day of creative crafts from the past. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the whole family can enjoy the cosy heritage setting to make unique Valentine’s Day gifts. Visitors will have a chance to use paper quilling to make homemade cards or try out traditional techniques for working with lace. of Ottawa acquired the property and began On Monday, Feb 15, come back to the to turn it into a museum. Today, visitors can museum to celebrate Family Day with crafts, enjoy eight acres of parkland, which includes sleigh rides, snowshoe hikes and a campfire. Ottawa’s oldest cemetery. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., families can explore Sleigh rides and snowshoe hikes on Feb the museum inside and out while they spend 15 will offer visitors a glimpse of the beautiful quality time together. Guests can roast a property and the enjoyment it offers in every marshmallow on the outdoor fire, enjoy a season. snowshoe hike around the estate or take a Younger museum visitors can return in tour of the museum’s permanent exhibit March for storybook adventures with Alice chronicling five generations of Billings who in Wonderland. Activities, crafts, discussions lived in the 1820s house. and readings from the book will take kids on The museum is located at 2100 Cabot St the adventure of a lifetime every Saturday near Riverside and Pleasant Park. Braddish from 2 to 4pm. and Lamira Billings built the house in For more information or to register for a 1828, and were among the first settlers to program, call 613-247-4830 or visit Ottawa. call Bytown their home. Their children and ca/museums. descendants lived in Ottawa’s oldest wood- framed home until 1975. Afterwards, the city Page 42 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR FEB 2010 Did You Know? StudioTax: By Irena Bell Free Tax Preparation Software id You Know that the well-known Carol of the Bells is taken from I’ve used the program for several a Ukr folk song ? Although “Carol of the Bells” has become By James Hunter years now with no issues. In 2007, over popular at Xmas, the original lyrics had nothing to do with Xmas. D ax time is coming up again 100,000 people used the program! As The song was a Ukr folk song written as a “winter well-wishing song,” always, StudioTax is made available and tells the tale of a swallow flying into a household to proclaim the and for those of you that don’t FREE for personal use and regardless plentiful year that the family will have. The song’s title, Shchedryk, is know, there is a great FREE T of level of income. Even if you make derived from the Ukr word shchedryi, which means bountiful. In the US, software program to help you do your millions of dollars, you still can use the song was first performed to a sold-out audience in Carnegie Hall in taxes. It’s called “Studio Tax” and can StudioTax for free. NO questions to Oct.1921, by the Ukrainian National Chorus. So that’s the background of be found at www.studiotax.com. answer, NO registrations, NO keys, the Carol of the Bells ! This program is NetFile certified so you can file your taxes online and and NO activation. get a refund very fast. (Note that Note: Quebec provincial tax is the version currently available for not supported by Studiotax 2009. if Dog Feces Not An Acceptable download is being certified by CRA you are a Quebec resident, then you and you will need to download an can only prepare and netfile/print your Material For Green Bin update in February in order to use the Federal tax . NetFile feature). he City of Ottawa has recently been informed by Orgaworld Canada that their current Ministry of Environment Certificate Tof Approval issued by the Ministry of the Environment for their Which Should Take Priority: composting facility does not include dog feces as an acceptable material. The certificate does allow for the receipt and handling of other small RRSP or TFSA? pet feces, as long as it is included as a part of cat litter and small animal bedding materials. But if you have no RRSP contribution This announcement is being made at this time in order to avoid this By Bob Jamieson room, and have funds invested in non- material being included by residents as a part of their organics materials registered accounts, make sure you intended for eventual processing at the Orgaworld facility beginning on he federal government has look immediately at the tax-lowering January 27, 2010. established two valuable advantages of a TFSA. It will also be necessary to make changes to the City’s Solid Waste programs to help Canadians T Of course, we all have different By-law eliminating the acceptability of this material. This will be done at save for their retirement. There’s the circumstances that shape our investment the next\Council meeting. long-established Registered Retirement decisions, and there are many other The City reminds residents to use green bins safely. While green Savings Plan (RRSP) and the more factors to consider, including some bin manufacturer, Norseman Plastics, says there have been no reported recently introduced Tax-Free Savings additional differences between the incidents of children being injured in their lockable green bins, each unit Account (TFSA). RRSP and TFSA. Of note: does contain a message that says “Warning! Suffocation hazard. Do not With the TFSA, any growth • The RRSP carries a maximum allow children to play inside this container.” or income on your investment is completely tax-free. In contrast, when age restriction for contributions, while you make an RRSP contribution, your the TFSA does not. taxable income for that year is lowered • You can re-use contribution room by the amount you contributed. In other in subsequent years after funds are words, you will pay less income tax withdrawn from the TFSA. You cannot that year compared to what you would do this with the RRSP. have paid had you not made the RRSP • A maximum of $5,000 per year contribution. However, when you take can be contributed to a TFSA. Annual that money out of your RRSP at a future RRSP contribution maximums are date, the amount becomes taxable at generally larger than that. For the 2009 that time. With the TFSA your current tax year, your RRSP contribution room taxable income is not lowered, but there can be as high as $21,000, or 18% of is no tax in the future. your earned income as reported on your With the 2009 RRSP contribution 2008 tax return (whichever is less). In deadline approaching – and the start of both cases, if you don’t use the room in a new year ushering in the opportunity any one year, it is carried forward. to put new money into a TFSA – many • Unlike with the RRSP, income investors are wondering which program earned in or withdrawals made from should take precedence as a vehicle for a TFSA do not affect your eligibility housing their retirement savings, as for federal tax credits or income-tested both allow the full range of investment benefits such as the Canada Child Tax options. Benefit, Old Age Security (OAS) or the From a tax-advantaged standpoint,* Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). a key consideration involves tax rates Given all of the considerations – at contribution and at withdrawal. If and the uniqueness of your situation the two rates are identical, the TFSA – speak with your financial advisor and the RRSP are equally effective to determine which RRSP and TFSA alternatives for saving on tax. If your strategies make the most sense for you, tax rate at the time of withdrawal will be or give me call at 613-526-3030. lower than at the time of contribution, the RRSP comes out ahead. If your tax Bob Jamieson, CFP rate at the time of withdrawal will be Edward Jones, Member CIPF higher than at the time of contribution, * Edward Jones does not provide the advantage goes to the TFSA. tax or legal advice. Review your specific Because most Canadians can expect to situation with your tax advisor and/ experience a lower tax rate during their or legal professional for information retirement, the RRSP is probably the regarding, or issues concerning, the preferred savings option for the majority tax implications of making a particular of investors during their working years. investment or taking any other action. FEB 2010 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 43 Tasty Tidbits From Trillium Bakery People Care By Jocelyn LeRoy cash register, find paper bags, count felt oddly elevated and, I would say, this for us, rain or shine, expecting cookies and add up the long lists of unusually happy. Would you believe nothing in return. We know he does he day before Christmas, at 8 goodies bought. it? It was fun. No one stomped out. like the occasional Chelsea bun. AM, the lights went out. Only The main miracle was that I learned something from this Hazel Bowen, the “In from the in the bakery – not the whole everyone between 8 and 9:30 AM had experience. Cold” co-ordinator, calls regularly T cash. (Highly unlikely!) All orders People are kind. to thank us for our (tiny) part neighbourhood like in November. Luckily we had candles, a little oil got out the door without a hitch. People want to help. in their programs. She hosts a lamp and a few flashlights. My Meanwhile, in the kitchen, things People can be understanding. spectacular dinner each Spring for mother always said, “Be prepared.” continued to flow smoothly. All seven People can shift their priorities in all the volunteers and businesses who The room was packed with decks of our three gas-fired ovens a second. donate. Caring people make the most last-minute shoppers, wall to wall, continued to heat up the whole bakery People care. delicious food for us as well as their surprising for such an early hour. as well as baking trays of pies and And then, two weeks later, just regular Saturday guests. As I lit the candles (with a cake cakes. Jean had to use a flashlight before the funeral at Lansdowne Park And there’s Matt Moreland, our testing skewer passed over the gas to get the pans out from the back of for Eric Chapnik of the Ottawa police afternoon lad, who cares enough pilot light), little miracles started the oven with the peel. (A peel is like force, while Bank St., Sunnyside and to make desserts and bread for 150 happening. A mellow ambience a big spatula used by bakers to slide Bronson were closed to vehicles, people on weekends for St. Margaret arrived. “This is so nice. It looks bread and pizza out of hot ovens). I’m police from far and wide, and our Mary’s Parish “In from the Cold” beautiful in here.” “Where’s the sure he thought suddenly sprouting a Mounted Police, marched in the suppers. music?” Where’s the wine?” And, third hand would have been nice and thousands to show their support to the We at Trillium care too – about “How can we help?” helpful. The windows let in enough family of their slain colleague and to you, our customers since we opened I handed out flashlights. Of light to see everything outside the each other. 31 years ago. You are the reason course the cash register was dead ovens. That morning our letter carrier we’re still baking. So, if you are and the Interac wouldn’t work. The Jean phoned his son, who is an was not his usual jovial self. He short 25 cents or a loonie or a toonie, previous few days most customers electrician. Mike picked him up from looked sad. Our customers were we are happy for you to take home were swiping plastic, having run out work and brought him to our dark not annoyed by the interruption of your cookies or bread. You bring the of cash. I worried how they’d pay and dungeon basement, where he quickly traffic and inconvenience in driving. money back soon 100% of the time. how they could take their orders home discovered the problem among rows They felt deep sorrow for this tragic And you are the reason we often with our machinery on the fritz. of ancient breakers. One was fried, event. That sense of drawing together go to ridiculous lengths to create No worries. “You should do which he said could have started a surfaced again. impossible custom diet items. “Cakes this more often.” It seemed as if fire. Off he and Mike went to buy a This is the good that emerges with nothing in them.” “Muffins with everyone’s spirits suddenly lifted. replacement for the ancient burned when things go terribly wrong. When everything missing.” “What’s left?” As if all were enjoying a pause in the relic – no easy task. love shines through the darkness. We ask the skeptics. frantic pre-Christmas runaround. There was I, out front with need to notice this. We see that you, our customers, Did anyone realize that without people streaming into the room. The People in our immediate are caring people in our community. the white noise of the refrigerator, sparkling Christmas baubles, dressed neighbourhood do care. Those of We see it every day. Lost mitts, found freezers and cooler, the silence was up gingerbread boys and reindeer, just- you who volunteer to put hot meals kittens. Helping folks to their cars almost palpable? baked tortières, looked so enticing by together for hungry folks in the deep with armloads of parcels. Helpful It was as if time stood still. the light of the candle flames, giving a of winter, as part of the “In from the feedback to us at Trillium. A small This was the feeling, even with magical quality to the room. Even the Cold” program, give your time and gift of money so a child or elderly the room full of people. Everyone pine shelves glowed. energy to make a difference. We person doesn’t have to go without a relaxed and smiled. While the person The spirit of serendipity, the know three right here at our doorstep. little treat. Encouragement to a fellow paying fumbled in a dark purse for feeling of togetherness, the intention Jim MacFarlane is one customer struggling with dietary money, next in line held a light or to help was alive. hardworking volunteer. He also comes restrictions. Driving neighbours to held their bagfuls of aromatic baked Thankfulness and gratefulness around to the bakery every Saturday the bakery so they don’t have to slide treasures. “Mmm. Smells great.” for the way things kept going (not morning to pick up our donation to the on icy sidewalks. We love being part Behind the counter I held two stopping!) prevailed. Remembering Parkdale Program. He also gathers of all this. flashlights, one to help the customers that this was indeed only a minor up all our boxes for recycling which Happy New Year 2010! see, and one to see the money in the glitch, not a catastrophic event, we all the city refuses to pick up. Jim does
TRILLIUM RECIPES To book an OSCAR ad call Gayle Muffins at 730-1058 For Over-Indulged Tummies email: [email protected]
2 cups wholegrain flour (wheat, spelt, barley, rice or a combination) 2 cups unsweetened apple juice (or milk) 1 beaten egg (or not) 1 cup banana and/or cranberry/blueberry 1/3 cup light olive (or your preferred) oil ½ cup wheat bran, oat bran or ground flax ½ cup honey, maple syrup or sugar 2 tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. salt grated orange rind (optional)
Combine wet and dry ingredients with a few swift strokes. The batter should break into globs as you pour. Do not over-mix. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake in 350º oven for approximately 25 minutes. Bon appetit! Page 44 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR FEB 2010
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE LIBRARIES Alta Vista Branch Library
Alta Vista Library Adult Programs Wednesdays, Feb 10, 17, 24, 6:30 PRE-SCHOOL/PRESCOLAIRE in their reading skills. Bring a book 2516 Alta Vista Drive p.m. (2 hrs.) along or borrow one of ours! For Register online at: Babytime children of all ages. www.biblioottawalibrary.ca Costa Rica For babies and their parent or Saturdays, February 13, February 20, or call 613-737-2837 x28 Explore Costa Rica with Gwen caregiver with stories, rhymes, songs February 27, 1 p.m. (90 min.). Call Williams and Jim Robertson through and activities. Ages 0-18 months. branch to register* Book Banter an audiovisual tour featuring the Wednesdays, January 20-February Drop in to share the enjoyment of beauty of the second most bio-diverse 24, April 14-May 19, 10:30 a.m. (30 TEEN BOOK CLUB good books in a relaxed atmosphere. area in the world. min.)* Thursdays, 2:00 p.m. (1 hr.) Friday, Feb 19, 2:00 –3:15 p.m Mmm…Books! Feb 4: The Hour I First Believed Toddlertime Teens talk about their favourite by Wally Lamb Knit 2 Together For toddlers and a parent or caregiver reading material with other book March 4: The Quiet American Love to knit? Bring your needles, with stories, rhymes, songs and lovers. Ages 12-17. by Graham Greene yarn and good cheer. No need for activities. Ages 18-35 months. Tuesday, February 23, 4:30 p.m. (1 expertise, we knit for the pleasure of Mondays, January 18-February 8, hr)* Tuesday Book Group it. February 22, April 12-May 17, 10:30 Share the enjoyment of good books in Saturday, Feb 6, 10:30 a.m. (1.5 hr.) a.m. (30 min.)* and SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR a relaxed atmosphere. Join us for a Wednesday, Feb 17, 6:30 p.m.(1.5 hr.) Thursdays, January 21-February 25, TEENS discussion of The ethical imagination: April 15-May 20, 10:30 a.m. (30 journeys of the human spirit by French Conversation Group min.)* Anti-Valentines Day Party Margaret Somerville Improve your spoken French in a Featuring cranky crafts, hateful snacks Feb 9, 23, March 9, 23, relaxed setting. For those with an Storytime and no romance!!! Ages 13-17. April 6, 20, May 4, 18. intermediate level of French. Stories and rhymes for young Friday, February 12, 3 p.m. (90 min.)* 7 p.m. (1.5 hrs.) Tuesdays, Jan 12 - May 18 children-parents and caregivers are 6:30 p.m. (1.5 hrs.) welcome to join. Ages 3-6. N.B. Registration for winter Infusions littéraires (Bilingual) Tuesdays, January programs starts on January 16./ Partager une tasse de thé ou de Advanced Spanish Conversation 19-Feburary 23-April 13-May 18, L’inscription pour les programmes tisane en discutant de livres. Practice your conversational Spanish 10:30 a.m. (45 min.)* and d’hiver commence le 16 janvier./ Les mardis, 14 h (1 hr.) with other advanced learners. (Bilingual) Wednesdays, January Registration for March break 16 fév : Le testament français Alternate Wednesdays, Jan 13-May 19 20-February 24, April 14-May 19, 2 programs starts on February 10./ d’Andrei Makine 6:30 p.m. (1 hr.) p.m. (45 min.)* L’inscription pour les programmes Contes du congé d’hiver commence le 10 Alta Vista Sleuth Hounds Computer Tutorials Contes et rimes pour les enfants. février./ Programs followed by an * Share the enjoyment of good Gain computer skills and get answers Parents et fournisseurs de soins sont require registration. / L’inscription est mysteries in a relaxed atmosphere. to your questions. This one-on-one les bienvenus. Pour les 3 à 6 ans. requise pour les programmes suivis Join us for a discussion! session will help you learn to use (Bilingue) Les mardis, 19 janvier-23 d’un *. The address of the Alta Vista Thursday, Feb 18, 6:30 p.m. (1.5 hrs) the internet and send email. février-13 avril-18 mai , 10 h 30 (45 Library is 2516 Alta Vista Drive, Alternate Thursdays, Jan 14-Apr 22 min.)* et Ottawa and the phone number of the Twisted Sisters Book Club 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. (Bilingue) Les mercredis, 20 Alta Vista Library 613-737-2837./ Share the enjoyment of good books janvier-24 février, 14 avril-19 mai, 14 L’adresse de la bibliothèque Alta Vista in a relaxed atmosphere. Library Online h (45 min.)* est le 2516, promenade Alta Vista, Saturdays, 1 p.m. (2 hrs.) Learn to use OPL’s online resources. Ottawa et son numéro de téléphone Feb 27 -Theme: Children’s Literature Search for library material using SPECIAL PROGRAMS FOR est le 613-737-2837. BiblioCommons, find newspaper and CHILDREN/PROGRAMMES Using Ancestry Library magazine articles in our databases, SPECIAUX POUR ENFANTS Program registration will be done Diana Hall provides tips on the and learn about our online audiobooks on-line only. Ottawa Public Library content and use of this and e-books. Be my valentine! cards are needed to register on- popular genealogy database. Alternate Thursdays, Jan 21 – Apr 29 Stories, videos and crafts. Ages 4-8. line. Children’s library cards are Wednesday, Feb 3, 10:00 a.m. (2 hrs.) 10:30-11:00 a.m. (Bilingual) Saturday, February 6, 2 required for registration of children’s p.m. (45 min.)* programs./ L’inscription des Boat Pro Safety Course English Conversation Group Un valentine pour toi! programmes est faite seulement en Obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Improve your English and meet new Contes, vidéos et bricolage. Pour les ligne. Les cartes de la bibliothèque Card (PCOC) in this three-session Friends. In partnership with 4 à 8 ans. publique d’Ottawa sont requises course offered by the Ottawa Power Somali Family Services. (Bilingue) Samedi 6 février, 14 h (45 pour l’inscription en ligne des and Sail Squadron. Introduction to Mondays, 6:00-7:30 p.m. min.)* programmes et les cartes de safety Tuesdays, Beginner 1:00-2:00 p.m. bibliothèque des enfants sont requises and navigation. Must attend all 3 Intermediate 2:00-3:00 p.m. R.E.A.D. to a Dog! pour l’inscription aux programmes sessions. Cozy up to a four-legged friend and d’enfants. Registration fee: Adults $50. and read a story! Dogs are great listeners! Students $45. Register online at: Reading therapy with canine pals www.cps-ottawa.com can help your child build confidence Kudos For Another Year Of Interesting Oscars !
By Irena Bell Richard Ostrofsky’s musings are Canada. New arrivals may be using all the best.” also an interesting read. I look the second version more as it’s closer he new year has started off forward to the coming year’s Oscars ! to the Russian, and that’s been the Irena Bell well, too. The book review and push in Ukraine for some years Producer & Host interview, in the January issue, PS. I look forward to some unfortunately. The Ukrainian Hour T detailed reports or interviews re the Radio CHIN, Ottawa 97.9 FM of T. Odrach’s ‘Wave of Terror’, was fascinating, and I intend to get new Domus and Sub-Sahara, and Щасливого Нового Року ! Sundays a copy of the book. I also checked other OOS businesses. (Shchaslyvoho Novoho Roku) is used 6 PM & Tuesdays 10 PM and see that the Ottawa Public once New Year’s Day has passed, as Also streamed on
CLASSY ADS CLASSY ADS are free for Old Ottawa South residents (except for businesses or for business activity) and must be submitted in writing to: The OSCAR, at the Old Firehall, 260 Sunnyside, or sent by email to [email protected] by the deadline. Your name and contact information (phone number or email address) must be included. Only your contact info will appear unless you specify otherwise. The editor retains the right to edit or exclude submissions. The OSCAR takes no responsibility for items, services or accurary. For business advertising inquiries, call 730-1058. For sale: A lightly worn Danier 1 parking spot. Available Feb 1, 2010. a low ceiling. Extensively renovated For Sale shearling coat, brown, full- $940 + utilities. Call 613 730-0972. with upgraded hardwood flooring, length, detachable hood, size ------electrical & lighting, windows, high Duvet cover and sham from IKEA large. Asking $300. Contact: Parents of OOS residents looking efficiency gas, insulation, mouldings for a single bed. Medium blue and [email protected] for furnished accommodation for and 4 piece bath. Parking for 1-2 cars turquoise in a muted stripe. $10. Also, ------two to three weeks around the end with lane access at back. Possession a striped (lime, orange, yellow, red For sale: Young Chang piano, U-131 of May. Also willing to consider a Mar.1, 2010 or tba’d. Purchase and turquoise) reversible comforter professional upright (52” high), ebony house exchange (we are residents $355,000., rent $1500./month + for a single bed. Looks brand new. polish finish, 23 years old, very good of Norfolk, England). Contact: utilities. Viewings by appt. Contact $10. Please call 613-730-1163 after 5. condition. Asking $1,500. Contact [email protected]. Dave @ 613-730-5628: dpfeiffer@ [email protected] ------rogers.com Quarter Size cello – excellent Spectacular, new, large fully condition -- $500. Call (613) 695- Accommodation furnished one bedroom apartment in Child Care 4470 post & beam house on non-motor ------House for rent: Old Ottawa South 3 boat lake 30 minutes from Ottawa. 20” Toshiba colour TV, $75. 613-730- bedrooms, 2.5 baths. Completely $975 inclusive. Must be seen! www. Loving, caring nanny has one free 2060 or [email protected]. renovated, finished basement, laundry celticcrosslodge.com Larry 613 day weekly to help out busy parents ------facilities, deck and yard, parking for 730 3789 with childcare and/or home help. Box spring: bran new Queen size two. No pets & non-smoker. $1900/ ------References. Please call (613) 730- 6-inch “Low Profile” from Home month, plus utilities. Available March For sale or rent in OOS. Center unit of 8098. Sears – never used: $200. Call (613) 1, 2010. 613-862-7196. 3 owner-occupied brick town homes. 695-4470 ------A delightful,bright space. Main floor To Give Away ------Appartement for Rent: Old Ottawa includes sitting, dining, kitchen and 2003 Honda Civic LX Coupe - South, close to Brewer Park, 2 blocks a versatile back room space. Upper 160,000KMS, excellent condition from Bank St. Lovely, bright 2 level offers an entertainment room, Free: one 4 year old guinea pig needs asking $6500.00 OBO Bedroom appartment on second floor bathroom and an open concept a new home (includes cage). Call Ada [email protected] of an old house. Washer and dryer 1-2 bedroom area. Basement is at 613-730-4559 included for use of tenants. Includes concrete,dry,full and unfinished with
OSCAR Seeks Volunteers To Distribute Monthly Around Town OSCAR Newspaper In Old Ottawa South
La Leche League Canada has a others. and perennials from seed. Cost and original composition. group in Old Ottawa South - Are For an exciting afternoon of musical $15. Information/register 613-230- The concert will take place on you breast-feeding your baby? Are entertainment on February 14, 3276, [email protected], Sunday, February 28 at 2:30 in Glebe you pregnant and planning to breast- come to hear Mike Trembley, Vince www.friendsofthefarm.ca St.James United Church, 650 Lyon feed? A La Leche League meeting Rimbach, Rene Lavoie and Ian Babb, St. at First Ave. Admission is $10, $7 is a relaxed, supportive and non- members of the Cosmos Saxophone The Indigone Trio + Strings will for Students and Seniors. Admission judgmental place where you can: Quartet perform fugues to jazz from perform as part of the Young Artist by donation is always welcome. For meet breast-feeding women, ask Bach, Brubeck, Rimbach and others Series sponsored by Glebe St.James more information, contact the church specific questions about breast- The concerts are held at 2:30 p.m. United Church. David Ryshpan, at www.glebestjames.ca or 613-236- feeding, learn more about breast- Sundays, in Glebe St.James United piano, Sébastien Pellerin, bass and 0617 feeding from accredited leaders who Church 650 Lyon Street at First Phil Melanson, drums will present a have breast-fed their own children Avenue. Admission is $15, students concert of traditional, contemporary and who volunteer their time, get and seniors $10. Admission by tips for working through best breast- donation is always welcome. For feeding challenges, find out more more information, contact the church about getting ready to breast-feed (if at www.glebestjames.ca or 613-236- you are pregnant), find out more about 0617 the benefits of breast-feeding for baby and you, borrow books about breast- Books for Blooms book drop off feeding and related parenting topics. February 6 & March 27, 10 a.m. Meetings every second Tuesday of to 4 p.m. Your used books would the month from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at 36 be greatly appreciated for our used Glen Ave. Next meeting February 9. book sale on June 26 & 27. Proceeds For more information call 613-238- benefit the Ornamental Gardens, 5919, the local La Leche League Arboretum and Shelter Belt of the phone line. Central Experimental Farm. Please no encyclopedias, magazines, text Concerts-in-the-Glebe, books, or condensed books. East exit sponsored by Glebe St. James off the Prince of Wales traffic circle, United Church has two concerts white and green building. in February. On Sunday, February 7 Ottawa Winter Propagation Workshop, musicians Ralitsa Tcholakova, violin February 23, 7 to 9 p.m. and Elaine Keillor, piano will perform Building 72, Arboretum, Central in a varied and exciting programme of Experimental Farm. Hands on, gypsies, tangos, fantasies and sonatas learn to take and care for winter from Piazolla, Schubert, Archer and cuttings and how to start trees, shrubs Page 46 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR FEB 2010 YourMarketplace
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JOHN GRANT RENOVATIONS * RESTORATIONS Homes, Apartments, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements, Shops, Restaurants, Offices Experienced Flute Teacher 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE WE ARE CARING, Accepting beginner to intermediate CREATIVE CRAFTSMEN students of all ages. Call John Day: 613-294-6441 Ottawa South area Eve: 613-623-6441 Please call Anna @ 613-730-2107 ! FEB 2010 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 47 By the Light of the Silvery Blue Moon By Arthur McGregor a few days ago and it’s a great instrument. The moon is the only celestial body that id you see the blue moon on New Year’s humankind has stood on, save earth. A treaty evening? We were in Toronto and the between Russia (the first country to reach the moon) sky was covered with a thin layer of and the USA (the first country to send someone to D the moon) prohibits its use as a military outpost high cloud. The moon was radiating through the clouds, giving the night a subdued light. I don’t but, with the recent discovery of water and the know if the sky was clear enough in Ottawa to see huge amounts of other raw materials, it’s unlikely it. that it will be ignored for too long. The USA has The term ‘blue moon’ has always fascinated me. committed to send more folks there by 2018. Most of us know a blue moon as a second full moon Q: What is more useful: the sun or the moon? in a given month. The term ‘blue’ in this context A: The moon, because the moon shines at night means un-named, or unattached. When figuring out when you want the light, whereas the sun shines the date of Easter, the Christian church traditionally during the day when you don’t need it. ignores the second moon in a month, calling it blue. Shine on! Today, blue moon is synonymous with a rare event. In agricultural folklore, each moon has a name according to the season. The best known is a harvest moon in the early fall, so named because the harvest can be brought in well into the night. The moon after that is the hunter’s moon. Here’s a picture I shot of the hunter’s moon a couple of years ago. series, called ‘A Tune for Maddy’. In this very Musically, the moon has been a focus for fine story about loss and consideration, Maddie songwriters since we learned how to howl. Nancy learns to play the harp. Ottawa artist, Janis Jones, Griffith wrote a wonderful song called “Once In A wonderfully illustrates ‘A Tune for Maddy’. The Very Blue Moon” that I fell in love with many years story doesn’t include the moon as much as the ago. And of course, ‘Blue Moon Of Kentucky’ a song first story, Maddie’s Moon did, but he’s certainly a covered by many. There are two classic versions; player in the tale! You can buy the book at the store, the first from inventor of Bluegrass music, Bill or through our web site. Visit Maddies virtual home Monroe, the second from Elvis Presley, recorded at www.celticrathskallions.ca. 1954 with two guitars and an upright bass. Oh and The last tale of the moon involves a Scottish the voice! Check out some You Tube versions of mandolin, made by Moon Guitar Co. One of our each of these tunes. It’s worth the search! customers purchased the lovely instrument, a solid I’m writing about the moon this month as it spruce, solid maple back and sides Army/Navy has come up more than a couple of times recently. model and the top fell and cracked in much too Wendy Moore, my other half, has just released her short order. It actually took two years to get the fine newest children’s book, the second in the ‘Maddie’ folks at Moon to put a new top on it. It arrived home Friday Morning in Ollantaytambo, Peru
By Jennifer Jones Patulli
t is 8am, and the narrow cobblestone roads of Ollantaytambo are filled with cars, buses, Imoto-taxis and pedestrians. This town, situated northwest of Cusco and in the Sacred Valley, is a common thoroughfare for tourists on their way to Machu Picchu. This morning, I am in the main square (Plaza de Armas, see picture below) silently watching the movement around me. I’ve been in this town for three days, and I feel like I could stay forever. But, today is my last day here.
pig), and chatted with Sylvia (the Andean woman running the place). Her daughter, Paula, bobbed up and down from behind the cash signing along to one of her favorite Los Kipus songs, mi carinito.
silent space above the town.
In the Plaza de Armas, I see a truck full of Peruvians dresses in red. They are part of the The mountains are all around me. They are weavers association, sharing their knowledge with powerful and beautiful. Each one discretely holds others. some form of Inca ruin embedded in its rocky face. Most of these ruins are storehouses, at this There are three narrow roads that exit the Plaza altitude (2,792 meters above sea level) the wind and de Armas to the north. On one a man walks with cooler temperatures provide adequate conditions his donkey, followed by a stray dog. On another a As I prepare for my trip home, a breakfast of for storing food once produced in the surrounding red flag hangs from a house to signal that they sell panqueques with honey and mate de coca gets me agricultural terraces. Now, these storehouses are chicha (a corn based alcoholic drink). On the third going. This little town tucked into the mountains empty. When I walk through them, I feel the energy is a small family run restaurant that my girlfriend leaves me with many wonderful feelings. I hope to of the stones and take in the beautiful view. It is a and I had dinner at last night. I ate cuy (guinea return one day. Page 48 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR FEB 2010