Blackburn Area News And Reports

Vol. 54 No. 3 BanarFebruary 2021

Winter has arrived in Blackburn Hamlet Photo: Devon Henderson Did you get a puppy during the pandemic? It can be quite challenging to socialize a puppy during a pandemic, the optimal time is between 2 to 4 months of age. Without adequate socialization puppies are more likely to become fearful adults which can in turn lead to aggression.

Luckily there are some things we can do at home to help puppies succeed in the real world. Start with finding your puppy high valued reinforcer this can be a special treat or a toy.

· Reward your dog for exploring novel items or surfaces in your home with their noses, paws and mouth (if appropriate), this can be the vacuum, brooms, carpets, tarps, cardboard, blankets, bags, various dog toys etc. · Reward your dog for being relaxed around novel sounds like the vacuum, coffee maker, videos of dogs barking, birds singing, thunder storms, sirens. · Introduce your puppy to different smells, tastes and textures of food. Going outside in your yard or walks in the neighborhood will offer your puppy a variety of smells and visual stimuli. · Puppies need time alone too, set your puppy up for success by leaving him alone for short periods of time and gradually increase time alone. This can be facilitated with puzzle toys filled with goodies.

La version française de l’article est disponible sur www.thehamletveterinaryhospital.ca FULL SERVICE COMPANION HOSPITAL Including surgery, dentistry, emergency (if possible) and medical consultation Open 6 days a week Monday – Thursday 8am-7pm; Friday 8am-6pm; Saturday 9am-noon 2592 in Blackburn Hamlet (between T/D Bank & Blackburn Arms Pub) Tel: 613 837 PETS (613 837-7387) Vétérinaires et personnels entièrement bilingues Visit us at www.thehamletveterinaryhospital.ca or on Facebook

2 • The BANAR February 2021 President’s message

Sunny winter days with a fresh Greens Creek holds (page 17). dusting of snow. The perfect This has been a challenging winter setting to take advantage year for our organization, of all our community has to but I am especially proud of offer. Go check out Top 10 things everything the volunteers of the to do in Blackburn Hamlet in BCA board have accomplished. the winter (page 21) if you are We have pushed our AGM back looking for something new to do a few months this year, and I this winter. How many has your invite you to join us virtually family done this winter? on March 25th; see details on Contents 4 BCA info, AGM Our community of volunteers page 4 and come out to hear 5 BANAR info has certainly given us some about everything we have been 6 Community Hall update great options this year. Ski working on. 7 Outdoor rinks update Heritage East and Orleans Finally, I would like wish 8 School during the pandemic Nordic Ski Club have provided Harvey Wittenburg a very 10 Harvey Wittenberg turns 100 excellent groomed trails all happy 100th birthday (page 10). 12 Blackburn tree talk winter (page 23). Our rink Harvey is a great community 13 Art group open to new members volunteers were patient with ambassador and the first 14 Ladies softball league recruiting a slow start to winter, but the publisher of the BANAR! 16 History of Green’s Creek, Part 2 rinks are now in some of the Take care everyone and stay safe! 17 Green’s Creek fossils best conditions I have seen 20 Gratitude to Just Food (page 7). As always, winter Mark Lister, 21 Top 10 winter things to do safety is important to consider BCA President 22 Safe winter walking when enjoying all our amenities 23 Ski and recreation trails and our Community Safety 24 Neighbourhood Watch update Director, Don Kelly, has some 25 What’s going on at the Library safe winter walking tips to share 26 February funny fill-in (page 22). He is also looking for comments and feedback on city winter maintenance quality. Websites Please reach out to him with www.BlackburnHamlet.ca any feedback to help improve www.BlackburnFunFair.ca community safety. www.BANAR.ca Greens Creek is a vital part www.CancerChase.com of our community, so check out Facebook part 2 of our 4-part series on its history (page 16), to hopefully • Blackburn Hamlet Community learn something new about our Association–BCA history – I know I did! • Blackburn Hamlet Community Association As we move into spring, fossil hunters can beef up their Twitter knowledge to see what secret @BlackburnOttawa hidden gems from the past

February 2021 The BANAR • 3 Blackburn Community Association (BCA)

BCA Annual General Meeting March 25, 2021 Please be advised that our AGM will be held on will be a review of our 2020 activities, a vote on a Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 7:30 pm. Participation is new BCA by-law, and election of the members of the open to all residents of Blackburn Hamlet, however, BCA board. Board positions include president, vice- voting privileges are only for residents who have president, treasurer, secretary and up to 11 directors. renewed their BCA membership at least seven (7) If you are interested in joining the board, please days prior to the meeting. (BCA Memberships are submit your candidacy, with a short bio, by valid from July 1 2020 to June 30, 2021). February 28, 2021 to secretary@blackburnhamlet. To ensure the health and safety of all, and to ca. All positions are open at the AGM. Current comply with provincial restrictions on social vacant portfolios include youth activities, gathering, our AGM will be held by Zoom senior activities, environment, transportation, conference. You can participate by using your beautification and managing our Web presence. If computer, smartphone or tablet, or by dialing more than one person stands for the position you in to a Toronto number with a standard phone. seek, you will be asked to describe to the voters While this may be a first for some of you, you why you qualify. will see that participating in our AGM by audio All of the documents (i.e., agenda, financial or video conference is quite easy. You’ll be able reports, current and proposed by-law, description to follow the discussion and vote, just like you of board roles) for the AGM are available at do at a normal AGM. You will also be able to ask www.blackburnhamlet.ca questions at the end of each presentation. To register for the Zoom meeting, please email The three main areas of discussion at the AGM [email protected] at least three (3) days before the AGM. A link to the meeting will be Blackburn Community Association (BCA) Mailing address: P.O. Box 47062, K1B 5B0 sent to all registrants the day before the AGM. We look forward to your participation in this 2021 BCA Board of Directors & Committee Chairs President: Mark Lister [email protected] year’s AGM! Vice-President: Brent Lawrie [email protected] Secretary: Lynn Lefevre [email protected] Treasurer: Lisa Margeson [email protected] Community Hall: Currently closed Please contact BCA president Time to renew your Communications: Nina Ryan, Patrick Philips, and Dan Gosson [email protected] BCA Membership! Transportation & Community Your $10 annual membership helps support BCA activities Safety: Don Kelly [email protected] such as the BANAR, representation to various levels of Environment: Kendra Brett [email protected] government, FunFair, Hockey Day, Day, Santa’s Membership: Satinder Sahota [email protected] Breakfast and many other initiatives for youth, seniors, Parks and Rinks: Zack Jackson [email protected] and local groups Each membership is good for all family Website: Vacant [email protected] members living at the same address. Community Liaison: Kiel Dixon-Lawlor [email protected] To renew your BCA membership please email: Funfair Chairperson: Ian Chamberland [email protected] membership@ blackburnhamlet.ca Bike Rodeo: Dave Garand [email protected] Cancer Chase 5K Don Kelly [email protected] NAME:______Seniors: Don Kelly [email protected] Beautification: vacant TEL#:______Canada Day: Tracy Scott and [email protected] ADDRESS:______Jason Wegner [email protected] Santa’s Breakfast: [email protected] POSTAL CODE:______Tracy Wilson and Jason Wegner [email protected] BANAR Editor: Kendra Brett [email protected] EMAIL:______BANAR distribution: Joanne Smith [email protected] 4 • The BANAR February 2021 Banar ADVERTISING in the BANAR

Prices range from $40 to $300 per issue depending on the size of the ad. Annual subscribers get 10% off. Tax will be added to the invoice. First time advertisers who purchase a subscription of ads marked with a star (*) receive a free half-page profile (225 words plus photo). The BCA does not endorse or guarantee products or services sent in for the BANAR or take responsibility for the print or web quality, copyright infringements of photos, artwork or text provided by advertisers for the BANAR or BCA website. Cost Cost Cleroux Creatures was at it again decorating John Kemp per per Park for Christmas Size issue year 7.5 W x 9.5 H (full page)* $300 $1,350 7.5 W x 4.25 H* $140 $630 THE BANAR is published five times a year

The BANAR is published and delivered 4.95 W X 2.75 H* $80 $360 five times a year to Blackburn homes and businesses to celebrate community and 3.65 W X 5.25 H* $100 $450 provide information on local programs and 3.65 W X 4.25 H* $80 $360 events. BANARs are then refilled at the 3.65 W x 2.75 H $60 $270 Blackburn Library, Metro, and Shoppers 3.65 W x 2 H (business card) $50 $225 Drugmart while quantities last as well as 3.65 W x 1.75 H (smallest ad) $40 $180 online at blackburnhamlet.ca.

Circulation: 3,500 BANAR Submissions PAYMENT, ADVERTISING, ARTWORK, Articles can be emailed in the body of an AND ARTICLES ARE DUE BY THE email or attached as a Word document. DEADLINE DATE High resolution photos (i.e.: 300 DPI) to Please put ‘BANAR’ in the subject line of all emails. accompany articles can be submitted as email attachments.

April BANAR Deadline: BANAR Contact Information: March 18, 2021 Please email Kendra Brett at BANAR Delivery: [email protected] April 10 to 11, 2021 Call 613-265-7661 if you do not get a confirmation that your email has been For BCA updates go to received. BlackburnHamlet.ca Please put “BANAR” in the subject of all emails.

February 2021 The BANAR • 5 Blackburn Hamlet Community Hall update The BCA recently undertook a review of the operations of the Category Fees Notes Community Hall. As a result, Not for $9.85/hour Not-for-Profit definition: the following rates are effective Profit - Incorporated non-profit organization; or -Registered charity; or January 1, 2021, pending re- -Sponsored by an incorporated opening due to COVID-19. The non-profit organization or a registered charity new rates bring the community (such as activities sponsored by the BCA). hall in line with City of Ottawa rates. Upon re-opening, the BCA Private $39.50/hour Include weddings, baby showers, will work with regular users to Activity or birthdays etc. ease the transition to the new $300/event rates and avoid disruptions to services provided. Commercial Commercial Activity is a for-profit Activity $54.55/hour activity that includes all businesses. Hall Re-opening Additional fee for liability insurance when alcohol is being served: $135. The Community Hall remains See our website for additional details. closed due to COVID-19, and long-time Community Hall We wish Auramarina all the we continue to monitor and administrator Auramarina best in her future endeavors. follow provincial and city Sawyer for all her hard work Her enthusiasm and dedication guidance on re-opening the hall. and support for the community. will be dearly missed! Auramarina recently accepted a For all community hall inquiries Special thank you full-time position and will step please reach out to The BCA would like to thank down as the Hall Administrator. [email protected]

6 • The BANAR February 2021 Blackburn Hamlet outdoor rinks update

The BCA outdoor rinks opened a little late this year, on January 11, 2021, as weather conditions in December and early January hampered ice making. Our dedicated team of volunteers continued to work through difficult conditions to provide three rinks to the community and we would like to thank each of them for their hard work and late nights to maintain the ice throughout the year. Bearbrook Rink ● Charlie McDonald ● Bill Logan ● Martin Tauvette ● Mark Martin Norman Johnston Rink ● Wayne Fussy Due to COVID-19 the BCA has had to alter the ● Ali Yasine operations of the rinks this year and close our ice ● Mike Laydu huts, along with additional restrictions in place ● Mark Lister per guidance from provincial and municipal governments. Please check our social media for Michael Budd Park Rink the latest and most up-to-date measures in place ● Bruce Lavallee at our rinks.

February 2021 The BANAR • 7 School during the pandemic By Logan Ryan, age 11 driveway instead of a ceremony trapped at home. with my friends at school. My teachers are awesome! In September 2020, our March I was starting middle school, at They always seem to know break that had unexpectedly a building I had only visited a what to do even though they lasted 6 months, came to an end few times before. It was all new. have never taught during a and we were told it was time to My new school was very pandemic before. head back to school. exciting, and it was easy to In the end, going back Going back to school during figure out where to go. I met my to school during a time of the outbreak, we didn’t know teacher and she took us to our pandemic wasn’t as scary as I what to expect. We were told classroom. There the desks were thought in the beginning. We there would be many new rules separate instead of in groups, all learned our new routines to follow, and that we had to with clear screens around them. quickly, and know what to do to be very careful in order to do The screens help prevent germs stay safe. It feels amazing getting our part to stop the spread of from flying out of your mouth to see my friends every day, and COVID-19. I was so excited to across the classroom. I look forward to being able to go back, but all the new rules We sanitize our hands a lot play with them outside all day made me realize how scary this throughout the day, and we when the summer gets here! virus was. have to eat in silence. However, I know my family was once we are done eating, we can wondering what life at school put our masks back on and chat Royal Canadian is like for me during the with our friends again. Playing Legion pandemic, and so I wanted outside in the yard, we have to share my view here in this to keep our distance from each Bottle Drive article. other too, and also wear our The Royal Canadian The first big change was that I masks to be safe. Legion Orleans Branch wasn’t even heading back to the I am happy to be back at 632 is having a fundraising same school anymore. In June school because I’m able to bottle drive to help keep I had finished up grade five, socialize and play with my the branch alive! You can and had a celebration on our friends, instead of being drop off bottles and cans at the Legion every Tuesday and Thursday between 11am and 2pm. Due to the pandemic, please do not enter the building, but leave your donation on the sidewalk on the west side of the building. Please do not crush the cans, but if they are already crushed, they will still be accepted. Thank you for your generosity during these difficult times.

8 • The BANAR February 2021 February 2021 The BANAR • 9 Blackburn’s Harvey Wittenberg turns 100

By Brad Hampson, street clapping and cheering. All S/Sgt. (Ret’d), physically distanced, of course. Ottawa Police Service Pipe Band Given Harvey’s wartime exploits, the Canadian Armed On Christmas Day 2020, special Forces also provided a tribute birthday wishes were received online, which, the Forces from Her Majesty The Queen advised, was one of their most for the first publisher of the popular messages ever posted. BANAR and rather famous Harvey Wittenberg moved long-time resident of Blackburn to Blackburn Hamlet in Hamlet, Harvey Wittenberg. 1971, and this year marks 50 Despite the pandemic, Harvey years that he has been a was highly honoured for his resident of the Hamlet. 100th birthday. The Ottawa To celebrate Harvey’s Police Service (organized life, we will be through S/Sgt. Frost) provided running a series an eleven-cruiser “roll-by” of articles in the at Harvey’s house, while BANAR, describing yours truly played Happy his early years, his Birthday on the bagpipes. achievements, and Harvey’s extended family and his contributions to neighbours watched from the Blackburn Hamlet.

10 • The BANAR February 2021 Harvey Wittenberg: the early years

Brad Hampson, S/Sgt. (Ret’d), it was decimated. Luckily, Ottawa Police Service Pipe Band Harvey remained in England for that operation, but the Harvey Wittenberg has lived whole division had to be rebuilt in Blackburn for 50 years, and afterwards, with so many recently celebrated his 100th losses. birthday on Christmas day 2020. In 1944, shortly after D-Day, Harvey’s life began in New Harvey landed in Normandy Edinburgh, during the ‘horse to assist in the breakout & buggy’ days, when milk, inland, where he was awarded bread and ice, were delivered to a gallantry ‘Mention-in- one’s door, and when doctors Dispatches’ for leading a group made house calls. Many viruses of soldiers to safety under fire. The Ottawa Police Service (organized similar to COVID were rampant through S/Sgt. Frost) provided an elev- Thereafter, he was involved back then, including mumps, en-cruiser “roll-by” at Harvey’s house, in most actions, fighting measles, small pox, Spanish flu, while yours truly played Happy Birth- in Antwerp, the Scheldt, scarlet fever, and diphtheria. day on the bagpipes Nijmegen, and into Germany, Life was very different. when the war ended in 1945. Early life was ‘family Harvey received a puck to the While many of his colleagues focused’, and Harvey had head, which took him to hospital. soon travelled home to eight around his dinner table. After the difficult 1930s demobilize, Harvey volunteered Obviously no TV back then, with the Depression, and hard to remain in Germany as but they would all sit around times, Harvey joined the army part of the occupation army listening to the radio shows, reserves at age 17. With the after the war. It was then that sometimes with neighbours advent of war in 1939, he joined he and some officers drove who would visit. the regular army along with to the infamous Auschwitz As a young man, he travelled five friends. Only he and one concentration camp to witness by bicycle to get around, or other of the group would return the scene where so many the Ottawa Electric Railway, after the war. Harvey reported horrors took place. Recalling which was five cents for a ride. for training at Lansdowne this trip vividly, he was shocked On Saturdays, Harvey and his Park, and then Toronto, before at the stench of human corpses friends travelled to Lansdowne shipping off to England in that still existed there, as well as Park to watch the Ottawa Police a cattle boat. His father had the terrible living conditions in and firefighters play football. fought in World War I and the prisoners’ barracks, which Back then, there was no stadium when the Army gave Harvey still existed at that time. lighting, so in the dark, fans his rifle and helmet, they told After his return home in 1946, would park their cars facing the him these might even be the Harvey decided to remain in the field with their headlights on. same ones his father had used. Army for a career. Much had In winter, they watched the old Much of the equipment was old changed back home in Ottawa. Ottawa Senators play hockey at in the early stages. an arena in center town. Back After training in 1942, his 2nd Stay tuned for Part 2 in the next then there were no safety nets Division crossed to Dieppe on issue for Harvey’s life after the war or Plexiglas, and at one game, the ill-fated raid there, where and early Blackburn days.

February 2021 The BANAR • 11 Tree Blackburn talk Stephen Fanjoy

One of the main reasons my wife and I moved our young family to Blackburn in 1997 was because of its trees. The trees in the parks, tree- covered paths, urban forests, trees in so many yards, including the street and the property that became our home. Trees have always had a place in my heart and mind, and always seem to draw my eye. I was privileged to have had a childhood with urban forests that were never far by foot or bike. I’d spend entire days exploring and imagining, discovering and doing. Sometimes with a friend and often by myself. Both were fun but being alone with the trees, and all they sheltered and supported, was the most special. I’d climb high and notice things that were not visible below. I’d sit against a trunk and see what was so easily missed had I hurried by. Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation Carbon Like many, I appreciate being among trees in Neutral Program. The next easiest was to buy a way that is simply self-evident, needing no sugar maple, red maple, white pine, and red deeper explanation. But deeper explanations cedar seeds, over 3,000 in total. Some of these I exist. World-renowned medical biochemist, distributed on late fall walks and the rest will be botanist, author, filmmaker, and Merrickville sowed this spring. resident Diana Beresford-Kroeger teaches us how But the most involved part of this project, and intimately trees are connected to both human the most fun and satisfying, was harvesting local health specifically, and biosphere health globally. sugar maple seeds last March and germinating But it is not just about fun and health. Climate them into seedlings. What started as 350 seeds change has become impossible to ignore and became 50 aspiring seedlings as of last fall. Doing the need for action is urgent. For decades I have this reminded me of being a kid, finding such advocated and voted for climate action while simple pleasure watching the seedlings first trying to keep my footprint modest. Sadly, that emerge and grow. Soon we will learn how many hasn’t amounted to much. Last winter I realized survived winter, but all that do survive, and more there was something simple I could do that to come year after year, will be part of a maple would make a small but real difference. sugar bush at Just Food. Decades from now, and I decided to plant trees and do so every year hopefully for centuries to come, this little sugar for the rest of my life. I’d plant -native bush will bring more simple pleasures to many. species, wherever they are wanted and will be left to live their natural life. The easiest first step For more, and to start a conversation, go to: was simply to begin a monthly donation to the www.seedtheworld.ca

12 • The BANAR February 2021 Blackburn Art Group is open to new members Lyn Ragan and Camille Marion

Before COVID, the Blackburn Art Group met every second Thursday afternoon in the Blackburn Community Hall. Everyone worked in harmony on their own projects, with the materials they brought along, including a mug for tea, and Creating by Zoom per member to cover the cost indoor shoes. There were no Currently, the group meets of renting the hall. These in- lessons provided, and members virtually, using Zoom, every person meetings will be held were free to chat about their second Thursday at 2pm for from September to June, every projects and share helpful about 30 minutes. The Zoom second Thursday afternoon. The tips, bringing a camaraderie gatherings allow members Zoom meetings will continue if to the group. A variety of art to share their efforts and there's enough interest. media and subject matter (e.g., encourage each other to portraits, animals, landscapes, persevere and hone their skills. If you would like to join the greeting cards) were used. The Zoom meetings are free to Blackburn Art Group, please email Being able to work on one's art attend. your request to blackburn.art. with like-minded people and When we are able to return [email protected] Please specify no other pressures of life was to the community hall, there whether you're joining the regular relaxing too. will be a nominal annual fee sessions or the Zoom meetings.

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February 2021 The BANAR • 13 Blackburn Ladies Softball League is recruiting new players!

Have you played before? Are you new and looking for a fun night out? Come and join us! We are a wonderful group of ladies who play recreational softball and are looking to add a few more players to our league. We play Monday and/or Wednesday nights, have recreational and competitive tournaments, meet and greet at opening night, end of year banquet, and other exciting activities throughout the season.

Please visit www. blackburnladiessoftball.com or contact Johanne Danis, BLSL Vice- President, at blslvicepresident@ gmail.com for more information and to register.

Please share or recycle this BANAR

14 • The BANAR February 2021 Fay e ery ar r e abur uy e 200 . l o l o l l o o o o.

Limit acidic drinks like soft drinks and fruit juices. Acids I.V. Sedation. N for . N soften tooth material WisdomTip of teeththe Tip of the removalN N and dissolve the minerals in tooth Implant placement enamel, causing holes (cavities or caries).

2668A Innes Road Blackburn Hamlet, K1B 4Z5 (Located in the Metro Plaza) Tel: (613) 834-5959

February 2021 The BANAR • 15 A history of Green’s Creek in four parts by Shawn MacWha

Part 2: Early European Settlers While Samuel De Champlain’s exploration of the Ottawa River is generally well known, it was in fact his protégé, Étienne Brulé, who was the first European to pass by the mouth of Green’s Creek in 1610. For the next 200 years trappers, traders and coureurs des bois travelled up and down the river until the first European settlements in the area took root after 1800. While Gloucester township was surveyed in 1863 Map of Gloucester Township showing Green’s Creek, Montreal and Navan Roads. 1792, it was not until 1812 that Braddish Billings became its first permanent resident, and wasn’t until the early 1830s that the first settlements two miles upstream of Montreal Road in the 1850s. appeared around Green’s Creek. By the 1860s many of the main roads that are The creek itself is named after Robert Green, still in use today had been built. Both Montreal an early inhabitant who moved here from and Navan roads were in place, and Innes Road Richmond, an early military settlement had been extended east from Cyrville Road past southwest of Ottawa that had been first settled Green’s Creek (although not as far as Blackburn). in 1818. At the time of the European arrivals, the The oldest of these routes was Montreal Road, land around the creek was covered with large originally known as the King’s Road, which stands of red pine and oak trees and these were was run through Gloucester Township in 1850. gradually cleared in the 1840s to 1860s as squared Where it reached Green’s Creek, a small ferry timbers were cut and floated downstream in existed to carry passengers and freight across the the spring run-off. One early account described water, charging users between 10 and 20 cents for logs up to 60 feet long, and 18 inches in diameter passage. moving down the creek on their way to the By the early 1860s a bridge had been Ottawa River. constructed and a toll booth was set up on By the 1860s most of the land along the creek the west side of the creek, operated by James had been settled, and many farms lined its banks, Coombs, although by 1880 it appears that the including those owned by the Barnes, Kenney, tollgate had been moved to the east side of the Hopkins and Presley families, although many bridge, where it operated until 1920. of the surveyed lots away from the creek and It was also during the period between 1909 Ottawa River still remained unassigned. and 1939 that the Canadian Northern Railway Despite the clearing of the forests there was still spanned Green’s Creek via a trestle bridge on a sawmill on the upper end of the creek in the its way between Ottawa and Hawkesbury. The 1860s, and by 1880 there was a different sawmill concrete footings for the bridge are still visible located at the mouth of the creek. just a short walk away from the toboggan hill. By some accounts that mill remained in operation until the early 1900s. Somewhat incredibly, there Next Issue: is even an account of a steamboat being seen fully Hotels and Bottled Water

16 • The BANAR February 2021 Green’s Creek fossils Christopher Brett trees, shrubs and plants. The most abundant fossil fish For over 175 years fossils have are a species of capeling, been reported from concretions still found in the lower St. in the Leda clay deposits at Lawrence, and sculpin. Other Green’s Creek, principally at fossil fish include the lump- the mouth of Green’s Creek, of an American but also up to 3 km eastward “Of all fossil Marten (a land along the banks of the Ottawa localities in mammal) were also River, and along the creek. Canada, none found. Marine and Concretions are nodules made preserves a better freshwater shells up of calcium carbonate, and record of life as it have been found, are round, kidney-shaped, and was about 10,000 including the small sausage-shaped, with most years ago than that shell of a marine being of a size that can easily at Green’s Creek.” mollusc, Leda arctica be picked up, averaging about (now Yoldia arctica), C.R. Harington, a 13 cm in length. from which the Leda paleontologist with the Everyone who has walked clay gets its name. National Museum of along Green’s Creek will have The nodules Natural Sciences noted the bluish-gray clay. If enclose fragments of you look closely you will wood, leaves of trees, note that some beds contain portions of marine concretions. They are set free sucker, stickleback, lake trout, plants, grasses, sedges, mosses, from the clay by the erosion of and smelt. Rare impressions and algae. Among the trees are the banks of the creek and the of feathers, bones of birds, the sugar maple, alder, birch river, and at one time (before flying insects, tiny crustaceans, and poplar. The vegetation is the N.C.C. reinforced the worms, and bones and teeth of identical to that now found in shoreline of the Ottawa River) seals have also been found. The the Ottawa region, suggesting were plentiful at the mouth of fossil of a skull and forelimb similar climactic conditions. Green’s Creek in the spring. Not all concretions contain fossils, and not all of the clay contains concretions. The bed of clay that has produced the most fossils is at the highwater mark of the Ottawa River. Most concretions from other layers do not have fossil remains The first reported fossil from Green’s Creek was the entire skeleton of a fossil fish. Green’s Creek has also produced fossils of vertebrates, invertebrates,

February 2021 The BANAR • 17 Trees and trails through woodhill park. Photo: Devon Henderson

18 • The BANAR February 2021 February 2021 The BANAR • 19 Gratitude to Just Food

Brent Lawrie, VP BCA excellent events that are held we approached the executive in Blackburn annually. These director of Just Food, Moe The Blackburn Community items, including a trailer, Garahan, to see if she had space Association would like to riding mower/snow blower, where we could temporarily express our gratitude to a great BBQ, pop-up tents, signs and store our items, she and her member of our community, Just posts, stages and lighting, team readily stepped up to help Food, and their community fencing, coolers, and sound us out. The benefit of having farm, for helping out in a time system, are all needed within our equipment close by and of need by allocating storage our community throughout readily accessible gives our space on their property for the the year. organisers the time to efficiently BCA, the Blackburn Ladies These items were being pull together the necessary Softball and other community stored in two lockers on the items needed to put on the groups. south side of the arena and in great events in our fantastic Over the years, the BCA and a shipping container behind community. Thanks again to other groups have amassed the arena until we had to find Just Food, Moe, and her team, a variety of equipment a new storage location due to for providing the much-needed that is used to facilitate the the arena renovations. When storage space.

20 • The BANAR February 2021 Kendra Brett 1. Go sledding at Glen Ogilvie 2. Build a snowman Typical Ottawa winter weather 3. Build a snow fort on your took longer than expected to front lawn that is bigger TOP arrive this winter. But when it than your neighbour’s! did arrive, there seemed to be 4. Take a walk through the a burst of people outside in the community gardens Hamlet determined to make 5. Go skating at one of three the most of what winter had outdoor rinks to offer! I don’t know if I’ve 6. Go snowshoeing in ever seen so many snowmen the woods behind the and forts in the neighborhood, community center Things to do in or such well-groomed trails 7. Go cross-country skiing at 10 in the woods. We’re lucky in the Hornet’s Nest Blackburn Hamlet Blackburn to have so many 8. Watch your snowman outdoor winter activity options melt into something in the winter nearby, including cross country unrecognizable ski trails, snowshoe paths, 9. Dig yourself out from the outdoor rinks, and one of the mountain of snow left in biggest sledding hills in Ottawa. your driveway by the plow Here’s a list of the top 10 things 10. Go sledding at Green’s to do in Blackburn this winter. Creek

Izzy Caverly Logan and Jake Ryan

Charlie Jodoin Amber and Hannah Clarke

February 2021 The BANAR • 21 Safe winter walking Don Kelly, Community Safety

According to Statistics Canada, in 2019 Blackburn had a population of 8,468 residents and that 20% of these residents were persons aged 65 and older. Another 13% of the population were between the ages of 55-64. The Hamlet has a robust, active community, with many people outside enjoying walking the plethora of paths and trails in the Hamlet throughout the whole year. Walking is a valuable exercise. It helps us stay fit and is one of the best exercises for the heart. But, as with most good things in life, there are dangers linked to walking, especially for seniors. Health experts tell us that falls are the leading cause of injury for Photo: Devon Henderson seniors. While most falls happen in the home, the outdoors is still a concern, especially in winter. some of these devices have ice picks on the end As walkers, we must be vigilant for the hazards to give extra balance. Another good precaution is of snow and ice, notably in dark hours or after wearing boots with non-skid soles. freezing rain. When walking in winter you may This year, the BCA, in cooperation with our want to consider using a cane or walking stick – councillor, Laura Dudas, is part of a city-wide project called the Winter Maintenance Quality Standards Review. A main focus of this program is on the safety of sidewalks and pathways in the city. The BCA is asking all residents, but particularly seniors, to submit their concerns to us, so that we can prepare an effective reply to the city on this project. Your concerns can be forwarded to the BCA Seniors Action Committee at [email protected] All walkers should be sure to adhere to some basic safety principles: ● Wear bright clothing that makes you visible, especially in dark conditions. ● Use the pathways, sidewalks and crosswalks, where available. ● Make sure you have enough time to cross the road safely, especially if you have mobility issues. ● When stepping off the curb, look carefully in both directions, to ensure a vehicle is not in your path.

22 • The BANAR February 2021 Beautifully groomed ski and recreation trails on our doorstep

Councillor Laura Dudas 1980. Many will recognize Ski Heritage East Trail network the volunteer groomer, Frank is groomed for multiple winter Access to outdoor recreation Roscoe, who has been grooming activities, including cross- activities has never been so the trails for more than 20 years. country and skate-skiing, popular, or necessary, than in Frank is a wonderful asset for fat bikes, snowshoeing and this winter season, when the our community and to everyone walking/jogging. Ad to be in November 2020 and February issues instead of profile story and missed Ad to be in November 2020 and Februarypandemic issues has instead kept us of at profilehome storywho enjoysand missed his handiwork! The city has provided annual Furry Paws ad. Actual value of ad this size isand $175. indoors. This year, the trail was funding for the trail network, Furry Paws ad. Actual value of ad this size is $175. Ad to be in November 2020 and February issues insteadMany of us of are profile turning story to andexpanded missed and groomed providing $10,000 in 2020 FurryPlease Paws notePlease ad. that Actual note resolution thatvalue resolution of ofad photos this of sizephotos are is $175.arenotwinter not300 sports300 dpi dpi as and aand means I Ihave have of thethrough bestbest I WoodhillcanI can with with Park, what towhat the to assist with maintenance, (you sent.(you Renewal sent. Renewal a regular a regular ad 3.65” ad 3.65” width stayingwidth x up xactive up to to and4.25” 4.25” healthy, height) height) while willedgewill be ofbe thefor for publicApril April pathway2021. 2021. and including creating wider trails Please note that resolution of photos are not 300maintaining dpi and physical I have distancing the best theI can Glen with Ogilvie what Public School to accommodate for pandemic- (you sent. Renewal a regular ad 3.65” width x requirements.up to 4.25” That’s height) where will Ski beyard. for April 2021. related physical distancing. It is my pleasure to provide a groomingHeritage service East for and our the wonderfulOrléans community.In 2018, a group of volunteers As an avid cross-country It is my pleasure to provide a grooming serviceNordic Ski for Club our come wonderful in. banded community. together as Ski Heritage skier, you will often find me Furry Paws Grooming, located in BlackburnIn Blackburn Hamlet, Hamlet, has we’ve been openEast for to runalmost a pilot four project out on these trail networks ItFurry is my pleasurePaws Grooming, to provide located a grooming in Blackburn service for Hamlet, our wonderful has been community. open for almost four years now. I couldn't ask for a better joblong and had suchaccess amazing to the trails clients. groomingSince I was an 8-kilometreyoung, trail enjoying the peace and beauty Furryyears Paws now. Grooming,I couldn't asklocated for ina betterBlackburn job and throughHamlet, such the haswoodsamazing been and openon clients. for along almostSince the I Ottawafour was young, River in of the natural spaces so close to I've always been excited about the furrythe babies,snowed-over I love soccer taking fields care ofOrléans. them and For themaking 2020-21 season, our community. I appreciate the yearsI've alwaysnow. themI couldn't been feel excited happy ask for and about a bettercomfortable. the job furry and It babies, suchwouldat the amazingHornet’s be I lovemy Nest.honour takingclients. This to careSince take of IcareSki wasthem Heritage of young, your and East furry making lengthened hard work of the volunteers and I'vethem always feelbabies. beenhappy excited I haveand comfortable.aboutexcellent the service furry It babies,and would pricing.portion I belove ofmy takingthe honourtrail networkcare toof themtake its careand winter making of trail your to 30 furry kilometres I would encourage anyone who them feel happy and comfortable. It would behas my been honour maintained to take by the care ofalong your the furry Ottawa River, from has not had a chance to visit babies. I havePlease excellent feel free service to call and for anpricing. appointmentOrléans Nordic at (613) Ski Club 324-0099 since orBlair text/e-mail. Road to Trim Road. The them to do so! babies.Please I have feelexcellent free to service COVIDcall for and measures an pricing. appointment are in place at for (613) everyone's 324-0099 safety. or text/e-mail. Please feel freeCOVID to call for measures an appointment are in place at (613) for 324-0099everyone's or safety.text/e-mail. COVID measures are in place for everyone's safety.

November 2020 The BANAR • 17

February 2021 The BANAR • 23

November 2020 The BANAR • 17 November 2020 The BANAR • 17 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH UPDATE

Don Kelly, on that street. There are over 130 streets within the Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Hamlet, and to date we have no street that meets this minimum number of members. However, a As of January 25, 2021, the Blackburn Hamlet few streets, such as Glen Park Drive, Highburn Neighborhood Watch project has 23 street Crescent and Beechmont Crescent, are only a few captains and 130 residents signed up as members short to qualify for their certification. Neighborhood Watch members. An important part of the Neighborhood The city has requested a minimum of 40 to 50% Watch project is that members are offered a of the residents of any street signed as members home inspection. The home inspection is a to have a Neighborhood Watch designation and comprehensive audit of the safety features of the to have a Neighborhood Watch road sign installed residence, including the interior and exterior of your home. It is designed to make your home safer and discourage criminals from visiting your home. Presently home inspections can only be completed by Ottawa Police volunteers or by Ottawa Police Auxiliary members who have received the two-day training. The BCA is requesting that, once we get through the COVID-19 pandemic, some personnel from the Hamlet be trained in this area. The BCA is asking all residents to consider joining the Neighborhood Watch. As a member, you are not obliged to participate in the Watch’s activities. The choice is yours, yet you will be part of a network that can help prevent crime in your neighborhood. Join the Neighborhood Watch by going to the BCA website and filling out the membership document. Your Neighborhood Watch Street Captain may also provide you with the necessary information. Completed Neighborhood Watch membership documents can be sent to [email protected]. Blackburn Hamlet residents should also be mindful that police resources are allocated to where they are needed. Not reporting a small event could affect the policing within our neighborhood. The loss of a bike from the yard may seem like a minor crime but it could be part of a coordinated neighborhood theft ring. Report all incidents of criminal behavior, minor, major, or even if you are not sure, to the police, immediately!

24 • The BANAR February 2021 What’s going on at the Tech Café Join us in February and March for free tech courses online Blackburn Hamlet Library such as Is Software Really Free, As we work through this mais il y a beaucoup d’activités Programmation avec les micro:bits difficult winter together, please en ligne pour tous les âges virtuels, Coding With Scratch, know that we are still here to sur notre site web, https:// Codage avec Scratch, Making serve you at the Blackburn biblioottawalibrary.ca/fr, y a Hardcopy Book from Digital Hamlet Library. Access to the compris des tutoriels en ligne Photos and Comment accéder branch may vary according to pour apprendre à télécharger aux services gouvernementaux. provincial directives, but our les livres numériques. N’hésitez Please register online at https:// doors remain open, and we will pas à nous rejoindre au 613-580- biblioottawalibrary.ca/en do our best to serve you. Please 2940 si vous avez besoin d’aide. check out our website to keep Rencontre avec l’auteure up with the latest news and ONLINE PROGRAMS Joins-toi à l'auteure Dïana remember to bring your library Bélice! Avec cet atelier virtuel, card and your mask. See you Our Stories: l’auteure Dïana Bélice souhaite soon! Indigenous Book Club familiariser les jeunes sur We are not able to offer any This new monthly online series le métier d’auteur, et ses programs in the library at this highlights recently published différentes facettes, tout en time, but we have all sorts of works from Indigenous authors prenant le temps de discuter de online activities for adults, across Turtle Island, including ses expériences dans le domaine. teens and kids on our website poetry, fiction, memoirs Vous pouvez y assister at https://biblioottawalibrary. and plays. With Our Stories: via Zoom ou en direct sur ca, including online tutorials Indigenous Book Club, we hope Facebook le mardi 9 février à to help you download e-books. to expose Indigenous and 19 h. Inscrivez-vous en ligne au Please call us at 613-580-2940 for non-Indigenous readers alike https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/ assistance. to diverse perspectives in the en/node/345443 ______Indigenous community. There are new online Nous traversons ensemble une Each month will feature a programs each week! période difficile, mais sachez different title. Visit our website for news at que nous demeurons à votre https://biblioottawalibrary. https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en service à la Bibliothèque de ca/en/blogs/our-stories- Blackburn Hamlet. L’accès à la indigenous-book-club Library Hours succursale peut varier selon les Closed Family Day, Mon., Feb. 15 directives provinciales, mais Programs for Children Closed Good Friday, April 2 nos portes sont ouvertes et il Join us for Online storytime, Closed Easter Mon., April 5 nous fera plaisir de vous aider. L’heure du compte en direct, Monday – 10 AM - 6 PM Consultez notre site web pour Parent Baby Connections and Tuesday – 1 PM - 8 PM rester à jour avec les dernières Connexions parents-bébés, Wednesday – 10 AM - 6 PM nouvelles et n’oubliez pas votre which are available online Thursday – 1 PM - 8 PM carte de bibliothèque et votre this winter. Please visit the Friday – 10 AM - 4 PM masque. À bientôt! website for details at https:// Saturday – 10 AM - 4 PM Malheureusement, nous biblioottawalibrary.ca/en or Sunday – Closed n’offrons pas de programmes https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/ The book drop is available during en succursale en ce moment, fr open hours only. 613-580-2940

February 2021 The BANAR • 25 BANAR Family Fun Corner February funny fill-in

Kendra Brett say “ ______” (exclamation) to for snow blowing the end of my ______(noun) – it To play: without showing the story to the other could have been any of them! players, one player, the READER, asks the other The Blackburn Community Association (BCA) players to give them the words to fill in the blanks has many ______(adjective) volunteers, (based on what the space calls for, e.g., noun, adjective, and the BCA has helped create a ______verb). The READER then reads the completed story (adjective) community. Every year, when there based on the words provided. isn’t a pandemic, the BCA puts on lots of great ______(noun, plural) throughout the year. I ______(verb, past tense) to Blackburn This includes a ______(season) clean-up, Hamlet ______(number) years ago, and where people gather to clean up the ______there are a lot of things that make this a great (noun) left behind after the ______(noun) place to live! I love all the ______(noun, melts, and celebrate with a ______plural) and pathways, and the beautiful, big (adjective) BBQ. The BCA also hosts a ______(noun, plural). I also like how (food) breakfast with ______(famous everything we need is nearby; we have lots of person), an annual ______(adjective) Fair, and ______(noun, plural), some ______(sport) Day in the Hamlet. (adjective) restaurants, ______(number) ______(verb ending in “ing”) in the schools, veterinary clinics for your ______(place) is a great way to meet (animal, plural) and ______(animal, plural), new ______(noun, plural), and make and more ______(noun, plural) than you ______(adjective) friends. I’ve met so many can count! ______(noun, plural) this way, I can hardly The people of ______(place) are part of what go anywhere in the Hamlet without ______makes this community so ______(adjective)! (verb ending in “ing”) into someone I know! My neighbors are very ______(adjective), and Whether you’ve lived here for ______(number) are always willing to lend a ______(body part, years, or only for a few months, I hope you enjoy singular). Sometimes I don’t even know who to ______(place) as much as I do!

26 • The BANAR February 2021 BLACKBURN BUSINESS DIRECTORY

February 2021 The BANAR • 27 28 • The BANAR February 2021