The OSCAR l April 2020 Page 1 THE OSCAR www.BankDentistry.com 613.241.1010 The Ottawa South Community Association Review l The Community Voice Year 48, No. 4 April 2020

Life has changed for all of us For messages from the OSCA President, and the Executive Director, see pages 8 and 9.

After closing the Brewer Arena one month early and removing the ice, the City opened its first COVID-19 Community Assessment Centre in the arena on Friday, March 13th. The adjacent building, formerly home to the Westboro Spring Programs Academy, was quickly retrofitted and is also used as part of the Community Assessment Centre. PHOTO BY JOHN DANCE at the Firehall Check out our 2020 Reflections on a Virus Spring Guide for I was a wartime child, program listings! entered the post-war world of peace and prosperity, REGistration is NOW a blessed time in history. OPEN! My parents had endured The Firehall (260 Sunnyside Ave.) ten years of Depression OLDOTTAWASOUTH.CA and the war. Made babies not knowing if their children would live under the boot heel of a bloody dictator. Now, I’m old, retired, commanded to stay home while a deadly virus prowls the streets. I can do that.

gratefully, Layabout

Please note that Our programs and our AGM are still tentatively scheduled as normal. If anything changes, we will let clients know via our website and social media. Bruce Grant, retired engineer and layabout, is a resident of OOS. Page 2 The OSCAR l April 2020

BUSINESS BEAT creative ways to continue to serve and it looked pretty clear there was no the community. There are too many construction activity on the top floor. I Uncertain Times Ahead examples to name them all, but there’s asked a Shoppers employee and they known all along –­­ is that we have an Cedars & Co. offering front door informed me that Anytime Fitness had amazing business community. I was delivery for those in self-quarantine, postponed their plans to start working so impressed to see one after another several restaurants changing to takeout on the fitness centre until the fall. It business make the unbelievably tough & delivery, Black Squirrel Books and was also pretty clear that the employee but necessary decision to close their Comet Comics offering mystery comic thought it was actually quite likely the doors, many of them days before and book deliveries, newly opened whole idea was off altogether. And one the government’s declaration of a Cylie offering Easter gift baskets, and has to think the current situation does State of Emergency required bars the list goes on. make it less likely that Anytime Fitness and restaurants to close. I have been will be opening anytime soon. similarly impressed with the proactive approach almost all businesses have Noel’s Landscaping taken, whether they decided to stay Also in early March, I received an open or closed. And as I am writing email from Cory Noel to let me know this (on March 20), we are starting that although they were forced to to see what an engaged and creative close their Bank Street location, they The pandemic led many Bank Street business community we have. Several will still be offering their delivery businesses to close, while others businesses have stepped up with and landscaping/excavation services offered new services such as food to the area and are offering 50% takeout or delivery. off of delivery for the first order of PHOTO BY MAURA GIULIANI landscaping materials for residents of OOS! By Erik van der Torre Bubble Tea By the time you read this, things The “for lease” signs are gone on the will have likely changed, again. former Comet Comics and Milk Face Potentially a lot. Hopefully only a location. I haven’t really been able to little. In all likelihood we are still PHOTO BY BRENDAN MCCOY find out what’s supposed to go in there, physical distancing and – if the first but one rumour I have heard is a “high- few days of the pandemic in Ottawa end bubble tea place”... But it seems are any indication – we will have It is also encouraging to see the level unlikely any new business is going to continued to find creative ways to of concern that the community has for be opening anytime soon given the stay socially connected. Writing the our local businesses. Several people current situation. Business Beat is near impossible this have reached out to me to find out if month, as it is impossible to know there are ways that they could help. Lindt Closed how long this new reality might last. To that end OSCA has created a list This may come as a shock, but But what we do know – and have PHOTO BY BRENDAN MCCOY of our local businesses to keep track another business has closed at of who is offering what during these Lansdowne. The Lindt store is no more. challenging times. And I invite you to (continue to) check out the list on Business Beat is a monthly feature that our COVID-19 portal on our website: highlights new and existing businesses Plant-Based Roasts https://oldottawasouth.ca/covid-news- in Old Ottawa South. Opinions are my Roast with Wild Rice and-resources. own. If you know of any new businesses Stuffing 736g opening up or want to share your Vegan Ham Style Roast 539g As we were originally planning to be thoughts about existing businesses, travelling for March Break, I did have send a note to: e.vandertorre@gmail. Nutty Dips 9 a Business Beat draft ready a week com. Caramelized Onion 49 9 before deadline. I have made some ea Spicy Thai 200g ea 4 changes to it, but I feel like some of Erik van der Torre has lived in Old 5 1 the news I had planned to share is still Ottawa South with his wife and three relevant. sons for over 10 years. He is a member of OSCA’s Traffic & Safety Committee Sometime Fitness? and is OSCA’s Communications and In early March I noticed the “For Marketing Coordinator. Lease” sign was still up on Shoppers Canned Fish & Seafood Multiple varieties Uncooked 340g Cooked 340g For the list of “Businesses of OOS – 9 to 99 Pacific White 9 9 9 Shrimp (31-40/lb) 9 9 9 14 ea 7 ea 9 ea What’s Open & Closed and Cool Earth Mesh Who’s Offering Takeout” Tote Bag 9.99 Go to: oldottawasouth.ca/covid-news-and-resources Carebags Reusable Produce Bags 4 pack 19.99 Tutoring and Day School Got It! Reusable Produce Bags • Grades 1 to 12 • 3 pack Two-Bite Chocolate 9 Croissants 9 13.99 127g ea 3 Located in Old Ottawa South, 1187 Bank St 754 Bank Street (613) 232-9466 613-260-5996 Monday to Friday 8:00am - 10:00pm Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm [email protected] Sunday 9:00am - 8:00pm www.astolot.com www.metroglebe.com The OSCAR l April 2020 Page 3

NEWS name put onto a seat. An easy way for Mayfair seat us to get some income while we were closed. sale - getting This started years back when we were doing a fundraiser to buy a new immortalized at digital projector, and we did quite well with that campaign. But, we still had your favorite local quite a few seats left up for grabs. We left the offer open, with information on cinema how to snag a seat on the website, and would sell a few seats here and there By Josh Stafford over the years for birthday, wedding, or anniversary gifts. A week or so ago, I was looking Someone on Twitter beat me to the forward to my normal routine of punch with the suggestion to the masses watching movies at the Mayfair, when that people could buy a seat while we I wasn’t working at the Mayfair. I was were on lock down, and word began looking forward to watching Little to spread. It’s a rare example of social Women, Greed, Weathering with You, media as a force of good in the world. Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, and Star I spent the better part of a Thursday, Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. March 19, wrangling requests, and Everyone at the cinema had been answering questions from people keeping track of, and adjusting to interested in supporting the cinema the ongoing reality of the frightening while we can’t be open to the public updates regarding the coronavirus. and screening movies. We were following the new rules and By March 28 we had completely suggestions as they happened, setting sold out the names-on-seats. It’s very ticket sales to cap off at 250 per movie, heartening, and appreciated, that the encouraging patrons to space out in Mayfair is in people’s thoughts during their seating, lots of extra cleaning, and these stressful and bizarre times. We attempting to buy hand sanitizer from hope that everything is back to normal a world that was suddenly sold out of PHOTO BY BRENDAN MCCOY soon, with the Mayfair screening great hand sanitizer. the first time since 1932. It all seems switched up the marquee to a ‘closed’ movies as per usual. More concerning news on the message, removed all the listings off the very heavy, stressful, and depressing. COVID-19 subject escalated very On my to-do homework list was to website, and left a ‘we’re closed’ notice Josh Stafford is a co-owner of the quickly, and next thing you knew, we get the word online that we still have on the answering machine. Mayfair Theatre, and he thinks the decided to shut up shop. We took down seats for sale in the cinema. For $150 So, now we’re in a world where the most underrated movie of all time is all the times off the posters outside, you can get immortalized with your Mayfair isn’t screening any movies for “Hudson Hawk” with Bruce Willis.

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SENIOR WATCH OLD OTTAWA SOUTH Public transportation and accessibility By Lida Malinowski

Senior Watch Old Ottawa South (SWOOS) Committee Members, as advocates for seniors in Old Ottawa South (OOS), have been looking into the safety and accessibility of public transportation for seniors, more specifically bus routes #6 Greenboro and #7 Carleton since late Fall. SWOOS members agree that more age-friendly policies regarding bus transportation, and consideration of seniors’ needs – to support ‘aging in place’ –­ needed to be put forward. Two reports highlighting issues of concern to seniors and offering suggestions for improvement have been forwarded by SWOOS to the City Councillor’s office for consideration. Three issues are at the forefront.

1. Re-routing of (eastbound) #7 Carleton bus, from Grove Avenue to Sunnyside Avenue At the transportation forum held at the Firehall in December, OC Transpo presented the reasons for the proposed PHOTO BY ANNA CUYLITS re-routing of the #7 Carleton bus from Grove Avenue to Sunnyside Avenue. and increased reliability. not seem to be in alignment with the seniors who live in the blocks south of They outlined that the main benefits of OC Transpo acknowledged it would principles of transit planners who try Sunnyside. They would need to walk a this re-routing were shorter walk times also result in an inconvenience for 200 to reduce the distance one needs to greater distance (uphill) to get to the #7 for some riders, shorter travel times customers who may have a longer walk walk to catch the bus. Transit planners bus stop, and to manage their shopping (savings of 2-4 minutes per trip and to service, and may be better served generally observe that the walking bags or shopping carts. saving over 5,000 customer-minutes), by walking to Bank Street. This does distance that most people seem to SWOOS put forward a number of tolerate – one beyond which ridership falls off drastically – is about 400m (about 1/4 mile). This would greatly Continued on pg. 5 affect service and accessibility for Recent changes at OC Transpo to lessen the spread of COVID-19

SINCE 1939 OC Transpo has enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures to protect the health and safety of staff and customers. Since March 16th, cleaning on buses has been stepped up to include daily wipe downs with antiviral disinfectant in common touch A of a Job points.

. o l d t a w s u h c Additional measures and recommendations are: • Do not use the transit if you have a fever and/or new onset of cough or difficulty breathing. • Do not use transit if you have been in close contact with a Do you love to help people? To work in a creative confirmed or probable case of COVID-19. environment and with dedicated and collaborative people? w While you are riding the bus: We are looking to expand our sales team and you might just • Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, find that Davidson’s Jewellers is the perfect place to work — not your hand. non-stressful hours, a supportive team, a creative workplace, an • Avoid any aspiration of droplets that may contain the virus. exciting neighbourhood and a respectful clientele. • Practice social distancing to the extent possible. • The general recommendation is to avoid touching your

If you have retail sales experience, style and a commitment to face-eyes, nose, mouth. Use proper hand washing after every commute, (if on the bus, use alcohol-based sanitizer as a stop- superior customer service, you might well be the perfect fit for gap measure). our exciting and creative business. Rear door boarding for buses: Email your resume to: • Only passengers with accessibility needs are allowed to board [email protected] buses through the front door, all other passengers must board through the rear doors. • No change for fares, or paper transfers, will be accepted, and 613.234.4136 Presto cards may not work on some bus models, however, 790 Bank Street davidsonsjewellers.com passengers will be allowed to board. The OSCAR l April 2020 Page 5

SENIOR WATCH OLD OTTAWA SOUTH hoped that a bus stop can be installed Continued from pg. 4 west of Rosedale Avenue, as close DID YOU KNOW? as possible to Leonard Avenue. This other key observations regarding re- would greatly improve the safety and routing of the #7 Carleton bus, and had walkability for seniors, and allow them concerns about how the route change to ‘age in place’ by having a shorter aligned with Vision Zero principles for distance to walk when carrying heavy pedestrian safety. bags and managing grocery carts from Although the #7 route will be a bit bus to home. In addition, this crossing shorter, there are safety concerns for is a safer, less congested, level street Hopewell school children playing, crossing, compared to the uphill/ and especially when school buses and downhill crossing on Grosvenor. cars are parked on Sunnyside for drop SWOOS is encouraged by the off and pick up. The Bank/Sunnyside update from the Councillor’s Office on intersection is already problematic, putting a bus stop closer to Leonard. especially at peak hours, and when In Councillor Menard’s recent “As Lansdowne events cause heavier traffic We Heard It” report, it is stated that: congestion in OOS. It is a hazardous “OC Transpo will work with the street crossing for all pedestrians, and Councillor’s Office on it.” seniors especially, since the light is a short one. Sunnyside is a busy two- 3. Snow clearance at bus stops way street, with street infrastructure Although this winter was not as such as bulb-outs and rain gardens harsh as last year, the removal of snow to slow down traffic, unlike Grove at bus stops continues to be a problem. which is a one-way street. If more If bus drivers do not – or are unable congestion results from traffic backing to – stop close to the sidewalk curb up, the residents along Sunnyside will to allow passengers a clear and safe “The Dutch Reach” be greatly affected by the added noise footing onto the sidewalk, it could lead to injury. Buses are still often crowded pollution from cars and buses travelling • Have you heard of the Dutch Reach? and encumbered with large strollers, in both directions. • It’s a simple technique that may help save a cyclist’s life. shopping carts, and mobility aids at • If you get into the habit of opening your car door with your right the front of the bus, so it is sometimes 2. More equidistant bus stops along hand before stepping out, you are forced to turn your head and difficult to get to the front door exit. Sunnyside Avenue for #7 Carleton body to check whether an oncoming cyclist, or even another car, Hopefully seniors’ concerns regarding (westbound) bus might be passing by. front door exit will be re-viewed again In 2014, rain gardens were installed • This practice hails from the Netherlands as a way to prevent during bus driver training, and the along Sunnyside Avenue and this injury and accidents, both to you and others sharing the road. City will increase diligence with snow resulted in the loss of a long-standing • So remember: reach, swivel, look out at the mirror and behind, removal at stops. #7 Carleton bus stop on the north side and open the door slowly. of Sunnyside, at Leonard. Since this SWOOS hopes that serious bus stop on Leonard was removed, Submitted by the OSCA Traffic & Safety Committee. there is a disproportionate distance consideration can be given to safety between the bus stops from Grosvenor and accessibility issues on any to Seneca. There are two bus stops on upcoming public transportation one block (from Bank to Grosvenor), planning and changes. Enabling and the next bus stop on Seneca is seniors to ‘age in place’ by facilitating four long blocks away. The bus stop transportation to appointments and on Sunnyside at Grosvenor is at a very everyday living activities would busy intersection. Also, the sidewalks contribute greatly to an independent on Grosvenor are sloping, and in bad and enriching daily life for seniors in condition (especially in winter) for our neighbourhood and in our city. those walking south. SWOOS has received feedback from If you have comments/thoughts on seniors who had frequently used this any of these issues, please share with bus stop on Sunnyside and Leonard SWOOS2018 @ gmail.com over the past many years, and would like this bus stop re-instated, but it Lida Malinowski is a long-time is likely not feasible, since the rain resident of OOS, and SWOOS adjunct gardens are permanent. However, it is member on public transportation. Page 6 The OSCAR l April 2020

LAYABOUT The First Boomer August of 1946. His father, John “Mac” MacGregor, was a Canadian sailor just landed back in Halifax from overseas when he met Jeanette Ferguson of the Women’s Royal Navy Service. Jeanette came from Ottawa South, had attended Hopewell Public School and Glebe Collegiate. Their meeting in Halifax in 1945, just off the ship a few months after the defeat of Nazi Germany, resulted in the birth of Bruce MacGregor. Apparently, Mac and Jeanette made a quick transition into non-military activity. The baby was conceived in 1945 in Halifax and was christened by the Chaplain on a RCN destroyer. First boomer! No, I can’t guarantee that Bruce is really the first boomer, but I’ll grant him that honour until someone comes along with a better story. By Layabout Bruce grew up in Ottawa and he will be remembered by many younger We see much in the news these days residents of OOS because he was an English teacher at Glebe Collegiate for about the baby boomers, about what written with good humour and a lot of and Wellington, Perfect Books on thirty years. For 25 years he was also they have done for us, what they failed detail about life in those years. Either Elgin Street and Books on Beechwood. a member of a Rock n’ Roll musical to do and how they are going to burden he has total recall or he has done a It can also be ordered online at: group called Bruce and the Burgers. our health care and pension systems lot of research, for the book is full of burnstownpublishing.com Now retired and looking for an in their old age. I’ll not go into the stories that trigger memories in my outlet for his creative impulses, Bruce controversies, but I beg to report that own Ottawa story. The book, entitled has written a book about his young I think I have found Canada’s first Capital Recollections, is published Bruce Grant, retired engineer and years in Ottawa in the fifties and early boomer. by Burnstown Publishing. It can be layabout, too old to be a boomer, is a sixties. Less than a history, and more Bruce MacGregor was born in found at World of Maps at Parkdale resident of Old Ottawa South than a mere personal life story, it’s

(Above and left) Family photos of baby boomer, and now author, Bruce MacGregor.

We’ll be back as soon as we can! In the meantime, we are excited to announce we have launched our online store at shop.theclothessecret.com. You can still email us with any personal shopping requests and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see what’s new. If you see something you like in our shop windows as you walk by, send us an email and - it can be yours. Stay safe - we will see you when we can.

[email protected]

Mon. - Wed.: 10 - 5:30 • Thurs. & Fri.: 10 - 7 • Sat.: 10 - 5 • Sun.: 11 - 5 • 1136 Bank Street, Ottawa ON K1S 3X6 613-730-9039 • theclothessecret.com Follow us: The OSCAR l April 2020 Page 7

SENIOR WATCH OLD OTTAWA SOUTH me to let her out? I let her out In social isolation – and try to teach her to stay on the couch. I think she gets the week one with Hammie message! Now I start worrying By Anna Cuylits know. about her getting COVID-19. Yes, I’m on the phone, What if one morning I find that Suddenly it was reality: I’m e-mail, go for bike rides and her cold, lifeless tiny body has elderly and must isolate walks with – or without a succumbed to this respiratory myself… friend, or a quick trip to a store. illness? No more swimming at But the truth is: I miss the My week with Hammie is Brewer Pool, no more caring visits and get together with live coming to an end. I’m ready to and fun with the grandchildren, friends. return her to the kids while he’s no more meetings, book clubs, So here I sit on the couch still alive. Thank you, Hammie, concerts, lectures, lunches with a caged hamster. Hammie for getting me through this first and get togethers with family even sits on my desk when week. I seemed to have found and friends. All that is left I’m working on the computer, new social outlets in the virtual to do is looking after myself but nocturnal Hammie sleeps world, but I’ll miss you. and caring for the grandkids’ during the day, so our hours of togetherness are limited to critter “Hammie”, a little desert Anna Cuylits is a longtime evening sessions on the couch. hamster. Its fluid gender seems resident of Old Ottawa South, She is becoming cuter by the to be based on how it inspires A member of SWOOS and an day – we must be bonding… us: sometimes a sweet little OSCA Board Member “she,” other times a daredevil Me, bonding with a rodent? “he.” All outdated stereotypes, I She looks at me, stands up Hammie uncaging.... PHOTO BY ANNA CUYLITS and are her tiny hands begging

increases. Keep in mind that some neighbours. Small acts will make a may be reluctant to reach out, or to difference. Neighbours helping neighbours share that they need help. Yes, we must take precautions, which means Christine Franklin, Nicola Maule By Christine Franklin, Nicola • to simply chat washing hands regularly, avoiding and Martha Jeacle are residents of Maule and Martha Jeacle • Give particular attention to those physical contact, and leaving items Old Ottawa South and co-founders on your block whom you believe on porches and doorsteps. However, of iGenOttawa. If you have ideas or may be most vulnerable. we can navigate this challenging stories to share about connecting in Recent COVID-19 developments • Explore new ways to stay time and become a stronger, more a self-isolating environment, please have highlighted the importance connected as social distancing connected community. email us at [email protected] or of having a strong community that continues and people feel more Now is the time for all of us to reach out through social media @ supports each other, particularly those isolated in their homes. Video take steps to get connected with our iGenOttawa. who may be most vulnerable. We are calls over meals or coffee. Virtual very fortunate to live in Old Ottawa groups to connect through music. South, but how do we ensure, in these exceptional circumstances, that all of How to reach out our neighbours feel connected and • Email your neighbours. comfortable asking for help, should Think about leveraging email they need it? distribution lists that some of our Here are some ideas to consider in blocks already have in place. supporting our community in these • Exchange phone numbers. difficult and uncertain times: • Consult the Old Ottawa South Group Facebook page and other Connect with your neighbours community resources. • Create a buddy system to check in on each other: Individuals need to feel they are • to pick up food, basic essentials, part of the community and supported, prescriptions not only in their basic needs but to • to post mail fend off loneliness as self-isolation • to help with pets

OSCAR Deliverer Needed for route that includes Fulton (east side), Aylmer (north side), Carlyle (west side). 37 papers in total. (zone A1, route #3)

Attention High School Students: • Delivery of the OSCAR counts for volunteer hours

Contact the Interim Distribution Manager Brendan McCoy at: [email protected] Page 8 The OSCAR l April 2020

CHRISTY’S CORNER We are in a different place, but together By Christy Savage, videoconference program. That the creativity and thankfully that has not OSCA Executive Director program was really great proved to be been lost working virtually. a bonus. I didn’t grow up chatting on Once we realized we could still work cell phones and using together as we always had, we got to The world is a different place, but FaceTime. In fact, the phone was in the hard work ahead. we’re in this together. my family kitchen as a teenager, and We now have a curated COVID-19 As I write this (on March 20th) I stretched that cord as far as I could portal on the oldottawasouth.ca the world has already changed from my busy kitchen to half-way website. Please check it regularly, exponentially. I expect it to have up the stairs to whisper all my secret it will be OSCA’s key location for changed even more by the time you goings-on (or simply secrets) with my updates and important information. read this. friends. So, learning on my own how to We’ll still post fun things and ideas So perhaps this is better written and use a videoconferencing platform was on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and read as an historical record. Staff like teaching my dad to use a VCR. I’ll LinkedIn. I’m trying to convince On the note of staff, we’re a small spare you that story. It’s old. staff to create a YouTube channel and Firehall closure family, we care deeply about our But we did it; within one week of consider TikTok (insert eye roll here One week ago, OSCA was informed staff. They are our front line and their working from home, staff held three from some staff). But for now, we’ll by the City of Ottawa that all recreation physical and mental health comes meetings, managers met once, the always post relevant updates to the centres would be closed until at least first and foremost. Since a state of Executive met once and I had an oldottawasouth.ca website. April 5th. In the event of such a emergency was declared in Ontario at informal communications meeting with We’re also curating the content on possibility, the Executive Committee least until March 31st by the Ontario our Communications Committee Chair the site very carefully. We won’t be had met twice that week to determine Government, we decided to pay all and the Website Editor to help myself posting theories or ideas not yet backed next steps within an ever changing, staff and instructors until that date. We and staff get on track. up, numbers and initiatives won’t be almost dizzyingly so, horizon. made the difficult decision to lay off The first time I invited staff into posted unless they come from a vetted We had a loose plan in place and part-time staff after that period should my living room on my computer felt source, meaning Ottawa Public Health, spent the next few days activating that the centre not open. We will not be odd at best, I think I understand my The City of Ottawa, Councillor Shawn plan. seeking fees for programs until we parent’s reticence to FaceTime with me Menard’s office or the Provincial or In mid-March I wrote two articles re-open. But with only 1-2 classes left today all the way from Vancouver, yet, Federal Government. for publication on what you can do, in the winter session, and in order to once I saw Sarah, Darcy and Luke’s We have also begun to consider how and what we’re doing; staff wrote an pay staff, we have decided not to issue faces (Katherine and Matt can only to engage those of you who are cooped update on COVID-19 and our closure refunds unless specifically requested as use voice/phone) my heart felt at ease up. procedures. We then launched a portal per our regular policy. and I became reassured that the team You’ll see ideas from us, such as the on our website dedicated to COVID-19 Full-time staff continue to work from was secure; we could still work as a boredom busters, educational pieces publishing this information, as well home. team, with full facial expressions such for kids at home, and… as resources from Ottawa Public as snickers and eye rolls. An OSCA Health (OPH) (oldottawasouth.ca/ Community team meeting would not be complete OOS Businesses covid-news-and-resources). We had What about the community? without someone goofing around with We love Old Ottawa South agreed early on not to overwhelm our Seniors? Able-bodied volunteers who their name during videoconferencing businesses. various platforms. Instead, we focussed are sitting at home going stir crazy? (we had a fake Genghis Khan and Many businesses closed early to on informing our community using We’re moved by the number of you Oprah Winfrey on video call at one protect residents and their own staff, reputable governmental sources and to who reached out asking to help. We’re point), changing their background to others rallied to serve seniors with select what was relevant to Old Ottawa making headway on a plan. a sandy beach with waves or grassy special shopping hours, still others South. We’re also reaching out. As of today fields, to eye rolling and silly jokes. launched free deliveries to help those Full time staff then began to we’ve called everyone in our system We’re a good team, our goofiness helps who need it most. For example, work from home and talk on a 60+ to check in and ask how they’re us work well together, it feeds our Cedar’s delivers to those in quarantine doing. We’ve also begun creating a and seniors. list of volunteers (email me at osca@ In honour of our businesses, we’ve oldottawasouth.ca if you wish to be posted a list on our COVID-19 portal added to the list) and we’re curating a that outlines what our businesses are community needs list. doing during this difficult time and What we discovered when we first we’ll update it regularly. You can still reached out, was that everyone we For OSCA’s news do a lot of shopping online too; the spoke to was okay for now. Almost Clothes Secret, for example, is still everyone had been checking in with and information on open, just virtually. others, or had a neighbour check in on Please support our local businesses them. Well done OOS! That’s what COVID-19, as well wherever possible. community is all about. We’re in this together. We’ll be continuing with our phone as resources from calls and outreach. Programming videos The Councillor’s office is also Finally, you can expect to see some working diligently to ensure Ottawa Public Health programming videos up (Katherine and community and individual needs are Darcy are a little nervous to go live, but not lost during this difficult time. go to: oldottawasouth. we’re working on them and they’ve Please check our website, social media, agreed to record some programs). We local municipal offices and Ottawa ca/covid-news-and- will have story time, arts and crafts Public Health for more and for updates. activities, the OOS Book Club will go What I’ve learned during all of resources online and even the OOS jam sessions this? Our Executive Committee and will launch online using our video Board are strong and something to conferencing program. We’re also be proud of, supportive of front- To get on the reaching out to our instructors; they’ll line staff and proactive, and always tag us on their online posts, and we’ve available. Furthermore, humanity is list of volunteers email: asked them to consider creating videos more alive than ever, especially in Old [email protected] of their programs that we can post Ottawa South and beyond. And that’s for those who’ve missed the last 1 or heartening. 2 classes of the winter session. And Be well. we’re looking at online programming options moving forward. We even hope to move our Spring Art Show online. The OSCAR l April 2020 Page 9

OSCA PRESIDENT’S REPORT Snow globe snow storms don’t last forever … By Richard Slowikowski, and well being of our clients, staff and outside of the Firehall. OSCA President volunteers. In addition, as a not-for- Things are evolving quickly and profit organization, which is dependent we have to stay on our toes. Priorities

on program revenue to remain viable, change and need continuous attention. So, how are you doing today? I mean OSCA is grappling with the financial Consequently, OSCA’s Executive that sincerely. reality of the shutdown, including the Committee and Staff are meeting via Life has certainly changed for all of financial security of our full-time and teleconference every couple of days, us. It is like a snow globe that one sees part-time staff and our instructors. and we are communicating with the at Christmas. A nice calm scene; turn There are no easy answers. Fortunately, full Board of Directors via email on a the globe over and give it a shake; and, we have some financial reserves. regular basis. now one has an amazing snowstorm out the other side. There is a lot to do, and with each Difficult times show the character inside the globe. So, what can we do right now? May new directive from various levels of of an organization. As President of OSCA is focusing on being I suggest that we each practice social government there is more to consider. OSCA, I want you to know that I responsive and responsible during this cohesion and physical distancing. In the face of these challenges, we am so impressed with how well the pandemic. If you read the OSCAR If you have any questions, please are figuring out new ways of working staff and Board have been working article by Christy Savage “Christy’s drop me an email at president@ together to get things done. Yes, it is together. OSCA is showing it can Corner,” you will see a list of actions oldottawasouth.ca or contact Christy extra challenging when we cannot respond quickly, responsibly and with which OSCA is taking in response to Savage, OSCA’s Executive Director at even enter the Firehall to get access to creativity. We all can be proud of our the closure of city facilities (including [email protected]. records and equipment. Even getting OSCA. our Firehall) and the cancellation of I hope you stay well, and let’s keep the OSCA mail posed a challenge until The pandemic will take some time. It programs. pulling together. we installed a new mailbox on the will challenge us all. But we will come OSCA’s main concern is the health Who do you know who Do you have experience in is working hard for our Human Resource Management or community? Financial Management? Calling for Nominations for the OSCA Community Builder Award! Put your skills to work in your OSCA is seeking nominations from the community for the community! first-ever Community Builder Award. OSCA is looking for individuals willing Nominators and seconders must live in Old Ottawa South and must not to stand for the OSCA Board who have be a relative of the person nominated. Nominees do not need to live in skills and experience in Human Resource Old Ottawa South but must have made an exceptional contribution to this Management or Financial Management. community. Board and committee members, and staff of OSCA are not If you are interested in contributing to eligible for this award during their time in office but are eligible afterward. your community through membership on the OSCA Board, please contact the Deadline for nominations is April 5, 2020. Nominations Committee at: The Nomination Form for the Community Builder Award [email protected] can be found at oldottawasouth.ca/awards.

Artists Wanted for OSCAR/Glebe Report Newspaper Box Art Competition The Glebe Report and The OSCAR community newspapers are going to purchase 6 newspaper boxes to be located in the Glebe and in Ottawa South so that copies of both newspapers can be provided for the taking. Local artists will be commissioned to decorate the boxes. We welcome submissions from all artists including Old Ottawa South and Glebe students in high school or university.

The Boxes are metal, 75 cm high, 45 cm wide and 35 cm deep with a window on the front. Graphic file of Glebe Report and OSCAR logos will be provided to the successful candidates. Newspaper logos need to feature prominently Designs need to reflect life and the spirit of community in Old Ottawa South and the Glebe. Designs must not contain an advertisement or promotion for any business, product or viewpoint other than for the Glebe Report and OSCAR. Designs may not include any breach of intellectual property, trademarks, brands, or images of illegal activity. Designs depicting or suggesting racism, sexism, or that suggest discrimination on religious, sexual, or gender grounds will not be accepted.

An honorarium of $200 per box will be given on the completion of the project.

As the boxes will be located outside and subject to inclement weather, the work must utilize oil-based paint suitable for adhering to metal.

To be eligible for consideration, a submission is required. Submissions are maximum two pages and must include a short personal statement, samples of the artists previous work and a design concept sketch. Proposals should be submitted to [email protected] or [email protected] by April 30, 2020. All submissions will be acknowledged. Winning artists will be selected by May 15 and boxes are expected to be completed by June 30. Page 10 The OSCAR l April 2020

THE OSCAR

260 Sunnyside Ave, Ottawa Ontario, K1S 0R7 www.oldottawasouth.ca/oscar NEXT DEADLINE: FRIDAY, APRIL 17 ISSN: 0715-5476 [email protected] The OSCAR is published eleven times per year. Upcoming deadlines: April 17 (May issue); May 15 (June issue); June 12 Editor: Brendan McCoy [email protected] (July/August issue); August 14 (September issue) Layout and Design: Bess Fraser Business Manager: Susanne Ledbetter [email protected] Advertising Manager: Gayle Weitzman [email protected] 613-730-1058 To book an OSCAR ad (not classy ads) call Gayle at 613-730-1058 Volunteer Proofreaders: Maura Giuliani, Mary Low, [email protected] Kathy Krywicki, Scott Valentine, Roger Williams The OSCAR is printed by Winchester Print. The Old Firehall Ottawa South Community Centre The OSCAR is a community paper paid for entirely by advertising. It is published by the Old Ottawa South Community Association Inc. (OSCA). 260 Sunnyside Ave, Ottawa Ontario, K1S 0R7 Distribution is free to all Old Ottawa South homes and businesses. It is also e-mail: [email protected] available at selected locations in Old Ottawa South and the Glebe. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily of The OSCAR or OSCA website: www.oldottawasouth.ca OSCA. Contributions should be in electronic format sent by e-mail to: PHONE 613-247-4946 [email protected]. All submissions will be acknowledged by Monday To Thursday 8:00 am - 9:00 pm e-mail. The Editor has the final say about style, format and content. The FridayThe Firehall is8:00 closed am - 6:00 until pm OSCAR Editorial Policy, and Guidelines for Submissions, are available on the OSCA website. The OSCAR is available online at www.oldottawasouth. Saturday further notice.8:00 am - 5:00 pm ca. Some articles will be posted on the OSCA website. Sunday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

WHAT’S THAT NUMBER? WHAT’S THAT NUMBER? FOR DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES, E-MAIL: [email protected] Ottawa South Community Centre - The Old Firehall 613-247-4946 The OSCAR thanks the following people who Ottawa South Community Association (OSCA) 613-247-4872 Ottawa Public Library 613-580-2940 brought us to your door this month: Lyra Evans, English Public Board Trustee 613-913-1695 ([email protected]) Shelley Lawrence, Catholic Board Trustee 613-978-2644 ZONE A1: Kathy Krywicki (Coordinator), Mary Jo Lynch, Kim Barclay, Centretown Community Health Centre 613-233-4443 Élie Cantin Nantel, Becky Sasaki, Sam & Aila McNeill-McKinnell, Christy CARLETON UNIVERSITY Griffin, Rob Wong. ZONE B1: Ada Brzeski & Dave Drapeau (Coordinator), Zoe Walters, the CUSA (Carleton U Students Association) 613-520-6688 Montgomery family, Claire & Alex Gammon, Charlie and Maeve Georgeson, Graduate Students Association 613-520-6616 D. Georgaras, Erika, Maria & Gabriela. Community Liaison 613-520-3660 ZONE B2: Craig Piche (Coordinator), Sandra Garland, Pat Eakins, Athletics 613-520-4480 Steve Mennill, Claire & Alex Gammon, Gillingham-Murray family, Leslie CITY HALL Roster, John Callan & Diana Carr, Esmé & Nora Perry. Shawn Menard, City Councillor 613-580-2487 ZONE C1: Laura Johnson (Coordinator), the Williams family, Josh Rahaman, ([email protected]) Jesper Lindeberg, Darcy McCoy, Bruce Grant, the Woroniuk-Ryan family, Main Number (24 hrs) for all departments 3-1-1 Bryan & Anneka Dallin O’Grady, David Fisher. Community Police - non-emergencies 613-236-1222 ZONE C2: Craig Piche (Coordinator), Steve Mennill, Alan McCullough, Emergencies only 9-1-1 Charles & Phillip Kijek, Michael Jenkin, Michel & Christina Bridgeman, Serious Crimes 613-230-6211 Melissa Johnson. Ottawa Hydro 613-738-6400 ZONE D1: Mike McKay (Coordinator), Stephen Merriam, Marianne Keys, Streetlight Problems (burned out, always on, flickering) 3-1-1 Gail Stewart, Gabe Teramura, Oliver & Claire Waddington, Brewer Pool 613-580-2090 the Sprott family, Milo Barnett. Brewer Arena 613-247-4917 ZONE D2: Dan Greco (Coordinator), Caitlin, Anna Chernushenko, City of Ottawa website - www.city.ottawa.on.ca the Stewart family, Sloane and Harrison Gilchrist, Will Creaghan. ZONE E1: Brian Tansey (Coordinator), Karen Wolfe & Curt Labond, Norah Hutchinson, Steve Adamson & Nadine Dawson, Robert Trotter. INDEX ZONE E2: Kathy Stewart (Coordinator), Marianne & Jim Kent, the Brodkin-Haas family, Carolyn Inch, Chris Berry & Frida Kolster Berry, BUSINESS BEAT 2 John Bell, Julie Stock, Joan Foster-Jones, Allan Paul. ZONE F1: Carol & Ferg O’Connor (Coordinator), Jenny O’Brien, OSCA 4,5,7-9,17,19 Lyle Stern, Gerald Bailie, Paloma & Liliana Ruiz, Malachi Winter, the Goutte COUNCILLOR’S REPORT 12 family (Joshua, Leo and Alina), Kai Bramley, Calla Rose & Justin Connolly ZONE F2: Pierre Guevremont (Coordinator), Paulette Theriault, Alaster MUSIC 14 Ayson, Judy & Pierre Chamberland, Luc & Sydney Grenier, Mary Johnston, the Walker Family, the Polkinghorne Family, the Kushner Family. FILM REVIEW 20 ZONE G: Shehryar Sarwar (Coordinator), Caroline & Julia Twelves, Luke & Robin Eriksson, Joanne Monaghan, David Janssen, Chris & Andy TRILLIUM 24 Anand-Danek, Allan Paul, Peluso-Pope Family. POETRY 25 Bank Street-Old Ottawa South: Tom Lawson, Paula Archer, Ross Imrie. POLITICAL 26-27,30 Bank Street-Glebe: Brendan McCoy MARKETPLACE & CLASSY ADS 31 GARDEN CLUB 33 The OSCAR l April 2020 Page 11

OPINION climate change must involve placing A ‘New Vision’ public transit at the heart of our transportation system. Joining the for public transit hundreds of cities around the world, from Tallinn in Estonia to Columbus, in Ottawa Ohio, transit should be made into a public service that is free at the point By Donald Swartz of use – just like our school and health care systems, fire and police services. On April 24, 2019, Ottawa’s But, making public transit ‘free’ City Council passed a motion is not enough. It also needs to acknowledging that we face a ‘Climate be developed into an attractive, Emergency,’ and with it “a need for safe system that meets all of our massive reduction in carbon emissions transportation needs. Such a system can in the next 11 years.” Building on this offer many other benefits, from fewer recognition, the City has set a goal of accidents, increased economic activity reducing per capita greenhouse gases and increased safety for pedestrians in 2024 to 20% below their 2012 level. and cyclists, to less time stuck in traffic A reduction on this scale will require jams. It could also allow many of us to creative thinking and bold, determined, escape the $8,000 average annual cost action. of owning a car (or two!).

under “campaign.” They include City Council to adopt our New Vision. Rethinking transportation Free Transit Ottawa’s vision our proposals for funding it which And, please share it with your friends No sector is a better target for this Creating such a transit system will range from increased development and neighbours. than the transportation sector, which require support from the federal and charges on new single-family homes, accounts for almost 40% of Ottawa’s provincial governments, with their to reallocating some of the money (and Ontario’s) carbon footprint. access to personal and corporate taxes. budgeted for road widening to transit. Donald Swartz has lived in OOS Greenhouse gas emissions could be cut But real progress can be made locally. We estimate the annual cost of since 1975. He is one of the two by two thirds per trip if people shifted Free Transit Ottawa has developed our New Vision to be roughly $100 coordinators of Free Transit Ottawa, from private car travel to public transit. a New Vision tailored to the City’s Million, or $100 per person. To put a group of environmental and social Improving and expanding public transit limited sources of revenue that would this in perspective, even the City’s justice activists who see public transit would also make it much easier for be a significant step in that direction. low-income pass costs $700 annually as having a crucial role in combatting people without a car to participate in Its key elements are: per person, and a regular pass is over climate change and promoting social Ottawa’s economic, social and cultural • ‘Fare Free’ transit in off-peak hours $1300 per person! justice. life. (9:00 am to 3:00 pm; 6:00 pm to If you support our vision, please visit However, the City’s transportation 6:00 am) on weekdays, and all day our website and sign the petition under system is currently centred on private on weekends. “campaign” that asks the Mayor and cars, with public transit mainly • 50 more buses on weekends; designed to get people to and from ‘neighbourhood’ buses linking work in the downtown core. It is also citizens to local health and expensive to use, with fares being social services, shopping and among the highest in the country. entertainment; and 40 more Para Meanwhile, the City continues to Transpo vehicles. expand the road network, budgeting • Expanded bus-only lanes during dianeandjen.com $50 million annually over the next 10 rush hours on routes of the most years to widen two–lane commuter habitually late buses. roads to four lanes. • Election of the 4 citizen NEW LISTING! The arrival of the LRT hasn’t representatives (currently changed this. Indeed, the fixation of appointed) on the Transit the Mayor and his team on minimizing Commission; and replacement of its cost has given us an unreliable 2 of the 8 Councillors now on it system where washrooms and enclosed with representatives from the transit stations are seen as unnecessary workers union. luxuries (in Canada!). This, together with the reorganization and reduction Details and petition of bus services, has made using public Full details of this plan can be found transit more difficult for many people. on our website freetransitottawa.ca RECORD-BREAKING SALE! An integral part of addressing Stunning Custom Glebe Home 190 FIFTH AVENUE | Listed at $1,399,900 Over 3000 sq ft of beautiful open-concept living with truly special touches and superior quality. Built with style and love!

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www.sandyhill.ca or call MORE GREAT LISTINGS ONLINE: Nathan Gurnham at (613) 832-1717 dianeandjen.com [email protected] 613.422.8688 • Page 12 The OSCAR l April 2020

COUNCILLOR’S REPORT In addition to working towards COVID-19, improving improvements and investments at Brewer, we are also devoting $250,000 our parks and the future of towards the Fieldhouse at Windsor Park. This was an important campaign Lansdowne Park promise from my team during the By Shawn Menard, around Brewer where there may not election. Windsor Park is a bit of a hidden gem in the city. Tucked in by Councillor be access to the site. We have been working with city staff to make the the Rideau River, the park is home to a necessary adjustments to signage, wading pool, tennis courts, a basketball As I write this, the city is in the early parking regulations, and access options court, sports fields, boarded hockey stages of dealing with the COVID-19 to make it easy for people looking rink in the winter and playground pandemic. By the time this goes to for assessments and to minimize the equipment. It also provides access to print, we will be about one month in. effects on the community. We will the path along the river. At this point, it is hard to say how OSEG has made the decision to continue monitoring the situation, The Fieldhouse project is being long we must keep practicing social withdraw their proposal to program but we do ask for patience and spearheaded by the community distancing and self-isolation, but it and operate the entire park. I commend understanding during this difficult time. association (OSCA). This project is is very important that we all take a few years out, so details have not them for doing so and am looking whatever steps necessary to minimize forward to improving Lansdowne Park Cash-in-Lieu of Parkland been finalized, but OSCA is looking at risk and exposure to coronavirus. We collaboratively, without the proposal Park space is an issue in Old more capacity to support activities in hope that everyone in the community on the table to replace valued public Ottawa South and many other central the neighbourhood, public washroom and the city is able to keep well and operations of the Park. communities. The neighbourhood is improvement, change facilities, safe during this time. My office will be working with quite built up, there’s little extra space meeting rooms, space for indoor The city has set up measures to community groups, the city and to create new parks, and so it is quite play activities and a kitchen. There is help residents during the pandemic. with OSEG on the future of all of important that we take care of our ongoing discussion about this project, There are tax deferrals and programs Lansdowne Park and will be driving existing parks, and expand our park you can learn more at the web page: to provide support for those in need. public discussion and consultations capacity wherever possible. oldottawasouth.ca/windsor-park- You can keep up-to-date on the city on what we can do collectively to Luckily, our ward has a healthy working-group response to coronavirus at Ottawa enhance neighbourhood and city-wide Cash-In-Lieu of Parkland fund. This Public Health’s website: www. utilization. There is an opportunity to is funding that comes from new Lansdowne ottawapublichealth.ca. You can also help move towards the urban village developments in the ward. When Some of you may be wondering sign up for our regular newsletter at originally envisioned for the space. building new housing, developers must what the latest is with Lansdowne Park. shawnmenard.ca Thank you to all residents who voiced either provide space for a new park or To recap, last fall we worked with their opinion on this matter and acted. give the city money that can be used to Council to bring a motion to ensure Brewer Park Community improve existing parks. full public consultations before any Assessment Centre In a previous OSCAR report, I changes were made to the operating Brewer Park was chosen as the Shawn Menard is City Councillor outlined the potential at Brewer structure at the park. These were to be site for the city’s first Community for Capital Ward. He can be reached Park – twinning the ice rink, building conducted before a report went back to Assessment Centre for COVID-19. at [email protected] or www. a new rec centre, and advancing council prior to the summer. It was chosen because of parking, its shawnmenard.ca. sustainability in design. Those would I’m very happy to report that central location and its proximity to all be welcome improvements to the upon further productive discussions, hospitals. parks and recreation facilities in the This was an absolutely necessary neighbourhood, and we will keep step, but it does provide logistical working with the city to move that issues, mainly relating to parking project along in the coming years. and traffic flow in the neighbourhood You can keep up-to-date on the city response to Worship Services COVID-19 at Ottawa Public Health’s website: Location Times www.ottawapublichealth.ca Sunnyside Sunday Worship Wesleyan Church Services at 9:00 58 Grosvenor am and 11:00 am, Avenue Children’s program (at Sunnyside) offered during worship Our Lenten journey of renewal leads us to services. A Joyful Celebration of the Trinity Anglican Holy Eucharist at Resurrection! Church 10:00 am Join us at 10:30 a.m. 1230 Bank St with Church School (at Cameron Ave) & Choir. Easter Sunday, April 12 for the sacrament of Holy Communion, choral anthems, hymns of celebration Southminster Sunday Worship & Kids children’s program United Church Church at 10:30 am. 15 Aylmer Avenue Southminster United Church Rev. Dr. Steven Moore, Minister  Roland Graham, Director of Music (at Bank & the 15 Aylmer Avenue (at Bank)  613-730-6874 Canal) www.southminsterunitedchurch.com / www.southminstermusic.com The OSCAR l April 2020 Page 13

ENVIRONMENT Confessions of a climate kook By Jason Creaghan narrative that has been percolating frozen patch of park in downtown their courage. through our culture. It goes something Ottawa. Since late November, one Most of us who are suffering from I am standing on Wellington Street like this: unless we come together to woman has lived here, supported by climate grief, the despair that we feel in front of the Parliament buildings transform our economy and culture a growing number of activists and as the implications of global warming while a group of teenagers gather for in the next ten years, climate change supporters. become more obvious, seem stuck in a Fridays for Future Climate Change will cause massive human suffering After a mostly sleepless night of various forms of denial. I sympathize protest. A smaller group of adult and displacement, and the 6th major sirens and freezing rain I get up at with my friends who have come “supporters” mills about waiting. It’s extinction of life on our planet. 6 am to go and find a coffee. At the to the conclusion that nothing that awkward as small protest gatherings So I lost interest in air travel to entrance to the Tim Hortons I slip on a we do will matter. I understand the are, as dissent is. The kids, however, exotic places. I became a vegetarian. patch of ice and sprawl in a puddle of instinct to turn away from something don’t seem intimidated at all by the I started to bike to work. I began to freezing slush. The woman the counter so overwhelming and focus on indifference of the office workers attend small gatherings of people who looks me over quickly and decides I maintaining order and happiness in our passing them by. They have been doing also felt compelled to come together am probably harmless. Dripping and immediate lives. I suspect however that this every Friday for months. Some to demonstrate, block off the Laurier bleary I give my order. “I am a climate they are haunted, as I am, by the same sign is given and the group begins to Bridge, or pour red (biodegradable) activist not a homeless person,” I want question: what would I be willing to do move and chant. Their energy pulls paint on the entrance yard to the to say. Instead I get my coffee and slink if it did matter? the adult stragglers along. They chant Canadian Museum of History. back to my tent to wait for the real In the end I did not take my friend’s while we chat. I dislike conflict and I don’t like climate activists to take over. advice. But now I try to mix some “Where are all the dudes?” one Mum telling people what to do. Noisy When so many of us clearly normal in with the crazy. “Hon, could grumbles. The kids are mostly girls. demonstrations are way out of my understand the climate catastrophe you drive Will to hockey? I’m sleeping “I just thought they deserved to have comfort zone. So I wonder why I am that is looming, I want to know why downtown in a tent tonight. I’ll get someone else show up,” one of the so affected by this issue that I would saying it out loud makes me feel like some groceries on the way home.” parents tells me. “I’m just here to take consider civil disobedience as an an outsider. If I lose a little bit of credibility along pictures,” a Dad clarifies. As the traffic option. Maybe I am disturbed, as a “I don’t want to feel like a kook any the way, I also learn to take myself less and bustle of the noontime crowd number of politicians had implied of more,” I tell an old and trusted friend. seriously. swirls around me, I realize that I have climate activists in the recent past. “Then stop doing weird things.” She Once a week now I deliver lunch to crossed a line, and to those on the other All zealots are convinced of the looks at me with patient concern. “Just the folks at the climate camp. I drop side, I have become a kook. righteousness of their cause. I wonder stop!” off my packages and sit for a while in Since Greta Thunberg began how my cause is different than any I tell her that I’ll stop. the tent that serves as a meeting space mobilizing millions of young people other. I worry that I will alienate my Back at Rideau and Sussex, the to get some news. I still think about and Extinction Rebellion made friends and family. I realize I make a Fridays for Future protest passes the day when I am confronted by my headlines by shutting down central terrible zealot – too many doubts! through the busiest intersection in grandchildren who will ask me what I London in October 2018, I have felt I volunteer to sleep over at the Ottawa and heads back up Wellington knew, and when. Perhaps it will be a increasingly drawn in to a disturbing climate emergency camp that Street to the climate camp. The crowd small consolation to be able to say, that Extinction Rebellion has set up on a mingles and the kids get a hug from the in some naïve and ineffectual way, I residents. This place has become the tried to do something. But for now this focus of a small community and many weekly chore is simply an antidote to of us know each other by name. We climate grief. It’s about not apologizing chat for a while and stamp our feet to for trying to save the world, and trying keep warm. I am drawn to these people to live in it with a little more courage. who are willing to disrupt their lives and face the indifference and possibly Jason Creaghan lives in Old Ottawa the hostility of the rest of us. I admire South. Page 14 The OSCAR l April 2020

MUSIC Co-host of CBC News Ottawa the Committee. Adrian Harewood was the evening’s The co-chairs of the Ottawa South A Big Soul celebration of refugee Master of Ceremonies. He stressed to Refugee Committee, Bev Davis and sponsorship the audience the important work that Kevin Mills, spoke briefly about the Ottawa South Refugee Committee the ongoing need for volunteers and is doing. Since it began in March 2015, financial support as the work of refugee the Committee has welcomed the sponsorship continues. arrival of five Syrian families, three Thanks to ticket sales and the Syrian youths, and a Kurdish family. additional generosity of people who He also acknowledged the support donated during the concert, close Trinity Anglican Church, and the to $9000 was raised for refugee Reverend Arran Thorpe, provides to sponsorships being undertaken by the Ottawa South Refugee Committee. With every sponsorship, there are financial needs that cannot be anticipated, such as for dental treatment, clothing appropriate for the Big Soul Project at the Ottawa South Refugee Committee’s fundraiser. season when arrival occurs, school books and other specific educational PHOTOS BY JAKE MORRISON material or help. By Robert Taylor history have produced refugees. The event benefited greatly from Song after song reinforced the theme. the support provided by IG Wealth The more-than-fifty members of the The songs included such familiar Management, through Linda Hancock, Big Soul Project choir, led by Roxanne pieces, done in Big Soul Project style, a Committee member. The event could Goodman, had a packed audience as Let There Be Peace on Earth, Rise not have happened without dedicated singing and dancing at Trinity Anglican Up and Listen to the Music, often volunteers from Big Soul Project, the Church on March 7. The happy event featuring soloists from the choir. Choir Ottawa South Refugee Committee, and was a fundraising celebration of five director Roxanne Goodman performed Trinity Anglican Church. years of refugee sponsorship by the two of her own compositions, Nothing People and funds continue to be Ottawa South Refugee Committee. Is Impossible and Nothing In This needed. If you wish to support the The program presented by the Big World Is Free. work of the Ottawa South Refugee Soul Project reflected the concert Big Soul Project was skillfully Committee in any way, please contact theme of “One World, One People”. accompanied by the four-piece house the committee at osrefugee@gmail. The evening began with Un Canadien band, Deep Groove. The formal com. errant. Written after the Lower Canada program ended with He’s Got the Rebellion of 1837-1838, the song is Whole World In His Hands, followed CBC News’ Adrian Harewood was the Robert Taylor is the former Chair a reminder that events in Canada’s by two encores. evening’s Master of Ceremonies. of the Ottawa South Refugee Committee.

BECOME A MEMBER! E x p e r i e n c e S u m m e r a t a n O u t s t a n d i n g O u t d o o r F a c i l i t y

Tennis, Swimming, Beach Volleyball, Beach Tennis, Summer Camps, www.oldottawasouth.ca Special Events, The Cameron Restaurant, Family & Movie Night, Play Care & Much More! contact us at [email protected] The OSCAR l April 2020 Page 15

BUSINESS NEWS Cylie Artisans Chocolatiers and Patisserie, a new upscale café where passion meets creativity By Lida Malinowski cream, vanilla beans from Madagascar, hand made almond cream, and lemon Our neighbourhood now has a modern curd. Although the pastries respect the and charming boutique café, where we French tradition of using only the finest can enjoy specialty coffees, organic high quality ingredients, they like to be teas, hot chocolate, French pastries, and playful and creative with their flavours artisanal chocolates, all handcrafted on and finishing touches. One original and the premises. Co-owners and partners intriguing flavour is Yuzu, which is Cyril Nebout and Leslie Yang were used in their brioche and chocolate; it has a subtle, fresh, citrus-like flavour. looking for a larger space in an eclectic The modern decor is both chic and welcoming. PHOTO BY LESLIE YANG and friendly neighbourhood, where What a great new taste sensation! Their they could expand on their creations, showcase will display a great selection “Chemex”glassware, that makes Lida Malinowski is a longtime and Old Ottawa South was the perfect of hand made tarts, choux, éclairs, for an interesting presentation and resident of Old Ottawa South who location. They opened for Valentine’s and sablés, that will vary weekly. The taste experience. They have a large loves coffee, beautiful spaces, and Day at 1071 Bank St, just north of tarts are not inexpensive, but when selection of their own brand of choice the discovery of new and exciting Sunnyside. you consider the high quality of the loose-leaf organic teas that you can flavours. ingredients and handcrafted talent, it enjoy in the café, or that you can take is definitely an ‘affordable luxury’ you Background home, already packaged in attractive Cylie is temporarily A little background on Cyril and will not be able to resist. canisters. Leslie…Cylie is an amalgam of both Their hot chocolate choices in closed because of the their names. Viennoiserie dark, hazelnut, or strawberry, are COVID-19 pandemic Cyril started training in the culinary On the weekends only, customers truly decadent, made with premium but to see what is business in France, at the age of 15. will be treated to viennoiserie 72% dark Valrhona chocolate, or available to order online, Prior to working at Le Cordon Bleu, he (Viennese-style sweet baked goods) ‘strawberry chocolate’, and whisked spent many years as a chef in high-end such as you may find in the finest into hot steamed milk. and check periodically hotels and restaurants. Leslie worked European cafés. The choices will vary for updates, go to every weekend, and may include: in advertising in Toronto and China. I think Cylie is sure to become a www.facebook.com/ One day, while sitting in a café, Leslie butter croissants, blueberry and cream gastronomic destination for French CylieChocolat or email observed a girl making a cake, and saw cheese croissants, almond, hazelnut, pastries, viennoiserie and wonderful that she looked so joyful. This was a or lemon croissants, and ‘pain au chocolate. [email protected] seminal moment that sparked a major chocolat.’ change in the direction of her career. Some weekends they may also Leslie moved to Ottawa and enrolled have brioches such as: rum and raisin, in the Cordon Bleu school. It was there maple and coffee, and glazed Yuzu she met Cyril in 2010, where he was cream brioche. These are indulgences her teacher in the Patisserie Diploma that, once discovered, you will wish to Program. In 2013 they were co-owners savour every weekend! of the Cylie chocolaterie on Dalhousie, until their lease expired in 2018. Chocolateries The hand made and artfully painted Colour and decor chocolate bonbons, and hand-rolled They spent one year renovating, truffles, are made with pure origin and have designed a boutique café 72% Valrhona chocolate. They use with a modern decor that is both chic dark, milk, and white chocolate, and and welcoming. The tufted high back have also introduced a new ‘blond’ teal upholstery that runs along almost chocolate. Their bonbons have a glossy the entire length of one wall offers a finish and are filled with creamy, comfortable and stylish backrest to smooth ‘ganache with panache’ fillings the seating area that can accommodate such as: sour cherry liqueur, beet close to 30 people. Above the teal vodka, subtle rose, yuzu, cassis. Their upholstery is a wallpaper with creativity and imaginative pairings large-scale gold flowers against a knows no bounds. Cylie’s also makes black background. This creates a their own signature ‘wave’ shape small sophisticated, upscale look. chocolate bars in dark, milk, and white The beautiful glass showcase chocolate, filled with different fruits displays their delectable patisserie, and nuts. Very popular are their orange viennoiserie, and artisanal chocolates. and ginger confit, and hand-dipped The wide glass doors at the back chocolate fruit with peach, or mango. BROKER|SALES can give you a glimpse into the bright, They also have very cute little hand- REPRESENTATIVES spacious, immaculate kitchen, where painted chocolate robots, that will you can see the staff working on their amuse and delight the tastebuds. creations. There is also shelving at the back of the store that displays Specialty drinks all their hand made chocolates, Cylie’s has chosen espresso 25 YEARS OF FOCUSED organic teas, and an array of other coffee beans from a small specialty takeaway products. The accessible coffee roaster in Montreal (Kittel). EXCELLENCE IN REAL ESTATE washroom also has a lovely textured Their coffees are smooth, rich, and wall treatment, and is very tastefully delicious. They make Café Americano, decorated. and a number of specialty coffees TOP 1% FOR ROYAL LEPAGE IN CANADA* such as Cappuccino, Latte, Cafe Patisserie Mocha. For a milder and more fruity 613.238.2801 | robmarland.com MARLAND The pastries are all made in the coffee they use a ‘pour over’ filter 165 Pretoria Ave. Ottawa, ON K1S 1X1 TEAM Based on closed and collected earnings French tradition, using fresh butter, coffee method, served in specialty * Page 16 The OSCAR l April 2020

ENVIRONMENT PLANTS Planting native species: Pearly Everlasting Anaphalis canadensis Swamp Milkweed Asclepias incarnata a backyard miracle Common Milkweed Asclepias syriaca Flat-topped Aster Doelleringia umbellata Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum Joe-pye Weed Eupatorium maculatum Grass-leaved Goldenrod Euthamia graminifolia Sneezeweed Helenium autumnale Evening Primrose Oenothera biennis Brown-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta Gray Goldenrod Solidago nemoralis Rough-leaved Goldenrod Solidago rugosa New England Aster Symphyotrichum novae-angliae Blue Vervain Verbena hastata

GRASSES Blue Vervain growing in my backyard on Aylmer Avenue. Purple Flowering Canada Wild Rye Elymus canadensis Raspberry shrubs can be seen in the upper left corner, Spotted Jewelweed (not Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium yet blooming) just right of centre, sedges below it, and a Red-osier Dogwood Indian Grass Sorghastrum nutans shrub inserting a couple of leaves into the photo on the right. of all plants he found titled Vascular By Sandy Garland conditions to build a home. Benefits of gardening with native plants of the City of Ottawa.5 The list We can no longer count on “natural plants is available online, and it indicates According to the experts – and spaces” somewhere outside cities As a volunteer at the Fletcher which species are native. common sense – one of the most to provide habitat, because those Wildlife Garden plant sale, I hear A similar list, Checklist of vascular important things we can do for the spaces are getting filled up with time and again, “I bought a couple plants of the Ottawa–Hull region, environment is to include native farms and industry, or fragmented to of Flat-topped Asters [or other is available for our area – a 50-km plants in our gardens. Planting native the point where they are too small to native species], and as soon as they circle centred on Parliament Hill. species of perennials, shrubs, trees, support wildlife. People like David bloomed, my yard was filled with Local botanists, John Gillett and 1 2 grasses, and vines will begin to Attenborough and Doug Tallamy butterflies.” Or “My new milkweed David White, assembled this small restore the natural ecosystems that are saying that “bringing nature plant has Monarch caterpillars on it!” book in 1978 but it’s still pertinent we depend on for food, air, and well home” is our best hope for restoring One plant sale customer claims that today.6 being. ecosystems and saving the thousands Native plants evolved here. So they of insect species we count on for provide the “habitat” that our local pollination, food for higher animals, birds, insects, mammals, and other and breaking down debris. Even creatures need to survive. Habitat governments are getting on board: in means a place where they can find Minnesota, the government is paying food, water, shelter, and the right people to replace their lawns with wildflower meadows.3

Bumble bee sipping nectar from Culver’s Root in my front yard. Black-eyed Susans are in the background. PHOTOS BY SANDY GARLAND

adding native species to her garden A better website for gardeners is “changed her life” and says that she Ontario Wildflowers,7 where native and her family now watch the garden plants are listed by season, colour, instead of TV.4 habitat, and more. As an added bonus, native plants These and other resources have are suited to our climate and been compiled in a Wild Pollinator environment, so they take less care. Partners blog post. To find it, type No need to water or mulch; in fact, “Wildflowers: what’s native” into most thrive under harsh conditions. your search engine.

What is native? Where can you find native plants? Learn what’s locally native. The Ferguson Forest Tree Nursery in plants you see at the side of the road Kemptville sells native perennials, or in a vacant field are seldom native shrubs, and trees – order online for species. Most are “alien invasives” – later pickup or delivery of larger the weeds that were brought to North orders. America accidentally or as medicinal Beaux Arbres sells plants and seeds plants and have thrived in our urban at the Westboro Market. Because of environment. the current health crisis, this nursery Luckily, we have some local is taking seed orders and will send resources. In 2005, environmental your order by mail. Google “Beaux consultant Dan Brunton did an intensive survey of urban natural areas for the city and produced a list Continued on pg.17 The OSCAR l April 2020 Page 17

ENVIRONMENT amazing movement, please visit Boomerang Bags the website boomerangbagsottawa. wordpress.com. They are always workshop looking for donations of fabric (anything woven and sturdy) so if you would like to donate materials or get involved in creating bags, check out their website for all the details on how to get involved.

Darcy Middaugh is the OSCA Preschool and Child Program Coordinator.

Keira Hewitt (left) and Amy Fraser sewing. PHOTOS BY DARCY MIDDAUGH

Boomerang Bags, it is a fantastic At the workshop at the Community Jack Nielsen Rogers and Ingrid initiative to reduce the use of plastics Centre, everyone was able to choose Nielsen ironing labels. by creating reusable bags from fabric. their favourite fabric pattern (usually It is a grassroots movement that is fabric such as old bed sheets) and By Darcy Middaugh non-profit and all done by volunteers. then learned the process of creating The idea started in Australia but is beautiful bags that can be used for On February 22nd, OSCA hosted a now growing globally. We are very shopping and replaces plastic bags. free workshop with Boomerang Bags fortunate to have an awesome group Children learned how to prepare the Ottawa. All participants were able to of volunteers here in Ottawa that came fabric, make handles for the bag, and of create their own bags from fabric that out and taught us how to make our own course sew it together using a sewing has been given a second life. Boomerang Bags, and even helped machine. If you are unfamiliar with personalize them. A big thank you goes out to Amy Fraser and Sarah Jane Fraser of Boomerang Bags Ottawa for teaching the next generation of Continued from pg.16 environmentalists the necessary skills to create beautiful totes. Also, thank Arbres seeds through the mail.” what insects come to visit. Later in you to Ingrid Nielsen for suggesting Fletcher Wildlife Garden annual the year, watch for birds collecting this workshop and helping organize the sale ­– the first Saturday in June, so seeds. event. June 6 this year, 9:30 am to 12:30 If you can get photos of the For information regarding this Gwen Hynes with her wonderful bag. pm. Knowledgeable gardeners will plants, insects, birds, please send be on hand to help you choose plants them to me – sgarland@teksavvy. for your garden, and you can see com I’ll add them to iNaturalist, a native plants in the Fletcher Wildlife worldwide, citizen-science database Garden. of observations. Let’s see if we can increase plant and animal diversity Still not sure how to get started? in our part of the world, and set an It’s worth a visit to the Corner example for others. Pollinator Garden, a real garden, but also a website where Berit Erickson References describes how she got started in 1. Makortoff K. “David pollinator gardening. Her example Attenborough and Prince is excellent and her enthusiasm is William take world leaders infectious. Berit also includes non- to task on environment.” The native species in her garden because Guardian, 2019. she has observed their use by 2. Higgins A. “A native plant guru’s 149 Buena Vista Rd 35 Blue Heron Ct - $1,890,000 numerous bees and other pollinator radical vision for the American Incredible 6 bed, 6 bath Rockcliffe home Beautiful 5 bed, 4 bath family home species. yard.” The Washington Post, Here’s a short list of locally 2020. common native species. Many of 3. Dilonardo MJ. “Minnesota will SOLD these are available at nurseries. All pay homeowners to make their SOLD OVER ASKING are beneficial to wildlife in some lawns bee-friendly.” Mother way. For example, Pearly Everlasting Nature Network, 2020. is a host plant for American Lady 4. Corner Pollinator Garden butterflies. That means these website, Ottawa. butterflies will lay eggs on Pearly 5. Dan Brunton. 2005. Vascular 895 Potvin Ave - $1,365,000 419 Athlone Ave - $1,179,000 Everlasting and their caterpillars will plants of the City of Ottawa. City Custom home in tranquil neighborhood Updated family home in Westboro live on and pupate on the plants, so of Ottawa. you will be helping to conserve this 6. John M. Gillett and Patrick THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? beautiful butterfly. J. White. 1978. Checklist of How do I manage multiple offers? How do I buy in a Sellers Market? The City of Ottawa website also vascular plants of the Ottawa– provides gardening advice, including Hull region, Canada. National We have the solutions to make your dreams come true. recommended native plants. To Museum of Natural Sciences. Call Today and discover what the best can do for you! find the right page, Google “City of 7. Walter Muma. Ontario Ottawa garden care.” Wildflowers. Wildwood Canada. #1 in Ottawa 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019* What you can do Sandy Garland is a longtime resident Charles Sezlik, Dominique Laframboise, Sara Adam, Sales Reps. & Trystan Andrews, Broker Just try it. Please consider adding of OOS. She has been involved a few native plants to your garden in naturalizing Brewer Pond and this year. Keep an eye on them and, growing native plants for other 613.744.6697 especially when they bloom, see projects in our neighbourhood. *Charles Sezlik #1 Royal LePage realtor in Eastern Ontario, 43 +/- Offices - 1150+/- realtors, based on gross closed commissions 2019. Page 18 The OSCAR l April 2020

AT THE COLONEL BY RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

My “Grandmothers Flower Garden” quilt

Mary Hobbs created this beautiful handmade By Mary Hobbs I lived in Grays, Essex, England at the time and quilt. Quilters will recognize the pattern as “The I started collecting materials from jumble sales finally completed the bedspread, over a 20-year Grandmothers’ Flower Garden Bedspread.” This style in 1994. Old skirts, shirts, dresses, all cotton, period, in my leisure time. first became popular a century ago and remains a also many pieces were my own from leftover I moved over to Ottawa in 2015 to join my son timeless pattern. Downsizing to move to Canada, Mary dressmaking materials. and family and brought the bedspread with me. had to leave behind most of her treasures, furniture The pieces are cut into 6 sided hexagon shapes I now live on Aylmer at Colonel By Retirement and friends, and everything she had known. Having the and the same number of cards which are slightly Home in Ottawa near to my son and family, quilt on Aylmer Ave. brings a little of Mary’s past to her smaller. Each hexagon flower is made of 19 and eventually the quilt will be given to my present day, and is both an amazing accomplishment, hexagons. granddaughter. and a great comfort in her current living situation. These are then joined together with the background colours. Altogether there are 56 PHOTOs BY GARY DIACK Mary Hobbs is a quilter and a resident of the flowers, and it is all hand-sewn. Colonel By Retirement Residence.

Tennis Lessons St. James offers a wide range of programs to our members. We have a great coaching staff and our friendly and qualified teachers offer instruction for all ages and skill levels. Check out our website for complete details on all programs at: stjamestennis.ca/tennis-lessons

Free Junior Lessons Our qualified instructors offer free after-school lessons for kids and junior members. Signup begins in person on Opening Day, Saturday, April 25 at 9 am and is on a first come basis. (Note: Please register for membership online prior to Opening Day and bring proof of registration with you when signing up for free lessons) stjamestennis.ca/junior-activities

Round Robins, Leagues and Tournaments No matter what your level, we have what is right for you. We offer non-competitive round robins every Tuesday (7-9 pm), Thursday (8-10 pm) and on Sunday morning (10 am-Noon). Staff ensures that people can just show up and that they get to play with different players of their level. This is friendly mixed tennis and a great way to meet new players. We also have adult tournaments, ladder play, A community tennis club in the heart of the Glebe inter-club leagues for all levels. See the calendar for dates at: Where everyone is welcome stjamestennis.ca/events

Online Registration Summer Tennis & Sports Camps Mini (JK – Grade 1) Progressive (Gr 2-5) Teen (Gr 6-9) Online registration for memberships, lessons and clinics at: stjamestennis.ca/memberships In association with the Glebe Neighborhood Activities Group (GNAG), St. James offers a variety of weekly Tennis and Sports Camps. Half- day and full-day camps available. Details on all camps at: Memberships stjamestennis.ca/kids-summer-camp Adult $130 18 and over Junior $80 Under 18 Try Tennis for Free: Open House – All are Welcome Couples $220 2 adults – same address Sunday, April 26, Noon – 3 pm Tennis pros on site - Racquets provided Families $275 2 adults + juniors – same address

Prices exclusive of HST web: stjamestennis.ca Early bird discount of 10% for online registrations prior to April 7 email: [email protected] The OSCAR l April 2020 Page 19

AT THE FIREHALL Spring art has sprung

“Springtime View” by Mohammad Ghazi.

PHOTO BY BRENDAN MCCOY

Here is a peek of the fine art up for the Spring Art Show at the Firehall. When the community centre reopens, go and see the fabulous work of 30 local artists that is on display in the lobby until May 30th. “Tulip Time #1” by Jane Tallim.

“Ennadai Lake, Nunavut” by John Archer.

Calling OOS artists for a digital art show By Sarah Cybulski of one of your pieces (it would be good if it follows the spring theme, As a bit of a boredom buster during but it doesn’t have to!) and links to the social distancing we’re practicing, your social media/website if you the Firehall team have been coming have them. We’ll showcase an artist a up with fun ways to engage the day on Instagram and curate a photo community without having to gather. album on Facebook. Since the centre is closed right now, The address you need to send people can’t go and see the beautiful the pictures to is oscaprograms@ artwork that was submitted for the oldottawasouth.ca with the subject We’re all in this together. In times like these, it’s important to band together to Spring Art Show. HOWEVER... line: Online Art! support our community. One way you can help is by supporting our local food We’ve come up with an idea! We can’t wait to see everyone’s bank in this time of need. submissions. We also hope everyone We thought it would be fun to Want to make a donation? Visit ottawafoodbank.ca/donate. host a mini-online art show on our is staying safe and healthy! Instagram and Facebook channels in the coming weeks. If you’d like to Sarah Cybulski is the OSCA Program participate, please email us a photo Director.

Send pictures to: [email protected] With the subject line: Online Art! Follow OSCA on Instragram: www.instagram.com/oldottsouth Follow OSCA on Facebook: www.facebook.com/oldottsouth ©2020 Engel & Völkers Ottawa Central, Brokerage. Each brokerage independently owned & operated. Dominique Milne, Broker. Lyne Burton, Sales Representative. Page 20 The OSCAR l April 2020

FILM REVIEW Seberg

The director Benedict Andrews began his career in live theatre and in 2018 he directed the film version of the Tennessee Williams’ play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Kristen Stewart as actress and activist Jean Seberg in the eponymous film. Seberg was released theatrically in Canada on February 28. The running In real life, Jean Seberg was an the period of growing protest against O’Connell) under the direction of FBI time is one hour and forty-two minutes. American-born actress who performed the Vietnam War. Seberg meets Black Director Herbert Hoover. her best work in the French cinema. Panther leader Hakim Jamal (played The audience reaction to Seberg Film screenings in Ottawa Her most famous role was in Jean- by Anthony Mackie) on a flight from at the world premiere in Italy last Film screenings and festivals across Luc Godard’s A Bout de Souffle Paris to LA. Her fist in the air salute year was very positive. Stewart’s the nation’s capital have been cancelled (Breathless) in 1960. to the press after the flight at the LA performance is the best of her career. I as a result of the pandemic and state Seberg is a highly entertaining airport seals her fate. The cast includes did not know about Jean Seberg, and I of emergency in Ontario. Cinemas in dramatization of Seberg’s harassment Grantham Coleman as political found her tragic story compelling. the city, including the Mayfair in OOS, by a real life secretive, and now activist Bobby Seale and Yvan Attal Jean Seberg died in 1979 by suicide have closed amidst concerns over infamous, FBI unit known as as Seberg’s husband, French novelist in France at the age of 40. Her death is COVID-19. The Irish Film Festival of COINTELPRO (for COunter Romain Gary. widely considered to be as a result of Ottawa (IFFO), the annual festival of INTELligence PROgram) in the The music in Seberg comprises a depression. Her remains are buried in new films from the Emerald Isle, has late 1960s. Jean Seberg is played by veritable who’s who of American folk the Montparnasse cemetery in Paris. been postponed to September 18-20. Kristen Stewart who looks uncannily and jazz – including songs by David Playing the title role, Stewart is a like Seberg. Directed by Benedict Crosby, Miles Davis and Bob Dylan. 29-year-old American actress. Her Andrews, Seberg had its world The script – written by Joe Shrapnel entrée to acting came in 2008, when Tony Wohlfarth is an Ottawa-based premiere at the 67th Biennale in Venice and Anna Waterhouse – brilliantly she starred in the Twilight series of freelance film writer, who covered the in 2019. contrasts Seberg’s free lifestyle with films. More recently, she won an award 76th Venice Film Festival last August The film takes place at the end of the the mechanics of surveillance by FBI for best actress for her role in Clouds of and the 70th Berlinale in Berlin in US Civil Rights Movement and during agent Jack Solomon (played by Jack Sils Maria in 2014. February.

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS through our fast-paced lives, it can Relaxing Reiki be difficult to stop and focus on how stress and anxiety affects our body. Finding the physical places in the body By Rosalind Bialowas, RMT where these emotions live, such as tight feeling in the chest or shoulders, What is Reiki? It is a safe, non- enables us to connect with these intrusive hands-on healing technique, emotions, and their cause, and work that uses energy, to help treat physical towards releasing them by relaxing that ailments and encourage a sense of part of the body. Once you can identify well-being. It was developed in Japan where the tension is, it is easier to let by its founder, Mikao Usui. Rei means it go. A Reiki healing therapist can “universal,” and Ki is “energy”. This help guide you through the process. As life-force is drawn from everything you rest under a blanket on the table, around us, and focused through the the therapist can place their hands on, palms of the therapist’s hands, to or over the energy centres, as well as achieve a rebalancing of energy. Many other key areas of tension. You can cultures understand and recognise the allow your attention to follow the path importance of Ki energy, and how it that the therapist takes, or you can use impacts our lives and well-being. For this special time to yourself to be able example, in China it is referred to as to calm your mind with meditation. A “Chi”, and in India it is “Prana”. guided meditation can also be included The “Ki” of Reiki flows throughout in the session. the body, passing through energy centres called “chakras,” via energy Reiki healing is available from pathways, called “meridians.” When me in Old Ottawa South and can be you feel healthy and strong, the flow combined with (and expensed under) of Ki energy in your body is high massage therapy. One advantage of and unimpeded. You can enjoy life, having a treatment so close to home take on challenges easily, and you is that it can be followed by a pleasant have a higher resistance to illness and walk through our neighbourhood. disease. When under stress or feeling unhappy and tired, your Ki energy is Rosalind Bialowas is a Reiki low. Subsequently the systems of your Practitioner and Registered Massage body are not performing well, and you Therapist, and has been a resident in will be more susceptible to sickness. Old Ottawa South for over 10 years. With a decreased flow of energy, you feel more negative, finding it more difficult to deal with life’s challenges. Rosalind Bialowas doing Reiki We carry this energy in and around our therapy in her home treatment room bodies throughout our lives. It is being in OOS. PHOTO BY ROB MUIR processed in every cell of our body. The molecular unit of energy transfer to focus that energy can enhance it. within a cell is called adenosine For example, when you feel calm triphosphate (ATP), and is found in and happy, endorphins are released, all forms of life. As Ki is life itself; it which boost our mood. They also help leaves the body when a living thing block the transmission of pain from dies, as does ATP energy. pain receptors as they signal pain to How well Ki is flowing in our bodies the brain. Reiki is a good example of impacts our built-in healing abilities, focusing and enhancing our energy. as Ki helps to nourish all the organs The mind, body and emotions and systems of the body. Energy are interlinked. Like a triangle they supports vital functions and contributes are connected and work together, to the healthy growth and renewal of influencing and impacting on one cells. We take it in from the food we another. In a Reiki healing session, it is eat, the air we breathe, and the water possible to observe whatever is moving we drink, as well as absorbing the within us. When we are moving energy that surrounds us. The ability

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR BEER DELIVERY & KITCHEN TAKEOUT 746-6034 CENTRETOWN'S 37 FLORA AT BANK NEIGHBOURHOOD BREWERY & KITCHEN FLORAHALLBREWING.CA Page 22 The OSCAR l April 2020

ABBOTSFORD AT THE GLEBE CENTRE What’s up at Abbotsford COVID-19 The staff at Abbotsford house are busy calling and emailing all members and clients during our closure due to the pandemic. We want to ensure that our friends and neighbours are safe and secure during these times of social distancing and quarantine. We continue to help seniors to get to essential medical appointments and we are helping with the delivery of Meals on Wheels. We understand the importance to remain connected during these challenging times. We will be recommending ways to socially connect in our email distribution and on our website: www.glebecentre.ca. Call 613-230-5730 or email us at [email protected] if you have questions about services in the community or would like assistance.

Renovations Abbotsford house was built in 1872 and has seen many changes and renovations over the years. Recently, we replaced (Left to right) Abbotsford staff Jen Dare (Day Away Program), Bruce Hill, (Charitable nine windows thanks to a generous grant from the Provincial Giving) and Kirsten O’Brien (Community Support Services) practicing social distancing Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility. Seven large windows while connecting with the community. PHOTO BY SHIRLEY LEE originally added in a renovation during the 1920s light up the multi-purpose room, which is just that, a room with multiple purposes. Older adults and adults with disabilities participate in fitness classes, dance, Zumba, tai chi, and ping-pong. The new windows will allow for fresh air into the room and Abbotsford Seniors Active Living Centre continue to bring in light from the west. Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, The window in the main floor kitchen was also replaced, as well as one office window on the second floor. One by one, Telephone: 613-230-5730 grant-by-grant, Abbotsford house is getting a new look. Email: [email protected] Website: www.glebecentre.ca Karen Anne Blakely is the Director of Community Programs and Services for Abbotsford at the Glebe Centre.

Garrett Place: MAY 22: 7:15 - 9:30 pm A Windsor Park connector

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Garrett Place, off of Belmont Avenue. PHOTO BY EDWINNA VON BAEYER By Kathy Krywicki close the street to motorists. The City retained a 8-metre strip as a pedestrian walkway and sold strips on either side Many of us have used the path from to adjacent property owners. Nearby mid-block along Belmont Avenue into residents were happy it was closed— Windsor Park. But did you know that evidently teenagers were using the the pathway was formerly a municipal dead-end street as a place to party.” street? Now pedestrians and cyclists can As Edwinna von Baeyer noted enjoy this park entrance as a short-cut in her history of the park entitled to the field-house, the playground, Windsor Park: An Enduring skating rink, wading pool, and tennis Greenspace in Ottawa South: “In courts. Sale con)nues Dona)ons welcome 1984 the City of Ottawa sold land on either side of Garrett Place (the Saturday, May 23 [email protected] or 613-233-8713 Kathy Krywicki is a longtime resident narrow street that led into the park of Old Ottawa South with a keen 8:00 - 1:00 pm Glebe CC 175 Third Avenue from Belmont Avenue) in order to interest in local history. The OSCAR l April 2020 Page 23

NEWS Jane’s Walk Ottawa-Gatineau postponed to Sept. 12–13 Alternative “walks” to be shared this spring Submitted by Jane’s Walk idea, organizers hope to provide Ottawa-Gatineau access to an array of alternative “walks” throughout the spring via janeswalkottawa.ca. Walk leaders “The ballet of the good city sidewalk and new volunteers are encouraged to never repeats itself from place to place, flex their creativity and support this and in any one place is always replete movement to create connections by with new improvisations.” dreaming up a new way for people to Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of experience their walking tour. Have an Great American Cities idea? Get in touch by emailing jane@ janeswalkottawa.ca In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jane’s Walk is a pedestrian-focused the local Jane’s Walk festival of event that improves urban literacy by walking tours will be postponed offering insights into planning, design, until Sept. 12 and 13, 2020. In the local history, and civic engagement meantime, the group will be offering through the simple acts of walking, new ways to explore our communities observing, and discussing. Last year, while respecting physical distancing. 3,000 people joined this “sidewalk The essence of Jane’s Walk ballet,” a community-driven festival Arthur McGregor in 2017 leading a Jane’s Walk down Bank Street entitled — connecting people and their featuring dozens of walking tours in “Folk on the Street.” The walk included singing, guitar playing and even an communities — is more important celebration of the ideas of late author impromptu choir! PHOTO BY GREG ZADOR now than ever before. While people and urbanist Jane Jacobs. Jane was an must stay apart physically, Jane’s Walk 4, 1916). up a “walk” in a new format to share activist who changed how we design Ottawa-Gatineau hopes to create new In its 12th year, Jane’s Walk Ottawa- online! and think about cities by promoting ways to connect and support each other Gatineau hopes to offer more than To get updates on the festival, visit community vitality and a neighbourly through this isolating time. 60 different walking tours for you to the website, janeswalkottawa.ca, and street life. The festival normally takes Whether that is a virtual walking choose from in September 2020. Mark follow Jane’s Walk Ottawa-Gatineau place over the first weekend in May to tour, a photo essay of a tour route, a your calendars for September, and in on Facebook, Twitter (@JanesWalkOtt) mark the birthday of Jane Jacobs (May scavenger hunt or another innovative the meantime, get creative and dream and Instagram (@JanesWalkOttawa).

Teskey cartwright TEAM Teskey cartwright ELEVATING THE REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE

The handshake is on hold but the integrity it represents is alive and well.

The business of real estate is built on trust and the ability to react to changing market pressures, especially amid disruption and uncertainty. We want you to know that we remain a constant. We are available to talk about your concerns and needs for now and in the future.

We are working to safeguard and to protect the well being of our clients and members of the communities we serve and live in. We remain ready to serve our clients.

We have implemented stringent protocols for managing access to our places of business, and we’re working closely with Sellers to maintain healthy standards. There is protocol for Buyers and their agent to follow if and when a home is shown.

We are successfully leveraging an array of proven tools to remotely engage with buyers and sellers, to conduct virtual showings ,and even to manage and complete transactions online. We are getting homes ready for going to market whenever it is appropriate to do so. We will be ready.

We are well beyond business as usual, but the344 O’connor commitment St. Ottawa, Ont. to service that has defined us for close to four decades is unchanged. Now, as ever we are here for you.

JULIE TESKEY STEPHANIEreal C estateAR salesTW representativesRIGHT

Real estate sales representative

613.859.6599 613.296.6708 [email protected] [email protected] www.teskey.com Page 24 The OSCAR l April 2020

TASTY TIDBITS FROM TRILLIUM BAKERY Nitwits and squirrel squabbles By Jocelyn LeRoy in a hammock at the cottage. This one nervous that the squirrel would end up the sensitive lever, which slams the is the book with black bird pictures, inside my apartment if I left the screen door closed. With stuffed cheeks, alpha Godsonian Knitwit so you can see the shapes clearly, and door open even an inch. You don’t squirrel would run off, scramble down A couple of “Tasty Tidbits” ago, I you can spot any hoodwinked, three want a squirrel invasion in your space. the wall, with a load of dried grass reported my birdly outing, where I footed, tufted, Godsonian Nitwit flying They can be extremely destructive. sticking out each side of its mouth. could not get the Hudsonian Godwhit across the sky. After locating the black I met someone whose blinds were Until yesterday. I was astonished on my radar. I couldn’t really enjoy dot in the sky, you whip your fingers shredded by a squirrel before it to see the big fat squirrel sitting its uniqueness like the other birders to the right page to identify it as a bird, destroyed the curtains, and then the contentedly licking peanut butter off were. I even mispronounced its rather maybe even a three footed, tufted, upholstered furniture. the metal plate, trapped inside the cage. aristocratic sounding name – as if only Godsonian Nitwit. My darn squirrel has been After two weeks of cleaning out the the upper crust would be privileged If you don’t have the book, you are entertaining itself on the balcony cage without getting caught. enough to actually spot one – and going to be in a dilemma, wondering for most of the winter. Staring in the I called George for reassurance that a observe that its tail is forked. So, if the birders have better eyesight or screen door, rummaging around in the squirrel wouldn’t escape en route, from I began to think I belonged in the imaginations than you. Then you can tall dried grasses, picking out choice the balcony, through the apartment, unbirdly category of Godsonian leave your gloves on, stay warm and pieces for a nest, and nosing around in and down the hall and elevator. I put Nitwits. Thanks to OSCAR editor say things like hmmm, and mmmmm. planters with nothing but earth in them. an old pillowcase around the trap. The Brendan McCoy for clearing up the I was telling my superintendent pillowcase ripped, but it calmed the mystery for me, by finding a picture of Alpha Squirrel Georges one day that I’d like to move squirrel down from his indignation that the real bird. The squabbling squirrel on my the squirrel along to somewhere else. he was no longer in charge. George Eventually I would enjoy two more balcony was not a nitwit when it It was getting rather rude, aggressive came up to watch the show, and kindly bird books. One would live in my comes to pilfering. It was near genius, and entitled, as if the balcony was its carried the cage to my car. Minutes backpack, and the other I would look stripping the planter filled with tall dry personal territory. I tried yelling at it, later when I reached the garage, he had at in moments of relaxation at home, or grasses. I had been getting somewhat poking a broom at it, and on its sassiest wrapped the captured creature, now day, I actually threw some water at it. freaking out, in a black garbage bag All I got was a loud scolding from the and left it beside my car. squirrel. “CHI CHI CHI CHI CHI, Off we went to Hampton Park, TUC TUC TUC TUC TUC” Every day anxious foot to the petal, squirrel very at four o clock. quiet. After unwrapping the layers George offered a choice of solutions: around the cage, and opening it, I gave His gun, or his ‘Havahart’ trap. I chose it a shake, and out flew the chubby the trap. He suggested I make squirrel rodent. He raced up the nearest tree Our office is here for you with: stew when I caught it. trunk. When I gave a last look before After two weeks of maneuvering driving off, I got a final scolding. As if Monthly Town Halls around the trap, flicking the nuts to say, “You traitor!” Canvasses and seeds out of the cage, the big fat Later that day, back home, there Community Organizing squirrel, finally went in the trap to was George at my door. “Where’s my Help Accessing Government Services (such as housing, enjoy more peanut butter. Obviously squirrel stew?” There was no squirrel ODSP/OW, healthcare, OSAP it’s smart, can tell time, and has a large stew. Check out our recipe anyway. etc.) squirrel vocabulary. He struck gold up here on the tenth floor, noshing And more! on the smorgasbord of delicious bait, Jocelyn LeRoy is the owner/manager emptying the cage without tripping of Trillium Bakery in Old Ottawa P: 613-722-6414 South since 1980. 109 Catherine St. / rue Catherine E: [email protected] MPP / Député provincial, Ottawa, ON K2P 0P4 www.joelharden.ca GMSElemAdGR19BW.pdfOttawa Centre 3 2019-10-18 3:52 PM

RECIPE A Montessori A not so squirrely stew classroom (Curried lentils with carrots and peas) is where 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped the joy 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 Tbsp. of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped of learning 2 Tbsp. of olive oil 1 Tbsp. of curry powder C comes 1 tsp. of ground cardamom M naturally 1 tsp. of cinnamon Y ½ tsp. of dry mustard CM ¼ -½ tsp. of cayenne pepper

MY Toddler, ½ tsp. of turmeric Preschool & Elementary 3 cups of water CY Grades 1-6 Bilingual Education 3 cups of cooked lentils CMY 2 medium carrots (cut in thin slices) K 1 cup of frozen peas thawed 1 cup of unsweetened coconut milk salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add onion, garlic and ginger. Cook over 650 Lyon St. South Ottawa, Ontario K1S 3Z7 low heat for 5 minutes to mellow flavours. Stir in spices and cook while stirring, 30 seconds. Add water and bring to a simmer. Add carrots and Please contact us at: after 10 minutes, add cooked lentils. (613) 237-3824 2. When lentils and carrots are tender, add peas, coconut milk, salt and www.glebemontessori.com pepper. Simmer uncovered to incorporate the flavours. 10 minutes. Serve over basmati rice. Delicious with Rye, Maritime or Upper Canada bread. The OSCAR l April 2020 Page 25

POETRY

Personal worlds Today’s Recipe Up in the Air By Susan McMaster By Mary Lee Bragg By Colin Morton

Personal worlds It begins: Sauté an onion and some garlic in oil. Who knows what’s going on over there. don’t slide, they tip. I bend into the aroma, watch them wilt and Where once the kids romped on the trampoline This summer, days before clarify. we’ve heard no laughter lately. we step into autumn Deeper in the paper’s folds: travel bans, decrees. my mother falls from the branch There are rumours but I never pay them mind. though she clings so tight The oldest cuneiform tablet ever decoded What others say I don’t care to hear. fingertips of love says: Sauté onion and garlic in oil. But did you notice the smoke from the grill not strong enough Outside the ziggurat, the crier warns left to burn on their deck yesterday? to hold her here. of barbarians. Within two weeks, Their wings must have turned to ash a friend of forty years Gilded manuscripts in cathedral vaults while the couple quarrelled. falls prone in his hotel room say Sauté an onion in oil. Was it over the kids, you suppose? in a far mountain town, Monks listen for the scrape of keel on shore. is gone before his wife It’s none of our business of course, but returns from her stroll. And when the barbarians build their fires what if things blow up over there And now she, in September, on the beach or in the ashes of the city, while we’re trying to have a party? as the last days of warmth they will offer onions and garlic blow away to the sizzling oil. This poem first appeared in the annual internet greets us from the couch anthology Ottawater. where her loose-skinned limbs From The Landscape That Isn’t There don’t warm to my massage Colin Morton is a poet, author, teacher and an OOS though I rub for half an hour. OOS writer Mary Lee Bragg is the author of the resident. prize-winning poetry collection “Winter Music.” This morning, I awoke to the buzz of the phone – our haven far away on the Bay of Fundy coast has found a buyer – too fast, cash on the spot to be settled this weekend – its trees its fields its garden it windows its path to the shore and fossil rocks its smile at easy country life down the road from friends whose heart and limbs and operations are dragging them away.

Tumbling, I stare out our city window at the overrun garden, the uncut hedge – at the failing crab tree that needs to come down.

Susan McMaster is an OOS poet and longtime resident. Page 26 The OSCAR l April 2020

CARLETON CORNER Through the years, we’ve used this space to invite the community of Old Ottawa If you want to learn more about how Carleton is responding to the coronavirus, South to join us on campus for events, lectures, camps and social activities. We’ve or if you are wondering if a particular building is open or service is being offered, also shared news about triumphs, both academic and athletic, and told you about please visit our COVID-19 website by going to carleton.ca. interesting people and research. We are looking forward to welcoming you back to campus for all sorts of At this time, the entire Carleton community is mobilizing to flatten the curve activities. Until then, we hope that you and your families remain safe and well. and to mitigate the repercussions of the COVID-19 virus. Many of our staff and faculty are working from home and we are not holding events on campus or out in Carleton Corner is written by Carleton University’s Department of University the community for the time being. Communications. For information about the university, please visit carleton.ca. By the time you read this, our students will have successfully completed the winter term, thanks to innovative online teaching methods and technological boosts, and some students will be heading into various types of final assessments for their courses as there will be no group or face-to-face exams.

MPP’S REPORT today. A brief glance at the United States reminds us of what could have Empathy in action: Ottawa been without your wise decisions. under COVID-19 Thank you neighbours for looking after each other. Thanks for dropping By Joel Harden, MPP impacted by COVID-19. Brewer Arena off food and support to those unable to is a place of hope for those in distress. do so themselves. It’s been a wild and dystopian past Thank you to staff working our Thank you friends from the Parkdale week. A global pandemic some city’s distress line, who listen when Food Centre who have supported so believed was confined overseas arrived people call to share concerns and fears. many vulnerable people, including 500 in Canada quickly. You are offering a critical service, folks stuck in emergency housing at the Life normally flashes from pillar to notably for those who already live with Travelodge Hotel on Carling Avenue. post. Now the minutes of the day stick heightened anxieties. Thanks for bringing food, puzzles, together as we stay home, and scour for Thank you nurses, personal support games, and smiles. news of the latest updates. workers, hospital cleaners and support Thank you friends from the Good Keep at it. Canada’s public health care system staff, doctors, orderlies, administrators, Companions Seniors Centre and Ottawa is such a compassionate city. has been our first line of defense. Its and other health care professionals. Ottawa West Seniors Services who’ve I am thankful for all that has happened front line staff are our guardian angels, Thank you first responders– ­ mobilized fast to help low-income here to date in response to COVID-19, and we are thankful for their efforts paramedics, firefighters, and police. elders across our city. There are strong and mindful of what must be done every day, never more so than now. We see you pulling long hours, and we women leading these groups who in government policy to enable even understand this means great sacrifice protect those who built everything we more. Thanks from you and your families. enjoy today. Like the great Bruce Cockburn might Thank you to Dr. Vera Etches, Thank you grandmothers and Thank you donors and small say, we are lovers in a dangerous time. Ottawa public health officials, and front grandfathers who fought for the public businesses who have enabled this In fact, the final words of that song line workers helping those directly health care system that protects us work. We are seeing incredible are a useful anthem as we address generosity being mobilized across the COVID-19: “nothing worth having city. It gives hope for what we can comes without some kind of fight. Got accomplish on so many other fronts. to kick at the darkness ‘til it bleeds Thank you shelters working with daylight.” our homeless neighbours, people Moves have been made at the who are uniquely vulnerable to the provincial and federal level which offer spread of COVID-19. We see you a good first step. As Ontario’s Critic for Operation Come Home, The Mission, People with Disabilities, Seniors, and The Shepherds of Good Hope, The Accessibility, I know we can do even Salvation Army, and Youth Services better, notably for those without much Bureau. in employment income. Thank you parents and caregivers Canada is a rich country with vast working hard to balance employment resources. More of those resources and family. It’s not easy to create a must be shared to ensure no one fun day inside, even with brief trips gets left behind as we urge social outdoors. This is even harder for kids distancing. with disabilities or special needs. But This is a test of solidarity. Let’s pass children are vectors for illnesses, and it together. staying home is making a difference.

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MAYOR’S REPORT Preparing for spring flooding in Ottawa By Jim Watson, Mayor volunteers, City crews, and first and collaboration to support responders were greatly appreciated. prevention, mitigation, preparedness, The residents of the National Capital I would also like to recognize the response and recovery activities prior Region have had to overcome several local Councillors, Theresa Kavanagh, to, during, and after a flood. Their natural disasters over the past few Stephen Blais, and Eli El-Chantiry, as mandate is to: years: flooding in May of 2017, well as the dedicated City employees • Develop a communications tornadoes in September of 2018, and and the thousands of volunteers who strategy in advance of the spring more flooding last spring. worked around the clock to help freshet. Around this time last spring, the those in need. • Develop educational materials on Ottawa River Regulation Planning Over the course of the past year, flooding preparedness to assist and-flood-control Board was projecting that the the City of Ottawa and surrounding residents. Residents seeking further Ottawa River’s peak levels would municipalities have worked with • Investigate revised operational information concerning flooding in rise dozens of centimetres above conservation authorities and Doug and tactical procedures and pre- the National Capital Region may those experienced in 2017. On April McNeil, a special advisor on position assets as required. contact the Ottawa River Regulation 25th, 2019, on the recommendation flooding appointed by the provincial • Explore potential opportunities Planning Board Secretariat at: of City Manager Steve Kanellakos government, to explore measures to to purchase new flood mitigation/ • Toll free number (24 hours a day): and his team, I declared a State of withstand another potentially severe prevention technologies and 819-994-9049 Emergency in the City of Ottawa. It flood this spring. hardware. • Email: [email protected] was clear that we required assistance Additionally, the City of Ottawa’s • Website: http://ottawariver.ca/faq. from both the provincial government Office of Emergency Management’s To learn more about the taskforce’s php and the Canadian Armed Forces. Spring Freshet Taskforce held its ongoing work, please visit: • Twitter: @ORRPB Their efforts, over a three-week first meeting of the year on March 5, https://ottawa.ca/en/parking-roads- period, to mitigate the floods with the goal of enhancing public and and-travel/road-and-sidewalk- and offer relief to homeowners, community safety through leadership maintenance/spring-maintenance-

MP’S REPORT The COVID-19 pandemic By Catherine McKenna, MP as well as announcing our plan to bring remain on their regular schedule. Canadians home from around the • We’re putting an interest free I have been hearing from my world. pause on student loan payments constituents about the difficulties they • We are boosting Canada Child for 6 months. are facing because of the COVID-19 Benefit Payments. We’ve also • We are deferring tax payments pandemic. It is challenging from both introduced support for parents until August 31st for individuals an economic and a health perspective. who can’t work because they need and businesses. I’ve heard from devastated businesses, to care for children. to families who have members • The six major banks have agreed Canadians abroad stranded abroad, to struggling charities to work with personal and small We encourage all Canadians and not for profits. We will do business customers on a case overseas to register with Global whatever it takes to support Canadians. basis, including up to a six-month Affairs Canada at www.travel.gc.ca/ The Canada.ca/coronavirus website Social distancing – physical payment deferral for mortgages. travelling/registration. includes information resources that distancing – is the single best way to • We’re providing income support Canadian travelers should return to Canadians can download concerning keep the people around you safe. What to workers facing unemployment Canada via commercial means while the novel coronavirus, as well how does that mean? It means keeping two due to COVID-19. it is still possible to do so. If you to be prepared and how to limit the metres between yourself and someone • We’re introducing the Emergency are abroad, now is the time to come spread of the virus. else. It means avoiding groups. It Support Benefit for Canadians home. If you’ve just arrived, you The Government of Canada’s means staying home as much as who are facing unemployment but must self-isolate for 14 days. coronavirus information line 1-833- possible. don’t normally qualify for EI. Please feel free to reach out 24/7 784-4397 is available from 7:00 If you choose to ignore that advice • We’re providing eligible small to the emergency watch and response am to midnight (EST) seven days a and get together with people or go to businesses a temporary wage centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 or week. crowded places, you’re not just putting subsidy for a period of three [email protected]. yourself at risk, you’re putting others months, as well as extending at risk too: your elderly relative, your credit to businesses through At home friend with a pre-existing condition, Export Development Canada By staying home, you can not nurses and doctors, cashiers and other and the Business Development only protect your health and that of essential workers. Bank of Canada. those around you but ensure that They need you to make the right • We’re doubling the GST tax our healthcare professionals and choices. They need you to do your part. credit for low to modest income our healthcare systems can focus on Go home and stay home. This is what Canadians. Payments will those who need their help. we all need to be doing. The government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to help Canadians and businesses, as well as those in difficult Beautiful living naturally situations abroad facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. In March, the Prime Minister released Bloomfields Flowers an economic response plan of $27 Billion for workers and businesses, and 783 Bank Street | 613-230-6434 $55 billion in economic stimulus that will protect Canadians families and 1280 Wellington St. West | 613-695-6434 support businesses across the country, www.bloomfields.ca Page 28 The OSCAR l April 2020

FINANCIAL PLANNING Don’t panic in a bear market Sign of the times By Bob Jamieson, CFP Buying opportunities bear market. But other types of Bear markets may provide investment vehicles may not be Unfortunately, I didn’t think the good buying opportunities. as directly affected – and some recommendations in my recent When gas is expensive, you may even show positive results. article regarding re-balancing may just buy a few gallons at a Consequently, you could reduce after a stellar 2019 would be time – but when the price falls, the bear’s “bite” if you also own tested so soon. you’re probably more likely a variety of other investments, Depending on your age, you to fill up your tank. The same such as international stocks, may have only experienced the principle can apply to investing bonds, government securities bull market of the past ten+ – when stock prices are down, and so on. However, while years, so you might not know your investment dollars will owning this type of diversified what to expect – or how to buy more shares. And the more portfolio can help reduce the respond – now that the bear shares you own, the greater impact of market volatility, it market is here We’ve had your ability to build wealth once does not guarantee profits or several corrections over the past the share price rises. In short, a protect against losses. And don’t few years (a drop of at least bear market may provide you buy those other types during 10% in the major stock market with a chance to buy quality the bear – wait, and re-balance indices such as the TSX or S&P investments at good prices. Just afterwards in preparation for the 500). But the recent drop of don’t expect to be able to time next one. well over 20% means a full- the bottom. A bear market can be fledged bear market. And bear Not forever challenging. But by making the markets, unlike corrections, Bear markets don’t last right moves, such as staying tend to linger for a while. forever. No one can predict patient, looking for buying The last “bear” emerged from precisely how long bear markets opportunities and maintaining hibernation in October 2007 will run, but they’ve typically a diversified portfolio, you and stayed on the prowl until been much shorter than bull may be able to prevent a early March 2009. During that markets. So, while you might market decline from becoming time of the” Great Recession,” not particularly like looking unbearable. the S&P 500 declined by about at your investment statement If you would like some advice 50 percent. Clearly, investors during a decline, you can take in reviewing your investment Southminster United Church is just one of many were not happy – but the market some comfort in knowing such portfolio at this time, please feel businesses and organizations going “online” recovered and moved to new downturns are a normal feature free to give me a no-obligation in response to the need to practice physical heights. This long and strong of the investment landscape. call at 613-526-3030. distancing to stop, or at least slow, the spread of run-up may have obliterated the COVID-19 virus. your bear market memories, if Don’t affect all investments you ever had them at all. And equally PHOTO BY BRENDAN MCCOY that’s why you might want to Bear markets don’t affect all familiarize yourself with some investments equally. If you only of the bare facts about bear own stocks, your portfolio may markets: well take a sizable hit during a HEALTH AND WELLNESS www.edwardjones.com Polymyalgia Rheumatica Markets Change. By Susan Reive problems. It is important to diagnose Are You Prepared? this condition as it can cause a stroke or Many older people notice stiffness in blindness if not treated. When you stop and look back at what’s happened their joints on morning rising. It usually The cause of PMR is not known. in the markets, it’s easy to realize how quickly subsides in about 20 minutes, once you There could be a genetic predisposition, things can change. That’s why we should schedule get up and get moving. This is typical or it could be caused by a virus. It is most often seen in the older some time to discuss how the market can impact of osteoarthritis. If you notice the pain population between 70-80 years of your financial goals. We can also conduct a free and joint stiffness is increased and lasts 2 to 3 hours after morning rising you age, and in women more than men. portfolio review to help you decide if you should may have an inflammatory disorder. To confirm a diagnosis of PMR, a make changes to your investments and talk about Once such condition is Polymyalgia blood test will often reveal an increase opportunities to be had. Rheumatica (PMR). in inflammatory markers. Treatment PMR is an inflammatory condition requires specific medication, usually Stop by or call today to schedule your that typically occurs with sudden onset the drug Prednisone to relieve the free review. as pain and marked stiffness in the neck symptoms. Patients will feel a dramatic and shoulders. People come in with improvement in 48 hours on the very little neck movement and often medication. Gradually, the doctor will cannot lift their arms above shoulder try to reduce the dosage of Prednisone without causing the PMR symptoms  height. The pain can interfere with to flare up. Patients may need to be on  sleep and make activities of daily living  very difficult. Prednisone for a year.  Physical therapy is also helpful to  Most often it affects the neck and  shoulders but can also affect the hips help maintain range of motion of the  and knees. Other symptoms include joints. Once the pain and stiffness have fatigue and just not feeling well. There subsided conditioning exercises can may be a low-grade fever. PMR is begin. Moreover, it is important to have often associated with temporal arteritis a healthy diet, exercise and get plenty inflammation which is due to giant cell of rest to allow healing. arteritis. People with temporal arteritis will have inflammation of the temporal Susan Reive, a certified physiotherapist,

Member – Canadian artery in the head and will complain is the owner of Kilborn Physiotherapy Investor Protection Fund of headaches, jaw pain, and visual Clinic. The OSCAR l April 2020 Page 29

COMPUTER TRICKS AND TIPS A new computer in 2020? By Malcolm and John Price (file storage) is usually enough. not ready to use as shipped. Stores Harding, of Compu-Home A so-called “bottom of the line” • An Intel processor has a little are always keen to do that job for you machine has the specs to handle easily bit better reliability record than but (maybe not surprisingly) we small most people’s needs. You shouldn’t AMD, the major competitor but businesses like Compu-Home or Tony We are overdue for an update on our have to spend more than $600, and it’s not a big difference. The Garcia at Computer HouseCalls, are suggestions for when you have to maybe a bit less, even though this majority of users should seriously convinced that we do a good job too. buy a new computer. There are no might mean having to wait a bit consider the Intel i5, or one of the You must also consider whether or radical upheavals from last year, but sometimes while stores replenish their AMD equivalents, because it is not data from your old computer will a few trends seem to be apparent. The stock. At the time of writing it seems powerful enough that it will be have to be copied to the new one. That following refers to both laptop and that manufacturing in China and supply adequate for most users for many can be done at the time of setting up, or desktop models, unless specifically from Asia is severely compromised years to come. you can do that yourself bit by bit later noted. and this could lead to further price and • Note that laptops no longer have on if you prefer. availability issues in the future. Prices a DVD drive, but they are still on Expensive software, like Microsoft Solid State Drives on the shelves are creeping up, and desktops. An external USB DVD Office, can usually be transferred SSDs, (or Solid State Drives) are when you add in HST and the service drive is a $40 alternative. from and old computer to a new one, disk drives with integrated circuits charge for setting up the new machine, • 15.6 inches is the usual screen for if the old one is going out of service. to store files, which is the same that $600 quickly becomes $850. laptops. You may choose larger or Otherwise, you will have to buy technology as the USB Flash Drives smaller depending on preference another copy. that we have been familiar with for and need, but you might have more than 15 years. SSDs are now to pay more. You can keep your Advice more common than traditional hard “Laptops, tablets, monitor if you are replacing a Feel free to call or write for our disks (HDs) in laptops and are often desktop. 2-cents’ worth when you find a found now in desktop models as well. printers, cameras • We believe that the touch screen machine that interests you. An SSD is many times faster than an and phones are the option is a wasted expense on a HD and has the significant advantage computer – desktop or laptop. of being more robust, due to the fact only equipment for Go to compu-home.com/blog for an that there are no delicate moving Source and warranty archive of our columns (including parts. On the other hand, solid-state which we recommend Staples, Best Buy, Canada this one) and lots more tech-related storage technology in the form of Computers and Costco are the articles. There is a space right after computer hard disks does not yet have considering the commonest sources. Some people each item for you to make comments a long proven track record for life prefer one or the other, but they are and suggestions, and ask questions. expectancy and reliability. For this extended warranty, pretty close. Dell might be the first You can even sign up for automatic reason we suggest making sure that for several reasons.” brand people think of if they are updates. Have a look at compu-home. you are getting a machine with one buying online, but Costco (online or com/blog soon or call us at 613- of the established brand-name SSDs, in the store) is also a strong contender, 731-5954 to share your opinions and like Western Digital or Samsung. John Availability because they offer an extended suggest subjects for future columns. Tunstall, of Tunstall Data Recovery When you are shopping online, you warranty at no extra cost. Our email address is info@compu- Services in Nepean tells us that the have to read carefully and pounce Laptops, tablets, printers, cameras home.com off-brand SSDs are noticeably more when you see what you want. Stores do and phones are the only equipment for prone to failure. Now that SSDs have not carry large quantities of a computer which we recommend considering the dropped in price, you can have one of model and sales pass quickly. A week extended warranty, for several reasons. the best without breaking the bank. later, that bargain will be long gone. Expect to pay approximately 20% of the laptop’s purchase price, for a 3-year New or refurbished Specifications warranty. In the case of desktop computers, a • The great majority of computers refurbished unit is often a worthwhile will have the Windows 10 Setup consideration but there are fewer Operating System. The alternative New computers take about 3 hours refurbished laptops available and is the Macintosh line. Apple, of of a technician’s time to set up when therefore they are not such a bargain. course, has a stellar reputation for they come out of the box. They are Refurbished computers often come hardware, with a stellar price to with a longer warranty period than new match. machines. The Trailing Edge in Bells • 4 Gigabytes of RAM is adequate; Corners is a long-established local 6 or 8 might be a bit better. More business that carries an extensive stock is probably overkill. of refurbished desktops. • 500 Gigabyte capacity hard disk

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The team behind Councillor Menard vision.” The four advisors and a student intern all work in the small open space in front of Menard’s office at City Hall. The phone rings continually and a white-board listing both long-term priorities and immediate projects and tasks is readily visible to all. In terms of residents’ calls and emails, during the winter 40 percent of them are about snow and ice clearing, 16 percent are vehicle complaints, 11 percent are about infrastructure issues, 10 percent relate to neighbours, development and business, 8 percent are for water and hydro matters, another 8 percent are transit-related and the other 7 percent are for parks, environment and miscellaneous. Boyer says, “We truly all work together in this office, but my main responsibility is organizing Shawn’s day – scheduling meetings, making sure he has time to eat lunch – as Staff of the Capital Ward councillor’s office are, from left, Miles Krauter (Old Ottawa South), Mélanie Boyer (Heron well as triaging emails we receive Park), Ariela Kay Summit (Old Ottawa East), Jonathan McLeod (Glebe), Rosalind Curran (student intern), and from constituents to the right Councillor Shawn Menard. PHOTO BY JOHN DANCE person’s inbox. I answer the phone with the help of our placement By John Dance his term. residents. student and take care of service Whether it’s COVID-19, the Ariela Kay Summit, Miles Krauter, requests from our residents.” It’s only been a year and a half, climate change emergency, Melanie Boyer and Jonathan And she notes that the best way to but Capital Ward Councillor Lansdowne, pushing back McLeod each brought varied and contact the office with an issue is to Shawn Menard has been vocal and against excessive development rich experience to the office when email [email protected] “with effective in advancing the interests proposals, affordable housing, they were hired. And each has two as much detail as possible,” because of the ward, its communities and the LRT transparency or whatever, his basic roles: to cover the specific the Councillor’s office may not be direction of the City. A key reason for staff have passionately done the issues of one or more of the ward’s aware of the background. She then this is the support of his team of four necessary research, consultation and communities and to be the lead for assigns and tracks the issue to one staff advisors, three of whom have development of policy positions specific large files. of her colleagues, unless it’s a Heron been with him since the beginning of while simultaneously handling the For instance, Krauter is the Park issue in which case she will daily requests and questions of Old Ottawa South representative follow up. and he handles the planning and So what are the challenges of development portfolio, though he the job? McLeod says it “can be PLEASE PRACTICE PRECAUTIONS shares aspects of it with McLeod difficult trying to harness the power (heritage) and Summit (high-level of the city because it is a dispersed urban planning). city with desires that have severe “I also look after all things like detrimental impacts on our ward.” He housing and social services,” he WASH YOUR HANDS also notes, “The rules and protocols says. “And I am responsible for of the bureaucracy restrict us.” He SNEEZE INTO YOUR SLEEVE other files relating to arts and culture, notes other fundamental problems public health, and community and are that for some issues such as the protective services. Most of these implementation of photo radar, “The files have legislative (i.e. by-law) and city is hamstrung by the province,” practical (i.e. casework) components and the province and the federal that require attention. I am also government have many more revenue the resident political organizer and sources. database manager for the office.” In STAY IN YOUR HOME Krauter, the OOS “go-to” person terms of other unrelated duties, he and somebody who lived for five was the referee for the Capital Ward years in OOS but now resides Cup for the last two years. in Old Ottawa East, describes All four advisors relish the mix of himself as a “political organizer, the broad policy issues and the nitty- movement activist, recovering gritty. “There’s a variety of things, academic, and bourbon-quaffing it’s never boring and often difficult,” karaoke enthusiast.” He says he is “a says Krauter, noting how the range democratic socialist who cut his teeth of issues and working with residents organizing with the labour movement makes the job very “grounding.” and the NDP.” PHYSICAL DISTANCE AT LEAST 2 METRES “The appeal of the job comes from “I left behind my PhD work on actually being able to accomplish alienation to work in Shawn’s office 2 metres something that has a direct impact after co-managing his election on others,” says McLeod. He cites campaign, because this electoral such initiatives as the restoration of project can and will fundamentally the Glebe’s Mutchmor rink as an shift politics in Ottawa – it already example of “fostering communities BE KIND has and will continue to do so,” he that are better for everybody’s concludes. physical and mental well-being” BESS FRASER GRAPHIC APRIL 2020 and goes on to note, “We’re not just John Dance is a resident of Old pushing paper – we are all working Ottawa East. together to advance a city-wide The OSCAR l April 2020 Page 31

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Found: Prescription glasses in a black Dog Walking Service Offered. Hi Seeking shared accommodation. Wanted, surplus building material. case on Roslyn between number 2 my name is Sammy and I am a grade Senior woman looking to share a We are seeking to recycle/re-use and 10. Call 613-730-2664. 7 student at Hopewell, and I am house or apartment with a mature surplus building material, which we offering a dog walking service at like-minded woman or a couple. would be pleased to remove from ------Windsor Park. I currently have a dog I’m youthful, peaceful, healthy and your property at your convenience of my own that I walk, and want to health-conscious, and would like and at no charge. Of particular Found: A lovely pair of brand new bring another dog along with Oreo. to live with another who is also. I interest are: brick, cinder blocks, kid leather mittens in the snowbank If you are interested call/text my need to live close to public transit. If windows, exterior doors, lumber (2 on Fulton Ave. near Aylmer Ave. Call dad at 613-979-5326, or email me at you are a homeowner and need help x 4 and 4 x 4, especially in 8 foot if they belong to you. Laurie 613- [email protected] with light tasks around the house lengths or longer), plywood, wooden 878-3425. (e.g. kitchen work, gardening etc.) shipping pallets, shingles, tar paper For Rent in exchange for a reduced rental for roofing, corrugated metal suitable payment, I’d be happy to assist. For for roofing, etc. Please contact me Parking Spot Available House to Rent. 3-bedrooom/2 more information email: jenbernius@ by telephone at 613-327-0318 or by bathroom/living room/dining room/ gmail.com e-mail at [email protected] Parking Available: Parking spot near kitchen/finished basement. Available Sunnyside and Bank available during May 1st. $2150+utilities. No the day. [email protected] smoking. 5 minutes from everything. 613-422-4552.

AROUND TOWN Kids’Help Phone. For those that may be looking for ways to help out and volunteer with the current situation, while staying at home, the Kids’ Help Phone is in desperate need of volunteers to man its texting service. This is a vital resource for youth at anytime, but vulnerable youth are at heightened risk of seriously worsening mental health at this time. They have also extended their services to youth over 25 years old who are former youth in care (of our child welfare system) and are particularly vulnerable to social isolation. Please consider volunteering. You don’t need any experience and only have to commit to four hours per week. Go to kidshelpphone.ca and click on “Get Involved.”

Support the United Way. Ottawa Public Health asked the United Way to help support the social needs of Ottawa residents while we deal with COVID-19. The United Way has identified the following needs, while anticipating they will continue to grow: • Help for seniors: ensure that while vulnerable people are isolated, they are also supported • Basic needs: ensure people have access to life’s essentials, such as food • Capacity for community services: ensure that community partners can continue to do their vital local work • Mental health support: enable crisis lines and system navigation services • Support for volunteers: there are amazing people rallying to support others – they need our help too If you would wish to volunteer, donate to support this work, or if require assistance from the United Way, please visit their website: unitedwayeocovid19.ca

Meals on Wheels needs volunteers! We are looking for volunteer drivers to help deliver meals to our clients during this critical time. If you are healthy, have a car, and can follow our strict health and safety protocols, please consider volunteering. Please consider joining our team. The program is very flexible, able to accommodate volunteers’ schedules and availability. Each delivery route only takes two hours to complete but makes a world of difference for every one of the clients. If you would like to become one of those friendly delivery volunteers brightening the day of an Ottawa senior, or if you or someone you know would benefit from receiving Meals on Wheels, go to www.mealsonwheels-ottawa.org or call Meals on Wheels at 613-233-2424. Page 32 The OSCAR l April 2020

THE CREATIVE COMFORTS Creative options for filling your down time By Vanessa Coplan materials together. Turn them into Write of cleaning. Cleaning is a physical act geometric patches, or crazy quilt it, Start a journal. A writing journal, or with huge psychological benefits. De- I have never been great at taking randomly and in your own way. Make something artists like to do called a clutter, organize. Feel great about your care of myself. I have always turned it a word blanket; write down in sewn visual art journal. A visual art journal living space. outwards to ensure others’ well being, cut out letters, or script all of your is a journey of text and image, paint, often at the expense of my own. After hopes and fears for this time. Unleash, drawing, collage. It is an extension of Walk many years of this I have come to vent, and create. Send healing thoughts you. Like a self-portrait but without Use the time to daydream and work understand that striking a balance and prayers into and onto your blanket. your face. stuff out. Think about art projects between taking care of the self, and When it’s done, or at any stage during Start an autobiography. Start from you’ve started at home, think about others, takes priority at the top of the your creative process, wrap yourself up the beginning and work forward. Or that awkward phone conversation you ‘to do’ list. There is an old Jewish in that beautiful thing you’ve made and start from now and work backwards. had with your mother and how you proverb that goes: “ if I am not for feel good about it. Then send that good Or start somewhere in the middle. Your might handle that differently next time. myself, who will be for me? If I am feeling into yourself and into the world. most significant memories, the most You may also need to use the time to only for myself, who am I? And If not We all need it. important, intense or life changing empty your mind. Use it as a moving now, when?” I find myself turning to times in your past. Fictionalize it if it meditation. Breathe in and out. Pay these questions often because of my Knit feels easier. Add characters, events and attention to your feet on the ground. interest in personal development and Knit. Just make rows and rows of fantasy to your story. The imagination Take in the beautiful neighbourhood the ripple effect that emanates from knitting. You could make the longest knows no bounds. Take yourself there. we share, the river, the trees, the ducks, truly knowing oneself. Simply put: scarf in the world. Wrap your whole geese and dogs. Take it all in. Be When more people operate from a body in it. Hug yourself. Cook grateful. place of wellness, it encourages others Make your favourite meals. Bake to also do so. Painting and draw your favourite treats. Savour the Meditate, exercise at home, listen Here are some creative self-care Make a painting. Just start. Put down recipes, the smells and the flavours. to all the music you love, find some options for filling your down time. I colours and shapes and patterns and Make a cookbook with your favourite new music to add to your collection. hope these creative comforts fill your words. Add something to it every day recipes and maybe new ones you can Breathe, and keep breathing. Water days with some respite and instill until you feel it’s finished. Paint what is try with more time on your hands. your plants. Be grateful for everyday. patience and hope. Let the ripple effect in your head, and in your heart. Keep a record of what you liked best spread…. Try your hand at painting from life. and what you look forward to making Paint what is right in front of you; a for your friends and family when the Vanessa Coplan is an artist, art teacher, creative coach and a resident Sew table, a chair, a piece of fruit, a roll of time comes. of OOS. Sew a patchwork blanket. Do it by toilet paper. Try the same thing with hand. Let it take time. Be mindful drawing. Use a pencil, a marker, or a Clean as you do it. Slow down. Enjoy the crayon. Switch up your tools and see Get into it, and know that you are process. Connect your favourite what happens. Make a drawing or making your home look and feel its painting per day. Maybe do two a day. best. We benefit hugely from these acts

Do your part to stop the spread of COVID-19 Stay home Practice physical (social) distancing

OttawaPublicHealth.ca/PhysicalDistancing The OSCAR l April 2020 Page 33

ARTS AND CULTURE Memories of other times and places: two new art exhibitions her career. Her subject is memory and and a lamp are good for a laugh. place, her medium is also multisensory. Kassandra Graham’s installation at “Un espace/ de memoire (a place/ City Hall is enticing, fascinating, wryly from memory)” is, Kassandra Graham humourous work. Visitors observed by states: “...a phase in my ongoing study this writer appeared delighted by what and exploration of domestic space.” they saw. A mother with two young Inside the City Hall Art Gallery, the children in hand easily got a positive artist built an L-shaped room to walk response from the kids. One of the into and through. One latticework wall guards liked the new wood scent, his of open shelving prompted, in this colleague was taken by the use of scale viewer, childhood memories of being throughout. told “Don’t touch!” Upon the shelves, “Un espace/ de memoire (a place/ are elegantly incomplete white ceramic from memory) appears to be work well vessels. suited to the varied group of people Each item placed within the who might wander through City Hall installation is carefully formed for its on a weekend afternoon. purpose. Three intricate mosaics, for The photo exhibit “Jennifer Dickson: The Credo Project,” curated by example, are pieced excellently from Rebecca Basciano, at the Ottawa Art Gallery. multiples of squares and triangles in Maureen Korp, independent critic, PHOTO BY JUSTIN WONNACOTT wood. They hold the eye longingly. curator, and historian, has lived long in The stand-up, oversized, crass Ottawa. one candle, the corner of a building. photographic cutouts of potted plants By Maureen Korp In the next group, 4, 5, 6, a fluted, curving line becomes apparent. Three Two new solo exhibitions in Ottawa compositions, numbered, 16, 17, 18, Jennifer Dickson: The Credo Project are respectfully attentive to time and display angles so complex, one thinks Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge place. “Jennifer Dickson: The Credo of the old logic problem: “Square a Exhibition is continuing until July 26. Project,” curated by Rebecca Basciano, circle? Absurd.” The very last triad in the series, 19, 20, 21 returns us to the is currently at the Ottawa Art Gallery. Kassandra Graham: Un Espace / De Memoire (A Place/ initial order of curve and vertical line, “Un espace /de memoire (A place/ From Memory) from memory),” a built installation albeit in a brighter view. They open Ottawa City Hall Art Gallery, 110 Laurier Avenue by Kassandra Graham, is now at the onto clear light and blue sky. Ottawa City Hall Art Gallery. The work Jennifer Dickson’s deep engagement Exhibition is continuing until April 19 of both artists prompts the visitor to with light and the transitory sites of stay a while, come back again, look, belief is apparent throughout “The (Both galleries are temporarily closed because of the remember. Credo Project.” She has visited these COVID-19 pandemic.) mosques, churches, and synagogues Jennifer Dickson: The Credo Project time and again in her travels back Music greets visitors to “Jennifer and forth across Cyprus, England, Dickson: The Credo Project” at Morocco, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey. the Ottawa Art Gallery. The aural Jennifer Dickson is one of Canada’s dimension of the exhibition is a most important senior artists. Long- composition by Canadian composer time resident of Old Ottawa South, she Sarah Basciano. Entitled “Syncretism,” is the only Canadian artist to be elected 2019, the work was commissioned to the British Royal Academy of Art. by artist Jennifer Dickson specifically Among her many awards is the Order for “The Credo Project.” Basciano’s of Canada, 1995. Born in South Africa, composition uses a variety of Jennifer Dickson and her late husband, instruments, including voice, in a lilting the jazz connoisseur and broadcaster blend of five different musical scales. Ronald Sweetman, immigrated to Her aptly titled syncretic work prompts Canada in 1969. The artist describes visitors to slow down, be quiet, look “The Credo Project” as her “final long at what is there to be seen. oeuvre.” Let us hope not. “The Credo Project” displays 21 archival inkjet prints, arranged in a single line across the gallery’s walls, walls coloured for the exhibition in a rich blue. The prints are sequenced in groups of three within the series, and are all of the same size. Each print is carefully identified. All are, or were, places of ritual in Islam, Christianity, Judaism. The formal, iconic content of the series is found in the order of its imagery – from dark to light. “Credo” is Latin for “I believe.” In Kassandra Graham’s exhibition this work, the artist focused her lens “Un espace/ de mémoire (A place/ on architectural detail, vignettes of from memory)” at the City Hall Art the whole, using whatever light was Gallery. available at that place, to create the compositions. PHOTO FROM THE CITY OF OTTAWA From left to right around the room, the series begins with a numbered Kassandra Graham: Un espace/ de triad, 1, 2, 3. The compositional line of memoire this group is vertical and dark, gentled Memory is keyed by sense. with a bit of curve. We see a window, Kassandra Graham of Laval, Quebec, is an emerging artist at the outset of Page 34 The OSCAR l April 2020

NOTES FROM THE GARDEN CLUB the bugs, birds and worms. She noted attractive. Evidently a favourite of Growing native plants that mycorrhiza, that is the fungal soil hers, Edythe showed many images of companions to plants, are important; the Jerusalem artichoke, also called plants are adapted to the local climate, if one takes a plant out of a familiar sunroot or sunchoke, a species of soil, predators, etc. It is important setting it can be difficult for the plant. sunflower native to central North to replicate their natural growing Edythe took along a barrel full of soil America. It has daisy-like flowers with conditions in our gardens. Edythe when she moved a plant from one spot yellow petals and a yellow-orange disk provided several handouts including on her property to another. in the center. While it grows wild, it is “Gardener’s Guidelines” from The Edythe discussed a great many considered an introduced species. The Canadian Wildflower Society, and a list native plants – and had colourful tubers are an acquired taste and not to of native plants from the Cooper Marsh photos to share their beauty; she also be eaten raw. Edythe showed photos of Conservation Area. As sources of mentioned non-natives which were cup plants with similar yellow flowers; helpful information she recommended essentially naturalized to our area. she pointed out their two big leaves the Fletcher Wildlife Garden website, Purple coneflower, that is echinacea, where water can collect around the www.ofnc.ca/fletcher-wildlife-garden, has many cultivars that carry most of flower. Poison ivy and jewel weed are and the book 100 Easy-to-Grow the characteristics of the original plant both native and may be found along Native plants for Canadian Gardens in that they are tough and resistant rural roads. Graceful Solomon’s seals by Lorraine Johnson, now in its 3rd to drought. While there are some with their greenish white flowers are edition. There is an online store for native wild roses, many others have hardy native plants Edythe has in her Jerusalem artichoke, also called native plants, Ontario Native Plants, become naturalized and sometimes garden. sunroot or sunchoke, a species of www.onplants.ca, and also The have lost scent though they may be Edythe had images of varieties sunflower native to central North Wildflower Farm in Coldwater, Ontario hardier. Cultivars of echinacea and of goldenrod. While they could be America. which offers an extensive selection of Hemerocallis, that is daylily, are very invasive, their spikes of feathery green organically-grown native wildflower and yellow flowers attract insects. By Carole Love seeds. They grow in almost any soil and Gardeners have a variety of provide nectar for migrating butterflies Master Gardener Edythe Falconer motivations for wanting native plants: and bees. Elderberry is native and spoke about how we can include they are beautiful and “different;” they has showy clusters of white, fragrant native plants in our gardens. A plant is are the plants of our early childhood; flowers in the spring; birds love the considered native if it was here before and the desire to have more plants dark purple-to-black, berrylike fruits in Europeans arrived in North America. that attract beneficial insects including late summer and fall. Edythe stressed that gardeners should butterflies. Edythe recommended that The perennial cup plant has daisy- obtain their native plants from seed, gardeners research the natural habitat like yellow flower heads in summer. another garden, or from a nursery and of a particular wild or native plant as Wild ginger and blood root can make a not by picking from the wild. Edythe we must replicate it in our gardens – good garden plants – although the latter noted wildflower seed packages whether they grow in shade or sun, can be a bit too invasive. Milkweed is outlined what seeds are included. when they should have sun, and the famous for its importance in the life of It is best if native plants are from microclimate or moisture – although the monarch butterfly – though it is a the immediate bio-region as such native plants are generally adaptable. weed she would not want planted on a Edythe, who grew up in rural farm. Saskatchewan, was aware of different Yarrow – they are hardy bloomers There are some plants like the habitats and opined biodiversity was with traits of low maintenance and Annabelle hydrangea which have good in any garden, and this meant drought tolerance. become so naturalized that one might the flora and fauna – and included PHOTOS BY EDYTHE FALCONER almost think it is a native. The common verbena is not flashy – but it is easy it is easy to grow and is sun or shade and drought resistant. All are likely to know the trillium with those white petals. Bee balm has a flower similar to bergamot, but a scarlet colour. The flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees; and the seed heads will attract birds in the fall and winter. Cardinal flower has brilliant red flowers pollinated by hummingbirds which feed on the nectar; occasionally one finds white cardinal flowers. Edythe ended her talk with a photo of a field of that common wildflower yarrow, with those yellow flowers so like the ones she had seen in her early days so long ago in Saskatchewan. A variety of cultivars of yarrow are available and these hardy bloomers share the common traits of low maintenance and drought tolerance.

The OOSGC hope to meet next on Monday April 20th at The Firehall, 260 Sunnyside Avenue, when Bruce Watkinson, an Ottawa-born environmentalist and avid floral and vegetable gardener, will talk about composting and soil management. To check if the Firehall is open and this meeting is taking place, go to oldottawasouth.ca

Carole Love is the Old Ottawa South Garden Club Treasurer. The OSCAR l April 2020 Page 35

ROAD TRIPS Virtual travel By Laura Byrne Paquet

As everyone on the planet knows by now, this is not a time for day tripping. Recreational travel is pretty much the dictionary definition of “non-essential.” So this month’s column is focusing on virtual ways you can explore our region and points beyond from the comfort of your home computer, tablet of information on many Canadians or phone. including a short entry on Michael Chaffey’s Lock on the Rideau Canal. PHOTOS BY LAURA BYRNE PAQUET John O’Brien, the Renfrew railway Virtual Museum of Canada excursions detailed are right here fennel, avocado and pomegranate builder who had a hand in founding The well-named Virtual Museum in town; one recent post detailed a salad, with pomegranate dressing and both the Montreal Canadiens and of Canada (www.virtualmuseum.ca) 3.5-kilometre walk around Mud Lake a sesame tuile (www.cordonbleu.edu/ the National Hockey League (www. is a nationwide site managed by the in Ottawa’s Britannia neighbourhood. news/recipe-scallops-fennel-avocado- thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ Canadian Museum of History. Click If you try any of these routes in the pomegranate-salad/en). And if you’re michael-john-obrien). the “virtual exhibits” tab and you’ll next little while, check to make sure missing the Adam Bakes stand at the find links to more than 100 online the trails and parks mentioned haven’t Ottawa Farmers’ Market, check out These are strange days for all of presentations created by museums been closed due to the coronavirus Adam’s recipe for bran muffins or if us, and we’ll need to work together across the country, on subjects emergency, and that the trails are safe you are in the mode for something a to get through them. I’ve always ranging from navigation along the St. (in spring, mud, ice and water can be little more frivolous try the Molten strongly believed that having a deep Lawrence River, to the films of David hazards). Most importantly, be sure to Dulce de Leche Cakes or various other understanding of the region where Cronenberg. keep at least two metres away from recipes (https://adambakes.com/author/ we live – its foods, its history, its adamcenaiko). landscapes – is vital to creating community. So let’s explore with our History keyboards until this crisis is over. Stay These days indoors are also a great safe, everyone. opportunity to learn about local history and geography. For instance, here’s a detailed Travel writer and OOS resident and enjoyable history of the Rideau Laura Byrne Paquet runs Canal (www.rideau-info.com/ OttawaRoadTrips.com, where she canal/history/hist-canal.html). The offers tips and ideas for independent Canadian Encyclopedia has a wealth day trips and weekend getaways from Ottawa.

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All girls The Canadian Museum of History. welcome! Canadian Museum for Human anyone else who is out there enjoying Visit elmwood.ca/summercamp Rights the fresh air with you. for more information The Canadian Museum for Human or call (613) 749-6761 Rights in Winnipeg has also created a Cooking for details and registration. new virtual tour of its fascinating and When not out getting some exercise, sobering exhibits (humanrights.ca/ many of us are likely cooking at explore-the-museum-from-home). home more than usual. Why not seek inspiration from some of the local Adventure Report restaurants and markets we can’t visit For hiking, cycling and paddling at the minute? DISCOVERY ELMWOOD SKILLS outings in Eastern Ontario and West If you’re feeling ambitious, Le Quebec, the Adventure Report website Cordon Bleu Ottawa regularly posts CAMPS ACADEMY is a great source of inspiration (www. recipes, such as the recipe of the FOR GIRLS AGE 4 TO 12 • WEEKLY FROM JUNE 15th FOR GIRLS AGE 7 TO 17 • WEEKLY FROM JUNE 15th adventurereport.ca). Some of the month for March: grilled scallops, With exciting new weekly themes such as Robot Elmwood’s Skills Academy offers an outstanding range of Academy, Vet School, Chemistry Camp and academic and special interest programs. Taught either by Magic Camp, girls from Kindergarten to Grade Elmwood’s talented faculty or by other experts in their field, Six will discover new challenges, develop lasting our Skills Academy combines superb instruction with dynamic friendships and enjoy a dynamic range of hands- activities, sure to appeal to girls of all ages and skill levels. on, interactive activities. Camps are half or full day and costs vary. Please visit Led by skilled and experienced educators, our elmwood.ca/summercamp for full details. camps have the perfect blend of learning, “I couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful camp active play and creative exploration, all within experience for my 5 and 1/2-year-old daughter. Elmwood’s beautiful and safe campus. She truly thrived in the girls-only camp dynamic!” BETSY, 2019 CAMP PARENT CAMPS RUN FROM 8 A.M. – 5:30 P.M. Cost is $305, including a delicious lunch and snacks, excursion or special guest, fun “giveaways” and a cool camp T-shirt. Page 36 The OSCAR l April 2020

A MESSAGE FROM TRACY ARNETT

We recognize that with the constantly changing COVID-19 situation around the world, this is an unprecedented time for everyone — a time that, for many, is filled with uncertainty. Our hearts and thoughts go out to each and every one of you.

We want you to know you have our commitment to continue providing you with our real estate services. This enduring mission guides us as we closely monitor, assess and respond to this situation. Here at Tracy Arnett Realty, we have implemented important safety precautions. We thank you for your understanding.

Tracy Arnett

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