The
O•S•C•A•R© The Community Voice of Old Ottawa South Year 37 , No. 6 The Ottawa South Community Association Review JUNE 2009 Rideau River Clean-Up Tackles Brewer And Brantwood Parks By Finstrum Nairobi
lustery weather did not dampen the spirits Bof Ottawa South volunteers who gathered on Mothers’ Day morning in Brewer and Brantwood Parks for the annual Rideau River Clean-up. Organised by the Urban Rideau Conservationists, the spring clean-up took place along the banks of the Rideau River in Ottawa South, Ottawa East, Vanier and New Edinburgh simultaneously on 10 May. The Ottawa Tennis & Lawn Bowling Club, the City of Ottawa, Bridgehead Coffee and the Monterrey Inn also lent support. Although the harvest of rubbish was less bountiful than in the spring of 2008 when high water strew a bumper crop of detritus along the plastic carrier-bags. Among the more to a cleaner riverine ecosystem, while Organisers considered this year’s riverbanks, this year’s effort yielded unusual finds were a broken crutch, enjoying an invigorating morning’s campaign a success and intend to a large volume of assorted junk, part of a muffler, a motorcycle helmet exercise and meeting their neighours. repeat it in 2010. cans, bottles, styrofoam coffee cups, visor, a ski pole and the remnants of a The blitz left the riverbanks cleaner candy wrappers and the ubiquitous shopping cart. Volunteers contributed for all to enjoy. Doggie Movie at Mayfair
Brian Tansey Incredibly there were no ‘accidents’ and the dogs were all very well behaved. n early February Lyne Burton (co- Cats were not permitted of course; it would owner with Joan Garvey of WAG, “a have been just too much fun / trouble posh shop for spoiled pets,” got the for both species. Plenty of popcorn was I consumed and spilled; there was a well idea to hold a fundraiser for the Ottawa Humane Society. Initially it was to just thought out ‘house-rules’ presentation have a doggie / cat related movie at the by Carly of the WAG “ Waggers” , just Mayfair and collect some change for the before the show started, and then the Society. lights were dimmed and movie-sound Then one night she decided to go was respectfully lowered for this ‘special’ bigger with her idea and the next morning audience. Amazingly all was pretty quiet called Lee Demarbre one of the owners of, the whole time. Every now and then a and the Programmer at, the (new) Mayfair, certain bloodhound labrador mix ( who our heritage theatre. Lyne just ask Lee if will be nameless) would let out a bark this could be done, and by the way.... “.... at the appropriate time in the unfolding do you think we could have the dogs there adventure/drama of Milo and Otis...ie. too ...? “ . To her surprise and delight , Lee when tension in the ‘plot’ called for it. was more or less in agreement, and once He had to be taken home at the halfway he had checked it out with some of his point though, as he didn’t have enough partners, they decided to go for it. space to lie down and lounge properly; So on Sunday April 26th at 2:30 pm mostly it was the lap dogs who seemed to about 200 people from all over the City, be the biggest beneficiaries of the Mayfair and their 40 dogs filed in for the show largesse. “Milo and Otis” a 73 minute non-Disney Next year is already in the planning film from the ‘80s ( originally made in stage, due to the good behavior of the Japan ) about the adventures of a cat named pups and the good nature of the Mayfair Milo and a doggie ( Pug) named Otis who owners. get up to all kinds of adventures and get into some rather desperate ‘pickles’. Page 2 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR JUNE 2009
CONTRIBUTIONS The OSCAR The OTTAWA SOUTH COMMUNITY Contributions should be in electronic format sent either by e-mail to ASSOCIATION REVIEW [email protected] in either plain text or WORD format, or as a printed copy delivered to the Firehall office, 260 Sunnyside Avenue. 260 Sunnyside Ave, Ottawa Ontario, K1S 0R7 www.OldOttawaSouth.ca/oscar SUBSCRIPTIONS Please Note: The OSCAR Has No Fax Moving away from Old Ottawa South? Know someone who would like The OSCAR PhoneLine: 730-1045 to receive The OSCAR? We will send The OSCAR for one year for just E-mail: [email protected] $40 to Canadian addresses (including foreign service) and $80 outside of Canada. Drop us a letter with your name, address, postal code and Editor: Mary Anne Thompson country. Please include a check made out to The OSCAR. [email protected] Distribution Manager: Larry Ostler 613-327-9080 Business Manager: Susanne Ledbetter SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS [email protected] The OSCAR is sponsored entirely from advertising. Our advertisers are Advertising Manager: Gayle Weitzman 613-730-1058 often not aware that you are from Old Ottawa South when you patron- [email protected] (not classy ads) ize them. Make the effort to let them know that you saw their ad in The OSCAR is printed by Winchester Print OSCAR. They will be glad to know and The OSCAR will benefit from their support. If you know of someone providing a service in the com- munity, tell them about The OSCAR. Our rates are reasonable. NEXT DEADLINE: FRIDAY, June 12 FUTURE OSCAR DEADLINES The OSCAR is a community association paper paid for entirely by ad- June 12 (July/August issue), Aug. 7 (Sept issue). vertising. It is published for the Ottawa South Community Association Inc. (OSCA). Distribution is free to all Old Ottawa South homes and businesses and selected locations in Old Ottawa South, the Glebe and Billings Bridge. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily of The OSCAR or OSCA. The editor retains the right to edit and include articles submitted for publication. The Old Firehall Ottawa South Community Centre FOR DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES, [email protected] CALL 613-327-9080 or email: [email protected] HOURS PHONE 247-4946
The OSCAR thanks the following people who brought us MONDAY TO THURSDAY 9 AM TO 9 PM to your door this month: FRIDAY 9 AM TO 6 PM ZONE A1: Kathy Krywicki (Coordinator), Mary Jo Lynch, Brian Eames and SATURDAY 9 AM TO 1 PM* Kim Barclay, Wendy Robbins, Jim and Carrol Robb, Kelly Haggart, Taiyan SUNDAY CLOSED Roberts Kevin and Stephanie Williams. *Open only when programs are operating, please call first. ZONE B1: Ross Imrie (Coordinator), Family Gref- Innes, Gabriela Gref- Innes and Fiona Fagan, the Montgomery family, Laurie Morrison, Stephanie and Kulani de Larrinaga. ZONE B2: Craig Piche (Coordinator), Pat Eakins, Laine Mow, Hayley At- WHAT’S THAT NUMBER? kinson, Leslie Roston, Kathy Krywicki. ZONE C1: Laura Johnson (Coordinator), the James-Guevremont family, the Williams family, Sylvie Turner, Lynne Myers, Jeff Pouw, Curt LaBond, Ottawa South Community Centre - The Old Firehall 247-4946 Brendan McCoy. Ottawa South Community Association (OSCA) 247-4872 ZONE C2: Craig Piche (Coordinator), Alan McCullough, Arthur Taylor, Ottawa Public Library - South Branch 730-1082 Curt LaBond, Charles and Phillip Kijek, Sam & Avery Piche, Kit Jenkin, Rob Campbell - [email protected] 730-8128 Michel and Christina Bridgeman. Kathy Ablett, Catholic Board Trustee 526-9512 ZONE D1: Bert Hopkins (Coordinator), the Crighton family, Emily Keys, Centretown Community Health Centre 233-5430 the Lascelles family, Gail Stewart, Mary Jane Jones, the Sprott family. CARLETON UNIVERSITY ZONE D2: Janet Drysdale (Coordinator), The Adriaanse Family, Gaia Cher- CUSA (Carleton U Students Association) 520-6688 nushenko, The Rand family, Aidan and Willem Ray, the Stewart family. Graduate Students Association 520-6616 ZONE E1:Brian Tansey(Coordinator) , Wendy Johnson, John Sutherland, the Community Liaison 520-3660 Rae Brown-Clarke Family, Anna Cuylits,Mary O’Neill. Mediation Centre 520-5765 ZONE E2: Chris Berry (Coordinator), Mary-Ann Kent, Glen Elder and Lor- Athletics 520-4480 raine Stewart, the Hunter family, Brodkin-Haas family, Allan Paul, Christina CITY HALL Bradley, Karry Ostler. ZONE F1: Carol and Ferg O’Connor (Coordinator), Jenny O’Brien, Janet Clive Doucet, City Councillor ([email protected]) 580-2487 Jancar, the Stern family, T. Liston, Ellen Bailie, Mike Wilson and Niki De- Main Number(24 hrs) for all departments 3-1-1 vito, Dante and Bianca Ruiz, Wendy Kemp, Walter and Robbie Engert. Community Police - non-emergencies 236-1222 ZONE F2: Bea Bol (Coordinator), the Tubman family, Karen Fee, Paulette Emergencies only 9-1-1 Theriault, Mark McDonald, Susan McMaster. Serious Crimes 230-6211 ZONE G: Bernie Zeisig(Coordinator), Claudia and Estelle Bourlon-Albar- Ottawa Hydro 738-6400 racin, David Lum, Cindy MacLoghlin, Hannah and Emily Blackwell, the Streetlight Problems (burned out, always on, flickering) 3-1-1 al-Asad family, Katya and Mikka Zeisig. Brewer Pool 247-4938 Echo Drive: Alex Bissel. Brewer Arena 247-4917 Bank Street-Ottawa South: Rob Cook, Tom Lawson, Paula Archer. City of Ottawa web site - www.city.ottawa.on.ca Bank Street-Glebe: Larry Ostler, Kathryn Brookfield. Ottawa East: Brian Lowley, Dave White JUNE 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 3
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The OSCAR welcomes letters on subjects of interest to the community or in response to previous articles. All letters must disclose the name of the writer, as well as the address and phone number. Lettters may be edited for length, clarity, and libelous statements. The opinions of the writers are not necessarily those of the newspaper or its editor. Email your letters to [email protected] or leave in print at the Firehall.
Dear Mr. Ambridge, [see OSCAR, Letters, May 2009] Response to Garden Glimpses, May, 2009 hank you for your letter to the Editor in May’s edition of the OSCAR regarding problems with Carleton students. While I can understand your frustration with am writing in response to the article regarding Pet Peeves in unreasonable noise and inappropriate behaviour supposedly being caused by students Gardening. Although I don’t practice any of the gardening T techniques that the author found so annoying, I found myself at Carleton, I would like to address another real issue; that is: adults are misbehaving. I I am a student at Carleton, and while I admit some inappropriate behaviour may be caused defending those who do by the end of the article. I gather that there by fellow students, I should add that all too often I see “mature” adults blowing through is, somewhere, a rule of gardening that is much like fashion - “if stop signs, and speeding through OOS with their children in the back seat. Like all good it’s not deigned to be attractive by those who are in the know, then parents they strap their kids in whilst they commit their moving violations. I take my it can’t be attractive to anyone.” Well, I beg to differ. Presumably, life into my hands every time I cross Bronson to get to school, and it isn’t students that those who use red chips for mulch in their garden LIKE the way it are running the red lights. Rather than waste time trying to involve Carleton University looks. Same for the circle of flowers around the tree. The author’s in the parenting of its students, perhaps we should place the onus of responsibility on tone in the article made it clear that she was amazed that anyone those that are misbehaving. Since when did an educational institution take on the role of could even think that these things would be attractive. It was parent? The real issue, as I see it, is not that delinquents are from Carleton, but that they condescending and patronizing. I think she owes every red-mulch- are grown adults that are misbehaving. Furthermore, after my car was broken into for owning person an apology. the second time, I was informed by the police that on average it is the 14-15 year old age bracket committing crime in OOS. 1500 cars were vandalized or broken into in OOS over Susan Top the last year, or so I was told, and it is suspected that the vandals are under the age of 18. At that age, it is indeed a parent’s responsibility to know where their children are during the middle of the night. I have only had to call the police once in the 6 years that I have lived in OOS because of loud partying and fighting. The other few times that I have been annoyed or kept awake I have asked (yelled at?) the miscreants to pipe it down, and they have. I would propose that the next time loud noise occurs at an unreasonable time you Response to Ottawa History Project, May 2009 address the situation head on. Call the police, or throw on your overcoat and discuss your concerns with the misbehaving adults yourself. Once they put a face to their neighbour, s a member of the Ottawa Railway History circle Efitor’s Note: See page 18 -19 to read the Branchline August, 1971 article referred to above. I may not agree with what you have to say, but I will defend to the death, your right to say it. ....Voltaire Send your comments to [email protected] or drop them off at the Firehall, 260 Sunnyside Avenue. Page 4 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR JUNE 2009 Brief Notes From the Firehall Summer Time at the Firehall The Good News…… And The Bad News…… By Brenda Lee SCA has good news…..we have an actual moving date confirmed !We will be moving Oout of the Firehall the week of June 15th and into our new temporary home at Southminister. We will be running programs there for one year as the Firehall undergoes its renovation. As any of you who have ever moved knows, this is an exciting time, but also a very busy time. We have boxes to pack for our new home and boxes to pack for a year of storage, decisions to make, items to discard, all while running programs and offering services. Time is running short on this project and we have a lot to do in the next while. With this is mind, we have had to make a regrettable decision (the bad news as it were). The annual OSCA BBQ had been planned for June 18th . We have decided OSCA Play Group to cancel this event for this year only. Unfortunately, there is just too much to do in the next month and not By Regis Alcorn show our office and programming locations. enough time or energy to do it. Tuesday June 9 at 9 pm. on-line registration We hope that the neighbourhood will understand his is the season to enjoy the warmth and at www.oldottawasouth.ca will take place for the this decision and support us in it. We promise it is for energy of summer. After Four 2009/2010 school year. one year only and that the BBQ will return next year. At the Firehall we have warmed up Sunday, June 14 we invite everyone to The next OSCA Special Event will be the Fall Fest T walk and/or run in the Old Ottawa South River in October and we hope to see you all there! to our future move of programs to Southminister Church, during renovations. This will take us Run. This event will take you through the from where fire engines stood, stories were told neighbourhood starting and finishing at Brewer and people of all ages have gathered since the Park. Register now for the 10k, 5k or 2.5k and early 1920’s. The footprints that have come and help in this fundraiser for the Old Ottawa South gone have brought lots of energy and life to all. Community Centre. There will be music, prizes We are moving Many will remember their former days in this and food to enjoy at this great outdoor event. on June 22, 2009 present space and will welcome the new warmth Watch for the Fall Recreation Program Guide in the September OSCAR newspaper which will and energy in the renewal of this wonderful Ttemporary location for the Firehall in 2010. be delivered the third week of August. Our Fall In the meantime, please look in this OSCAR line-up will include a variety of programs from community centre and OSCA for the Summer 2009 Recreation Program Guide Infants to the young at heart. Registration will offices is Southminster Church, insert to discover the day camps and fitness begin on Wednesday, September 2. 15 Aylmer Avenue classes being offered July and August from our Here’s wishing everyone a fun, safe, warm temporary location at Southminister Church. and energetic summer. The map on the back cover of the guide will JUNE 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 5 OSCA PRESIDENT’S REPORT New OSCA Board, Brewer Lumber, and Temporary Move to Southminster United Church By Michael Jenkin Jim Steel meeting we also elected our executive parks as the chemicals used in the Greg Strahl team and committee chairs for 2009- preservative process are hazardous. ur Annual General Meeting Anna Sundin 10. I will continue as President for At the instigation of Jennifer Chandler held on May 6 was well the coming year and David Law and Maureen James, two local attended with lots of reports Retiring this year were four will continue as Vice-President. residents with a keen interest in this O long standing members who have Greg Strahl takes over as Secretary issue, the Board passed a resolution made and questions asked about our activities over the last year and our made a significant contribution to and Steve Mennill continues as our at its May meeting requesting that the plans for the coming year. We elected the community over the past years, Treasurer and chair of the Finance City replace the fencing and walkway a new Board and this year we had including Kevin Harper who served Committee. Anna Sundin will as soon as possible and preferably 17 residents standing for election as OSWATCH chair, Val MacIntosh continue as our Program Committee before the 2010 play season. Our as Board members. Most of those who is a local business owner and chair and a member of the Executive Councillor, Clive Doucet, has been standing were on the Board from worked as a key member of our Committee. Committee Chairs for on this issue and we understand that last year, but we also had some new Firehall Fundraising Committee, Lisa the coming year include: Brendan an item will be included in the Parks recruits as well. The slate for this year Drouillard who served on both Special McCoy and Mohammad al-Asad as and Recreation Budget to fund the includes the following elected Board Events and Firehall Redevelopment co-chairs of OSWATCH, Michael replacement of the wood next year. members: Committees and Patti Ryan who Loewen and Nerys Parry as co-chairs As I mentioned in my last column served on Firehall Redevelopment of ECOS, Jenny Heysom as chair of this will be a challenging year for us Mohammad al-Asad and Special Events and helped with the Library Committee, Brenda Lee as as we move operations temporarily John Calvert many communications initiatives chair the Special Events Committee to Southminister United Church and Michael Dobbin for the Board. All these individuals and John Calvert as chair of the Web/ prepare to move back into a newly Jenny Haysom gave generously of their time to help IT Committee. renovated Firehall about this time Michael Jenkin make our community a better place As some of you will be aware next year. Our move date has been David Law to live and we all owe them a huge from articles in OSCAR and from confirmed as June 22 and the Firehall Brenda Lee vote of thanks. I am pleased to say the buzz in the community that there will be closed after that date. The Lai-Ling Lee that Lisa Drouillard, while leaving the has been considerable concern over construction contract should be Michael Loewen Board, has generously agreed to help the dilapidated state of the wooden going out to tender in early June and Donna Lordon organize fundraising events for the fencing and walkway in the water we are hoping that if all goes well Brendan McCoy Firehall renovation for this coming play area in Brewer Park. More construction should start by mid-July. Steve Mennill year, so she has hardly retired from importantly the wood is old fashioned It should be an exciting year ahead! Geof Murphy the community scene! pressure treated lumber that has been Nerys Parry At the following May Board removed from most play areas in City Page 6 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR JUNE 2009 Shoppers Drug Mart on Hold OSCA Summer Day Camps By Brendan McCoy Bank at Sunnyside, site where Shopper’s was slated to be Steve Winsor, Darcy Middaugh and Ian Beck-MacNeil SWATCH has been told by City Staff that the proposed Shoppers here are still spaces in a variety of our summer camps. Take a glimpse Drug Mart will not be built at Bank and Sunnyside at this time at our Summer 2009 Program Guide enclosed in this June OSCAR Obecause of the present bad economic climate. The developer has and see what our “star” summer line-up is below. put the site plan application for the project on hold. It is not clear what T this will mean for the site in the long term, but in the short term it may be Everything But The Kitchen Sink (3-5 years) that it will remain largely as it is. OSWATCH will continue to monitor the This exciting preschool program gears up for another great summer of games, development for the community. art, songs, and much more. “EBTKS” features a dynamic group of staff. Darcy Middaugh, will be returning for his 3rd summer, as Camp Co-ordinator. Darcy has over 15 years experience working with this age group and is currently completing his ECE diploma. Seb Stark is jumping on board with preschool after working with the After Four program. This popular counsellor is graduating from Glebe Collegiate Financing OSCA Throughout this year, has been a camper, volunteer, and staff at the Firehall (in other words a lifer). the Firehall Renovation Sarah Sako is also a new staff with the Firehall. She brings a wealth of knowledge with the young age group from working with children at different By Steve Mennill venues in the Toronto area. She is attending Carleton University where she is working on her Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree. oon the firehall will be occupied by contractors and construction Aletha Phillips is back for another summer of “EBTKS”. She has been an workers rather than play groups and After Four kids. The renovation excellent asset for the program for the last couple summers, and will be Sto OSCA’s home and primary programming space is exciting and graduating from Canterbury H.S. this year. If we’re lucky she may even will create many new opportunities to grow and diversify our community break out her amazing singing voice! association. With this strong staff and some great volunteers, this summer is sure to be one As a community, we have been working towards renovating the Firehall that the preschool children will never forget! for many years. The OSCA board has been planning for the renovation, and the organizational and financial implications it will bring. Campquest (5-9 years) As part of the project, OSCA has made a commitment to the City of This dynamic camp will be based out of Southminster United Church. Ottawa to provide $357,000 toward the cost of the redevelopment. This A typical week will include outings to area attractions such as museums, amount comprises the full amount of the Firehall Redevelopment Fund, our bowling and movies, parks (Brewer and Windsor), arts and crafts and active charitable fund dedicated solely to the project, which currently stands at games. This year’s staff come from a variety of backgrounds and is looking approximately $205,000. The remaining $152,000 will come from reserves forward to an exciting summer. that we have accumulated over the years through various means, including The Camp Co-ordinator is Ian Beck-MacNeil, who has been working at special events, membership fees, modest program surpluses, as well as a the Firehall since 2003. This will be his 3rd summer with Campquest. He small amount from the OSCAR operating reserve. Over the years, OSCA`s is currently a student at Carleton University working towards a degree in boards have planned for this expense, and even after this contribution toward Political Science. the capital cost of the renovation, the association will have approximately Jessica Beveridge has been involved with the Firehall as a camper, volunteer $110,000 in general reserves. and counsellor. She has been a counsellor since 2004. This energetic counsellor In addition to the capital aspect of the Firehall redevelopment, there are obtained her Early Childhood Education diploma form St. Lawrence College also operating budget implications. Despite losing the use of the Firehall in 2008. from about June 2009 to May 2010, OSCA will be offering the majority of its Chelsea Pepin is back for her 2nd summer She has worked with preschoolers programmes by renting alternate space at Southminster United Church and at and ran a popular cooking program in the winter. Chelsea will be graduating Hopewell school. The cost of renting space at Southminster and Hopewell from St. Mark’s High School and is thrilled to be working Campquest. will add about $15,000 to OSCA`s total space rental costs for 2009, and about This year’s group of staff is looking forward to a fun-filled and memorable the same amount in 2010. summer with your child! Some programmes, like pottery, will not be offered at all, while others may experience some reduction in enrollment. On the whole, however, we Quest in the Hood (10-13 years) expect to run a very full selection of programmes for the period of time we Youth camp is back! Geared for an older crew that is looking for more of a are out of the Firehall. For the 2009 fiscal year, the changes to our programme challenge than the regular camp day offers, we’ll be heading around town to structure are expected to reduce revenues by about $80,000 over 2008 levels. Mooney’s Bay/Terry Fox, Britannia Beach, and Lansdowne Stadium, as well However, other expenses will be reduced, including instructor fees and as out trips like Mont Cascade, Wave pools, Rock climbing, and more! program supplies associated with the reduction in certain programmes. The The Camp Co-ordinator is Steve Winsor, who has been with the Firehall total reduction in expenses over 2008 levels is budgeted at approximately since 2001. Steve has worked in the Youth Camp since its first year and is $50,000. This leaves a budgeted operating deficit of approximately $30,000 excited to lead it in this summer of transition. This being his 8th and perhaps for the 2009 fiscal year. final summer with the Firehall, Steve is looking forward to an action-packed Thanks to the foresight of previous OSCA boards, and prudent planning 2 months! and management, OSCA is in a healthy position to fund this operating loss Working with Steve this summer is Kaya Zoratto, a first-time Firehall staff but from its general reserves, while still retaining capacity to absorb a similar a long time counsellor. Kaya has worked as a lifeguard, gymnastics instructor expected loss during the first half of 2010. OSCA’s finance committee and and as a counsellor at Camp Kandalore in Haliburton. Kaya will be attending board of directors will continue to monitor the association’s financial position Teacher’s College at Ottawa U in the fall. to ensure that OSCA emerges from the Firehall renovation in a financially So come and join what will be an exciting summer of trips and travels! sound position so that we can take full advantage of the greatly expanded Register today, while there is still space at www.oldottawasouth.ca program opportunities that the renovation will bring. JUNE 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 7 CITY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT Landsdowne Dear OSCAR Readers: a pack of cards. There will be no park for 30 years is to lease it out 5. The City can’t afford a Design folding of the stadium and parking lot for a shopping centre for 30 years. Competition so let’s go with this You are the salt of the seas, costs, they will stick – that’s the real This was also how the City’s initially plan. the sun in the water, deal. responded to the decrepit condition of the bread in my hand. the Aberdeen Pavilion, the Plant Bath, We have no idea what the final You. 2. Ottawa has lots of green space the Glebe Community Centre, the Old costs on the plan resulting from the – it’s got the Greenbelt and the Firehall. In each case, the community design competition would have been Experimental Farm – it doesn’t rose up and said, “No, these buildings – because it was stopped before a Lansdowne Park, “broken-city” need Lansdowne Park. belong to us and you will restore our Request for Proposals was issued. vote of 14 to 9 to give developers a community centres, our swimming special deal The Greenbelt and the pool, our heritage properties to us”. Support the Lansdowne Needs You! Experimental Farm are in no way Same thing here, the public needs to campaign on my website at www. he business case being comparable. They are owned by the rise up and say, “You won’t sell off the clivedoucet.com by signing the developed for late June will federal government and serve entirely city’s living room. You will restore petition and sharing your ideas. Tgive the Lansdowne Live different purposes. it to its former glory – In fact, you developers special terms of reference Lansdowne Park has been the will make it better than it ever was”. Neighbourhood News tailored to their proposition. Most of city’s living room since 1868. It has Lansdowne needs you to get angry! the councillors inside the greenbelt been our principal point of assembly – There was a great turnout for the voted against the deal and most of the place we have gathered together to 4. We don’t need any Design May Court walk for the hospice. It the councillors outside the greenbelt say goodbye to troops going overseas Competition to tell us what to do had a special significance for me this voted for it. Here were some of the during the Great Wars. It’s been the with our park. year because my dad suffers from arguments. place we’ve gone for entertainment, Alzheimer’s and I can see the day will agricultural fairs, circuses, horse Cities like Montreal (Mont come when my family will be grateful 1. Grab this deal while you can! races, demolition derbies, Stanley Royal), New York (Central Park), St. May Court is there. Cup hockey games, and CFL football. Louis, Philadelphia, San Fransisco This is a deal where the City There is no other city park like it. It’s have been inviting the world’s best Coffee with Clive assumes all the risks and all the costs. as integral to Ottawa’s history as the landscape architects to help plan The deal gives the 3 developers a no- Eiffel Tower is to Paris – as Central their most important public parks for Coffee with Clive takes place in risk profit commercial development. Park is to New York. a whole lot longer than Lansdowne Old Ottawa South at Bridgehead, 1176 The City, that’s you, is responsible The fixtures and the uses of Park has been a parking lot. Bank Street, on the second Thursday for paying $120 million for a stadium Lansdowne have changed with each What are we afraid of? Ideas? of the month from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. and $25 million for a parking garage. generation but the public nature has Why should a non-competitive, Then we hand it over to the developers remained for more than 150 years. “take it or leave it” deal from 3 Clive Doucet for 30 years and get it back just as What this sole-source deal does is end developers who have zero experience City of Ottawa the stadium will face mid-life retrofit that relationship between the park and in municipal park restoration be better 110 Laurier Avenue West, costs. the people of Ottawa. than an open, competitive process that Ottawa, ON K1P 1J1 More than half the park will invites the world to give their ideas tel.: (613) 580-2487 be given to the developers for a 30- 3. Lansdowne is a mess – a least about to do with the city’s oldest and fax: (613) 580-2527 year renewable lease for hotel and this “deal” fixes it up only park adjacent to a World Heritage [email protected] commercial development. site which is the city’s most important www.clivedoucet.com The only risk to the developers The City’s solution to paying tourist attraction? How does this is that their CFL team may fold like zero attention to its most important make sense?! Bike to CAP AIDS Have Your Say: Planning A Future For une 14, 2009, starting at 10 AM at Vincent Massey Park - Bike to CAP AIDS - a fun, Parks And Recreation family-friendly, 20 km bike-a-thon along Colonel hat do you think about recreation services? Do you sometimes walk in the park? Ice- J By Drive. African HIV+AIDS Caregivers & Volunteers skate or swim? Do your children attend City camps? Do you look forward to an active are fighting AIDS and caring for people with HIV. They Wretirement? need your help! Every $200 raised provides a bicycle To provide better services for everyone in our city, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services will and other supports to help Africa’s Local Heroes serve develop a Master Plan that will direct the future of Parks and Recreation. To obtain feedback from more people in need. Register today! www.capaids. residents on what needs should be addressed, three white papers will be available on ottawa.ca/ org. (CAP AIDS is a registered Canadian Charity) recreation from May 14 to August 15, 2009. The three white papers will focus on these topics: * Tax Support, Subsidization and Revenue Generation * Accessibility and Inclusion * Service delivery Each white paper will provide background information and a few questions. Hard copies of the papers will also be made available at recreation facilities and client service centres. Ottawa continues to grow as a diverse and unique city, and its residents have varying interests and expectations. As such, it is important that future recreation services be balanced and inclusive. Feedback is necessary from individuals, groups or associations, and businesses. Later this year, all feedback will be gathered and presented to City Council via a report that will outline the direction requested by residents. Your participation today is key to the success of tomorrow’s Parks and Recreation. How can you help? Go to www.ottawa.ca and read the white papers Discuss the implications with friends and family Answer and submit the questions Tell us what you think! Help us create dynamic opportunities in recreation for everyone. Page 8 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR JUNE 2009 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteers In OOS David Bouse encourages neighbourhod children to do volunteer work at several community gardens in Old Ottawa South. Photo by Ken Johnson By John Calvert meeting in early May: David Bouse and In David Bouse’s case, OSCA coordinator of Windsor Ice Rink, Gary Lum were awarded Outstanding wishes to recognize his: • founding and chairing the he Ottawa South Community Lifetime Volunteer Awards for their • many years of volunteering in Old Old Ottawa South Parks Renewal Association recognized contributions to Old Ottawa South over Ottawa South, Committee, two long time community many years. • service on the OSCA Board of • writing and leading T Directors, implementation of a park revitalization volunteers at its 2009 annual general • tireless championing of numerous plan for Windsor Park, community causes including schools, • co-leading Windsor Pups Annual green space, and public art, Windsor Park Cleanup, • volunteering with Hopewell • organizing tree planting in Avenue Public School, including Windsor Park, Linda Thom Park, and helping to bring French immersion to Brighton, Beach Park, and removal of the school, and their 75 anniversary invasive species, yearbook in 1985, • key organizing for re-naturalizing • contributions to the current OSCA the City of Ottawa Windsor Yard depot, website and the Essential Guide to Old and Ottawa South 1999, • contributions to The OSCAR our • landmark essay “Our Heritage” community newspaper. on the history of Old Ottawa South, • driving force behind and primary Winners of the OSCA volunteer custodian of the Robert McDougall appreciation award receive a certificate Memorial Children’s Garden, of merit, recognition through the • contributions to The OSCAR our OSCAR and the OOS website, as well community newspaper. as a gift certificate valid at participating merchants of the Old Ottawa South In Gary Lum’s case, OSCA Business Association. wishes to recognize his: This volunteer award was inaugurated by OSCA in 2009 as part of a volunteer appreciation program to recognize individuals who make an exceptional contribution to the community of Old Ottawa South in support of the objectives of OSCA. There is a category for volunteer of the year and a category for lifetime volunteer. The award winners are chosen by the OSCA board of directors from nominations submitted by Board members and Board committee chairs. The award will be presented each year at the annual general meeting. Further details on the conditions for the award are available on the OSCA Gary Lum website, www.oldottawasouth.ca. • over 20 years of volunteering Once again congratulations to in Old Ottawa South, in particular in David and Gary, and good luck to all Windsor Park and Linda Thom Park, the volunteers next year. • service on the OSCA Board of Directors in the 1990s, • many years of service as JUNE 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 9 Milkface: A New Face in the Hood Milkface owner Britt Pegan and her 5 year old twins Ella and Sadie. By Nicola Maule ave you noticed a new bright pink Milkface sign and a steady stream of babies outside 1167 Bank St. (opposite 7 Eleven) and wondered Hwhat is Milkface selling? Milkface is the newest store in the hood catering to the needs of mothers and their new babies. With Boomerang Kids, 3 Little Monkeys and now Milkface, Old Ottawa South is becoming a baby shopping destination for Ottawa parents. Milkface began as an online business in 2002, when Britt Pegan had her first baby girl and could not find any decent breastfeeding clothing. However, she found great nursing clothes online in Europe, Australia and the US and decided to make them more easily available to Canadian mums. In 2006, Britt opened her first Milkface store in Westboro and in April 2009 opened her second location in Old Ottawa South. “We wanted to open a second store in Ottawa and we kept coming back to Old Ottawa South, it just felt right,” says Britt. Milkface has the best selection in Canada of baby carriers and slings. There are many to choose from which can be overwhelming for new parents- yes there is now competition for the Baby Bjorn! Milkface staff is very knowledgeable and encourage you to take the slings/carriers home for a five day trial period to make sure you have the right one for you and your baby. The store also has a wide selection of breastfeeding clothing and lots of tank tops and dresses for those hot summer days. Breast pumps, organic skin care products, nursing pillows and a full line of Bravado nursing bras fill up the store. At the back of the store is the “Milkspace”. This area has comfy couches for mothers to sit-back, relax and nurse. On Tuesdays from 10am to noon there is a drop-in breast feeding clinic with certified lactation consultants to help mothers who may need advice or reassurance in their nursing technique. Soon prenatal classes, given by Lamaze Ottawa, will also be held in the “Milkspace” along with parenting seminars. Milkface is open daily from 10am to 4pm, Sunday from noon to 4pm and closed on Mondays. For more information visit www.milkface.com or call 613-260-2345. Nicola Maule lives in Old Ottawa South and is a proud member of the Old Ottawa South Women’s Business Network. Page 10 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR JUNE 2009 May Showers June Flowers!!! those pictures you took on your last little spa time right? Atlantis Beauty trip or your holiday pictures. We are Spa or Sirena’s Day Spa, mani and the only community with its own The- pedi anyone? Pop over to the west atre, lest we forget The Mayfair is up side of the street and stop in for a and running at full speed with awe- little lunch from Sixth Sense and de- some movies at a reasonable price….. sert at Buttercream Bakery. If you Allegra can get your copy done really keep walking you will run into they are operating at full tilt so have Co-Editors: Sue Fay, Soul quickly. Mother Tongue Books, al- Planet Sound and CA Paradis…. a pop by and get a clip and a quip!!!. Matters and Andrea Covas, ways there to help you find what book Good combination of sound meets you might need. The Mud Oven, can household items…….Your exercise West Coast Video R & R on the upcoming agenda for you say, pass the paint please. “I am needs are being met as well, we have Soul Matters and Sundays creating a masterpiece”, whether it be Curves Makin Moves (for some Sundays were once considered a t’s a dogs life, but who cleans a plate, cup & saucer, vase…it’s all in dance steps) and Douvris, and then day of rest….yes sirree back in the up after? your hands. Clothing, you bettcha…. Nuts about Life, for your healthy “ole” days. Some might remember it Every spring a group of Boomerang Kids, Clothes Secret snack after exercise or if it is later in I well. responsible dog owners aka Windsor with all its finery and Phase II will the day and you are ready for dinner In that vein, Soul Matters is taking a Pups get together to clean up Windsor work for any budget. Perhaps the day try Carmen’s Veranda, Georgetown lesson from the past and will now be Park. has been hectic and you just need to Pub or The Barley Mow which are closed on Sundays to afford its owner This year Wag sponsored this rejuvenate the spirit, Soul Matters all at your disposal. This commun- some time to create balance and community event held on Saturday, has what you need from the prac- ity is growing in leaps and bounds and recharge the batteries. We will still be April 18th. Joe the Dog coffee was titioners to eco conscious candles, with summer around the corner these open 6 other days of the week. Other available for all the volunteers. Wag bath items or cd’s. Maybe it’s the small businesses are all around to help changes include an added addition to also provided other essential supplies kids that need some “kid time” why you with your needs. Enjoy Old Ot- Soul Matters – who might you ask? and helped with the clean up duties, not visit 3 Little Monkeys for some tawa South and thank you as always Well, one of the Practitioners, Nancy, not to mention the pick up of the games, stuffed animals or carriages for your support. who you will find behind, around and reminisce of winter doggie do-dos. for the babies. What about Rowland in front of the desk chit chatting to Leather, well established, handmade the customers and helping Sue out on Our dogs are a basking in the sweet bags from Kemptville– we know that Mondays, so stop in and say hello. glow of Pet Parlour comes in handy right ladies? Who We welcome Christine of Pet can forget the Ottawa Folklore Cen- Upcoming Summer has us all Parlour (previously in the Glebe). If tre. Music is an artistic creation we looking to breathe in the fresh sum- you are asking yourself “how much is cannot forget. It soothes the soul. mer air and enjoy our time outdoors that doggy in the window”? Peek into Do you need to speak to a designer as we move towards summer. We Christine’s Pet Parlor, they are not for or decorate your house? What about will be able to enjoy a nice walk along sale but they sure look good. As a Found Design or Flynn Brothers? Bank St., which won’t require trudg- matter of fact after you have had your If that’s not enough, well then you ing through snow. We can enjoy what doggy spa-dayed, when you come to just keep walking and you can’t miss all the local shops have to offer from pick yours up you might just see him/ Grace in the Kitchen with their de- doggie tidbits (and we all know the her waiting there for you! lectable treats for any kitchen, and dogs know their way to Wag) to stop- you don’t have to cook to enjoy their ping at a patio to enjoy a summer bev- Sunnyside Barber Shop fares. Garden of Light could have a erage. The Dollar Store has just the Did you all notice that we now fountain you are looking for….There thing if you are in a pinch, Framed have Sunnyside Barber Shop in our is Milkface, a new store, perfect for might be a perfect stop to help you’re area? Happened pretty quickly, but the mommy to be. Well, we all need a Area Church Service Times Sunnyside Wesleyan Chuch St Margaret Mary’s Parish 58 Grosvenor Avenue (at Sunnyside) 7 Fairbairn (corner of Sunnyside) Sunday Worship Service at 9am & 11am Sunday Liturgies : 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. (10am only June 14 – Aug 30) Christian Meditation: Mondays at 7:30 p.m. Children’s program offered during both Evening Prayer: Tuesday at 7 p.m. worship services. Trinity Anglican Church 1230 Bank Street (at Cameron Avenue) Southminster United Church Sunday Services 15 Aylmer Avenue 9.30 am -- sung eucharist (summer 10:30 a.m.: Worship and Sunday School - schedule June 14 to August 30) September through June Regular 8.30 eucharist , and 10 am sung eucharist with church school and nursery, resume Sundays, starting September 6) Thursdays 10 am – Eucharist or Morning Prayer in Chapel JUNE 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 11 Sidewalks on Both Sides? Barton Street Sidewalk disappears it affects not only the local By John Callan residents, but the whole community. This is a place where people from s spring has now arrived, we all over used to walk, and now can are seeing the Colonel By not. Now houses on two streets are residents out enjoying their less approachable, they are more A new “boardwalk”, which is much welcoming to cars than people. wider and has a smooth surface with I would argue that there are at good traction for them for walking least two reasons all streets should with or without their walkers. have sidewalks on both sides. The Their old sidewalk was much first and most important one is safety. narrower and had a rough surface As the father of two small children which was difficult for them to I would not feel safe if there was no navigate, especially with their sidewalk in front of my house, even walkers. Barton Street is a dead end if there was on the other side of the and really has no car traffic except the street. Second, sidewalks are public 7 households who live on the east side space, free from cars they allow all and the 2 households who front on the Rosayln Street - of us young and old to walk around NCC lands. Where has the sidewalk gone! and meet our neighbors. We are a There is also no parking on our Barton Street neighborhood of houses with front stretch of the street. It is a very safe By Brendan McCoy porches, where people still sometimes street and people often walk down lands/canal. This is not to say that (Photos for both sidewalk articles by speak to those who walk by on a warm the center of it. Neighbours also now other streets in OOS should not have Brendan McCoy) summer night. stand in the street to talk. I don’t 2 sidewalks. I think it really depends hould every street have a If there is to be a sidewalk on just miss having a sidewalk as having 1 on the particular needs for each street. sidewalk on both sides? Yes, one side of the street, who decides wide one seems to meet our needs Our circumstances were perhaps if at all possible it should. I which side? This is fraught with as well as the Colonel By residents different than other streets in our S difficulties. Sidewalks on both side and those other OOS residents who vicinity, like Roslyn. took a walk down Roslyn one spring day and discovered the sidewalk was of the street should be the standard. use the sidewalk to access the NCC missing north of Alymer. I assumed Exceptions should only be made in this was the being done to the the strongest cases, because what is residents by the City. After all don’t an option now, sidewalk on one side we all want sidewalks? An e-mail to of the street, could eventually become the Councillors office revealed a more standard. One sidewalk is cheaper To book an OSCAR ad complicated story. than two, and the City does notice call Gayle 730-1058 After a horrendous summer of these things. If we accept less now, we having their streets torn up and their risk it becoming the policy. [email protected] water and sewer mains replaced, part I would respectfully argue of Barton Ave. and all of Roslyn Ave. that as a policy every street in this were rebuilt. North of Aylmer Ave. neighborhood should have a sidewalk both streets now lack a sidewalk on the on both sides of the street. But I East side. City staff initially proposed also appreciate the very reasonable sidewalks on both sides of the street arguments of John Callan, and want at an Open House. Some residents to thank him for sharing them. If you suggested a sidewalk on just one side wish to share you thoughts please was better, and City staff agreed. join OSCA’s online discussion at the One lesson from this episode for OSCA Web Site www.oldottawasouth. me is to always go to meetings: the com just go to the Discussion Forum, world is run by those who show up. choose Development and Zoning John Callan, a resident of Barton, and have your say. has set out in this issue of the OSCAR why he and his neighbours Brendan McCoy is Co-Chair of felt Barton should have just the one OSWATCH, OSCA’s Development sidewalk. I think we should listen to and Transportation Committee, but the experience and wishes of people these are his own opinions and not on a particular street. But there is also those of the committee. Interested a community wide principal at stake in joining OSWATCH? e-mail here. Who decides and what factors [email protected] for more into that decision? When a sidewalk information. Rosayln Street Page 12 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR JUNE 2009 Local Scout’s Garden Sale Take a visual walk along Sunnysiode Avenue, on the North side starting at Bronson Avenue and end at Rideau River Road. Tom Alfoldi has taken photos of every building along Sunnyside -- North and South, East and West of Bank Street, and provided OSCAR with the photos. The photos continue from thiis page, starting at Bronson , comntimues to page 23, where we reach Bank Street. The visiaul walk continues on page 30, east of Bank St and continues until page 41 and Rideau River Road. Join us next time to walk the South side of Sunnyside Ave. Thank you Tom! Squirrel Chatter he 17th Ottawa (Southminster) Scout Group would like to thank Old Ottawa South for it’s support of this year’s Annual Natural Garden Local Issues in TSupply Fund Raising Sale. We raised over $1400.00! Fifty-five young people, both girls and boys, from the Old Ottawa South community participate Short Tidbits in Scouting, supported by 10 adult volunteers. By ordering from us you made it possible for local youth to have supplies and camping equipment, and have fun learning about their community and the environment and participate in great outdoor adventures! By Tania and Michaël elcome to a new column, Squirrel Chatter. We hope to explore some local issues in short tidbits. W We’re walking north on Bank towards the Glebe. What a beautiful day, hearing the birds chirpin’, seeing the canal flowin’, and sippin’ our fair trade coffee… what a weekend and what a view. Will they ever finish that eco-condo BACKYARD NATURALIST Noisy Neighbours are Back its amazing speed and agility in flight to their courtship rituals. It’s hard to miss chase and catch them in mid-air with its their calls, a series of sharp notes (a bit strong talons. One of its prey items, the like a Killdeer if you’ve ever heard one) common and abundant Rock Pigeon, is that accelerate: “twi twitwitititititit...”. almost as big as the Merlin, and known This is in fact what I observed on several as a very fast flier indeed. mornings in April, while walking my Merlins have adapted well to daughter to school. nesting in urban areas with plenty of By June the Merlins will have tall trees, expecially conifers. They settled down to hatching their eggs and prefer to nest in forests with scattered feeding their young, and will be a bit clearings or open areas suitable for less vocal. But when they get excited catching birds. They choose a tall tree or agitated, they won’t hesitate to let with a good view of the surroundings, everyone know about it. I don’t mind – usually a conifer that aready has a stick I enjoy having these noisy neighbours nest built by a crow or another raptor. around and they’re welcome to come by Rather than build their own nest, they my backyard anytime. use this abandoned nest for their own. Once they’ve chosen where they Linda Burr lives in Old Ottawa want to raise their brood, the adults are South and is a biologist and avid noisy in defending their territory, and in backyard naturalist. Merlin eating a small bird. Photo by Raj Boora. by Linda Burr society in the Middle Ages. Because the Merlin was a small and dainty falcon y noisy neighbours, the (it’s about the size of a Blue Jay), it was Merlins, are back in the the only species that female falconers neighbourhood. They arrived were permitted to fly. In France, M Merlins belonging to female falconers in April, announcing their return with loud cries and aerial acrobatics. I first were known as “émerillons”, which led heard them while walking my daughter to the English word Merlin. Or so the to school one morning. The male Merlin story goes. The French name for Merlin usually arrives ahead of the female, is still “faucon émerillon”. and they return to the same area each Recent news has been full of grim year. They’ve been regulars in our facts about engangered species, but neighbourhood for several years. Merlins are a good news story in bird The Merlin is a small falcon, conservation. There are more Merlins slightly smaller than a Pigeon. Its pointy than ever before in this part of the wings and rapid flight are also similar to world, and their numbers seem to be a Pigeon’s, a fact that once earned it the increasing. But it was not always so. name “Pigeon Hawk”. My first Golden Only twenty years ago, Merlins were field guide from the 1970s used that uncommon to rare, and occurred mainly name, which was changed to Merlin in in northern Ontario. Now their numbers 1973. I used to wonder why the powers are expanding dramatically all across that decide bird names (the American the province, even into urban areas. It Ornithological Union or AOU) would is now among the most common raptors choose to name a bird after a medieval (birds of prey) in Ottawa. wizard. It’s certainly more romantic Urban areas such as ours provide than Pigeon Hawk, at any rate. But as it plenty of food for this bird of prey. turns out, the name Merlin more likely Its main food source is other birds, comes from a different source. including House Sparrows and Pigeons, The Merlin, along with other of which we have no shortage. The falcon species, was bred for falconry Merlin’s method of hunting is to by members of upper crust European surprise birds on the wing, relying on Page 14 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR JUNE 2009 WRITERS IN OLD OTTAWA SOUTH On the Left Bank of the Rideau: Clive Doucet By Mary Lee Bragg including its links to the larger concentration of world populations in francophone community of North cities, and the impact of those cities on egular readers of OSCAR America and to the Métis people of climate change. In Doucet’s view, the will not be surprised to learn Western Canada. While the poems impact is significantly worsened by that our city councillor, explore Doucet’s personal, ethnic, bad planning choices, most of which R cultural background, they put it in the involve putting the needs of our cars Clive Doucet, is a published writer; his column in this paper usually Canadian context; they always seek ahead of our own needs for air, water opens with a quotation from one of the broader significance of the poet’s and basic safety. Doucet’s own poems. He is also a personal experience As usual in Doucet’s work, he regular at poetry readings, where his Residents of Old Ottawa South draws on his personal experience straightforward delivery and simple will be particularly interested in to explain how studies in urban two books which draw on Doucet’s anthropology and early involvement language are crowd-pleasers. Urban Meltdown: Cities, Climate education and experience in urban in the Stop Spadina movement in In addition to writing poetry, Change and Politics as Usual, was affairs to describe our community. Toronto shaped his ideas about how Doucet has a list of publishing credits short listed for the Shaughnessy The poetry collection Canal Seasons we live in cities. The book looks back which stretches back to the early Cohen Award for Political Writing in and the essays of Urban Meltdown to an earlier model of city planning, 1970s, and includes work in many 2007. show the wonderful and not-so-great where “streetcar neighbourhoods” genres. There are five plays -- one Throughout Doucet’s work, aspects of living in a city with both a encouraged pedestrians and small produced at the NAC and two aired certain themes recur: the inescapable canal and politics. businesses. This is contrasted to our on CBC – as well as novels, short influence of history on our lives and Canal Seasons is in four parts: present practice of creating “traffic stories, and non-fiction. His first the importance of community to an what else but Spring, Summer, Fall sewers” which allow volumes of book, Disneyland Please, was short- individual’s sense of his or her place and Winter? In the prologue, Doucet traffic to flow through residential listed for the W.H. Smith First Novel in the universe. Several of Doucet’s describes Ottawa as “a northern place neighbourhoods (Bank Street and Award in 1978. His latest work, books explore his Acadian heritage, where the dramas of the seasons play Glen, anyone? There’s a traffic light themselves out fiercely. . . There is there a block from an elementary no mistaking winter in Ottawa. It school, and every single time it turns introduces itself with a crack of red a car runs through it.) driving snow in November and the But it doesn’t stop there: our cold remains soldered to the ground unsustainable focus on moving for five months of dark nights, icy people over and through our cities, waterways, and leafless trees cut rather than living in them, contributes with frost.” When spring does come to dumping huge amounts of carbon after “this long fierce hibernation”, it into the atmosphere and ultimately is hesitant and faltering, then gives may contribute to climate change. way to a tropical summer “when the When I spoke to Doucet at ice scars are bathed away by long hot Second Cup, he stated that he believes days and bathtub nights.” climate change is within two years of The seasons on the canal are a “tipping point”, when the damage marked by an activity second only will be irreversible. For someone who to city council meetings on Doucet’s so clearly loves the natural world, list of favourites: rowing. The poems the looming disaster is a tragedy. capture the rhythm of flying over He describes our community as “an the water, perfectly-timed strokes exquisite neighbourhood, which driving the rower over the water combines the tranquility of nature “balanced on the cusp, between the with urban amenities,” and cites it and two great mediums of the planet, the Glebe as examples of the kinds water and air.” The sequence began of urban environments which city when Doucet started posting poetry planners should be trying to create. in the Bytown Boat Club office, and I asked Doucet when he finds time evolved during the club’s Poets- to write, and was a bit surprised by the in-Boats Regatta. Non-rowers can answer. Not the usual “first thing in enjoy the poems too, though. We can the morning”, but “serendipitously, all identify with this Ottawa fauna: when I can.” Ten-hour-long city council meetings, apparently, provide Spring Scent the time to make serious inroads on non-fiction, but aren’t a good Ottawans stoop towards spring environment for writing poetry. A like starving hawks dedicated city-watcher and analyst of towards slow, soft bellied prey. people in communities, Clive Doucet is well-placed to continue creating Urban Meltdown is considerably work that wakes us up, alarms us, less cheery than the poems of and shows us the possibilities in our Canal Seasons. The book makes environment. connections between the present JUNE 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 15 THE BIG PICTURE Canada in Cannes By Michael Dobbin Fortnight, where no less than four These are only few of the titles Canadian films will make their that have or will begin to pop up in he Festival du Cannes, now mark. Denis Côté’s “CARCASSES” Canadian cinemas in the months to in its 62nd year, began in is about an elderly eccentric with a come, and a cross-section of Canadian the autumn of 1946 and fast quiet obsession for wrecks and scrap films that have survived the rigorous T metal who is one day visited by four selection process of the Festival du became the first great international cultural event of the post-war period. unwelcome intruders. Xavier Dolan’s Cannes. This has been a good year for Now in the 21st century, the festival “J’AI TUÉ MA MÈRE” (I KILLED Canadian film, and despite the doom- has become the most important event MY MOTHER) tells the story of a and-gloom of the world markets, the in the international film world. It’s teenage boy who is troubled by his movie business is alive and well. the place where movie professionals, growing hatred for his mother, and stars, and audiences, intermingle along tries to rekindle the relationship they [Michael Dobbin is a movie the famous seafront boulevard called used to have. Denis Villeneuve’s producer with Quiet Revolution “La Croisette” in a great celebration “POLYTECHNIQUE” is continuing Pictures, and is now a regular at of the art cinematic art form. The to stir controversy in Cannes. It’s Cannes where he represents several festival awards excellence through a based on the real events of December up and coming projects, including competitive program topped by the 6, 1989 when a deranged man entered Matt West’s feature-length action “Grand Prix”, the Palme d’Or, which Montreal’s Polytechnic School with comedy “The Odds” and local has launched many careers, including the goal of killing as many women as filmmaker David Chernushenko’s that of Canada’s Atom Egoyan. Other possible before taking his own life. latest documentary, “Powerful”. Visit prestigious prizes come from the Last, but not least, Cherien Dabis’ qrpictures.com] International Critics’ Week and the “AMREEKA”, a co production Directors’ Fortnight, each with their between Canada and Kuwait, is the own juries and selection process. bittersweet story of a Palestinian What makes this festival even more single mother who one day receives prominent is the Marché du Film. a letter that her family has received a Begun in 1959, the Marché is now U.S. green card, and decides to leave the biggest international film market the West Bank to start a new life with on the planet. In all, the Festival her teenage son. de Cannes now welcomes over The International Critic’s 30,000 accreditees and some 4,000 week will feature Cordell Barker’s international journalists. Somewhere, “RUNAWAY” (TRAIN EN FOLIE). amid the white noise and clamour of Produced by the National Film the world arriving in Cannes, are a Board, it is an animated short about a delegation of Canadians representing runaway train. our contribution to the art form. Not screening in the competition, In the Official Competition is Terry but featured prominently at the Gilliam’s “THE IMAGINARIUM Marché du Film are more titles to OF DR. PARNASSUS”. This is a watch for including Sherry White’s Canada-UK co production and is a “CRACKIE”, a Newfoundland film fantastical tale about Dr. Parnassus’ about teenage girl who abandons her race to save his daughter against the harsh-tongued Gran in search of her backdrop of a surreal universe. This long-lost mother. Simon Lavoie’s director is also known for films like Second World War story “THE “12 MONKEYS”, “FEAR AND DESERTER”, Patrice Sauvé’s story LOATHING IN LOS VEGAS” and of a sorcerer called “THE MASTER his early career as a member of the KEY”, Ken Scott’s crime story legendary Monty Python comedy- “STICKY FINGERS” and David troop, where he created the now iconic Bezmozgis’ 1980s teen angst story animated sequences that branded their “VICTORIA DAY” are on the screen absurdist humour. along with Gary Yates’ heist movie Canada is extremely well “HIGH LIFE”, and Paul Gross’s war represented in the Director’s epic “PASSCHENDAELE”. To book an OSCAR ad call Gayle at 730-1058 or email: [email protected] Page 16 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR JUNE 2009 AFTER THOUGHTS The Great Change from Richard Ostrofsky different from the orangoutans, gorillas we still have many of the instincts and we have – must face a similar crisis at of Second Thoughts Bookstore and chimpanzees, our closest living emotional responses of our anthropoid this point in its career. Our own crisis is (now closed) relatives. Like them, we did our best to ancestors. probably not from any special flaw of www.secthoughts.com keep eating while avoiding being eaten, In this respect, the Biblical and most human nature. More likely, it is a normal and reproduced our kind in the typical other religious accounts are completely stage in any wild animal’s increasing [email protected] mammalian way. But then something misleading: We must learn to see our commitment to ‘Culture.’ happened that the Garden-of-Eden myth species not as a finished work of God, but Working on a creature with the or the last million years or more, captures not too badly: We became as a work-in-progress. We ourselves are vague beginnings of consciousness, a humankind has been crossing a self-conscious, fell away from Nature, ‘the missing link’ between the anthropoid subtle feature of evolution known as the Fthreshold from a world of pure found ourselves forced to labor (not apes and the true humans; and humankind Baldwin effect will tend to drive that Nature to a world of Culture-in-Nature just hunt and gather) for a living, and may or may not survive long enough creature’s progeny toward deeper, readier – a ‘Great Change’ which can be dated became oppressed by painful thoughts for the potentially lethal discrepancy and more collaborative consciousness – from the mastery of fire, the emergence and emotions like shame and guilt, and a between primate temperament and high- and toward what I am calling the Great of symbolic language,’ ceremonial burial foreknowledge of death. tech culture to sort itself out. The global Change: a partial replacing of blind of the dead, the building of walled cities, A solitary human animal, given society may or may not learn to manage natural selection with foresight and the invention of writing, or in any way only the equipment of its own body, its powers so as to live in peace with purpose: a partial drop out of Nature, you like. Over the millennia, gradually would need luck to stay alive in the itself and with the rest of Nature. There is into society and its cultures, with all at first but with increasing speed, the wilderness for one full cycle of seasons. an excellent chance that our civilization their advantages and all their unsolved humanity of the human animal has Not all that long ago as evolutionary will collapse before we learn to do so; problems. accumulated to produce a creature that time is reckoned, leopards hunted us on and the consequences of that collapse for One might compare the resulting exists outside of and against the rest of the African savannah for an easy lunch. the species as a whole or for life on this crisis to that of adolescence. Kids at this Nature. Evolution has been taking a new Today, we drive and fly much faster than planet are anyone’s guess. At best, there age have lots of new capabilities, with direction – trying a weird experiment, any animal can run, and have weapons would be another Dark Age, comparable little experience as yet of how to enjoy if you like – toward an outcome no one no animal can match. We’ve hunted to the one in Europe after the Roman these safely. It is a dangerous time of can foresee. Up to a point, we were just those leopards, and many other species, Empire’s collapse but on a global scale. life, with much higher mortality rates another primate species – not all that almost to extinction for their lovely pelts, At worst . . . we can only guess which than just a few years earlier or later. On or just for sport. People with even a little life forms would thrive after a world war this analogy, one can see the acquisition money live in homes that are kept at a (or more leisurely disaster) that wiped of consciousness by any species as comfortable temperature all year round, our kind off the planet. There would be leading (if it survives that long) to and buy their food at the supermarket. new opportunities for beetles, probably. a period of adolescent recklessness, The only species that really threatens Now, what I want to suggest full of dangerous new ideas and new us is our own. But that threat is a very is that any species anywhere in the technologies. A species that gets past the serious one. The Great Change is now an universe that undergoes a similar Great upheavals of this time may have a long imminent crisis because today, with all Change – emerging from Nature into maturity. Those that don’t are cut off our modern technology and weaponry, technologically sophisticated Culture as short, their potentials unfulfilled. Healthy History: Billings Estate Opens New Medical Exhibit By Emma Jackson the museum’s walls, inviting visitors little else is known about his life. to comment on their weird and wacky The exhibit will stay at Billings f your kids think taking cough syrup symbolism. Some are easy: the rosy, Estate until October. On August 1, a kid- is awful, don’t let them miss the well-dressed woman in an ad for friendly Victorian medical show will newest museum exhibit in the city: “Brown’s Iron Bitters” is a vision complement the exhibit’s artefacts and I of health and beauty – thanks to the shed more light on medical practices Victorian medicine. From saw blades to suction cups, this exhibit at Billings medicine, it has you believe. Others are of the 1800s. The show, running from 8 Estate National Historic Site will excite downright bizarre: in an ad for blood pm to 10 pm, will explore how doctors the imagination and have kids thankful purifiers, a giant cartoon bumblebee treated toothaches, headaches, and they live in today’s era of medical care. chases two frantic boys, with unclear amputations – often causing more pain A dose of research and a dash of motivations. than gain. creativity led to Drink This, Take That: Although none of the Billings The temporary exhibit is on the The Birth of Marketing Medicine, which family members in Ottawa were doctors second floor of the two-story mansion, covers medical advertisements from the themselves, Billings Estate education set on five kilometres of green space. late 1800s, but also features artefacts and interpretation officer Brahm The estate is Ottawa’s oldest wood- like a surgeon’s kit, saw blades, blood- Lewandowski says the exhibit is taking framed house, located at 2100 Cabot St. letting suction cups and other excitingly a wider scope to investigate the local At one time owning over 1,000 acres of gruesome Victorian instruments. culture of the period. land along the Rideau River, Billings In a hands-on approach, kids can “This exhibit is meant to give people once farmed where Billings Bridge explore the quivering blue lightning a better sense of what life was like in Plaza, the OC Transpo transitway and bolts of the exhibit’s plasma ball, Gloucester Township when the Billings countless homes now stand. Tours of while they consider just how many were here,” Lewandowski explains. the house and grounds are available Victorians believed their newly Lamira Billings, wife of settler Braddish Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 5 discovered electricity could cure illness. Billings, was not a doctor but was well pm until October. Unfortunately, the electric currents known for her herbal remedies, a skill Programs for the whole family will Victorians faithfully passed through she passed to some of her children, run all summer. For more information their bodies had no effect except to put Lewandowski added. call 613-247-4830 or visit Ottawa.ca/ their minds at ease. Braddish Billings’ father was a museums. Cryptic advertising posters line surgeon in the American Revolution, but JUNE 2009 Page 17 A HARD DAY’S PLAY Art: All In The Eye Of The Beholder By Mary P. er, correct way up. ook, Mary! See what I drawed?” L There are days when my job takes just that smidge more professionalism, that extra oomph of self-discipline than others. There are days when the natural response is the inappropriate one. There are days Mom’s eyes widen. “Well. She when I am reminded that toddlers do sure has big...” Mom makes melon- NOT see the world the way adults do. hands in front of her chest. Dad Days like today. shakes his head. “No, you’re holding it upside-down.” Pauses, as we all stare at the image, all three adult minds in the same place. “But I’m not sure that makes it any better.” We all snigger. We are very grown-up and sophisticated like that. Mum and Dad look to me for the explanation, but I figure they may as well get it straight from the source. You know what that thing looks “Anna, sweetie. Why don’t you like. I do, too. But I am 100% certain tell mummy and daddy about your that we are wrong. Wrong, wrong, nice picture?” wrong. Because we are grown-ups, “Okay.” She takes it from her with nasty, tawdry minds. father, who is holding it upside-down. There are days when the old fall- (Again! Honestly, these adults.) She back rote responses are best. Days reorients it. “It’s my new nightie. It like today. has a fluffy thing at the bottom, lots “That’s an interesting picture, of pieces of shiny blue dangling Anna. Can you tell me about it?” The stuff.” standard kids-art response. Anyone “I think we decided that was who’s worked with small children ‘fringe’.” Her parents nod. Yes, it has can rhyme that one off in their sleep. a fringe. It’s non-directive, non-judgmental, “Yes. It has a fringe at the bottom. and lets the child take it from here. And the shoulders are big and puffy.” Anna procedes to tell me about it, Big puffy shoulders and a fringe and I understand the problem: I was at the bottom. It’s a nightie! Of holding it upside-down! Of course! course! So, when I show it to her parents at What else could it possibly be? the end of the day, I hold it the other, th Page 18 The OSCAR - OUR 37 YEAR JUNE 2009 OTTAWA SOUTH HISTORY PROJECT Tramway at the site of Carleton University By John Calvert his month’s column arises from a letter to the editor from TColin Churcher in response to last month’s column about the Ottawa South Property Company. Colin brought to our attention an article by Lee Gault entitled “The From: http://www.railways.incanada.net/circle/findings3.htm#CUtramway Tramway at the site of Carleton Lake belonged to the Orr family University” which appeared in and according to memory became Branchline, the Bytown Railway part of the Rogers Estate. A Mr. V. Society monthly magazine way Rogers undertook to fill in the large back in August 1971. We reproduce swamp and inlet by an ambitious this article here, with permission. project. He brought in narrow gauge railway equipment consisting of two From Branchline August 0-4-0 saddle tank steam engines and several four wheel side-dumping 1971 cars plus one or two steam shovels. One line was used to remove a small It is about a narrow gauge hill or mound from the Seneca area railway, which operated in the City for fill and the second line ran from of Ottawa during the 1912 era, it Cunningham’s Hill, which is now part is not recorded in the Railways of of the Carleton campus. This second early Ottawa nor can it be found on line ran east from the hill, over a any Ottawa maps of that period. I am wood trestle to cross the spillway pleased, therefore, that I was able creek from Hartwell Locks, then to confirm that my recollections, went under the CPR tracks through of such a narrow gauge line was a stone culvert near White Bridge not a recent affliction of the mind (it was white). It continued more “brought on by association with a or less parallel along the Rideau to bunch of railroad nuts”. Graham the Brewer Park filling operation. Lancaster, also a native of Ottawa, The track was moved as the filling and his brother Bill were able to progressed by simply pinching it over remember the same operation in a few feet at a time with crow bars far greater detail. The line did not powered “by brawny muscles and bits carry passengers or freight but of encouragement from the section transported earth and clay to fill foreman.” The steam shovel scooped in a swampy area, including an gobs of clay from the hill to fill the inlet of the Rideau River at the cars and the engine hauled it’s unit south end of Bronson Avenue, train away to the point of dumping. now known as Brewer’s Park. I do not know what Mr. Roger’s A parcel of the higher land adjacent plans were, other than to improve and to the CPR tracks south of Dow’s enlarge the estate. The operation came JUNE 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 19 OTTAWA SOUTH HISTORY PROJECT Cont’d to a close about the beginning of World War 1 but the equipment remained on the scene for some time. The two engines were protected by a wooden shed. They were hauled away about 1918 by the Dominion Cartage Go, with Bert Holloway in charge. He used low slung lorries drawn by six horse teams. They were loaded on flat cars and headed out to Prescott, destination unknown. There is a lot of sticky clay in Brewer’s park as testimony of the forgotten filling operation. Also, the stone culvert under the CPR right-of- way, which is shown on Ottawa maps of 1915 or later, remains and is used for a pathway to the Campus, The spillway at Hartwell Locks has been closed off and the creek bed disappeared with the construction of Carleton University. Thanks to Earl Robert, editor of the Branchline, for permission to reproduce this article. The Bytown Railway Society’s monthly magazine Branchline is described here, www.bytownrailwaysociety.ca/branchline. htm. Colin Churcher runs a wonderful website on all things related to railways in Eastern Ontario / West Quebec and further afield, www.railways. incanada.net. Here is a quick update on the Heritage Survey 2009 project that we announced in the April 2009 issue of the OSCAR. We have more wonderful news on the funding of the project. In the past month we have received confirmation of funding from both Canada Summer Jobs and the Ontario Summer Experience Program. Each of these grant programs is providing our project with approximately 6 weeks of minimum wage funding. When combined with the funds we received earlier from the City of Ottawa this has allowed us to hire two summer students for the project. We would like to welcome to the project Abraham Plunkett-Latimer, a Carleton University Master of Arts in History student, and Nolan Cipriano, a Carleton University Bachelor of Architectural Studies student. Abraham and Nolan have complimentary skills which will provide the project with a powerful combination of research, analysis, visual and textual documentation and creative interpretation of the built and cultural heritage aspects of the properties of Old Ottawa South. The challenge will be to keep both Abraham and Nolan busy over the course of the summer. We are very lucky to have the volunteer contribution of local resident Julie Harris, heritage expert, as our delivery manager for the project. Julie will supervise the work of our two summer students. In addition, we have a volunteer team of 10 local residents who will also be working on the heritage survey. The volunteers will be pursuing the theme of Century Homes, that is homes (or properties) that existed one hundred years ago at the time of the annexation of (Old) Ottawa South to the City of Ottawa. It is shaping up to be a very busy and exciting summer for history and heritage in Old Ottawa South. Contact the Ottawa South History Project at HistoryProject@ OldOttawaSouth.ca or visit us online at www.OldOttawaSouth.ca/ HistoryProject. To book an OSCAR ad call Gayle 730-1058 [email protected] Page 20 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR JUNE 2009 BOOK REVIEW There Is Always A Mark Left On A Landscape Map of Glass Review by of autism. Since childhood she of Andrew’s story... in a way, the By Jane Urquhart Friederike Knabe has been more comfortable last thing he told me”. For the same McClelland & Stewart with objects rather than people, reason, Sylvia feels compelled to ISBN: 0-7710-8727-6 preferring to touch their share her life story, reluctantly permanent and solid surfaces. The at first, with this young stranger unpredictability and change that and finds an increasingly attentive human beings represent made her listener. Jerome has his own withdraw, until... Nevertheless, demons to battle and, maybe, they she has married her doctor who can both help each other at some had moved into the family home, point. taking over her father’s surgery Embedded in the present-day and the gentle and considerate narrative, Andrew’s journals form treatment of the “patient”. Under the middle section of the novel. his guidance, Sylvia slowly learns They stand on their own and delve to move cautiously beyond her into the fascinating saga of his familiar territory into the wider great-great grandfather, one of the neighbourhood, concentrating on early timber barons in Southern establishing clear landmarks for Ontario, and three generations herself. During one of these outings, of his offspring. Urquhart brings she meets Andrew, a landscape out Andrew’s distinct voice: and historical geographer, a man his description of the family’s “who walked into the past”, who changing fortunes and long-term here was always a mark left has been researching his family destiny is completely captivating. on a landscape by anyone who history. A secret friendship ensues Their reign over the island leaves entered iteven if it is just a T that lasts on and off for many years, the land dramatically altered trace - all but invisible - it is there for until he disappears from her life. with consequences far beyond those willing to look hard enough.” The novel opens with Andrew, the landscape: symbolic for the Like her protagonists, Jane Urquhart suffering from Alzheimer’s, impact of destroying its natural delights in following those traces in attempting to return to the island beauty and for the family’s greed a landscape. Southern Ontario, an where his forbears had created is the image of their fancy hotel, important backdrop in her previous, their timber business. This is one now almost totally submerged exquisite novel, The Stone Carvers, of the most delicate and evocatively in sand. As a counterbalance to is explored here primarily as an beautiful passages in the book. those driven solely by profit, there essential part of a family history. “...The palms of his gloved hands are those with more redeeming Going back some hundred years, are open to the sky as if he were features, such as family values and, “Timber Island” is the intricate silently requesting that the world in particular, artistic talent and setting for this profound and come back to him, that the broken expression. brilliantly developed multi-faceted connections of heart and mind be Art and artists always play novel that explores a lot more, of mended, that language and the an important role in Urquhart’s course, than the interdependence knowledge of a cherished place re- novels. Sylvia is an artist of sorts: she between human beings and their enter his consciousness...” While creates tactile maps for her blind land. there are many other sections of friend Julia. Maps are important to The central figure providing moving lyricism and rich imagery, her as they establish some form of the glue, so to say, for the story’s making reading Urquhart’s prose solidity and permanency. Her own different threads is Sylvia, middle- such a delight, this first passage maps reflect her very personal aged and apparently suffering draws the reader right into the sense of landscapes, shapes and from a “condition” that, while mysterious connections between markers that she shares with her not defined, suggests some form Andrew, Sylvia and a young, friend. Julia asked her once, how “conceptual artist”, Jerome. Jerome she could be sure that what she had found Andrew’s body, frozen sees is what other people see. in ice during a visit to the now Maybe a more profound question abandoned island. In his art he than intended, it turns out as we, attempts to capture civilization the readers, are encouraged to debris, remnants of earlier human follow the fluid lines between her habitation. To some extent Jerome imagination and reality. Sylvia’s symbolizes Urquhart’s own version of her life’s story, of her exploration of Robert Smithson’s relationship with Andrew, with her aesthetics. The novel’s title is husband, may not match the one derived from Smithson’s sculpture the reader is being led to believe. “Map of Broken Glass”; Smithson’s Or is it? And, as Jerome muses: contention that “the artist seeks.... “maybe landscape -- place -- makes the fiction that reality will sooner people more knowable. Or it did, in or later imitate” can be interpreted the past”. This is a novel to absorb as one of the novel’s underlying slowly, to ponder and to be carried motives. away into different mental and real Sylvia, having learned of landscapes, rich in symbolism and Andrew’s death, seeks out Jerome, breathtakingly beautiful at times. who she feels is holding “the end JUNE 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 21 TRINITY ANGLICAN CHURCH Trinity Has The ‘Power Of Ten’ Working For It By Jim Robb and other items of clothing for the poor in her Mediterranean community all them the Power of Ten. The of Joppa, now Jaffa, a suburb of Tel 10-member Dorcas Group of Aviv. CAnglican Church Women at Trinity Anglican Church are its most New Interim Priest Appointed zealous and dynamic fundraisers. Father Donald Tudin of Ottawa has Headed by Chairperson Eleanor been appointed interim priest at Trinity Corbett, they simply never stop. by Bishop John Chapman while the The group stages the annual process of finding a new incumbent Daffodil Luncheon and Bridge Party continues. He replaces Father Ken in April each year, attracting scores of Spear who served as interim priest avid card players for sandwiches and for five months, following the dessert before the tables are cleared appointment of Father Chris Dunn to quickly for the bridge foursomes. As All Saints Anglican Church, Westboro. well, the ACW women make sure many of the card players leave with Garage Sale bake goods and craft items that are on Trinity’s May 2 garage sale raised sale at the event. $1300 for church programs. Business The Daffodil event has been held was brisk throughout the morning The dessert table did a brisk business at Trinityy’s Daffodil Luncheon at Trinity for the better part of six from the time doors opened at 9 a.m. and Card Party April 25 (Robert Taylor photo) decades. It was started to help rebuild and refurbish the church after the Church Picnic building went up in flames in 1947. Trinity’s annual church picnic is This year the luncheon and bridge scheduled for 10 am, Sunday, June 7 party on Saturday, April 25 raised at Brewer Park. The day begins with $1300 for Trinity. an outdoor eucharist followed by a You’ll find the Dorcas Group at potluck lunch and traditional events other events too, like the church’s for the kids, young and old, including annual Frosty’s Fair in November tug-of-war, and three-legged and sack where they staff the bake, knitwear races. If it’s raining the event moves to and sewing goods tables. the church. And year-round, they meet every Wednesday to quilt, sew and knit for Summer Service Schedule Trinity, with a few minutes off each Starting Sunday, June 14, Trinity week for lunch together. They take shifts to its summer schedule of one orders to create new quilts, repair old service at 9.30 am in place of the 8 am ones, and sell knit and sewn goods early service and the family service year-round. at 10 am. The two-service regular The Dorcas Group takes its schedule resumes Sunday, September name from a member of the early 6. Christian Church in the first century AD. According to the New Testament, Trinity Anglican Church is Dorcas worked tirelessly to help the located at 1230 Bank Street, corner of less fortunate, including sewing robes Cameron Avenue. Carrol Robb of Trinity serves coffee for Daffodil Luncheon guests April 25 (Robert Taylor photo) Page 22 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR JUNE 2009 Making A Difference – For Kids And The Community By Tracy Morey her last day of nannying for three because it’s about the same size as youngsters, the children’s friends set Burn-out her hometown of Renfrew. “I like to little known feature of OOS their alarms and showed up to greet Brenda Lee was at a play group be able to walk down the street and is the active network of child her at 7am with rice crispie squares. at the Firehall one day when someone say hello to so many people. When care providers. “I get the same kind of ‘making asked: They’re re-painting the Firehall I’m sick, I don’t know how it happens A a difference’ feeling in the middle this weekend, can you help? “I didn’t but I get five phone calls from people “I’ve heard it called the caregivers mafia,” smiles Brenda of every OSCA special event. I look want to do it, but I ended up meeting offering to help. It’s so comforting.” Lee, who is in the business herself as around at these people enjoying the all these people.” A little later, her Still, she misses the student friend Anne Marie Corbett phoned at population, seeing art in people’s 3pm one day to say: There’ an OSCA gardens and having corner stores meeting in four hours and there are where you could buy flowers. two spots on the board, it’ll be fun. In her field of child care, Brenda “What a neophyte I was. I sat on misses the days when children were the board for three months before I less protected and programmed. opened my mouth. They kept quoting “Studies are showing that this hyper Roberts Rules of Order and I thought vigilance is turning out adults who they meant the Robert who sat on the can’t take calculated risks or make board, and that he had made up these decisions on their own,” she says. rules. I knew nothing about the board’s Advice from a seasoned child care policies or politics. Thankfully some specialist: “Don’t over program your of that has changed.” children, let them have a childhood. The two friends were on the board Imagination, self-reflection and for four years, as co-chairs of the relaxation require down time.” Special Events and the Programming committees. “Winter carnivals, sleigh OSCA return rides, summer barbecues, porch A couple of years after her sales, fall festivals. One Halloween volunteer burn-out, Brenda has we made the Firehall into a haunted recently re-joined the OSCA board. house - it was way too successful and And it was the death of former activist so much work we decided never to do Ottawa mayor Marion Dewar that it again.” spurred it. In 2001, Lee and Corbett won a “I felt this tremendous guilt about Whitton Award for contributions to public service…and I missed it. So I the community. “It was a great time,” started volunteering for a few events.” Brenda Lee early in her career. says Lee. “We did it all. That’s why Brenda will stick to the Special we burnt out.” So she left the OSCA Events Committee, because she well as a member of the Community simple pleasures of a neighbourhood board for a break. loved it. But the chair of that Association board. gathering and feel lucky to be part of committee has become vacant…so “This neighbourhood is very open it.” Comforting it looks like a return engagement. to the idea of home day care,” says Brenda thinks she likes OOS Brenda, who credits that attitude with The old days fostering her own career. She looks Brenda wanted something more after four or five youngsters in her personal than organized child care home. And she loves it. centers when she graduated, so was a A graduate in Child Psychology nanny for a few years. “I liked the one from Brock and Early Childhood on one.” A position in Ottawa South Education at Algonquin, Brenda says in 1993 led to her passion for the her focus came from her mom. There neighbourhood. OOS was different were only three kids at home but “she then, she says, “more eclectic, more always had children’s group activities students and artists. In many ways it going on. It seemed natural to make was more run down, not as trendy as things fun and educational for large the current shops and housing prices.” groups of children.” Because there was so much home care in the neighbourhood, Brenda Make a difference was urged to set up her own. So she The fact that child care is a low- borrowed money from family and paying profession wasn’t a bother. friends and rented the top floor of a “Growing up in Renfrew, our family house. Then, the care givers kicked in. didn’t have a lot of money. So I “They introduced me around and devised alternative descriptions of gave me references. They showed success.” me their contracts and gave advice. Making a difference in peoples It sounds corny but I started to be a lives is what matters, she says. Her grown up. I’d never felt that happy. stories about the children she’s cared This was mine and I was finally Brenda Lee on her 40th birthday with charges past and present. for illustrate the rich rewards - on home.” JUNE 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 23 A Tale Two Trees By: Susan J. Atkinson neighbourhood interior design store looking at the wrong part of the world – Elite Draperies of Ottawa Ltd. to find my answer. All I know for sure ooking outside my I’d also like to add that it really is is that any tree that calls a siren’s song window colourful leaves marvelous how the store leaves out and causes one to get out of a car to flicker in the breeze, cast-off samples and various ‘arty’ pay homage is certainly a ‘Poet Tree’ L goodies to be enjoyed and reused by in my book! clicking against each other, words dancing in the sunlight…that’s right, the artsy/teachery types! Anyway If you’re like me and didn’t know I said words, leaves covered in words, back to the leaves. These weren’t just or should I say don’t know what a dancing in the sunlight. By now bright coulourful strips of card they ‘Middle Eastern Poet Tree looks like, you’re probably thinking this is no were poems. but you’d like a tree of your own, this ordinary tree and you’re right it’s not, Every time a leaf was added so is what you’ll need: this is a ‘Poet Tree’. It is a tree that my was a poem or poetic thought. At 1. Any number of dried (dead!) youngest daughter and I have planted times the leaves were a sampling of sticks and that our neighbours are all helping poetic words at others they were fully 2. Container in which you will to nurture and grow. developed poems. We left blank plant the tree As I look outside my window leaves, accompanied by a pen, on 3. Duct tape my gaze lengthens to include a the front porch so that visitors and 4. Colourful ribbon neighbour’s tree looming behind ours. neighbours could plant their own 5. Some kind of paper It’s still early in the season so the thoughts on our tree. By the end of 6. Some kind of writing utensil tree hasn’t yet started to bud but that the month the tree was laden with the 7. A desire to write poetry or doesn’t take away from my newfound fruits of poetic labour and that’s when at least be surrounded by someone interest. I have just heard what I think I learned there had been a ‘Poet Tree’ who does or simply copy down your is a fascinating tale about this tree, on our street all along. favourite poems, thoughts or words which as it turns out is also a ‘Poet It was a beautiful evening and as Simply tie the branches together Tree’, but before I say more here’s the one of our neighbours was passing to roughly ressemble a tree, write story of my tree… by with his small dog in tow he on the paper and hang from said stopped to inquire about ‘our tree’. branches. I must say June is a perfect On promptly hearing our story he told enchanting body to those of the time for a new tree to blossom! us of his tree. Apparently they had cypress tree, and whenever he has bought the tree under the guise that spoken of truthfulness, uprightness it was a Russian Olive Tree, but over and youth, he has taken the cypress the years the tree had not borne any tree as a model.” The more I fruit except for some odd looking tiny read about the cypress tree and its hard things every seven years or so. obvious idyllic effects the more I was It is however a beautiful tree so our convinced this was what the tree must neighbours thought nothing of it until be, alas there was one problem, quite one night when they were returning a large one actually, the neighbours home by taxi. Their taxi driver was an tree is a deciduous and a cypress is interesting, well-educated man, from not! the Middle East (this is the part which I am now back at square one is a bit bleary as we’re not exactly trying to figure out what the tree sure which country the gentleman actually is. Maybe the gentleman was came from, which in turn has made mistaken in the dark and it is in fact it difficult to discern where the tree a Russian olive tree or perhaps I am is actually from). As the gentleman So it’s April, National Poetry dropped off my neighbours he saw the Month and my youngest daughter tree and was immediately entranced by and I decided in an attempt to honour its beauty and stepping out of the cab poetry we would plant a tree that began singing and spouting out poetry would blossom into beautiful poems. to the tree. Now apparently this tree is We started by planting dried (really a national pride, a tree which is much they’re dead, but somehow dried sung of, loved and written about and sounds more poetic!) sticks in a rather the gentleman, whom was so happy to Grecian looking vase. Next we bound see it, did just that and paid homage to the sticks and twigs together with what he called a ‘Poet Tree’. ribbon and tape so that they stuck I loved this story and promptly out like mummified appendages. I’ll decided to do some research to admit it was all a bit odd looking but find out more about the tree and its hey that’s art for ya, jaunty limbs, origins. My initial research led me angular and bare, beckoning for life to the cypress tree, which certainly to sprout! fit beautifully with the story, after Personal Financial Planning The next step to our creation all a cypress tree is a symbol, which We will review your current financial position and was grafting the leaves. Each day the Iranians hold dear. “Whenever recommend a plan that is designed to achieve your goals. we gathered and tied long thin paint a Persian poet has tried to describe chip samples to the branches. I must the stature of his beloved one, he Rick Sutherland, CLU, CFP, FDS, R.F.P Tel 613.798.2421 say that these particular paint chips called her “cypress-like”, comparing 1276 Wellington Street [email protected] Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 3A7 www.invested-interest.ca were courtesy of our wonderful her balanced poise, lithe motion and Page 24 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR JUNE 2009 Grapes on the Vine At Thirty Three Vines Vineyard & Winery JUNE 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 25 Prince Edward County Proving to Have World Class “Terroir” Further West in the Hillier region of Prince Edward you will find shallow stony soils that are similar to the Burgundy region of France. Given all these natural conditions, the desire and knowledge of local growers and winemakers in the region is starting to prove that world class wines can be produced from Prince Edward. The challenges are many and time will tell whether the economic viability of a cool climate wine region can actually sustain itself, but in the meantime take a trip to the area this season and experience the terrior and the wines of your own backyard. I guarantee you will be rewarded with the beauty of the landscape and the pleasure of some fine wines. Note: If you want to learn more about Prince Edward County from the soil up, there is an excellent book put out by Prince Edward County Economic Development Office in 2001. “A Viticultural Primer for Investors and Growers” by Geoff Heinricks. Editor’s Note: Make plans to visit Prince Edward County this summer and become acquainted with truly fine reasonably local wines. 33 Vines View over Adolphus Reach By: Paul Minaker, Thirty Three Vines was created by typical things that any vineyard Vineyard & Winery owner in the world would consider, such as; growing days, historic heat units, frost zones, n my previous article about the exploits of soil type, land slope, land drainage, sunshine a local vineyard owner in Prince Edward orientation, air flow and water. Each one of County I admitted that I was a dreamer. Well, these characteristics has to be in an acceptable I range and more is usually better, or a high score a vineyard is no place for dreamers, at least not if you are the keeper of the vines. The reality is on the 1-10 range is good. However, it is the that most vineyard owners are dreamers from the individual characteristics found in the Prince start and still have those moments even after they Edward region that add up to make the terroir discover that a vineyard is one of the hardest farm scoresheet rank quite high. operations that exist in Canadian agriculture (no One of the key elements of the region is the disrespect to all other agricultural operations). limestone that underpins the entire geological What makes most Ontario vineyards so tenuous is area. As you drive from Ottawa it is not long that we have short growing seasons and on either before you go through rock cuts along the side of the growing season are dangerous periods highway and you notice as you drive along the that can have devastating effects on a vineyard. St Lawrence Seaway that the rock formations But we have some other components that make it are more plentiful and made up of fractured all worthwhile! limestone. As you travel West towards Kingston To be a successful vineyard in Ontario, and (the “Limestone City”) it is more prominent. especially in Prince Edward County, one must This calcareous limestone, meaning containing consider factors of survival and factors for quality calcium carbonate, is in the soil for everyone grape and wine production. The vineyard site and to take advantage of to grow their grapes. This all of its characteristics is probably the single most limestone is a big reason why winegrapes in important of all. The multitude of characteristics Prince Edward are showing amazing character are summed up in a French word – “terroir”. And of acidity, texture and minerality. in this second article I would like to expand on the The effect of Lake Ontario is another terroir of the Prince Edward County wine region. macro condition that every vineyard within As any gardener knows it is a combination of: 1-2 kilometres of the Lake can take advantage soil, sunshine, water, air, ecosystem and “tlc” that of with the cooling and warming effect on the determine how well your flora grows. shoulder seasons of summer. The Lake also The selection of grapevines is an important creates air currents that for the most part are decision to be made early in the process, but it is beneficial to a vineyard. Unfortunately, the high only one of a hundred critical decisions that will be humidity adds to the challenges of grapevines in made before that first bottle of wine is produced. the form of Powdery and Downey Mildews. But First you need to understand that vitis vinifera it is the lake effect that makes Prince Edward and vines, such as; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, the Niagara region a beneficial micro climate to Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Pinot Grigio, and many grow fruit. other vinifera varieties are the thoroughbred vines There are over 20 documented and charted of the wine industry and are not really meant for soil types in the Prince Edward County area and cold weather farming. In Canada we try to mitigate all have their merit for various reasons. Going the danger to the vines by using cold hardy clones back to cool climate growing techniques, most of each variety and equally hardy root stocks, but vineyards in PEC have to bury, or “hill up”, we also have to practise numerous “cool climate” their vines to protect from winter temperatures techniques to protect and produce wine grapes. of -21 to -30 Celsius. To make this twice yearly This consideration is critical to the aforementioned process of hilling and de-hilling easier I chose to terrior. What this all means is that terroir in one part pick a site with loamy, sandy soils with smaller of the world is different in all its characteristics and rock content. In my area of Adolphus Reach we has different benefits and effects on the grapes then also have the added benefit of Clay content in other regions. the soil which adds another dimension of terroir While searching for property, my checklist that is similar to the soil of Bordeaux, France. Page 26 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR JUNE 2009 Glebe Centre Rock-a-Thon The Glebe Centre’s annual Rock-a- digging out the curly blonde wigs and Thon will be on Saturday June 6th from country garb to try their impression of noon until 2 p.m. Teams of rockers get Dolly Parton. Cull says he’s still trying community sponsors and individual to figure out his, well, figure. pledges, then they take to the rocking “We’re going to call ourselves chairs for two hours straight. There’s Dolly’s Dazzling Dames, “ laughs lots of food, fun and entertainment Cull. “Initially we were thinking we’d throughout the afternoon. The event is be cows in keeping with the country a major fundraiser for programs at the theme, but then we thought country Glebe Centre. music and crinolines and skirts. We As usual around the Centre, thought, Dolly. Our group likes to have volunteers and staff are getting ready fun. We had a blast last year.” by painting murals, securing pledges The Rock-a-Thon will be held at and planning their costumes. the Bank Street entrance and parking lot What is not usual is the drop in of Abbotsford House, right across from corporate sponsorship. Lansdowne Park. The event will go on, This year, the Glebe Centre’s rain or shine. fundraiser, Karen Joynt says she’s Grab your cowboy boots and come getting a cooler reaction from local out and pledge your money to a good businesses. cause. Belly up to the (juice) bar for “The people I talk to are offering swig of some Booster Juice. Mingle less. This year they just don’t have extra with the community police officers, money around,” says Joynt. firemen and local politicians who will “Pledges for the Rock-a-Thon drop by to rock. make up about one third of the funds And of course sing along with raised,” she explains. “Companies that the Dollys and Elvis Presley who will usually provide different packages of definitely be outside the building. Dame Edna by the tree. Photo by Kenneth Watkins. By: Julie Ireton dancers. Tap your boots to the music of Dolly Parton and of course, Elvis. ustle up some steak and beans at It’s Rock-a-Thon time at the Glebe the saloon. Swagger over to the Centre and this year’s theme is Country RO-K Corral to watch the square and Western. Elvis (Shawn Barry) Photo by Mary Pal. sponsorship just don’t have as much money available for us this year.” Glebe Centre Rock-a-Thon will But this isn’t putting a damper on be on Saturday June 6th from noon to the excitement. Volunteers say they’re 2 pm. still going to do their part to bring in Rarely seen in public, these Gals money. are truly Diamonds in the Rough!!! “We’ll get pledges. We beg, borrow and steal – mainly from our families,” Due to public demand these says Joesph Cull. Dames will be attending The Glebe Cull teaches the fifty plus aerobics Center’s “Rock a Thon” being and strength training classes at held in the front parking lot of the Abbotsford House. Last year, Cull was Abbottsford Centre. one of the Rock-a-Thon attractions Fresh off the not sold out tour of himself. He dressed as Dame Edna for the “Grand Ole Opry”, these Gals the “Viva Las Vegas” theme. are ready to Rumble, maybe Square This year, there’s a wardrobe Dance, okay okay, Round Dance! change. Cull’s team of rockers is JUNE 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 27 WINDSOR REDUX B PART 4 Playgrounds – Dog And Humanoid For nearly eight years, from where the humanoids did not want to and pays scant attention to the quality it down. Long time residents of the February 2000 to August 2008, follow us – our own leafy club house of the adjoining play structure. If street recall that the big advantage OSCAR carried a monthly column, on the shadowy and aromatic fringes there’s things to climb up, and other of having it there was that the snow The Windsor Chronicles, written by of the park. Gone now. There goes things to slide down, so much the ploughs cleared Windsor Avenue first. Zoscha the Wonder Dog. Zoscha the neighbourhood. better. But a good pile of sand is all At the time, the neighbourhood rallied became something of a celebrity There’s fewer and fewer places that’s required. to keep the newly available space as in our neighbourhood, and her these days to bury a bone, find a lost What are they going to do with park, rather than open it to housing observations on the passing scene, ball, or leave a deposit to let the rest of the old wood and rubber-tire play development. from a canine perspective, attracted the gang know you’re hale and hearty. structure? I think fair is fair. They her share of loyal readers as well as She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed seems to should turn it over to us. Let us chew (2) Zoscha appears to be referring critics. approve, though. When she takes me on the tires. Let us chase balls down to the tendency for weed elms and for a walk at night, she’s much more the slide. Let us clamber up the steps Manitoba maples to grow densely OSCAR is reprinting some of at ease walking along the open space, and cross the swinging bridge. along chain link fences. See, Marcel Zoscha’s musings from nine years with the moonlight and the streetlight Leblanc, “Botany, Forestry, and a ago. The editors have annotated shining through where there were Why should just the aristocratic Place to Call Your Own,” Zoscha’s where we feel that today’s readers once dark shadows. dogs, like Star and Blanche and World; A Retrospective, Carleton may need to be informed of But, in this dog’s life, it’s one step Prance, have access to facilities University Press, March 2009. references that may no longer be forward and one step back – and hope for special dog games? Why not remembered by readers today, or you get a reward if you do it right. We something for us poor, deprived inner (3) As part of a province-wide where recent scholarship has shed have won some valuable territory near city dogs. (All right, I know I’ve been effort to remove potential dangers, further light on the world described the street, but we’re losing ground in out to the cottage, but that’s another the old wooden play structures, with in the Windsor Chronicles. the play area. New play structures. point entirely.) I say we move in, their rope bridges, were replaced that New limits. take over the wooden play structure, summer with new plastic structures, June 2000 During the summer months, my and make it our own. If enough of us with steel bridges. Studies no doubt Alpha gets much more fussy about the pooled our strength, maybe we could exist somewhere demonstrating Dear Boomer, limits. He won’t let me go near the drag it over to the new field.(4) whether the changes resulted in fewer kids’ structures or go say hello to the Today, the wooden play structure. child accidents. Lump and his friends when they play Tomorrow the park! his has been the best summer on the swings. This is hard enough (4) It has not been ascertained ever -- although the humanoids to take without the playground Yours in the struggle, whatever became of the old wooden just don’t seem to appreciate it. expanding its territory this summer. Zoscha play structure at Windsor Park T What was once a no man’s land, where playground. It has likely been Cool mornings. Rainy afternoons. both the kong and baseball could fly deposited in some landfill for the gulls Lots of mud to splash in. And on (1) The municipal lot at the end of free and equal, has been turned over to to enjoy. top of it all, new space, and constant Windsor Avenue was not often used in the swings. Swings say they have no activity. the years prior to the decision to tear My Alpha took the Lump and territorial ambitions in Poland or the me to watch the crews tear down the baseball field, but I don’t trust them. old link fence of the municipal lot. We managed to push them back into (1) A few days later, we watched the the corner between the trees and backhoe tear down the house and dig the tennis court, but I know they’re up the parking lot. Then another crew greedy for more space. came to cut away the scrub, while a And in the meantime, the Lump tractor flattened the earth. A few days has a whole new, bright yellow, later, new trees. It was wonderful. plastic play structure to clamber Today, you’d hardly know that there over, although it doesn’t seem to had once been a city facility. matter much. The Lump is growing I’m going to miss the scrub, into a sensible humanoid. He seems however.(2) It was always a place happiest when there’s just a pile of sand to build up and scrunch down, To book an OSCAR ad call Gayle 730-1058 [email protected] th Page 28 The OSCAR - OUR 37 YEAR JUNE 2009 WESTBORO ACADEMY On the Go at Westboro On ne chôme pas à l’Académie Westboro! mentions in the junior physical and mathematical sciences division, while Abigail Chan won the National Police services RCMP $ 50.00 prize and the Weizeman $25.00 prize. Everyone enjoyed their day and went home satisfied. The Math Olympics took place on Saturday April 25 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at St.Mathew’s Catholic High School. The math olympians, Tara Blondin, Charlotte Gomery-Scromeda, Adam Harding, and Kristopher Samant spent their day competing in numerous athematical exercises of differing difficulty levels. At the end of the day, prizes were announced. Westboro’s team achieved thirtieth place out of fifty teams, a respectable level as it was the school’s first time at Grades 5 and 6 the competition. Next year, Westboro Academy plans on running a math club By Alexandra Allan and were all successful, and we received bilingue ont eu beaucoup de succès from September onward to prepare students for the 2010 Math Olympics. Charlotte Gomery- numerous awards. et ont reçu plusieurs prix. Le premier Au mois d’avril, les élèves de événement, la Foire des sciences, a eu Trois semaines plus tard, le 25 Scromeda l’Académie Wesboro ont été très lieu le 4 avril, à l’Université Carleton. avril, c’était au tour des Olympiades occupés avec trois grands projets: La compétition regroupait environ 600 de mathématiques à se tenir à l’école his month, Westboro Academy la Foire du patrimoine, la Foire élèves de la 7e à la 12e année. catholique St-Mattew. Les participants has been busy with three major des sciences et les Olympiades de The first event, The Science Tara Blondin, Charlotte Gomery- Tprojects: The Heritage Fair, mathématiques. Les participants en Fair, took place on April 4th at The Scromeda, Adam Harding et Kristopher The Science Fair, and, for the first provenance de cette école privée Raven’s nest at Carleton University. Samant ont passé leur journée à réaliser time ever, The Math Olympics. They Westboro’s representatives were différents exercices scientifiques avec Abigail Chan, Philip McCully, Gwyn des coefficients de difficulté variable. Jones, Louis Burelle, Tara Blondin, À la fin de la journée, lorsque les prix Julie Sproule, Alannah McBride, ont été annoncés, l’équipe de Westboro Kristopher Samant, Megan MacLeod, a finalement obtenu la trentième place and Alexandra Allan. They competed sur cinquante équipes. Il s’agit là d’un against around (600) other budding niveau respectable, compte tenu que scientists from grade 7 to grade 12. c’était la première fois que l’Académie Contestants arrived at Carleton at était inscrite à ce type de compétition. 9:00 AM, and headed straight for their L’an prochain, l’Académie Westboro projects, which had been set up the day compte bien mettre sur pied dès before. Their day consisted primarily septembre un club de mathématiques of answering judges’ questions as well afin de préparer les élèves aux as those posed by interested members Olympiades de mathématiques 2010. of the public. At the very end of The third and final event was the event, an awards ceremony was the Heritage Fair which took place held, that all students, teachers, and in the Grand Hall at the Museum of parents attended. Alexandra Allan and Civilization. Le Foire du Patrimoine, Louis Burelle both won honourable as it is also known, takes place entirely Grade 4 Boys JUNE 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 29 Kaleidoscope Kids’ Books Gifts for Grads t’s hard to believe, but it’s true Rogers gives us a new interpretation (grinning purple elephants, floating shares with them an afternoon of fun - another school year is rapidly of the lyrics. With images inspired by golden castles) and the bad (deep blue and a Zen story which gives the child Icoming to a close. If you have classic Dylan songs and pieces of his wells of confusion). new insights into the world and their a graduation to celebrate consider life, this is a bold and touching tribute relationships with each other. This giving an enduring or soon-to-be to an anthem whose message will The Stonecutter by Jon J Muth book, with its lovely watercolour timeless classic to mark this important always stay forever young. (author and illustrator of The Three illustrations and life lessons, will last milestone. Questions and Stone Soup) – This a lifetime. Peep – a Little Book About Taking a adaptation of a Chinese folktale begins The North Star by Peter H Reynolds Leap by Maria Van Lieshout – Peep with a man’s dissatisfaction with his Yay, You! Moving Out, Moving Up, (author of The Dot and Ish) – It is is out for a walk with his mother and life. Weary of being a stonecutter, Moving On by Sandra Boynton – often said that life is a journey, and sisters. When they hop off a steep he becomes many things in his quest When her son was about to graduate it’s true. But sometimes it’s hard to curb, Peep freezes. It’s too high! He for authority, each time finding that from high school Sandra Boynton know which path to follow when just can’t do it! Will Peep overcome greater power lies elsewhere. Rooted created this celebratory book full of signs point in so many directions. In his fear and take a leap? This gentle in Taoist principles, The Stonecutter her trademark style of fun rhymes this beautifully illustrated book, Peter tale is perfect for anyone facing a is a story about the nature of power and animal illustrations. Behind all H. Reynolds once again encourages challenge big or small. and the value of accepting who you the goofy faces and simple rhymes readers to observe, to wonder, and are. is a very real, very sweet sentiment to consider diverging from the well- Oh the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss of pride and support that any loving worn path — to pursue their dreams. – All journeys face perils, whether Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth – This friend or family member will be glad from indecision, from loneliness, or beautiful picture book introduces to share with that special successful Forever Young by Bob Dylan – Since worst of all, from too much waiting. children to a Zen approach to person, young or old. For anyone it first appeared on the 1974 album Seuss’ familiar pajama-clad hero is the world. One rainy afternoon, facing change this book offers insight, Planet Waves, “Forever Young” has up to the challenge, and his odyssey Stillwater, the giant panda, appears inspiration and wisdom - and the been one of Bob Dylan’s most beloved is captured vividly in busy two-page in the backyard of three siblings. occasional hippo. songs. Now award-winning artist Paul spreads evoking both the good times As each sibling visits Stillwater he WESTBORO ACADEMY Cont’d in French and gives students a chance Nationals! Overall the day was fun and nationale où elle représentera l’Ontario Mais d’ici là nous prendrons une pause to demonstrate and learn about their educational. grâce à son travail sur Louis Riel. Dans bien méritée! Canadian heritage. Every year, students Le troisième et dernier événement l’ensemble, la journée a été amusante These three events are greatly from grades 4 - 8 are required to create a été la Foire du patrimoine au Musée et éducative. enjoyed by the students and will be a project highlighting a significant des civilisations à Gatineau. Cette Ces trois événements, grandement remembered by all! They have been person, place or event in Canada’s foire, comme on le sait, se déroule appréciés par les étudiants de Westboro, very rewarding experiences and resteront gravés dans la mémoire de though we can’t wait to do them all tous! Ils ont été très enrichissants au over again next year, we will be taking plan de l’expérience acquise. Il ne a well-deserved break earned from reste plus qu’à attendre une prochaine being on the go! année scolaire afin de faire mieux. Grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 history. The projects are judged at the entièrement en français et donne la school and the finalists receive the chance aux élèves d’échanger leurs opportunity to attend the regional fair. connaissances sur le patrimoine This year the finalists were Samuel canadien grâce à l’exposition de Fam, Nicholas Lucas, Nate Alexander, divers travaux portant sur des sujets and Jordan Ajaj, from grade four, variés. C’est ainsi que chaque année, Samantha Burelle, Sophia Lee, Mark les élèves de la 4e à la 8e année Harding, and Yousef Choudri from réalisent un projet concernant une grade five, Emily Mai, Nina Acharya, personnalité, un lieu ou un événement Clothilde Richard-Gaudet and Julia reflétant l’histoire du Canada. Ils sont Nesbitt from grade six, Alexandra Allan d’abord jugés à l’école et les finalistes and Quinn Slater from grade seven and accèdent alors à la foire régionale. Adam Harding from grade eight. Aside Outre la présentation de leurs from presenting their heritage projects, projets à saveur patrimoniale, les élèves they attended numerous workshops. ont également assisté à de nombreux When the day was over the prizes were ateliers. À la fin de la journée, announced. Sophia Lee and Samuel lorsque les prix ont été annoncés, Fam both won Student-Choice awards. Sophia Lee et Samuel Fam en ont Samantha Burelle won the grand prize, reçu chacun un alors que Samantha a spot in the National Competition Burelle se voyait remis le grand prix for her Louis Riel project. She will de la Foire du patrimoine signifiant represent all of Ontario in June at the ainsi sa participation à la compétition Page 30 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR JUNE 2009 OCCSB TRUSTEE REPORT “PUTTING STUDENTS FIRST” Kathy Ablett, R.N. time 9:15-3:45 (current 9:05-3:35); combined routing will proceed for the 1. $2,000,000 allocated to debt Trustee Zone 9 Corpus Christi, new bell time 9:10- start of the 2009-2010 school year. reduction; and 2. $500,000 committed 3:40 (current 9:05-3:35). (NOTE: Also on April 28, the Board to ongoing maintenance costs for the Capital/River Wards The Ottawa-Carleton District School approved bell time changes for six Catholic Education Centre. Telephone: 526-9512 Board also approved changes to bell Barrhaven area schools. The public time affecting the schools above.) board (OCDSB) deferred is decision Report on Gifted Programming his month sees students busy Additionally, the Board approved regarding possible changes to the The Special Education and Student preparing for EQAO testing at the following changes in bell time corresponding Public school bell times Services department staff shared the TGrades 3, 6 and 9 levels. As for the Barrhaven area: St. Joseph, to January 2010 for implementation current model of delivery of programs well, high school students are facing new bell time 8:00-2:10 (current of changes in September 2010. This and services for those students exams. Good luck to all of you! 8:15-2:25); Mother Teresa, new bell will allow for further analysis and identified with the Exceptionality News from the School Board time 8:40-2:50 (current 8:55-3:05); consultation. of giftedness. The Board’s overall includes Budget, Transportation and St. Patrick Elementary, new bell In light of this development, it has philosophy for special education is Gifted Programming. Highlights time 8:30-3:00 (current 8:40-3:10); been determined that there would be one of inclusion. Based on research are explained in detail below. St. Andrew, new bell time 9:10-3:40 little benefit in proceeding unilaterally and literature review, gifted students’ Budget discussions are ongoing and (current 9:00-3:30); St. Emily, new with the approved Catholic school bell needs are best served by attending approval of a balanced budget is bell time 9:10-3:40 (current 9:00 time changes for September 2009. regular classes with differentiated expected in June 2009. The Ottawa -3:30); Monsignor Paul Baxter, new Administration will continue to instruction and groupings in and out Catholic School Board saw a 1% bell time 9:10-3:40 (current 9:00- work closely with OSTA and OCDSB of the classroom. reduction in its Transportation Budget 3:30). to implement the Ottawa Catholic Aims and objectives of the (approximately $250,000). (NOTE: The Ottawa-Carleton School Board directive for bell time gifted program include:• Providing District School Board deferred changes in the six Barrhaven area differentiatedlearning; Changes to Delivery of its decision to January 2010 on schools, effective September 2010. • Encouraging students to Transportation Services the Barrhaven schools only with function with competence, integrity On January 13, the Ottawa possible changes for September 2010. 2009-2010 Budget – Additional and joy as active, independent, Catholic School Board received and Consequently, the changes in bell Expenditures creative and productive individuals; approved the report presented by time for the Ottawa Catholic School The Finance Department and • Providing ongoing support to the Ottawa Student Transportation Board may be subject to review before reviewed the projected year-end classroom teachers in meeting the Authority (OSTA) Working Group implementation). budgetary position taking into account needs of gifted students. regarding transportation efficiency Complete information is significant developments and/or new With the support of the Board of opportunities for the 2009-2010 available on the Board website at information. Staff is now projecting Trustees, the department has been able school year. OSTA then conducted heep://www.ottawacatholicschools. a budgetary surplus of approximately to increase system programming for several consultations with school ca/media.php?mid=41179 or at $2.1 million for the 2008-2009 fiscal the gifted with the addition of a third communities from both the Catholic the website of the Ottawa Student year that ends August 31, 2009. site for the Junior Program for Gifted and public school boards. On April 28, Transportation Authority at http:// The Board approved several Learners, as well as the creation of an OSTA presented, individually to each www.ottawaschoolbus.ca/. one-time additional expenditures itinerant resource teacher position at school board, its recommendations to to address system needs and the intermediate and secondary level. improve transportation efficiency. Transportation Services: requirements. The Board allocated The Ottawa Catholic School Board Implementation of Changes one million dollars with an emphasis As summer fast approaches …I approved the strategy of combination On April 28, the Board approved on textbooks and literacy materials would like to take this opportunity routing and tiered routing. Changes bell time changes for Bayshore as well as “children support” and to wish each of you a safe and in bell time to improve school Catholic. Corpus Christi, Pope John small/declining enrolment elementary restful summer. Best wishes to transportation efficiencies were also XXIII, St. Augustine, St. Elizabeth schools. Also, these funds will those students who head off to post approved for the following schools: and St. Philip Schools. Corresponding be used with a focus on computer secondary education and the working St. Elizabeth, new bell time 8:10 public school bell time changes were technology to directly and indirectly community. I wish you all every – 2:40 (current 8:15 -2:45); St. Philip, approved by the Ottawa-Carleton support teachers and student learning success! new bell time 9:20 – 3:50 (current District School board (OCDSB) in the classroom. 9:15-3:45); St. Augustine, new bell on April 28. Plans for tiered and As of March 31, 2009, the Board If, at any time, I can be of has an uncommitted balance in the assistance to you please do not Reserve for Working Funds of $9.3 hesitate to call me at 526-9512. million. This represents 2.5% of the Sincerely, total operating budget for 2008-2009. Kathy Ablett The Board approved that any excess “Your Trustee” of revenues over expenditures for the year ended August 31, 2009 be transferred to the Board’s Reserve for Working Funds and also approved: To book an OSCAR ad call Gayle 730-1058 [email protected] JUNE 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 31 OCDSB TRUSTEE REPORT Budget Update - Buckle Your Seatbelts! By Rob Campbell briefly last column, is both teaching to back amending the budget to put If you have a and non-teaching labour costs, in the real cuts to textbooks funding, suggestion or a he staff’s recommended budget which are more or less unique to the computer purchases and staff concern, or would like to be added for next year of $706m would OCDSB in terms of cost structure training, which have been directly to my e-newsletter list, then please be financed by: (a) $696.5m in and which largely date back to before passed to us by the government. contact me via [email protected] or T the Province took over funding. With (NB: I likely will not directly myself at 323-7803. Meeting and document normal Provincial funding and other revenue generation, (b) $2.5m in new the Province now heavily involved move these changes being Budget info available at www.ocdsb.ca Provincial money for new staff - we’d in collective agreements as well, and Chair again this year). I would not use instead to keep staff, (c) $1.5m in with these now set Province wide the be willing to touch ESL spending, cuts mainly to administration, and (d) next few years, addressing these cost school office staff numbers (they are by draining all available reserves - structures is not something the Board overstressed with demands as it is) about $5m. These reserves come from can deal with by itself. or bullying prevention this budget some incidental year end surpluses the The government has indicated that round. Making these changes would last two years but mostly from about it is moving to a permanent reduction preserve about $1.5m in reserves $4.5m in back-funding the Province in textbooks funding for all School for next year against emergent need did agree should have been provided Boards, and two year’s of reductions as we transition perhaps to changed previous years. to both computer purchases and services. Making these small cuts Some really good news is that our staff training funding. This is belt- will not solve our over all financial student population is growing again. tightening driven by the economy and situation but certainly would at least Indeed our projections have had to be also by government priorities. When I help buffer changes multi-year, make rewritten a couple of times now the check the proposed budgets for other for somewhat less dire cuts next last year or so. We now anticipate Boards across the Province it is clear year and would make more manifest 1,000 more students next year (mostly most will be passing through some or also the looming seriousness of our Elementary) and continued growth all of these cuts. situation to all parties sooner. for at least 3-4 years after that. This Our staff’s proposed use of our Board staff anticipate a need to growth in student numbers attracts $5m in reserves would hold off any essentially move to all-year budgeting a lot of funding, as so much of it is cuts to textbooks spending for one next year with budget meetings student head-based, and this really year and would avoid funding cuts to starting in the early Fall. There will helps our budgets. And good thing computer purchases and staff training be widespread consultation with as, boy, do we need it. - for a total of about $1.5m of the $5m. communities and stakeholders about In spite of this good news, our The rest of the $5m would go to prop what people are willing to see changed deficit for next year, based on a steady up English as a Second Language or reduced so that we can deal with state projection, still is $9m (dealt supports by $1m for a year, school the larger looming shortfalls which with by all of ‘b’, ‘c’ and ‘d’ above). office staff numbers by $1.3m and apparently will be coming to us in the If the current proposed budget is Safe and Caring Schools (bullying years ahead if both imposed structural accepted as is however, then the prevention) by $1m. An upshot of costs and Ministry funding remain as deficit for the year after will be on course is that this will make dealing flagged by the government. Service the order of $14m and $21m the year with the year afterwards that much changes may be required in coming after that. Either we need to assume harder as these reserves will then be years in order to meet the funding important new government money for gone and the financial gap will only gaps we see rushing towards us the next budget year or we will have have expanded further. therefore. I hope that you all will stay to make significant cuts for that year I will be plain. Under the tuned, will engage in this dialogue or both. circumstances, with us beginning and make sure that your views on all The main root of the budget now to accelerate quickly down an of this get known. problem for the OCDSB, discussed ugly financial hill, I am very tempted Page 32 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR JUNE 2009 Outliers: The Story of Success Outliers: The Story of advantages are mostly arbitrary. another example. Gladwell states that encourage certain skills or social Success For example, the hockey players in it takes 10,000 hours of practice to interactions or communicate in a way Canada born closest to the cut-off date become expert in a discipline. which makes it easier or harder for Malcolm Gladwell for age-class hockey. This happens to Some were born in an age where those from that particular culture to Little, Brown and be January 1st. Those children born there is an opportunity that will never succeed. Company closest to January 1st every year and come again, such as those who became Some are advantages we would Nov 18 2008 who wish to play hockey are more entrepreneurs in the early years of the never think of as an advantage. For mature than those born later in the United States. They were all born in example, Gladwell shows that the ISBN: 978-0316017923 year. They are therefore more likely the early part of the 1830s. Another Chinese language, as well as other to be taller and more co-ordinated. good time to be born was in the early asian languages, is more logical in its They are judged to be more able and 1950s as it put you in the running structure than the English language are as a result selected to be given to take advantage of the computer when it comes to numbers. As a additional training by the minor revolution when it came along and result, the basic math skills of learning hockey organizations. As a result, you were of an age to be able to get in numbers and adding is easier to learn they become more proficient hockey on the ground floor. in these languages. The culture that players and are more likely to play in If you were Jewish in New York arose from wet rice planting relied the NHL as adults. City and born in the early 1930s on more difficult, precise labour with Children who are born at the you had the advantage of being born no seasonal cycle than the European beginning of the year have an between two baby booms which style of agriculture. Those who are advantage in our educational system meant you had more attention in born into cultures used to working over the younger children in their better public schools built for a larger long hours are more likely to apply grade in the earlier years. We assume generation. If you became a lawyer, themselves to understand difficult this advantage evens out over time you were able to practice in the areas concepts. but where selection, streaming and the established firms did not - mergers Gladwell states that the long differentiation occurs, as in hockey and acquisitions - which meant you summer break in our school system By Anna Sundin and many other sports, Gladwell were at the top of your game when this arises from the assumption of the shows this is not the case. The became the rage in the 1970s. Being Europeans who instituted the public e live in a culture that difference usually increases over time Jewish you likely came from a family school system and were used to the assumes that success due to the extra attention given to which nurtured the skills required to European style of agriculture. He is a personal struggle those who are judged “more able” at succeed in an urban capitalist society. concludes that the long summer W an early age. It’s all due to an accident Those born with the advantage of break works to the disadvantage of of an individual over his or her circumstances, that some people are of birth. class have parents that are more likely those children who are not born into just better than the rest of us and Other individuals are given an to teach them the social skills required families that will ensure they continue that they have an innate talent, skill opportunity to apply themselves to a to succeed, although they are no more to learn over the summer break. or intelligence which leads them to discipline at an early age. Those who talented or intelligent than anyone Success is a result of the achieve success in society. Malcolm take advantage of this opportunity else. Without the ability to fit into a collective effort of a community and Gladwell’s book challenges this when it is presented to them are more society, even those with high innate the luck of an individual born into that assumption. likely to succeed as they spend more intelligence as measured by IQ tests community. Most of those who are time at their chosen discipline than usually do not succeed. successful are successful because those who do not reach the top of the The last factor that Gladwell of circumstances that gave them an discipline. This is often the case with shows has an impact on the ability to advantage over their peers. These musical ability. Computer experts are succeed is culture. Different cultures Guidance, Protection and Peace of Mind. Anna E. Sundin, Barrister & Solicitor GEnErAl PrActicE includinG: Family Law, Wills, Real Estate, Incorporations, Litigation and Collaborative Family Law – A Cooperative and Dignified Approach to Separation and Divorce.– Sundin-OSCAR-Ad-2006.indd 1 7/27/06 11:15:35 AM JUNE 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 33 M.P.P. OTTAWA CENTRE A Renewed Focus on Success By Yasir Naqvi, We have also introduced various places throughout our city. 613-722-6414 or ynaqvi.mpp.co@ MPP Ottawa Centre student success programs with credit As always, do not hesitate to liberal.ola.org if I can be of any counsellors in our schools to work contact me at my community office at assistance to you. raduation season in our with students who may be struggling. community is an opportunity These specialized teachers work for us to celebrate the with students individually to develop G learning plans and teach them the achievements of our youth and to highlight the accomplishments of skills they need to succeed. We believe tomorrow’s leaders. However, it is that when people make a mistake, also a time to remember that some they should be given a chance to learn children in our classes continue to from their mistakes and do better next struggle, and the education system time - this is how we all grow. So to must continue to evolve to meet these accomplish this, we have put in place diverse needs. programs to help students learn from That is why the Minister of their mistakes, while also reinforcing Education, Kathleen Wynne, with them that there are consequences recently proposed amendments to for their actions. And I assure you that the Education Act that would make all students in our education system student achievement the number one earn their credits; student grades are priority for all school boards. based on expectations set out in the Did you know that the current Ontario Curriculum that are closely Education Act outlines a long list of followed. requirements and responsibilities We are committed to making (everything from putting up fences to sure that our kids are given the best buying milk), yet improving student possible start at life, and this shows in achievement is never mentioned? The our continual rise in graduation rates number one priority for our families over the last six years. Since 2003, is seeing our children succeed, yet the we have increased the number of Act that governs their education does high school students graduating from not talk about it. We thought this was Ontario schools by nine percentage wrong, and that is why we are taking points to 77 per cent - that’s 13,500 steps to fix it. more students graduating every year The recently proposed Student and 36,000 more graduates since Achievement and School Board 2003. With a goal of achieving an 85 Governance Act would clarify what per cent graduation rate, I know we is expected from school boards, are well on our way to success! trustees, board chairs and directors of I look forward to this time of education and refocus our priorities to year because I enjoy participating in student achievement. The legislation the celebration of our youth. I am an would amend the Education Act to avid learner and a big proponent of make it clear that the number one the importance of education and life- priority for local school boards is to long learning. Not only is it important increase student achievement. for our youth to gain knowledge This legislation is part of our and experience, but for all of us to plan to improve education for every continue to learn new ideas and skills. student. Over the last few years, we I am excited to participate in have made important changes to the graduation ceremonies throughout education system in order to give our community, and I look forward our students the opportunity to learn to sharing those special moments of in a variety of ways. We understand success with you and your family. that not every child will learn best I want to wish all of our students in a classroom, and that is why we and families a safe and happy summer introduced pre-apprenticeship and break. I hope you take the chance to co-operative programs that allow continue your learning throughout the students to earn credits while gaining summer by enjoying some of the fun valuable work skills. and interesting events, museums and To book an OSCAR ad call Gayle 730-1058 [email protected] Page 34 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR JUNE 2009 Local Veterinarian - Dr. Emily Black Spring Has Sprung By Emily Black companion, but your experience no furnishings below four feet in her with your old pet was so good you house, we have pumped his stomach pring is the season of rebirth, never know if the new pet will meet twice and we have had many a tearful we all love the first crocuses expectations. Add to that the trauma and very tired conversation about and snowdrops, the fresh grass that their breeder has retired after “options”… the thing is she had never S 20 years in the business or that their had a puppy …. Her parents had and Irish Terrier and still no one is sure and the return of the birds from their southern clime, but for me, the spring initial pet selection was a crap shoot, she didn’t really understand what that if he knew it was a different dog brings a particular joy. It is that time at the humane society or via donation, would mean, she was no longer one or not. Come to think of it I had a of year when owners who have lost and the chances of recreating the of three potential caregivers, she was friend who told me of his 17 year old their friends in the cold dark winter, exact same experience seem less and used to an elderly dog she borrowed, German Shepherd he grew up with comeback, regroup and venture into less likely. although she would never trade him who would seem to get old and then the world of pet ownership once again. But there is the key, it won’t be the in, she could have benefited from self would spring back into action… turns Trepidations about their new pets and exact same experience, you as a pet reflective hindsight… and heading the out his mother replaced this dog three misgivings as to whether or not they owner are not the same, you lifestyle advice of her veterinarian. times without telling the kids. will attain that same relationship they has changed over the past 10 to 14 Her parents on the other hand “You know we’ve never had a had with their previous pet, and then years with your previous animal and made a very wise decision; they boy” one of my favorites who lost her the joy of the realization that they are it’s important to realize this. I think of adopted an abandoned little girl, two elderly Burmese within a week of bonding… that it isn’t the same but it’s a friend of mine, just breaking out on already three, house trained and quiet. each other was telling me of her new just as good, in that same way. This is her own as a single woman, climbing And although “she isn’t as bright, she kittens “He just came up and said, the bit everyone imagines I love about the ladder at work, busy in life and is sweet in ways she couldn’t even look at me, I am so beautiful, you must my job… and they are right! love. She had lost her 14 year old fathom”. And there in lies the key… have me, and she was so cute and had Getting a new puppy or kitten Jack Russell terrier and decided that your new pet may not share all those just enough of Tusc round the eyes… when you have lost your old friend now was the time for her to get her characteristics that you loved about you know, you know what I mean?” is in a way easier but also in a way new puppy… a terrier puppy…. And your old friend, but they will bring and I did. There are things you know much scarier than it is for first time pet this was against the best advice of her with them new features you will soon you love and there are things you owners. At this stage of the game, you best friends… both veterinarians… learn to adore. learn to love and there are things you know what you like. You know the don’t get a puppy!! Well, we are And let’s not forget our fearless just can’t help but love. size and shape and temperament and now three years into the thing and leader Mackenzie King, who had his oftentimes the breed of your preferred it’s starting to calm down, she has dog Pat… seven times…. He was a www.freecycle.org To book an OSCAR ad Changing the world call Gayle 730-1058 free & open to all [email protected] 24 hours a day, 365 days a year Canada’s Major Crime Writing Awards Come to Ottawa By Sue Pike Also on the shortlist for best novel are Linwood Barclay, Maureen Jennings, James W. Nichol and rime Writers of Canada is bringing the Arthur Michael E. Rose. Nadine Doolittle is in the running CEllis Awards to Ottawa this June for the first time for Best First Novel for Iced Under, a novel set in the in its 26 year history. The awards, named for the nom woods around Wakefield, Quebec. de travail of Canada’s official hangman, recognize Kris Wood is nominated for her story in Going the best in Canadian mystery and crime writing and out with a Bang, the latest anthology of short mystery will be presented at a gala dinner at the National Arts stories from Ottawa’s notorious Ladies’ Killing Circle. Centre on Thursday evening, June 4. The Arthur Ellis Awards Banquet Among those nominated for best novel are Louise Fountain Room, National Arts Centre, Ottawa Penny, whose first book, Still Life, won the U.K. Thursday, June 4 6:30 reception, 7:30 dinner Dagger, the Arthur Ellis and the American Anthony, Tickets: $75 each Barry and Dilys awards. Her second book, Dead For more information or to order tickets for Cold, won the Agatha Award. She is the first Canadian the Arthur Ellis Awards dinner, contact Sue Pike at to ever win this coveted award. The Murder Stone, [email protected], or telephone 613-730-0715 her latest novel was several weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. JUNE 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 35 CARLETON CORNER By Maria McClintock life. Students from eastern Ontario and and former publisher of the Edmonton Leadership Management International western Quebec got a chance to attend Journal; and Craig Oliver, CTV chief and the Productive Leadership Institute. xams may be over and the mini-courses in science, engineering, political correspondent. The awards Dr. Runte took part in a discussion with academic year finished, but May business, arts and social sciences and are named for the late Arthur Kroeger, Carleton alumni and friends about how was a busy and exciting month public affairs. Carleton’s former chancellor and a to make the university a more dynamic E Another highlight of the month well-respected federal public servant. and creative force both in Canada and at Carleton University. The month was spent putting the took place May 7 at the Château Kroeger died in May 2008. around the world. final touches on preparations for the Laurier, when the Kroeger College The world premier of the movie, In June, Carleton’s spring Congress of the Humanities and Social of Public Affairs hosted its 9th Angels & Demons, directed by Ron Convocation takes place June 9 to Sciences, which took place from May annual awards ceremony. The night Howard and based on the bestselling 12. On this memorable occasion, 23 to 31. During those nine days, featured keynote speaker Christopher novel by Dan Brown, was the focus of the university will celebrate the Carleton proudly hosted the largest Alexander, who serves as a UN Deputy a lecture by Carleton graduate student accomplishments of its graduating multidisciplinary academic gathering Special Representative for Afghanistan Louise Heelan. The movie’s plot students. More information on dates in North America, which included more and is Canada’s former ambassador revolves around a canister of antimatter and times for convocation ceremonies than 8,000 scholars from all over the to Afghanistan. The 2009 winners “a thousand times more powerful can be found at http://www.carleton.ca/ continent. Known as the “intellectual included the Hon. Louise Arbour, than nuclear energy” stolen from the convocation/. Olympics,” Congress 2009 also former UN High Commissioner for international particle physics research Carleton Corner is written by featured authors, artists, researchers Human Rights, a former Supreme Court facility called CERN with the intent Carleton University’s Department of and students in the humanities and justice, and former Chief Prosecutor of to destroy the Vatican. Heelan has a University Communications. As your social sciences. the International Criminal Tribunals for special connection to CERN, located in community university, Carleton hosts May kicked off with more than Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, and Switzerland, because she is a member many exciting events of interest to 1,000 students from Grades 8 to 12 Pita Aatami, president of the Makivik of the Carleton team working on the Ottawa South. For more information converging on Carleton’s campus to Corporation. Among the winners were ATLAS experiment there. about upcoming events, please go to take part in the Enrichment Mini- the Ecology Action Centre; the ZENN Carleton President Roseann carleton.ca/events. Course Program. This program gives Motor Company; Linda Hughes, who O’Reilly Runte attended a leadership young students a taste of university is University of Alberta chancellor luncheon in Toronto sponsored by Page 36 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR JUNE 2009 SURROUND CIRCLE YOGA Practice With Everything: Finding Your Edge ~ And Then Learning To Go Beyond It By Maureen Fallis, Surround Circle Yoga fter coming to the studio twice-a-week for the past few months, a student came up to Ame after class one day. With a very serious look on her face, she asked, “Can you tell me how I am doing in my practice?” Pausing, letting the question sink in, I asked her, “Are you practicing yoga?” Perhaps a little taken aback by my remark, she replied, “Well, my body is definitely more flexible now than when I first started.” My response was, “If you really want to know how you’re doing in your practice, just look at your reactions over the last few days – have you been more flexible in your daily life? Being able to feel, to observe, and be present with all of your sensations, as well as focusing your mind on your body and your breath as you practice your postures, is what will distinguish whether you are practicing yoga or not.” She went away Yoga Retreat at Sam Jake’s Inn. Photo by Brian Ure pondering… “Hmmm, I’ll have to think about that for a bit.” your children, your parents, and the people at work? heavy decision - to stay, to leave, to change jobs, to Absolutely, it is important to dedicate time to a How much resentment do you still hold on to? Do whatever it may be. Can you enter the heart of your regular yoga practice, to have a developing ability the same people over and over again trigger anger, experience and reside in the physical experience of to see thoughts clearly, and to reside in your bodily contempt, or judgment in you? To what extent can confusion? Are you able to go to your edge and experience. But having deep experiences on your you say, “I’m sorry,” and really mean it? When a work directly with where you are stuck? yoga mat in class or on your meditation cushion is problem arises, can you say yes to ‘practicing’ with The real measure of practice is whether, little not enough. If we want to know how we’re doing it, even when you hate how it makes you feel? And by little, we can find our edge, that place where in our practice, we have to examine our life. Unless when you hear a critical comment, are you willing we’re closed down in fear, and allow ourselves to we begin to connect it with the rest of our life, our to work with your reactions when they arise, instead experience it and learn to go beyond it. This takes practice – however, strong, calm, or enjoyable – of justifying them? courage, but courage isn’t about becoming fearless. ultimately will not be satisfying. The answers to questions like these give us the Courage is the willingness to experience our fears. There is no substitute for practicing with measure of our practice. This measure is nothing And as we experience our fears, courage grows. the messy, unromantic, ordinary ups and downs magical or mysterious. Practicing yoga isn’t just Surround Circle Yoga ~ a community yoga of daily life. Without this genuine practice, we about landing a nifty Headstand or sitting with studio with a variety of classes and workshops to will never truly be satisfied never mind become neatly crossed legs on a cushion trying to feel calm; satisfy a wide and enthusiastic group of yogins on liberated. Understanding the connection between practicing yoga means to practice with everything. the path. To find out about private or group classes, practice and the rest of our life means addressing Let’s say you were caught in the mental snare please see website www.surroundcircleyoga.com or many different concerns. For instance, how are you of weighing and measuring the pros and cons of a call 613-730-6649. practicing in your relationships – with your spouse, Somewhere in France: Love Letters from the Trenches his is the remarkable and it was quickly apparent Laura canoe around Bear Island in the story of a romance which was charmed by the poignancy Temagami region. Tblossomed through the and wit of this twenty-three year Kevin Reeves, a resident of letters of Private Dave W. Reeves, old Canadian soldier. They talked Old Ottawa South, is the grandson and Laura May Dreany, of North about politics, conscription, the of Dave and Laura, and spent Bay, Ontario. women’s vote, movies (silent, of many years researching and In 1917, seventeen-year-old course) the latest ‘Fritz’ killing; writing ‘Somewhere in France.’ Laura was seeing her brother off they even exchanged photographs Eventually, he hopes to make a to war as the North Bay troop – whatever the censors would documentary on the subject for train was leaving for Halifax. Her allow. Finally, after nearly two television. mother found a small grey card years, they met for the first time Kevin will be signing copies of lying on the platform and gave it in North Bay - after Dave had the book at Britton’s in the Glebe to Laura. It read: ‘Any girl who been seriously wounded in action. (846 Bank Street) on Saturday, finds this please write to Private While convalescing at the military June 20 from 10:00 a.m. until Dave Reeves’ and included the hospital in Winnipeg, Dave knew noon. address in France where the 107th what his destiny must be. He Battalion was to be stationed. married Laura in 1923 and shortly The letter writing commenced, thereafter, honeymooned in a JUNE 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 37 Revera “Stepper” Walking Club Revera announces first annual The Revera Steppers is a self- have a family drop in on your behalf. Eastern Ontario & back through our summer walking club for all guided or virtual club. There is no You will receive a getting started step count. Ottawa Seniors getting together with a group. You do kit that includes a pedometer and You can walk as much or as little as not need to drive or get to a specific various educational and instructional you like. There will be a motivational evera Retirement invites local location. You simply walk around booklets kindly donated by Ottawa newsletter each month mailed to seniors to join our first annual your neighborhood or take one of our Public Health. you and in September a celebration “Steppers” walking program. self-guided walking routes. You’ll keep track of your banquet where all the Revera Steppers R To become a Revera Stepper steps (from the step counter on the will gather and celebrate with great Revera Retirement formerly Retirement Residence Group (RRG) you simply register at any of our pedometer) and monthly report the trophies and awards of excellence. is proud to be one of Canada’s largest 13 Revera Retirement Residences steps back to us. We will total all our For more information contact providers of retirement residences, across Ottawa including Colonel By steps and transfer them into mileage. Christine at 613-864-6026 or stop long term care homes and in-home Retirement Residence and Landmark The challenge is for Revera Steppers, in at your local Revera Retirement care for over 50 years. Court.- If you cannot get there call or as a group, to virtually walk across Residences – (Colonel By). COMPUTER TRICKS AND TIPS ♫♫♫ If You Knew Google, Like We Know Google ♫♫♫ By Malcolm and John just email your friends the URL that mileages using different routes. Don’t Visit www.compu-home.com and go Harding, of Compu-Home Picasa assigns to your album, and forget to set your home or office as the to Suggested Websites to see a list of they can view your masterpieces on default location, to start your search our favourite useful and interesting the web. They can even download the more efficiently. websites. t’s a safe bet that www.google. ones they can’t resist. One caution: Write to [email protected] ca is the browser home page for be sure to check off that you want We haven’t given you the URLs for or phone 613-731-5954 to discuss the huge majority of Canadian your album to be private – accessible these services; it’s far easier to just . . I only to people you invite – unless you . well, Google them. computer issues, or to ask questions Internet users. After all, who can be to be addressed in future columns. bothered to understand or memorize really do crave some international the URLs for the billions of web attention! Malcolm and John Harding are pages available to us? It’s far easier the owners of Compu-Home, to just enter the plain-language Preferences can be set in the Google specializing in assisting home and search terms into the box and then let search engine, for everything from small business computer users. Google do the work. Unfortunately, language for the Google pages, to the it’s another safe bet that most people nature of the searching suggestions have never taken the time to explore that Google will offer. the huge array of utilities and services that Google offers, over and above the Safe Search Filtering is an exception search engine. This issue, we look at to the things we admire about Google. just a few of our favourites: It’s a set of choices in Preferences, but we do not recommend relying on 1-800-GOOG-411 is one of Google’s the Safe Search Filter to keep young newest goodies. This is telephone researchers in safe areas; it is much directory assistance, for businesses too easy to circumvent it. Kid-friendly only, anywhere in North America, search services like Yahooligans.com and it’s totally free. (If you are are a safer (although not foolproof) calling from a cell phone it consumes choice. As a matter of fact, we know minutes but not long distance.) Just we’re swimming against the tide but call 1-800-466-4411 and say the city, we say that Google is probably not a province or state, and business name. good choice for children. Google will give you the telephone number and then dial it for you. Gmail is now available to everyone; you no longer have to wait for an Picasa has become our favourite invitation. It’s free, it’s web-based, website for storage and sharing of it comes with a calendar, it filters digital photographs. Have your friends spam quite effectively, and the ever given you grief for filling up their mailbox is over 5 Gigabytes! Need mailbox and jamming their Outlook we say more? with photos of the baby, wedding, vacation, etc.? A simple alternative is Google Maps keep us from getting to spend a few minutes downloading, lost as we rush to our clients. One installing and learning to use Picasa, feature that we like is the ability to which allows you to upload your ask for a route between addresses shots to a Google server. Next, you and then to be able to drag the route with our mouse, to show varying th Page 38 The OSCAR - OUR 37 YEAR JUNE 2009 Red Apron Cooks une is exciting because summers berries which are unfortunately only a bit of ice together for a wonderful bowl, whisk together the flour and the starts, school lets out and we start in season for a brief time. The rest of summer blender drink. Fresh mint eggs. Gradually add in the milk and Jto see local strawberries appear the year I will opt for frozen berries adds a bit of zing! water, stirring to combine. Add the at the markets, roadside stands, pick rather than the ‘fresh’ ones that have • Whip up some scones and top salt and butter; beat until smooth. In your own farms, and if you are lucky travelled from far away and don’t with fresh berries and whipping cream a Blender, put all the ingredients in enough, in your garden. taste fresh at all. However, this year for a tasty dessert! a blender and blend until smooth. I In his book Superfoods by I am committed to picking them fresh • Simmer blueberries with sugar find it best to let the batter sit fora Steven Pratt, the author discusses and freezing them for use all winter. and water for 10 minutes to make a few minutes (up to 20) before you the top fourteen nutritionally-dense However, you can also buy them from berry compote that is a wonderful start cooking. foods that halt the changes in the your local farmer at all of our local accompaniment for duck, chicken or Heat a lightly oiled griddle or body that can lead to certain cancers, Farmer’s Markets. fish. frying pan over medium high heat. diabetes, obesity and hypertension. Berries are great in sweet and My all time favourite way to If you think you will do this often, By focusing on “micronutrients” that savoury recipes. Here are some enjoy summer berries is for Sunday invest in a crepe pan – its well worth include carotenoids, antioxidants suggestions on how to enjoy this Brunch – wrapped in a Crepe, and it. Pour or scoop the batter onto the and phytonutrients, readers are season’s fresh Berry Bounty! topped with whipped cream, maple griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup encouraged to look beyond the world • I start each morning with fresh syrup and maybe even some chocolate for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a of carbs, fat and proteins and choose (or frozen) berries, plain organic sauce. Crepes are the easiest thing in circular motion so that the batter coats foods that work on a more beneficial yogurt (sweetened with honey or the world to make. I started using the surface evenly. scale. The author also encourages maple syrup), ground flax seed and Julia Child’s recipe from the Joy of Cook the crepe for about 2 us to eat less meat. He believes that Justine’s Granola (available at the Cooking. Over the years I started minutes, until the bottom is light a diet that relies more on vegetarian Farmer’s Market at Landsdowne experimenting with the recipe and brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn sources of nutrients leads to better under the Red Apron Tent or at the substituting buckwheat flour for white and cook the other side. You can health, and there is a lot of scientific Red Apron). There is no better way to flour to make a more traditional (and stack your crepes and keep them in evidence to back this up. Of the start your day! healthy) gallette. a warm oven until you are ready to Superfoods he praises, berries – • Top a bowl of berries with a serve. You can either wrap the crepe especially blueberries – are at the top dollop of light-whipped topping and Basic Crepe Recipe around the berries, or you can fold of the list! a sprinkling of chopped pecans or each crepe in half, then half again, and One cup of strawberries contains walnuts 1 cup all-purpose flour serve the berries and garnishes on top. over 100 mg of vitamin C, almost as • Add fresh blueberries or 2 eggs Mmmmm….. much as a cup of orange juice. Packed strawberries to summer greens and 1/2 cup milk If you want to get adventurous with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids, toss with a sweet vinaigrette, garnish 1/2 cup water you can follow the same process but Blueberries are high in potassium with some poppy or sesame seeds 1/4 teaspoon salt use the following ingredients: and vitamin C, making them the top • Blend frozen berries, bananas, 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1/4 (1/2 stick) cup butter choice of doctors and nutritionists. milk or yogurt into a smoothie, or if 3/4 cups buckwheat flour Not only can they lower your risk of you prefer a dairy free version, use DIRECTIONS 1/4 cup all purpose flour heart disease and cancer, they are also orange juice instead. I make my crepes in a blender but 1/2 teaspoon salt anti-inflammatory. • Blend fresh berries, your if you don’t have a blender you can 3 large eggs I prefer to eat only fresh, local favourite rum, some triple sec, and use a large mixing bowl. In a mixing 1-1/4 cups whole milk OSCAR – Your Community Newspaper By Mary Anne Thompson outlets. Editor OSCAR Even though people might not volunteer their time on organizations in the community, a community SCAR has been a community newspaper for newspaper gives them a sense of belonging, which over 37 years, created by and for the community mainstream media do not. of Old Ottawa South. A community newspaper, OSCAR, as a community newspaper, provides O an arena for community members to express their like OSCAR, fosters participation, creativity and diversity; it also encourages shopping locally. ideas to others. OSCAR is a tool for discussion and The fundamental purpose of a community newspaper engagement of ordinary citizens. Is this not the essence is to provide a forum for a community to know itself, of a democratic society? Are not media democracy and its people, its geography, its businesses, political issues, participation prerequisites to a civil society? OSCAR, joys and sadnesses, accomplishments, and tragedies – in then, as a community newspaper, is an important part short, all that happens in Old Ottawa South is of interest of civil society and civic participation. Since OSCAR to others in Old Ottawa South and provides interesting is independent of market-driven commercial and and diverse reading in OSCAR. mainstream media outlets, it can offer a fairly wide-open The consolidation of ownership of media outlets editorial policy that actively encourages community into fewer and fewer hands has resulted into a neglect participation. for reporting news that impacts and interests local I would like to thank all the contributors of articles communities. A community newspaper like OSCAR is and photos, the distributors, OSCAR staff, and the a remedy for this by providing a forum for community advertisers. Without all of these OSCAR would not be. members to inform themselves about their community, which is generally excluded from the bigger media JUNE 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 39 Best Kept Secret By Eileen Durand ld Ottawa South resident, Catherine O’Grady, stumbled across one of the city’s Obest-kept secrets the day she walked into the Ottawa Art Gallery’s Art Rental and Sales. There, she found a rich offering of art by the best established and emerging artists living within 200 kilometres of Ottawa. The friendly staff readily took her on a tour of the works hanging from floor- to-ceiling in the attractive gallery, just inside the front doors of the Arts Court building, at 2 Daly Street in Ottawa. Further paintings were drawn out of the accessible storage bins for her consideration. Ms. O’Grady, who is the Executive Director of the Ottawa Jazz Festival, was most impressed with the quality of the works which were on display and all selected through a jury process. She was also excited by the variety of styles and of subject matters, ranging from figurative pieces, to landscapes, still lifes and abstract works. A small but engaging collection of ceramics also caught her eye. Catherine never dreamed that she could hang an original work of art in her home for as little as $20 a month. The affordability matched with the quality of the art convinced her to leave the gallery with a painting in her possession. That was last autumn. Now, O’Grady has become a regular client desired. It’s a good way to discover our own tastes,” work has enriched the life of her family. “Renting of Art Rental and Sales, which is the premier source says O’Grady. Like many clients, Catherine and her art opens your mind and makes you look at things of art rental in Ottawa. She has found that the free children may fall so in love with a painting that they differently. It’s a brilliant opportunity and a secret and informed consultation service offered by the will not be able to let it go. If this happens, three to be discovered!” she says. gallery has facilitated her choices. months’ rental fee can be put towards the purchase “I think that it is a marvellous experience for of the work. The Art Rental and Sales Service of the Ottawa the whole family, including my children, who have For O’Grady, who is conscious of the current Art Gallery is located at 2 Daly Avenue, Arts Court since become more interested in art and now often trend to buy local, it’s important to support artists Building , Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6E2, Tel: 613- accompany me to the gallery to select our newest art from the Ottawa region. In doing so, she feels she’s 233-8865 Fax: 613-569-7660, Hours : Tuesday to piece. Everyone in the family likes the flexibility of making an important contribution to the vitality of Friday--- 11am to 5pm, Saturday ---12pm to 4pm the service, which enables us to change the works the local arts scene. hanging on our walls as often as every month, if All in all, O’Grady has found that renting art Tell OSCAR Readers about your travel or your interests. Send text and photos to [email protected] Councillor Doug Thompson, MPP Yasir Naqvi, Councillor Clive Doucet, Hon. Jim Watson and MP Paul Dewar at the opening of the Ottawa Farmers’ Market. Photo by Jackie Choquette Page 40 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR JUNE 2009 Year-Round Tax Planning With Child Care Expenses by Rick Sutherland, CLU, CFP, worth more than credits, but whether child care expenses. for the child and adoptive parents FDS, R.F.P you are talking about a deduction or In addition to direct child care and mandatory fees paid to a foreign credit they’re both worth money to you. expenses there are other expenses and institution. The maximum claim is $10, ow that you have filed your It is important to note that child care credits that can be claimed in order to 445 and the expenses may be divided 2008 tax return you may be expenses cannot be carried forward to reduce your taxes. Parents received a between the two adoptive parents as Nwondering if you took full future tax years. They must be deducted tax credit of $2,038 in 2008 for each long as the total is not in excess of the advantage of all your deductions and in the year that they are incurred. The child under the age of 18. Either parent maximum. credits to minimize your income taxes. only way to make a claim after the may utilize this claim however only one Raising children can be a huge Child care receipts are accumulated fact is to apply for a reassessment. It is parent may make the claim regardless expense. Some estimates are that it throughout the year and are often expected that the lower earning parent of the number of children. You may be costs about $100,000 to raise a child misplaced or forgotten when it’s time to must claim child care expenses. If able to transfer any unused portion to to age 18. Ensure you take advantage prepare your tax return. Nevertheless, it you have children between the ages of your spouse or common-law partner. of these tax saving tips to help relieve pays to keep these little slips of paper seven and sixteen you may deduct up Starting in the year 2007, the some of the financial costs. Keep all as they could be worth a significant tax to $4,000 per year in child care costs. If Government of Canada now allows receipts in a file and then your task of refund. your children are under seven then you a tax credit based on enrollment in an making the most of your tax credits and Tax relief can come in the form of tax are entitled to deduct up to $7,000 a eligible fitness program. The credit is deductions is much easier. deductions or tax credits. Depending on year. In the event your child is disabled available to all children under the age your taxable income, deductions can be you are entitled to $10,000 per year of of 16. The yearly maximum is $500 The foregoing is for general per child and the claim can be made by information purposes and is the either parent. The cost of public transit opinion of the writer. This information passes for children under the age of is not intended to provide personal Financial Divorce Specialist 19 can also be claimed by the parents. advice including, without limitation, Avoid costly mistakes with professional financial There is also no restriction on who investment, financial, legal, accounting assistance in the division of assets. can claim transit passes and the fitness or tax advice. Please call or write to Rick amount for children. Sutherland CLU, CFP, FDS, R.F.P., to Parents can claim adoption expenses discuss your particular circumstances relating to a completed adoption for a or suggest a topic for future articles Contact: Rick Sutherland, CLU, CFP, FDS, R.F.P. child under the age of 18 years. Eligible at 613-798-2421 or E-mail rick@ 1276 Wellington Street, Ottawa ON K1Y 3A7 adoption expenses include, fees paid to invested-interest.ca. Mutual Funds Phone: (613)798-2421 Email: [email protected] provincially licensed adoption agencies, provided through FundEX Investments legal, administrative and translation Inc. fees, reasonable travel and living costs Need Renovations? Custom Designed Additions and Major Renovations that respect the Craftsmanship and Architectural Former Capital Ward Councillor and Mayor Jim Watson was invited style of your older home. back to the annual Bellwood Street hockey game to drop the ceremonial 594-8888 first ball. Watson is now Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for the Province of Ontario. He is seen here with some of the neighborhood www.gordonmcgovern.com kids. Photo: Taylor Scollon JUNE 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 41 This is the end of our walk down, or is it up, Sunnyside on the North Side, having started at Bronson and followed it all the way to here, at Rideau River Drive. Our thanks to Tom Alfoldi for the idea and the photos. Join us next time as we walk up (or is it down?) Sunnyside on the South side. We will start from this point and end at Bronson. What street shall we walk together after that? Tasty Tidbits From Trillium Bakery Check Out Those Buns, Honey! Better Buns For Better Health By Jocelyn LeRoy products personally. And the guests choices. They put in bids to compete suffering from ills brought about by appreciated the better-quality food. with poutine and fast-food fare. After poor food?” Another declares, “It’s a art of my family just returned So there is hope out there! speaking with several college and corporate war for our very souls!” I’m from a trip to New Zealand. Meanwhile, we’re selling herds university directors of food services, getting a soapbox to put in the corner, They report that outside the of gingerbread moose and flocks of I felt somewhat heartened. There is beside the rocking horse. They’re P loons, too. The show for better family a movement afoot to bring fresh real right, you know. “Home Depot” type of stores, the hot-dog vendors serve up their fare living continued with only a little food into our educational institutions. on very thin slices of white bread. improvement. Nonetheless, it was Right alongside the trans-fatty and Simple, delicious healthy buns They’re selling only half the amount an honour to be chosen. At least we heart-stopping choices gobbled by Good flour (stone-ground, of carbs with their hot dogs – it seems tried. And they tried. addicted teenagers. unbleached if possible, white or like a tiny step in a good direction. The second incident was more One person who grills fresh whole grain) Two recent incidents have got me successful at the end of the day. A salmon and chicken daily says, “I Healthy oil (sunflower, canola, all fired up. First, Trillium signed a nearby elementary school held a love my job!” She lights up when olive) contract to provide a weekend Parent Spring fair. One brave parent chose describing her offerings to serve to Homegrown sourdough culture or Show at the Nepean Sportsplex with to lobby for healthier choices in food: university students. She says that small amount of yeast healthy options for their lunches not tofu and artichokes, just quality when a student buys a big greasy pile Honey or small amount of natural and snacks. We put together a large meat, bread, fruit juices. This met of poutine, the student next in line sweetener selection of delicious alternatives such opposition! So many excuses! orders some, too. And so on down the to the usual hot dog and cheap Such resistance! The 700 buns we line for nine or ten servings. Why do Complicated, bland, not-so- hamburgers, chips and pop. All the baked for them went over very well. you think this happens? healthy buns directors of the show, event planners, But it was a hard sell to get rid of the As soon as my grandchildren Processed white flour and Algonquin College were pop and excessive amounts of junk can read, they are checking out the Mold retardants enthusiastically on board to improve food. nutritional information on bottles and Bleach on the status quo of poor food choices When was the last time you saw yogurt and anything packaged. They Preservatives for the guests at this event for “better a child get excited about a ripe, juicy are amazed at the huge amount of Dough conditioners parenting.” summer peach, or a home-made sugar and salt. They ask, “Why?” Emulsifiers We baked 1,500 wholegrain healthy dessert such as apple crisp Feed your children well. They’re Pesticides gingerbread moose and bears, (not overly laced with white sugar)? worth it. They are our future leaders, Colourants and made hundreds of healthful Or a trip to a local maple forest for a scientists, caretakers of our planet and Lard or palm oil sandwiches. But at the eleventh hour, lick of one of nature’s finest treats – of us when we’re old! Corn sugars the main cheque-writer (sponsor) pure maple syrup? Are kids sharing in The temptation to take the easy Processed sugars bailed. family meal preparation? What about way is always whispering at us. We High amount of yeast and too His sudden withdrawal of funding the joy and satisfaction – yes, I said need to reflect on what quality of life much salt was accompanied by a wave of the it – in creating a wonderful meal or we want to create for now and for the hand and this cruel advisement: baking together in your own kitchen? future. Who else will contribute if we “Just feed them baloney sandwiches There are companies trying to don’t? Who else? on Wonderbread.” The rest of the serve the universities better food, A passionate Trillium customer planners, though, actually paid for our freshly prepared and healthier asks, “How can you be happy if you’re Local Members Recognized By Jackie Maurais held important positions in all levels King’s Daughters and Sons Apts. At Phoebe McLelland, president of of the order. She also was president of this time, recognition was given to the Apts Board, described Gwen as outhminister United Church the King’s Daughters Dinner Wagon, members: Dolly Wilson (25 years), “always present as a thoughtful and was the setting for the opening also known as Meals on Wheels. A Gwen Richards (70 years) and Phyllis supportive worker for the projects and church service of the 64th new bursary has been set up in her Lyon (90 years). events of The King’s Daughters and S memory at Carleton University; the Gwen Richards was honoured Sons.” convention of the International Order of the King’s Daughters and Sons, a Elizabeth Wilson Memorial Bursary with the Founder’s Day Award for The convention was organized Christian service organization that in the music department, reflecting her years of dedicated service. As by a team of local members, led by has been in the Ottawa area for 120 her love and interest in music. a community leader, Gwen was co-chairs Christine Dawson and years. Rev. Kathryn Peate delivered New members of the order involved in the founding of The King’s Myra Wells. Doreen Murthy was the sermon on the convention’s received a silver Maltese Cross as a Daughters and Sons Apartments in elected president and Stuart McLeod, theme of “Renewal – Renew a Right symbol of their membership, from 1963 and the Dinner Wagon in 1968. treasurer. If readers are interested in Spirit in Me”. An important part of international president, Frances She was a founding member of the this organization, they are encouraged this service is the remembrance of Sellew, who brought the good Silver Cross Circle, 70 years ago. She to go online WWW.IOKDS.ORG. members who died since the last weather with her from Virginia. has held the position of presidency convention. Special mention must be The convention continued the next at the Ontario Branch level and with made of Elizabeth (Liz) Wilson, who day, April 25, in the lounge of the the King’s Daughters Dinner Wagon. Page 42 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR JUNE 2009 Harassment By Phone – What Can You Do About It? By James Hunter operating their business in this way Licensing. Collection agencies indicates that the laws on collection and that a crime had been committed. and each individual agent needs to agencies forbid collection agencies ave you ever received So I contacted the Ottawa police. be licensed before they can even talk from: disturbing, harassing They refer incidents of this type to to you. They need to produce their • contacting you until six days phone calls from collection “PhoneBusters” (www.phonebusters. license. Ask them to fax it to you. In have passed from sending you written H com). This is a government my case, the individual never did. notice of the following: agencies? This article will discuss several things you can do about it. organization that handles phone-based Write an article in your local - the name of the creditor I have a fairly common name, fraud and works in conjunction with newspaper. In my case, I contacted the - the balance owing there are many James Hunter’s out the RCMP and OPP. They have an Citizen and the public Citizen (Hugh - the name of the agency and its there, some may even be customers of online form for lodging a complaint. Adami) did an article with photo on authority to demand payment the same bank that I use (TD Canada I have yet to hear anything back from Sunday May 10th. • continuing to contact you if you Trust). One James Hunter somewhere this process, however I am willing to • Register with Canada’s Do Not did not receive the notice unless a is in debt to TD and TD wants its press charges against TD and MJR. I Call List: https://www.lnnte-dncl. second copy of the written notice is money back. So what do they do? then phoned PhoneBusters and a very gc.ca/index-eng This will in theory sent to an address provided by you, They hire a collection agency to try helpful woman informed me of other stop many of the annoying marketing and then contact may only be made and collect. Now this wouldn’t be so things that I can do as a consumer and calls (but there have been issues with six days after sending notice; bad if they had the correct address and victim of harassment: this list reported in the media). • contacting you if you send a phone number for this person. But • When they are contacting you I did a search online and found registered letter to the agency saying what do you suppose happens when on the phone, get their fax number numerous incidences of MJR (and that you dispute the debt and suggest they don’t have the address or phone and fax them something in writing other collection agencies) using high- the matter be taken to court; number? They start calling every saying that all communication with handed techniques against consumers. • contacting you if you or your James Hunter in the book, trying to you should be in writing. By law, they MJR has been convicted and fined in lawyer notify the agency by registered find the right one, verbally abusing may not call you after receiving this. the past, but keeps operating. There mail to communicate only with your each along the way. Does this sound • Contact www.PhoneBusters. are numerous incidents of people lawyer, and you provide the lawyer’s like a good way for a major Canadian com 888-495-8501 receiving calls from collection name, address and telephone number; Bank to do business? • Lodge a complaint with agencies for people that are no longer • contacting you on Sunday, This spring, for 2 months, my phonebusters’ complaints arm: www. there. except between the hours of 1 p.m. household has received phone calls recol.ca “Reporting Economic Crime There are some things you can do and 5 p.m., and on a holiday; from MJR Collection Services looking Online” through the phone company as well. • contacting you other than by for some other James Hunter. These ordinary mail more than three times are not merely friendly reminders, in a seven-day period without your these are verbally abusive, repetitive, The interesting thing about the calls is that the caller, consent, once the agency has actually angry and threatening phone calls who left his name and callback number, does not reveal spoken with you; that my family has been subjected any information about the amount of the debt or who it • using threatening, profane, intimidating or coercive language, to. The calls fall under the criminal is owed to. (I was later told that this is due to – get this - code definition of harassment. The or using undue, excessive or interesting thing about the calls is Privacy regulations! – they aren’t sure the debt is owed unreasonable pressure; that the caller, who left his name and by you and can’t reveal information about other people’s • continuing to contact you if callback number, does not reveal debt!) you have told them that you are not any information about the amount of the person they are looking for unless the debt or who it is owed to. (I was they take reasonable precautions to later told that this is due to – get this ensure you are that person; - Privacy regulations! – they aren’t • Contact the Ministry of Features of your phone (some with • giving false or misleading sure the debt is owed by you and Government Services and lodge a charges) can be used: information to any person; can’t reveal information about other complaint with them against TD *57: Call Trace: Call Trace lets • recommending to a creditor that people’s debt!) (client) and MJR (collection agency). you initiate an automatic trace of a legal action be commenced against So what to do? Well you can hang 800-889-9768. the last call you received. The phone you without first sending you notice; up on him, but he’ll keep calling back. • They have a very informative number, date and time are logged and • contacting your employer I started asking questions. online page: http://www.mgs.gov. can be forwarded to a law enforcement except on one occasion to obtain your JH: How much is the debt? MJR: on.ca/ then do a search on “collection agency if you wish. employment information, unless your You know very well how much you agencies” and select the first page. *60: Call Screen: Call Screen employer has guaranteed the debt, owe! • There is an online complaint lets you redirect calls from up to 12 the call is in respect of a court order JH: Can you send something in form: Select from the menu: Consumer phone numbers to a recording that lets or wage assignment or if you have writing, I haven’t received any written Protection, then click the red toolbox callers know that you are not taking provided written authorization to notice of this. MJR: You’ve already icon, select filing a complaint and calls at this time contact your employer; received plenty of written notice. click online complaint form. http:// Bell will also change your phone • contacting your spouse, Not very helpful, is it? Eventually, www.cbs.gov.on.ca/compform/ number (once free of charge due to a member of your family or I got them to admit who the debt was english/complaint.asp harassing calls) if it comes to that. household, or a relative, neighbour owed to: TD Canada Trust. This is • Contact Industry Canada and As well, you can pay extra for an or acquaintance except to obtain your crucial. In order to stop these calls, lodge a complaint with them. 800- unpublished number. address and telephone number unless you need to find out who the collection 348-5358 By the way, PhoneBusters is there the person contacted has guaranteed agency’s client is and contact them. • Contact your MP and MPP and to help with many types of fraud, the debt or you have given permission Ask the client (TD) of the collection ask for better laws and penalties for some I had never heard of. On their for the person to be contacted. agency to ensure you are not called such crimes complaints form, they list: 900 Scams Note that in my case, they broke again. • The Privacy Act indicates that , Advanced Fee Letter Fraud (419 many of these rules. So I phone my local branch no-one has the right to give your / Nigerian Letters), Advanced Fee One last thing, if you’re in the manager. She first checks that my contact information to another party Loans, Cheque Overpayment Fraud, mood for a bit of entertainment credit rating is clean and I don’t indeed without your consent. 800-282-1376 Dead Air Calls, Emergency Sca, False when these people call, try some owe them anything. She then contacts • Contact the upper management Charities, Hitman Email, Identity things such as saying: “Your call is TD’s internal “Accounts Recovery of the company that is responsible (in Theft, Inheritance, Lottery Emails, important to us. Please stay on the line Management” department. “Yes, TD my case: TD) and indicate that they Office Supplies / Directory, Phishing, to maintain your calling priority. The has hired MJR to collect a debt from should not be operating their business Phone Number Spoofing, Prize Pitch next available family member will be a James Hunter. We will inform them in this manner. Ask them what they Puppy Scam, Pyramid Schemes, happy to assist you”. Or tell them: not to call you any more. Sorry for the plan to do about it. In my case, I Recovery Pitch, Travel, Vacation, “It’s not a convenient time right now, inconvenience!“ contacted the District VP. Vehicle Warranty Package give me your home phone number and Well, that should stop the calls, • Contact the CRTC 877-249- The Ministry of Government I’ll call you at home this evening”. but I felt that TD should not be 2782 Services page on Collection Agencies, JUNE 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 43 June Is Recreation And Parks Month Baby Clothes By Jean McCarthy it unique among the world’s big trip in fictional Smokehill National Needed cities--and this novel will make Park, he discovers a baby dragon. By Georgina Hunter ontroversy has swirled even those readers who’ve never It is illegal to keep one and illegal around Landsdowne Park been to the Big Apple feel like they to help one survive but Jake decides aby Items donations requested for and what should be done. know enough about Central Park to that he can’t leave the dragonlet to young, impoverished expectant C give guided tours.” die. He puts the marsupial dragon Recent developments aside, one mother. Mother and partner located Every park has wild animals into his shirt and the adventure B suggestion heard many times over in northern First Nations community. They was to make Landsdowne more and Kruger Park in South Africa is begins. Jake is the first human to will be grateful for light -weight baby items like Central Park in New York. If no exception. In A South African discover how long a dragon should (boy or girl) i.e. clothing, winter wear, you know nothing about Central Night with Rachael Isadora’s be feed (one year) and how often thermometer that will be flown in. Please Park and enjoy reading mysteries, wonderful watercolour illustrations (all the time). Robin McKinley call: Georgina Hunter 613 730-0033. Or reading Murder in Central Park, set in the wide openness of the park, has taken the everyday park setting e-mail: [email protected] “as they might say in a New York there is a mamba snake, lionesses, in Dragonhaven and mad it Thank you to the three Old Ottawa travel guide, is almost as fun as a leopard, a hippopotamus, and something out of the ordinary. South mothers who donated their no longer being there.” According to Booklist elephants. There are enough So for June and the rest of the needed baby items to an Ottawa single Reviewing Journal, this seventh illustrations to help lull any toddler summer, get out and explore the mother. Your items were distributed to novel in the Donovan series by to sleep. wonderful national parks either several mothers in need. They are very Michael Jahn is “a detailed look at Parks are also great places to as an armchair traveler or an grateful for your generosity as can’t afford New York--its people, its places, find the unexpected. When Jake enthusiastic hiker. to buy the items from second-hand shops. the special ambience that makes goes on his first overnight solo Life Annuity An Option For Retirement Income By Bob Jamieson your principal and how your money advisor to determine if annuities can * Insurance and annuities are is invested – and this is the option form part of an overall strategy to offered by Edward Jones Insurance hen it comes to retirement selected by most Canadians. But help you generate the lifetime income Agency (except in Quebec). In income, life annuities for some people – if, for example, you’ll need in retirement. Give me a Quebec, insurance and annuities are offered by insurance you’re healthy and in your mid-70s – call at 613-526-3030 if you have any offered by Edward Jones Insurance W converting some of your RRIF money questions, or would like to discuss Agency (Quebec) Inc. companies are often overlooked, which is unfortunate because they into a life annuity can be an option your options in more detail. can be an appealing solution for many to consider because it could enable Bob Jamieson, CFP people. you to generate enough income to Edward Jones Member CIPF The basic arrangement is that meet your monthly expenses for the you hand a sum of money over to an duration of your life, no matter how insurance company and in return you long you live. receive a guaranteed, lifelong source You can also consider an of income in the form of monthly immediate variable life annuity as payments. The amount you receive another option. This type of insurance- each month is based on a number of company offering is commonly factors, including the total invested, referred to as a Guaranteed Minimum prevailing interest rates and your Withdrawal Benefits (GMWB) plan. It gender. Your age and life expectancy provides a guaranteed income for life, are also very significant factors. In a but offers more flexibility and access nutshell, the older you are, the higher to the cash you invest. Generally the income you will receive. speaking, it involves investing in a A key advantage is that the wide selection of mutual funds. If you monthly payments will last for the are 65 or older, you would receive a duration of your lifetime, no matter guaranteed income every year for life how long you live. You even have based on five per cent of the original the opportunity to ensure that income amount invested. For example, if you can continue to flow to your spouse invest $100,000 and you’re 65 or or children after you’re gone, though older, you would receive $5,000 per you need to remember that these year for the rest of your life, no matter additional benefits come at a cost how long you live or how well your and will typically lower the income underlying investments perform. In payments you receive. fact, if your investments do well you Another attractive aspect of a can potentially earn more than $5,000 life annuity is that you’re spared per year. any worries about managing An added attraction is that if investments or having to make other you invest in this plan and you do financial decisions in retirement. not immediately need income, you’ll However, turning your money over earn a five-per-cent bonus based on to the insurance company also means the invested amount. It will be added that you cannot get your original to your eventual guaranteed income investment back if you have an pool. Plus, you’ll earn the bonus every emergency or unforeseen expenses year you don’t withdraw money from arise. In addition, other than the the plan, for the life of the contact. You potential continuation of income to also have the ability to simply cash in your survivors, the annuity has no your investment whenever you want. estate value upon your death. In short, annuities can provide In contrast to a life annuity, you with a variety of options to converting a Registered Retirement generate retirement income from Savings Plan (RRSP) to a Registered your investments. Of course, there is Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) no one-size-fits-all solution, so it’s allows you to maintain control of important to meet with your financial Page 44 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR JUNE 2009 WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE LIBRARIES Sunnyside Branch Library Elmvale Branch Library Sunnyside Branch Library homeopathic medicine. Elmvale Acres Library Teen/Ados: 1049 Bank Street, Ottawa Wednesday, June 10, 7:00 pm (60 1910 St. Laurent Blvd. 613-730-1082, min). 613-738-0619 ext. 3 Gotta Get a Job? Adult Services, extension 22 Youth Services Bureau staff teach Children’s Services, extension 29 Cercle de lecture, Adult/Adultes: useful techniques for a summer job 16 juin, 19h00 search. Ages 13+ English Conversation Group Monday June 1st 5p.m. Adults: Children: Improve your English and meet new friends in a relaxed setting. Open Children/Enfants: Interested in solving a mystery or to all levels. In partnership with 15-minute Computer Tutorial: being part of a scavanger hunt or CESOC. Frontier College Reading Circle Get help with the Library playing spy or watching a clown? Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. (1.5 hr) Volunteers will help your child to catalouge, accessing the web or Whew! All of that and more will April 7 to June 30th love books and become a better addressing e-mail issues during a be at the Sunnyside branch this reader through stories and games. one-on-one 15-minute tutorial. summer. Come and help crack the Diversity Spotlight Ages 3-12 Wednesdays, 10:00 am (15 min), case with Agent 009 and the TD Celebrate the diversity of our Saturdays, 2 p.m. (1 hr.) June 3, 10, 17, 24. Registration Summer Reading Club. Watch for community with food, stories, required. details or ask Helene or Sue at the games, song, and dance. This event Wii for Wees! Sunnyside branch, Ottawa Public is in partnership with the Lebanese Play baseball, bowling, or boxing Hay you! Here’s a tissue! Library. Sneezes and sniffles got you down? and Arab Social Service Agency with other Wii fans. Ages 5-10. Julek Meissner, naturopathic (LASSA). Registration. th doctor, discusses natural way Saturday June 27 1 p.m. Saturday, Jun. 13, 2009 12:00 PM (60 to control your hay fever with min.) Alta Vista Branch Library Alta Vista Branch English Conversation Group Parents et fournisseurs de soins sont CHILDREN’S Ottawa Public Library Improve your spoken English and les bienvenus. Pour les 3 à 6 ans. SPECIAL PROGRAM / 2516 Alta Vista Dr. meet new friends in a relaxed setting. (Bilingue) Les mardis, 7 avril-19 To register call: 613-737-2837 x28 In partnership with Somali Family mai, 10 h 30 (45 min.) PROGRAMME SPECIAL Services. POUR ENFANTS Adult Programs Mondays, 6 p.m. (1.5 hrs.) Family Storytime Tuesdays, 1 p.m. (1.5 hrs.) Program with stories and rhymes for Multicultural Spotlight Book Banter everyone in the family. Come celebrate multiculturalism Drop in to share the enjoyment of Knit 2 Together Wednesdays, April 8-May 20, 2 p.m. with food, stories, games, songs and good books in an informal setting. Meet with other knitters to share (45 min.) dance. Family program. Thursdays, 2 p.m. (1 hr.) patterns and ideas and offer (Bilingual) Saturday, June 27, 2 p.m. June 4: Kiss of the Fur Queen assistance to each other. BOOK CLUBS / CLUBS (1 hr.)* Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. (1.5 hrs.) Pleins feux sur le multiculturalisme by Thomson Highway DE LECTURE June 6, July 4, Aug. 1 Venez célébrer le multiculturalisme Infusions littéraires Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. (1.5 hrs.) avec nourriture, contes, chants, jeux June 17, July 15, Aug. 19 Book clubs for children/Clubs et danse. Pour toute la famille. Partager une tasse de thé ou de de lecture pour enfants tisane en discutant de livres. (Bilingue) Samedi 27 juin, 14 h (1 Les mardis, 14 h (1 h) PRE-SCHOOL / h)* The Dawg Lounge! Woof! 16 juin : La traque de PRESCOLAIRE Join us for our boys’ book club. Henri Troyat TEEN SPECIAL Ages 8-12. Babytime Tuesday, June 2, 4:15 p.m. (45 PROGRAM Alta Vista Sleuth Hounds For babies and their parent or min.)* Get together with other mystery caregiver with stories, rhymes, songs Get gaming at the Library with your readers to talk about your and activities. Ages 0-18 months. Un livre à partager friends. Brawl on the Wii or duel on favourite authors and find out Thursdays, April 9-May 21, 10:30 Club de lecture pour ceux qui aiment the DDR to rack up points. Ages 13 about new ones. a.m. (30 min.) lire. Pour les 8 à 12 ans. and up . Friday, June 26, 3:30 p.m. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. (1.5 hr.) Lundi 15 juin, 16 h 15 (45 min.)* (1.5 hrs.)* June 18: Read any Sister Frevisse Toddlertime Series title by Margaret Frazer. For toddlers and a parent or caregiver Timbit Girls with stories, rhymes, songs and An after-school book club for girls Multicultural Spotlight Programs followed by an * require activities. Ages 18-35 months. who love to read. Ages 8-12. Celebrate how everyone is different, registration. / L’inscription est Mondays, April 6-May 11, 10:30 Monday, June 22, 4:15 p.m. (45 through food, stories, games and requise pour les programmes suivis a.m. (45 min.) min)* dance. Family program. d’un *. Saturday, June 27, 2:00 p.m. Storytime Book club for teenagers Stories and rhymes for young Registration for the TD Summer Cool Reads for Warm Days Reading Club 2009 starts on children-parents and caregivers are Mmm…Books! Join us for tea / iced tea and hear welcome to join. Ages 3-6. Get together with other book lovers June 17./L’inscription pour le about great titles for summer (Bilingual) Tuesdays, April 7-May to discuss your favourite reading Club de lecture estivale 2009 reading! 19, 10:30 a.m. (45 min.) material. Ages 12-17. commence le 17 juin. Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. (1 hr.) Monday, June 29, 7 p.m. (1 hr.)* August 12, 19, 26 Contes Contes et rimes pour les enfants. JUNE 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 45 Around Town Are you an alto, bass, soprano or more information call 613-238-5919, destroyed habitat by using native need your help! Every $200 raised tenor? Are you between the ages the local La Leche League phone line. plants to create wildlife-friendly provides a bicycle and other supports of 15 and 23? Are you interested in backyards. Native plants provide to help Africa’s Local Heroes serve joining the Ottawa Regional Youth SPIN Gardening: Gardening in the food and shelter that native birds, more people in need. Register today! Choir? Kevin Reeves would like Someone Else’s Backyard. Are you butterflies and other insects, reptiles, www.capaids.org. (CAP AIDS is a to hear you. He is the conductor interested in growing vegetables amphibians, and even small mammals registered Canadian Charity) of ORYC which performs its own this season, but don’t have a yard need to survive. A wildlife-friendly concerts and collaborates with a wide or a community garden plot? Just backyard may include a variety of Spend time with dad at Billings range of other musical ensembles. Food is organizing a network of flowers, shrubs, and trees, rock or Estate National Historic Site this Concerts next year include a “spin” gardeners in the Ottawa area. brush piles, ponds or puddles, with Father’s Day, June 21, from 11 am to Broadway Show with Stan Clark Through SPIN (small plot intensive) waste material being recycled and no 4 pm. Bond over old-fashioned games & his Swing Band, and a Christmas gardening, people can offer their chemicals used. like lawn bowling, crokinole, croquet, concert with the Leahy Family at the yard to someone else to grow their Information: (613) 730-0714 or horseshoes and shuttlecock. Bring NAC. ORYC rehearses on Monday own vegetables on, and share in the [email protected] or www. your own picnic lunch or buy one on nights at Knox Presbyterian Church bounty of vegetables that the gardener ofnc.ca/fletcher.php site to enjoy our scenic grounds. 2100 on Elgin at Lisgar. You can audition creates. To inquire about yards that Cabot St, Ottawa. Regular Admission by calling Carolyn Smith at 613-821- have been offered up for gardening, or Developing Clean Technologies, applies. Call 613-247-4830 or 1114. The ORYC website is www. if you have a yard (front or back) with RSVP 613-562-5800 ext. 6876. visit Ottawa.ca/museums for more oryc.on.ca a garden space of at least 20’ x 20’ Presentations & Poster Exhibition information. that you’d like to share, contact info@ highlighting exciting research for La Leche League Canada has a justfood.ca. Be sure to include in your development of clean technologies, Nordic Walkers of Old Ottawa group in Old Ottawa South - Are message what neighbourhood you are and funding for such research. An South. Do you want to walk with you breast-feeding your baby? Are in, how much garden space you have, excellent networking opportunity for others who have taken a course in you pregnant and planning to breast- and what contact information can be those interested in a green economy. Nordic Walking? [A 6-week course feed? A La Leche League meeting sent out publicly (ie. cell phone, work June 9 - 7:45 a.m. to 12:35 p.m., just finished at the Firehall. Another is is a relaxed, supportive and non- phone number, email address, etc). University of Ottawa, 800 King being planned for Septemerb 2009. ] judgmental place where you can: Edward Avenue There is already a suggestion for meet breast-feeding women, ask Fletcher Wildlife Garden Native walking at 7:30 am along the canal specific questions about breast- Plant Sale. Saturday, 6 June. 9:30- Doors Open Ottawa: Take a sneak for an hour. If this sounds wonderful feeding, learn more about breast- 12:30 am. peek inside Ottawa’s most interesting maybe we could have a few Nordic feeding from accredited leaders who Located on Prince of Wales Drive, buildings June 6 and 7. For only one Walkers walking together for have breast-fed their own children south of the Arboretum traffic weekend a year, explore buildings motivation and encouragement. and who volunteer their time, get circle. Buy locally native perennials from the inside out - free! For details If you have other times you would tips for working through best breast- and shrubs. Learn about wildlife and a list of participating buildings in like to walk maybe others would like feeding challenges, find out more gardening by touring our Backyard your area, visit Ottawa.ca/doorsopen. that as well. Email about getting ready to breast-feed (if Garden. Share information and [email protected] you are pregnant), find out more about exchange native plants if you have June 14, 2009, starting at 10 AM at or [email protected] the benefits of breast-feeding for baby extras from your own garden. Vincent Massey Park - Bike to CAP and we will join our Nordic Walking and you, borrow books about breast- Cities have drastically altered AIDS - a fun, family-friendly, 20 km forces in walking together. feeding and related parenting topics. Canada’s landscape, causing serious bike-a-thon along Colonel By Drive. ps. It was a great class. The teacher Meetings every third Thursday of the damage to our environment. In the African HIV+AIDS Caregivers & was wonderfuly enthusiastic and all month from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at 36 spirit of “thinking globally and acting Volunteers are fighting AIDS and the students were kind and supportive. Glen Ave. Next meeting June 18. For locally,” we can restore some of this caring for people with HIV. They Let’s get walking! l’Amicale francophone d’Ottawa Par Jean-Claude Dubé • La ferme africaine de Karen Blixen Pique-nique 2009 En mai, le Cercle de lecture a eu le plaisir et e Cercle de lecture de l’Amicale francophone l’honneur de lire et discuter le premier livre d’un de enez rencontrer vos voisins du d’Ottawa complètera sous peu sa troisième année ses membres, Claire Trépanier. Son livre « C’est le Glebe, des vieils Ottawa Sud et de rencontres mensuelles d’amis avides de tenir temps d’en parler : l’histoire de Marie-Louise Bouchard Ottawa Est. L Labelle » relate l’histoire d’une jeune fille du Nouvel un bouquin en mains. Ces rencontres sont simples et V peu structurées. Une fois partis, les participants vont où Ontario qui découvre l’amour avec le curé de son village, L’Amicale francophone d’Ottawa le vent les mène et ils se trouvent toujours satisfaits et un homme de trente-trois ans son aîné. Vivant en union organisera un pique-nique qui se comblés à la fin d’une heure et demie bien passée. libre à Billings Bridge au début du 20ieme siècle, ce déroulera de 11 h à 14 h au parc Sylvia En 2008, les livres lus et discutés furent : couple a eu trois enfants et a vécu une vie sereine sur Holden du parc Lansdowne (au bout de • Le voile de la peur de Samia Shariff leur petite ferme, rue Pleasant Park, jusqu’à ce que l’avenue Holmwood, derrière la caserne • La grosse femme d’à coté est enceinte de Michel l’homme laisse ses enfants et sa femme pour reprendre de pompiers) le 27 juin 2009, pour Tremblay la vie sacerdotale, 11 ans plus tard. Les péripéties d’une célébrer, selon votre disposition, la fin de • Une brève histoire de l’avenir de Jacques Attali jeune femme indigente qui doit élever ses trois enfants l’année scolaire, le solstice d’été, la fête • Mémoires d’Hadrien de Marguerite Yourcenar de peine et misère et leurs déplacements de Billings de la St-Jean, ou le Jour du Canada. Une • Parfum de poussière de Rawi Hage Bridge au vieil Ottawa-Sud, puis le Glebe et enfin la façon toute simple de participer serait • Lili Klondike de Milène Gilbert Dumas Haute-Ville et la Côte-de-Sable font du livre de Claire d’apporter un plat ou un dessert à partager • L’équilibre du monde de Rohinton Mistry Trépanier un vrai récit très touchant et passionnant. avec d’autres. Apportez aussi vos ballons, • Une femme d’Anne Delbec et qui sait, nous organiserons peut-être • Du mercure sous la langue de Sylvain Trudel La prochaine rencontre aura lieu à la bibliothèque une joute de football entre les grands et • Maudit Karma de David Safier municipale d’Ottawa, succursale Sunnyside, au sous- les petits. Joignez-vous à cette rencontre En 2009, jusqu’à présent, ont été lus : sol, le mardi, 16 juin prochain. Le titre choisi est Le rêve d’amis francophones et francophiles du • Les frères Karamazov de Dostoïevski (en deux le plus doux de Doris Lessing, version française de The voisinage. Bienvenue à tous! séances) Sweetest Dream. La bibliothèque en possède 8 copies. • La vagabonde de Colette Soyez les bienvenus. Page 46 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR JUNE 2009 CLASSY ADS CLASSY ADS are free for Old Ottawa South residents (except for businesses or for business activity) and must be submitted in writing to: The OSCAR, at the Old Firehall, 260 Sunnyside, or sent by email to [email protected] by the deadline. Your name and contact information (phone number or email address) must be included. Only your contact info will appear unless you specify otherwise. The editor retains the right to edit or exclude submissions. The OSCAR takes no responsibility for items, services or accurary. For business advertising inquiries, call 730-1058. kendall.html Excellent references. Please call please email: learnwithtada@hotmail. For Sale Please contact 613-730-4615 Nancy 613-730-2400 com ------One upright Story and Clark piano FOR RENT: Three-bedroom cottage I am a mother seeking part-time job with western motif built in early near South Rustico/North Rustico as a child caregiver in child’s home. Looking For 20th Century. Good sound best offer on Prince Edward Island. Located Currently available. 3 full days a Telephone 613 730-6834 right on beach, close to golf courses, week. Non-smoking family. Have ------lobster suppers, etc. Available for rent first aid, CPR, resume and references. Gently used boules/bocce ball set. FOR SALE: Inflatable twin bed with in June, July and September. Call 730- Available for interview now. Ask for 730 4751 legs $40; 5’x 8’ Indian Rug in Gold, 5006 for more information. Jane (736-0771). ------Maroon and Black $100; Semi-ornate ------Small frig, max 28 inches wide. gold bevelled glass mirror 28”x 46” 65 year old Grandmother looking to Childcare available in my home.- 12 Manual defrost ok. (613) 730-4804 $45; House and Home Queen duvet relocate in the OOS or Glebe area years experience. – teacher. - First ------cover, shams, bed skirt and rectangular to be near family. Looking for a 2 Aid, CPR - 613-730-0750 Doll’s clothes for 11” doll. Wendy’s accent pillow - taupe with red poppies bedroom apartment, (preferably in a ------vital statistics are: 7 1/2”; 7 1/2”; 8” on duvet and shams $30. Please call house). Please call 730-4994. Looking for an experienced nanny to !!! Kathryn at 613.730.2901 look after my 2 kids, CPR and first (613) 730-4804 ------aid is an asset. contact: cathy caron, ------Antique Tin Cans mostly local $5 Child Care tel # 613-733-2560 Cement blocks, patio stones and each. Call Kathryn at 730.2901 ------plywood. (613) 730-4804 In home day care provider (B.A. in French Tutor: Patient, mature, fluently ------Accommodation Child Development, E.C.E., 17 years bilingual De La Salle high school Womens Bowling Leaque needs experience) has 2 full time spaces student with a good sense of humour new members. R.A.Centre Tuesday available starting in Sept. 2009 for and high marks in gifted French, mornings starting fall of 2009. No Old Ottawa South – Furnished, children 18 months of age and older. interested in tutoring French over the experience necessary just a strong spacious, newly renovated three Activities include playgroups, library summer. I will focus on the person’s desire to have fun. Please join us. bedroom home steps from Brewer outings, museums, parks, crafts, particular needs, i.e., conversation, Call Joan (613-730-1839) for details. Park, the Rideau River, the Canal, baking, gardening, circle time and grammar (I have grammar books), Bank Street and Carleton University. much more. I provide a loving and reading, or writing (including creative Cycle to the University of Ottawa nurturing home environment where writing, in which I have a special To Give Away along the bike path. Family-oriented children experience both intellectual interest). I enjoy working with kids community. On the bus route. Large, and emotional growth and find self- and have a lot of experience doing so, FREE - 2 LEXMARK printers, one private backyard. Features include fulfillment in a small group setting. including in summer camp. Contact Optra E312L, the other X73, both high end furnishings, luxury kitchen, Nutritious snacks and lunches Mado at 613 730-3251 or at peluso- work. Call 730 4751 2.5 bathrooms, sunny family room, provided.References and Receipts. [email protected]. ------central air-conditioning, hardwood Call Brenda Lee at 733 0608. ------Marble base for coffee table. (Can floor, 6 appliances, large, private ------Professional, experienced ECE purchase glass top at Pier 1) Call backyard, alarm system and finished Nancy’s Daycare. Bilingual, attentive accredited daycare provider with full Kathryn at 730.2901. basement. Non-smokers only and no care. 15 years in this neughbourhood. time space available to OOS families pets please. Rent: $2400 plus utilities. Excellent nutrition, educational starting September 2009. Come Garage Sale Available August 6-December 15 games, songs, and crafts, music join a fun, nurturing, safe, home 2009. References required. For classes, library visits, play groups, daycare environment. Daily routines Yard Sale – Saturday, June 6, 2009, 8 photos see http://www.amsted.ca/ and outdoor activities. Two spaces consisting of structured, stimulating am to 1 pm. 119 Hopewell Ave. Rain renovation_additions_richeson_ available for a child who is in indoor and outdoor educational or Shine. kendall.html andhttp://www.amsted. kindergarten at Hopewell School. programming. For more information ca/renovation_kitchens_richeson_ BILINGUAL SUMMER JOHN GRANT CAMP COUNSELLOR NEEDED RENOVATIONS * RESTORATIONS Homes, Apartments, Kitchens, Bath- Dynamic and energetic person needed for rooms, Basements, Westboro Academy’s Shops, Restaurants, Offices 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE Summer Fun in Brewer Park Day Camp. WE ARE CARING, CREATIVE Bilingualism required. June 22nd - July CRAFTSMEN 31st. Call John Please e-mail resumé to Day: 613-294-6441 [email protected]. Eve: 613-623-6441 Childcare Available In My Home - 12 years experience - teacher - First Aid, CPR - 613-730-0750 JUNE 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 47 YourMarketplace ENVIRONMENTALLY- FRIENDLY CLEANING Homes, offices, move in / out pre-sale, construction sites HOUSE HELP CALL 729-2751 Rent Wife Household Organizers Extra Mile Renovations A Quality bathrooms, kitchens, “Every working woman needs a wife!” porches & more Regular & Occasional cleaning Trim work, installations, plumbing, Pre & Post move cleaning and packing Pre & Post renovation cleaning electric, doors, fixtures Blitz & Spring cleaning Local Renovator Creative Solutions Organizing cupboards, basements... Perhaps a waitress ??? Reasonable Prices rent-a-wife-ottawa.com Laurel 749-2249 References Available Please call (613) 297-8079 Gibbon’s Painting and Decorating Local House Painter - Bonded With 20 years experience • interior/exterior painting Customer satisfaction ALWAYS GUARANTEED For a free estimate please call Rory 731-8079 Ask about my $25 referral rebate Book now for your interior painting needs www.gibbonspainting.ca cell: 613-322-0109 RELIABLE QUALITY CARE RPN (38 years experience) Relief for Family Caregiver Private Duty Palliative Care Provided By Michael Moynahan 730-4957 Cell: 240-9394 Page 48 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR JUNE 2009