The

O•S•C•A•R© The Community Voice of Old South Year 35 , No. 1 The Community Association Review JANUARY 2008 Enjoys Huge Snowfall

Photo by Dinos Dafniotis Old Ottawa Suth Enjoys Annual Sleigh Ride OSCA Annual Winter Carnival

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Windsor Park

12 noon to 2:30 pm Snow or Shine

Sleigh Rides

613-247-4946

Tickets for the sleigh ride were all given away within 15 minutes. At the December monthly meeting of OSCA there was soome discussion of having more rides avaible next year for the very popular sleigh ride. Photo by Cathie Buchanan Page  The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR JANUARY 2008

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 , 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 730-1045 country. Please include a check made out to The OSCAR. [email protected] Distribution Manager: Craig Piche 730-5838 Business Manager: Colleen Thomson SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS Advertising Manager: Gayle Weitzman 730-1058 The OSCAR is sponsored entirely from advertising. Our advertisers are [email protected] (not classy ads) often not aware that you are from Old Ottawa South when you patron- ize them. Make the effort to let them know that you saw their ad in The OSCAR. They will be glad to know and The OSCAR will benefit from NEXT DEADLINE: FRIDAY, JANUARY 18 their support. If you know of someone providing a service in the com- munity, tell them about The OSCAR. Our rates are reasonable. The OSCAR is a community association paper paid for entirely by ad- FUTURE OSCAR DEADLINES vertising. It is published for the Ottawa South Community Association Inc. (OSCA). Distribution is free to all Old Ottawa South homes and Jan 18 (Feb issue), Feb 15 (Match issue), March 18 (April issue), April businesses and selected locations in Old Ottawa South, and 18 (May issue), May 14 (June issue), June 13 (July/Aug issue). . 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.

FOR DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES, CALL 730-5838 The Old Firehall AND LEAVE A MESSAGE Ottawa South Community Centre [email protected]

The OSCAR thanks the following people who brought us HOURS PHONE 247-4946 to your door this month: MONDAY TO THURSDAY 9 AM TO 9 PM ZONE A1: Kathy Krywicki (Coordinator), Mary Jo Lynch, Brian Eames, FRIDAY 9 AM TO 6 PM Kim Barclay, Marvel Sampson, Wendy Robbins, Ron Barton, Jim and Carrol Robb, Kevin and Stephanie Williams. SATURDAY 9 AM TO 1 PM* ZONE B1: Ross Imrie (Coordinator), Andrea and Cedric Innes, the Mont- SUNDAY CLOSED gomery family, Laurie Morrison, Norma Reveler, Stephanie and Kulani de *Open only when programs are operating, please call first. Larrinaga. ZONE B2: Lorie Magee Mills (Coordinator), Leslie Roster, Hayley Atkin- son, Caroline and Ian Calvert, Sheilagh Stronach, Matthew and Graeme Gaetz, Kathy Krywicki. WHAT’S THAT NUMBER? ZONE C1: Laura Johnson (Coordinator), the James-Guevremont family, the Williams family, Sylvie Turner, Lynne Myers, Jeff Pouw, Brendan McCoy. ZONE C2: Craig Piche (Coordinator), Alan McCullough, Arthur Taylor, Ottawa South Community Centre - The Old Firehall 247-4946 Charles and Phillip Kijek, Sam & Avery Piche, Kit Jenkin, Michel and Chris- Ottawa South Community Association (OSCA) 247-4872 tina Bridgeman. - South Branch 730-1082 ZONE D1: Bert Hopkins (Coordinator), the Crighton family, Emily Keys, Rob Campbell - [email protected] 730-8128 the Lascelles family, Gail Stewart, Bert Hopkins, Mary Jane Jones, the Sprott Kathy Ablett, Catholic Board Trustee 526-9512 family. Centretown Community Health Centre 233-5430 ZONE D2: Janet Drysdale (Coordinator), Ian Godfrey, Eric Chernushenko, the Rand family, Aidan and Willem Ray, the Stewart family. CUSA (Carleton U Students Association) 520-6688 ZONE E1: John Calvert & family (Coordinator), Brian Tansey, Doug Stick- Graduate Students Association 520-6616 ley, Wendy Johnson, Pam Turner, David Lum, Mary O’Neill. Community Liaison 520-3660 ZONE E2: Nicola Katz (Coordinator), Frida Kolster-Berry, Mary-Ann Kent, Mediation Centre 520-5765 Glen Elder and Lorraine Stewart, the Rowleys, Dave White, the Hunter fam- Athletics 520-4480 ily, Brodkin-Haas family, Christina Bradley. CITY HALL ZONE F1: Carol and Ferg O’Connor (Coordinator), Jenny O’Brien, Janet Jancar, the Stern family, T. Liston, Ellen Bailie, Niki Devito, Dante and Bi- , City Councillor ([email protected]) 580-2487 anca Ruiz, Walter and Robbie Engert. Main Number(24 hrs) for all departments 3-1-1 ZONE F2: Bea Bol (Coordinator), the Tubman family, Karen Fee, Shaugh- Community Police - non-emergencies 236-1222 nessy and Kyle Dow, Paulette Theriault, Mark McDonald, Bea Bol, Jill Emergencies only 9-1-1 Moine, Paris Dutton. Serious Crimes 230-6211 ZONE G: Jim and Angela Graves (Coordinator), Peggy and Brian Kinsley, Ottawa Hydro 738-6400 Shelly Lewis, Peter Murphy, Claire and Brigitt Maultsaid, the McLemaghan Streetlight Problems (burned out, always on, flickering) 3-1-1 Rowat family, Roger Ehrhardt, the Ostrander-Weitzman family. Brewer Pool 247-4938 Echo Drive: Alex Bissel. Brewer Arena 247-4917 -Ottawa South: Rob Cook, Tom Lawson City of Ottawa web site - www.city.ottawa.on.ca Bank Street-Glebe: Craig Piche. JANUARY 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR Page 

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. A Snowball’s Chance So Much Snow!

-by Joey Carrigan’s Mom And all at once it hit me Like snowballs from above. Sticky snow, oh sticky snow, Hypocrites we surely are, I love to watch you fall. Who lecture out of love. Shining, sparkling, tempting me To make the perfect ball. Mother had her snowball dreams. My grandma had hers too. Eagerly I stoop to scoop I dare to say my teachers, A chunk of gluey flakes. Had more than just a few! In my palm I have the best That Mother Nature makes. But with age, each snowball dream, Perforce must fade and die. My hands are trained from Though all of us had childhoods, childhood When snowballs filled the sky. To buff and press and mold. And when the lumps are leveled, And so, dear Joe, you’re lucky. A flawless orb I hold. This snowball I’ll let slide. For the balls I’ve yearned to throw, Photo by Tom Alfoldi From hand to hand I toss it, I’ll take your youthful side. And marvel at the weight. Such a lot of snow compressed! It was perfect, sticky snow, Now…what to be its fate? The first fall of the year. And this point I wish to make Send your I know a lot of people So it is crystal clear: I’d love my ball to get. comments to But I am--sigh--a grownup. Put a boy who loves to pitch [email protected] Examples I must set. In fields of sticky snow. Tell him then he must resist or drop them off at the Firehall, Thus I fire it at a tree, The urge to mold and throw. And sadly watch it splat. 260 Sunnyside Avenue. Then I learn that my boy Joe I’ll bet only seconds pass At school, did more than that. Before his plan is laid. I’ll bet only seconds pass The words of Northern Mothers Before his ball is made. Soon gurgled up my throat: “You could have put an eye out!” Better luck to tell the sky (The standby mother’s quote.) To stop the snowy show, Than to tell my youngest son But then the words just stuck there He’s not allowed to throw! Upon my near-forked tongue. If I was nearly tempted, In fact, I’ll take it further, What then of one so young? If truth I want to tell. A rule involving snowballs, Has a snowball’s chance in….

Remember our children are back at school. Kudos For OSCAR Please drive carefully!

Dear Editor:

ongratulations on the very extensive publication that Oscar has become! C The regular columns on various topics are interesting f and the Hardings’ Computer Tricks and Tips are always useful. I was also surprised and delighted to see the Christmas greeting in Ukrainian in the December issue. A couple of pages further, I was sure I was looking at a photo of a typical village in rural Ukraine, but it turned out to be Riverdale Avenue in 1898! Thank you, and all the best to the great staff at The Oscar !

Irena Bell Page  The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR JANUARY 2008 Brief Notes From the Firehall 30 Years And Counting

By Dinos Dafniotis

n early January the Ottawa South Community Centre “The Firehall” will celebrate its 30 year as a community centre Iserving Old Ottawa South. The celebration will hopefully continue as the year goes on with what we hope will be a large party in June. The “little community centre that could” is how I would best describe the centre. Though the building has its charm, it has always been about the relationship between the many staff that have worked here and the program participants. Going back in time, names such as Pat Hunt, Sandy Mirriam, Sharon Plumb, James Donnely, Cynthia Moase, George Brooke, Bret Gorman built strong relationships with participants and the community. That tradition has continued with staff in recent years such as Bob Adymak ( who has been associated with the centre for 20 years), Dave Ho, Paul daSilva, Steve Winsor, Lori Myers, Caitlin Cullum (I apologize for not listing all the staff who have contributed throughout the years). Saturday Morning Dance Program Recital - An audience of close to 100 family mem- The community centre will not only be celebrating this bers and friends attended our Dance Recital featuring participants of our Saturday milestone but will also be deciding its future. As many of you morning Dance Programs know through OSCA President Michael Jenkin’s monthly letter in the OSCAR, the community association is negotiating/ planning to renovate and expand the Firehall. Next year’s City of Ottawa budget deliberations will render the fate of those negotiations and planning. I hope many of you will participate in these discussions when the opportunity arises. Don’t Forget you can still register for many of our Winter programs on-line at www.oldottawasouth.ca or in person at 260 Sunnyside Ave.

Dishing Out The Turkey - Annual Ottawa South Community Centre After Four Christmas Dinner

Photos by Dinos Dafniotis

Sugar and Spice - Firehall’s Annual Christmas Workshop for preschoolers saw them mix and bake up a storm JANUARY 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR Page 

City Budget, Greening OSCA, And Coming Events

By Michael Jenkin made as well. For example, parking building more roads and buying more Savour the Flavour community dinner fees downtown are going to be busses. at the Firehall which was a sell out City Budget expanded to Saturdays and evenings, success last year – a chance to dine s most of you will have heard but that won’t really encourage Greening OSCA out and sample the culinary skills of by now the City Budget was people to leave their cars at home for One of our priorities this year is Old Ottawa South professional chefs. Apassed – more or less – in commuting purposes and will more to make a significant step to green Most immediately, on Sunday, mid-December. The final numbers than likely discourage people going our operations. Of course having February3, we will be holding our are not yet confirmed as Council will down town in the evenings and on a renovated and expanded Firehall annual Winter Carnival at Windsor want to examine further economies on weekends. At the same time, we are that is green and sustainable is a key Park between noon and 2:30 p.m. the administrative side in the next few substantially increasing transit fares objective, but we also want to look at This was a very popular event last months. (tickets and passes which is how how our daily operations can be made year and is a great way to get rid of The good news is that there have most people pay), thus discouraging more environmentally responsible and the winter blahs and meet your friends been no significant cuts in services growth in usage when and where we what we can do in the short term to and neighbours. There will be games that impact on this community, the most need it – on the main roads on make the Firehall a greener place. You and sleigh rides for the kids, hot food libraries stay, arenas and pools with weekday rush hours. will be hearing more about this issue and music for everyone, and a contest not be closed, but the bad news is that Needless to say, most of the big in the months ahead, but if you have to judge the best winter chilli dish taxes and user fees, including transit underlying issues that make the city any immediate ideas yourself about in the community! As with most fares, are going up. That in itself financially unsustainable were not what you think should be done, by all of our events we need volunteers would not be such a bad outcome if addressed, such as the continuing bias means let us know and send your ideas to help out with this key winter get the underlying issues of effectiveness in our capital budget which focuses in to us at [email protected] together, so please sign up at osca@ and efficiency of services were being on supporting growth and expansion oldottawasouth.ca. See you there! handled in a more transparent fashion rather than promoting densification Coming Events: and more importantly, we had more and more intensive use of our existing Winter Carnival, Sunday And finally on behalf of your evidence that increased taxes and user infrastructure. Further, while council February 3rd. community association staff and fees were going to support a more has proposed a new light rail transit 2008 is promising to be a bumper board members I would like to extend sustainable city, both financially and plan including a tunnel under the year for community events. We are our wishes to you for a happy and environmentally. City, it is a long way off from having planning a major community party on prosperous 2008! There were some good ideas in a credible financing plan, and more the third Saturday in June at Brewer the Budget, such as the proposed importantly, the backing of other Park to celebrate our 30th Anniversary (modest) levy to better maintain governments to ensure it happens. as a Community Association which existing city infrastructure, but many Meanwhile we have ad hoc proposals promises to be a fun event for all ages. mutually conflicting decisions were to invest in additions to the Transitway, In May we are planning to repeat our

The Firehall’s Novice Basketball teams participated in the Annual West End Basketball Ice Breaker Tournament in early December. League play starts in January. Photo by Dinos Dafniotis Page  The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR JANUARY 2008 Digging Up The Dirt On ‘Old’ Ottawa South

By John M. Calvert (Essential Guide to OOS 1999 - Our Heritage), and others have taken their sk anyone who lives in Old turn at presenting information on the Ottawa South and they are history of our community. But in the Asure to say we live in the last couple of years – to the best of best darn neighbourhood in Ottawa. our knowledge – no one has been Our unique homes, shops, school, actively presenting historical research community and recreation facilities, to the community. The time is ripe for and natural features all make our a renewal of this activity. community a very attractive place to You may have already seen some live. But if you could travel back in of the early fruits of this group’s time 100 years, what would you see? activities. In the last issue of the A charming, quiet rural community of OSCAR Leo Doyle wrote an excellent farms, dirt roads and a few shops and article describing events around the homes. Incredible changes have taken annexation of Ottawa South in to the place within a very short time. How City of Ottawa, which became official did all these changes come about? one hundred years ago on December What traces of the “old” Ottawa South 16, 1907. Then almost to the day on Along the Driveway at Bronson Ave Bridge - Topley Collection, Library can still be seen today? the 100th anniversary of this date, and Archives Canada, PA-009969 To answer these kinds of questions, the Ottawa South History Project Counsellor Clive Doucet has arranged plans to present its findings not only a new interest group formed late this premiered a slide show of historical for an official proclamation from the in the OSCAR, but also online on a fall called the Ottawa South History photographs to the community at the city council to mark the date, which website, with photo galleries, and wiki- Project (OSHP). The objective of this Firehall during the OSCA Sleigh Ride should be forthcoming in January. style reader contributions to allow for group is to research, document and event. Shortly afterwards, in response Members of the Ottawa anyone in the community to add to our present to the community historical to the group’s suggestion, the Ottawa South History Project are actively collective historical memory. We hope th information about Old Ottawa Citizen picked up the 100 anniversary investigating a multitude of research to announce in an upcoming issue of South, in various forms and formats. story in a full page article with photos leads at the Library and Archives of the OSCAR our new website address. This idea is not new; in years gone (see the December 17, 2007 issue, p. Canada, the City of Ottawa Archives, In the meanwhile browse to http:// by other local historians such as C3). Also the CBC Radio One program the Ottawa Room of the Ottawa picasaweb.google.com/vbhackattack/ Rae MacDonald (OSCAR column All in a Day did an interview segment Public Library, the Land Registry OOS100thSlideshow/ for a sample Clapboard and Bricks), David Millett on the same topic. Finally, we asked the Office of the Province of Ontario, of photos in the above mentioned (OSCAR columnist), David Bouse City of Ottawa to formally recognize the Billings Estate National Historic slideshow. th this significant 100 anniversary and Site, the Museum and the Other ideas on the near and far , not to mention horizon include: presentations to canvassing neighbourhood residents students of Hopewell Avenue Public and businesses for historical material School; an Old Ottawa South theme as and reminiscences. We are also part of the Barley Mow trivia nights; collaborating with Heritage Ottawa. a map of businesses on Bank Street The Ottawa South History Project through the ages; historical photos in has only been active for a couple context on display in local businesses; of months but we have already producing a CDROM along the lines accumulated a library of over 150 of what Rick Wallace compiled for photographs and maps from the our sister community, A History of above-mentioned sources, with many Ottawa East. more items of interest that still require Learning about our local history scanning from originals held by these and sharing that information with various archives. Of course there is a other members of the community gives cost to obtain scanned copies of these us a stronger sense of belonging to a materials so we have to be selective. place. Perhaps you too have a new or In 2008 we will likely approach the novel idea for sharing our history and Ottawa South Community Association presenting it to the community. Would and the City of Ottawa Heritage you like to lend a hand to make some Funding Program for funds to assist of this happen? Let us know what you Brighton Beach, June 1966 - Onoszko Collection, City of Ottawa Ar- in obtaining these scanned copies of think! For more information about the chives, CA-9259

On (or Canal) near Bank St Swing Bridge, before 1882 - Topley Collection, Library and Archives Canada, PA-008805

historical materials. Ottawa South History Project, please In keeping with the times, contact John M. Calvert at 730-9851 the Ottawa South History Project or email [email protected]. JANUARY 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR Page 

CITY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT The 2008 Budget: The Good, The Bad And What’s Next

Dear OSCAR readers, This city’s spending on roads is because there seems to be considerable the campaign to get 1% of the GST out of line with other municipalities. confusion about whether it is to raise diverted to cities. It is why I along The Morning Mitt Poem Our appetite for new roads keeps money or to simply turn cars over for with 7 other city councillors led a our capital expenses high and in turn businesses. Until we resolve this, march to on December rd I have seal skin mitts feeds the expenses on the maintenance I think it is premature to be adding 3 . It is why we will continue to made in Rankin Inlet side cumulatively year over year. If meters to any neighbourhood. There lobby and draw attention to this very by an Inuit lady, Ottawa is to stabilize tax increases we is also the problem of where does the real solution in the lead-up to the next Marie Too Long need to go on a new road building diet. money go? I think it should remain federal budget. and brought home Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver in the neighbourhoods where it is If we don’t a get breakthrough by my daughter have all done it. I tried once again collected. on this, we can expect more ugly Each morning, during the budget to slow our road OC-Transpo fares will rise by city budgets in years to come. One my hands thank the seal building program by delaying some another 7.5% in 2008. With this percent will put 5 billion dollars into my head thanks the Inuit lady of the road expansion projects that increase the cumulative increase over the hands of city councillors across the and heart thanks my daughter hit municipal taxes the hardest. I 4 years will be 30%. How are we nation to start reducing the 123 billion for keeping my hands warm. also tried to get a small share of the supposed to increase transit ridership, physical infrastructure deficit. For renewal increases in the tax revenues improve air quality and compete with Ottawa, it means 140 million dollars (money to upgrade and repair existing other urban centers by having such per year. That’s the equivalent of a The 2008 Budget: the good, the bad infrastructure) diverted from roads to high increases? 14% property tax increase. Please and what’s next parks. Compared to other modes of Property taxes look like they write Mr. Harper and say – you want transport and other city services, 2007 will rise 4.9%. The exact figure city councils to get a fairer share of was the best year roads have ever had will be confirmed in April. The taxes you already pay. The good in Ottawa since amalgamation and property tax is not the right vehicle See the city’s website for more e avoided cutting libraries, I’m sad to say the 2008 budget won’t to make up for funding shortfalls information on One Cent Now: community centers and rectify this. within municipalities. We need other www.ottawa.ca/city_hall/one_cent_ even reducing transit Parking will be less equitable as sources of income to balance our now/index_en.html. W a result of the 2008 budget. Rates budgets, continue to provide services service. While things like library cuts were taken off the table early in the will go up and restrictions will be and make Ottawa a better place to Coffee with Clive process, transit service cuts were a extended to evenings and weekends. live. Exercises like the 2008 budget real threat and would have been a big In addition, neighbourhoods like Old are about minimizing the damage, not Coffee with Clive takes place in step backwards. Ottawa South will now have paid about maintaining or building a better Old Ottawa South at Bridgehead, 1176 The 2008 budget includes project parking zones along Bank. I, along city. This has to change. Bank Street, on the second Thursday numbers and a forecast for the money with most of the downtown councilors, of the month from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. to renovate the Old Fire Hall between voted against this proposal as it is What is next Best, unfair and is being done without any 2011 and 2017. Exactly when in that Clive Doucet timeframe has to be nailed down but public consultation. The Mayor along Federal and provincial with most of my rural and sub-urban governments have been racking up the good news is that the project has for City of Ottawa the first time been acknowledged for colleagues ignored the arguments huge surpluses after downloading about lack of public input, the impact services and withdrawing support to 110 Laurier Avenue West, its full value and is now in the budget Ottawa, ON K1P 1J1 process. The next task will be to move to small businesses or the lack of cities in the last decade or so. This is equity with other parts of the city. the obvious first choice for alternate tel.: (613) 580-2487 up the funding in the 2009 budget for fax: (613) 580-2527 2010 – not an insurmountable task. I will be approaching funding for cities. That’s why mayors Transportation Committee to have from other cities across the country [email protected] a policy discussion on parking as have been creating a stir over the www.clivedoucet.com The bad to how it applies to the whole city “One Cent Now” campaign. This is Digging Up The Dirt On ‘Old’ Ottawa South - Cont’d

Exterior view of the second Ottawa store owned by Armenian Canadian Setrak Tatarian, The Orient Rug Cleaners, 1103 Bank St, ca.1940 - Photographer unknown, Archives of Ontario, I0004946 Page  The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR JANUARY 2008

The Wine Spot Get to Know Screw Caps

is the perception that screw caps are consumers return less than 2% to the when was the last “down market,” that is, only found on LCBO (who gladly accept corked time you bought a bottle of wine for bottles of cheap wine. Nothing could wine for refund or replacement). That ageing instead of dinner that night or a be further from the truth. means there are lots of people out party during the same week? Most of Many of the top winemakers in there drinking tainted, bad-tasting us never age wine, so this is a concern Australia use screw caps. And as wine, but they don’t realize it. They only for a few, and an inconclusive much as 70% of the entire industry has likely think it’s poor quality, or worse, concern at that. adopted them in New Zealand, where that they just don’t like wine. That’s Others seem to like the romance there’s an industry-led initiative to unfortunate for consumers because and the ritual of using the corkscrew promote their use—the New Zealand they miss out on the pleasure of wine and the sound of the cork popping out. Screwcap Wine Seal Initiative (http:// and for the wine industry because they To these people I would say, “Would www.screwcap.co.nz). It’s also more miss out on customers. you rather have a romantic bottle- common these days to see European Screw caps avoid all of this and opening ceremony or good wine?” If by Kate Parsons and Ontario wines donning screw have no negative effect on wine, you care about what you put into your caps instead of corks. so why haven’t all wine makers mouth, the answer has to be the latter. t’s the screw cap that gets me. Screw caps are becoming more switched over? The short answer to Screw caps treat wine right, so Ugh!” A woman said this to me common for one very good reason— this question is the kind of consumer look for them (and buy them) at the Ito explain why she was refusing they’re better for wine. It’s estimated prejudice I mentioned above. When LCBO. a free sample of a wine I was giving that 1 in 10 bottles of wine with cork consumers don’t know any better and Kate Parsons is an Old Ottawa away. I work for a company that runs enclosures are “corked.” Cork taint associate screw caps with poor quality South resident and a wine enthusiast. complimentary tastings at LCBO occurs when organisms in the cork wine, it’s risky for a business to invest She welcomes comments and stores, so for a few hours every interact with bleach (cork is bleached in switching to them. questions. Kate can be reached at weekend I offer up small amounts of during processing), producing TCA I will admit that there are two [email protected]. You can alcoholic beverages and chat about (trichloranisole). The presence of this possible objections to screw caps. read her Ottawa Citizen wine blog them to passers by. Most of what I chemical compound in the cork leads Some question whether the ageing of at http://communities.canada.com/ hand out and talk about is wine, and to aromas described as wet dog or wines will be affected by screw caps ottawacitizen/blogs/wine/default. I’ve become familiar with some of the musty newspaper in the wine. Not a because it’s plausible that the small aspx. misconceptions people seem to have pleasant sensory experience. amount of oxygen let in by a cork over about it. One of the most common Though 10% of wines are corked, time may play a role in ageing. But

Naturally Green

By Judy Lascelles

Plaque in Lost and Found n October 20, 2007, a handful of Old Ottawa South volunteers repaired the Scout foot bridge at Brewer Park by the underpass. OYou may have read the November OSCAR article about this community event. Between that event and November 8, the 2’x3’ coloured plaque erected on the site to commemorate the Scout’s accomplishment was removed from its stone base. The plaque had already been badly defaced by graffiti, which with some effort and expense can be removed. But defacing it – a mere few meters from the walls where graffiti artists are permitted to paint -- apparently wasn’t thrilling enough. This time the vandals went to the considerable trouble of prying the plaque off the stone base to which it was affixed by sturdy bolts and then hiding it in tall weeds some distance away. In fact, it was thought to have been stolen until discovered some weeks later. In 1999, John Wright managed the ECOS interpretative program and Ian Gregory, an internationally renowned artist, was paid almost $2,000 to design and produce this bilingual plaque. The plaque was designed to endure all kinds of abuse. However, the misguided vandals were more highly motivated than expected to insult the people who planned, designed, and installed the plaque as well as to the volunteers who built the bridge in the first place. Many of these volunteers were local boy scouts at the time. The fact that unsavoury characters who perform such selfish acts live in or at least pass through our community is a sobering thought.

Christmas Bird Count Ottawa’s 2007 Christmas Bird Count was held on the worst possible day -- Sunday December 16, the day of the big snow storm. Although the birds adapted well to the weather by staying in their hideaways, bird count participants did not have that option. We trudged through knee-deep snow, listening through hats and hoods for any hint of bird song and peering through fogged-up glasses for any sightings. There were not many. However, in Old Ottawa South, we did see a handful of American Crows, Mallards, Black Ducks, House Sparrows, Pigeons, Ring-billed Gulls, and a few American Goldfinch, Black-capped Chickadees, Blue Jays, and Starlings. We also noted one Downy Woodpecker and one Rough-legged Hawk. JANUARY 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR Page 

WESTBORO ACADEMY Tout va bien! - 2008 and All’s Well

By Ann Winters food for those in need. A bake sale was also organized by our Student Council reps and many boxes of canned goods for the Food Bank were collected thanks to a food drive just prior to the holidays. The giving continues in December with our CHEO fund- raising in the form of a Skate-a-thon in the arena. Our students are hoping to exceed last years totals as they exercise for children who can’t.

De notre communauté locale à la communauté Canadienne… avez-vous déjà songé à explorer d’autres régions du Canada, à vivre dans une autre collectivité, à rencontrer de nouvelles personnes, à apprendre l’autre langue officielle du Canada, ou à explorer la diversité culturelle de notre pays? the economy, institutions, cultures, those from Yellowknife - to learn Le programme Échanges Jeunesse communities and languages and help organizing skills, take initiative and Canada du YMCA a jumelé les élèves young Canadians connect to one responsibility, ownership and pride in de 7e et de 8e année de l’Académie another and create links throughout their accomplishments. Westobo à leurs pairs à Yellowknife. the country and among groups. In ast year at this time we were Les objectifs du programme sont de the process, the students learn new bemoaning the lack of snow. permettre aux jeunes d’approfondir skills, develop a stronger sense of With our first-term behind us, LA similar complaint certainly leur connaissance du Canada, de son community, and get a chance to we welcome 2008 rested and full of won’t be heard today. However, histoire, de sa géographie, de son experience Canada’s diversity. energy. And we’d like to welcome you the December version of a Winter économie, de ses institutions, de ses Our Yellowknife “twins” will be too at the Westboro Academy Open Wonderland set the stage for our annual cultures, de ses communautés et de ses visiting us in February to discover House on Wednesday, January 23rd “Santa’s Breakfast” visit to Westboro langues et de leur donner l’occasion Ottawa through a tour organized by and Thursday, January 24th. If you are Academy. Greeted by English and de créer des liens entre leur propre our students. Although our snow interested in your child becoming part French traditional Christmas songs communauté et des communautés will not be an unusual sight for of our Westboro Academy community, sung by our students from JK to Grade ailleurs au Canada. Chemin faisant, Yellowknife youngsters, downhill please call us at 613-737-9543 or visit 8 and entertained by the school band, les élèves acquièrent de nouvelles skiing will. The reciprocal trip by our us at www.westboroacademy.ca . parents and Santa alike celebrated habiletés, développent un sens de la students to Yellowknife will happen the beginning of the Holiday Season collectivité et découvrent la richesse in May. This exchange is an excellent in style. In keeping with the spirit of culturelle du Canada. opportunity for our students – and giving, a basket filled to the brim with Nos « jumeaux » de Yellowknife goodies was raffled with all proceeds vont nous rendre visite en février : donated to CHEO. ils découvriront Ottawa par le biais Community involvement is a d’une visite guidée organisée par cornerstone in Westboro Academy’s nos élèves. Bien que la neige ne motto of “Excellence, Integrity and les surprendra pas, le ski alpin sera Respect”. Over the past few months, une nouveauté pour eux. En mai, ce our students have raised funds for sera au tour de nos élèves de visiter CHEO and assisted the local food Yellowknife. Cet échange offre une bank in its efforts to provide healthy belle occasion pour nos élèves, ainsi que pour ceux de Yellowknife, de perfectionner leurs habiletés organisationnelles, de faire preuve d’initiative et de responsabilité et d’être fiers de ce qu’ils accomplissent.

From our local community to our Canadian community… have you ever thought about exploring other regions of Canada, living in another community, meeting new people, learning Canada’s other official language, or exploring Canada’s cultural diversity? Working with the YMCA’s Youth Exchanges Canada program, Westboro Academy’s Grade 7 and 8 students are twinned with their peers in Yellowknife. The program’s objectives are to enable Canadian youth to learn first hand about their country’s history, geography, Page 10 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR JANUARY 2008 The Return Of The Great Hunter by Linda Burr formed, and the Orion Nebula is one of the most intensely studied features inter stargazing may not of the night sky. sound very exciting when Next take a look at Orion’s left Wit’s minus 25 outside, but shoulder star, known as Betelgeuse who can resist a cold winter night (pronounced BET-el-jews). This giant when the stars are all twinkling in a star is over 500 times the diameter of clear sky? There’s no wind, and the our Sun, and it looks slightly orange vapour from your breath hangs in the compared to most other stars. This air. All is silent and still. Now is the is a red supergiant, a star nearing time to take a 10-minute tour of one the end of its adult life, and it’s one of our most familiar constellations: of the brightest stars in the night sky. Orion the Great Hunter. Compare it to Orion’s right knee, If you have to take out the recycling a bright star called Rigel. Rigel is a or walk the dog some clear night in young star by comparison, and glows January, grab a pair of binoculars and blue-white. take them out with you. It will only What would any great hunter be take a moment to spot Orion, who without his faithful dogs? Orion has returns to us faithfully every winter. these, too. Use the three belt stars to Look southward to find him. Orion form a line, and extend that line down is visible to the naked eye and bright and to the left. You will bump into the enough to be seen from the city, brightest star in the heavens, known making him a convenient target. He as Sirius, the Dog Star, because it will be visible about 9 pm in January. forms part of Canis Major (a.k.a. the If you did a bit of stargazing Big Dog). while camping or vacationing at the If you follow the line of Orion’s cottage in the summer, you’ll quickly belt in the other direction, up and to realize that the night sky is different the right, you will find Aldebaran, in the winter. We don’t see the same also known as the Bull’s Eye, because stars because the earth’s daily rotation it is in the head of Taurus the bull. and yearly orbit combine to reveal Aldebaran is also a giant red star, different parts of the night sky at giving the bull an enraged appearance. different times of year. Each season In fact, Orion is often depicted with has its own highlights. Winter has its a raised club and shield, prepared share of treasures in the sky, including to defend himself as the angry bull some of the biggest and brightest charges down upon him. stars. In your final minutes of frosty Where was Orion in July? He A print of the copperplate engraving for Johann Bayer’s Uranometria showing contemplation, think about all the was hanging out, upside down, in the the constellation Orion. ancient cultures around the world that southern hemisphere all summer. For Courtesy of the United States Naval Observatory Library. also recognized Orion. For centuries, many people have studied the patterns northerners like us, he is a true symbol made by the stars. Our ancestors of frosty winter nights, and he visits created images by linking star groups us in the evenings from November together to form a map of the night sky. to early May. But in Australia, the We’ve inherited many of these names upside-down Orion is sometimes and images, which link us directly to referred to as the Saucepan, which the myths and legends of the past. may be practical but lacks something Orion is such a dominant figure on the more romantic side. that he figures prominently in many Wherever you are, Orion is such tales. The ancient Egyptians especially easy to spot because of depicted Orion as a god on wall his belt: three bright stars in a row reliefs, and Greek legends tell of known as the Three Kings. Above his how he met his end from the bite of belt are two bright stars that mark his a deadly scorpion. The constellation shoulders. His head is marked by a Scorpio can also be found in the night single star above the shoulders, while sky, but quite far from Orion, so that below his belt are two stars that mark they might never meet again. his legs or knees. By this point, your frozen toes From his belt hangs a sword, may remind you to return to Earth, which at first glance appears to and head indoors. Orion will still be consist of three stars. However, the there the next time you look up on a middle “star” is actually the famous cloudless winter night, until he leaves Orion Nebula, and if you take a look us in spring along with the melting at it with your binoculars you can see snow. that it is not a star, but a fuzzy region of cloudy appearance. Nebulae are Linda Burr lives in Old Ottawa fantastic interstellar regions of dust, South and is a biologist and avid gas and plasma where stars are being backyard naturalist.

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GARDEN GLIMPSES 10 New Year’s Resolutions For The Gardener

By Ailsa Francis NUMBER 8: I resolve never manure and let the worms do the parties. again to plant up a million small pots work. s 2008 begins, our thoughts on my deck and then watch them go NUMBER 2: I resolve not to use inevitably turn to resolutions. through a slow and agonizing death NUMBER 5: I resolve not to buy a chemical fertilizers in my garden. ABut let’s give ourselves a next summer because I can’t possibly hanging basket with lobelia in it this break and not mention the “d” (diet) keep up with them all, let alone water summer and blithely place it in the Yes I know it’s easy and foolproof word or anything having to do with them! full sun. – but so are steroids. Your plants, keeping the house clean; instead worms, soil bacteria (the good stuff), let’s resolve to make changes in our Resolve to plant just three large You know who you are and you good insects and everything in gardening life! Here are the top ten pots. Fill them full of the most should know by now what happens! between will thank you for it. Instead, resolutions all gardeners should make beautiful plants appropriate for their So unless you’re home everyday choose compost or well-rotted manure in 2008. situation and don’t forget to fertilize and resolve to water it everyday and or shredded leaves and dress your them regularly. If you go away on ideally place it in the afternoon shade, garden with this in early spring or fall. NUMBER 10: I resolve never to holiday or on weekends, go to Lee don’t say I didn’t warn you. You will be rewarded ten-fold. use chemical pesticides or herbicides Valley and purchase their ceramic again in my garden. automatic plant waterers (see www. NUMBER 4: I resolve to buy as NUMBER 1: I resolve to either, leevalley.com). many annuals and perennials from get a composter and use it, or use the Now that the world has become local, independently owned nurseries one I already have. more “green” conscious, there is no NUMBER 7: I resolve never to use as possible. shortage of earth-friendly products on that horrible black plastic edging. This by-product of your garden the market for gardeners. If you’re not You want to keep the ones that and kitchen waste known as “compost” sure of what your options might be, This stuff never looks good. Sure actually know something about is affectionately called “gardener’s contact an experienced horticulturist it keeps your grass from invading your gardening in this area in business, gold.” Not only is it free but it is the or “organic” garden centre (like flower beds but only until it begins to don’t you? Plus these people love best fertilizer that you could possibly “Make-it-Green” in Kanata) or sag and sink and then the grass slowly plants and gardens and they’ve chosen give your plants. If you need to know subscribe to Rodale’s “Organic grows over it. Until then, it wiggles to make it their career. We should be more about composting, refer to the Gardening” magazine (find them at and flops and heaves and never rewarding them for that. website mentioned above for Organic www.organicgardening.com). stays where you want it. And worst Gardening magazine. of all, you always see it. And let’s NUMBER 3: I resolve to learn a NUMBER 9: I resolve never to face it, plastic is very rarely, if ever, few Latin plant names this year. dig up and pot my Goutweed or Mint attractive. or Lily of the Valley and sell or trade For example, you should know that it at garage sales or fundraisers. NUMBER 6: I resolve to stop “Aegopodium podagraria” is, in double-digging – that is if I ever did it fact, Goutweed. On the other hand, There is a reason why you have before or even know what it is. “Chamaecyparis pisifera filifera aurea so much of it in your garden and it is nana” just sounds really good at not because you have an incredibly Popular gardening opinion now green thumb! These plants (and many believes that not only is double- others) are thugs and should never be digging (digging to a depth of twice inflicted upon unsuspecting and often a spade length in order to aerate the novice gardeners. These poor people soil) unnecessary, but it is down-right will soon be joining you by spending detrimental! Hallelujah!! We knew their weekends trying to eradicate there must be something inherently these perennials from their flower wrong with a job that demands so beds. much back-breaking effort. So relax … just top-dress with compost or

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 & Sunday Liturgies : 9:45 a.m. and 11am 11:30 a.m. Children’s program offered during Christian Meditation: Mondays at both worship services. 7:30 p.m. Evening Prayer: Tuesday at 7 p.m. Trinity Anglican Church 1230 Bank Street (at Cameron Southminster United Avenue) Sunday Services Church 8 am – Holy Eucharist 15 Aylmer Avenue 10 am – Sung Eucharist, with 10:30 a.m.: Worship and Sunday Church School and Nursery School - September through June Thursdays 10 am – Eucharist or Morning Prayer in Chapel Page 12 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR JANUARY 2008 Puppet Troupe Makes Sundays At Trinity Special For Children By Jim Robb

eymour the Skunk was the first. Now he’s been joined by S124 others, puppet actors who take turns participating Sundays in mini dramas that drive home ethical and moral concepts for the children attending Trinity Anglican Church in Old Ottawa South. The puppet master is Archdeacon Christopher Dunn, parish priest at Trinity. He started acquiring his repertory company in the 1980s to enliven “brown bag” talks he was giving for children at his rural churches in the Ottawa Valley. “Any object coming out of a bag can be turned into a teaching tool for children,” says Father Dunn. But he prefers puppets and, judging by the enthusiastic reactions to them, so do the boys and girls. There’s no shortage of Chris Dunn’s puppet troupe take to the trees (puppet trees that is) between public appearances. eager, clamoring volunteers who want to be picked to pull the first puppet out children attending funerals. Emperor penguin, both yet to acquire Father Dunn presided at the induction of the bag on Sunday morning. If a difficult subject is being names. But their acquisition was of Canon Pat Johnston as rector of St. Most of the Sunday stories spring tackled Father Dunn will often call inspired by the movie “Happy Feet,” Matthew’s this past February. Butch from the Scripture readings of the on Ollie the Owl, “as a wise and which just about every child and (the alter ego) made one of his rare day and illustrate themes like love, thoughtful mentor for the children.” maybe a lot of adults, have seen. appearances, bouncing ideas back and compassion, friendship, helping Some of the troupe lend Father Dunn is careful about the forth with Father Dunn. others. But sometimes the company themselves to seasonal aspects of the kind of message he is giving. Older “It went well,” he says, “people goes on the road. For instance, Father church calendar. Donnie the Donkey children respond to stories told as responded to Butch’s observations.” Dunn has used Carmen the Caterpillar is a natural for Palm Sunday and object lessons. The younger crowd and Butterfree the Butterfly to discuss Christmas. Newest members of the enjoy a simpler approach. As with Father Dunn says his personal transition and metamorphosis with company are a baby penguin and an the Parables of Jesus, stories are told favorite in the puppet menagerie is because they are open-ended. Goldie the Golden Retriever. He’s “That lets the children draw their kind, thoughtful and serious about own conclusions.” dishing out advice. He’s also very And, he says, “you can’t direct a realistic looking. story or message to adults, it has to be The full-body, realistic puppets on target for the children.” have been acquired from several That said, he often notices adults sources. The majority come from “peering intently, trying to see what a California company specializing character is going to come out of the in puppets “that look like the real bag.” animal,” says Father Dunn and he has And he has to be alert to the way several examples of their work in his children are reacting. “A child can ask office. a question that will take me in a whole But the sources are just as eclectic different direction. I have to adapt as as the collection. Fannie the Fox was I go.” picked up in the U.S. Virgin Islands He admits being stumped when while Father Dunn and wife Blanche children had problems over a story were on a cruise. He spotted several involving the lamb laying down with others while out west and they the lion. “The lamb wouldn’t do that,” travelled home, “hanging out of bags,” they told him. from Vancouver.” A giant mosquito Most of the puppets replicate was a gift from his parents who found animals “because it’s easier to tell a it in Alaska. story with them”, but some replicate Father Dunn is a self-taught humans. They include Bert and Ernie puppeteer. His sole brush with any of Sesame Street, who started out as training was while he and Blanche were stuffed toys before being converted taking a cruise in the Caribbean. One to puppets by Father Dunn’s wife, of the entertainers was a ventriloquist Blanche. who gave a half-hour workshop on Then there are Butch, Victoria and working with sock puppets. “I wasn’t Russell, who look like young urchins. very good at it,” he confesses. Father Dunn describes Butch as his Last August, he celebrated alter ego (but he doesn’t make many 10 years as rector of Trinity. The public appearances). Victoria started parishioners celebrated with a party, out as Veronica and was renamed happy that he chose the priesthood, because Victoria Scott is Trinity’s not puppetry. music director. Victoria the puppet ***** has a high-pitched, squeaky voice, *Jim Robb is communications chair at (the real-life Victoria doesn’t). Trinity, 1230 Bank Street at Cameron On rare occasions a puppet will put Avenue. A version of this article in an appearance for an adult audience. appeared earlier in Crosstalk, journal As Archdeacon for , of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa. JANUARY 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR Page 13 Trinity Anglican Church’s Christmas Pageant A Sweet Success, Despite Raging Storm Dec. 16 By Jim Robb Wise Girls replacing the usual Three Wise Men and wicked King Herod he weather outside was played by another girl, Kate Baron, frightful, but inside Trinity in the annual retelling of the events TAnglican Church everything surrounding the birth of Jesus in a was delightful as children of the Bethlehem manger. church school staged their annual The manger in this case was filled Christmas pageant for a host of proud with an exotic assortment of animals.

A tiny heavenly host watches the unfolding drama in the manger at Trin- ity’s Christmas pageant. Angels left to right are Alison Gorber, Charlotte Adler, Erin Stewart, Eleanor Stewart and Piper Veloso. (Photo by Chris Dunn) group participated. And, unlike some as well as mothers, grandmothers past pageants, this one didn’t have and a smattering of fathers and a single adult on stage. It was the grandfathers. children’s day, start to finish. Between bouts of sampling the After it was all over children and icing and nibbling at the cookie dough, adults relaxed over the traditional the children rolled out the dough, cut post-pageant pot luck lumch, which it into traditional Christmas-time Mary (Elizabeth Adler) and Joseph (Riley Veloso) appear unconcerned served up all the goodies anyone shapes and cooked dozens of treats about the momentous event they are portraying. (Photo by Chris Dunn) could hope for. for Christmas-time consumption by Advent season was a busy time their families and friends. for the children. The pageant followed Dainty shortbreads, chocolate parents and grandparents on stormy In addition to the usual sheep and a highly successful cookie fest balls, Santa Claus icebox cookies, Sunday, December 16. cattle, a dinosaur put in an appearance, organized for young cookie makers ginger snaps and gingerbread people A highlight of the show this year along with a leopard and a spotted just days before. came out of the ovens, to go home was the singing of a choral group wildcat. with the boys and girls when the day coached by Choir Director Victoria Co-coordinator Jane Baron Cookie cooking a big hit with drew to a close. Scott backed by a small combo of estimated that close to 30 children and teenagers from the Trinity youth children “It’s a sure bet to be repeated On Saturday, December 8th the next year, given the turnout and Trinity kitchen buzzed with the young enthusiasm,” said Carrrol Robb, cooks during a first annual cookie Social Committee chair. baking afternoon. *** Brainchild of Social Committee Jim Robb is communications chair at member Laura Eggertson, the Trinity. cookie fest attracted girls, and boys,

Trinity’s Three Wise Girls wait for their cue to arrive at the manger bearing gifts for the infant Jesus. (Photo by Robert Taylor) youngsters playing a variety of brass and other instruments. Coordinated by parishioners Sara Gordon and Jane Baron, the pageant had its usual quota of forgiveable miscues and mishaps – wandering sheep, a baby Jesus (doll) who was accidentally dropped, angels who kept looking for mom and dad, a knocked over microphone stand. It all added up to a great and quirky success, complete with Three Page 14 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR JANUARY 2008 Local Businesses Help Raise $7,500 For “Out-of-the- cold” Sunday Suppers By Louise Rickenbacker

very Sunday from October Fish Pond to April, volunteers from St. Barley Mow Margaret Mary’s and other E Bonds Decor local churches prepare and serve Boomerang Kids hot three-course meals, bringing C.A. Paradis people into the warmth of a church Canadian Tire hall. For some of the guests at these Cuppedia “Out-of-the-Cold” suppers, this may Cosmic Adventures be the only hot meal of their week. Dairy Queen For others, the occasion provides an Daya Spa opportunity to socialize and enjoy Delusions of Grandeur some companionship. Elite Drapery To generate funds to support Fresh Fruit these Sunday suppers, a bazaar was Georgetown Sports Pub held on December 2 at St. Margaret Glebe Meat Market Mary’s Church. Organizers hope Hartman’s IGA Marcel Belanger, Diane Borg and Brian Tansey prepare vegetarian chili that OSCAR readers will support all the Home Hardware were frozen and sold in serving-size packages at the Bazaar. businesses that gave so generously to Joey’s Only Seafood Restaurant the bazaar. Gift donations, certificates Mayfair Theatre and other support from the WAG Hegyi Geomatics Mirana Moda community business people enables The White Box Loblaws (Billings Bridge, South Mother Tongue Books the Bazaar Committee to keep costs Wild Birds Unlimited Keys, Isabella) Mrs. Tiggy Winkles low and to raise more than $7,500. It Yardley’s Antiques Loeb (Glebe, Southgate) Mud Oven was due to the tremendous support Natural Food Pantry The Oriental Collection businesses gave to the suppers that Produce Depot Patty’s Pub the bazaar was a success. Cafe and Frozen Rideau Pines Farms & Market Pelican Restaurant Especially generous contributors Rogers’ Independent Grocer Pulente’s Cafe & Deli Food were Choice Meats (located in Fresh Quinn’s Ale House Fruit just north of Billings Bridge), Rowland Leather Bulk Barn Also Hillary Cleaners, Grace in the Singing Pebble Books Carleton Mushrooms Kitchen, and Glebe Meat Market. Starbucks Choice Meats Allegra Print and Imaging Thank you to all participating Three Wild Women Costco Dollarit! merchants Tim Horton’s Hartman’s IGA McMillan

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OSCA Annual Winter Carnival

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Windsor Park

12 noon to 2:30 pm Snow or Shine

Sleigh Rides

613-247-4946 JANUARY 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR Page 15

BOOK REVIEW Triple Time Trap

Review by stephen a. haines Shanadawdithit’s people are slowly Cloud of Bone driven to extermination. How her story comes to light is teased out of by Bernice Morgan the account through Morgan’s skillful Alfred A. Knopf Canada, narrative. 2007 In Book Three, “The Scavanger”, ISBN: 0-676-97938-1 the author moves to modern times in the figure of anthropologist Judith Muir. Working in Africa with her husband, she is abruptly widowed by a single bullet - whether chance or deliberate against a visible white isn’t clear. Nor does it matter, as Judith is forced to cope with the loss of her beloved husband. She takes refuge in an isolated cottage, beset by dreams. She and Ian had been working in another genocidal zone, Rwanda. The evidence of massed death surrounded them when Ian was killed. Her years of work have immuned her to skulls, if not to death. As a child, she had encountered her share in the Blitz, and from the rubble of that conflict, she eologists tell us that extracts an artefact that will change Newfoundland is made up Bernice Morgan her life yet again. of bits from three continents G Morgan’s condensed triology - North America, Europe and Africa. is artfully devised and masterfully Bernice Morgan’s impressive trilogy And her characters seize the reader’s die? composed. Although her previous of tales unconsciously reflects this attention from the opening lines of her Troy, for all his despair and books bear little relation to this assemblage. Her three characters works. disillusionment, is the descendent volume, other than the use of her home originate, work or live in the three “Cloud of Bone” opens with of the victors - the Dogmen. Province as a setting, they are in no distantly separated sites, but are a sailor’s tale. It’s almost a shock Newfounland’s history is notorious small part preparation for this volume. assembled in one locale to conclude to realise Troy Holloway isn’t a for the extermination of the Beothuks, Adapting serious research and history this magnificent story. outport cod fisherman, but a Navy the indigenous people occupying to fiction, she has accomplished a Newfoundland may seem a sailor. Because it’s World War II, wide areas of The Rock at the time notable work. Her scenarios are mysterious place to those of us in he’s Royal Navy, and because he’s a of the European occupation. Morgan vivid and her characters demonstrate Central Canada. It’s far away. It faces Newfoundlander, the ship is a sad satire invokes the shade of Shanawdithit, how distant times and places can be an ocean hostile and persistent in its of a combat vessel. The ship, even the last known Beothuk, to describe brought together. Although based assault on the land. Our rivers and the war itself, is of less significance the lifeways of this ancient people. in Newfoundland and setting much lakes don’t stand in real competition. than Troy’s earlier St John’s life. The First, the people are driven from their of her story there, she hardly fits The jokes, against all good taste, lack of opportunity is an old story shoreline hunting areas, which included the “regional writer” slander too persist. Who makes jokes about the in St John’s and Troy saw few come the holy sites holding the dead. Seal often applied to those not residing in Ottawa Valley any more? People on his way. Life was an empty vessel meat and oil were a fundamental need Canada’s urbanised centre. This is a “The Rock” still leave notices that with no prospect of improvement. for the Beothuk to offset the chills of book for all who enjoy fine writing they’re “Visiting Canada”, making Troy’s association with his “gang” winter, but the Europeans, ignorant and universal concepts. the distance and viewpoint yet more of friends, notably Gup, is his sole of all things indigenous, blocked alienating. But, as Bernice Morgan interest. There’s a bond among them access by the aboriginal peoples so stephen a. haines may be emailed has shown through previous works, no outsider seems able to bend, let they could harvest cod for European at [email protected] being distant doesn’t mean different. alone break. Yet, Troy is hiding in a Christian “fast” days. Driven inland, From “Random Passage” through basement tunnel at the edge of town beset by disease, starvation and “Waiting for Time”, her characters are because of those ties. What would loss by Dogmen’s wanton killing, known and understood by her readers. bring him to such a place to

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A HARD DAY’S PLAY January in Ottawa

By Mary P. interested! Timmy, who is motivated! right to the potty! What a smart boy!” And it does. It comes when Mary Timmy, who does the potty dance And all the little children dance and is up to her armpits in a craft, or nowbanks higher than a whenever he pees successfully!!! sing. And there is Great Rejoicing. preparing lunch, or sweeping under toddler’s head, snow on the Now, it is not my habit to train And Timmy puffs his wee chest and the dining table, or reading to the tots. Ssidewalks past a toddler’s knee. children this young, particularly the proudly declares, It comes when Mary is busy, occupied, (One thing I miss about Toronto: with boys. They have to show interest, and, “I Peed innuh POTTY, Mary!” her attention distracted, until such homeowners responsible for their frankly, most of the time the “interest” And the dancing and singing time as she hears those fateful words, own sidewalk, there was none of their parents so passionately assure stops, the rejoicing ceases, a pall “I PEED, Mary!!!” this suffering through heaps of slop me the child is showing is theirs, not drops over the festivities. Because I have tried trailing the boy. on the sidewalks until the sidewalk the tot’s. But Timmy? Timmy is INTO this, my friends, Is A Lie. A falsehood. Keeping a deceptively casual eye on plow comes through. At least, not in this. Totally. We would like it to be true, but, sadly, his comings and goings. Perking up a nice neighbourhood like this, where He takes HIMSELF to the potty. it is not. when he heads to the living room, you could rely on the sense of civic And then he pees. And hollers and Not once in these days of happy where the potty sits in a cosy nook responsibility of your neighbours to cheers and screeches his pride. Several potty times has the boy gotten the pee between music cabinet and wall. I get that stuff shifted within a couple times a day we hear his jubilant call. INTO the potty. He feels it coming, he don’t know how he’s managed to avoid of hours of a snowfall.) And it’s cold. “I PEED, Mary, I PEED!!!” races for the potty, he sits down, and my experienced eagle eye for five Really, really cold. Despite his enthusiasm, however, … he squirts that stuff in a glistening solid days, but he has. Lightning-fast, Fresh air is good for the kids and his success rate is only about 50%. arc ten cm up and thirty out. Well, I that boy. But I do watch him, coming all, and you can be sure I get them Distract the boy in the slightest, with assume this trajectory based on the and going. I listen for the thud-thud- outside regularly, but really? Twenty a game, a craft, a snack, any kind of liquid evidence on the hardwood thud of his constantly pounding feet. minutes spent getting into the suits a happening at all, and he forgets. floor. I assume this because I have yet And I hear… and ten minutes to get them out, thirty Pee squirts, puddles grow, the other to actually see it happen. “I PEED, Mary!” minutes total -- all for about 8 minutes children holler. “Timmy peein’, Mary! Why do I not accompany him, With a 50% potty-sitting success outdoors before they’re all begging to Timmy peed onna floor!” And Mary’s you might reasonably ask? Timing. rate and 0% aim, I’m not sure if I’ll come back in. There are better ways to house? Is one happening place. So the It’s all in the timing. I take the boy, continue past this week. I’ll give kill 40 minutes, frankly. ratio of potty vs floor piddling? Not he sits, nothing happens. Performance it another week to try to train the Like Potty Training!! so great. anxiety? Could be. We’re very relaxed boy to aim the apparatus south, but Timmy and Anna are being But when he is sitting on the about it all, of course, but it still if we haven’t managed it by then, potty-trained. Anna, darling child, is potty? Oh, the Festivities! We clap could be the freezing effect of having I’m quitting for a month or so. He’s proceeding out of diapers and into Big and cheer. “Yay, Timmy! You PEED.” someone watching. I understand it enthused and willing, but, invaluable Girl Panties with great efficiency, fuss, And we have a little celebratory love- happens to the adult version, too. As I as it is, I need a little more than Good or fanfare. Gratifying as this is for me in, me and Timmy. And the love-in would be with the adult version, I am Attitude. and her parents, this is boring for you, grows as the other children, drawn by kind, relaxed and reassuring. “That’s And besides, I’m running out of my dear readers, so let us instead turn the joyful noises, gather round. “You okay, Timmy. You can play some paper towels. our focus on Timmy. Timmy, who is knew it was coming, and you went more. It will come later.” It’s Your Turn… Make Some Tracks At The 42nd Canadian Ski Marathon By Nicola Maule commit to ski the whole weekend you can now come and ski the first half he early snowfall this winter has of the trail on Saturday February 9th meant that training conditions between Gatineau and Montebello. Tfor the Canadian Ski Marathon Skiers will be entitled to preferred start (CSM) have been ideal and the event times and will be able to qualify for is hoping to attract new skiers in 2008. special awards. “There is no better place to experience Of course the elite Coureurs des winter wonderland and fulfill your Bois Gold skiers will be skiing the personal challenge on skis than on the full 160 km CSM trail over two days Canadian Ski Marathon trail,” says while sleeping out under the stars on Jordan Bridal, Event Manager. The Saturday night with only water, a hay 42nd edition of the CSM will take place bale and fire pit provided to them. on February 9 & 10, 2008. If you are looking for a unique This year the annual classic ski way to experience winter in 2008 the event has something for beginner and CSM is your best bet. You will be hard core skiers alike. Beginner skiers well looked after while skiing along have a couple of choices. They can ski the expertly groomed double-tracked in the Mini-CSM which is one section trail that is only open one weekend a of the CSM trail and approximately 15 year. You are not too late to book your km in length. The Family Fun Day is spot on the trail, just visit www.csm- another option for people who would mcs.com and register online. There are like their kids to experience the spirit also luxury accommodation packages of the event by skiing a special 3 km still available at the Fairmont Chateau section with their own bib and mini- Montebello for a true Canadian winter checkpoints. They end at the famous weekend you will not soon forget! Fairmont Chateau Montebello with lunch and a swim in the pool. The seasoned skiers have many options to chose from but the newest one is the Géo Plein Air Classic. If you cannot JANUARY 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR Page 17

WINDSOR CHRONICLES B– PART 80 Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Dear Tera,

inter has come early to our Windsor Park and our WKemptville domains alike. Alpha has brought me back to the city, where I must inspect the yellow spots on all the snowdrifts. He thinks I move along so slowly because my arthritis does not suit this weather. But I love the snow. I prefer the cold to the extreme heat of the summer. The reason I move along so slowly is that there is much news to be learned from the scents left in the snow banks. When humanoids return from abroad, they spend many hours catching up on the mail. When we dogs return, we need to sniff at every hydrant and pole to find out what we may have missed in our absence. I came home to the strange seasonal smells of indoor trees. Yes, it’s that time of year again. And, no, the humanoids still do not wish us to mark these trees as we would those outdoors. where I found that Alpha and the Pup way we dogs can only dream of. We But I’m happy to report on some had already erected a tree without any would catch every squirrel in the park Thinking that winter is my discoveries as to the origins of these help from Lily or me. We’re back to if we could move with such effortless favourite season, trees. our city routines: walks to the pup speed. It’s going to be something to In the city, the humanoids arrive kennel in the mornings, explorations watch. From the snow banks. Zoscha at the front door with the trees tied of Windsor Park during the day, down to the top of cars. Everything fetching the Pup from the Firehall has already been processed. in the late afternoon. It’s much like the way they return But there is another winter from the store with pieces of chicken routine that we have enjoyed many wrapped in Styrofoam and cellophane. times since I returned to the city. It’s only after you visit to the country It’s the season where Alpha and that you realize this meat actually his friends water the ice rink. In comes from some very silly birds that the summer they water the grass, do not fly and would no doubt be very in the winter, they water the ice. fun to chase if Alpha would only let I supervise from the snow banks me. along the hockey boards. And the trees that they bring into First there’s just snow to be our homes? Yes, they are indeed trees. rolled down. We come back later Lily and I accompanied the rest of the to sprinkle the snow with water. pack to a wonderful place where they Others come to take over the hose, grow in real ground – not up from or we roll the hose up and store it in those plastic holders the Pup waters the warm building where the floor each morning. boards smell of last winter’s snacks The Pup, Sport and Sunshine ran and hot chocolate. ahead looking for what they regarded The next time we return, there as the perfect tree. Their criteria are are mountains and valleys of frozen different than yours or mine would be. snow and the occasional spread of Apparently it’s important that the tree smooth ice. stand straight, and that its branches be And when we return again, evenly distributed on all sides. They it’s easy to see how the spray from don’t seem to care one iota whether the hose and the tramp of boots there are interesting smells on the grind down the high points and lower branches. the water pools in the area where But find the right tree they did. the ice surface is becoming flat Alpha cut it down with a little hand and smooth. Every valley shall be saw while The Mom took pictures exalted, and every mountain and as we proudly dragged it back to the hill made low: the crooked straight, van. Then we had the ceremonies of and the rough places plain. bringing the tree into the Kemptville Soon everything will be smooth house, setting it up in those plastic as … well, not glass. They never containers, and festooning it with all get the rinks as smooth as the ice kinds of baubles. on the river. Once again, humanoids seem But smooth enough that, any concerned that we do not wag our day now, the humanoids will be tails within range of these things. strapping on those strange blades I’ve now returned to the city and sweeping across the ice in a Page 18 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR JANUARY 2008 City Matters By John M Calvert

inter arrived early this year with several big Wsnowfalls in November and December. The whole week before Christmas there were almost no sidewalks clear of snow anywhere in Old Ottawa South. However, a favourite and relatively safe spot in the winter for walkers and joggers is the NCC Eastern Pathway, along the east side of the canal. In Old Ottawa South, access to the pathway is blocked with barriers outside the skateway season, but many people use the stairs regardless, which leads to a rather dangerous situation in which the snow on the stairs is packed down to a bobsled run-like icy slide which people clamber down. Access to the Eastern Pathway from our community is mainly from Echo Drive, but the access is quite constrained along much of its length compared with other parts of downtown Ottawa. Between the at- grade intersections with Clegg Avenue just beyond the northern edge of Old Ottawa South and Leonard Avenue just west of Bank St., for a length of 1.8 km, there are only three official through the efforts of individuals skateway season. This same employee South are denied proper safe access to access points to the pathway: stairs tromping down any snow and can get did clarify that the NCC is willing the Eastern Pathway during the winter at Mount Pleasant Avenue, stairs at quite icy and treacherous. to let the City of Ottawa perform for recreation and enjoyment of the Riverdale Avenue and Echo Drive, In the words of one NCC employee maintenance and snow clearing at its canal. and an informal path along the one- responsible for canal and pathway expense on NCC property, provided a I would encourage everyone to way access road up to Bank Street maintenance, “regional and local suitable agreement is in place. contact both Counsellor Clive Doucet near Aylmer. facilities are not the responsibility When contacted early in December, at 580-2487 and the NCC at 239-5555 None of these three access points of the National Capital Commission. the City of Ottawa 311 call centre at to request that proper snow removal is maintained for winter access to the That is what local property taxes first claimed city responsibility for be provided all winter long on the two Eastern Pathway, leading to some are for, so it is the job of the City of the three access points in question, sets of stairs to the Eastern Pathway dangerous situations. Both sets of Ottawa.” In other words, the NCC but later in the month a different at Mount Pleasant and Riverdale stairs are blocked off with barriers feels no obligation to make any of office claimed that the NCC has sole Avenues. and officially closed, except when its properties and facilities available responsibility for their maintenance. the Rideau Canal Skateway is open. when strictly of benefit to residents Sounds like another example of When the skateway is open, these of Ottawa, including snow clearing these two levels of government not Photos by John M. Calvert stairs are cleaned and regular winter on stairs between Echo Drive and the knowing what the other is doing, and maintenance is done to remove any Eastern Pathway outside of the canal meanwhile the residents of Old Ottawa accumulated snow. The informal path near Bank Street is never subject to winter maintenance; it is only passable JANUARY 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR Page 19 Car Trouble? Check For Cats Under Your Car Hood This Winter he Ottawa Humane Society untangled from a car engine. And also be extensive, including broken such as shopping malls. (OHS) is reminding motorists our Emergency Animal Protection fan belts or fan blades. The cost of Remember to keep your own cat Tto check for felines hidden Services (EAPS) team rescued another those repairs, or any required towing, inside in cold weather in order to keep under the hoods of cars this winter. kitten from under a car hood that was can be expensive and frustrating for him safe from this and other winter Cats often seek warmth under a car luckily still alive, though dirty and an owner. hazards. In fact, when the mercury — especially in winter — only to get stressed after its ordeal. Brown says that cats usually hide plunges, it’s a good idea to limit the caught there after the motor starts. “This is a common problem each in and around a car’s engine, though outdoor time for all animals, including The results can be deadly for the cat season, but we’re seeing cases already they can manage to crawl almost dogs. and costly for the car owner. this year because of the early cold anywhere inside the body of the car. For more cold weather safety tips Cats will usually crawl up into cars to weather,” says Tim Brown, OSPCA He reminds drivers to take a few for animals, visit the OHS website at seek protection from other animals or inspector for the OHS. “The cats we moments to check that their car is cat www.ottawahumane.ca the weather. Starting a car may not be do manage to rescue from cars are free, by honking the horn and banging enough of a warning for the animal, usually in rough shape, and it’s not a on the hood before turning the key. and by the time an engine is ignited, it pretty story for those we aren’t able It’s also important to remember that could be too late. Already this winter, to save.” cats can gain access to cars almost the OHS has seen one cat arrive at the In addition to the potential threat anywhere, including in residential shelter dead, after being gruesomely to the animal, damage to a vehicle can driveways, or public parking lots,

Awakening To The Danger: A Uranium Mine Near You? By David Gill our water and our food chain for our country so that the tragedy on thousands of years. Understanding the Serpent River downstream from now is falling, covering these risks has made many of us act Elliott lake in Ontario will not be everything in the valley with a on our convictions and oppose the repeated, and our Canadian uranium, blanket of white. Water, taken development of this mine. There is 85% of which is exported, will not S an urgent need to stand together and leave a dark legacy. for granted by most of us, is essential to life for all the living creatures on send a clear message to our political “Silver burns a hole in your this planet. If we are not vigilant, leaders. pocket. Gold burns a hole in your soul. what we take for granted could be There are plenty of arguments put Uranium burns a hole in forever.” - contaminated forever by uranium forward by the nuclear lobby to keep Buffy Saint Marie exploration and mining a mere 100 us sleeping, but remember that this The Ottawa Coalition Against kilometres from Ottawa. Do you industry is very powerful and with Mining Uranium (OCAMU) wants wonder how this could happen to our huge investments and profits. We to present the facts so that Ottawa beautiful corner of the world? Look at have to get this right for the sake of the can decide about the moratorium the tenfold price increase in uranium unborn. Future generations would be and the future of our environment. over the last while. The profits will be affected, and for this reason our present Please come out and wake up to the great for a few but they will cost us all generation has a responsibility to danger. An online petition is ready dearly in terms of quality of life and engage and examine the facts. Come for Ottawa residents to sign to show health. Greater risk of cancers and to find out why Frontenac County their resolve to our politicians at leukemia are very real with exposure resident Donna Dillman has entered www.ecologyottawa.ca/take-action/ to Uranium and its by-products. into her third month of a hunger index.php For six months now the First strike to get Queen’s Park to wake For more information: Nations and other residents near up. Numerous information meetings http://www.ccamu.ca/ Sharbot Lake have worked hard to have been organized in the past few http://ato.smartcapital.ca/no- alert their fellow citizens to the issue months involving various experts uranium of uranium mining and its dangers for on the dangers of the mining of http://no-uranium.blogspot.com/ the Ottawa River watershed. As yet, uranium. Word is spreading and now http://www.miningwatch.ca/ politicians are unwilling to participate Jim Harding, the author of “Canada’s in the dialogue. Ottawa could be Dirty Secret” is coming to Ottawa directly be affected as it is downwind January 23 at the Ottawa Public and downstream from the upper Library, Main Branch to share his Mississippi River location of the expertise. Canada has a very real proposed uranium mine near Sharbot history of complicit participation Lake in Frontenac County in Eastern in the nuclear threat and the nuclear Ontario. As well, there are vast areas arms race as well as the proliferation staked for uranium exploration in of nuclear energy as opposed to Western Quebec. This is why the City the development of sustainable of Ottawa should join the 10 other energy resources. Jim Harding has municipal governments, including a lifetime of experience of delving Kingston, that have demanded into in the nuclear story of Canada Premier Dalton McGuinty enact a from his base in Saskatchewan and moratorium on uranium exploration has committed to revealing this and mining and begin a public review information to the public. There of the Mining Act. It is critical that is so much at stake here that it is we get informed about uranium and imperative each of us take up the its by-products which would deliver challenge to find out what is going toxic radioactive contamination into on with the uranium industry in Page 20 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR JANUARY 2008 A Welcome Sight This Winter!

Photo by John M. Calvert

Photo by Dinos Dafniotis JANUARY 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR Page 21

Firehall Magnolias For Sale Horses Brave Cold For OOS Sleigh Ride

Photo by Cathie Buchanan

Contact the Firehall for deatils about buying these beauties. Page 22 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR JANUARY 2008 2008 -- A Year for Living Lightly By David Chernushenko a quest. It is a social movement with a very individual approach, and as such s we enter 2008, we are again can be very public and communal, or being bombarded by stark very private and personal. Aand sometimes apocalyptic Living lightly is a lifestyle that warnings about climate change, is at the same time ethical, practical, ecological degradation, human economical and spiritual. It is a suffering and social upheaval. While choice to better align the pursuit of these stories are, unfortunately, far too our practical needs with our personal true, they are also, fortunately, only values and spiritual calling, and with one side of the story. What is too often the needs of our environment and of missing from the news, the images all humans and other forms of life. and the information we receive, is the Living lightly is not about guilt, inspiring, hopeful and equally true sacrifice or preaching to others. It stories of positive change. is about choosing to embrace a way The world, like our community, of life that is exciting, challenging, is full of people who are making a rewarding, humbling, and as full of difference and leading by example. mistakes and dilemmas as it is full of We are, literally, surrounded by such achievements and certainty. Living Lightly in Old Ottawa South: drying laundry with zero emissions, “local heroes.” Ordinary folk, doing By living lightly, we choose and that real fresh air smell, not the artificial one. extraordinary things to solve social to be active participants in finding Photo by David Chernushenko and environmental problems. Their and sharing solutions to today and motivation tends not to be wealth or tomorrow’s environmental, social and Living Lightly Project (LLP) with inspiring people. We share a vision fame; rather, they do what they do economic challenges, without being the help of some creative friends and of a better way of living, and are because it is satisfying, uplifting and judgmental or sanctimonious. By generous supporters. In September determined to prove what is possible, rewarding in the truest and fullest living lightly, we choose to adopt a we began working on the first Living rather than give up our dream in the sense of the word. positive, generous approach to seeking Lightly film, and in November we face of challenges. I have found that Wouldn’t it be nice to hear more solutions and to sharing them with launched the website (livinglightly. when you bring practical optimists about these people, and to learn others, and to do so with humility. ca) that will be the hub for a local and together, they can accomplish even more about what they do, and why? Living lightly embraces the fact global community, to view and share more, and inspire others. Don’t you think we could be building that we have a moral and practical solutions and stories of living lightly, The LLP aims to inspire a better, healthier, more supportive obligation to reduce our personal in the form of videos, photos, art and global community of citizens to take communities if we were to use our impact on the planet, to consume fewer written material. practical action to build sustainable local heroes as role models, and share resources, to generate less waste and to After 20 years of working communities and livelihoods. We to promote a more “sustainable” do that by interviewing and then approach to community and economic showcasing on video people who are development, in the public service, already on the road to “living lightly”, private sector and through politics, I telling their stories and sharing have grown weary of the acrimony, their knowledge and passion. The the negative imagery and overhyped videos show that viable and exciting rhetoric on every side of the table. I alternatives exist to typical current am convinced there is a better, more practices (of individuals, groups and positive way to tackle ecological companies), and aim to inspire people problems and improve people’s lives. to adopt some of these or create their It is based on finding common ground own versions. and pursuing mutually beneficial We are producing and presenting solutions. It involves dialogue, visual media (video, photos and compassion and sharing. illustrations) using all available tools: My own efforts to lessen my our “hub” website, television, multi- “footprint”, and that of my family, media live presentations, podcasts and have been equal parts challenging, DVDs. Our team is small, our means rewarding and humbling; sometimes are modest, our confidence large, even funny. I find that sustainable our goals huge and our enthusiasm Living Lightly in Old Ottawa South: Keeping your cool, naturally. Shade living is not only personally fulfilling, unlimited. trees, vines and naturalized gardens. Photo by David Chernushenko it brings me into regular contact with their solutions more widely? I think achieve a better balance between our we could, and that’s why I launched needs and those of the natural world. the Living Lightly Project. But more than that, Living Lightly is More about the Project follows, but a proclamation that we can actually first, what is“living lightly”, and why achieve a better quality of life in the am I so passionate about promoting it process. as a helpful and holistic philosophy; Living lightly is a way to attain an approach to living? richer, more meaningful lives. It’s a means to build stronger and healthier Understanding “Living Lightly communities and economies. It’s a way to improve security and boost Living lightly means seeking a resilience. personally fulfilling and enriching way We can achieve these goals by of life that makes a positive impact on more equitably sharing the abundance our environment, our community and of Earth’s natural resources as well society, and inspires others to want to as the fruits of human ingenuity and join us. imagination. And we can smile and There is no single definition of laugh while we are at it! living lightly, nor is there a roadmap or Living Lightly in Old Ottawa South: If you don’t like watering, spraying a set of commandments that will apply The Living Lightly Project pesticides and cutting grass, maybe there’s a natural alternative. Time to to every person in every society. It is plant thyme! Photo by David Chernushenko a pursuit, a philosophy or maybe even In early 2007, I launched the JANUARY 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR Page 23 2008 -- A Year for Living Lightly - Cont’d

An “Open Source-Inspired” nuts? What do they get out of it? Can Commnunity all of us give it a try? Does it hurt? Is it enough? How do I join? The project is unique not just in its philosophy, but also in its format. The film takes us on a tour The project is about sharing a vision of greater Ottawa. From Seneca through words as well as visual Street to Wakefield, to the Arbour means. Contributions are made using Environmental Shoppe, to the GCTC an interactive online forum. The LLP and the Currents building, home to team will contribute some content, but Hopewell and Riverdale, and back out much will be submitted by the global to North Gower. community. That is where I believe the While we could have, travelled real strength of the project rests: the the world chasing interesting stories, fact that ultimately nobody will own we rapidly concluded that this would the project; or perhaps, everybody be both unnecessary and hypocritical. will own the project. It will become a Instead we settled on making a “100- true projet de societé. kilometre film” – an approach that Living lightly is an “open fit our budget, was consistent with source-inspired” project. My team our environmental commitment, and is contributing to the development nicely illustrated our main point: you of an operating system (solutions) to do not have to look far to find inspiring ensure that all of human society has people and interesting stories. Every the tools and the knowledge to live community is full of local heroes, lightly and sustainably. Nobody has living lightly and modestly.. all the answers. Nobody has all the Our beloved Old Ottawa South, knowledge. Only collectively can we it’s landmarks and people will feature find the answers, test the solutions and prominently in the first film. We will solve the biggest challenges faced by meet OOS residents Randi Cherry and humanity; one step at a time. Robert D’Aoust, the Otesha Project’s “hopeful high school hooligans” on Riverdale, former OOS gardener Fran The “100 kilometre Film” and Doy and some residents of Terra Firma it’s Old Ottawa South Links just over the border in Old Otawa East. We’ll see local porch sales, rainbarrels, composters, clotheslines, The first Living Lightly Project Solar panels over my doorstep, more insulation in my walls. Small steps video is a “point of view” documentary solar panels and Smart cars. Watch for yours! lead to big savings and quality of life improvements. that explores a set of questions: What Photo by David Chernushenko is living lightly? What does it look like? Who is doing it? Why? Are they A Chance to Participate You may have spotted our film crew roaming your street already, Join the growing Living Lightly but wondered why you haven’t been movement asked to participate, yet. Well, now you have. At this time of New Year’s resolutions, the most important step Tell your story: We want you to you can take is to make 2008 your tell us your tales of living lightly, year of living lightly. Better yet, however modest and small, or big! make 2008, the year you adopt living Get a camera from a friend, go to the lightly as a lifetime goal, a guiding website for instructions, contact me light, a reference for living a full and for help. rewarding life. Start with one step. Critique our stories: Many of Then taken another. You won’t be our films will be “built” online, as alone! we make “chapters” available for feedback, and aim to incorporate David Chernushenko is a suggested improvements. Sign up to professional speaker (www.davidc.ca), take part in our focus group sessions a member of the National Roundtable in early February. on the Environment and Economy, and Share your solutions: Not into creator/producer of the Living Lightly video? Prefer to write, photograph or Project (www.livinglightly.ca) draw? You can share your solutions and initiatives by contributing them to the website. Lend a hand -- volunteer, publicise: We can always use people with skills to help the Project. Webmastery? Sound editing skills or studio space? How about sending your friends to the website? Donate: Ah yes, money! Let’s just say financial support is most welcome. Come to the film opening/ Help organize it: No right-minded film producer can be certain of a completion date, but we are aiming to Living Lightly in Old Ottawa South: If you don’t like watering, spraying hold the big “Ottawa Premiere” in late pesticides and cutting grass, maybe there’s a natural alternative. Time to May or early June. We’ll need help to plant thyme! Photo by David Chernushenko plan and execute it. Page 24 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR JANUARY 2008 Ridgemont High Continues to Reach Out

By Mike Tarrant scales. Special Education, Sean Dowd, the Social Science teacher who organized Sol Guy’s Ridgemont HS visit, remarked, “many students were moved to meet Sol and to tell him their n December 6, students of own stories, and how they too want to Ridgemont High School do amazing things with their gifts.” Oreceived a special guest who The assembly ended with Grade helped solidify their commitment 12 student, Henry Soriba, marching to to reach out to the international the front and requesting a microphone. community. Standing side by side with Sol, he told Sol Guy, a hip hop artist turned us of being a survivor of Liberia’s war international activist, addressed the and about his family’s experiences in thoughtful crowd through a vivid slide war-torn and impoverished places just show which introduced real people like those shown during the slide show. doing amazing things in extraordinary Henry and his family are founders of a circumstances. charity to help refugees in Guinea. Guy’s new television series, When students asked Sol what 4Real, brings celebrities face to face they should do to be able to use their with challenging circumstances in talents to help others, they were such countries as Brazil, Sierra Leone, directed to “improve first, second, Somalia, and Liberia. and third language training.” With To the RHS crowd, the message approximately 45 first languages, in need, both in our community and Help Lesotho and the Equity Team was both clear and familiar. Ridgemont is definitely a school around the world. take on the challenges of poverty Ridgemont has a marked history of capable of reaching out globally. rallying together to help out people School associations such as and intolerance on local and global Happy New Year!

Hopewell Band: Most Successful to Date

opewell held its 12th United Way Concert and it yielded the highest total and net proceeds we Hhave raised over the 12 years. A key ingredient in the success of the concerts has been Allison Woyiwada’s work as the music teacher at Hopewell School. Given the large number of parents who have attended the concerts to hear their children play and sing in Hopewell’s choir, we were always able to turn out large audiences. That now changes as Allison is retiring as the Hopewell music teacher in 2008. Another huge contributor to the success of the concerts has been Linda Bartlett, who put together the mailing list, got solicitation letters to prospective donors ready with envelopes and mailing labels, designed concert tickets and posters, did a fabulous job each year of designing our concert programs, and also did our follow-up thank you letters to the donors. Hopewell School has been stalwart in contributing the use of its facilities and in hosting the event for the past 11 years – our first concert was held in 1996 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at Kent and Wellington Streets in Ottawa. It goes without saying that the many student and adult musicians, silent auction contributors, sponsors for the concerts, parents of students, and United Way speakers have all combined to make the concerts a success. Thanks also go to Musician’s Association of Ottawa-Hull, which co-sponsored the event for many years, and assisted with finding the adult musicians. JANUARY 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR Page 25

OCCSB TRUSTEE REPORT

“PUTTING STUDENTS FIRST”

Kathy Ablett, R.N. scheduled for the second week of 2007 requires that the cold-water Something To Look Forward To Chair of the Board & Trustee February. plumbing system serving all schools - February 18, 2008 Immaculata High School and childcare centres be flushed when On October 11, 2007, the Zone 9 For the second straight year programs are provided for children Government of Ontario announced the Capital/River Wards Immaculata students participated less than 18 years of age. The water creation of a province-wide statutory Telephone: 526-9512 in the Cappies Program. The flushing is carried out first thing in holiday known as Family Day. This students presented a very successful the morning by the Head Caretaker day will occur on the third Monday “PUTTING STUDENTS FIRST” interpretation of “Flowers for before the commencement of school in February of each year, beginning Algernon” during the first week of or daycare programs. February 18, 2008, for the purpose 2nd Annual Glebe Sing-Along December. Student critics were in The cold water is turned on for of emphasizing and celebrating the at least 5 minutes at the last tap on Corpus Christi, First Avenue attendance to critique the performance. importance of families taking time to each branch of plumbing pipe work School and Glebe Collegiate students The Cappies Awards and Gala will be be together. that serves a drinking fountain or tap participated in the 2nd Annual Glebe held in the spring of 2008. commonly used by children under 18 Sing Along bringing the musical Best wishes and good luck to all Board Acclaims Chairperson years of age for water consumption. spirit of Christmas to Bank Street on senior students who will be writing and Re-Elects Chairperson The cold water is then turned on for December 19th. Well done! exams in January of 2008. I was recently acclaimed as In the ongoing awareness and at least 10 seconds at every drinking Chairperson of the Ottawa Catholic youth initiatives in support of anti- fountain in the school and daycare Who Is My Neighbour – Across School Board for the upcoming year, violence, a group of nine Grade 12 centre. In addition to the drinking the World and Gordon Butler was re-elected students have produced skits entitled, fountains, the cold water at sinks as Vice-Chairperson at the Board’s The students, staff and parents of “In Love and In Danger” in hopes commonly used for water consumption Annual General Meeting. I am pleased Corpus Christi are to be commended of promoting healthy relationships. is also flushed. and extremely honoured by this show for their tremendous support of their Good work! In accordance with the regulation, of support by my fellow Trustees and twinning project to build and sustain The next Parent Council meeting all schools and daycare centres are look forward to celebrating another Katlehong School in Lesotho. In is scheduled for January 22, 2008 at 7 tested annually for lead content. A great year in Catholic Education. addition to the Coins for Katlehong pm in the school library. Please feel copy of the laboratory test results is Advent project, HELP Lesotho free to come and see what is going on provided to the school and daycare If, at any time, I can be of assistance calendars are being sold to support at your school. administrations. to you please do not hesitate to call me this initiative. The daily flushing activity and at 526-9512. the annual lead testing results are to Sincerely, Corpus Christi School Council Water Flushing Guidelines be maintained for a 2-year period Kathy Ablett Please watch your school The new Lead in Water Regulation at the school for inspection upon newsletter for the date of the next “Your Trustee” 243/07 which came into effect in June request. school council meeting, which is

OCDSB TRUSTEE REPORT The New Year Beckons

he new year beckons as I write corporate donations is to come before for our autistic and developmentally Finally, my very best wishes to this. A lot has been cooking the Board again in January after being delayed students contingent on you and yours in the new year … Tat the School Board and bounced around for months. I’m funding. Given our improved financial Rob 2008 promises to be an exciting and opposed to this move for a variety of circumstances, and the importance of If you have a suggestion or a challenging year also. Here are a few reasons and hope that it goes down to ensuring our most challenged students concern, or would like to be added to my brief notes on some of what’s up right defeat. It will be an ignominious day do not backslide over the summer, I electronic newsletter list, then please now … for the OCDSB in my view if this support a midyear correction to restore don’t hesitate to contact me. I can be The Board decided just before passes. this program. reached via any of 730-8128, rob@ Xmas to phase out Late French Board watchers will in the new A few constituents have written in ocdsbzone9.ca or “Rob Campbell, Immersion (LFI). The plan will year have to start getting their heads to complain about the snow clearing 133 Greenbank Road, Ottawa ON, grandfather in students currently in around the 2008-09 budget process. around elementary schools. There is K2H 6L3”. Board meeting, budget, Grade 4 (the Middle FI entry point) We cut intermediate arts and music and supposed to be some priority accorded document and delegation and other who have been waiting to take LFI also some special education teachers by the City to clearing around schools info is available at www.ocdsb.ca however. This should strengthen our last year and cut in other areas. If we as key public places and given student Early and Middle FI programs. It has want to refloat some teacher numbers safety concerns. many other advantages I buy into. then those decisions have to be made I remain concerned that immigrant by start of March. Other staffing or students or those new to the jurisdiction servicing decisions can be made in after Grade 4 may not have an FI April after the government announces option as a result. The Ministry shortly our grants. If Trustees don’t want to will be reviewing French as a Second play with teacher staffing numbers Language programming provincially we wait until the Spring. If we do also. The phase-out plan has been then we will have to have a two stage importantly improved to now include budgeting exercise. I note that at this a formal review after three years to time we are not projecting a deficit see if the needs of our immigrant and for the end of the current year. other affected communities are being The budget exercise last year met under the new model. for the current school year made The motion to encourage the continued funding of the Summer naming of parts of schools for |Learning Program for summer 2008 Page 26 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR JANUARY 2008 Old Ottawa South Resident Emily Gray Named To Ontario UFE Honour Roll By Riaz Sidi successfully complete to earn the CA Exam immediately upon graduation.” nothing better than trying it out while designation and is widely considered What set Gray apart was her desire you’re still in school.” ld Ottawa South resident to be one of the most challenging to soak in the opportunities presented Gray completed her first co- Emily Gray was one of two professional examinations in the to her whilst studying op placement at Scott, Rankin & OCarleton alumni named to world. “The truth is that at university Gardiner LLP, Chartered Accountants. The Institute of Chartered Accountants “Without the solid foundation you have got to help yourself,” said Her continued success in commerce 2007 Uniform Evaluation (UFE) of knowledge in many disciplines - Gray. “It is all about what you put into landed her a job at the same firm where Ontario Honour Roll. Accounting, Finance, Tax, Audit, IT it, and with a school like Sprott, the she has been continuing to work since Gray, who is among only 17 and just basic business, I would not university provided everything else I completing her education. students in Ontario to achieve this have done as well.” said Gray. needed.” When she is not busy crunching standing, graduated from the Sprott Growing up in the community, Gray was elated to learn about her numbers, Gray participates in her School of Business at Carleton Gray participated in soccer and dance success and realizes that it will propel book club, aerobics and musical University in 2006. She received at the Hunt Club community centre. It her career as she ventures out into the theatre. She can enjoy these activities a Bachelor of Commerce with a was while attending Brookfield high workforce. knowing her future is secure. concentration in Accounting and school that her passion for accounting “I was so relieved to have “This (achievement) gives me such attributes some her success to the emerged. The courses offered by passed the UFE which is a remarkable a sense of worth in the profession,” institution that prepared her for this Carleton and a generous scholarship feat in itself.” said Gray. “It wasn’t said Gray. “It is also a great addition achievement. influenced her decision to study until I realized how many people to my resume.” “The UFE is an extremely difficult there. wrote the exam (around 3,100 across Carleton University had 30 first- challenge but the education I received “Carleton provided all the classes Canada) that I was truly awed by my time UFE writers in 2007 and scored at Sprott provided me with the strong required by the Institute of Chartered success.” an impressive 80 percent pass rate. foundation I needed to be successful,” Accountants of Ontario to begin the In collaboration with her ambitious “Given that Carleton University said Gray. CA process, which some universities nature and education, Gray admits had less than three percent of the exam The UFE is a three-day evaluation fail to provide,” said Gray. “I was her experience in the co-op program writers in Ontario, having two out of that all chartered accountants must ready to write the Core Knowledge at Carleton was also important in 17 people named to the honour roll preparing for her success on the is another great accomplishment for UFE. our accounting students,” said Darrell “I think the co-op program is of Herauf, an instructor and accounting great value.” said Gray. “You never area coordinator at the Sprott School know if a profession is right for of Business. you unless you try it out and there’s

Imagine Doing It All by Hand!

Photo by Lara Thompson JANUARY 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR Page 27 Nancy Doubleday: International Polar Year Researcher

By Lori Tarbett

he world is in the middle of the International Polar Year and Carleton University’s Nancy TDoubleday is in the midst of her research about this phenomenon. Doubleday is an associate professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Science and is involved in three projects specific to the International Polar Year which began in March 2007 and will end in March 2009. While the IPY takes place internationally, the Canadian portion of the larger project is being coordinated out of Dalhousie University in Halifax. Doubleday is one the nineteen Canadian co- investigators involved and is leading two projects of her own, while helping a colleague with another. Much of Doubleday’s IPY research focuses on the people affected by climate change. She believes these studies are important because they create useful scientific information linked to daily life in the North and also help build international relationships. The first project Doubleday is managing deals with human experience and the change in the northern treeline in Canada. According to Doubleday, warmer weather is changing responses of animals and vegetation. For example, trees will be able to grow further north whereas colder temperatures would not allow for this previously. This new pattern in vegetation is related to a whole different set of changes and issues. “The new vegetation creates new habitats for animals, causing ranges of species to overlap, leading to intermingling of species that were previously separated geographically. The outcomes include the interbreeding of grizzly and polar bears, resulting in the “polargrizz” seen last year,” explains Doubleday. The focus of this project is integrating community knowledge and science by enabling community members to talk about the changing vegetation. need to experience hands-on learning: “Students are to take over.” Doubleday says many song birds no Scientific experts require this information to record about action.” longer have roosting places because of the missing the physical and visual affects climate change is The students in her fourth year environmental tree tops. Not only does this situation affect this having on the northern world. Doubleday and her studies seminar say Doubleday, herself, is all about area, but it has an impact on other parts of the world colleagues are working to bridge the gap so these action. as well. Migrating birds from other hemispheres are community members are able to educate people Katie Wallace is one of Doubleday’s students. endangered because once they arrive here they have about the impacts of the changes. “These people are She says, “This is the first class I’ve had where it is nowhere to rest and roost. “I saw a song bird lying attached to their environment and are best equipped based on action. To be given the chance to actually on the ground in early December. It had dropped out to describe it. get out there and do something is amazing. We can of the air because of exhaustion during migration. It “We’re empowering the people to make actually make a difference.” Each group in this wasn’t able to find somewhere to stop and rest in the observations that are meaningful to science,” says seminar was asked to address an environmental trees,” says Doubleday. Doubleday. problem and propose an action plan to solve it. The Bronson Tree Massacre, as it is known The second project the professor is directing Wallace’s group drew upon a problem Doubleday among Doubleday’s students, is a continuing deals with the human experience related to climate discovered in her own community of Old Ottawa concern. However, Wallace and her group have change. It explores the socio-cultural change in the South. completed research on the situation and have north by using photos from the past and present to This past summer, much to her horror, Doubleday developed a realistic solution. The student group investigate the changes taking place. The photos discovered Hydro Ottawa employees were cutting proposes that Hydro Ottawa hire contract workers to allow researchers to see the experience and daily life trees in her neighbourhood in an unsustainable educate the field employees on how to cut city trees of climate change. “It’s creating common ground,” manner. When she approached a Hydro worker to in a sustainable manner. Wallace says, “The cost of says Doubleday. “This project goes beyond the basic voice her concerns, he jokingly said, “It gives the the contract workers will not cost nearly as much as scientific value of collecting data and explores how linesmen a great platform to stand on.” the damage being done by losing the trees.” the people living in this area are affected.” The concerned professor and a neighbour The students appreciate the experience they Doubleday is also the co-editor of a new book of hers wrote letters to the City of Ottawa and get in Doubleday’s courses and the environmental entitled, Adaptive Co-Management: Collaboration, Ottawa Hydro to which they received only partial science program itself. The program is designed to Learning, and Multi-Level Governance, which is a responses. “Hydro Ottawa campaigns to residents support the education and preparation of informed, comprehensive mix of core concepts and strategies to get them to conserve power. However, cutting skilled individuals to participate in the resolution governing natural and cultural resources. Co- down the trees likely has had the opposite affect. of environmental conflicts and in the larger management is about sharing knowledge and power Trees provide an immense amount of shade. With environmental debates critical to our future, which across levels of human organization in order to these trees now gone, I am sure the number of air is clearly demonstrated in Doubleday’s class. understand adaptation in complex systems, ranging conditioners in homes in those areas has gone up,” Although Doubleday is focused on her research, from local communities, to regional, national and points out Doubleday. she knows climate change is bigger than just one global organizations. Additionally, trees serve as a natural filtration person. “At the end of the day, we’re all in this Doubleday is enthusiastic about her research, system for air pollution. According to Doubleday together and we need to find new ways to look at but also places a lot of emphasis on the classes she human health will suffer because of the way [climate change]. We know that changes need to teaches. She endeavours to not just teach theory, but the trees are being handled: “If you lift up a tree happen, but we need to be wiser about what those empower her students to take action on problems leaf, you can see combustion particles stuck to it. changes need to be,” says Doubleday. in the environment that matter to them. She says Without trees to do this filtration, our lungs have students need an outlet for their creative energy and Page 28 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR JANUARY 2008 Investing in 2008 by Rick Sutherland, CLU, prime lending practices in the United prime chain of events. Prices in this low dollar. CFP, FDS, R.F.P. States came to an abrupt halt in the sector have fallen dramatically, some Thus, being an astute investor summer of 2007. as much as 50%, or more. And the pain sometimes calls on the demand to be he market conditions The sub-prime affair was wasn’t just in the US. The financial an opportunity seeker. Realize that experienced during the second probably the most worrisome event of sector in Europe and Japan felt the that there are two sides to market half of 2007 generated worry 2007. It is now apparent that lenders sub-prime effect. The substantial drop movements and have courage to T were loaning money to unqualified is being viewed as a very significant invest when others are running scared. and angst among investors. It is important to realize that market dips borrowers at ridiculous rates, creating purchasing opportunity by long-term This could be a great time for nerves have two sides and it is not all negative. a boom in real estate. Many borrowers disciplined investors. of steel. Make your investments with The first side that causes concern is did not document their income So what opportunities are available conviction and be patient. the “down side. There is however a honestly, making it easier to over in Canada? Even though Canada has second side called a “recovery.” This state their credit worthiness. As long already seen tremendous growth, This is a monthly article on is when long-term investors reap the as home prices were rising, borrowers there are some who feel this trend financial planning. Call or write to benefits of patience. could refinance to solve their credit will continue. Developing countries Rick Sutherland CLU, CFP, FDS, Let’s first look at 2007 and try to problems. But eventually home are moving from a rural to an urban R.F.P., of FundEX Investments Inc. assess what happened. The Canadian prices stopped rising and borrowers society. This is creating demand in with your topics of interest at 798- market had been surging ahead since fell behind. The situation became the oil, agriculture and commodities 2421 or E-mail at rick@invested- 2002. This was largely driven by unsustainable. Thus, the value of sectors. Canada has expertise in all interest.ca. rising commodity and specifically oil securities backed by loans started to three areas. On a note of caution, the prices. The Canadian dollar tapped fall. high Canadian dollar may not bode $1.10 against the US dollar for a brief The financial service sector well for certain manufacturing sectors moment during 2007. And the sub- became vulnerable due to the sub- that were previously beneficiaries of a

The Fine Print Financial Divorce Specialist Avoid costly mistakes with professional financial By Anna Sundin assistance in the division of assets. here is fine print everywhere we look. On credit card contracts, store invoices, rental contracts and computer programs. TIn a society where goods and services are offered for sale to many Contact: Rick Sutherland, CLU, CFP, FDS, R.F.P. people all over the globe, it is not possible to negotiate and write out a 1276 Wellington Street, Ottawa ON K1Y 3A7 separate, individual contract with every customer who wants to obtain the Phone: (613)798-2421 Email: [email protected] goods or services sold in the market place. As a result, the manufacturers and suppliers resort to standard form contracts, created by them to help standardize their operations and limit their liability to the extent the law allows. These contract terms that appy to the goods or services that are supplied are usually contained in fine print - usually located in small type on the back of sales contracts, invoices, or lease agreements. The fine print sets out what the individual customer can expect to receive and their remedies if there is a problem with the goods or services they are buying. There is legislation such as the Sale of Goods Act which sets out minimum warranties for goods offered for sale and the Insurance Act of Ontario which include certain clauses in insurance contracts. This kind of legislation is intended to protect the individual consumer from blatantly unfair terms and give them a basic level of protection. There is also legislation governing the quality of food, drugs and other goods such as vehicles, which are sold in the public market place. When there is a problem with the transaction, the fine print sets out the rights of the customer to have the problem rectified. Stores often have signs indicating whether customers are entitled to a full refund if they are not satisfied or whether the store will only exchange the item for another item in the store. Guidance, Protection Most of us don’t think about what rights we have after the sale or the transaction until there is a problem. We often assume that we can always and Peace of Mind. return items if we don’t like them. That may not be the case. Smaller stores Anna E. Sundin, Barrister & Solicitor are more likely to want to restrict their customers to a store credit, for example. It is best to find out before the purchase takes place what rights of GEnErAl PrActicE includinG: Family Law, Wills, Real Estate, Incorporations, Litigation and Collaborative Family Law return the store offers. – A Cooperative and Dignified Approach to Separation and Divorce.– Manufacturers of goods are liable for the quality of the goods they produce, and the claims they make in the advertising materials provided with the goods they produce. The seller may be liable for damages worth much more than the price of the goods sold or the profit expected from the transaction. As a result, they often try to exclude or restrict the damages they might be liable for by including certain clauses in the sales contract. The consumers’ protection against these types of clauses is contained in the Sale of Goods Act in Ontario.

Sundin-OSCAR-Ad-2006.indd 1 7/27/06 11:15:35 AM JANUARY 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR Page 29 M.P.P. OTTAWA CENTRE

Open For Business

By Yasir Naqvi, M.P.P. any provincial matters, and to hearing will make $650 million available to from the provincial government of up Ottawa Centre your feedback on how to make our companies looking to invest in the to $2,000 of the Land Transfer Tax community even better. development of clean cars, clean fuels, paid. This is an important program or many of us, the end of the On December 5, 2007, I was and clean technologies and products that will help people to make that year and the holiday season is pleased to rise in the Legislative here in Ontario. crucial step towards buying their first a time for reflection - a time Assembly to deliver my inaugural Since the election we have also home. F speech. In my speech, I highlighted worked towards improving access to As long as we have neighbours to look back on the year that was, to what we have achieved and how far our community and talked about the our health care by passing legislation that are seeking work, students that we have progressed. people and values that make Ottawa that gives military families immediate are seeking knowledge, patients that It is also a time to look ahead at Centre a great community to live, OHIP coverage when they come to need care, or vulnerable people that the endless possibilities in the coming work and play in. Ontario. It also gives reservists peace need help - we have challenges to year. Over the next four years, I pledge of mind - they can serve our country overcome and work to do. The recent election in October has to serve our community by working knowing that their jobs back home are As your new MPP, I can assure allowed me the honour to serve as your for more public transportation, more protected. you that I will work to address these Member of Provincial Parliament. affordable housing and the defence We have a strong plan to move needs in the months and years ahead. It is a great responsibility that the of tenants’ rights, more opportunities Ontario forward. We are making One thing I know for sure is that constituents of Ottawa Centre have for new Canadians who come to strategic investments in people, communities become better when bestowed on me, and I am humbled our province, and for a greener communities and infrastructure we work together. They become by the tremendous opportunity to community. to strengthen Ontario’s economic more livable, greener, safer, more advocate for your ideas, hopes and Since the election, we have been advantage and help manufacturers and tolerant and prosperous—in a word, dreams at Queen’s Park. hard at work in a number of these other sectors challenged by current sustainable. My community office is now open areas. economic conditions. I am enormously proud to serve and located at 411 Roosevelt Avenue Take climate change, one of the Last week, as part of the 2007 Fall as your elected representative in the (corner of Roosevelt Avenue and greatest threats to our environment. Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review, Legislative Assembly of Ontario, and Richmond Road), suite 204. You In tackling this problem, we are we introduced an expanded Land I look forward to working closely with may also contact me anytime by turning it into an opportunity to Transfer Tax Refund Program for you all to make our community better telephone at 613-722-6414 or by email create the next generation of green First-time Homebuyers. I am excited to for all of us. at [email protected]. technology and the good jobs that will tell you that first-time buyers of resale I look forward to assisting you with come with it. We recently unveiled the homes, as well as newly constructed Next Generation Jobs Fund, which homes, are now eligible for a refund

Chocolates For Charity

By Christine Forget Local Seniors Residence raises funds for the Christmas- Exchange

he Colonel By Retirement Residence is bringing cheer to others in need this holiday by raising funds with Chocolate. Residents, Tfamilies and friends had the opportunity to purchase a beautifully wrapped gift box filled with truffles. The truffles were handmade at Colonel By with love by the residences head chef. This gift also included a magnificent gift card for the gift giver to personalize. Colonel By then hand delivered this magnificent gift to the gift givers’ families and friends anywhere in Ottawa during the week of December 16th. Through Chocolates for Charity, the Colonel By Residence was able to donate over $1620 to the Christmas Exchange. Through the Christmas- Exchange they are able to bring food and hope to families in need this holiday. The Colonel By Retirement Residence, located in Old Ottawa South, combines the elegance and style of a fine hotel, with the security associated with Senior Living. They believe that beautiful ambience and first-class services provide the gateway to an active, independent lifestyle. This was their first year selling chocolates and did not know what to expect in terms of sales. Their original goal was to raise $500. They were extremely pleased with the overwhelming response and that they tripled our goal. In late November, Colonel By Residence boosted sales by hosting a truffle tasting with a guest speaker from the Christmas Exchange. The past president of the Christmas-Exchange spoke to residents regarding the history and importance of the Christmas-Exchange then the group enjoyed a sampling of the tasty treats. The feed back from our residents and their families was that it was such a wonderful cause and the chocolates were just too hard to resist. The Food Services Manager at Colonel By Retirement Residence, Peter Kocoris, is magnificent in all areas of cuisine and has just proven himself an exquisite chocolateer! Page 30 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR JANUARY 2008 Tasers: The Public Needs to Believe

By Colin Kenny So why am I recommending a in the use of Tasers – which Mr. going to make the decision as to when self-imposed RCMP moratorium on Kennedy points out. their units are sufficiently trained on CMP Commissioner William the use of Tasers? Because there is no Until the RCMP can assure the the weapons to use them wisely. Elliott says he doesn’t want way of getting to Mr. Kennedy’s goal public that every officer using a Taser They should also be using Ra moratorium on the use – more restrained and capable use of is well trained and understands the modern Tasers, not the outdated of Tasers. Nor does Paul Kennedy, Tasers by the RCMP – without one. consequences of misuse, the officers Tasers that the cash-strapped RCMP Commissioner for Public Complaints There are two hurdles to making should not be using them. is stuck with. The older model they Against the RCMP, recommend a Taser use beneficial that a moratorium Secondly, the RCMP is using use, the M26, doesn’t accommodate moratorium in his interim report on would help solve. The first is that too outdated Tasers that will need to be audio-video equipment. The modern Taser use within the agency. many RCMP officers are undertrained replaced. That will take time – to order X26 Tasers allows users to add two the new Tasers, get them delivered, ounces of audio-video equipment and train personnel in their use. for approximately $400 a weapon. The Taser – manufactured by This equipment has been available Taser International Ltd. – is meant to since 2005. It records everything that be a less lethal alternative to the gun, the Taser is pointed at as soon as the to be used when other options such as safety lock comes off. words, headlocks, pepper spray and How much more likely is a police batons aren’t up to defusing situations officer to show restraint in the use of in which the physical safety of a Taser if everything that officer does officers or other people appear to be is going to be recorded? I suggest in danger. there would be a lot more restraint. That last part is important – no Furthermore, reviewing officers will police force should be using Tasers have a clear picture of what transpired in situations in which someone’s from the officer’s perspective. personal safety isn’t threatened. Yet City police forces in places like Mr. Kennedy’s report reveals that Ottawa and Edmonton use Tasers RCMP policy allows for the use equipped with audio-video equipment, of Tasers even in cases of simple which helps turn the Taser into what resistance, rather that in combative it is capable of being: an effective, situations in which there is risk that an civilized alternative to filling suspects officer or anyone else could be killed full of bullets. or suffer grievous bodily harm. It is crucial that the RCMP Personal Financial Planning Mr. Kennedy believes that Tasers convince the public that these Tasers We will review your current financial position and should not be used in simple cases of – which when used correctly and with recommend a plan that is designed to achieve your goals. resistance. He is dead right. restraint can save lives – aren’t going He also laments the fact that to be misused. If there are many other Rick Sutherland, CLU, CFP, FDS, R.F.P Tel 613.798.2421 1276 Wellington Street [email protected] officers as well as their supervisors mishaps with Tasers, the public won’t Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 3A7 www.invested-interest.ca should be given better training on be calling for a moratorium – it will the use of these weapons. But here be calling for abolition. is where he confuses me. When This is supposed to be a law-and- the RCMP first began using Tasers, order government. It needs to quit officers were required to retrain on starving the RCMP of funds and allow them every year – as they are required the force to buy up-to-date Tasers, to retrain on the use of pistols, pepper or Canadians are going to lose an spray and batons. Somehow the important law enforcement device. requirement slipped to every three Our police officers are often years on Tasers, while it stayed at one confronted with situations in which it year for the other control devices. is extremely difficult to tell whether That makes no sense. Mr. there is a hidden weapon or hidden Kennedy recommends recertification madness. Far too many Canadian Need Renovations? every two years. Surely if baton and police officers have died when people pepper spray retraining is required they were trying to treat with civility every year, Tasers should be as well. declined to return the favour. The Auditor General released a These officers live through report in 2006 that emphasized that terrifying moments that most of us too many RCMP officers are young, can’t imagine. But none of this justifies and too many are not fully trained. police using Tasers improperly. The The report said that 16 percent of public won’t put up with it, nor should newly-graduated cadets had not it. received what is supposed to be We’ve got to stop using them until mandatory field coaching – a valuable every Canadian inside and outside our form of mentoring. She also noted police forces knows they are being that 12 percent of field coaches had used properly. The RCMP needs to less than two years of experience in retreat before it advances in the use Custom Designed Additions and the force, and that 18 percent of those of Tasers. A little short-term pain will coaches hadn’t taken the courses that lead to a lot of long-term gain. Major Renovations that respect the are supposed to be required to do the coaching. Colin Kenny is Chair of the Senate Craftsmanship and Architectural These gaps can’t be redressed Committee on National Security and without a moratorium. Nor can the Defence. [email protected] style of your older home. fact that, as Mr. Kennedy points out, most RCMP supervisors have not, 594-8888 themselves, been trained in the use www.gordonmcgovern.com of Tasers. They should be, if they are JANUARY 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR Page 31

ABBOTSFORD HOUSE Big Band, Young Entertainers At Abbotsford

By: Julie Ireton and Pat flying out of the door after the crowd Goyeche which wrapped around the building made its way through the different bbotsford members were departments seeking both great deals recently treated to an and quality hand-made goods. afternoon of big band Volunteers and staff are to be A lauded for their great organization and entertainment thanks to a local group of young people. dedication to Abbotsford House—it Hopewell Public School’s Stage really was a very successful fundraiser Band, made up of grade seven and once again. eight students showed off its talent at Abbotsford’s annual “Welcome Tea” on November 9th. Dinner And Dancing At “They’re always looking for Abbotsford: opportunities to perform, for seniors, or anyone,” says Melissa Kirkwood, Abbotsford House has a newly principal at Hopewell. “It’s nice renovated and refurbished dining for the students to realize how much room that’s open for business and seniors enjoy their music”, adds Hopewell Public School’s Stage Band ready to hosted a special dinner and Kirkwood. dance on the evening of Thursday About 60 people took in the recognizing and developing young shoppers as they browsed and shopped December 13th. afternoon of tea and entertainment. musical talent. for Christmas gifts for friends and The dinner & dance was a The event was for new members and “There’s going to be a mix of families. This was a new addition to wonderful success, thanks in no small some of the new neighbours from feelings. The job is busy, I teach 300 the annual Bazaar; it was fun and very part to the generous sponsorship of the Lord Lansdowne Retirement kids, and it can get stressful. But I successful. Colonel By Retirement Residence. Residence next door. intend to still keep doing music in my Abbotsford itself was helping Their chef Peter Kocoris created a “They all raved about the band,” retirement,” says Woyiwada. shoppers get their chance to shop at delicious meal that was enthusiastically says Patricia Goyeche, a co-ordinator For many years, Woyiwada has “the best bazaar in the city.” Crafts, received by the sold out dinner and at Abbotsford. “The interaction lead five different bands at the public baked goods, teddy bears , jewellery, dance crowd. We may have to make between the kids and the seniors was school each year. Kids in grade seven books, flea market items, clothing, a habit of it! just great.” and eight join the bands according to antiques , are and attic treasures were It was the first time the Hopewell their level of music training and Band has performed for the Abbotsford experience. Seniors. And this was also the first time “She’s a great teacher,” says these kids have performed outside Kirkwood. “She’s very dedicated the school this year. “The seniors and puts in lots of her own time in were very happy and there was some the mornings and after school. It interaction between the seniors and will be a loss to Hopewell, an end young people. It was a nice, warm, of an era.” fuzzy feeling,” says Hopewell music teacher Allison Woyiwada. Abbotsford Bazaar: It’s a special, yet sad year for Hopewell’s music program as Abbotsford’s annual Bazaar Woyiwada, the woman who’s been took place on Sat., Nov. 24, in leading the band for 26 years will both Abbotsford House and The be retiring next spring. Woyiwada Glebe Centre Bistro, which served is well-known in the community for coffee, muffins and chilli to Page 32 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR JANUARY 2008

SURROUND CIRCLE YOGA Relaxed & Energized at the Same Time!

By Maureen Fallis, Surround Circle The physical benefits of yoga: Yoga • improves flexibility and muscle joint mobility • strengthens, tones, and builds muscles • corrects posture, strengthens the spine and eases “I hope heaven is like this!” back pain • improves muscular-skeletal conditions such as “I didn’t know what I needed until I got it!” bad knees, tight shoulders and neck, swayback and scoliosis “The range of movement in my shoulder is so much • increases stamina, creates balance and grace better, after just a few yoga classes.” • stimulates the glands of the endocrine system, improves digestion and elimination “Being a skeptic, I sure didn’t think yoga could help • enhances circulation, improves heart conditions my incredibly stiff body – thankfully, I was proven • improves breathing disorders, boosts immune wrong!” response

• decreases cholesterol and blood sugar levels and “Feeling relaxed & energized at the same time - I encourages weight loss am now ready to face the rest of my day.” The mental benefits of yoga: hese are but a few of the observances from • increases body awareness yoga students who have graced the doors of • relieves chronic stress patterns in the body and Surround Circle Yoga; since first opening last T refreshes the body by relieving muscle strain spring. As a long time advocate of yoga, both as a • relaxes the mind and body student and a yoga teacher, I am always intrigued • sharpens concentration and frees the spirit to hear how yoga benefits others. Students with a Western doctors and scientists are discovering range of maladies; migraines, scoliosis, multiple additional health benefits of yoga. Studies have sclerosis, digestive problems or depression, share a shown that yoga practice can relieve the symptoms similar story when they tell me how yoga has helped of common and potentially life-threatening illnesses; their conditions and their lives. such as arthritis, arteriosclerosis, chronic fatigue, diabetes, asthma and obesity. Many believe it even Photo by Tom Alfoldi Yoga for better health fends off the ravages of old age. Yoga has both preventative and therapeutic welcome. benefits. It has been shown to offer both physical Restorative Yoga: Fundamentally different from Yoga for everyone and mental benefits to the body and the mind. any other yoga class. The body is fully supported by Whatever your age, yoga can enhance your bolsters, blankets, and eye pillows; the experience lifestyle... of ‘active relaxation’ is enhanced by music and As well as being fun for children, learning Yoga Nidra (guided meditation). yoga develops self-discipline and can enhance their physical and mental health. Asanas (postures) Run Yoga Run: This 10-week series is designed are good for developing coordination and help for anyone who feels the NEED to stretch and to improve concentration and memory. Regular wants to know how! Strengthening, lengthening exercise can enable young people to keep their and stretching the body with careful guidance is natural flexibility for many years. the perfect complement for all sports enthusiasts. Older people often find that gentle yoga exercises Learning a little about physiology and anatomy add allow them to regain and retain mobility, improve to the depth of the practice. Classes are appropriate their balance and relieve problems such as arthritis for new and returning students. and poor circulation. Private Yoga: One-on-One ~ the traditional way Pre & post-natal Moms find yoga lessens the effects to learn yoga. Learning the fundamentals, diving of such problems as weight gain, backache, and into yoga philosophy or deepening your personal depression. During pregnancy and nursing, is also practice is an option. a very good time for meditation. Private Yoga Party: Have fun with your best friends/ Yoga is an excellent complement to the abilities colleagues exploring yoga. Classes are designed of an athlete. Yoga posture-flows systematically to meet YOUR needs. A little chai tea & biscuits, work all the muscle groups, including the back, neck pranayama & meditation help to bring peace of and shoulders, deep abdominal, hip and buttocks mind. muscles and even ankles, feet, wrists and hands. Family & Kids Yoga: Kids Yoga (8 – 11yrs) Everyone can benefit from a regular yoga and YogaKids & Me (5 – 8 yrs w/ parent). These practice! Surround Circle Yoga has a wide variety of programs introduce children to the benefits of yoga classes addressing the needs of adults, children and early. Kids develop strong & limber bodies, focus, seniors. Find out from the list of class descriptions concentration, and a healthy dose of self-esteem! below where you might find ‘your home’. Baby & Me Yoga: Strengthening the body after the birth of a new baby can be a challenge. This 2008 Class Descriptions class combines an adult yoga practice with a few Gentle Soul: Breath awareness and alignment playful movements and simple massage for baby. feature prominently in these classes. Designed for new and experienced students to discover the vast Yoga, Journaling & Meditation Workshops! world of body and mind connecting yoga. “I feel refreshed, renewed, and fully in touch with Strength & Soul: A vigorous flow-style (vinyasa) me!” Come and experience what others have class ~ suitable for students with some yoga discovered. 5-hour workshops held on a seasonal experience to more advanced students. Classes basis include a creative twist ~ a gourmet lunch & a creatively weave together, pranayama, poetry, and hand-crafted journal. physical practice (asana) in a moving meditation. Yoga 55+: A ‘very’ gentle class aiming to build For further details about classes & workshops at greater strength, increase range of motion, and Surround Circle Yoga, your neighbourhood yoga improve overall balance. Beginners are most studio, please call Maureen Fallis at 613-730-6649 or visit our website www.surroundcircleyoga.com. JANUARY 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR Page 33

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT OTTAWA CENTRE Federal Government Neglects Ottawa

How the Federal fire-sale of Last Halloween, Conservatives with a $4 million hit this upcoming run the properties in question double its buildings will cost Ottawa sold off Thomas D’Arcy McGee year and up to $25 million per annum immediately after their sale. So not building and the Skyline Complex if the federal Conservatives continue only will we lose almost $25 million $25 million. to Larco Investment. That meant a with this fire sale. This is money our locally, we will share the cost of this reduction of $4 million per year to our cash-strapped city can’t afford to financial giveaway with everyday very December families in city funds. lose. Canadians. Ottawa have to brace for a The key question is how does It is important to note that these Sadly the Federal government’s Enew city budget that cuts their selling off the federal buildings affect numbers come from the City of sell off of federal buildings has services and increases their taxes. the City of Ottawa’s bottom line? Ottawa finance department. The new little cost benefit analysis and no Everyday families, homeowners, Currently, the federal government reality is that City Council’s budget accountability. Plain and simple it and communities across this city makes a payment of $169.7 million deliberations will have to consider is a bad deal for our community. are feeling the squeeze. The main directly to the City of Ottawa in lieu slashing community services, or The Conservative real estate plan source of the pressure is the federal of property taxes. When the properties raising property taxes by 2.5% just to should be immediately halted. That’s government. After years of promises, have been sold off the new owner will cover this loss. why I pushed forward a motion in governments of two different stripes pay commercial taxes which means the But that’s not all. Ottawa families Government Operations committee to have yet to deliver the funds needed tax revenue will be split, some going to are tricked twice by the Conservative closely study the consequences of this to run a vibrant and growing city the city of Ottawa but a portions going deal. Informetrica, a local economic wrong scheme. like ours. Now we learn that the to Toronto for education. Sadly, most firm, did an analysis of the Conservative Conservative sale of federal buildings of that money will remain in Toronto scheme, showing that the taxpayers of Paul Dewar, MP will further cut back on the funds instead of going to our local schools. Canada will be out $390 million. The Ottawa Centre given to the City of Ottawa. That’s how Ottawa families end up reason? It turns out the annual costs to 613-346-8682

COMPUTER TRICKS AND TIPS by Malcolm and John For example: my older and quite reputable websites which allow you create a free account, and although all Harding, of Compu-Home modest quality Nikon camera is to upload your photos and store them of them encourage you to have your capable of taking shots that are about there. The process is quick and photos printed at their labs, you can 8 Megabytes in size. If I tried to email easy, and you always have the option ignore these ads with no hard feelings. Don’t Let your Digital Photos just one of these to some friends, that of keeping your photos private, or So far, we have found that these sites Clog Your Email ! one file would exceed their emailbox making them public. “Private” means do not result in the barrages of SPAM n this series of columns about quota. Imagine if I tried to send them that the only people who may see that sometimes accompany “free” digital photographs, we have half a dozen! Furthermore, if either your photos will be those to whom offers at other sites. Idiscussed organizing them on the sender or the recipient were using you email an invitation, which will your computer so that you can find a slow-speed Internet connection, include a hot link they can click on to Malcolm and John Harding are the them easily when you need them, and it might take all night just to send go straight to your photo collection. owners of Compu-Home, specializing some strategies for displaying them or receive the message with such You can, if you wish, also allow your in assisting home and small business so that you can enjoy them. huge attachments. I think all of my invited viewers to download photos to computer users. This time, we are going to look at ways friends know by now the ballistic their own computers. They can view Visit www.compu-home.com and of sharing your shots with others, and kind of reaction they’re going to get the pictures individually, or launch a go to Suggested Websites for links to receiving their photos electronically. if they try to send me email with huge slideshow. You can add more pictures our favourite useful and entertaining First, we must touch on the subject attachments like this. There’s gotta by creating additional albums at the websites. of file size, as pertains to digital be a better way. same site, or you can modify existing Write to harding@compu-home. photographs. Simply put, the more Fortunately, there are a few. albums at any time. Some of the best com or phone 613-731-5954 to information there is in any computer Those of you who like to use the websites for this service are: www. discuss computer issues. file, the larger it will be. When we are software that came with your camera, flickr.com www.kodakgallery.com talking about digital photos, (which will probably find a utility in it for and http://picasa.google.com . All are a particular type of computer sending your shots to email, and there of these services require that you file) this refers to both the physical should be an option built into that dimensions of the photo, and the utility for reducing the file size of the quality, or resolution of the image… photo(s) before sending. The program the number of dots per square inch should tell you if it will be reducing that make up the picture. Logically, the dimensions, or the resolution, or as either of these factors gets larger, both. Picasa and iPhoto, introduced so too will the size of the file. in previous columns, can also do this Modern digital cameras, even job. the modestly priced point and XP users who don’t want to use shoot models, are usually capable their camera’s software have an even of very large and extremely high simpler solution available. When resolution photos. The result can be you open a folder that has photos an image that is much too large for in it, and click once on one of them the computer monitor, and that has (or Ctrl+click on several) the “File far more detail than the monitor is and folder tasks” box on the left capable of displaying. Granted, it is will expand, and “Email the selected usually possible to choose a setting items” will appear as a choice you can on the camera that reduces both the click. You will be asked if you want dimensions and the resolution of the the files to be reduced in size before shot but you can’t do that all of the emailing, and then an email message time, because if you intend to print will open, with the modified photos that picture, or enlarge it, or crop it and as attachments. All you have to do enlarge one part of it, you will want is address the email, write a covering all of the resolution you can get! note, and send it. The difficulty arises when you try Actually, there is now a strategy to email one (or worse, a group!) of to avoid emailing your photos at these large, high-resolution images. all, in most cases. There are several Page 34 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR JANUARY 2008 New Year’s Resolution: Forget Diets and Exercise… This Year Go Green! t’s that time of year, once again. As helpful for shoppers to have a few 2007 draws to a close, out come tricks to help them distinguish between Ithe fireworks, the champagne, the green and the greenwashed,” and most importantly, a fresh batch of says Scott McDougall, TerraChoice New Year’s resolutions. Environmental Marketing, President This year, why not resolve to and co-author of a consumer do your part to help protect the products study called The Six Sins environment? It’s as easy as opting for of Greenwashing. “The easiest is to genuinely green products when you watch for the logo of an organization go shopping and as simple as knowing that can objectively assess a product’s what to look for when you read the green claims. For example, EcoLogo label – but it can make a world of and Green Seal can be trusted to difference. identify environmentally responsible Take a look at the label, if you see products and Energy Star is a great way EcoLogo’s three doves in a maple leaf to identify energy efficient products. or Green Seal’s blue orb and green While these marks are helpful, checkmark, you know the product’s consumers need to remain aware environmental claims have been of the six most prevalent forms of verified by a reliable third party. greenwashing TerraChoice identified Just remember to watch out for in a recent study. We call them the greenwashing. “Six Sins of Greenwashing.” Greenwashing is the act of “Each sin has a corresponding misleading consumers about either the question you can consider to help environmental practices of a company decide for yourself whether a green or the environmental benefits of a claim is genuine or just greenwashing,” product or service. With the recent McDougall says. yourself, ‘What else is going on here?’ same claim?” which is the Sin of explosion of popular concern for the The most prevalent sin, the Sin of If you suspect the labeling is leaving Irrelevance. environment, we are being inundated the Hidden Trade-Off, occurs when out part of the story, it may be guilty “Is the claim trying to make me with green claims, some of which a product claims to be green based of greenwashing.” feel “green” about a product category are genuine and others of which on a single environmental attribute If you have no way of verifying that is of questionable environmental are greenwashing. That’s why it’s without attention to other important whether a claim is true or not, then benefit?”. This is the Sin of Lesser of so important, if you’ve resolved environmental issues. For example, the product is guilty of the Sin of No Two Evils. to buy green, to be able to tell the tissue paper made with recycled Proof. “Is this even true?” Chances are, if difference between a genuinely green content but ignoring other significant And sometimes, you’ve got to you don’t like the answer, the product product and one that has merely been environmental impacts like chlorine ask, “What does it all mean?” If the is guilty of the Sin of Fibbing. greenwashed. bleaching, energy use and waste product is making a claim that is so “The bottom line is that shoppers “There are lots of environmentally- management in the papermaking poorly defined or broad that its real can buy green. The products are there preferable products out there, but it’s process. McDougall suggests, “Ask meaning is hard to decipher, then it – everything from shampoos to toilet is committing paper to home insulation. Hopefully the “Sin of the Six Sins of Greenwashing will Vagueness.” help consumers identify the right It is also products,” says McDougall. important to For more information about the ask yourself questions to ask when you are buying questions like: green and a copy of the Six Sins of “So what, Greenwashing study, go to www. could all other ecologo.org. Make 2008 your year to products in go green! this category make the

OSCA Annual Winter Carnival

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Windsor Park

12 noon to 2:30 pm Snow or Shine

Sleigh Rides

613-247-4946 JANUARY 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR Page 35 Groundwater 101

roundwater – so important, at which groundwater is found moving tanks. Non-point sources include soaps and household cleansers, or try but quite often forgotten. through soil particles and cracks and urban and rural runoff that can contain environmentally-friendly alternatives GNearly three million people crevices in rock. Groundwater is pollutants such as road salt, fertilizers • Recycle, as the less we put into in Ontario use and depend on not confined to only a few channels or pesticides. the landfill the less leachate is created groundwater every day, but some don’t underground, it’s actually found Municipal drinking water systems that could potentially contaminate our even know it. To keep you ‘au courant’ almost everywhere under the earth’s can treat some of these pollutants but groundwater sources about the importance of groundwater, surface. Groundwater sometimes not all. The cost of cleanup from an • Reduce or eliminate fertilizers we present Groundwater 101. discharges into local lakes, rivers and environmental and health standpoint and pesticides from your lawn care Groundwater is literally water streams or it can remain underground can also be astronomical. Keeping our regimen as these chemicals leach into stored underground. Sounds simple for millions of years. sources of drinking water clean is the the soil and into our groundwater right? Well, not quite. Water on earth Groundwater supplies us best and most economical solution. • Maintain your septic system. is constantly being recycled through with drinking water and water for So how do we protect our a process known as the hydrologic agricultural and industrial uses. We in groundwater? The Ontario To learn more about local cycle. Water from our lakes, rivers and Eastern Ontario are fortunate to have Government has made protection a groundwater protection efforts, visit oceans evaporates and forms clouds. vast quantities of groundwater stored priority with the passing of the Clean your local source protection group. Depending on weather conditions in aquifers throughout the region, but Water Act. The Act is designed to Cataraqui Source Protection Area the water vapor within those clouds it is still important to conserve and protect our local sources of drinking — www.cataraquiregion.on.ca condenses and falls back to earth protect this resource. water from both contamination and Mississippi-Rideau Source in the form of rain or snow. This Contamination of our groundwater depletion. Protection Region — www. precipitation runs off into our lakes, occurs from point and non-point There are also a number of mrsourcewater.ca rivers and streams or seeps into the source pollution. Examples of point things that you can do to protect our Quinte Source Protection Region ground to collect in formations called sources of pollution include industrial groundwater. Here are a few useful — quintesourcewater.ca aquifers. discharges, septic systems, wells suggestions: An aquifer is the layer underground and underground oil and gas storage • Use nontoxic, biodegradable Funding Your Retirement Fun by Linda Hancock, BSc., CFP, Division years, take the interactive Investors Group Retirement Director, Investors Group Financial Readiness Quiz™ at www.investorsgroup.com. It provides an opportunity for you to assess your Services Inc. emotional, financial, social and physical preparedness for retirement. he shape of your retirement is as personal as your This column, written and published by Investors thumbprint – or at least it should be. The thing Group Financial Services Inc. (in Quebec – a Financial Tabout making retirement dreams into reality isn’t Services Firm), presents general information only and a thing at all – it’s money; having enough money to fulfill is not a solicitation to buy or sell any investments. all your dreams. With the right level of income from the Contact a financial advisor for specific advice about savings you’ve spent a lifetime building, you can make your circumstances. For more information on this your third age as wonderful and personal as you wish. topic please contact Linda @ 613 798-7700 Ext. 240 And that will very likely include having some fun. Sure, or [email protected]. you’re going to have to use a portion of the income from your nest egg to cover the ‘essentials’ – food, health care, utilities and other basic living expenses – but how you choose to use the rest of your money is totally in your hands. After all, the whole point of working hard during your employment years and investing carefully for decades is to have enough money in retirement to live comfortably … and have fun! But your idea of ‘fun’ is personal, too. It may be restoring a classic car, tripping off to exotic destinations, saddling up in your new RV, or enjoying a warm winter in your home away from home. ‘Fun’ for you may be packaged differently – restarting your education, volunteering for your favourite charity, or even starting a ‘dream’ business. Whatever retirement ‘fun’ means to you, you’ll need the income to make it happen. And that takes planning – the same kind of planning that went into building your retirement nest egg in the first place. In retirement, you’ll want a plan that makes sure your hard-earned investments last longer and go farther. A plan that ensures a steady, predictable cash flow that will cover all your essential and ‘fun’ expenses. There are many investment options to choose from. One that could work for you is a dividend fund that offers both growth and income potential. Income from a Canadian dividend fund also enjoys the advantage of a lower tax rate than applies to bank interest or GIC income. Keep the fun in your retirement by making sure it is well-funded. A professional advisor can help make sure your plan will let you cash in on the retirement of your dreams. By the way, to find out how ready you are for retirement and how to get the most out of your retirement Page 36 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR JANUARY 2008 Answers To The Most Common Questions About RRSP’s By Bob Jamieson may grow more quickly. and the taxability of different types of they generally provide maximum 2.) I have heard that if I have too investments. flexibility to meet your changing espite all the attention much income from an RRSP I could 4.) Is it true that I will need about needs during your retirement years, Registered Retirement lose out on government benefits? This $1 million in my RRSP before I am and your investments can transition DSavings Plans (RRSPs) may occur with Old Age Security able to retire? There is no one simple without change from your RRSP. receive at this time of year, many (OAS) payments if your retirement answer to that question. The amount With an annuity, you create a simple Canadians still find it’s a mysterious income exceeds a certain amount, you will need in retirement will depend income stream, without having to acronym. They’re unaware that an but your income in retirement will on a range of factors, such as your manage any investments. A financial RRSP is not a specific investment not affect your Canada Pension Plan health, retirement age and lifestyle. In advisor can help you decide on an per se, but rather a structure to house (CPP) benefits. On average, only short, retirement planning is far more appropriate retirement income plan a portfolio of investments such as about five per cent of Canadians complex than some magical amount for you that might include both RRIFs stocks, bonds and mutual funds. experience any OAS “claw back,” and you should speak with a financial and annuities. To clarify some common and approximately two per cent have advisor to identify whether or not this There are many other common misperceptions, here are answers to all their OAS “clawed back.” target makes sense for you. questions about RRSPs - too many to five of the most common questions 3.) What type of investments 5.) What happens to my RRSP be covered in just one column. But as financial advisors* hear about should I have in my RRSP? when I retire? What do I do with it? You with all matters related to retirement RRSPs. Investments in your RRSP can vary can withdraw funds from your RRSP planning, speak to your financial 1.) Why should I use an RRSP and include such assets as stocks, at any time (and pay tax), but by the advisor so you can make the best to help save for retirement?One of bonds and mutual funds. But to ensure end of the year in which you turn 71 choices possible given your unique the most effective methods many you have the right mix of investments you must wind up your RRSP. At that needs and circumstances. Canadians use to help reach their to suit your goals and objectives you time, you have a variety of choices. You Bob Jamieson, CFP retirement goals is saving within an should consult with a financial advisor could choose to purchase a Registered Member CIPF RRSP. Your contributions can be on a regular basis. That advisor will Retirement Income Fund (RRIF), deducted from your income, which consider your asset diversification in purchase an annuity or withdraw the will help reduce the amount of income totality - addressing what you hold funds and declare the entire amount tax you pay. In addition, any growth both inside and outside your RRSP. as taxable income for the year. You earned in your RRSP is not taxed as Your consultations should also include can also choose a combination of income until funds are withdrawn. discussion of other related factors such these options so it’s not an “all-or- That means investments in your RRSP as your risk tolerance, the number of nothing” decision. RRIFs are one of grow tax-deferred so the total value years you have left until retirement, the most common choices because

What Is A Watershed?

By Charles Billington of Ottawa for example, the man-made municipal boundary includes parts of watershed is the drainage area three watersheds: the Mississippi on the of a river. It is like a huge west, the Rideau in the centre and the Anatural basin that collects rain South Nation on the east side. The water and directs it downhill towards lower in the creeks in those three watersheds elevations. Rain and snow drain through flows eastward, northward or westward the soil into small streams and end up depending on the lay of the land. The in a major creek or river. It is the only steep rocky areas around Kaladar way liquid water can flow. Creeks and produce splashy and picturesque rivers streams generally get bigger and wider like the Skootamata, the upper Salmon as they flow downstream where more and the upper Mississippi. In flat areas and more tributary streams contribute of soft deposits, serene rivers like the water. lovely lower Rideau are right at home. Eastern Ontario is made up of seven No matter how you get your big watersheds or basins (Cataraqui, drinking water- private well, municipal Mississippi, Moira, Napanee, Raisin, well, municipal surface water system Rideau and South Nation) and several — you can be sure that it has all been smaller ones each with a height of collected, nurtured, filtered and directed land between them. The dividing line downhill during its cleansing passage between watersheds is sometimes hard through a natural watershed. to see. Where does the Napanee stop Each one is a little different. But for and the Cataraqui start? Water knows. managing Eastern Ontario’s precious It has to flow by gravity into one or source waters, the watershed unit is another of the tributary streams. unbeatable. Watersheds are natural. Activities To learn more about watersheds farther upstream may affect the quality and source water protection, visit your or quantity of water that passes in local source protection group. front of your place. That’s why it is so Cataraqui Source Protection Area important that everyone be careful to —www.cataraquiregion.on.ca keep the water as clean as possible. In Mississippi-Rideau Source a day, or a month, or a year, that water Protection Region — www. could become someone’s drinking mrsourcewater.ca water. Quinte Source Protection Region Watershed boundaries cut across — quintesourcewater.ca municipal boundaries. In many cases, a municipality lies within more than one watershed. In the amalgamated City JANUARY 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR Page 37

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE LIBRARY Sunnyside Branch Library Programs for Children caregivers encouraged to join in on to choose good chocolate over bad, and join in stimulating discussions Storytimes/Contes Wednesdays, Jan. 9 – Mar. 5, 10:15 and even taste some good chocolate on selected titles by the group in a a.m. (30 min.) for yourself! The presentation friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Babytime (Newborn-18 months) / will cover such topics as Cacao: Registration. Bébés à la biblio (De la naissance à Special Programs/Programmes its origins and history, how Mondays, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. (1 hr.) 18 mois) Speciaux chocolate is made, bad chocolate girlzone Stories, rhymes, songs and games vs. good: How to identify and avoid For fun with a variety of themes, for babies and their parent or Winter wonderland. Celebrate the bad fats, fillers, waxes, and come join our monthly lunchtime caregiver on Tuesdays, Jan. 8 winter with snowy stories and a preservatives in most commercial book chat group for girls in grade – Mar. 4, 2:15 p.m. (30 min.) craft for ages 5-7. Registration. chocolate, antioxidants: what they 7 and 8 at the Sunnyside Library. Saturday, Jan. 12, 2:15 p.m. (45 are, their role in our bodies, natural Registration required Friday, Jan. Toddlertime (Ages 18-35 months) / mins.) sweeteners (diabetic-safe!), the 11, 12:05 (45 mins.) Tout petits à la biblio (Pour les 18- Acai berry and what is an ORAC 35 mois) Library Peace Day brought to value. Adult Book Club Stories, rhymes, songs and you by the University of Ottawa Thursday, Jan. 31, 7 pm (1 hr) Drop by, meet new people and games for toddlers and a parent Medical Students for Global join in stimulating discussions on or caregiver on Tuesdays, Jan. Sustainability Adult Computer Programs selected titles in a friendly and 8 – Mar. 4, 10:15 a.m. (30 min.) Come join in their celebration 15 minutes Computer Tutorials relaxed atmosphere. Usually meets or Thursdays, Jan. 10 – Mar. 6, of peace. Family program. Having problems with the Library the last Friday of every month at 2 10:15 a.m. (30 min.). Registration Registration required. Catalogue? Accessing the web? p.m. For exact dates, please call the required. Saturday, Jan. 19 1:15 p.m. (1 hour) Email issues? Register for your Adult Services Department. Friday, Registration begins on Wednesday, own 15 minutes computer tutorial. Jan. 25, 2 p.m. Five Quarters of An Jan. 2, 2008 Programs for Adults Mondays between 10 and 11:30 Orange by Joanne Harris. Healthy Chocolate a.m. on Jan. 7 – Mar 3 Storytime (Ages 3-6) / Contes (Pour Come learn what we’ve always Mother-daughter les 3-6 ans) Stories and rhymes for suspected, that dark chocolate has For Moms and daughters (ages 10- young children with parents and many health benefits. Find out how 12) to drop in, meet new people Alta Vista Branch Library Alta Vista Branch ESL Conversation Ages 12 and up. ans. Ottawa Public Library Practice your English and meet Wednesdays, 7 p.m. (1 hr.) (Bilingue) Les mercredis, 9 2516 Alta Vista Dr. new Jan. 30, Feb. 27 janvier-5 mars, 10 h 30 (45 min.) To register call: 613-737-2837 x3 people. In partnership with OCISO. Videogaming Family Storytime Adult Programs Mondays, 6 p.m. (1.5 hrs.) Play a friendly game with others Program with stories and rhymes Tuesdays, 1 p.m. (1.5 hrs.) on our new console & take a for everyone in the family. Book Banter break from exams! Tuesdays, January 8-March 4, Thursdays, 2 p.m. (1 hr.) FSL Conversation Ages 12 and up. 10:30 a.m. (45 min.) Jan. 10: The Lonely Passion of Improve your French through Saturday, January 26, 1 p.m.(2 hr.) Judith Hearne by Brian Moore social conversation with BOOK CLUBS / CLUBS DE Feb. 7: Suite française by volunteers. PRE-SCHOOL / LECTURE Irène Némirovsky Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. (1.5 hrs.) PRESCOLAIRE Jan. 15, 22, 29 Un livre à partager Tuesday Book Group Babytime Club de lecture pour ceux qui Meets every other Tuesday to Computer Tutorials for Adults For babies and their parent or aiment lire. Pour les 8 à 12 ans. discuss Need help with the library caregiver with stories, rhymes, Lundi 21 janvier, 16 h 15 (45 non-fiction books. The title for this catalogue, songs and activities. Ages 0-18 min.)* fall is Great Books by David accessing the web or email? months. Denby. Register Thursdays, January 10-March 6, Remarkable Readers Book Club Tuesdays, 7 p.m. (1.5 hr.) for a 20-minute one-on-one 10:30 a.m. (30 min.) An after-school book club for Jan. 15, 29 session. those who love to read. Ages 8-12. Thursdays, Jan. 24, 31, Feb. 7, 14, Toddlertime Monday, January 28, 4:15 p.m. Infusion littéraire 21, 28 For toddlers and a parent or (45 min)* Les mardis, 14 h (1 h) 10-11 a.m. caregiver with stories, rhymes, 15 jan. : La touche étoile de songs and activities. Ages 18-35 Benoîte Knitters helping Knitters months. N.B. Registration for winter Groult Meet with other knitters to share Mondays, January 7-March 3, programs starts on January 2nd 19 fév. : Et si c’etait vrai de Marc patterns and ideas and offer 10:30 a.m. (30 min.) and registration for March Break Levy assistance to others. programs starts on February 13. / Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. (1.5 hrs.) Storytime L’inscription pour les programmes Healthy Chocolate Jan. 5, Feb. 2 Stories and rhymes for young d’hiver commence le 2 janvier et Just in time for Valentine’s Day! Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. (1.5 hrs.) childen-parents and caregivers are l’inscription pour les programmes Learn about dark chocolate and its Jan. 15, Feb. 19 welcome to join. Ages 3-6. du congé d’hiver commence le many health benefits. Presentation (Bilingual) Wednesdays, January 13 février. Programs followed and free samples courtesy of Teen Programs 9-March 5, 10:30 a.m. (45 min.) by an * require registration. / Lisa Choueiri of MXI Corp. Contes L’inscription est requise pour les Wednesday, Jan. 30, 6:30 p.m. (1 Teen Scene Contes et rimes pour les enfants. programmes suivis d’un * hr.) Chat about books and share your Parents et fournisseurs de soins favourites with other teens. sont les bienvenus. Pour les 3 à 6 Page 38 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR JANUARY 2008

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.

Please call 613 233-6670 410 Sunnyside Ave. Tutoring: Recently retired teacher is For Sale ------Fully renovated, open floor plan, available to provide learning support Two OOS families looking for a full- 4 equal size bedrooms. New (Reading, Writing, Math) to young Double Futon, solid pine frame with time, live-out nanny/caregiver for wqashrooms and a new gourmet students, ages 5-10, for after-school arms. Folds to comfy couch. Excellent two boys aged 1 year, to be cared for kitchen with eat-in. Separate family or Saturday morning sessions. Please condition. Easy to transport. $60 in our homes beginning April 2008. room and living room. Fully finished call 613-231-6160 for information Please call 613 233-6670 We are looking for someone who basement with separate entrance. ------is enthusiastic, motivated, creative, Hardwood and ceramic throughout. To Give Away ’95 Plymouth Voyageur dark green patient and loving. You must have $499,900. Call Robin or Preet at 730- van. Safety checked. 3.3 litre engine. experience with toddlers, a police 8667 or 730-8069. Loaded features. One owner. Good clearance and CPR/first aid. An ------condition. Available immediately. E.C.E. background and other course/ Furnished house for short-term rent. To a good home: Two-year-old Call Terry at 613-233-7676 qualifications would be an asset. Family on sabbatical looking to rent Chocolate Labrador Retriever. Please forward your resume and salary fully-furnished and equipped 3- Energetic, gentle and very good with expectations to [email protected] bedroom house on Seneca St, from children. 613-526-5758 Looking For and [email protected]. Please call March 4-late May 2008. $1800, Amy at (613) 730-1458 if you have including utilities. A reliable tenant is Wanted: Champion Juicer in good any questions. our top priority. Shorter rental period working order. Tel 613 730 4751 possible. 613-730-0248 ------Child’s toy kitchen set: stove, fridge, Accommodation Tutors sink units,Step 2 or Little Tykes

Stolen Wind Chimes ould the young men who took the wind chimes Dollar it from our tree at 10 Rideau River Lane please return 1090 Bank Street at Sunnyside them? They were a wedding gift and a source W th of joy for our family. They were taken on November 17 at 10:30 p.m. (I heard men’s voices and the chimes ringing Would like to thank the loudly, then no sounds, so I went outside and the chimes were Old Ottawa South Community, gone). If you have any information (or if you have received the Glebe Community, and all of our customers used wind chimes in the last two weeks as a gift!), please call for their support and patronage in 2007. Sue at 730-3425. No legal action is considered, I just want my chimes back on my tree! Have a Happy New Year!

Sofia, Tsegaye, Millen and Henoch

Around Town Winter Issue of Hospice News group in Old Ottawa South the month from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at Church Hall, 194 Fourth Ave., Ottawa now Online! Are you breast-feeding your baby? 36 Glen Ave. Next meeting January Dance lesson 7:30 - 8:00pm (included As we settle in for a cozy winter, Are you pregnant and planning to 17. For more information call 613- with admission) Live music, Guest it’s the perfect time to reflect on breast-feed? 238-5919 the local La Leche League Performers, Cash Bar, Dance caller, the accomplishments of a busy and A La Leche League meeting is a phone line. Late night soda bread/tea/coffee/ productive past few months. relaxed, supportive and non judgment service,Door Prizes. Check out the latest issue of Hospice to place where you can: meet breast- OOS Women’s Business For info e-mail ottawa@comhaltas. News to learn more about The Hospice feeding women, ask specific questions Network — Are you self-employed, net or [email protected] or at May Court’s most successful Homes about breast-feeding, learn more starting or running a small business or phone 613-761-8618, 613-824-0284. for the Holidays fundraising event yet, about breast-feeding from accredited service and looking for other women its 20th anniversary celebration, and leaders who have breast-fed their own in business for support, advice and WOMEN ON SKIS invites you much more. children and to volunteer their time, get ideas? Join us for a monthly meeting to join them for 5 morning cross Click here to access the Hospice tips for working through best breast- the third Tuesday of each month at country ski outings, mainly in the News feeding challenges, find out more 9:30 a.m. Call Kathryn at (613) 730- Gatineau, January through March, Wishing everyone in the Hospice’s about getting ready to breast-feed (if 3739 for details and location. Check the nakkertok.ca website for Circle of Caring a happy, safe and you are pregnant), find out more about details . warm holiday season! the benefits of breast-feeding for baby Irish Ceili Dance by Comhaltas and you, borrow books about breast- Ottawa, Saturday, January 19th, La Leche League Canada has a feeding and related parenting topics. 2008, 8:00pm, Blessed Sacrament Meetings every third Thursday of JANUARY 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 35th YEAR Page 39 YourMarketplace

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