The
O•S•C•A•R© The Community Voice of Old Ottawa South Year 32 , No. 10 The Ottawa South Community Association Review DECEMBER 2006 Old Ottawa South Where Wishes Do Come True Sidewalk Update - Before and After
By Brendan McCoy Margaret Mary Elementary School. Unfortunately the sidewalk ended at the corner of the block, forcing pedestrians into the road, or across the street. This n the October issue of this paper I asked why infill development was was despite the fact that a sidewalk appeared in the site plan approved by the being done without sidewalks. Three examples were provided where infill City. OSWatch, and the OSCA Board, insisted that the sidewalk should be built, Idevelopments were without the provision of sidewalks. One project is and Councillor Doucet told both city staff and the developer that he expected completed, on Grove west of Seneca, one is just starting on a short section of the planned sidewalk to be provided. Woodbine, between Grosvenor and Barton, and one is being finished, on Scotia At the end of October the developer had the sidewalk installed; it is an Place. attractive and useful addition to the streetscape. Walk over and have a look. On Scotia Place the row of new town homes sit on the former site of St. OSCA New Board Members 2006-2007
Mike Lascelles, Hans Ruprecht (ex-officio, L’Amicale), Jim Steel, Steve Mennill, Jason Parry, Kevin Harper, Deirdre McQuillan (OSCA Executive Director), Brendan McCoy, Michael Jenkin, Greg Strahl, Gayatri Jayaraman, Stephen Haines, Val MacIntosh, Patti Ryan, Ed Keyes Missing: Lisa Drouillard, Pierre Gratton, David Law, Michael Loewen, Doug Mouser, Paul Paquet, Ken Slemko Page The OSCAR - OUR 32nd YEAR NOVEMBER 2006 Shop Locally • Shopping locally contributes to the convenience and comfort of village life on Old Ottawa South • Shopping locally provides personal service: the owner is in the store • Shopping locally supports local owners who contribute their time and energy to Old Ottawa South DECEMBER 2006 The OSCAR - OUR 32nd YEAR Page
The OSCAR CONTRIBUTIONS The OTTAWA SOUTH COMMUNITY Contributions should be in electronic format sent either by e-mail to ASSOCIATION REVIEW [email protected] in either plain text or WORD format, or as a printed copy delivered to the Firehall office, 260 Sunnyside Avenue. 260 Sunnyside Ave, Ottawa Ontario, K1S 0R7 www.OldOttawaSouth.ca/oscar SUBSCRIPTIONS Please Note: The OSCAR Has No Fax Moving away from Old Ottawa South? Know someone who would like The OSCAR PhoneLine: 730-1045 E-mail: [email protected] to receive The OSCAR? We will send The OSCAR for one year for just $40 to Canadian addresses (including foreign service) and $80 outside 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. Distribution Manager: Craig Piche 730-5838 Business Manager: Colleen Thomson Advertising Manager: Gayle Weitzman 730-1058 SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS [email protected] (not classy ads) The OSCAR is sponsored entirely from advertising. Our advertisers are often not aware that you are from Old Ottawa South when you patron- NEXT DEADLINE: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15 ize them. Make the effort to let them know that you saw their ad in The OSCAR. They will be glad to know and The OSCAR will benefit from their support. If you know of someone providing a service in the com- The OSCAR is a community association paper paid for entirely by ad- munity, tell them about The OSCAR. Our rates are reasonable. vertising. It is published for the Ottawa South Community Association Inc. (OSCA). Distribution is free to all Old Ottawa South homes and FUTURE OSCAR DEADLINES businesses and selected locations in Old Ottawa South, the Glebe and Billings Bridge. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not December 15 (January issue), January 19 (February issue), February necessarily of The OSCAR or OSCA. The editor retains the right to edit 16 (March issue), March 20 (April issue), April 20 (May issue), May 18 and include articles submitted for publication. (June issue), June 15 (July/August issue).
FOR DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES, CALL 730-5838 AND LEAVE A MESSAGE The Old Firehall Ottawa South Community Centre The OSCAR thanks the following people who brought us to your door this month: HOURS PHONE 247-4946
ZONE A1: Kathy Krywicki (Coordinator), Mary Jo Lynch, Brian Eames, MONDAY TO THURSDAY 9 AM TO 9 PM Kim Barclay, Marvel Sampson, Wendy Robbins, Ron Barton, Jim and Carrol Robb, Kevin and Stephanie Williams. FRIDAY 9 AM TO 6 PM ZONE B1: Ross Imrie (Coordinator), Andrea and Cedric Innes, the Mont- SATURDAY 9 AM TO 1 PM* gomery family, Laurie Morrison, Norma Reveler, Stephanie and Kulani de SUNDAY CLOSED Larrinaga. *Open only when programs are operating, please call first. ZONE B2: Lorie Magee Mills (Coordinator), Leslie Roster, Hayley Atkin- son, Caroline and Ian Calvert, Sheilagh Stronach, Matthew and Graeme Gaetz, Kathy Krywicki. ZONE C1: Laura Johnson (Coordinator), the James-Guevremont family, the WHAT’S THAT NUMBER? Williams family, Sylvie Turner, Lynne Myers, Bob Knights, Jeff Pouw, the Franks family. 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. Ottawa Public Library - South Branch 730-1082 ZONE D1: Bert Hopkins (Coordinator), the Crighton family, Emily Keys, Lynn Graham, Public School Trustee - [email protected] 730-3366 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, CARLETON UNIVERSITY Aidan and Willem Ray, the Stewart family. CUSA (Carleton U Students Association) 520-6688 ZONE E1: Mark Fryars (Coordinator), Brian Tansey, Doug Stickley, Wendy Graduate Students Association 520-6616 Johnson, Anna Cuylits, David Lum, Mary O’Neill. Community Liaison 520-3660 ZONE E2: Nicola Katz (Coordinator), Frida Kolsster-Berry, Mary-Ann Mediation Centre 520-5765 Kent, Glen Elder and Lorraine Stewart, the Rowleys, Dave White, the Hunter Athletics 520-4480 family, Brodkin-Haas family, Christina Bradley. ZONE F1: Carol and Ferg O’Connor (Coordinator), Jenny O’Brien, Janet CITY HALL Jancar, the Stern family, T. Liston, Ellen Bailie, Niki Devito, Dante and Bi- Bob Chiarelli, Mayor of Ottawa ([email protected]) 580-2496 anca Ruiz, Walter and Robbie Engert. Clive Doucet, City Councillor ([email protected]) 580-2487 ZONE F2: Bea Bol (Coordinator), the Tubman family, Karen Fee, Shaugh- Main Number(24 hrs) for all departments 3-1-1 nessy and Kyle Dow, Paulette Theriault, Mark McDonald, Bea Bol, Jill Community Police - non-emergencies 236-1222 Moine, Paris Dutton. Emergencies only 9-1-1 ZONE G: Jim and Angela Graves (Coordinator), Peggy and Brian Kinsley, Serious Crimes 230-6211 Shelly Lewis, Peter Murphy, Claire and Brigitt Maultsaid, Jane Kurys, Roger Ottawa Hydro 738-6400 Ehrhardt, Norma Grier, the Ostrander-Weitzman family. Streetlight Problems (burned out, always on, flickering) 3-1-1 Echo Drive: Alex Bissel. Brewer Pool 247-4938 Bank Street-Ottawa South: Rob Cook, Tom Lawson Brewer Arena 247-4917 Bank Street-Glebe: Craig Piche. City of Ottawa web site - www.city.ottawa.on.ca Page The OSCAR - OUR 32nd YEAR DECEMBER 2006 From the Firehall Old Ottawa South Needs By Dinos Dafniotis
Seasonal greetings to the residents of Old Ottawa South from Volunteers the Ottawa South Community Centre. Within the pages of this OSCAR you will find the Centre’s Winter Recreation brochure. Community Spirit Depends On You! We hope there is something offered that will appeal to you and your family. Registration is a breeze by heading to www. oldottawasouth.ca starting on Sunday, December 10, 9:00pm. e need to pay more attention to volunteer recruitment and engagement. emember that children don’t return to school from the Over the last year, on more than one occasion, we have had to cancel a Christmas Break until January 8th. Why not sign up Wcommunity event, or come close to doing that. Many of our committees Rthen up in our Christmas Break Camp which runs from and Board events are dependent for their success on the same handful of dedicated Tuesday January 2 to Friday, January 5. We have a ski / tubing volunteers coming out and getting the job done. trip planned as well as many other favourites. Please call us for For example, our volunteers that put on our annual auction and lobster supper that further details. raised significant funds for the Firehall redevelopment and the dedicated volunteers We are pleased to offer a cooperative French playgroup, les who operated the Windsor Park open air rink, have retired and unless we get new copins et copines de jeux, on Thursday mornings at the Firehall. people committed to helping out these important community services they will not Please check the brochure for details. see the light of day this coming year. We need to get more volunteers into OSCA and The Firehall has two teams registered in the West End provide the organization and leadership to help them take on the many jobs we need Basketball League for the 2006-2007 season. Our co-ed ATOMS to get done. team coached by Larry Savage started the season with a nail Volunteers have fun organizing events. biting victory against the Goulbourn Raptors at Jack Donohue Call Deirdre at 613-247-4946 for details of the many projects that could use your School on Saturday November 18 by a score of 20 - 18. The co- help. ed Novice team starts their games in the new year. I will keep you informed of our basketball fortunes as the season progresses. Local resident Paul Armstrong along with Larry have done a great job putting together a group of adult volunteers to coach Walking Club our two teams. We still have a couple of spots on our Atom Team as I write this. If your son or daughter (born 1995/96)is available for What’s Thursday evening practices and Saturday games please call the Happen- Firehall to register. We have 4 openings on our roster. ing at the If you have any questions about our programs you can reach Library is us at (613)247-4946 or email me at [email protected]. on page 43 Until next month Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Merry Kwanzaa and have a Happy New Year.
Many thanks to Karen Landheer for 22 years of delivering the OSCAR! Over 6000 papers delivered! An inspiration to all of us.
SONGS, CIDER and SLEIGH RIDES at the FIREHALL Wednesday Walkers - Join these ladies for a walk. Wednesday, December 13, 2006 Do you like walking but need the incentive to go out? Put on your walk- 6:30 pm to 8:30 ing shoes and join us for a neighbourhood tour. Great way to meet your 260 Sunnyside Avenue neighbours. Starting point is the Firehall. Wednesday, 9:30 am - 10:30 am, Year round and FREE SLEIGH RIDES: 6:30, 6:50, 7:10, 7:30, 7:50 Hot Chocolate, Cookies, Cider…… Write for Rights! Crafts………and A Visit with SANTA n Sunday, December 10, celebrate Human Rights Day by writing letters as part of Amnesty International’s annual write-a-thon. Come out to Tickets available at the Firehall beginning Monday, Dec. 11 at 9:00am OSouthminster United Church from 2:00 to 4:00 that afternoon where you can write to and on behalf of prisoners of conscience. Writing materials and NEW, NEW – MUGS FOR SALE – stamps will be available as well as sample letters and refreshments. (Donations to defray the cost of stamps will be welcomed.) We will also have made in the Firehall Pottery Studio – a special children’s corner for them to participate by sending greeting cards to $10 each Fundraiser for OSCA prisoners of conscience and drawing pictures to be included with the cards.
Southminster United Church is at the corner of Bank and Aylmer, opposite the To Donate Cookies call 613-247-4946 Sunnyside Library. The write-a-thon will be held upstairs in the Ladies’ Parlour. Please use the back entrance, off Galt Street. DECEMBER 2006 The OSCAR - OUR 32nd YEAR Page
OSCA PRESIDENT’S REPORT New OSCA Board, Thanks, and Report to AGM
By Michael Jenkin Let me just provide a brief summary hours; Despite this, the next year will here: be a challenging one both for the * OSCAR, under the leadership community and for OSCA. In New OSCA Board Elected • we finalized the design of our new editor, Mary Anne effect, I see three challenges we as a proposal for the Firehall expansion Thompson, has expanded its content community association will face in t November’s Annual and renovation and completed public and number of pages and is in great the coming year: General Meeting OSCA consultations on it; financial shape; Amembers elected a new Board * first, our biggest challenge consisting of the following members: will be to bring a funding commitment ...... our biggest challenge will be to bring a funding from the City to re-develop and Lisa Drouillard commitment from the City to re-develop and expand expand the community centre. I Pierre Gratton think we are well positioned to get a Stephen Haines the community centre. I think we are well positioned favourable outcome, but it will require Kevin Harper, OSWATCH chair to get a favourable outcome, but it will require determination and lots of hard work in Gayatri Jayaraman determination and lots of hard work in lobbying lobbying politicians and officials over Michael Jenkin, President the next year and in putting together Ed Keyes, Program Committee politicians and officials over the next year and in a convincing business case that will co-chair putting together a convincing business case that will demonstrate how, with a growing Mike Lascelles, VP Internal demonstrate how, with a growing community, we not community, we not only need, but can David Law, VP External sustain, such a development; Michael Loewen, Chair Ecos only need, but can sustain, such a development; Brendan McCoy, Secretary * second, we need to pay more Val MacIntosh, Business attention to our programming base. Community Representative Our community has been changing Steve Mennill, Treasurer * we had successful and well over the last few years and so have the Doug Mouser, Chair, Special * we held a press conference to attended community events such as kinds of recreational service providers Events launch the new design in April 2006 the Christmas sleigh ride, June BBQ in the public and private sector that Jason Parry which attracted major coverage in the and the Porch sale; members of our community have Paul Paquet Citizen, the Sun, CJOH-TV, A Channel access to. We need to plan for the long Patti Ryan and Rogers Community Channel; * we have invested in new term and determine where we want Ken Slemko program equipment and renovated the to invest in new programming and Jim Steel * we got a commitment from kitchen in the Firehall; where we want to reduce our presence Greg Strahl Mayor Chiarelli at our Lobster Supper so we can ensure we are meeting the in May to seek budgetary support for * our program committee has community’s needs and are responding The new Board’s term runs from the “soft costs” for the renovation - run a successful year of programming to a changing environment. This will November of this year to October of the detailed design and specification with good results, especially for be particularly important if we want 2007. [See Page 1] work needed to obtain bids; children’s programming and this to be able to demonstrate how we can autumn successfully implemented make the best use of a renovated and I would also like to thank the * our Firehall fund raising a new on-line registration system so expanded community centre; following Board members who committee held yet another very that our members no longer have to are retiring for all their hard work successful Lobster Supper raising line up to take advantage of OSCA * finally, we need to pay more this year: Margaux Béland, Dianne almost $30,000 for the renovation. programs; and attention to volunteer recruitment Caldbick, Carolyn Pullen, Jenny So far the committee has raised over and engagement. Over the last year, Haysom, our Program Committee $150,000 towards the renovation * finally, our finances are secure. on more than one occasion, we have Chair Gauri Sreenivasen, and long which is now held in a charitable In September we closed our financial had to cancel a community event, or time Board member and OSWATCH trust; year with an operating surplus of just come close to doing that. Many of Chair Leo Doyle. Volunteers such as over $20,000. our committees and Board events are these deserve all our thanks for with * in combination with a Board dependent for their success on the out the hard work and dedication they decision earlier this year to commit We are also fortunate to live in a same handful of dedicated volunteers bringto OSCA, we simply could not $90,000 of reserves to capital and community whose prospects seem to coming out and getting the job deliver the services you benefit from equipment improvements to the be rising. Our population is projected done. For example, our volunteers and which make Old Ottawa South Firehall means that we have the to grow by some 20% over the next that put on our annual auction and such a great place to live. I would also ability now as an organization to decade or so and the community is lobster supper that raised significant like to thank the Firehall City staff commit about a quarter of a million attracting more new families as its funds for the Firehall redevelopment Dinos Dafniotis and Cathie Buchanan dollars towards the improvement of proximity to the city centre and the and the dedicated volunteers who for their help and cooperation, and our community centre; wide range of services and facilities operated the Windsor Park open air lastly, but by no mean least, Dierdre rink, have retired and unless we get McQuillan, our Executive Director new people committed to helping out for guiding us through the inevitable I would also like to thank the following Board members these important community services hurdles of getting things done and for who are retiring for all their hard work this year: Margaux they will not see the light of day this her dedication and good humour. Béland, Dianne Caldbick, Carolyn Pullen, Jenny Haysom, our coming year. We need to get more Program Committee Chair Gauri Sreenivasen, and long time volunteers into OSCA and provide the A Challenging Year – Report to the organization and leadership to help Board member and OSWATCH Chair Leo Doyle. 2006 OSCA AGM them take on the many jobs we need to get done. On November 7 I delivered the annual President’s report on OSCA’s * we have had major successes available such as recreational Despite these challenges I activities to the 2006 Annual General with traffic issues including the City’s services, a library and a renovated and am confident that the energy and Meeting. I thought it would be a good agreement to do a safety study of expanded public school, make it high imagination of the people who live in idea to share that report in OSCAR Sunnyside and the implementation on people’s list of a good place to live. this community are more than up to with the broader community. of a 40 km/h limit on Sunnyside and Even Bank Street is experiencing a bit the task - we have a proud track record Riverdale. The City has also agreed of a renaissance with the new zoning of accomplishment and commitment Since coming into office in to study right hand turn prohibitions and street redesign attracting new that makes me optimistic about the November 2005, your Board has been northbound from Bronson onto businesses and new development. future. very active on a number of fronts. Sunnyside during morning rush Page The OSCAR - OUR 32nd YEAR DECEMBER 2006 What Is Global Warming? What Will Happen To The North America Way Of Life When The A Brief Overview: the past decade. (From the Inconvenient Truth – • At least 279 species of plants World’s Oil Is Depleted? Climatecrisis.net) and animals are already responding to global warming, moving closer to the poles. arbon dioxide and other gases brink of the decline of the world’s oil • The 10 hottest years ever By Anna Sundin warm the surface of the planet reserves. This will have an impact on naturally by trapping heat from recorded, have all occurred within the C n North American Society we all aspects of our lifestyle. At first we the sun in the atmosphere. This is a last 14 years. 2005 was the hottest. take the continuing availability of will notice this by increases in the good thing because it keeps our planet • The Arctic is melting so fast it may cheap oil and other carbon based cost of electricity, heating oil, natural livable. now be past the point of no return. If I fuels for granted. Our communities gas, food, consumer goods, gasoline, However, by burning fossil fuels the warming continues, we can expect are planned assuming oil will and transportation as the cheap and such as coal, gas and oil and clearing catastrophic consequences. continue to be cheaply and easily easily accessible oil becomes scarce forests we have dramatically increased • Deaths from global warming will available. Oil is used for building before all oil eventually disappears the amount of carbon dioxide in the double in just 25 years -- to 300,000 roads, transporting goods to and altogether. Earth’s atmosphere and temperatures people a year. people from the suburbs, producing The impact on the North begin to rise. • Global sea levels could rise by food and consumer goods and then American life style as oil disappears The vast majority of scientists agree more than 20 feet with the loss of transporting them worldwide. is explored in the documentary that global warming is real, it’s already shelf ice in Greenland and Antarctica, In North America, it is agri- “The End of Suburbia” produced by happening and that it is the result of our devastating coastal areas worldwide. business that is the largest single Greg Greene and Barry Silverthorn. activities and not a natural occurrence. • Heat waves will be more frequent consumer of oil. Oil is used to make The documentary “The Power of The evidence is overwhelming and and more intense. fertilizers and pesticides and is also Community” explores how Cuban undeniable. • Droughts and wildfires will occur needed to operate farm machinery. society adjusted to a sudden and We’re already seeing changes. more often. This may be difficult to believe as permanent loss of oil imports in the Glaciers are melting, plants and animals • The Arctic Ocean could be ice most communities no longer produce early 1990s. are being forced from their habitat, free in summer by 2050 sufficient food locally to feed its After watching these and the number of severe storms and • More than a million species population. We have chosen to documentaries it became clear to me droughts is increasing. worldwide could be driven to extinction abdicate this responsibility in favour how precarious our social fabric is. • The number of Category 4 and 5 by 2050. of far-flung corporate agricultural I began to ask myself, if we don’t hurricanes has almost doubled in the There is no doubt we can solve giants because we prefer to keep plan for the inevitable disappearance last 30 years this problem. In fact, we have a moral the price we pay at the supermarket of oil, how might individuals and • Malaria has spread to higher obligation to do so. artificially low. In the process we have neighbourhoods react to the scarcity altitudes in places like the Colombian The time to come together to solve sacrificed variety, taste, nutrition, of a resource we all now take for Andes, 7,000 feet above sea level. this problem is now – Take Action health and the environment. granted? Is it possible to lessen the • The flow of ice from glaciers in Unfortunately, oil is a finite shock by working together? Greenland has more than doubled over resource. In the 1970s oil production With the support of ECOS, the in North America peaked and started environmental committee of OSCA I to decline. Experts in the oil industry am inviting interested individuals to believe that the world’s oil reserves watch these documentaries and start are currently peaking and that we will a discussion group. start to feel the effects of the decline The screenings are on Sunday of oil in our life time. Meanwhile December 10th or Saturday December demand for the oil life style continues 16th at my house. Call 613-730-6559 to grow worldwide. to reserve your seat. Like many others, I was blithely unaware that we are presently on the
Ontario Vaults From Worst To First In Windpower In Canada Over Three Years
ntario is now Canada’s leading windpower generator thanks in part to the opening today of the Prince wind farm on the shores of Lake OSuperior, northwest of Sault Ste. Marie. The 189-megawatt two-phase $400 million Prince wind farm project is the fourth new wind farm to open in Ontario in the last nine months. The project’s 126 turbines will generate enough electricity to power over 40,000 homes. Ontario now has 413 megawatts of wind power generation, compared with 384 megawatts in Alberta. Brookfield Powers’ Prince wind farm is the fourth new wind project to open in Ontario. In April the 99-megawatt Erie Shores wind project near Port Burwell and the 40-megawatt Kingsbridge I wind project near Goderich began commercial operations. The 67-megawatt Melancthon wind project near Shelburne began operating in March. To date the province has supported 18 new, renewable energy contracts. Combined, these projects will help Ontario reach its goal of generating five per cent of its electricity capacity through renewable generation by 2007, and ten per cent by 2010. DECEMBER 2006 The OSCAR - OUR 32nd YEAR Page
CITY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT Thank You For Your Support
Tipped Firehall will remain a top priority for price and the quality of their proposal. substantial traffic me. Unfortunately, I can’t say much more relief and it offers the city quick The lake hovers at the edge The great challenge the new Mayor as the competitive process requires and easy expansion to the airport, to of the great freeze. will face is to bring two different parts the details remain confidential until Gatineau across the Prince of Wales Trees and needs stripped on the of the city together. The outgoing the contract is not just signed, but bridge and to Hurdman. The last two shore. Mayor although unable to convince sealed and delivered by all parties expansions should allow us to take The water naked of disguise, the electorate did a good job building – which remains to be done because all of the STO and OC buses out of a puddle waiting to crystallise. political consensus around issues that of Mr. Baird’s intervention. downtown. Yet the birds still gather to paddle often split not so much on political I remain utterly convinced that So – my great hope is that by the about, lines but geographic ones - those while not perfect, the North-South time you read this, Mayor O’Brien innocuous, busy councillors inside the greenbelt and proposal is the best deal for Ottawa. will have signed off on the North- terns, ducks, loons, house outside. In our ward, at Carleton, it will see the South electric line and we will be incongruous all. Those outside often opposed any construction of a $50 million station moving forward to tackle the new Feathers puffed against the cold. expenditures within the greenbelt that will be weather proof – built term with the old council’s major Has no-one told them? – the light rail, the pedestrian bridge by Carleton U., a pedestrian bridge accomplishment finally firmly in a go The earth has tipped, the sun angled across the canal, funding for renewed across the Rideau River, as well as forward mode. away, community centres, the GCTC and a new train bridge, and widening the The guard of winter come. Elgin Street Theatre and so on. Those present tunnel under Dow’s Lake to With very best wishes to you for the God love us, within the greenbelt often opposed two tracks. Christmas and holiday times. because ducks don’t. more money for new roads, pipes, Most importantly, the south to bridges, rural summit, etc. Mayor downtown service will bring Bronson Clive (from Canal Seasons) Chiarelli was able to hammer out Av e n u e a majority vote around most of Dear OSCAR readers, those issues to keep the city moving forward. irst and foremost, thank you Will Mayor O’Brien be able to all for such strong support in have the same or better success at Fthe election. Canvassing in building political consensus around municipal election begins to turn into key issues? Only time will tell. one long night – but your welcome I am entering the new term of as I stood on the porch made each Council optimistic that the light rail night easier. Thank you. A solid project so important to starting to mandate helps me to represent you build a greener city will go forward. and advance the issues important to I believe when Mayor O’ Brien the neighbourhood. reviews the contract with senior staff The challenges of the new council he will be impressed by it. Siemens will be immediate. By the time you was most anxious to give Ottawa the read this, not only will the fate of best price and project design possible light rail be decided but the 2007 City as they had been frozen out of both Budget will be front and centre. The Toronto and Montreal by sole sourcing changes at City Hall mean we cannot to Bombardier, and I believe their take for granted previous commitments desire to be the winning proponent for the Old Firehall renovation but the in Ottawa is reflected in both their Students Sue University For Not Providing Adequate Resources or the first time in Canadian academic said student Edwidge Valery, “well, OK, history, students are suing their let’s have it”. “We are tired of vacuous Funiversity for not providing the policy statements and an unresponsive promised high level of pedagogical service. administration” added student Nick Loeb. The precedent setting case could give students “We have made significant efforts to improve a direct say in resource allocations for quality conditions yet they treat us like a knitting teaching at Canadian universities. club” concluded student Alex Vyse. A group of students at the University “It was clear in the design of this course, of Ottawa are suing the publicly funded all through the 11-month and 16-committee corporation through Small Claims Court for approval process, that the pedagogical breach of contract in not providing teaching method was based on workgroups and assistants (TAs) to lead the workgroups required TAs” stated student Tammy Kovich in SCI 1101 (Science in Society, fall 2006 who is one of the two TAs for the course and term), in this class of over 100. one of the many students who fought to have While it is the accepted norm to this course approved, the first of its kind in allocate TAs for workgroups in any class the Faculty of Science. that predominantly uses a workgroup- “It was a shame to see the administration based method, the administration ruled to and the President and VP-Academic allocate only the minimum number of TAs themselves block and deflect our requests, corresponding to marking needs in a lecture- intended only to provide what was type class, thereby significantly decreasing expected” said student spokesperson Valérie the value of the course. The students are Duchesneau. seeking 2/3 reimbursement of the tuition The claim was deposited with the Small fees for the course and legal expenses. Claims Court, Superior Court of Justice, “The university Mission Statement states Ottawa, and served to the university on that ‘[it] places its students at the core of its November 23, 2006. A court date is expected educational mission‘ and that ‘[it promises] within months. a high-quality learning environment’, Page The OSCAR - OUR 32nd YEAR DECEMBER 2006 2006 Municipal Election Results: Suburbs and Rural Ottawa make O’Brien Mayor; Old Ottawa South, the Glebe, and Old Ottawa East rally to re-elect Councillor Doucet
By Mike Lascelles municipal taxes, fix or nix Light Rail, the ballot were re-elected. What his promise to limit tax increases make City Hall work better, improve seems more likely is that Munter and while promoting safer, greener and he results of the 2006 municipal public safety, and force Ottawa to get O’Brien constructed their platforms to fairer communities and keeping the election are old news by now, smart on waste management. respond to the major issues troubling growing waves of speeding commuter Tbut read on to learn how Capital voters. traffic at bay. Ward and Old Ottawa South voted for (See Chart A) The dominant election issue Both O’Brien and Munter had Mayor and Councillor respectively. likely was widespread and intense green planks in their platforms. Chart A shows how residents in public anger about high property While virtually everyone is aware Larry O’Brien Elected different wards voted for mayoral taxes. It seems that O’Brien won big of Munter’s pro-environment candidates O’Brien and Munter. - particularly in rural and suburban policies, fewer people know about Mayor These data appear to support six areas - because he promised to freeze O’Brien’s promises to fight pollution. observations: property taxes for four years. The Specifically, if Mayor O’Brien and Mayor-elect Larry O’Brien It was an O’Brien vs. Munter fact that most voters in Barrhaven the new Council can come up with comes across as an affable, decisive race since, except in a single ward supported him, even though that ward a more efficient and affordable light businessman who doesn’t need a (Gloucester – South Nepean), Bob stood to gain significantly if the Light rail system, then commuters and hearing aid. He really did listen to Chiarelli ran well behind in third place. Rail project proceeded, supports the the environment will be better off. what many citizens said they wanted Some commentators claim that ex- conclusion that many voters are fed Similarly, Larry O’Brien promised to and didn’t want. So, it’s no surprise Mayor Chiarelli’s performance proves up with recent property tax increases. take action to reduce the garbage going that on November 13, 2006 municipal that the voters wanted wholesale Many citizens of Ottawa voted to the Carp and Navan Roads landfills, voters elected him the Mayor of change at City Hall. It’s hard to agree for O’Brien or Munter because they support the incineration option, and to Ottawa because they believe he will with this when you realize that all do not support the Light Rail project. close both dumps within a decade. deliver on his promises to freeze nineteen incumbent councillors on Voters sent a clear message – fix or nix Over-taxed, under-supported the light rail project. In retrospect, this communities such as Old Ottawa opposition seems predictable given South, that are not getting a fair the city-wide concern about property deal from City Hall, will have to taxes and the mass of disgruntled work extra hard to persuade the commuters in the east and west end new Mayor and Council that they who would not benefit directly from deserve priority treatment. For this transit project. instance, it seems that the election The election results don’t appear results have not made it any easier for to support the “Tale of Two Cities” our community to persuade City staff stereotype of Ottawa harbouring and Council to fund and fast-track the two solitudes segregated by the renovation and expansion of the Old Greenbelt and incompatible values. Firehall community centre. So, although Larry O’Brien outdrew Alex Munter by a wide margin outside See next Page ...... the Greenbelt, they had quite similar levels of overall support inside the Greenbelt. But, Munter’s platform had extra appeal in central Ottawa where large numbers of residents voted for DECEMBER 2006 The OSCAR - OUR 32nd YEAR Page
Clive Doucet Wins Despite Ian Boyd’s Challenge and Jay Nordenstrom’s Surging Campaign
In 2003, when Clive Doucet captured 80% of the votes to be re- elected Capital Ward Councillor, he must have realized that elections don’t get much easier. So, it was hardly surprising that in 2006 two strong competitors – Jay Nordenstrom and Ian Boyd – tried to defeat Clive. Leading up to election day, the sprouting lawn signs pointed to a tight race for Councillor. And it was close. At first, as the results from Carleton University and the southern part of Capital Ward flowed in, it looked as if Jay would dethrone Clive. But overall, Doucet garnered 48% of the votes compared to 34% for Nordenstrom and 15% for Boyd. Chart B indicates how each of the three leading candidates fared in Old Ottawa South and the other sectors of Capital Ward.
(See Chart B)
Clive Doucet won the majority of votes in the Glebe/Dow’s Lake, Old Ottawa South, and Old Ottawa East and these strong results were sufficient for him to win re-election. Ian Boyd enjoyed good support in the Glebe and south of the Rideau and attracted fair backing elsewhere. Jay Nordenstrom produced the most exciting election night results. Starting strongly in the Glebe, where he edged Glebite Boyd for second place, Jay gained momentum in Old Ottawa South – particularly east of Bank Street, picked up a bit more support in Old Ottawa East, and then surged into first place south of the Rideau. The results at Carleton University are straightforward – Jay won easily. As a former student activist and politician at Carleton, it was expected that Nordenstrom would do well. Jay did remarkably well – he gained 89% of the votes – leaving his three opponents to fight for the few votes left. It’s a very tall order to defeat an incumbent Councillor. Indeed, not one of them lost in 2006. But, Nordenstrom made Doucet work hard to regain his Council seat for four more years. Clive and his team responded to the challenge and prevailed. Now Councillor Doucet faces the task of promoting our inter-city interests on the new Council that appears pre-occupied with keeping costs down rather than investing in our communities. Page 10 The OSCAR - OUR 32nd YEAR DECEMBER 2006 Seniors and Transportation in Ottawa by stephen a. haines
(Photos depicting alternate forms of transportation curtesy of Al Loney’s presentation)
forum on transportation issues was held at The ACouncil on Aging of Ottawa at its Kilborn Avenue facility. Seniors from a wide variety of venues, plus helpers, counsellors and others attended, with over 100 participants. The purpose of the Forum was to identify issues of concern to seniors on “getting about” in our city. These ranged over a spectrum of topics from various means of private transportation to OC Transpo’s awareness of senior’s until the 1920s. Under the wide Planning Committee which promotes drivers to deal with appointments concerns. Once identified by the variety of environments experienced city agency and seniors interaction and calendar events. “Our needs attendees, the Forum went on to in Ottawa, mobility is a challenge, forums to identify and resolve issues. are individually tailored to residents discuss possible solutions and who often a serious one. This means In our own Province, TorontoRIDE where possible”, Executive Directory might be best placed to implement that seniors must become aware is an arrangement of non-profit Sarah Hibberd told me. Not all them. of the variety of options available, organisations to share resources in facilities can match that level. At the The opening session was hosted including car-pooling and taxis. providing transport. The Peel-Halton Forum, issues of overworked drivers by facilitator Johanne Levesque. Expense is a related concern, one not region has a variety of programmes and limited facilities have made even She introduced Al Loney, who gave always seniors are able to meet. to aid in conveying senior users. regularly scheduled trips sometimes a presentation on “Current Services Mr. Loney went on to describe The focus then shifted to Ottawa problematic. My own Discussion and Successful Canadian Models”. examples in other Canadian cities and our own OC Transpo service. Group settled on bus safety as a The presentation discussed Ottawa’s and Provinces of how transportation Dr Helen Gault gave a presentation significant problem. For seniors, history of transportation and how it flexibility has been enhanced and on OC Transpo’s Future for Ottawa bus movement while departing from has accommodated seniors. It was improved to deal with senior users’ Seniors. ParaTranspo, which has or arriving at a stop often presents a jolt to be reminded that seniors’ needs. In Manitoba, a Seniors’ been a significant help in seniors’ difficulties. Abrupt movement may earliest mode of transport here was Transportation Working Group, not conveying, is confronted with a large cause seniors to be jolted against the horse and buggy. That image, yet a decade old, works to provide user community. ParaTranspo makes other passengers, fixtures or to fall however, reminded his audience that multiple solutions for helping over 690,000 trips per year, a serious headlong. For Old Ottawa South accessibility has remained a primary seniors to reach appointments challenge to the system’s capacity. seniors, our own Route 7 is a good concern for seniors’ transport. Buses, and for less formal transportation It is Canada’s third largest user base case in point. It must make three he reminded us, were not provided issues. Calgary has a Transportation in large or moderately-sized cities. sharp turns in crossing our area in a Because that need cannot always be downtown trip. Both seniors and the met, Dr Gault noted that the standard number of Carleton students bearing buses are hoping to attract more book bags are often compelled to
senior customers and the disabled. cope with sudden unexpected bus The “sinking” bus and dedicated movement. spaces for seniors are one step in Although the Forum wasn’t in a encouraging that shift. Dr Gault position to address solutions directly, noted that these “special” buses the organisers will be conveying are increasing in number in the OC the results of the discussions to the Transpo fleet. appropriate agencies and operators in The attendees divided into a the city. It’s to be hoped results will number of discussion groups, each be visible shortly. defining an issue they deemed paramount. One group dealt with the issues of people in retirement homes. OOS seniors’ facility Colonel By Retirement Residence is able to cope with a pair of vehicles and DECEMBER 2006 The OSCAR - OUR 32nd YEAR Page 11
ABBOTSFORD HOUSE Day Of Caring At Abbotsford House
By Julie Ireton
group of Nortel workers recently traded in their Acomputers and spread sheets for paint smocks and brushes to help the folks at Abbotsford House. “What a great day. Our Multi- purpose room was painted and a few extra things too. The place is all a buzz,” said Patricia Goyeche programs facilitator at Abbotsford House, part of the Glebe Centre. Thursday October 5th was the annual “Day of Caring” in Ottawa. The event pairs more than 1,200 volunteers from both the private and public sector with community organizations. Employees get the day off work to help out on the volunteer project. It was the 7th year for the event, which is run by the United Way, Volunteer Ottawa, the City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Community Housing Corporation. Organizers at Nortel had a long list of tasks that needed to be done throughout the community. Some workers painted benches, others made sandwiches at the Boys and Girls Richard Krol, Renee Kerr, Karl Coffin, Rejean Tremblay, Robert Lowe and Robert Grondin. They work for Nortel club. and volunteered at Abbotsford house on the annual “Day of Caring.” Six research and development staff from Nortel decided to help out Abbotsford House. Richard Krol is explained Krol. a Nortel team leader. He says most Krol added that the jobs his team of the volunteers didn’t even know works on at Nortel often have very Abbotsford existed, even though long term goals; targets of six to seven they’ve probably driven by the old months down the road. He says it was stone house many times on the way to very satisfying to see the guys come games or events at Lansdowne Park. together and get a job done in one “I wouldn’t have guessed they day. were so active there,” said Krol. Now, the multi-purpose room at “There were lots of people around. Abbotsford House has a nice, new We put a crimp in the bridge game mint-green sheen. The Abbotsford that day, and the next day they were folks were obviously happy with the holding a dance class.” final-product, Krol says they asked Krol says the Day of Caring event them to come back to do a few more is a great excuse to get out of the handy-man tasks on the weekend. office. He says the Nortel campus at Krol says he and the others will Carling Ave. and Moodie Dr. can be volunteer again next year. Their very isolated at times. assignment could be anywhere in “There’s nothing to do there but the city. He says he looks forward work. This created an opportunity to meeting another group in his for folks who get too caught up in community that he otherwise the day to day business at Nortel wouldn’t. to get involved in the community,” Area Church Service Times
Sunnyside Wesleyan Chuch St Margaret Mary’s Parish 58 Grosvenor Avenue (at Sunnyside) 7 Fairbairn Sunday Worship Services are at 9 Sunday liturgies: Saturday at 4:30 a.m., 11 a.m. p,m. Sunday at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Children’s programs are offered dur- Evening Prayer: Tuesday at 7 p.m. ing both services. Southminster United Trinity Anglican Church 1230 Bank Street (corner of Cam- Church 15 Aylmer Avenue eron) 10:30 a.m.: Worship and Sunday Sunday services at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. School - September through June Church School adn Nursery at 10 a.m. Page 12 The OSCAR - OUR 32nd YEAR DECEMBER 2006
NOTES FROM THE GARDEN CLUB Greening Your Garden, Your Home And Your Community by Lis Smidt are changing, becoming unpredictable can make choices as gardeners and warming, to now trying to adapt to it as and different from what we are homeowners to grow trees and vines a given. Rather than feeling defeated, n November the Garden Club used to and, in some places, leading that shade our houses and cut down however, he claimed to be excited by welcomed local resident, author, to infestations of pests that were on the need for air-conditioning. We the challenge. David’s advice: Do Ispeaker and president of Green previously not able to survive our can choose light, rather than dark something that you know you can do. and Gold Inc. David Chernushenko, climate. This change in our climate materials, for roofs and driveways. Once you have done one thing, you to be our speaker. David is also a high zones is obviously very serious, not We can also try to eliminate the need will be ready for another – and so on. profile candidate for the Green Party. only for gardeners, but for our various for watering with water that has cost Gardeners may be concerned not only In his business, Chernishenko is crop industries. What we grow in energy by going through the water with creating pretty gardens at any among the pioneers using sustainable our gardens in the future may have to treatment system. You want the cost, but may take up the challenge to development principles to make change in order to adapt to the climate rainwater penetrating into the ground become more sustainable. The point organizations more effective and change. The big challenge is of course in your garden, not rushing into is to see the adaptation to climate profitable. The aim with this talk to whether we, and the whole ecosystem, the storm sewer from the driveway change and the need to counteract it, as the garden club was to help us situate will be able to adapt fast enough. A and other hard surfaces. Consider a positive challenge. Take small steps ourselves in “the big picture” and major contributor to climate change changing your asphalt and concrete where you can, and feel good about it. answer the question: is there anything is our vast energy consumption and in favour of materials that will let Make it fun, and it will be rewarding. we can do as gardeners? any way to cut down on the need for the rain be absorbed into the ground. You can start at the individual level. What we are up against as energy is important. In Canada we Also get a water barrel to collect and Maybe the community can be next. gardeners, and as local citizens of have to heat our houses, but we now store rainwater for later use. Other Next meeting will be in the Old the 21st century, is the global climate use even more energy to cool them! speakers to our Garden Club have Firehall, January 15th from 7-9 pm. change, of which we see evidence Our cities are “heat-islands” because dealt with the subject of xeri-scaping A long-time member of the Garden in the extreme and unusual weather of the many heat-absorbing surfaces and how to choose plants that will Club will present a slide show of all over the world. We are already that retains the heat from the sun survive without watering once they Gardens in India from a recent trip. experiencing results such as excessive (roads, houses, roofs, driveways etc.). are established. You can still join the Garden Club rainfall, persistent droughts and more The darker the surface, the more heat David admitted to having switched for $12, or pay the $5 drop-in fee. frequent, severe storms. The seasons retention. Keeping this in mind, we strategy from trying to prevent global Everybody is welcome. St Margaret Mary’s Christmas Bazaar Sunday, December 3, 2006 – Check out our delicious pies, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm scrumptious cookies – shortbread to This year at the Church and gingerbread – and seasonal cakes. the Old Firehall – Corner of Take home a jar of marmalade, jam or Sunnyside and Fairbairn chutney. Raffles and Balloon Bursts – win Healthy Frozen Foods – Simplify your Christmas turkey or other prizes. your holiday season by stocking up Purchase a balloon for a prize from a on delicious frozen apple pies and local merchant. nutritious frozen dinners made with Fun for the entire Family – Join care by our parishioners. Choice of us for lunch featuring homemade Chicken Cacciatore, Pork Schnitzel, minestrone soup, Hungarian goulash or Vegetarian Chili. or pizza. Relax while your children Unique Hostess Gifts and involve themselves in supervised craft Stocking Stuffers – Select from activities. Join the Caroling at Noon. beautiful hand-made Christmas gifts, Live the Spirit of Christmas crackers and decorations, chocolate- – Support bringing people from the covered spoons, elegant gift bags, community “Out of the Col” to enjoy a and special treats for your dog, cat or Sunday supper at the Church, October wintering birds. to April. Baked Goods and Preserves
Pie Makers Extraordinaire -- Niki, Ann, Norma, Catherine, and Muriel -- for the Christmas Bazaar. More than 100 pies were made! DECEMBER 2006 The OSCAR - OUR 32nd YEAR Page 13 Counting Birds at Christmas by Linda Burr
or most people, birds at Christmastime can mean only Fone thing: turkey! Preferably stuffed, trussed and well basted, served with cranberries and gravy. A great holiday tradition, and one that I wouldn’t want to miss out on, especially if someone else is cooking. I consider myself fortunate to count one of these birds at holiday time, but if you’re really lucky (or unlucky depending on your point of view) you may count two or more by the time 2007 comes around. Well, there’s the partridge in the pear tree, I suppose, not to forget the turtle- doves, calling birds and French hens (how many was that again?). But these are not the birds I’m talking about here. The one event of the holiday season that birders (short for birdwatchers) look forward to with as much anticipation as a 4-year-old on Linda Burr on a bridge in Mer Bleu Santa’s knee is the annual Christmas Bird Count. took place in December 1900, when over 1800 counts across Canada, the a central location to be compiled Let me explain. Early on a chilly, an American, Frank M. Chapman, U.S. and Latin America, involving and analyzed. This data is extremely dark morning close to December 25th, decided it was time for a change. You over 50,000 participants. Each count valuable, but the real reason birders eager birders across North America see, up until then, the tradition was takes place within a designated circle come back year after year is the will spring from their snug, warm beds, that sportsmen would meet up on 24 km in diameter (in Ottawa it is camaraderie, the challenge, and don their warmest woollies and sally Christmas Day, choose “sides” , and centred on the Parliament Buildings), (believe it) the fun. Novices often forth armed only with binoculars and then proceed to shoot as many birds so that results can be compared year to accompany more experienced birders a thermos of their favourite beverage. as possible. The winner was the team year. And sometimes the competition to learn the ropes. If you want to join Then, while others are enjoying last- that bagged the most birds. Chapman can be fierce, as teams and cities vie in, the local count is organized by the minute Christmas shopping, gift suggested that birdwatchers might for the most species. Feeder watchers Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club. Now, wrapping or fireside eggnog sipping, wish to undertake a “side hunt” of a can stay in the comfort of their homes where was I... swans a-swimming, these intrepid birders will be combing different nature: counting birds instead and count the number and species geese a-laying... I’ve lost count! the city and countryside, though the of shooting them. E. Fannie Jones of of birds that appear at their feeders. frost is cruel, counting every bird that Toronto was one of two Canadians This is all done according to a strict Linda Burr is an Old Ottawa South they find en route. Heedless of wind among the 27 people who answered protocol, of course, so that team birder and confesses to have done and weather! Doesn’t that sound like Chapman’s call that year, doing one territories do not overlap and birds are many Christmas Bird Counts. fun? of 25 counts across the continent. not counted twice. The original Christmas Bird Count Now in its 107th year, there are The count data is submitted to
Swedish Gingerbread Cookies
These come highly recommended by M. Gosselin’s grade 8-2 class at Hopewell Public School. These are an annual favourite of Anna Sundin and her Swedish family.
200 g granulated sugar 200 g brown sugar 300 ml corn syrup 300 ml whipping cream 2 tbsp ground ginger 1 tbsp cinnamon 1 tsp cloves 10 crushed cardamon seeds or 1 ½ powdered cardamon 1 tbsp baking soda 1.5 kg or 1500g flour Makes 200 – 400 cookies
Mix sugar, brown sugar, syrup, butter and spices. Whip cream and add to sugar-butter mixture. Retain some flour for rolling out the dough. Mix baking soda into remainder flour and add in stages to wet mixture. Knead dough until smooth. Let rest at least 24 hours, keeping it well-covered. Roll out dough thinly. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Bake 6 to 10 minutes on greased cookie sheets or on parchment paper in 200 C oven. Page 14 The OSCAR - OUR 32nd YEAR DECEMBER 2006
Garden Glimpses The Poinsettia: Facts & Fallacies likely due to the fact that the poinsettia its common name) and small-scale holiday time, you would think that (like most species of Euphorbia) has poinsettia production began about the poinsettia is a foolproof plant. On a milky sap, these Christmas plants one hundred years later in the United the contrary, as you probably already are not poisonous. According to States. The 1950s & 1960s saw the know, many things can go wrong POISINDEX (the information service beginning of the poinsettia juggernaut, with your poinsettia. Leaf drop: most referenced by poison control with breeding taking place in the U.S. forgetting to water, hot and dry air or centres), if you weighed 50 lbs. and ate and Europe, so that the modern plant excessively cold temperatures will all 500-600 leaves, the most discomfort – with sturdy, branched stems, better cause this. Wilting: usually caused you would experience is occasional foliage retention, larger and more by root rot, which is brought on by vomiting. Even then, just one leaf colourful bracts – was now available cooler, wet conditions, or simply tastes so bitter that consuming it alone to the consumer. Today, and largely because the soil has been left too dry. would be a most unpleasant feat. In due to monumental holiday sales, the Scorched leaves: the culprit is usually regards to pets, eating poinsettia poinsettia is the number one selling underwatering, cold temperatures or leaves or stems may make your dog potted plant in North America. sun damage. Poinsettias generally or cat ill and result in mild mouth I can’t tell you the number of are happiest when the temperature is By Ailsa Francis sores or gastrointestinal problems times that I’ve seen people marching between 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (vomiting, diarrhea) or in nothing at out of large grocery stores with a with at least six hours a day of indirect Hortus Urbanus all. But it certainly won’t make them poinsettia in their cart in the middle of sunlight or bright light. Moist air is drop dead. December with no protection around also appreciated so if you’re inclined, id you know that the Poinsettia Now that we’ve got the nasty bit the plant. Many people don’t want to you can mist your plant while it is is a member of the Euphorbia out of the way, how about a bit of be encumbered by paper sleeves and blooming. Fertilizing is not necessary Dfamily, which means that it is poinsettia history? plastic wrappings and will tell the until after blooming is over – this will related to Donkey Tail spurge and the Euphorbia pulcherrima, known to salesperson “don’t bother wrapping keep the plant strong and the foliage plant called “Snow on the Mountain”? us as the Poinsettia, originates from it.” This is a shame since the healthy. Never allow your poinsettia If you have ever planted the former in a small area of Mexico (inland from minimum temperature the poinsettia (or any plant, for that matter) to sit in your perennial garden because you Ixtapa) but thrives throughout that can withstand is around 59 degrees a pool of water – this will certainly were enthralled by its glaucous foliage country on hillsides and in fields and Fahrenheit (15 celsius). That being kill it. and pendulous form, and subsequently ditches, often to a height of 10 feet. It said, don’t buy a poinsettia on a very By the way, don’t bother trying tore it out because it decided to come was grown and prized by the Aztecs, cold day if you’re not on your way to get your poinsettia to bloom again up everywhere, then you know that who used its bracts to make dye and directly home. And don’t buy one if for you next Christmas unless you’re its sap is extremely caustic and can its sap to make medicine. It was your house is very draughty. In this a real plant freak or a masochist. It cause severe dermatitis resulting in essentially “discovered” by Europeans case, choose cold-tolerant plants like involves pruning, almost religious skin blisters! Just ask me…anyway, around 1825 (Joel Roberts Poinsett, cyclamen, azaleas, ivies or forced light and temperature controls and I digress. U.S. ambassador to Mexico, sent some spring bulbs. careful fertilizing. If any of the Contrary to popular belief and plants home to South Carolina – hence The poinsettias colourful required steps are fouled up, the re- “flowers” are not actually flowers flowering process can be delayed at all – these imposters are the leafy or even aborted. Leave it to the bracts that surround the flowers which, professionals to grow them every year in turn, appear as clusters of light for you in their highly specialized green or creamy coloured nodules greenhouses. at the tip of each stem. A tip when So, enjoy your “Jingle Bells”, you are purchasing a plant is to look “Plum Pudding” or “Winter Rose” on at these nodules carefully: if they are your coffee table for the festive season closed and tight, then the flower is and dream of its ancestor towering still immature and the plant has lots of over you in the wilds of Mexico. colourful time left. If the flower has started to open and is showing pollen then the plant is older and its colour will begin to fade sooner. For a gift that is so popular at
Dennis Gruending Invites You to Book Signing of Paperback Release of Great Canadian Speeches ennis Gruending and Ted Britton invite you to a book signing for the recently released paperback edition of Dennis’s book DGreat Canadian Speeches. Saturday, December 2 from 10 a.m. until 12 Noon at Brittons magazine and newspaper centre, Bank Street and Fifth Avenue in the Glebe. Great Canadian Speeches was a best seller in hardcover and the Ottawa Citizen called it a history of Canada as seen from the podium. It has been very popular with people who enjoy Canadian history and good speeches, and would make a fine Christmas gift. We hope to see you on Saturday, December 2nd. DECEMBER 2006 The OSCAR - OUR 32nd YEAR Page 15
BOOK REVIEW
One Long Appeal Please go to page 43 for Stephen Haines’ Interview with E. O. Wilson by stephen a. haines addresses may be at odds with their are too intricate. That, however, He proposes forms of “protective views. Wilson knows such people doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. Nor umbrellas” that can be applied to areas The Creation, by Edward O. consider themselves “apart” or at least does it mean that lack of knowledge like the Amazon and Congolian basins Wilson W.W. Norton, 2006 separate from the rest of Nature. This renders the problem something we and others. These saving mechanisms ISBN 0-393-06217-1 view, the author knows, is fallacious, can dismiss. We ignore the result of would require “one payment of even dangerous when carelessly our actions at our peril. The danger is about US$30 billion”. That’s about applied to issues of the environment. real and it is immediate. 15 weeks of current expenditure on Life is all-encompassing and, no The “appeal” is more than a Iraq’s occupation at the latest rates. matter how much power we are purely philosophical treatise. Wilson He further shows how the subsidies capable of wielding, we must consider provides a host of graphic examples given the fishing industry in the US that whole. We are an integral part of of how humans degrade their own alone, if redirected to a programme Nature and we must treat it with the nest. An expert on the diversity of life of oceanic reserves, would allow respect we deem necessary in dealing [he published a book of that title], he fish stocks to recover. To ensure with each other. explains how diversity is both strong the survival of countless threatened “Biology” he contends, “now and fragile. Devising a mnemonic species, it’s a minimal expence. If hen Charles Darwin leads in reconstructing the human acronym, “HIPPO” he explains humans can set themselves up as gods published The Origin of self-image”. That means that biology that “Habitat loss”, introduction in destroying the environment, they Species he declared the can explain what is happening to the of “Invasive species”, “Pollution”, can act creatively to preserve it. W life around us and how we are dealing “Population growth” of humanity Wilson’s “letter” may seem a book to be “one long argument”. Today, less than 150 years later, with it. He carefully allows the and “Overharvesting” summarise bit lengthy at 170 pages, but as “one Edward O. Wilson explains that the potential for a deity to have a role, but the issues needing to be addressed. long appeal” to his readers, it’s not one species omitted in the narrative it isn’t one that is directing the current Species extinction results from one or overmuch to take up. Take it up and - except for one sentence - from the situation. Because it is humanity more of these factors in combination. read it. Then have your children read “argument” is devastating the rest of stripping the rainforests, causing the He calls man-driven extinctions the it - they are the ones confronting the life on our planet. In one long appeal oceans to warm and destroying life in “pauperisation” of the Earth by a future Wilson describes. Then offer it to a fictional Baptist pastor, Wilson them, or filling the atmosphere with single species. to the pastor nearest you. Religious describes what is clear to all but a few chemicals it cannot absorb, it is up Going a step further in his leaders have whole flocks who should dedicated die-hards - life on this planet to people to take the steps necessary analysis, Wilson notes the planet’s hear what Wilson has to say. is in deep trouble. The die-hards to halt these degradations. Clearly, rash of environmental “hotspots” that are firmly identified in the opening we are generating the impact on our need immediate solutions addressed stephen a. haines may be reached at passages; Christians who regard biosphere. We hold the solution to the to them. He’s even able to put a [email protected] themselves as “biblical literalists”. problems in our hands and cannot rely price on healing the afflicted areas. Such folk expect the Apocalypse soon on a divinity to act on our behalf, or and saving the environment is of little that of other species. To act otherwise concern. Whatever its origins, “The is to shrug off our responsibility as Creation” is under serious threat. part of the network of life on Earth. Wilson identifies his potential Whether one believes a god plays audience and addresses it directly a role in this network is immaterial. but gracefully. After all, his own People and their actions are unweaving Alabama Baptist boyhood provides that network. Species extinction is adequate foundation for his approach. forever, and whatever biology can He understands the views his readers explain, it hasn’t had the time or hold and addresses these in familiar opportunity to assess the impact of language. His style is clear and what is occurring. The job, he says, is undemanding, but the points he clearly too vast, and the relationships E. O. Wilson Biography
Studying at the University of Alabama, he later obtained his doctorate from Harvard. Not a white-coated laboratory worker, Wilson is a dedicated field biologist who’s studied on nearly every continent. A count of his awards and honours is difficult as he’s still receiving them. The same holds with any bibliography of his books and articles. Among the noteworthy are two Pulitzer Prizes, one for his book The Ants. Another book, Sociobiology: The New Synthesis, founded an entirely new field of research, one which some have claimed finally brings Charles Darwin’s idea of orn in 1929 to a Baptist family natural selection directly into the human in Alabama, Edward Osborne realm. That Edward O. Wilson is still Wilson developed an interest B working and writing is testimony to his in natural history at an early age. energy and his dedication to science. Although nearly blinded in one eye Ed Wilson is an emeritus Professor and while fishing, he continued his interests Curator of Entomology at the Museum in animals. Swiching from flies to ants, of Comparative Zoology at Harvard because they were easier to store, he University. built a career on those insects we spend many dollars trying to exterminate. Page 16 The OSCAR - OUR 32nd YEAR DECEMBER 2006 A HARD DAY’S PLAY Spice Tea Wash My Hands. Moisturize. Repeat. To 2 quarts of boiling water, add: 10 whole cloves 5 slices of fresh ginger By Mary P. yellow speckled, blood-and-mucous Baby Anna is in her highchair, bedecked nose. The bridge in the fretful. “What’s up, little girl?” 10 whole allspice 10 while green cardamon pods, ere we go, little boy, one middle of her snot-covered, tear- Gah! What’s up is baby Anna. She’s cracked open more mouthful. streaked face. For five minutes I sit been sitting in something that’s been H Timmy, who had till this with her, finger and thumb clamped rotting for weeks. That has to be it. 10 whole black peppercorns moment been greeting each spoonful firmly onto the bump that is the source Couldn’t be a mere diaper producing 4 sticks cinnamon with impatience and glee, suddenly and centre of a swirl of bodily fluids. that eye-watering stench, could it? makes a little “gu-huck” noise in his Assure us both that the dripping has Oooh, my yes. Brownish green Simmer 15 – 20 minutes, add ¼ tsp throat. I know what this means, I do, stopped. Clean her up. goo runs from sweet little cheeks to black tea but there’s no time to react. Just one Wash my hands. Moisturize. mid-thigh, and reaches as high as a little “gu-huck”, and then his high Lift Lily from the cot after her darling little bellybutton. Forty-seven Leave this on the stove warming all chair tray is suddenly filled with his nap and discover the source of the baby wipes and a change of clothing day, adding water as needed. lunch, a glistening and blurred recap puddle. The girl is soaked from the later, she’s back to her sweet self. To serve, pour ¼ cup milk – can be of the food he’d so cheerfully ingested navel down. Peel off her clothes, Wash my hands. Moisturize. almond or cashew as well as dairy only moments before. My hand, strip the sheet off the cot, throw it all Repeat. – into a cup, add the tea. hovering close to his dimpled chin, in the washer downstairs. Disinfect Is there any bodily fluid I haven’t is similarly bedecked. Glistening the cot. encountered this noisome day? -- strands, decorative in shades of Wash my hands. Moisturize. Don’t answer that! -- But if anyone green and tan, are suspended betwixt Nigel comes to me, holds out is thinking of Christmas gifts, the hand and tray. Clean the boy, clean two blocks, one in each hand. “Dese economy-size jug of a lightly scented, the tray. blocks wet!” We put them in the heavy duty moisturizer would be Wash my hands. Moisturize. sink, rinse them off. I don’t make the much appreciated. Either that or Step in a mystery puddle. Wipe connection. shares in Proctor and Gamble. it up with a paper towel. Wash my hands, wash Nigel’s Wash my hands, because you hands. Moisturize. (Nigel, too. He Thanks, and Merry Christmas!! just never know. Moisturize. likes it.) Emily is crying. She has a Decide to tidy the rest of the bloody nose. Bloody noses happen, kitchen floor. Lift Lily’s cot. Discover we know the drill: Firm pressure a couple more “wet” blocks under on the bridge of the nose for five there. Disinfect the blocks. minutes. The bridge of the red-and- Wash my hands. Moisturize.
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WINDSOR CHRONICLES B– PART 68 Two Branches Reach Out and Touch Each Other
Dear Tera, tree, Alpha and I watched its progress. solitary, or it grows close enough to having to share things with Lily. I Lily, of course, was gallavanting off to another so that two solitudes protect still think she forgets her place all too ily caught her first squirrel the new adventures, but we watched this and border and greet each other. often. But you know, I’m beginning other day. Just a young squirrel squirrel. A tree on its own, in the middle to like this. It’s like a forest canopy L– barely more than a baby, And it occurs to my why I like of a field is a fine and beautiful that offers many highways, many really. I think Lily was as surprised as this time of year so much – why these thing. Look at how perfectly it forms directions, and many dimensions. the squirrel, but not nearly as terrified. bleak, windy days seem so interesting. year by year. Nothing to shade its The squirrel lay on its back with its It’s all about being able to see the development. No race to the sun to Head in the trees, legs pawing at the air, squealing in underlying structure of things. alter its shape. From a squirrel’s Zoscha freight. The winds have whipped away the perspective, it provides many different Unfortunately, Alpha was close last leaf that still clung to the branches. routes and possibilities. The Contest at hand. He barked the “Off!” order. The snows have not yet arrived. And But a tree growing close enough to Lily obeyed. I can remember a time, so it is possible to see that vast and another tree, so that the branches reach Many of Zoscha’s readers have not so long ago, when she was an complex circulatory system of the out and touch each other… well, this observed that she often sprinkles her overly exuberant pup with absolutely canopy of our urban forest. creates a whole new dynamic. And prose with various quotes, parodies no discipline, and she would have This is the squirrels’ realm. This when enough trees grow close enough and allusions. If you can identify a ignored the order. Whether she would is why they chatter at us with such together that they extend a canopy, the reference, send your contest entry have known what to do with the insouciance, earth bound creatures that possibilities multiply exponentially. to [email protected], using squirrel is another matter. we are. Compared to our world, theirs And it occurs to me that something “Zoscha’s contest” in your title line. I myself can well remember the is wonderfully three-dimensional. similar is taking place in our expanded Or drop a note off at the Firehall. first time I ever caught a squirrel. I And this is the time of year we can pack. With the Mom, Sporty and It seems that our neighbourhood felt its fur on my tongue and gums for really appreciate the subtle details of Sunshine and Lily joining Alpha, the is much better at identifying the one brief shining moment. I was so the geography above our heads. Pup and myself, the place is much classical canon than British musical astonished that I opened my mouth And so for the last few days more crowded that before. It’s often hall ditties. Last month, Zoscha and the prey scampered away. I’ve when Alpha and I go to the park, I’ve more difficult to get away with a nap quoted from Flanders and Swann’s since improved my technique, but I’m been looking up. I’ve been trying to on the sofa. But there are also more “The Hippopotamus song, “Mud! afraid my days of catching squirrels at understand the system of boughs and people to accidentally drop food at the Mud! Glorious mud!” No one got the a sprint across the big open field are branches the way that a squirrel would dinner table. There’s more options correct answer. Zoscha attributes this behind me. understand, and it seems to me there is for walks – each member of the pack to the fact that humanoids have short But what I lack in speed, I like a big distinction among different kinds seems to have a different favourite attention spans. Just as she feared, to think I make up in acuity. When of trees. But the biggest distinction route. There’s a lot more rolling and they have covered the field with turf, Zoscha’s young squirrel finally would not be between this species of playing on the floor once you hit a and already we have forgotten that it recovered its senses enough to flip tree and another. For a squirrel, the critical population mass. served very well as a mud bath. over onto its paws and scramble up the biggest distinction is whether a tree is I’m getting more accustomed to Page 18 The OSCAR - OUR 32nd YEAR DECEMBER 2006 CORPUS CHRISTI SCHOOL Corpus Christi Students Celebrate Advent Season By Missy Fraser The Coin Drive begins on November 27th. To donate or for hristmas is coming and more information about this initiative Corpus Christi students are and Help Lesotho, please email Cbusy working on ways to [email protected] , or call help neighbours near and far. For the school office (232-9743 ) with the second year, students will be a message for Cindy May or Claire collecting, rolling and counting Kendall. pennies and loose change in a Coin Grade Six students have initiated Drive in support of Help Lesotho, an their own activities to help out during Ottawa-based organization that helps the Advent season. In support of Help children and families in AIDS ravaged Lesotho a grade six team of students Lesotho. is organizing a wreath-making Last year students collected workshop. Fees for the workshop will $4,700. in coins. These funds be donated to the Coin Drive. Many provided for a much-needed new thanks to leader Nellie and her team roof on Mahlekefane School. This including Nicholas, Gina, Katie, year’s goal is to raise sufficient funds Graeme, Alicia, Briana, Catherine, to help Bokoro Primary School with Stuart, Danielle, Ginar, Samantha, infrastructure repairs including a new Vanessa, Brianna, Rebekka, Siena, roof, bookshelves, writing boards, Sarah, Kate, Tess and Ruth. benches, and basic school supplies. Students Kate, Sarah and Rebekka Bokoro Primary School is similar are running a Warm Winter Clothing in size to Corpus Christi with 313 Drive throughout December. Items students. At least 96 of these students collected will go to the Shepherds of are orphans. Class sizes at Bokoro Good Hope in Lowertown and the St. School range from 40 to as many as Vincent de Paul Store. When asked 70 students. how they got their idea for a drive
Maddy, from senior kindergarten, boogies at the Corpus Christi Dance-a-thon on November 9 Rebekka said, “Ottawa is a very cold months parents and staff will come City and people need warm clothing up with a yard design incorporating to survive – when I see other people the great ideas put forward by Corpus happy, I am happy too”. Please Christi students. The Dance-a-thon bring any donations of warm winter held on November 9 raised over clothing to the school office. $5,000. for improvements to the yard. Planning for School Grounds Way to boogie CC kids! Transformation at Corpus Christi is To find out more about our Advent moving ahead. Students, staff and initiatives and other great Corpus parents have been surveyed for their Christi School activities please visit: ideas and skills. In coming winter [email protected] or call the office at 613-232-9743. DECEMBER 2006 The OSCAR - OUR 32nd YEAR Page 19
HOPEWELL HAPPENINGS Hopewell Avenue Public School’s Remembrance Day Commemorations Something to be proud of! both teams did extremely well on a By Susan Atkinson muddy, slippery course. The Grade 6 girls’ team came in second and the hroughout early November boys’ team came in around 6th. It was Hopewell Avenue teachers, a great afternoon and the Hopewell Marion Shynal and Anna Krieg, students showed great team spirit and T determination. Congratulations to all headed a committee to orchestrate a morning of commemoration, of the cross-country runners on their which the School and Community excellent performance. Thank you to is proud. On Friday November Ms. Elton and her team of coaches, 10th, it was with grace and serenity both teachers and parent volunteers, that Hopewell School observed who made this possible. this year’s Remembrance Day. Our Grade 7 & 8 cross-country Hosted in both English and French, by runners worked hard to give it their all Grade 8 emcees Asha, Alex, Paris and and came away with happy faces from Millene, the morning was a solemn the Southeast Regional Cross-Country balance between the traditional and Meet on Friday, October 13th at Minto the modern. The school hosted Field. Overall, Hopewell came in 1st two services, one for the Primary overall in the Bantam Girls category Division and the other for the Junior/ and finished in 2nd for the three Intermediates. United Way Walk-A-Thon other races. This achievement gave Family and community members Hopewell the honour of receiving the were welcomed at both and were Grand Aggregate title for the South treated to a fine display of the students’ which added solemnity to the service. team who earned the gold medal in East Regional Meet this year. work. The walls of the gymnasium Hopewell staff and students would like this year’s regional tournament. The Hopewell School looks forward were decorated with poems, stories to thank members of the Community girls worked very hard scoring a total to a busy and fruitful December as and artwork all produced by students for all their hard work and support in of 13 goals while allowing only 1 the students’ prepare for their annual helping to put this day together. Special against in their tiring 5 game effort to musical concert, which will be held on during the week leading up to the th commemoration. Each piece reflected thanks go out to Marcia McAlpine win the championships. Thursday December 14 at 7:00pm. the respect and hope that has been and Michelle Sprott, whose generous In other sports news, the Grade Come one, come all! passed down to this younger generation. time and dedication were not only 6 girls and the Grade 6 boys cross- The Primary Division service opened apparent on the day but were evident country running teams both came first with a superimposition of Flanders through the displays adorning the in the regional meets. This qualified Fields over heart-rending images Atrium. These displays showcased each of these teams to go on to the from the Wars. war memorabilia, giving students board finals. This was held at Walter The images were beautifully a sample of what life had been like. Baker Park in Kanata on October 19th, paced by the warm notes from Ms. Hopewell School has been hopping 2006. This is a very fast race with the Woyiwada’s, Honour Band, who played throughout the month of November. In top runners from all over the city and magnificently through-out the morning. other news… Following O Canada and an opening On October 31st address from the Principal, Mrs. students in Grades 4 to 8 Johnston-Iafelice, the Guest Speaker, walked to Pretoria Bridge. Mr. Harry Challis spoke briefly about Thanks to all the parents, his service as a tail gunner during grandparents and friends World War 11. However, in true spirit who offered their support and style he diverted the attention from and volunteered their himself to two of his fellow comrades, time to make the United also at the service. Together, Way Walkathon such an the three veterans helped proud enormous success. The students lay poppy wreathes which School has raised over had been specially made for the $6000 to date. occasion. Several classes performed Huge congratulations songs, poems and recited works, all of to the Junior Girls’ soccer
Dec 14 - Hopewell Concert December In Our Town
opewell School looks forward to a busy and fruitful December as the students’ prepare for their annual musical concert, this year called December in Our H th Town, which will be held on Thursday December 14 at 7:00pm. The story tells of several young people who are visiting many homes in their town to collect food for the local food drive. Come one, come all! The annual book fair will take place the same evening from 6:00 - 8:15 in the Atrium. Page 20 The OSCAR - OUR 32nd YEAR DECEMBER 2006 OCDSB TRUSTEE REPORT First Of What I Hope Will Be A Regular Column
By Rob Campbell and Committee Chair positions, with (speeches at 9:00 PM). Please contact government as they case may be. office organization and new sorts of Christine Wilson at 235-3079 or via Public education is amongst our his is the first of what I hope liaison. The new Board, and indeed all [email protected] for most important achievements as a will be a regular column in the of the new Trustees, really bar none, details or to help. society, one of our most cherished TOSCAR on Ottawa-Carleton are already highly experienced in This year will be very important common enterprises, welcoming, District School Board (OCDSB) Board affairs and will hit the ground for English public education in respecting, supporting and challenging public education successes and issues. running. I think that we are actually Ottawa. Our previous Board set the all comers without exception. It’s It’s my intent to let you know about quite lucky to find ourselves with such stage for us to take some important filled with committed educators all of the great things going on at your a very capable and dedicated Board leaps forward with more flexible high and involved community members Zone 9 schools and also to highlight this term. school programming options, recent together securing our common some important policy issues which It would be a challenge however investments in new schools and economic future and, perhaps more might be expected to impact on Zone for anyone to adequately fill Lynn maintenance, exciting new ‘balanced importantly, together helping to 9 and, given this forum, in particular Graham’s shoes as she has been such reading’ initiatives, a joint transport ensure that we build creative and on Old Ottawa South. a dedicated Trustee for the Zone, for consortium with our Catholic Board involved citizens respectful of others. At the time of writing there a the Board and for public education for counterparts and in other ways. They This great common purpose requires couple of weeks to go until the new so very long. I urge you to consider also created frameworks for several and deserves our serious support and Trustees take up their responsibilities. coming out to show your appreciation important reviews unrolling this involvement in order to allow it to These Trustee-elect days are busy at public tribute in her honour which year and next. The principle ones are thrive. with Board and Ministry training, will take place in Scotton Hall at the on French Immersion, long-range I mean to be accessible to the with trying to figure out which of our Glebe Community Centre on January accommodation planning, changes to community. I want to make sure that colleagues we wish to see in Board 11th between 8:00 and 10:00 PM the way in which we deliver special you feel that your views and ideas are education.. These will be heady and welcomed at your Board. If you have exciting times. In addition there will any thoughts on public education in our be important debates surrounding our schools, or at your Board, then I want recently worsened Provincial core to hear from you. I’d like in particular services funding problem, how we to get your views at this time on how should deal with this situation and you think I should make sure that I how to best allocate such resources as best consult with the public school we do have. supporters and others in the Zone this It is our budget situation and the year. I’m keen to engage in the work proposed special education changes of improving public education in which carry the potential for the Ottawa further and I hope that you are most noticeable changes in education also, or can be persuaded to be. delivery at our Zone 9 schools, and I can be reached at my home for your Board as a whole. The office via 613 730-8128 and rob@ staff’s proposed high-level budget rob-campbell.ca. The campaign web framework is to be presented in site is slowly being transformed into mid-December and is currently a permanent resource and is at www. slated to be approved in principle rob-campbell.ca. Board info can be by the new Board December had via www.ocdsb.ca. I’m also going 21rst. Special education delivery to try to keep up the publication of a model changes are under review, roughly monthly newsletter on Zone and are also proceeding as this is and Board education issues and news. being written. I urge you to stay It should allow for more substantial abreast of events and to consider education policy and political news getting involved with your for those interested. If you’d like to be School Council, in one of your added to the newsletter list, or indeed Board’s consultation processes, removed from it, then it’s as simple as and of course via communication sending me an e-mail. to me and to your Provincial
Christmas GOOSE - Christmas Concert Saturday, December 16, 2006 • Charlie Sohmer NAC Fourth Stage (53 Elgin St.) • Tony Turner 8:00 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30 p.m.) Additional accompaniment will be Like trimming the tree and wrapping provided by some of Ottawa’s top gifts, Christmas GOOSE has musicians. As well, in keeping with become a favourite holiday tradition. a tradition that has developed at this Now in its fourth year, Christmas event over the years, there will be Holiday Home Fire Safety GOOSE features Ottawa songwriters many opportunities for the audience performing original music for to sing along. Checklist the festive season. The concert is A CD of 12 original songs entitled organized by GOOSE, a co-operative Christmas Goose will be available that supports local songwriters, and a for purchase at the concert and at portion of the concert proceeds will be retail ticket outlets. The songs cover a donated to the Ottawa Food Bank. variety of styles, including jazz, funk, This year’s line-up includes: folk and traditional. Every CD sold • Lynne Hanson will generate $5 for the Ottawa Food • Maria Hawkins Bank. • Anne Hurley • Pat Moore Tickets are available in person at the • David Keeble NAC box office, the Ottawa Folklore • Tom Lips Centre, and Retrotown Music. • Nubia outlets. DECEMBER 2006 The OSCAR - OUR 32nd YEAR Page 21 Lynn Graham Tribute Planned for January 11
January 11 to pay tribute to her Donations collected at the be sent beforehand to Tribute@ for providing Ottawa with 12 door will go toward the costs alliumconsulting.com. As well, years of outstanding leadership in for the evening and the OCDSB a guest book will be available for education. Admission will be free Foundation in Lynn’s honour. signing that evening. and everyone is welcome to drop Guests will be entertained by For further information, call by the Glebe Community Centre, ensembles from Hopewell Public Christine Wilson at 613-235-3079, 175 Third Avenue at Lyon from 8- School and Lisgar Collegiate. email her at wilsonchristine@ 10 p.m. Refreshments will include a cash rogers.com, or just pop by to A trustee for Capital Ward bar and there will be parking publicly thank Lynn for her since 1994 and Rideau-Vanier available at Mutchmor and local remarkable contribution to public Ward since 1997, Lynn served first schools. education and for her ongoing work with the former Ottawa Board of CBC Radio’s Rob Clipperton in the community through Christie Education and subsequently with will be the evening’s MC and Lake Kids and other initiatives. Lynn Graham the amalgamated Ottawa-Carleton remarks from dignitaries like District School Board (OCDSB). Ontario Health Promotion Minister By Lynda Rivington For the last three years, she was Jim Watson and former trustee arents, educators, colleagues also Board Chair. Now it’s time and Board Chair Jim Libbey are and friends of Lynn Graham for the community to say thank scheduled for 9 p.m. Email tributes Pare invited to a party on you. to be put into a book for Lynn can Musica Viva Singers Best wishes to you December 4 Concert and Your Family
elebrating its 10th anniversary this season, Musica Viva Singers under James Caulkin will present “On the 10th Year of Christmas” on CMonday December 4, 2006 at 7:30 pm (doors open at 7:00) at Christ Church Cathedral, 420 Sparks Street (near Bronson Avenue). The repertoire is a selection from all their performances, and will feature Vivaldi’s Gloria with orchestral accompaniment and soloists Nadia Petrella and Whitney O’Hearn. In addition they will sing Wendell Whalum’s arrangement of the Nigerian carol Betelehemu, Samuel Barber’s setting of James Agee’s Sure on This Shining Night, Randall Thompson’s Choose Something Like a Star (based on a Robert Frost poem), a traditional Taita (Kenya) melody Natufurahi Siku Ya Leo (Let us rejoice this day!) arranged by Boniface Mganga, and three hilarious Christmas carols by P.D.Q. Bach. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students, and are available in advance from Christ Church Cathedral Box Office, Compact Music (785 Bank Street in the Glebe and downtown at 190 Bank Street), Leading Note Music (370 Elgin Street). Includes a post-concert reception. Come help us celebrate the joy of choral singing! Page 22 The OSCAR - OUR 32nd YEAR DECEMBER 2006 MamaSan and Padmay Need Homes MamaSan people who will appreciate and later and was an excellent nurturing nurture her. She would enjoy being mother, and a very affectionate pet. obody knows why MamaSan with other cats. Her months on the street had taken ended up spending two To inquire about adopting its toll on her frail body and one day Nyears of her life outdoors. MamaSan contact flora_louise@ the foster mother found her lying on The beautiful tortie, with distinctive yahoo.ca. Other CRN cats can be seen the floor, weak and semi conscious; markings suddenly appeared under at www.catrescuenetwork.petfinder. her kittens squealing with hunger in the porch of a house in rural Quebec org the box. where a kind, elderly lady fed a colony She was taken to a vet who said of stray and feral cats. MamaSan that her blood calcium levels were gave birth to many litters under that frantic meows, all of the kittens were Padmay dangerously low, because her kittens porch. Most were killed by people dead. were taking more nutrition from her who did not like the cats around their MamaSan disappeared for several Padmay was less than a year than she could provide. homes. days but was finally trapped and given old when she was found huddled Padmay was given fluids to Then, one day the elderly to a Cat Rescue Network volunteer. behind a dumpster downtown in replentish her while the foster family lady became ill and moved away. She did very well indoors, and her February. She was cold, frightened, then took on the role of wet-nurses. Suddenly, the entire colony was foster family believes she was once dirty, very thin and in the last stages They fed the kittens special formula forced to forage to survive. Most of someone’s pet. As soon as anyone of pregnancy. When approached she every few hours while Padmay sat the cats were friendly, having grown approaches her she begins to so purr was too exhausted to even try to run beside them. They then handed the accustomed to the lady, and were not loudly It can be heard throughout the away. She kittens to Padmay who would clean afraid of people. room. She is a very gentle, quiet just huddled in a ball, eyes them, ensure that they went to the However not all people were cat who grooms and nurtures the closed. bathroom then curl around them to as kind as the elderly lady and, so frightened and sick kittens taken in by Once warm and fed she began to keep them warm. Padmay survived the story goes, most of the colony the foster family. purr, placed her paw on the rescuers and so did every one of her kittens. members were trapped in a box and She is polydactile with 7 toes on hand and fell asleep. She slept and The kittens were quickly adopted but gassed using car fumes. each front foot and six on the back ate for several days; only leaving her nobody was prepared to offer This method of dying is horrific feet. Her big feet makes this striking warm box to greet the rescuer when Padmay a home. because the cats do not die of carbon little cat even more distinctive. She she entered the room. She is a beautiful cat with medium monoxide poisoning. They suffocate has now been vaccinated and spayed Padmay was taken to a Cat length grey tabby hair with gleaming slowly as nose, throat and lungs are and is thriving in the foster home. Rescue Network foster home where white markings. She would make a burned by the searing heat. In fact, she is thriving too much and she was given antibiotics for an upper wonderful pet for any household. Mamasan escaped with her kittens is now a bit on the portly side. This respiratory infection, treated for To inquire about adopting through to a shed. However, one day while frequently happens with cats who parasites and fed good food. At first us contact [email protected]. she was out hunting, someone shut have known starvation. the food made her sick because she Other CRN cats can be seen at www. the shed door. When it was opened This affectionate cat is now was not used to good quality food. She catrescuenetwork.petfinder.org five days, in response to MamaSan’s looking for a permanent home with delivered four kittens about two weeks Margaret Dickenson Wins 5 International Culinary Arts Awards elebrating their 21st categories, as a team, Margaret and anniversary, Cordon d’Or has her husband, Larry Dickenson who Cannounced its Cordon d’Or did all the photography, received a - Gold Ribbon International Annual further three awards: (1) “Culinary Cookbooks & Culinary Arts 2006 Masterpiece - a Three Course Dinner Awards. Margaret Dickenson has Menu” (“Happy 40th Birthday”) captured five awards. They will be with entries judged on the menu, presented on January 11, 2007 in St. recipes and photographs combined, Petersburg, Florida. (2)”Plan a Menu” (“Au Revoir In the COOKBOOK categories, to Dear Friends”) with applicants Margaret’s first cookbook, the demonstrating a flair for planning international award winning “From the and presentation of menus as an art in Ambassador’s Table - Blueprints for itself and (3) Best ‘Published Recipe’ Creative Entertaining”, was selected Award (with photograph) was “Heart by a team of judges for the Best ‘20th of PalmProsciutto Wraps” (which Century Cookbook’ Award from appeared in Diplomat & International amongst those published between Canada). Judges commented that 1900 and 1999. It also won the Best Margaret and Larry’s three entries ‘Cookbook Cover & Title’ Award for “were outstanding in quality, cookbooks published between 1985 presentation and professionalism” and 2006. Judges described From the adding that “when it comes to Ambassador’s Table as “magnificent, entertaining menu presentations, with a wide choice of interesting there is no one else who can do it as recipes, excellent photography and well as you”. with an outstanding cover and title”. All recipes, with associated This book when first published, was photos, for the culinary arts’ awards recognized as the best cookbook appear in Margaret and Larry’s just in the world on entertaining at the released cookbook “Margaret’s World Cookbook Fair/Gourmand Table – Easy Cooking & Inspiring World Cookbook Awards (Périgueux, Entertaining”. To access the menus France) and short listed as one of five and the published recipe go to the best hard cover recipe books in the AWARDS tab of Margaret’s website world at Jacobs Creek World Food www.margaretssenseofoccasion.com Media Awards (Adelaide, Australia). . For details on other award winners In the CULINARY ARTS’ go to www.cordondorcuisine.com . DECEMBER 2006 The OSCAR - OUR 32nd YEAR Page 23 Page 24 The OSCAR - OUR 32nd YEAR DECEMBER 2006 Folka Voca Launches Debut CD at Dec 16 Concert
By Lee Hayes songs. Malaika) directs the group. Opening Bank St. At the concert, Folka Voca will for Folka Voca is the Redemption 613-730-2887) or at the door. f you are in the neighborhood on release its debut CD, aptly called Choir X-Treme. Local members include: Dec.16th, FolkaVoca is holding a “Circus Of Friends.” This year, profits The concert takes place on Elizabeth Tromp, Martin McCurdy, I‘not-really-a-Christmas-concert’ from the CD and concert go to the Saturday, December 16th, 2006 at Don Westwood, Randall and concert. Folka Voca sings in 3-7-part Ottawa Humane Society. 7:30 p.m. at the Catherine McLenaghan Rowat, David harmony, performing great Canadian This 2-year-old community, A Sunnyside Wesleyan Church, 58 Chernushenko, Marie-Odile Junker, contemporary classics by favorites Capella choir is under the auspices of Grosvenor (on Sunnyside between Frances Kilbertus, Abe Rosenfeld, such as Neil Young, Sarah McLachlan, the Ottawa Folklore Centre. Dynamo Bank and Bronson). Kate Keating, Johanne Lalonde, Leonard Cohen, and more, plus a diva Lee Hayes (composer, arranger Tickets at $12 are available from Suzanne Nussey couple of non-traditional ‘seasonal’ and member of the renowned group the Ottawa Folklore Centre (1111
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