The

O•S•C•A•R© The Community Voice of Old Ottawa South Year 36 , No. 6 The Ottawa South Community Association Review JUNE 2008 Windsor Park Spring Clean-Up

aquatic dogs. Although the city was tight with compost bags this year, we were visited by a Compost-Bag- Fairy first thing who delivered a stack of over 100 bags. Thanks to all who generously brought their own as well. Most of the work was done to clear out new saplings, clear dead branches and clear fallen leaves and branches from the park and play areas. I would estimate we collected over 90 compost bags worth of sticks and leaves. Gary’s crew cleared quite a few trees along the bank in Linda Thom Park giving an unobstructed view and clearance for desired species to thrive. The gang worked till past noon, and it was clear that all involved were focused on getting the job done. The next event on the Windsor Park Agenda is a tree planting day on Sat May 31st. Garry has arranged for the City to supply 200 tree seedlings in accordance with the Park Vegetation Management plan. Come and join us to help get a few new community By Peter Wells that - leave for them....). Linda Thom community resource and it was a members established ... Park had already been worked over pleasure to find a minimum of waste As always, it is a pleasure to work with such friends and neighbours he day was nothing short of by the 30th Ottawa Girl Guides, so left this year. It is a great reflection who just come out... and get it done. spectacular sunny yet cool and we were ahead of the game. We had of our community, and the day-to- No nonsense, no fuss. The park and comfortable. Doug Flowers crews fan out to all parts of the park day care we take of our green-space. T the community are better for them. from the City arrived and we had while a group stayed to focus on the The dock has been re-installed and Thanks again... about 25 show up with “various & area around the play structures and Pat Kealey was glad to report that it sundry mutts” ready for anything tennis courts. has been repaired and is ready for the winter could throw at them (... or was The park is an exceptional daily barrage of boats and ballistic Ottawa Farmer’s Market is now open, every OSCA Sunday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm until October Firehall 26 and Thursday’s from 2 to 7 pm beginning Fest June 26 until October 30. Saturday, June 21 from 3 to 9 pm at Brewer Park

3 pm: A show by the Cow Guys 3 -7 pm: giant slide, moon bounce, basketball challenge, face painting and tug of war 4 - 7 pm: tethered hot air balloon rides 4:30 pm: belly dancers perfor- mance 5 pm: “Another Round”takes the stage 7:30 pm: “tony D” headlines Photo by Mary Anne Thompson Page  The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR JUNE 2008

CONTRIBUTIONS The OSCAR The OTTAWA SOUTH COMMUNITY Contributions should be in electronic format sent either by e-mail to ASSOCIATION REVIEW [email protected] in either plain text or WORD format, or as a printed copy delivered to the Firehall office, 260 Sunnyside Avenue. 260 Sunnyside Ave, Ottawa Ontario, K1S 0R7 www.OldOttawaSouth.ca/oscar SUBSCRIPTIONS Please Note: The OSCAR Has No Fax Moving away from Old Ottawa South? Know someone who would like The OSCAR PhoneLine: 730-1045 to receive The OSCAR? We will send The OSCAR for one year for just E-mail: [email protected] $40 to Canadian addresses (including foreign service) and $80 outside of Canada. Drop us a letter with your name, address, postal code and Editor: Mary Anne Thompson 730-1045 country. Please include a check made out to The OSCAR. [email protected] Distribution Manager: Craig Piche 730-5838 Business Manager: Susanne Ledbetter SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS [email protected] 730-1058 The OSCAR is sponsored entirely from advertising. Our advertisers are Advertising Manager: Gayle Weitzman (not classy ads) often not aware that you are from Old Ottawa South when you patron- [email protected] ize them. Make the effort to let them know that you saw their ad in The OSCAR. They will be glad to know and The OSCAR will benefit from NEXT DEADLINE: FRIDAY, JUNE 13 their support. If you know of someone providing a service in the com- munity, tell them about The OSCAR. Our rates are reasonable. The OSCAR is a community association paper paid for entirely by ad- FUTURE OSCAR DEADLINES vertising. It is published for the Ottawa South Community Association Inc. (OSCA). Distribution is free to all Old Ottawa South homes and June 13 (July/Aug issue), Aug 8 (Sept issue). businesses and selected locations in Old Ottawa South, the Glebe and Billings Bridge. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily of The OSCAR or OSCA. The editor retains the right to edit and include articles submitted for publication.

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

HOURS PHONE 247-4946 The OSCAR thanks the following people who brought us to your door this month: 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 FRIDAY 9 AM TO 6 PM Robb, Kevin and Stephanie Williams. SATURDAY 9 AM TO 1 PM* ZONE B1: Ross Imrie (Coordinator), Family Gref- Innes, the Montgomery family, Laurie Morrison, Norma Reveler, Stephanie and Kulani de Larrinaga. SUNDAY CLOSED ZONE B2: Lorie Magee Mills (Coordinator), Leslie Roster, Hayley Atkin- *Open only when programs are operating, please call first. son, Caroline and Ian Calvert, Sheilagh Stronach, Matthew and Graeme Gaetz, Kathy Krywicki. ZONE C1: Laura Johnson (Coordinator), the James-Guevremont family, the Williams family, Sylvie Turner, Lynne Myers, Jeff Pouw, Brendan McCoy. WHAT’S THAT NUMBER? ZONE C2: Craig Piche (Coordinator), Alan McCullough, Arthur Taylor, Charles and Phillip Kijek, Sam & Avery Piche, Kit Jenkin, Michel and Chris- Ottawa South Community Centre - The Old Firehall 247-4946 tina Bridgeman. Ottawa South Community Association (OSCA) 247-4872 ZONE D1: Bert Hopkins (Coordinator), the Crighton family, Emily Keys, Ottawa Public Library - South Branch 730-1082 the Lascelles family, Gail Stewart, Bert Hopkins, Mary Jane Jones, the Sprott Rob Campbell - [email protected] 730-8128 family. Kathy Ablett, Catholic Board Trustee 526-9512 ZONE D2: Janet Drysdale (Coordinator), Ian Godfrey, Eric Chernushenko, Centretown Community Health Centre 233-5430 the Rand family, Aidan and Willem Ray, the Stewart family. ZONE E1: John Calvert & family (Coordinator), Brian Tansey, Doug Stick- CARLETON UNIVERSITY ley, Wendy Johnson, Pam Turner, David Lum, Mary O’Neill. CUSA (Carleton U Students Association) 520-6688 ZONE E2: Nicola Katz (Coordinator), Frida Kolster-Berry, Mary-Ann Kent, Graduate Students Association 520-6616 Glen Elder and Lorraine Stewart, the Rowleys, Dave White, the Hunter fam- Community Liaison 520-3660 ily, Brodkin-Haas family, Christina Bradley. Mediation Centre 520-5765 ZONE F1: Carol and Ferg O’Connor (Coordinator), Jenny O’Brien, Janet Athletics 520-4480 Jancar, the Stern family, T. Liston, Ellen Bailie, Niki Devito, Dante and Bi- CITY HALL 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, the McLemaghan Ottawa Hydro 738-6400 Rowat family, Roger Ehrhardt, 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 JUNE 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR Page 

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The OSCAR welcomes letters on subjects of interest to the community or in response to previous articles. All letters must disclose the name of the writer, as well as the address and phone number. Lettters may be edited for length, clarity, and libelous statements. The opinions of the writers are not necessarily those of the newspaper or its editor. Email your letters to [email protected] or leave in print at the Firehall. re: “Sh*t Happens” re: “S**t Happens” (Oscar May 2008) (Oscar May 2008) Dear Editor: Dear Editor – and you want it – get permission 5. if you move it – put it back re: “Sh*t Happens” (Oscar May 2008) Wow. hat article – in the OSCAR, p. 6. if you borrow it – return it 16, May 2008 – S**t Happens! 7. if you don’t know how to operate it didn’t expect to see that word in large bold type at the TBeautiful! Because, in Life – S**t – leave it alone! top of page 16 of the May edition of the Oscar. I can’t Happens. Well said, Mary P! 8. if you use it – take care of it I wait for my 8 year old to read that headline- “Look Eons ago, my dear departed wife and 9. if you break it – repair it Dad...sh*t happens..the Oscar paper said so.” I, on one of our many trips to the ancestral 10 . if you can’t fix it – call someone What were you thinking when you ok’d that headline? homeland (both of us Canadian born) we who can Do you actually look at (and edit) the articles submitted? visited the town of Stranraer, Scotland. 11. if you mess it up – clean it up Let’s sum up just some of your well thought out Stayed at a favoured B&B where I copied 12. if it will brighten someone’s day editorial decisions of the recent past: down – 12 Rules You Can Live By. – Say It! 1. You ran an article glorifying Fidel Castro I am not suggesting these rules replace 2. You have articles regularly written by a dog the 10 Commandments! Defiinitely not! That’s it. 3. You have offensive language in large bold type Those 10 are for our spiritual behaviour; but Yours etc. in your paper the 12 are a modern day supplement to life R. Mitchell (Mitch) Watt What’s next? Cigarette ads? A column written by cat? in the 21st century. Ugh. 1. Rules You Can Live By: ** Editor: These are substitutions made Kevin Colwell 1. if you open it – close it by OSCAR. The writer sent in complete wording. Old Ottawa South 2. if you turn it on – turn it off 3. if you unlock it – lock it 4. if it belons to someone else More Letters to the Editor on pages 4, 39, and 43. I may not agree with what you have to say, but I will With Many Thanks defend to the death, your right to say it. Voltaire Dear Editor,

n behalf of The May Court Club of Ottawa I would like to thank you for the extensive coverage of The May Court Club of Ottawa, The OSCAR is sponsored entirely from advertising. Oand The Hospice at May Court which appeared in the OSCAR May 2008 issue. It is a wonderful and inclusive history of The May Court Club of Ottawa and its work since 1898 when Lady Aberdeen formed our Club which is the oldest women’s service organization in Canada. The May Court Club is actively involved in the community, supporting the community at large by providing financial aid to various organizations and by volunteer work, and we greatly appreciate your coverage of The May Court Club and of The Hospice at May Court. It was a delight to read your column. With many thanks, Patricia Peters Communications Director The May Court Club of Ottawa

Were The Turbines A Joke? (April 2008) Remember our children are back at school. Dear Editor, Please drive carefully! want you to tell our community, if you were tricked into believing that the article about “Wind Turbines In Old Ottawa South” was I authentic information...... or did you know that it was an April Fool’s Day joke? As a long time resident of Old Ottawa South and a recipient of our local newspaper, I am disgusted. At a time when most residents are concerned about making changes to save energy and to f protect the environment, to make a safer future for our children, and our grandchildren, Wind Turbines make a lot of sense. To find out that this was a JOKE makes me wonder if I can give any credit to other articles in The OSCAR!!!!!!

Mary Dewar

Editor’s Reply: Yes, OSCAR knew that the article on the Wind Turbine installation at Brewer Park was not true. OSCAR tried to make it very clear in OSCAR that it was an April Fool’s Joke. This is not because Wind Turbines are a joke, but rather it was what OSCAR had hoped would be a way to get people thinking of the possibility of local alternative energy. Page  The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR JUNE 2008 Brief Notes From the Firehall

Summer Program Registration and So Much More

By Dinos Dafniotis - 4:30pm. during the summer have a number of full so check the website for space - Pottery Instructor Klara choices here at the Firehall. Monday availability and all the camp details. ummer Program registration is Bruelhman will offer her Preschool evening Diane Robertson will offer - Included are a couple of now underway for a variety of Pottery course during the last week her Hatha Yoga course. The popular pictures from Yoga Instructor Andrea Sadult and children programs. of summer for 3.5 - 5 year olds. Core Yoga class is scheduled for Robertson’s Habitat for Humanity Those hoping to babysit this summer This afternoon course will introduce Wednesday nights with Instructor experience in Costa Rica. As I will be better equipped by taking pottery to the younger set. Andrea Robertson. Our favourite mentioned in last months article the Babysitting Certification course - Those hoping to keep up their Pilates Instructor Lori Myers teaches Andrea raised over $2000 and offered on Saturday, June 7, 8:30am Yoga and Pilates regimen going Level 1 and Level 2 courses Thursday spent two weeks in Buenos Aires, evenings. Costa Rica helping build houses - Adult potters will be interested for locals. See page 14 for Andrea’s in Vickie Salinas Wheel throwing article and more photos. classes. Monday for beginners and - I hope you spend some time Thursday nights for those hoping to with us at our 30th Anniversary party take their wheel throwing to another at Brewer Park on Saturday, June level. Pottery Studio Memberships 21, 3:00pm - 9:00pm. Games for are also available during the summer. the whole family, tethered balloon - Please check the brochure ride,music, food, drink and Ottawa’s included in this months OSCAR own Tony D to wrap the party up in or check our website www. the evening. Fun for the whole family oldottawasouth.ca for all the details. is guaranteed. - It’s not to late to register for all our summer camps. Some camps are

OSCAR Needs a Distribution Manager This is someone willing to accept monthly delivery of about 4000 bundled copies of OSCAR and deliver these to 12 zone co-ordinators. who then distribute to deliverers of OSCAR. This position comes with a monthly honorarium.

It is helpful to have a large porch or garage in which to hold the OSCAR’s when OSCAR is delivered.

It is also useful to either have a large wagon or a car. Andrea Robertson working at a Habitat for Humanties building in Costa Rica Please contact [email protected] if you are interested.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor the island’s economy. This left-over of Cold War confirm what she stated in her article. This does not mentality is rightly criticized and her views, based mean that all is well in Cuban agriculture – as is he responses to Wendy Holm’s article in on her experience are worth reading. I have met true in many places. Nevertheless, important steps OSCAR (April 2008) motivate me to write people in Cuba who would concur with Wendy’s have been taken – and been in place for quite some Tto you with a comment on this topic. My assessments and others who would disagree. The time - to maintain food self-reliance and protect experience in Cuba is much more limited than changes being instituted by the current government the fragile ecosystems of Cuba. Attending an Wendy’s and based on my work in the field of under Raul Castro suggest that more openness international meeting a while back, I heard Fidel sustainable agriculture in fragile environments, towards more individual freedoms in private and in Castro speak about the importance to protect fragile I would not necessarily concur with some of her business as well as others were needed and form lands and natural resources and what Cuba had political statements as I find them too general and part of an evolving society. done to address these concerns. He was the most somewhat one-sided. As far as Wendy Holm’s references to Cuba’s convincing among a wide range of political leaders On the other hand she makes valid points role as a leader in sustainable and organic agriculture addressing this topic. regarding the constant and continuing efforts by the is concerned, many specialists would agree with US administration to isolate and, if possible, destroy her. My own visits to farms around Havana also Friederike Knabe, OOS resident. JUNE 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR Page 

OSCA PRESIDENT’S REPORT Annual General Meeting and Community Design Plan

New Board Elected At AGM, for some 35 years. While in some in a way that promotes attractive and the last decade to do our very best this New Executive Appointed senses we have become a community liveable community spaces, will be autumn to convince Council that this is institution, we are no longer the kind important tools for us to manage the a project that is well worth supporting. s you will see from the photos of an organization that can be run in future. Investing the time and effort It will bring critical benefits not only to in this month’s OSCA, a new a casual and temporary manner. We in these initiatives is, if nothing else, an this community, but also to the many ABoard was elected at our May have dozens of part time employees important form of insurance so that we other City residents who live outside Old 6 Annual General Meeting and at our and contractors to manage, total have the rules and precedents in place Ottawa South and patronize this historic subsequent Board meeting on May 20 operating budgets (including OSCAR) to support developments that contribute and very busy community centre. a new Executive and Committee chairs approaching half a million dollars, to our community, and to successfully Before closing I would like to take were chosen by the Board. As this was major reserves and charitable fund resist those that do not. this occasion to thank my fellow board a short year of only about 6 months, due assets and a very successful community Third, the coming year will mark members, and those volunteers who to the fact that we have moved our AGM paper that is now publishing 11 months the culmination of many years of effort help out on our committees and at our date up from November to May, most a year with 48 pages per issue. to get our community centre renovated various events and projects for their Board members stood for re-election We will need to focus in the and expanded. The Old Firehall is one time, their hard work and especially, for and were acclaimed at the AGM. We next few years on improving our of the most heavily used facilities of their enthusiasm, over the last year. have one new member, John Calvert, management, human resources and its size and type in the city – it is worn Our OSCAR Editor, Mary Anne whose bio appears in this issue. governance processes. We also have to out, cramped and lacking in essential Thompson, has done a superb job The new executive for 2008-09 consider new ways to sign up members, facilities. We have been fund raising this past year making OSCAR one of includes myself as President, David and indeed decide on how we define for over a decade, we have gone through Ottawa’s finest community newspapers. Law as Vice-President, Steve Mennill our membership base, given that we two design processes and we have a well Cathie Buchanan and Dinos Dafniotis as Treasurer and Brendan McCoy as no longer seem to be able to recruit the honed vision of what is needed. Finally, of the City of Ottawa, with whom Secretary. Anna Sundin, who is the necessary volunteers to run membership as a result of a critical donation of funds we partner to run programming at new Program Committee Chair, is also drives. In addition, electronic by the province, and our own lobbying the Firehall, have been invaluable in a member of the Executive. Other registration for programming , while efforts, we have the City supporting an putting together a class leading set of committee chairs include: OSWATCH, convenient for signing up for programs, official design process that will see a program offerings and in making the Kevin Harper; ECOS, Michael Loewen means the loss of the old face-to-face fully City certified and costed design go community centre a great place to carry and Nerys Parry; Web Site, Jason registration sessions at the beginning of to Council for funding this autumn. It out programming. Parry; Library, Jenny Haysom; Special each season, where we successfully used will be critical for us not only to work Finally, and by no means least, Events, Lisa Drouillard; Finance, to ask people to join the association and hard on the design proposal itself, but I would like to thank our executive Steve Mennill and our representative take out a membership card. also to lobby Council and senior officials director, Deirdre McQuillan, for her to the City Centre Coalition and the Second, while we have had a quiet this autumn to support the funding for tireless efforts in helping to make OSCA Federation of Community Associations couple of years on the development and the renovation and construction phase one of the best community associations is Stephen Haines. I will also chair the traffic fronts, the problems of managing of this critical project. We owe it to in Ottawa. Redevelopment Committee. our physical environment and traffic all the hard work and fund raising that have not gone away, far from it. The OSCA members have carried out over Issues Facing The New Board City continues to grow and the pressure for more development intensification At our next meeting in June, the and the burden of commuter traffic will Board will discuss its priorities for the grow with it, especially in communities coming year. There are a number of such as Old Ottawa South. It will be issues that we obviously need to address, important to seize the initiative over the and to give you a sense of some of them, next few years so that we do not become I am outlining a few that I raised from prisoners of events. The safety audit on my 2007-08 President’s Report to the Sunnyside and the proposal to develop AGM in May. a Community Design Plan for Old The first is the need to deal with Ottawa South that will help to ensure a large number of governance issues. that the Official Plan and the City’s by OSCA has been in existence now laws are interpreted in our community Public Open House On The Renovation And Expansion Of The Old Firehall Community Centre s you can see in the ad to the right, the City of Ottawa and OSCA will be hosting an open house and community consultation on the proposal Ato renovate and expand the Firehall. The meeting will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, June 23 at the Firehall. If you care about programming at the Firehall and the future of our community centre more generally, this is a do not miss meeting. The new architects who won the competition to design the renovation, CSV Architects, will be present along with City staff and OSCA to explain the proposals on the table and get your input. This is the first phase of the design process where the key decisions will be discussed concerning what the general layout of the renovated centre could look like, what is proposed to be included in terms of facilities and what would be the general shape and location of any addition to the building . The meeting will include a presentation of the proposals at 7:00 p.m., as well as an opportunity for you to look at drawings and ask questions of the technical experts and designers, and of course, an opportunity to express your views. There will also be a comment box where you can leave written comments as well. While there will be a subsequent public meeting in early September to review the final design of the community centre, the meeting on June 23 is critical as it will be where the key design choices about facilities and the general layout of the renovation will be discussed. These are choices that, once finalized, cannot be changed later in September when the detailed designs are up for public comment. So please, do turn up and make your views known. Page  The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR JUNE 2008 JUNE 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR Page 

CITY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT Light Rail Or Just More Buses, And Air Quality Summit

Dear OSCAR Readers, for Ottawa will be no different twenty currently served by the transitway. raise awareness and build consensus years on than it is today. It will be no This is just one example of how an on steps that the city could take to Life and Lifestyle easier to get down Carling Avenue, no alternate route could provide new reduce bad air. The event will be at easier to travel across town on Rideau service that would attract new riders as the Irving Greenberg Theatre (the new A lifestyle has things. or over to Gatineau. Why can’t Ottawa well as federal and provincial money. GCTC location), 1233 Wellington A life has people, see and do what every other Canadian If the tunnel and the light rail Street West on September 25. Stay community and purpose. city is doing? Building light rail on portions of the new recommended tuned for details. roads where people actually live, work transit network prove un-fundable, we - from Canal Seasons and play. need contingency plans which include Congratulations It’s increasing the service alternates routes and surface light Light rail or just a lot more ridership which is key to getting rail. This is why I have called for a Congrats to the new board at buses? federal and provincial funds to help Plan B to be environmentally assessed OSCA and to the community for pay for transit and improving the now in preparation for immediate many fine neighbourhood initiatives. t first glance the new service. Nowhere else in the country implementation. Otherwise, we risk I’m thinking of the Windsor and recommended transit network are these other levels of government losing many more years with nothing Brewer Park clean ups; the upcoming Alooked like a plan for light funding replacement of an existing but more ‘visioning’ to be done, while celebration of 30 years at the Old rail. It included conversion of service. All the big transit projects we buy more buses and build more Firehall and the possibility of a portions of the transitway to electric are for extended service because roads. summer water taxi at Fifth and Clegg, light rail, a tunnel through downtown that’s how you get more ridership. The city needs more than a single the Ottawa South history project. and extension of the bus transitway in With the city’s financial reserves in ‘vision’ it need routes that can be The communities of Capital Ward are outlying areas. Look at it more closely frightening decline, most of the light evaluated against each other and based roaring! and you’ll discover it is a busway plan rail conversion of the transitway risks on cost, service and environmental first and foremost. being un-fundable. impact. Right now, it’s all or nothing Coffee with Clive There’s no arguing about the By comparison, the 40 kilometers based on one alternative. This is choice of surface electric rail. It is of suburban busway extensions called clumsy, high risk planning. Coffee with Clive takes place what all other cities are doing now for in the ‘so called’ light rail option in Old Ottawa South at Bridgehead, (Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, will attract funding from other levels Air Quality Summit 1176 Bank Street, on the second Vancouver, Calgary). This is the right of government. This is why I am Thursday of the month from 9:00 to technological choice and it is what the characterizing the recommended Historically the most significant 10:00 a.m. vast majority of people participating transit network, nothing more than improvements to life expectancy were in the public consultation said they a plan for more buses and why I am made as result of water purification. Best, wanted. You would have to be blind advocating for alternate routes for the Providing safe drinking water is the Clive Doucet to what’s happening to think investing light rail. most important responsibility all cities City of Ottawa billions in diesel dependent buses Using Carling Avenue comes to carry. The next most vital resource for 110 Laurier Avenue West, mind as an alternate corridor worth through the city centre was a wise the health of a population is the air we Ottawa, ON K1P 1J1 considering. Unlike the transitway breathe. Municipal governments are choice. tel.: (613) 580-2487 route, where we need to get the starting to look at local air pollution Unfortunately, the choice of fax: (613) 580-2527 where to put the light rail has been NCC to allow to electric rail along more closely. Ottawa is not immune [email protected] poor. Having most of it replace an their parkway, the city owns the to poor quality, increasing rates of existing service on the transitway will entire Carling right-of-way and the asthma and premature deaths due to www.clivedoucet.com not increase ridership or do so only corridor passes through much more smog. marginally. Think about it. We invest densely populated area, including I am organizing an Air Quality 3 billion to convert the transitway and major employment, shopping centres, Summit with health professionals and build a tunnel and the service foot print hospitals and communities not air quality specialists in September to Open the Summer With Firehall Fest Saturday, June 21 from 3 to 9 pm at Brewer Park

3 pm: A show by the Cow Guys 4:30 pm: belly dancers performance 3 -7 pm: giant slide, moon bounce, basketball challenge, 5 pm: “Another Round”takes the stage face painting and tug of war 7:30 pm: “tony D” headlines 4 - 7 pm: tethered hot air balloon rides

Lisa Drouillard day, as Piccolo Grande will bring the D. Bring your own lawn chairs, or this last month (somehow helping out ice cream. dancing feet, to come and scope out the with the beer tent seems particularly ast month OSCAR reported Organizers are still working out best of the evening’s entertainment. appealing on the longest day of the on the upcoming Firehall Fest the logistics of where to put all of Tracey Arnett has thrown her summer!) but further help from Lcoming up June 21 in Brewer this great food and the garden of sponsorship support behind the event those interested in helping set up the Park, and the event is shaping up to Beau’s beer to keep the day’s live by sponsoring the tethered balloon sound stage, games, rides and food become a great gathering of great entertainment in view. ride and Linda Thom will sponsor would lighten the load for our OSCA entertainment and great food for all Planned for the day on or near Moon Bounce fun for the younger volunteers even further. Please send a ages. the main stage, between 3-9 pm are kids. Thanks to these and all of message to [email protected] Local caterers from the Sixth performances of our own Firehall our sponsors - including OSCAR if you think you would like to help Sense and Red Apron are planning a pre-school dance students, and our and the Clothes Secret for helping out. We look forward to seeing all of delicious menu to put on offer, if the belly-dancers as well, the Cow Guys, make this event happen. Volunteer our neighbourhood friends on the 21st Board’s $1 hot dogs are not enough and evening music by the Another support has been great since we to raise a glass (or a juicebox) to 30 to satisfy you. Hope for a nice warm Round and by Ottawa Bluesman Tony invited neighbours to help out with years of fun at the Firehall! Page  The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR JUNE 2008 Brewer Park Statue A Green Road Ahead

Unveiled By Nerys Parry where we want to go, and how we plan to get OSCA Board Member there. This policy specifically clarifies our primary goal as being the greenest community CO-Chair of ECOS association in Ottawa, and lists out what we (Environmental) must do to achieve this goal. The policy was adopted at the May board t’s a busy time for our association. There’s meeting, and is published below. Copies will the Firehall to renovate, a community- also be posted at the Firehall. Iwide development plan to hash out, a Our next step is to take a close look at how website to update, a unique programming we operate, everything from how we manage service to expand, a thirty-year anniversary our money to how we develop our programs, of the firehall to plan, and much more. No to determine just how “green” our current shortage of things to do, that’s for sure. And operations are, and to look for new ways to so it would seem that another bit of paper become a more sustainable association. would be the least of our worries. But with so many things on our plate, OSCA Environmental Policy and a growing and more environmentally- – Draft 1.1 conscious community to serve, it’s become not only necessary to get things done, but to get The Ottawa South Community them done in as sustainable a way as possible. Association is dedicated to being the Not always an easy thing to do, especially “greenest” community association in Ottawa. where there are conflicting priorities, not to To achieve this, we will: mention differing interpretations of just what • support community initiatives that ‘environmentally sustainable’ means. As improve our natural spaces and/or reduce our Kermit the frog once said – it ain’t easy being impact on the environment, green. • provide environmental education and And so our association decided to work advocacy to the community, where required, towards adopting a simplified environmental • advocate for improvement and/or management system (EMS) that would proper care of our natural spaces, like parks not only help us to better define our unique and along the river, environmental role as a community association, • promote more sustainable development By Brendan McCoy but also aid us in setting sustainable goals and and transportation, monitoring our environmental performance. • be a strong vocal supporter of he official opening for the renovated playground The first step towards creating an EMS environmentally sustainable practices in at Brewer Park took place in the afternoon on was taken over a year ago when the board government, and T developed green strategies and priorities. This Saturday May 3. The event was to thank the members • strive continually to improve our of the seven area Rotary clubs who made the project a working document listed goals, strategies, association’s environmental performance. reality, and all those who contributed to it. Mayor Larry and next steps for improving our association’s O’Brien, Councillor Clive Doucet and newscaster Max environmental performance. From this Keeping spoke at the event. The occasion culminated document came the first and most essential with the unveiling of a statue of two children by artist ingredient in any environmental management Bruce Garner. system: the environmental policy. Think of the Photo by Brendan McCoy policy as a ‘sustainability road map’; it shows

To book an OSCAR ad call Gayle 730-1058 [email protected]

Call to Artists: Open to all area artists, register for the 4th annual Old Ottawa South Art and Music Festival.

Check our website for details: www.oosartfestival.ca

Build on the success of the past three years and participate in this family event on Saturday, September 20, 10. a.m. - 4 p.m. in Windsor Park in Old Ottawa South.

Art, day-long music stage, children’s art activities, parade and B.B.Q. Register early to get your name and contact up on our website and your art on our web-site slide show. Don’t miss out on getting a space. JUNE 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR Page  WESTBORO ACADEMY Tempus Fugit - “Ô temps, suspends ton vol!” By Ann Winters

here does the time go? How quickly the school year has Wflown by! From autumn leaves to new leaves on the trees, memories of a near-record snowfall have melted in the early summer sun. Parfois, on dirait presque avec Lamartine: “Ô temps, suspends ton vol!”, tellement celui-ci passe parfois en coup de vent. Hier encore, c’était la rentrée et nous voici déjà à la fin d’une autre année scolaire fructueuse à bien des égards. Ce fut 10 mois au cours desquels les activités se sont succédées pour mieux appuyer le développement de nos élèves. C’est ainsi que ceux des 7e et 8e années ont pu découvrir le quotidien de jeunes de leur âge Don Quiote play keeps grade 6 class, on edge of their seats Photo: by Michelle Beaupré (School Administrator en participant en mai à un échange entre l’Académie Westboro et l’École “Man from La Mancha” but a new Television football commentator. And, language skills. Weekly themes, de Yellowknife dans le cadre du theatrical hit written and presented by now cook celebrity Matt Dunigan was games, sports, natural exploration and programme Échanges Canada pour our Grade 6 French class. Performed the star behind the apron on the Food daily swimming or water activities la jeunesse du YMCA. Nos élèves to an enthusiastic audience of Senior Network’s Road Grill series Mother’s await campers. avaient préalablement reçu leurs pairs Kindergarten to Grade 8 students, Day taping in Brewer Park. This free If you are interested in your en février dernier. this highly entertaining and comedic event to celebrate mother and families child becoming part of our Westboro And our Grade 7 and 8 students presentation exhibited real talent for featured a banner decorated by our Academy community, please call us at headed off to the Land of the Midnight theatre and fun. Grade 4 and 5 students. 613-737-9543 or visit us at www. Sun a few weeks ago. As part of the On the English language side, our Westboro Academy’s summer westboroacademy.ca . YMCA’s Youth Exchanges Canada Grade 5 and 6 students learned that all camp is full again this year during Que ce soit pour notre camp estival program, our students were twinned the world’s a stage. They participated the month of July. This popular camp ou pour réserver une place pour la with their peers in Yellowknife, capital in the final NAC workshop on for four to nine-year-olds provides prochaine année scolaire, contactez- of the Northwest Territories. During Shakespeare for this school year. a stimulating, active environment nous au 613-737-9543 ou visitez notre the February visit of the Yellowknife These workshops, prepared by NAC for children to develop their French- site au www.westboroacademy.ca. students, it was a whirlwind of staff opened a new perspective skating, eating beavertails, skiing, to the theatre to attendees. As shopping, watching the Senators the curtain began its descent, our in action, Museum of Civilization, students presented a skit at the NAC City Hall, Parliament Hill, Question to students from other schools. The Period, pizza party and snow Bard himself would have been sculptures. West Academy students proud. were guaranteed an equally cultural Marque de commerce de trip. Unfortunately, they will miss l’Académie, notre bilinguisme Canadian North Midnight Classic - a amène parfois les élèves vers golf tournament held annually on the des découvertes surprenantes. June 21st weekend, taking advantage Dans la foulée de nos semaines of the longest days of the year, sub- internationales, la classe de sixième Artic style. Golfers tee off at midnight année, dans le cadre du cours de and play as long as they can. The français, a exploré, par le théâtre, record is 171 holes over a 33.5 hour l’univers chimérique du célèbre marathon in 1970. personnage romanesque de Miguel Fluency in Canada’s two official Cervantès, Don Quichotte de la languages is never in question at Mancha. Devant toute l’école, le Westboro Academy. Students either preux chevalier, en dépit de sa are bilingual or will be soon under défaite contre les moulins à vent, the schools enriched educational a quand même laissé aux enfants programs. Yet, sometimes the le message d’aller au bout de leurs bilingualism road has a few odd rêves. turns…like “Don Quichotte de la Ce ne sont là que quelques Mancia” No, you aren’t reading événements qui ont parsemé notre typos. Not “Don Quixote” and not route cette année. Un bon moyen pour vous et votre enfant de mieux connaître l’Académie serait justement de l’inscrire à notre camp francophone d’été. Semaines à thèmes, sports, baignade quotidienne, exploration de la nature seront notamment au menu. Westboro Academy students playing in Hall of Fame school yard – photo by Mr. Clinton Lee, quarterback. Head coach. Yearbook Photographer/Westboro parent Page 10 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR JUNE 2008 (Even) More Music at Southminster! By Craig Piche more than 1,000 copies (admirable for an independent release), including copies hile Southminster United numbering in the hundreds on the east Church has most recently coast of Canada and the USA. 2005 saw Whosted operatic arias and cool the release of his best-selling CD to date, jazz, the church at Aylmer and Bank will “Thank You Waitress!”. spread its musical wings even further Allaire’s latest release “Ghosts of this spring hosting a special evening of the Royal Motel” is out now and is acoustic folk and roots music featuring garnering rave reviews as his best career three singer-songwriters from Ontario. work. He will also be playing this year’s Headlining the June 6th event will be Ottawa Bluesfest but you can enjoy him touring songwriter John Allaire whom first in the more intimate environment of international music magazines have Southminster. called a “new Neil Young” and “the next Also on the bill will be Toronto’s Canadian music legend”. Emily Weedon. Weedon will remind you Allaire started his professional music of Loretta Lynn, with her rootsy songs career in 1984, including the award- and her country charm. Toronto’s NOW winning “The Town Cryers”, a band magazine described a recent Weedon show that reached the number one spot on as delivered with “the perfect balance of seven radio stations in Canada with their hope and heartbreak”. first release in 1987 called “All’s Well”. The evening will open with Ottawa’s Allaire toured the country with the Cryers own Anders Drerup. Drerup has toured all the while releasing their 1989 CD, the world with his own brand of folk and “Surprise Surprise”, which included a acoustic blues, thrilling audiences from supporting video for Allaire’s song “Never Europe to Australia. Another Bluesfest Bin Hurt B-4”. The video won honours as performer, his talents are described on top independent video in Canada in 1989. the Bluesfest website as follows: ‘From The CD also had the dubious pleasure the dusty realm of Hank Williams to the of being the first release in Canada by an soulful musings of Ray Charles, Drerup independent band on the emerging CD draws from an older wellspring.’ format. The Town Cryers parted ways in The price at the door will be $10 for 1992, but not before recording a whopping adults and $5 for youth under 16. The 18-track CD called “Stanley’s Cup”. concert on June 6th starts at 8pm sharp. In 2003, Allaire released his first solo Southminster United Church is located effort called Crime and Punishment. The at the corner of Aylmer Avenue and Bank album was a 12-song collection and sold Street, across from the Sunnyside library.

John Allaire from his website www.johnallaire.com

Windsor “Bag Ladies” Photo by Peter Wells

779 Bank Street (613) 237-1483 JUNE 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR Page 11

BACKYARD NATURALIST Did Your Shopping List Kill a Songbird?

By Bridget Stutchbury biologists used satellite tracking to follow Swainson’s hawks to their HOUGH a consumer may not wintering grounds in Argentina, be able to tell the difference, a where thousands of them were found Tstriking red and blue Thomas dead from monocrotophos poisoning. the Tank Engine made in Wisconsin Migratory songbirds like bobolinks, is not the same as one manufactured barn swallows and Eastern kingbirds in China — the paint on the Chinese are suffering mysterious population twin may contain dangerous levels of declines, and pesticides may well be lead. In the same way, a plump red to blame. A single application of a tomato from Florida is often not the highly toxic pesticide to a field can kill same as one grown in Mexico. The seven to 25 songbirds per acre. About imported fruits and vegetables found half the birds that researchers capture in our shopping carts in winter and after such spraying are found to suffer early spring are grown with types and from severely depressed neurological amounts of pesticides that would often function. be illegal in the United States. Migratory birds, modern-day In this case, the victims are North canaries in the coal mine, reveal an American songbirds. Bobolinks, called environmental problem hidden to skunk blackbirds in some places, were consumers. Testing by the United once a common sight in the Eastern States Food and Drug Administration Barn Swallow Photo by Walter Siegmund. United States. In mating season, the shows that fruits and vegetables male in his handsome tuxedo-like suit imported from Latin America are environment where they are grown is trees blossom. But each year, as we sings deliriously as he whirrs madly three times as likely to violate heavily contaminated. continue to demand out-of-season over the hayfields. Bobolink numbers Environmental Protection Agency When it comes to non-traditional fruits and vegetables, we ensure have plummeted almost 50 percent standards for pesticide residues as the Latin American crops like melons, that fewer and fewer songbirds will in the last four decades, according to same foods grown in the United States. green beans, tomatoes, bell peppers return. the North American Breeding Bird Some but not all pesticide residues and strawberries, it can be difficult to Bridget Stutchbury, a professor Survey. can be removed by washing or peeling find any that are organically grown. of biology at York University in The birds are being poisoned on produce, but tests by the Centers We should buy these foods only if they Toronto, is the author of “Silence of their wintering grounds by highly for Disease Control show that most are not imported from Latin America. the Songbirds.” This article appeared toxic pesticides. Rosalind Renfrew, Americans carry traces of pesticides Now that spring is here, we take March 30, 2008 in the New York Times a biologist at the Vermont Center in their blood. American consumers it for granted that the birds’ cheerful and is reprinted with the author’s for Ecostudies, captured bobolinks can discourage this poisoning by songs will fill the air when our apple permission. feeding in rice fields in Bolivia and avoiding foods that are bad for the took samples of their blood to test for environment, bad for farmers in Latin pesticide exposure. She found that America and, in the worst cases, bad about half of the birds had drastically for their own families. reduced levels of cholinesterase, an What should you put on your bird- enzyme that affects brain and nerve friendly grocery list? Organic coffee, cells — a sign of exposure to toxic for one thing. Most mass-produced chemicals. coffee is grown in open fields heavily Since the 1980s, pesticide use has treated with fertilizers, herbicides, increased fivefold in Latin America fungicides and insecticides. In contrast, as countries have expanded their traditional small coffee farmers production of nontraditional crops grow their beans under a canopy of to fuel the demand for fresh produce tropical trees, which provide shade during winter in North America and and essential nitrogen, and fertilize Europe. Rice farmers in the region use their soil naturally with leaf litter. monocrotophos, methamidophos and Their organic, fair-trade coffee is now carbofuran, all agricultural chemicals available in many coffee shops and that are rated Class I toxins by the supermarkets, and it is recommended World Health Organization, are highly by the Audubon Society, the American toxic to birds, and are either restricted Bird Conservancy and the Smithsonian or banned in the United States. In Migratory Bird Center. countries like Guatemala, Honduras Organic bananas should also be on and Ecuador, researchers have found your list. Bananas are typically grown that farmers spray their crops heavily with one of the highest pesticide and repeatedly with a chemical loads of any tropical crop. Although cocktail of dangerous pesticides. bananas present little risk of pesticide In the mid-1990s, American ingestion to the consumer, the

Barn Swallows nest under Billings Bridge. Photo by Walter Siegmund. Page 12 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR JUNE 2008 TRINITY ANGLICAN CHURCH Trinity Parishioner Plans New Career As Anglican Priest By Jim Robb

ark Whittall passed a milestone in his life May 1, Mand his fellow parishioners at Trinity Anglican Church are celebrating with him. In a moving ceremony at Christ Church Cathedral the engineer and quantum physics expert was ordained deacon in the Anglican Church of Canada, supported by his wife Guylaine and the couple’s two children Jonathan and Michelle. The ceremony was the penultimate step in a career shift that should see him ordained as an Anglican priest by year’s end, if all goes well. The family, who live on Wendover Avenue, have attended Trinity since 1998. Born in Montreal, Mark moved to the Ottawa area when he was nine, attended South Carleton High School, then went to Queen’s University, graduating with a degree in engineering physics. Then followed three years of post- Newly ordained Anglican deacon Mark Whittall assisted Trinity Rector Christopher Dunn in the Baptism of three graduate study at Oxford University, infants on Pentecost Sunday, May 11. Left to right Mark Whittall, Gwenyth Grant, Father Dunn, Myra Laing. on federal research scholarships, Missing when photo was taken was third infant, Simon MacLaren. bridging the physical and social sciences to earn master’s degrees in studies from 1984 to 1987. local teams. He was also haunted by “a sense quantum physics and development I know every ice hockey arena in He still plays hockey and soccer of restlessness, a feeling that what I (as in international development) England,” he said in a recent interview. on old timers’ teams, and he’s assistant had been doing had been good and economics. And not a few in Europe. During the coach of his children’s competitive valuable, but that it wasn’t what I was A house league hockey player Christmas break each year the Oxford soccer teams. meant to do for the rest of my life.” in Canada, Mark played hockey for team toured European countries like He says the decision to fashion In 2001 he took a sabbatical from Oxford during his post-graduate France, Italy and Switzerland, playing a new career in the church was “a Intelcan to explore this. “I wanted gradual process” that led to rethinking a different vocational path, where I his role as senior executive with high- could build relationships that weren’t tech firm Intelcan. constrained by the parameters of the “During the late 90s I had taken business environment.” the company through a very intensive The sabbatical allowed him more period of growth, earning recognition time for church work and youth work, for Intelcan as one of Canada’s fastest- coaching hockey and soccer teams, growing companies.” and coordinating Trinity’s church Although his work was highly school and youth programs. rewarding, Mark said that by 2000 And he took on challenging he had done most of what he wanted projects, including work as a volunteer to achieve and, additionally, he at Centre 454, a day program for wanted to cut back on unrelenting homeless men and women run by international travel to have more time for his family. Cont’d on next page Area Church Service Times Sunnyside Wesleyan Chuch St Margaret Mary’s Parish 58 Grosvenor Avenue (at Sunnyside) 7 Fairbairn (corner of Sunnyside) Sunday Worship Service at 9am & Sunday Liturgies : 9:45 a.m. and 11am 11:30 a.m. Children’s program offered during Christian Meditation: Mondays at both worship services. 7:30 p.m. Evening Prayer: Tuesday at 7 p.m. Trinity Anglican Church 1230 Bank Street (at Cameron Southminster United Avenue) Sunday Services: 9.30 am -- Sung Church eucharist, with children’s program, 15 Aylmer Avenue June 15 to August 24 (8 am and 10 10:30 a.m.: Worship and Sunday am services resume Sunday, Aug 31) School - September through June Thursdays 10 am – Eucharist or Morning Prayer in Chapel JUNE 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR Page 13 Cont’d from previous page the Anglican diocese of Ottawa. It is located in the Training for the priesthood involves extensive in his new role of deacon, assisted Father Dunn in Byward Market area. and intensive work at the parish level. He’s the Baptism of three infants at Trinity – Gwenyth “As I learned more about it, ordained ministry completed internships at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Marilyn Grant, Myra Frances Laing and Simon seeemed more and more to be a good fit for me, (the only church in the Ottawa diocese where George Mason MacLaren. Pentecost is a major providing me with lots of challenges and variety services are conducted in French), St. Thomas the Holy Day in the Christian calendar, celebrated as and allowing me to use the skills and gifts I had to Apostle, and Church of the Ascension. the birth date of the Church. help others,” he said. In 2007 he was one of four theology students Mark will be posted soon to a parish to act “It resonated with me. It felt right.” At the same selected by the Anglican Church of Canada for an as assistant priest before his ordination to the time, he acknowledged that “keeping all aspects overseas internship and spent three months in the priesthood. Deacons go where they are posted of life in balance, between the needs of family and island nation of Seychelles, off the east coast of but, he said, “I’d be happy to go to a church like ministry, willl be a challenge.” Africa. Trinity.” “In the ministry, you are always on call.” His Seychelles, which won its independence from son and daughter, “are taking it in stride. They tease Great Britain in 1976 has a population of some *Jim Robb is communications chair at Trinity me about my shirt with the white collar.” 80,000, a mixture of African, Asian, Indian and Anglican Church, 1230 Bank Street, corner of Trinity rector, Archdeacon Christopher Dunn, European migrants. Cameron Avenue. said that, “It has been a wonderful journey working His family was able to join him there and, “they with Mark and he brings tremendous gifts to the got to see what I do,” as well as enjoy the ordained Ministry. beaches and snorkelling. “The Holy Spirit has called a good person and Mark spent a month working at the equipped him well.” largest Anglican church in the Seychelles, Mark returned to work at Intelcan in 2003 but then toured and preached at other churches left in 2005 to pursue his goal and began theological during his stay. studies in the Anglican Studies Program at St. Paul The Seychelles experience contrasted University. sharply with his internship at the Royal He obtained a Bachelor of Theology degree in Ottawa Mental Health Centre, which tested 2007, winning the Governor General’s Academic him more than any other. Medal for highest undergraduate standing at St. “It was an amazing experience for me, Paul’s. trying to provide spiritual care in that kind of Now he is completing work on a master’s environment.” degree in pastoral theology. On Pentecost Sunday, May 11, Mark,

The annual Daffodil Lunch and Card Party is a decades-old event at Trinity Anglican Church. This year $1200 was raised for church programs at the card party on April 26. Some 128 bridge players attended, including Art Brimley (facing camera) and Ed Ramsay, who took on spouses Belma Hull (facing camera) and Phyllis Brimley. 9.30 am Services Start Sunday, June 15 At Trinity Anglican Church By Jim Robb

n Sunday, June 15, Trinity Anglican Church shifts to its summer schedule with one Sunday service at 9.30 am instead of the 8am and 10 am services Oconducted spring, fall and winter. They resume August 31. The shift to summer hours takes place on the Sunday following the church picnic. This year the picnic is being held June 8 when Father Christopher Dunn conducts the eucharist service at 10 am, complete with music and hymns, to open the popular event at Brewer Park. June 8 also marks the close of the church school and nursery, coordinated by Jennifer Small, for the summer vacation. It resumes in September. In place of the church school sessions a Crafts for Kids program will be conducted during the summer by volunteer Sara Gordon while the 9.30 am service is being held. There are no special requirements. All kids who show up are welcome. The picnic features a pot luck lunch. Parishioners bring their favorite dishes to share with others and there are plenty of traditional pursuits including tug-of-war, three-legged race, sack race, and more, to keep the kids (and adults) entertained. If it rains, the picnic moves indoors to the church at 1230 Bank Street, corner of Cameron Avenue. Page 14 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR JUNE 2008 Habitat for Humanity Costa Rica By Andrea Robertson

abitat for humanity Costa Rica is changing lives and Hcommunities throughout the country. There are currently 200,000 people living in Costa Rica who live in substandard housing: in shacks with dirt or decrepit floors, with inadequate or unsafe weather protection, and with poor sanitation facilities. Habitat’s goal is to provide people throughout the country with a simple, decent alternative to living in such inadequate housing. Like all habitat efforts on the local as well as international level, habitat for humanity Costa Rica is a grassroots organization. This means that the founders of Habitat affiliate locations throughout the country are members of the communities themselves, not habitat employees. These local affiliates are structured and administered according to the needs and desires of each community; the houses are designed locally, the families who benefit are chosen locally, and the houses are built using period, which is usually 15 years. build in the specific area of Ojochal We started the next morning at 7:30a. local materials and labour. The money from each family is then and El Jardin Tortuga in Southern m with foundation digging, continuing Since the first houses were built entered back in a ‘rotating fund’ to Costa Rica and Pacific Cost in the Osa until 4p.m over the next week with in Costa Rica in 1988, seven other build more homes in their community. region. We reached our destination more digging, mixing cement, wall communities have joined. Each family Each family actively works on their building, pouring concrete and of is chosen without regard to race or own home as well as their neighbour’s course getting to know the family- religion. The only factors considered home, and continues to volunteer learning and embracing Costa Rican are the family’s need and their ability with Habitat. Our team consisted of traditions. We left the build after 8 to pay back the interest-free, no down 15 people from mostly Nova Scotia, days, the finishing touches were to be payment loan in a reasonable time a couple from Newfoundland and a completed by the Habitat employees couple from Texas. I got into this and other volunteers from the project through a close friend in organization. After spending so much Halifax, and once I learned more time with this family, as they were about the organization I was hooked there daily, helping, words cannot to do the project. I sent out many describe how it feels to volunteer your email letters for donations, and lead time, money and energy into such a four charity yoga classes to raise worth while cause, to work alongside both awareness and donations. a great and wonderful family. We all My team consisted of the most after a long, bumpy ride from San Jose left the last day in tears including the giving, compassionate and caring (capital), where we approached our family of four. We all will be forever group of people I have ever come work site and met the family of four: changed. across. We were the first team to Ernesto, Iraida, Lisseth and Fabricio. JUNE 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR Page 15

BOOK REVIEW Brain Books

Each book focusses on a particular topic, but together they provide a fine trove of insights on that most significant part of your body. After all, the brain is the source of your personality. You should introduce yourself to it. (stephen a. haines)

Book review uring the past year, a rash The Accidental Mind. Linden calls a constantly shifting environment. by stephen a. haines of new books on the human the brain a “cobbled-together mess”, The result of this has been a highly Dbrain appeared, each making or “kluge”, describing it as a tiered developed brain, but one which a particular contribution. Views of edifice, like an ice-cream cone with demands continuous support. Our Kluge: The Haphazard the mind are many and varied, of scoops added over time. From the body grants our brain nearly a fifth Construction of the Human course, but the consensus is that it’s “cone” of the brain stem through the of our resources, and the human diet Mind “noble in reason” and “infinite in frontal cortex, he provides a tour of is a reflection of that demand. De by Gary Marcus faculty”, as Shakespeare deemed the brain’s structures and operations. Sousa’s book is small, but powerful Houghton Mifflin & Co. 2008 it. Certainly, the use of language, There is the limbic system composed in its reasoning and insights. ISBN 0-618-87964 coupled with the “creativity” of of elements found in all animal So, is there no hope for us with the human brain, permits us to life. It’s mostly on automatic, our klugy brain? Norman Doidge endorse the Bard’s judgement, quite acting on fundamental emotions doesn’t think so. In fact, he says, apart from its validity. We declare like “feed, fear, flight or fight” in the brain has a singular capacity something to be “true” because we reaction to changing circumstances. for repair and restoration. In The believe it or because we wish it to be Wrapped around this group are the Brain That Changes Itself, he so. Some declare the brain to be the areas handling audio and visual offers a sweeping view of recent product of a Special Providence, but signals. These are also derived from achievements in neuroscience as that’s a fallacy without a foundation. ancient ancestors, with fine-tuning applied to therapies for stroke and The human brain is clearly the result appropriate to our life-style added other brain damaging conditions. of millions of years of the process of on. Linden notes that up to here, our The result of stroke incidents is many evolution, which some of the authors brains and that of a frog “are not very and varied. The loss of use of limbs here are at pains to remind us. different”. Modern life has provided is common, as are speech and even “Kluge”, a term used by challenges these components are vision infirmities. At one time, it was engineers to describe something still trying to adjust to, with varying thought that the brain was built up cobbled together to perform a task, levels of success. by highly dedicated modules. Early The Accidental Mind: How but very inelegant to view, is the Those challenges are supposedly brain “mapping” efforts seemed to Brain Evolution Has Given Us theme of Gary Marcus’ book. To met by the frontal cortex, sitting reinforce this concept. Love, Memory, Dreams, and Marcus, who recently visited Ottawa behind your forehead. The frontal Doidge attacks what he calls God to launch the book, many daily cortex is responsible for much of our “localisationism”, a view that by David J. Linden events in our lives are indicative of memory and is where planning and precluded acceptance of much The Belknap Press how poorly the human brain can “thinking” take place. Unfortunately, of the research he describes here. Cambridge, MA. 2007 do its job. Ever forget your car while we believe our “thinking” is in Innovative researchers, trying new ISBN 0-674-02478-8 keys? Who is that lady across the our control, those automated systems, techniques, have overthrown this room that you just met last week? coupled with the messy signalling rigid view to offer sufferers new Memory is tricky and unreliable, as system taking place in there, solutions. “Lost” limbs can achieve any defense lawyer would be pleased interfere with that “noble in reason” recovery by keeping the working to remind us. Yet, under the proper myth. Linden doesn’t impose many part restrained. The brain’s reaction circumstances, long forgotten faces numbers on the reader, but keep 100 is to “re-map” portions of itself or events will suddenly pop back billion neurons in mind. That any and bring utility back. Michael into our consciousness. Why? Other one of those may be communicating Merzenich, one of the pioneers memory systems are clearly more with none of its fellows or 200 of this new work, is given much reliable. The computer I’m typing 000 of them is indicative. That’s attention by Doidge. “Merz” has this on can retrieve the notes to this an offset balance of effort, and the taken the lead in many aspects of review, next week’s appointments communication system is based on “Redesigning the Brain” and even and a map of Old Ottawa South chemicals called “neurotransmitters”. put his results into a commercial Why Think?: Evolution and the quickly and flawlessly. Why can’t Like any chemical process, it’s enterprise. He established a firm Rational Mind our “superior” brains equal that? subject to endless forms of disruption marketing a software to help the by Ronald de Sousa Marcus’ invigorating account - sometimes disabling ones, at other afflicted - even from nothing more of how our brain handles everyday times even fatal. than age - to restore lost memory Oxford University Press. 2007 things like car keys, language, University of Toronto capabilities or even speech problems. ISBN 0-19-518985-8 beliefs and how we make choices is philosopher Ronald de Sousa Applying the theme of “use it or lose a delightful read. He explores why follows yet another tack on the how it” to brain functions, “Merz” and The Brain That Changes Itself we retain acceptance of the irrational, evolution provided us with certain other researchers are showing how by Norman Doidge even when all the facts are carefully mental capabilities. In Why Think? effective the new techniques can be. Viking. 2007 laid out before us. He demonstrates he starts by recognizing that other Should you read or buy any of ISBN 0-670-03830-5 that the brain’s reaction to pleasure animals, while they may exhibit these books for your home library? may also lead us down unexpected, consciousness, lack our planning The answer is definitely “Yes”, and sometimes uncontrollable paths. and rationality talents. Even the with selection based on your own Addiction is one of these, of course, other higher primates don’t go much interests. Each book focusses on a and recognition of what the brain beyond seasonal indicators in their particular topic, but together they does to encourage it may act as a daily lives. Our abilities, de Sousa provide a fine trove of insights on preventive as well as how therapies says, provide us with more options that most significant part of your are applied. Marcus addresses this than the other creatures. We can body. After all, the brain is the and other aspects of our mental consider outcomes and not put our source of your personality. You kluge, offering a form of self-therapy lives at stake by failed experiments. should introduce yourself to it. in how we deal with our brains. The Because we are a highly socialized stephen a. haines may be reached by approach can overcome some of the species, we are forced to consider the email at [email protected] bungling operations many millions of intentions of others in our groups. years of evolution equipped us with. “What does Mary think of me?” is a Our evolutionary roots and the common question, followed by “How thinking machine they endowed us will she respond if I do this?” Such are the subject of David Linden’s questions arise constantly and within Page 16 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR JUNE 2008

A HARD DAY’S PLAY The Eternal Quest

By Mary P. the onslaught of the slavering hordes. book. 9:37 Sip. Ugh. Nuke. 7:40. I sit down with my tea. It’s 8:37 Sip. Ugh. Nuke. 9:40 Noting the time on the ’m not the most methodical of a little late, but the earliest-arrival 8:41 We start our Spring Project, microwave, I set about preparing people. Well, in some respects I doesn’t come on Mondays. I’ve planting beans in clear plastic cups so snack: fruit to be dipped in plain Iam: with children’s behaviours, I probably got 15 minutes. we can watch them grow. We place yoghurt. This will take about 4 minutes tend to have a pretty well-trodden path 7:42 The first child arrives. We the planted beans on a low window - the tea will be hot when I’m done, of responses and counter-responses greet, chat, exchange information ledge and gaze with pride on our and I can sip while they snack! charted out in my head. But my my while peeling the snowsuit, boots, hat, accomplishment. Well, some of us do: Emily and Timmy decide they own personal habits? I have general scarf, and mitts off the child. “They’re not growing!” would like to “help”. patterns, but nothing you could set a 7:58 Take sip of tea. Ugh. Pop tea 9:03 Sip. Ugh. Nuke. 10:00 Snack is delivered to the clock by. in microwave. Recover now steaming 9:06 Settle tots down to free play: table, ringed by famished, bibbed I get up between 4:45 and 6:00. tea. hobby horses, castle, blocks, cars, toddlers. Between then, and when my first child 8:00 Greet second child, who teddy bears … 10:20 Sip. Ugh. Nu –no. It’s arrives at 7:30, there are a bunch of has arrived with a book of nursery 9:10 Sip. Ah. Very nice. Second gone! No steaming cup of comfort things I tend to do: read for half an rhymes. sip. “Mary! Anna grabbed my cheeks!” for me. My caffeine comes in tepid hour, plot out my day’s activities, 8:12 Sip. Ugh. Nuke tea. Conversation re: using words and dribs, little slurps of chalky bitterness, maybe give a thought to dinner. Do a 8:14 Arrange self on the couch hands being for hugging. Standard a dozen times a day. And for this, few low-level household maintenance with two tots to read book. stuff. Then, since I’m right there in environmental me nuked the thing chores, and at the end of that, I always, 8:18 Third child arrives, dropped the construction zone, we have to every time? always make myself a cup of tea, the by a dad this time, so deposit takes see whether we can build a house big Oh, the shame. idea being a quiet 15 minutes before 93 seconds. Return to nursery rhyme enough for the smallest teddy, right?

The Maple Leaf Brass Band (MLBB) of Ottawa he First Annual BRASSFEST Atkinson, tuba NACO. General’s Foot Guards Band, and band by E F Lloyd Hiscock. is to be held in Ottawa May 30 Different programs on Friday and the Band of the Ceremonial Guards. Local performances have included The Tand 31, 2008. The MLBB has Saturday evening concerts will be There are music teachers, engineers, Cystic Fibrosis Fund Raising Gala, been successful in securing the talents presented at St Matthias Church, 555 sales people, therapists, truck drivers, CHEO Teddy Bears Picnic, The Perley of a number of local and international Parkdale Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario at scientists, entrepreneurs, and many Veterans Center, The Tulip Festival, artists for the festival. 7:30 pm. other occupations represented. Christ Church Cathedral, Norwegian Performing will be Ottawa’s well- MLBB will be under the direction of Dedicated to providing high quality Embassy, Blessed Sacrament Church, known Capital Brassworks, an David Druce, CD, MMM, bandmaster presentations of Canadian brass Orleans United Church, Last Night of organization of brass and percussion of the Ceremonial Guards Band. band music, MLBB have performed the Proms concerts, and many others. players comprised of members of the Ottawa’s own MLBB is an all- at the Festival of Brass hosted by MLBB’s mandate is to provide National Arts Center Orchestra and volunteer not-for-profit organization The Hannaford Street Silver Band opportunities for brass players of all others. fashioned after well-known British in Toronto. Original works by band ages to perform in a world-class band Internationally known trombone brass bands, comprising professional members Gabriel Major-Marothy and environment, to provide learning soloist Nick Hudson from the UK will calibre band members from a variety E F Lloyd Hiscock were performed opportunities for all, and to develop perform with the MLBB and other of organizations: several from as well as compositions by Canadian a library of Canadian Brass Band soloists, including Karen Donnelly, the now-defunct Royal Canadian composer James McDonald Gayfer music. principal trumpet NACO, and Nick Mounted Police Band, the Governor (1916-1997) transcribed for brass Makin’ Moves 3rd Annual Dance Festival Come one, come all...It’s going to be a party! *hotdogs, burgers and drinks for sale *please bring something yummy for our potluck table June 8th (sunday) at Windsor Park *bring along your lawn chair 5pm bbq *50/50 draw 6pm showtime! (no admission) Attention! Helpers needed:

*mom’s or dad’s to sit with the ‘little people’ classes before they perform *chef’s to do some bbq’in! *BBQ’s! who can wheel their bbq over?

Photographers..we .would love some great photos to make a collage for the studio!

Check out summer camps at www.makinmoves.ca

Thanks so much!

Looking forward to another awesome show in the ‘hood :o) JUNE 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR Page 17

WINDSOR CHRONICLES B– PART 85 No Country For Old Dogs

Dear Tera, plastic bag to keep the dew off the splint and bandages. He was hit by There was a time in this a car just across the street from our neighbourhood house, and the driver didn’t even stop When the people did not scoop to see if he or his young pup handler When the winter fields of Windsor was ok. Park So if a middle aged lab like Frank Were filled with doggie poop. is in danger, what perils await an old dog like me? An aged dog is but a Long before the hockey boards paltry thing, a tattered fur on a stick. Came down with the spring I’m afraid I will have to leave it When the snow banks hid the to the younger generation to patrol winter’s cache the park to keep the squirrels in their And buried everything. trees, and chase the shifty idlers from the parking lots. es, it’s been a long, cold winter. Longer than most. You do it, girl! To you from failing YDeeper than any I remember. paws we throw the ball. And it seems like my joints have been freezing up like the river, so I haven’t If many of the humanoids who been exploring as much as I would walk their dogs started calling or like. thumbing messages every time they But the harvest came again this and canine. We all do our part to keep as I did as a younger dog, and Alpha saw one of these shifty loiterers in the spring after all. Delayed by the the park clean and safe. takes me out often to avoid any park, the strangers would find a less blizzards of March and the floods of This occurs to me when I watch embarrassments. conspicuous place to transact their April, but it came. Alpha’s response to the strangers who Crossing Riverdale Avenue business. And on that weekend, I found park in the lot at the end of Windsor has become an epic of danger and Let’s make that park safe for pups my youthful strength again – strong Avenue. Many people use this lot: suspense. It takes me so long, and the – humanoid and canine alike. enough to join the merry throngs of some bring their kids to play soccer; cars drive so fast. happy poop pickers who came out others, their dogs for the late afternoon In fact, you know that Frank has Sailing to Byzantium, once more in force, wearing their romp. been hobbling around Windsor Park Zoscha colourful peasant costumes, and But at the times when there’s with his broken leg wrapped up in a singing their work songs. little action in the park, you’ll see another kind of visitor: shifty Beyond the still river the sun is strangers who stay in their cars, a-risin’ waiting for something. These are The dew on the grass as the new usually young males. They don’t day is born. seem to have any other business The houses are stirring, the pets in the park. And I can tell that get their feeding Alpha does not like them there And we set out to work now that one bit. winter has gone. In fact, when we encounter one of these cars idling in the They gather at the field house and park, Alpha will pull out his cell take up their rakes and their trowels, phone, or that other new leash their green garbage bags and their of his that connects him to his brown recycle bags. They head out clients: the one that he taps on along the river from bridge to bridge, with his thumbs. He will look at and they scour the bushes from the the young idlers in the car. He street to the tennis courts. They rake will look at the license plate of the open stretches of lawn, and haul the car. And he will tap a message out debris from the marsh. They into his blackberry. snip and saw, waging the eternal war Funny thing: the car usually against the Manitoba maples. leaves very soon after. Maybe if all the dogs and all We are the navvies who clean up the humanoids would start making all the dog poop, this part of their perambulatory Raking the grass in the bright routine, we would clean up the blazing sun. parking lot as effectively as we Living on juice and sharing our have cleaned up the park. dog treats But, Tera, I hate to admit to Bending our backs ‘til the park’s this. I haven’t been to the parking nice and clean. lot often in the past weeks. It just seems too far away. The spirit is It doesn’t take us very long this willing, but often I need to return year. I remember times when Alpha to the house after a brief and very and I spent six hours cleaning up our slow progression a couple of usual stretch of river, there was so doorways down the street. And much to haul out of the brush and the there are times when I just can’t mud. This year, we were done in 45 go any further and I lie down in minutes. the grass to recover my strength. And that says something very We take these walks good about this neighbourhood and frequently. I don’t have the same those who live here – both humanoid control over my bodily functions Page 18 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR JUNE 2008 Old Ottawa South Community Association OSCA - Board Members for 2008-2009

Michael Jenkin -OSCA President and Chair of the Steve Mennill - OSCA Treasurer and Chair of the Redevelopment Committee. Finance Committee on Grove Avenue. Steve’s two children mittee. attend Hopewell school and participate I moved into Old Ottawa in many community activities. South at the end of 1977and have Steve has served on OSWATCH, Fi- lived on Grove Avenue since 1982. nance Committee, Special Events My wife and I have raised two Committee and Firehall Redevelop- boys here who attended Hopewell ment Committee, and has been trea- and then Glebe CI and are now in surer of OSCA for several years. university. I work in the federal Steve has a strong interest in commu- government as a senior manager nity planning and development issues, dealing with consumer protection having worked as an urban planner for issues. My main prioritiy for the several years, and now works in hous- coming year on the OSCA Board teve Mennill has lived in Old Ot- ing finance. is to see the successful completion have served on the OSCA tawa South for almost ten years, of the design for the renovation Board since 1999 and have first on Seneca Street and now and expanision of the Firehall and S I been a member of OSWATCH and was later its chair and have to get the renovation funded in served as Vice-President and then next year’s City Budget. Brendan McCoy - OSCA Secretary President. I have also served as the chair of the renovation com- years. I have also been the commu- nity representative for the renovation of the Brewer Park Playground by the group of local Rotary clubs. The play- David Law - OSCA Vice President ground project is winding down, but I still hope to see the old and unreliable objectives for the new OSCA term existing sprinklers replaced by a new are these: water play area. I am a member of OS- • For the Board to review Watch. The nexus of urban planning, its mandate and adopt a fresh Mis- heritage, quality of life, safety, trans- sion Statement; portation, energy and environmental • To engage in more ag- issues has been a long time interest gressive advocacy of local inter- grew up in Ottawa and studied and it was what first drew me to the ests; History at Carleton University. I Community Association. I feel very • To ensure we have man- I am now a stay at home dad of two strongly that we need to preserve the agement committees for various boys. One son is now at Hopewell Pub- best aspects of the existing commu- OSCA functions; lic School, and the younger one starts nity, while embracing positive change, • To expand our member- there next year. I have been serving such as appropriate infill. ship, to be more representative as OSCA’s secretary for the last three rganizations, like people, and to attract more talent. That often evolve into some- means YOU, gentle reader; Othing new without realiz- • To engage with the local Anna Sundin - OSCA Program Committee Chair and ing it. This often means they don’t business community, both on Member of the Executive have a good sense of who they re- Bank Street and in homes; ally are, what they’re capable of, • To use our publications committee and I intend to do so again or where they’re going. I think more strategically, encouraging OSCA is in this situation. this term. I see this as the critical func- new content; tion of the board with respect to build- Although OSCA’s Board oper- • To help the Program ates like a friendly debating soci- ing community. OSCA aims to offer Committee reach new customers programs and activities that serve the ety, OSCA itself has grown into a with more offerings; complex business. It is a substan- needs and interests of all the members • To build better alliances of the community and which brings tial provider of programs to paying with other communities and insti- customers; it publishes a newspa- them together regularly. When the new tutions; FIrehall becomes a reality there will be per and website; it grants money • To have a backup plan if and other support to worthy local more and better space for the programs the City reneges on its promise to and activities to take place. causes; it runs and fundraises for its re-build the Firehall. registered charity; it acts as broker In order to encourage this relation- Free markets don’t reflect all was born in Sweden and moved ship to grow, one of my objectives this among differing interest groups; it our values, but they definitely re- to Canada in 1973. I have lived negotiates with elected and non- term is to improve communication be- flect some of our values. Homes I in the region since 1990 and in tween OSCA and the community by elected government officials, at al and taxes in Old Ottawa South cost Old Ottawa South since 2005. I have levels, to further local causes; it regularly posting the Board agenda and a fortune now, because people are a daughter who attended Grade 7 and Minutes on the website. I also believe acts as watchdog on concerns such willing to pay a fortune to share in 8 at Hopewell and is now in Grade 9 as development, traffic, parks and it would be helpful to have a represen- this way of life. It’s good to live at Lisgar. I am a lawyer with a general tative from each zone within Old Otta- safety. And if it succeeds, it will here. OSCA is part of that, but practice which I have partially moved even become something of a prop- wa South who can be another channel must accept greater responsibility into my residence on Sunnyside Ave. of communication between the Board erty developer with the building of for keeping it that way. I became interested in OSCA as a the Firehall addition. and the members of the community. David Law is a dad, hus- way to foster the growth of a commu- I encourage anyone who has an OSCA is a big enterprise now. band, lawyer and Vice President nity that cares for its residents. I was My goal for this term on the Board, interest, skill or activity they wish to of OSCA and the Ottawa Tennis first elected to the Board in November pursue with their family, friends and is to help OSCA realize what it re- & Lawn Bowling Club. He has 2007 at the beginning of what became ally is and could be - and to or- neighbours to talk to me or anyone on lived near Brewer Park for almost a 6 month term. the program committee. ganize itself accordingly. Much 9 years. Last term I sat on the program more can be accomplished and my JUNE 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR Page 19

Old Ottawa South Community Association OSCA - Board Members for 2008-2009 Cont’d

Michael Loewen - Co-Chair: ECOS Kevin Harper - Chair: OSWATCH

science at the Ottawa Techni- tant with a firm here in the city and cal Learning Centre. Previously also chair of OSWATCH, the plan- I was an environmental engineer ning and development subcommit- for 15 years. tee of the OSCA Board. I have been on the OSCA This is a great time for our Board off and on for 10 years. neighbourhood with much interest During that time I have taken and investment in infill develop- on the role of OSWATCH Chair, ment. With this comes the concern ECOS Chair and Vice President. of residents about traffic and urban Currently I am the Co-Chair of design. OSWATCH hopes to ad- ECOS. I am passionately in- dress these concerns with the com- volved in keeping Ottawa South pletion of an Area Traffic Manage- y name is Michael ment Plan for Sunnyside Avenue beautiful and making OSCA the ’m Kevin Harper and have Loewen. I live on Bel- (funded) and a Community De- most environmentally friendly been a Board member since mont Avenue. I have sign Plan (unfunded) for the entire M Community Association in the 2005. I’ve lived in the neigh- two kids aged 11 and 13 that go I neighbourhood. Both require sig- City of Ottawa. bourhood since returning to Ot- to Hopewell. I currently teach nifcant community involvement to tawa three years ago from Califor- be successful and we’ll need your nia. Like many of you, I have kids help! Please stay tuned for oppor- at Hopewell Public (Emma, 7, and tunities to assist and to be heard. Cameron 5) and care very much Nerys Parry - Co-Chair: ECOS about the future of the neighbour- hood. I’m a urban planning consul- here. The welcoming neighbours, and the abundance of wonderful parks and natural spaces nearby make OOS a truly special place to live. As for work, I’ve always been drawn to “green” issues, and have worked as an environmental engineer for many years. I now work mainly as a free- lance writer, focusing mainly on sustainability issues, and am look- ing forward to co-chairing the Jenny Haysom - Chair: Library Committee ECOS committee with Michael first moved to Old Ottawa Loewen in the coming year. South in 2001 with my hus- seasons as we go. In the evenings, I I band and two children. Right sometimes wander along the scruffy from the first, I’ve loved living streets and back lanes thinking that this place is right out of a storybook. There are cats on rusty fences, wild grape vines, weathered bricks, coo- Lisa Drouillard - Chair: Special Events Committee ing pigeons, and an old-fashioned barber shop with a spiraling pole. It has a certain magic. was a delight to plan and even This is my fourth term on the more fun to attend). OSCA board, though I had a year off I also sit on the Firehall Re- in between, recharging my batteries development Committee and have i. My name is Jenny Hay- after the struggle to save the Sunny- been actively involved in Board som. My family and I have side Library. I initially came to sit recruitment in the past. My in- Hlived in the neighborhood on the board after rousing the rabble, terest in working with the OSCA for more than five years, and most of helping organize the rally that saved Board was initially sparked by the the time, we love it! Occasionally, our branch from proposed budget cuts Board’s intelligent and stealthy we complain about the trade-offs, in March 2004. This was an enor- mobilization to fight the proposed the hidden costs of living in the most mous triumph for the community, closure of the Sunnyside library vibrant, geographically unique and and a great opportunity for me to find and by the active engagement of walkable community in town. Those my inner activist (a thwarted public my neighbours. concessions are: no closets or bath- energy that may have bubbled over have lived in Old Ottawa I also came to the Board with rooms to speak of, crumbling foun- after a few years of stay-at-home par- South since 2003 and was a both an academic and a policy dations, and the occasional rodent in enting that I will never regret). The regular patron of its pubs and interest in urban politics and ur- I the house. But we would never leave core group that organized the rally shops in my years as a grad student ban development stemming from our paved patch of urban heaven. also ran two highly successful library at Carleton (too long ago to men- my graduate research on the po- Old Ottawa South is a special fundraisers: a used book sale, and tion). I live on Glen Avenue with litical economy of global cities, place. Most mornings, my daugh- also the ubiquitous and smiley Sun- my second grader, who attends and my work on the federal urban ter Lucy and I enjoy walking a few nyside book-bags that can be seen all Francojeunesse school, among a agenda as a public servant. I cur- blocks to Hopewell School, saying around town. tightly knit group of friends and rently manage a policy unit within hello to all the friends and neighbors I look forward to another year on neighbours. Health Canada that conducts re- that give this place a homey, village the board, and all of the opportunities Over the past year, I have search and policy development feeling. Being walkers, we get to that I have to give back to a neighbor- chaired the Special Events Com- related to human genetics and dress for all kinds of weather --wear- hood that we call home. mittee, following my involvement health innovation. ing anything from rubber boots to in the organization of last year’s spaghetti straps to balaclavas-- feel- >>>>>> Savour the Flavour dinner (which ing the big old city trees framing our The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR JUNE 2008 Page 20

Old Ottawa South Community Association OSCA - Board Members for 2008-2009 Cont’d

Stephen Haines - OSCA Representative to City Jason Parry - OSCA Website Centre Coalition and the Federation of Commu- tage of programs offered at the Old nity Associations Firehall and is a strong advocate of the Firehall Redevelopment a small measure of response to project. Travelling extensively for the community’s generosity. He work with significant time away has tried to serve the community from home, he quickly recognized to the best of his ability. An avid all that Old Ottawa South has to reader, he writes book and occa- offer as a community and wanted sional film reviews for OSCAR. to “give something back”. He also is available as lecturer in Jason and his family have science-related issues, notably ason has served on the Board been Old Ottawa South residents evolutionary biology, geophys- for the past two and a half since March 2000 after moving to ics and cosmology. years. He is currently focus- Ottawa in 1987 to attend Carleton J University. He has two young chil- Since election to the OSCA ing on the redesign of OSCA’s Board, he has served as the Chair website, http://www.oldottawa- dren attending Hopewell Public of ECOS, participant in website south.com/ and has been an ac- School. Jason works out of his Old and other related issues, and is tive member of the Special Events Ottawa South home for a software the representative to the City Committee for the past 2 years. company in Northern California. aving moved into Old Centre Coalition and the Federa- He also served on the OSWATCH Jason is an avid sports enthusiast Ottawa South in the tion of Citizens’ Associations of committee in 2007. who also enjoys golfing, playing Hsummer of 1997, Ste- Ottawa-Carleton. He has been Jason was motivated to join poker and watching movies. phen found much here to interest elected Vice-President for Mem- the Community Association when him. With a background in sci- bership of FDA and is on the his children started taking advan- ence writing, research and tech- Transportation Working Group nology, history, photography, as well. The new City govern- nature and environmental issues, ment format has produced new he found the area had much to challenges for OSCA and other offer him. A house fire in 2001 Civic Associations, which FCA Michael Dobbin - OSCA Board Member brought recognition of the gen- desires to address in a coopera- live and erous and supportive neighbours tive environment. work. Michael is a movie producer around him and his family. Upon stephen may be reached by and script doctor involved in feature returning to the neighbourhood, email at bigbunyip@sympatico. films on both sides of the Atlantic, but joining the Old Ottawa South ca operating most of the year from right Community Association seemed here in Old Ottawa South. Michael was elected to the board in November of last year and is look- ing forward to further contributing to John Calvert - OSCA Board Member the community through the furthering of the Community Design Plan, and issues relating to public transporta- I am interested in many of the tion, responsible densification and issues that come before OSCA, environmental sustainability. most particularly quality of in- ichael Honeywell-Dob- The son of an urban planner, Mi- ner city life, urban planning and bin and his wife Christina chael took an early interest in how heritage, and the environment / Mmoved to Old Ottawa South cities grow and thrive and is strong ecology. I am also interested in is- in 2006 after several years abroad in believer that community involvement sues that affect my daughter such the UK. Both grew up in the Glebe will mean success for livable commu- as child / pedestrian safety, safe and made the decision to return to Ot- nities. He feels honoured to be part of routes to school and eventually as tawa because they actually believe that such an active and supportive commu- she enters JK this fall and beyond, there’s just no better place on earth to nity school and after school program- ming. I am coordinator of the newly ello OSCAR and fellow formed Ottawa South History Pierre Gratton - OSCA Board Member board members, Project, an informal group of am- H I have lived in Old ateur historians looking at Old Ot- We have Ottawa South for 12 1/2 years hav- tawa South, have published sev- lived in Ottawa for 10 years, the past ing grown up in New Brunswick eral historical themed articles in three in Old Ottawa South on Glen and lived previously in Kingston the OSCAR, and am an OSCAR Avenue (first 7 in Old Ottawa East). and Vancouver. This year since distribution coordinator. We are all enrolled at Douvris, both September I am a stay at home dad I have previously served on Maya and I have brown belts while with my 3 1/3 year old daughter several volunteer boards and have Lynn has a green. We have 1 dog (a and am part of a group of friends volunteered with a number of golden doodle, Jasmine) and 3 cats and parents of 3 yr olds attending other good causes, charities and (Littlefoot, Lily and Scarlet (who Southside Preschool and Firehall community groups in Ottawa, isn’t remotely red). We are Carmen’s activities. Previously I worked 15 Kingston and Vancouver. regulars! years mostly in Ottawa in high I look forward to serving on I am interested in promoting lo- tech as an IT consultant to gov- the board of OSCA and contrib- cal businesses, learning about and ernment and private industry. I uting to this fabulous community may return to that work in the fall, relating (through Oscar!) community neighbourhood that we share. arried to Lynn Mainland or I may continue as house dad or stories, urban planning and protecting and we have a daughter, pursue other projects. key public services like our library. MMaya Mainland-Gratton. JUNE 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR Page 21 Old Ottawa South Community Association OSCA - Board Members for 2008-2009 Cont’d

Valerie MacIntosh - OSCA Board Member Kendall McQueen - OSCA Board Member need to expand forced us to move to a larger store at 1136 Bank Street in market, of living in a city with two 2003, but still in the heart of Old Otta- official languages. Our children walk wa South.This will be my fourth year to their local school every morning. as a member of the OSCA Board and We meet neighbors and friends in I am currently on the special events the cafes around the corner. Kids up committee. I am also a member of the and down our street play and join in Old Ottawa South Business Associa- games together. These are the charms tion. of our neighborhood. Before this, we I love being on the special events lived in various places - Halifax, Par- committee that is responsible for the is, Nashville. Winter Carnival, the Porch Sale and I am a stay at home mom. Once ello my name is Valerie Ma- the upcoming 30th anniversary of the upon a time I worked in film pro- cIntosh and I have been a Firehall Fest celebrations which are duction. I also do fine art photogra- e have lived in Ottawa resident of or owned a busi- taking place at Brewer Park on Satur- phy. I sit on several committees - the H almost three years now. ness in Old Ottawa South since 1964. day June 21, 2008. program committee and the special Time in which we have I grew up in Old Ottawa South attend- I beleive that we live and work W events committee gotten to know the charms of walking ing both Hopewell Public School and in one of the best communities in the along the canal, of shopping in the Glebe Collegiate Institute graduating City of Ottawa; there truly is no better from Glebe in 1981. In September of place than Old Ottawa South. I have 1992 I started a little store called The also spent the last several months Patti Ryan - OSCA Board Member Clothes Secret,which is a women’s fighting the placement of Parking me- consignment store, at the corner of ters in our community as I beleive it Seneca and Sunnyside Ave. We re- was just a large cash grab by the city communications, writing articles, mained there for eleven years until a speeches, newsletters, website con- tent, reports and so on for govern- ment, private sector and non-profit Jim Steel - OSCA Board Member clients. She writes frequently about climate change, sustainable develop- a t t e n d ment, international development and Hopewell Avenue Public School and environmental issues. are in senior kindergarten and grade This will be Patti’s third year on two respectively. My wife is a nurse the OSCA Board. She sits on several at the Ottawa Hospital, General Cam- OSCA committees, including the pus and sits on the Hopewell school special events, Firehall redevelop- council. This will be my third term as atti Ryan has lived in Old Otta- ment and website committees. She an OSCA board member. Currently, wa South for four years, having is especially interested in one of I participate on the finance commit- Parrived here in 2004 after five the Board’s key strategic objectives tee and last year, helped organize the years in the Glebe and previous years – developing greener practices – and Savour the Flavour fundraising din- in other neighbourhoods and cities. is part of a small working group fo- ner. I am an investment counselor and She has two children who attend cusing on that. In addition to her role moved to Old Ottawa South with co-owner of a private wealth manage- Hopewell Avenue Public School, and on the Board, she is a parent volun- my family in 2005 from Russell, ment firm based in Ottawa. is a freelance writer and editor who teer at Hopewell and a member of the I Ontario. I have two daughters who runs Southside Communications, a Old Ottawa South Women’s Business small business in the neighbourhood. Network. She divides her time at work between Garden at the Firehall THANKS magazine journalism and corporate

TO Klara Bruelhmann Greg Strahl - OSCA Board Member

moved back to OOS with our daughter. In coming home to OOS I felt it was important to get involved with OSCA as soon as possible. I am passionate about this neigh bourhood and am commit- ted to ensuring that it continues to thrive. While serving on the board I have sat on the Special Events, Nomination and Finance Committees. I have also volunteered at have lived most of my life many of the community events in OOS (with brief sojurns Photo by Mary Anne Thompson (i.e. Savior the Flavour, Summer I in Westboro and Old Ottawa BBQ, Winterfest, etc.). By Deirdre McQuillan East). When I was two years old In my professional life I have my family moved to Cameron Av- been a commercial insurance bro- hope everyone has noticed how well the garden at the Firehall is looking enue from Rockcliffe Park. ker serving corporate clients in - the one on Fairbairn. That’s because Klara Bruelhmann, one of the pottery I went to Hopewell Ave PS Ottawa for the past twenty years. teachers at the Firehall, spent an afternoon in the garden - raking, weeding and I from JK-Gr8 and then on to Glebe I have been with Marsh Canada, pruning. The garden really needed some tender loving care and Klara volunteered Collegiate and Carleton Universi- the Canadian subsidiary of a glob- to do it. ty. Approximately four years ago al US brokerage, for the past five So, as you enjoy the Firehall garden this summer as you pass by - feel free to my wife and I bought the home years. pick a few weeds - we depend on volunteers. I grew up in (Cameron Ave) and Page 22 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR JUNE 2008 Tasty Tidbits from Trillium Bakery Mixed Blessings

By Jocelyn LeRoy and avoid banging our heads on the months down the road, in either the investment at hand. stone - yes, stone – ceiling. Anyone Glebe or Ottawa South. My partner I simply jumped. Parachute not taller than 5‘ 5” had a tough time of it in baking at the time, on impulse one ready. I knew I was an entrepreneur n the beginning, there was no light, in our basement. And fear of spiders Friday afternoon, enthusiastically and a risk-taker, but this was uncharted or water or storage space. Two – let’s not even imagine! signed a flung-together lease at 209 water and I had no idea where to find Ielectrical outlets in the kitchen, After a couple of years, the Belmont, for the remains of the the map. But strangely enough, I felt and none in the only other room! landlord sent in a crew of diggers to Interlude Café. He said, “We need a elated instead of terrified, which I Back in 1980, how did I see my remove the dirt pile. They dug and $760.00 deposit immediately,” which should have been as I handed over the soup, or find the coconut flakes with shoveled and dug some more, day he of no money had promised would money to my landlord. Looking back my fork poking around Interlude after day, hauling small bucketsful be forthcoming by Monday, 9:00 a.m. was not an option. Café’s famous carrot cake, which I up the stairs. The dirt pile became a I took the first of many a hissy-fit: Four years later, I sat in an upscale liked very much? Lunch at the Café hole, a deep dark pit. For me it was a “Too bad. I can’t come up with it by Montréal restaurant, reminiscing with was a dimly lit experience. They must new spin on “digging down to China.” Monday. Tell them to go jump in the my old friends from my childrearing have strung cords behind the scenes And the diggers wouldn’t stop. I had Rideau River. And you also. days, on the West Island. These and blown lots of fuses. Little did I to go to a Chinese restaurant and learn But that weekend, something women were fellow parkmate moms, know I would inherit the antiquated how to say, “Stop! Please!” totally unexpected occurred. soccer moms, PTA moms, swimming- tangle of wires, obsolete fuse boxes, Back up from the basement into Something magical. Something that lesson coaches, and melted-popsicle dozens of dried-up old paint cans, daylight: at best we were renting lots would make anyone a believer, no mopper-uppers. and, horror of horrors, a huge pile of of sunlight, which often made up for matter how jaded or skeptical their We had all baked muffins and dirt – a mix of sand and black chunks the lack of wall outlets. There are nature. shared recipes. One of them said, of asphaltish matter. plenty of windows, on three sides Monday morning, a brown “Wasn’t that great, the year we got that The basement, which everyone of the bakery, even in the tiny room envelope arrived in my mailbox. It cheque from the government to even who descended the rickety stairs beyond the kitchen – “Big John’s said “Gouvernement de Québec” in up that baby-bonus fiasco?” I replied, called the dungeon, had many rooms Fridge Room.” the top-left corner. I ripped it open, “What year was that?” An eerie filled with interesting relics. But After heaving out an ancient and there in my hand was a cheque prickly feeling was crawling up my nothing good enough for the Antique double cooler/fridge – voila! – we made out to me for exactly $760.50. arms. “The autumn of 1980. Having Road Show. discovered a charming little window. My brain heated up. four kids, Jocelyn, you must have To access to the electrical breaker We replaced the ugly old fridge with A mistake? No money was owed gotten a big one!” “Yup, $760.50. I panel at the back, we had to negotiate a shorter cold-box so that light could to me that I could imagine in my wonder how they calculated that odd the 5-foot dirt pile, actually descend stream between the boxes of raisins wildest dreams. I opened the Blue amount.” Thereafter, I wondered a lot the slope, and slide down the other and dates on top. Pages, looking for “Government of more than that. side, in pitch blackness, praying all the Before we moved to 209 Belmont, Quebec,” to find out what mistake Some people, like my brother, while not to drop the feeble flashlight. I had been searching hard for a place had ended up in my possession: this would just say, “Go figure.” But I had We struggled to keep some balance to lease, set up a bakery, two to three search was a hopeless gesture on my a different take on it: FATE! part. I slammed the telephone book Looking back over 28 years now, closed and rushed to the bank to cash my thoughts are: “So that’s the route the cheque, then sprinted over to the the angels picked to sign me up for landlord who was sitting there looking three decades of bread-baking, R & D, at his watch. In 10 seconds I decided a colourful life filled with unexpected that the location was promising. And blessings – many of them decidedly of course I had no clue about the real mixed. condition of the building; and I had no lawyers and engineers lined up to inspect the premises, the lease and the by-laws of the neighbourhood. And I had no large or small capital

Trillium Recipe Mixed-blessing Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Don’t follow the recipe Step 2: Add a big scoop of puréed pumpkin Step 3 Add a carefree toss of spice Step 4 Mix all together with your favourite yeast or soda bread. Step 5: Bake at 350 F until you think it’s done (golden brown)

Our baker got the recipe instructions all wrong and ended up with a marvelous yeasted loaf, with the fragrance of honey and pumpkin spice to raise one’s spirits on the gloomiest of days. JUNE 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR Page 23 CITY MATTERS Rideau River Interceptor

Rideau River Interceptor Manhole sites #46 & #47”. City of Ottawa Photo

By John Calvert standards and could be a danger to South work to take place between A MCEA is a streamlined approach to workers in their current condition. June and August. Residents whose environmental assessments. Schedule his month’s column starts The impact of this project for homes are directly affected by work A projects are pre-approved under the with a pop quiz to test your Old Ottawa South should be quite on a manhole on their street should Province of Ontario’s Environmental Tknowledge of Ottawa. The small: there are only 12 affected receive an informational flyer in their Assessment Act; they don’t require “Rideau River Interceptor” is: manholes in Old Ottawa South, most mailbox before the work commences. public notice or public consultation. a) an Ottawa Police power boat of them in or adjacent to roadways. 2 There was no advance public A detailed description of the MCEA used to catch smugglers trying to are within Windsor Park, 1 is within notice for this project because the repair process is available from the cross the Rideau river Brighton Park, and 3 more are in the or replacement of these manholes is Municipal Engineers Association at b) the nickname of an all-star entrance pathways to these two parks. considered a routine and predictable www.municipalengineers.on.ca. linebacker who played for the Ottawa In contrast, in Old Ottawa East there maintenance project. As such it can be Thanks to Richard Buchanan, Rough Riders are 22 affected manholes. It takes an managed under the Municipal Class Department of Public Works and c) an early 20th century City of average of about 8 working days to Environmental Assessment (MCEA) Services, City of Ottawa, for his Ottawa sewer pipe repair or replace a manhole, depending process Schedule A, which applies assistance in researching this article. d) a top secret military project to on the extent of work required, which to projects limited in scale, having develop a made-in-Canada fighter jet involves excavation, pouring the minimal adverse environmental concrete foundation and allowing it effects includes normal or emergency You will be able to get a first to set, building up the manhole and operational and maintenance activities. hand look at the answer some time backfilling the hole. this summer during the first phase One of the manholes in Windsor of rehabilitation work on the Rideau Park is at the grove of trees along the River Interceptor, a City of Ottawa west fence of the west set of tennis sanitary sewer that runs parallel to courts (site no. 47), the other manhole the Rideau River, through Old Ottawa is adjacent to the riverside path along South and Old Ottawa East, under the east set of tennis courts (site no. the Queensway, and in to Sandy 46), as illustrated in the accompanying Hill, where it merges in to the main diagram from the City of Ottawa sewer system. This “interceptor” is a Department of Public Works. medium sized sewer pipe that picks The exact schedule of the project up local minor sewer pipes. depends on the contractor, Laurent This project aims to repair or Leblanc Ltd, of Navan. The majority replace the manholes which provide of the work for this project is to take access to the sewer pipe, to ensure that place in Sandy Hill involving another during a subsequent phase workers sewer pipe knows as the Somerset can safely access the sewer pipe. The Collector. As of this writing the City existing manholes are quite old, some of Ottawa project manager Richard of them do not meets todays safety Buchanan expects the Old Ottawa Page 24 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR JUNE 2008

Somerset Street Collector with manhole being rebuilt. City of Ot- tawa photo. See parevious page for John Calvert’s aricle.

Photo by Peter Robinson JUNE 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR Page 25 Time-out From Windsor Park Cleaning

Elena’s Crafts - Photo by Peter Wells Page 26 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR JUNE 2008 This Generation’s Catcher in the Rye

By Georgina Hunter

Anthem Of A Reluctant Prophet By Joanne Proulx Viking Canada, 336 pages, hardcover $28, paperback $18

ld Ottawa South writer Joanne Proulx’s first novel, Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet author Joanne Proulx OAnthem of a Reluctant Profit was named by The Globe and Mail as one of the best debuts in Canada against death and forced to come to Luke was my way of making sense widow - that he’d be okay in the end. last year. After rave reviews here in terms with the true value of a human of it all. Canada, the novel just launched in life. GH: Bartley goes on to say: “I the US, the UK, and the Netherlands, GH: Luke Hunter hides behind felt I was back inside 17, plagued by where it is also receiving lots of buzz GH: Tell me about the main a façade, but he eventually cracks self-doubt, social blunders and sexual and more great reviews. Recently, character, Luke Hunter, a 17-year open, and shows the world a bit of angst, stumbling toward some kind The Guardian in the UK called it “… old. who he is and what’s inside. Did your – any kind – of identity.” I think quite simply, brilliant…a gem…and, nephews also crack open? your book will take a lot of parents above all, utterly engrossing.” JP: At the beginning of the back to their own teen years and novel, Luke tells a story about JP: Yes. When it was no longer help them understand where their I sat down with Joanne to talk how one of his friends is going to possible not to acknowledge what teenagers might be at today. Do you about her book, begun in France and be killed on the way to school the was happening to their mother. The have any advice for parents? completed in the second-floor sun next day. When the boy is killed, day before my sister died they both porch of her Old Ottawa South home. Luke realizes it wasn’t a story but a completely shattered. It was brutal. JP: Just keep talking to your kids death premonition. He withdraws Their pain was raw and real and …you might think they don’t care GH: What inspired you to start from the world, hides out behind a so much like my own, I could only but they do, you might think they’re writing? façade – a basement-dwelling, dope- marvel at how they’d managed to not listening but they are. And when smoking skateboarder who speaks keep it buried for so long. The extent they especially piss you off, it always JP: A posting to Paris. It was in monosyllables and seems to be of their camouflage was incredible, helps to remember how sweet they the first time I was at home full-time taking his new ‘talent’ in stride, and I think I gained an appreciation were when they were younger. My with my three children, then ages but who, in actuality, is suffering for a teenage boy’s ability to wall son is turning thirteen this year, and two, five, and seven. I was going incredibly. The story is told in the himself off from the world even I recently dug up an old picture of slightly mad. I joined a creative first person, so Luke is revealed to when, especially when, he’s going us. He’s about three and we’re both writing class and it felt as if my the reader through a richly chaotic crazy inside. I think a lot of this sort of glowingly happy in the shot. whole world just opened up. I began and thoughtful inner life. informed Luke, but that said, Luke is Whenever he and I are going through writing short stories, which were nothing like either of my nephews. a rough patch I put the picture on soon being published in Canada and GH: What inspired you to choose They’re both ‘good’ boys, or so we either his bedside table or my own, France. a teenage narrator? like to think. as a gentle reminder of where we’ve come from. So far it seems to be GH: What inspired you to write JP: As a writer, when picking GH: You capture the hidden working. He and I are still friendly, your first book? a character to give a problem to it’s sensitivity of teenagers so well. Jim still talking. a good idea to give the problem - in Bartley, a reviewer at The Globe JP: I began writing Anthem in this case the ability to predict death and Mail, wrote: “The beauty of this Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet is the winter of 2003. It started as a and to feel the dying person’s spirit story is its complete and beguiling available at Mother Tongue Books, short story but just kept growing. It passing through - to a character faithfulness to Luke’s inner world.” Kaleidoscope Books and all other was the winter George Bush set his least able to deal with it. I thought a major bookstores. For more on the sights on Iraq and the winter my teenage boy would be perfect, but in JP: Luke always felt so real to novel, visit www.stokumsucks.com sister, diagnosed with cancer, was retrospect, I don’t think the decision me. And I knew what an incredible or www.largeheartedboy.com a music fighting for her life. My family was was really that rational. It often felt kid he was and that, like all of us, he and literature website where Joanne reeling from the threatened loss of like Luke picked me to tell the story. felt everything very keenly. Even was recently asked to create a playlist one member and I kept thinking His voice was always very strong, though he pretended otherwise, I for their book notes column. how many thousands of families and it came very naturally. On a understood how smart and sensitive would be similarly impacted if personal level, I spent a lot of time and funny he was. It was a real If you’d like to have Joanne come Iraq happened. So Anthem started with my teenage nephews before pleasure bringing him to life and to your book group to discuss from a fairly political position but and after the death of their mother. getting him onto the page. I also had her novel, you can e-mail her at: it quickly became a highly personal I was stunned by, and struggled to great faith that despite everything I [email protected]. and intimate story about a boy, understand, how they were reacting, was throwing at him – his friend’s Luke Hunter, who is pushed up hard or in most cases, failing to react to death, a dream girl, a fundamentalist the severity of the situation. I think preacher, a grieving Polish JUNE 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR Page 27 The Amazing Adventures of Rosy, the Fairy ary F. Hawkins is the author of three speaking engagements in and around Ottawa. published adult non-fiction books, The Amazing Adventures of Rosy, the Fairy MHealth Talk, How to Communicate sells for $12.95. It is a lovely little book for with your Doctor, 2000, Unshielded the children between the ages of 6 to 10 years Human Cost of the Dalkon shield, 1997 and and for those who believe in what they can’t Here to Stay, 1983. She also writes poetry and see—such as fairies.J So far, audiences of is working on a novel for an adult audience. children in the schools respond well to it. Her recent book, The Amazing Adventures of Rosy, the Fairy is her first children’s book. Book signings: Her nine-year-old niece inspired this book. She enjoys teaching English writing and May 10th, Kaleidoscope books in Fifth Communications at the University of Ottawa. Avenue Court at 2pm-4pm In an earlier career as a photojournalist, she May 17yh, Britton’s News shop in the developed and continues to have, a love for Glebe from 12:00 to 4pm the wonderful world of photography. Octopus books in the Glebe, Sunday, The Amazing Adventures of Rosy, the June 15th, from 5-6:30pm Fairy is on its way to becoming a book series. Chapters at South Keys June 21, 1-4pm Mary is planning the outlines for these books, Mother Tongue Books In Old Ottawa as well as completion of her novel for adults South, June 28, 2 – 4 pm Mary Proulx - author of The Amazing Adventures of Rosy, this summer. Watch for book signings and the Fairy Genetically Engineered Ottawa Activists CUPE Executive /CNW / - these services at taxpayers’ expense. Trees ttawa labour activists Michael Hurley “With the Ontario economy flagging, working and Shelly Bird have been elected to the families across this province need access to health By Kathleen Ruff www.rightoncanada.ca OExecutive Board of the Canadian Union of care, municipal services, schools, social services Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario at the union’s and post secondary education to maintain a decent 45th annual convention in Niagara Falls. Hurley, who quality of life,” said Hurley. “Investment in public t UN meetings under the Convention on Biodiversity, is also President of the Ontario Council of Hospital services is an important strategy for creating good that took place May 19 -30 in Bonn, Germany, Canada Unions (OCHU) was re-elected as 1st Vice President jobs in communities across the province that have intervened to directly eliminate the African request for A while CUPE 2204’s Bird was elected member at been devastated by the massive loss of jobs in the a UN moratorium on GE trees. large. manufacturing sector.” Because of its obstructionist interventions at the meeting, The two join CUPE Ontario President Sid Ryan, Bird added that CUPE Ontario will continue to Canada was nominated for the Greenpeace Golden Chainsaw Secretary-Treasurer Fred Hahn and other Board educate politicians and the public that public-private Award for the most obstructive delegation. members from across the province in leading Ontario’s partnerships (P3s) and contracting out of public “Canada should not stand in the way of African and other largest union representing 220,000 members. services, be they health care, home care, hospitals, governments in establishing a moratorium on GE trees,” says Over 1,000 delegates at the convention gave the water treatment plants, arenas, libraries, winter Greenpeace Canada’s Eric Darier. “GE trees endanger forests Board a mandate to intensify pressure on provincial control or roads maintenance “will only destroy, not and Indigenous peoples across the world. The only way forward and municipal governments to reinvest in strong, improve, such services by turning taxpayers’ dollars is a global moratorium.” Canada’s Environment Minister, John accessible public services and stop privatizing out into corporate profits.” Baird, represented Canada at the Conference. The Harper government is using public funds to field test genetically engineered (GE) trees at government research stations in Canada. Tree pollen can travel hundreds of miles and the release of GE trees will put our forest ecosystems and biodiversity at risk from irreversible contamination. “Genetically engineered trees have the potential to wreak ecological havoc throughout the world’s native forests,” says Dr. David Suzuki. “Any outdoor test plots or existing plantations should be removed.” Around the world, governments, Indigenous peoples, and environmental organizations are calling for a ban on GE trees. From May 19-30 our government took part in a major UN meeting to decide “yes” or “no” to a global moratorium on genetically engineered trees. Around the world, governments, Indigenous peoples, and environmental organizations are calling for a ban on Genetically Engineered (GE) trees. Write to Environment Minister John Baird and the other political leaders now, calling for our government to: - SUPPORT an international moratorium on GE trees - STOP field trials of genetically engineered trees in Canada. Go to www.rightoncanada.ca for more details. th Page 28 The OSCAR - OUR 36 YEAR JUNE 2008 Ottawa’s Farmers’ Market: Landsdowne

Something for everyone at Ottawa’s Farmers Markets. Photo: Mary Anne Thompson

Merry music making - Photo M.A. Thompson

Happy gardener Mary Anne Thoompson, with Heritage Tomato plants from around the world - Photo P. Robinson JUNE 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR Page 29 Waste Not/ Want Not Part three of seven. By Jo Crivellaro could stop and pick it up. “ Nope.” I wonder how seven) and I collected the old brick and trucked it much money their municipality spends each year on home. Jordan cleaned off all of the old mortar, and woodworking teacher once instructed our recycling literature and programs? I visit our dump I scrubbed off the excess dirt and tackled my first class to “Never use a tool for anything other weekly to pick up newspaper for the wood stove, masonry job. It took me three days to complete, but Athan what it was intended for”. I imagine and to get caught up on the not so latest news, and that old discarded brick now graces the centre of he was just trying to teach us to properly respect have come to the conclusion that I probably take my kitchen as a beautiful counter base, and absorbs our tools, but there are many of us who simply more out of there than I put in, and if not, well, the warmth of the sun as it passes across the front can’t afford the appropriate tool for every job, and that’s my goal. of our house. I have found that old or used building sometimes the right tool just isn’t handy. When it comes to retail and manufacturing, materials have a character you just can’t find in I am a broke single mother, living happy and all businesses also have waste. Old stock, broken new stuff. A nick, dent (small bit of shopping cart) healthy without electricity in a cabin I helped design packaging and unmatched items all take up viable or some other small imperfection seems to create and build, and my advice is “If it works, use it!” shelf space and it is usually more convenient or cost a much more relaxed feeling in a room, and the I’ve used a rock as a hammer, a fork as a comb and effective to dispose of the unwanted stock. From colours usually get softer over time. I also find that a plastic shovel as a canoe paddle and they did the one tile store alone, I have collected at least 200 just as with antiques, the quality and craftsmanship job just fine! Unfortunately, it is usually only when floor tiles. The store clerk brought me behind the in older building materials can’t be matched today, we are forced to think of other ideas, methods or store where piles and piles of tiles had been thrown, unless they are custom made. A used building applications, that we even bother. We were created many were samples mounted on cardboard but material has already stood the test of time, and any with an unbelievable amount of ingenuity but spend some were still in full, unopened boxes. I was able weakness would have already become apparent. most of it trying to find ways to make life easier, not to be picky enough to only take the ones in terra My cabin in the woods is small and unfinished, better, just easier. cotta shades. It took a fair amount of time to do the but it’s cozy and we’re proud to call it home. There Many articles and services, which have math, organize the various sizes, and scrape off the are cookies baking in the oven of our wood cook brought us convenience, are encouraging us to nasty glue on the back of most of them, but I now stove and large pots of water for dishes and bathing become dependant on those who provide them. have a beautiful mosaic tile floor, which only cost are simmering on top. The gentle colours of the The advertisements on television and radio, in the me $110.00 for tools and adhesives. All businesses terra cotta tiled floor and brick areas lend warmth newspapers and magazines, tell us that we not only have to pay to have their garbage picked up, and and comfort to the room, which is enhanced by need all of these articles, but that we should update they pay by weight, so with heavy items like tile the beeswax candles every evening. The many them as newer, better, faster, more compact and it is cheaper for the company to just give them long slender windows expand our kitchen space to lightweight models become available. away. Still, some companies choose to dump their include the constantly changing surroundings of our And what happens to the outdated models? unwanted stock because they feel it will cut into beautifully forested area and the many creatures that They pass from hand to hand through a number of their sales. live in it. My goal, from an aesthetic point of view, garage sales and eventually they end up at the dump, In the building industry there is also an is to design and house that, when once finished, where they get buried. We can’t see them and so abundance of scrap material. The estimated waste looks as though it’s been here for 100 years, and we think they are no longer our responsibility and in building a house is 20%, which means that a good old and used building materials are helping me they can’t bother our consciences. Unless you’ve portion of the materials were manufactured, trucked to accomplish that. A house built in this manner actually checked it out for yourself, you would to the distributor, trucked to the building site, and evolves more than it is planned. You can plan the not believe what ends up at the dump. My friend then trucked to the dump. Most of the tile I picked concept (i.e.: no windows on the north side, lots on Tim retrieved a beautiful hand carved oak settee up was imported from Italy. What an incredible the south) but sizes and shapes are often determined and chair, in perfect condition, which were being waste of materials and consumption of human and by what’s available at the time. A customer’s unloaded at our local rural dump because the owner fossil energy! incorrect order at a large building supplies store was expecting company and no longer had room for In recent years there have been a few more enabled me to pick up 11 thermal-panes at a savings them. Tim passed them on to me, and years later businesses opening up which sell used building of $750.00. You don’t need as much money if you when I was down sizing, I sold the set exactly as materials at a reasonable cost, but they can’t keep have time, determination and creativity. A beautiful it had been found, for $450.00. Over the years, I up with the quantity that’s wasted. At one of these home is one that makes you feel happy to be there have salvaged many wonderful pieces of furniture stores I picked up an absolutely beautiful, heavy, and we are always anxious to return to our little and useable building supplies like lumber, windows solid wood front door, with six panes of bevelled cabin in the woods. and doors. I must admit the dump is my favourite glass and a brass kick plate, for $25.00. The items place to shop, the price is right and their return you can usually get cheap (or free) are doors and Jo Crivellaro is a professional knitwear designer, policy is unequalled. windows – and even if the quality isn’t good enough mosaic tile artist and hand made card maker. Her Unfortunately, in most dumps it is illegal to for your house, perhaps they would suit a garage, company ‘Jo of the woods’ can be contacted at retrieve and use what others have thrown away. shed or greenhouse. www.joofthewoods.ca and her cards are available During a short stint of working for a garbage Nine years ago someone accidentally drove at Paper-Papier and Wool-tyme. company I was given a tour of the Ottawa-Carleton their car into the front of our local grocery store, dumpsite by one of their employees. I spotted a which was sided in brick. The old brick was perfectly good wooden baby sleigh and asked if we being discarded and replaced. So my son (then Page 30 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR JUNE 2008 The Ottawa Swans’ Old Ottawa South Player: Seth Potter by Justin Dahan

his year, the Australian Football league will head into its 20th year of existence, and for Tthe first time, the league will expand to Ottawa. The Ottawa Swans Australian Football Club is raring and ready to play their inaugural game on May 10th at 2pm the Rideau Carleton Raceway against one of the top teams in the OAFL, the Etobicoke Kangaroos. Ottawa’s Mayor, Larry O’Brien, and the Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Bill Fisher will preside over the coin toss of this opening game that will feature Carleton student and Old Ottawa South resident, Seth Potter Australian Rules Football (also “Aussie Rules” or “footy”) is divided into four quarters. Each quarter lasts 20 minutes. The object of the game is to score as many goals and points as possible with a “rugby ball” which is similar in shape to a football. To score a goal, the football must be kicked between the inner two, of four, goalposts. A goal is worth six points. A single point is scored when the football passes between the outer posts flanking the centre, taller goal posts. Players can move the ball by hand or foot forwards, backwards or sideways and it went I had to be there, it was the most exhausting gym teacher got back from a year long exchange can run to any position on the oval field as there thing I’ve ever done.” to Australia. He came back pumped about footy is no “offside” rule. Footy is a very fast paced and Currently working on his B.A. in History at and wanted us all to get to know the game a bit. physical sport, it’s one of the most exciting sports Carleton University, Seth gets in game shape by, That was the first time I had a kick with the ball to watch. “working out at the gym in Carleton University and although I thought the rules were odd I loved Seth Potter, nicknamed “Iceman” by his running laps and weightlifting. Lately I’ve gotten playing. Ever since then I had been hoping to play teamates because he resembles Val Kilmer in Top up the courage to start running up Dunton Tower (a but there was never a team nearby until the Swans Gun, is one of the Canadian-born players on the 23 storey tower on campus) to give myself a new started up last year.” Swans team. Seth will play an important role on the challenge. Other than that I go to training sessions For more information, including how to become Swans this season , “I’ll be playing in the forward and try to keep active and eat well.” a player, check out the Ottawa Swans homepage at line, but we’re still working out positions and seeing Many of the Canadians on the team were www.ottawaswans.com. For more information on where we’ll fit everyone best. I’ll probably bea largely new to the experience of Aussie Footy, but the Ontario Australian Football League, please visit forward pocket. Last year I played rover, basically that’s not the case for Seth who, as he explains, “I www.ontariofooty.com. following the ball around the field; no matter where started playing Aussie rules after my high school Ottawa Swans Host Their Second Match

By Ray Kaduck of occasions. Coach Keane describes specifically Ontario, plays host to the called a “mark” and usually occurs him as “a hard-nosed rover who is not largest Aussie Rules league outside with a high leap when a player uses an he Swans debuted against one afraid to put his body on the line. Very Australia. The Ottawa Swans are the opponent as a step to a greater height of the league’s top teams, the fit and will provide a lot of drive out of first team in Eastern Ontario. to catch the football. This move is TEtobicoke Kangaroos, on May the middle for the Swans.” The game is divided into four unique to Aussie Rules Football. 10th. Although they were defeated by Keane describes some other quarters, of 20 minutes, plus time Family and fraternity are at the a considerable margin, the other OAFL players to keep an eye out in this added when umpires stop play. The heart and soul of this Australian teams have taken note of the fact that week’s game as follows: object of the game is to score as many national sport. Canadians, known for the plucky newcomers were able to Seth Potter - “Solid defender who goals and points as possible with a their “cultural mosaic” spirit, can well score 34 points on the ‘Roos, while has bulked up over the pre-season yet “rugby ball” which is similar in shape and truly understand this ideal. As the four of those teams were blanked by has the fitness to run with any forward. to a football. To score a goal, the sport of Aussie Rules football seeks to the powerhouse team in its 13-1 2007 Always dependable and reliable on football must be kicked between the find a home in the hearts and minds of season. defense.” inner two, of four, goalposts. A goal Canadian fans, Ottawa residents can The Lakeshore Rebels are one of Alp Oran - “Bullocking forward is worth six points. A single point get behind and cheer their very own the OAFL’s oldest franchises, having who learnt the game from many years is scored when the football passes team. Anyone wanting to experience entered the league in 1990, a year in the USA and a brief stint in Toronto. between the outer posts flanking the an integral part of Australian culture after it was formed. They contested Leads hard, straight and always centre, taller goal posts. Players can and history should come out to a game the Premiership of the league in only provides a contest. A hard player to move the ball by hand or foot forwards, to find out why Australians, and now their second season and went on to shut down over the full game.” backwards or sideways and can run to Canadians, are so passionate about the win the Connacher Cup twice during Australian Rules Football (also any position on the oval field as there sport! the 1990s “Aussie Rules” or “footy”) is a very is no “offside” rule. For more information on the team, After the last game, Swans demanding physical sport. First Often rated as one of the quickest upcoming games, sponsorship and awarded the first ever Players’ Player played in 1858, it is a form of football and best spectator sports in the world, volunteer and player opportunities, award to Egyptian immigrant Yaser with roots traceable to early forms Aussie rules treats fans to an array of please visit their website at www. Abou Elenein (nicknamed Bangles), of Rugby and Gaelic football. This one-on-one contests with high leaps, ottawaswans.com. For more the team’s smallest player. His mix of skills ensures that the sport body contact, periods of sustained information on the Ontario Australian tenacious physical play was more is uniquely Australian. In Australia, running and unpredictable bouncing Football League, please visit www. than most opposing players were able it is a multi-million dollar business patterns of the ball. One of the most ontariofooty.com. to handle as he out-stripped much and is considered Australia’s premier spectacular and skillful maneuvers larger players of the ball on a number and most popular game. Canada, performed by seasoned players is JUNE 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR Page 31

Local Veterinarian - Dr. Emily Black The Dog (And Cat) Days Of Summer

By Emily Black overheat before you even crack a puddles are also a source of drinking sweat. water for thirsty animals and thus the ell it seems as though we Last summer it was also brought to cycle of transmission begins. Pretty have just gone from winter my attention that a number of people clever little spirochetes really. Now, Wto summer, so I decided to program their thermostat to kick in to a vaccine exists for Leptospirosis but skip the wonders of spring and just lower temperatures only during the it only covers 3 out of a total of 9 jump right in the sweet hot days of hours they are home. Remember that strains, meaning that even if your dog summer. Ahh… summer. Right now your pets are home during the day has been vaccinated, they may not and that indoor temperatures can rise be fully protected. That is why the my dog is lying out in the parking lot, distance for the cat to be able to flip it’s significantly inside your house unless lady was bothering about the puddles, doing a great impression of a dead body around in order to land feet first you take precautions, such as drawing better safe than sorry. Basically at dog in the sun. I told her this wasn’t as it hits the ground. For this reason, the blinds. Cats may love heat, but that point you have to decide what good for drumming up business but cat’s who have fallen three stories this can even be too much for them. level of risk you’re comfortable with. what can you do. or more general end up with a few Ok, enough with the heat already! Most likely your dog is protected but Summer is indeed a wonderful broken bones, some ripped ligaments This weekend I was at the Dog not 100%. time for dogs, they get to run and but for the most part are OK. Those Park and I heard a lady shouting at Alright now, let us switch gears play and have fun, just the same as on the lower levels tend not to fair so her dog to stay out of the puddles. a bit and talk about summer risks to people, and just like people they run well because they haven’t been able Doubtless many of you have also heard cats. The one that comes to mind is a few of the same risks. One of the to get their feet under them. So, such things and you asked yourself, cats falling from apartment windows. risks that may not immediately come although you may not think that you is this lady simply crazy or does she The danger is in the statistics. to mind is heat exhaustion. No doubt live that high off the ground, make have a genuine concern. The truth Saturday night is the most dangerous that most dogs are very happy to have sure your windows are secure. Now is she does have a genuine concern. time for this type of unexpected been included in the family walk to there is some great trivia with which She is worried about Leptospirosis. feline activity; the reason being that see the tulips but it is important to to impress at pool parties… feel free Called “Lepto” by its close friends, cat owners are home during the day remember that they need shade and to use it! water in the same way their owners this organism is neither a virus nor a and have opened the windows, they bacterium but rather something called then go out on Saturday night, and do. There are a number of products, Dr Emily Black works as a small a spirochetes, a very small spring forget to close them. The cats see such as collapsible water dishes, and animal veterinarian at Centretown shaped life form. It is transmitted birds out the windows and become watering bottles that can be easily Veterinary Hospital (www. through the urine of wildlife including so obsessed with hunting that they brought along to help with the heat. centretownvet.ca). raccoons and ducks and as you might forget about the height and they just Also a cool bit of trivia is that dogs She grew up in Old Ottawa expect attacks the kidneys causing leap. Unfortunately, the old adage actually lap up water with the bottom South, trained at the Atlantic kidney failure. The reason puddles that cats always land on their feet, of their tongues. For that reason, Veterinary College and now lives become dangerous is two fold. Firstly, isn’t true after all. This old wives tale offering water from a dish where they in the Glebe. She is owned by a 13 they are frequented by wildlife, and only holds if the building is over three can scoop with the bottom of their year old dog and two cats. tongue rather than spraying water in secondly, all animals have a strange stories. It takes three stories worth of their mouths works better. little reflex by which when your hands Also remember that running for or paws get wet, it can trigger a reflex a dog, although more energy efficient to urinate. For this reason, puddles than running for a human is still not as often are a site for urination and as efficient as rollerblading or cycling. such become little cesspools for the It’s important to remember Fido may transmission of Leptospirosis. The A New Canadian Epidemic: M.E./CFS Patients Fight for Services and conditions. May 12th is the birthday of Research into the M.E./CFS Florence Nightingale who is suspected Epidemic to have lived with M.E./CFS and fibromyalgia for most of her adult life. ver 350,000 Canadians M.E. (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) struggle each day to cope with is: Oa condition that few doctors · more than four (4) times more understand and fewer still are able to common than Parkinson’s disease, treat. In 2006 the Centers for Disease · almost eight (8) times more Control called M.E./Chronic Fatigue common than HIV/AIDS, Syndrome “a serious problem of · more than twelve (12) times more epidemic proportions.” common than breast cancer Once given the inappropriate · and the number of Canadians label “The Yuppie Flu”, myalgic living with M.E./CFS is approximately encephalomyelitis (M.E.), which has the same as the number of stroke been more commonly known as “Chronic survivors in Canada. Fatigue Syndrome” is a neurological However, M.E./CFS still remains condition that causes more than just a misunderstood, under-funded, under- all-consuming fatigue but also pain, serviced and little researched condition weakness, sleep dysfunction, as well that costs the Canadian economy over as memory and cognition difficulties. $6 Billion each year. A high percentage of people living The M.E. Association of Ontario is with M.E./Chronic Fatigue Syndrome working hard to raise awareness of the also have fibromyalgia and/or multiple condition and increase the funding for chemical sensitivities. medical services and research into M.E./ May 12th was International M.E./ CFS. For more information, please call CFS and Fibromyalgia Awareness Day the M.E. Help Line at: 416-222-8820 – a day to highlight the many issues or toll-free 1-877-632-6682 or visit the facing people living with these two website at www.MEandMe.ca . Page 32 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR JUNE 2008

OCDSB TRUSTEE REPORT Draft Budget and Declining Enrolment

By Rob Campbell more Provincial money for spec ed, on the results of the tripartite (Boards, Board is experiencing, and which successful partnerships our staff have unions, government) framework 66 out of 72 Boards in Ontario are e’re all knee deep in developed, some money relabelling discussions being held now. Broadly, experiencing, could cause us to budget discussions for next and to the many important cuts made the Province is overseeing general tighten our belts again somewhat Wyear right now and so its last year in spec ed and other areas. money and work minutes discussions for the following budget unless the appropriate that this column be about Having a balanced budget is wonderful and funding the result and then all Province seriously addresses the the budget. So far it has been a bit of a though I take little glee from it given bargaining flips local to each Board general declining enrolment picture. yawn, which is admittedly a welcome the cuts we have had to make to get for detailed negotiations and for When a Board loses a student it change. there. sealing each deal. loses the entire student grant except Over all it is a balanced budget The budget has risen inexorably The draft budget calls for a modest for some per school funding and a with some minor reallocations. The to be close now to $2/3 billion reinvestment in sundry administrative small declining enrolment grant the draft calls for our spending on special due largely to inflation and special areas including a researcher in government provides but our costs education to be only $1.5m over its government initiatives. The Province quality assurance, staff in facilities only go down 1/2 or so: we still have envelope funding for next year due to will be adding more funds depending planning, though still leaving us to pay for the building and principals underspending our envelope funding and the bus and central admin and for administration. The draft has so forth. The Province has set up a us finally increasing spending on reference group to discuss declining occasional teachers so it is more in enrolment and all Boards are hoping line with past actuals and this will that there’ll be targeted aid flowing have an indirect positive impact on to boards to help them out. There are school budgets which pay for phones shoals of this and other budgetary and paper and textbooks and other sorts ahead but, for now, it appears to grassroots level spending at each be steady as she goes. school but which also must cover If you have a suggestion or a each school’s occasional teacher concern, or would like to be added to my spending. There is a modest increase electronic newsletter list, then please in custodial spending. The summer don’t hesitate to contact me. I can be learning program for autistic and reached via any of 730-8128, rob@ developmentally delayed students ocdsbzone9.ca or “Rob Campbell, is covered. The draft budget may 133 Greenbank Road, Ottawa ON, change in details between now and K2H 6L3”. Board meeting, budget, approval though I don’t currently document and delegation and other expect any fireworks. info is available at www.ocdsb.ca Our CFO has cautioned that the continued declining enrolment our

Who’s The Best Teacher... Ever?

/CNW/ - And in this contest, both teachers and VOKids is putting that question the students who nominate them have a to Ontario’s kids in its second chance to win. Winners will be chosen Tannual Best Teacher Ever contest, Wednesday June 18, 2008 by random helping to end the school year on a high draw and 25 prizes will be awarded as note for the province’s teachers and their follows: students. - One child wins an iPod Shuffle. Running from now until June 16, The teacher receives a $25 Indigo the contest gives grade-school kids an gift card, a TVOKids coffee mug, a opportunity to recognize their teachers TVOKids The Space baseball cap, and a for the valuable work that they do. pizza party for the class. Last year’s contest attracted over - Four kids win an iPod Shuffle. 6600 entries. To enter, kids must write Their teachers receive a $25 Indigo to TVOKids describing, in as few or as gift card, a TVOKids coffee mug and a many words as they wish, what makes TVOKids The Space baseball cap. their teacher so special. Is it because - Twenty kids win a TVOKids T- they make every kid feel welcome and shirt. Their teachers receive a TVOKids at home in the classroom? Do they go coffee mug and a TVOKids The Space out of their way to give extra help after baseball cap. class? For complete rules, submission Or do they just make learning requirements, and prizing info, visit fun? Entries should also include their TVOKids.com. teacher’s name and school and can be mailed to: About TVO

TVOKids The Space TVO is Ontario’s public educational Attn: Best Teacher Ever Contest media organization and a trusted source Box 200, Station Q of interactive educational content Toronto, ON that informs, inspires and stimulates M4T 2T1 curiosity and thought. We are committed to empowering people to be engaged Kids can also enter online at citizens of Ontario through educational TVOKids.com. media. JUNE 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR Page 33

OCCSB TRUSTEE REPORT “PUTTING STUDENTS FIRST”

newsletter for details. Kathy Ablett, R.N. • June 11: Grade 6 Retreat • June 12: SOAP Box Derby My sincerest best wishes to Chair of the Board & Trustee for Grades 7 & 8 students. This is everyone for a safe and restful summer Zone 9 • June 12: Liturgy for end of term a hands-on project where students break! Capital/River Wards • June 18: “Kangaroo Idol” – come compete with others from across the If, at any time, I can be of & see what it’s all about! system. Best wishes to all! assistance to you please do not hesitate Telephone: 526-9512 to call me at 526-9512. • June 19: Track & Field meet • June 17: Volunteer Appreciation une is upon us and really, it seems Sincerely, Breakfast in the morning and that this school year has just flown • June 20: Farewell to Grade 6 Graduation for students from St. Kathy Ablett by. We are into a month that tests J Mary’s Satellite School in the “Your Trustee” students’ knowledge and celebrates • June 25: Final day of school afternoon their success and achievements. Below are a list of activities taking • June 24: Cappies Gala – The red place both at Corpus Christi and Immaculata High School carpet is rolled out for high school Immaculata. • June 2: Child and Youth Friendly students across the city. This is truly Ottawa presents “Spirit of the Capital an amazing event. Corpus Christi School Awards” – 4 students from Immaculata will be recognized • June 25: Graduation ceremony • May 27 – June 6: EQAO testing for Grade 12 students. of Grades 3 & 6 • Ambassador Camp for Grades 7 & 8 students who have demonstrated This is just a brief glimpse into • June 4: Volunteer Appreciation leadership in their school a busy month. Watch your school Breakfast

To book an OSCAR ad call Gayle 730-1058 [email protected]

CIC to Bring Communities Together with a “Day in the Park” he Catholic Immigration • The Instrumental Petting Zoo Centre (CIC) is proud • Multicultural Entertainment, Tto once again host the sponsored by Rogers Community Cup (2008), now in • The TD Canada Trust Kids its fourth year, at Brewer Park in Zone, and much more Ottawa on Saturday, June 14. This year’s theme of a “Day in the Park” Early registration for the signifies an opportunity to celebrate soccer tournament ends Monday, welcoming communities in Ottawa May 19. with a full day of activities. Date and Time: Saturday, Over 1,000 community June 14, 2008 9:30 AM – 4:30 members of all ages are expected to PM participate this year. The traditional Location: Brewer Park recreational soccer tournament that Organizers from the Catholic has defined the Community Cup in Immigration Centre (CIC), along the past will now be supplemented with major sponsors and partners, with events for the whole family, will be on hand to support the such as: launch of this unique community multicultural entertainment and event. music Major sponsors for 2008 include TD Canada Trust, Rogers • 14-and-under Kids Fun Zone Cable, the Ottawa Police and a chance to learn 12 languages others. For more information and in 6 hours at the Language to register, please visit • An International Food Bazaar • A Language Village • Cultural Craft Workshops Page 34 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR JUNE 2008 Rainbow Kidschool News by Susan Redding 25th Anniversary at Lady Evelyn Sugar Bush Visit The 2007-08 school year marks he sap started running just in the 25th anniversary of Rainbow time for Rainbow Kidschool’s Kidschool/Carleton Preschool’s Tannual field trip to a local sugar move to Lady Evelyn Alternative bush. Children from the preschool School. From 1967-82, the school and afternoon programs visited the operated as a model preschool within Proulx Farm in Cumberland on March the Department of Psychology at 27 to see firsthand how tree sap is Carleton University. In September, transformed into the tasty syrup they 1982, the program moved to Lady enjoy on their morning pancakes. Evelyn Alternative School and Thanks to the late-arriving spring, began operating autonomously as sap gathering had begun only the Carleton Preschool. This relocation day before the children’s visit, and introduced a “seamless day” for Lady a cold breeze lingered in the syrup Evelyn’s kindergarten and school- shack as they watched maple syrup aged children, who can partake in being made. But everyone was too Rainbow’s afternoon and afterschool busy having fun feeding the small programs without traveling to another farm animals that live on the sugar building. Children from other schools bush farm and enjoying the fresh air also attend Rainbow programs. to complain. The children arrived back at the school with muddy boots and sticky hands from the maple taffy treat they enjoyed.

photo by Nancy Marshall.

on this and other Rainbow programs, Registration please contact Nancy Marshall Spaces are still available for the at 613-235-2255. morning preschool program, both now and for the 2008-09 school year. Children ages 2.5 to 4 may attend 2, 3 or 5 days a week. For more information 2008 Bear Hug Raises Record Amount For Local Charities

n April 25, students and staff from 10 Ottawa Catholic School Board schools participated in the largest Bear Hug event ever Oorganized. A major component of the event was raising money for cancer research and patient care. Organizers of the 2008 Bear Hug are thrilled to announce a final tally of $310,000! This amount, which by far surpasses the original goal of $130,000, will be shared equally among three local charities: The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, CHEO Foundation and the Sens Foundation. Students are staff are thrilled with the fundraising outcome for cancer care and are eager to talk about their success. To schedule an interview with one of the 10 schools please refer to the attached document for contact information. Also included in this email are photos for your use. The second goal of the event was to re-claim the Guinness World Record for the largest Bear Hug. Unfortunately after reviewing the video captured at the event, organizers have decided not to submit it to Guinness for review as there seemed to have been a break in the “hug”. However, the tremendous success surrounding the event is pushing organizers to consider coordinating another such event next year. JUNE 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR Page 35 Red Apron Cooks Buttermilk Scones For Strawberry Season

e are looking forward to new market in our community. The Another great breakfast idea is mixture. Using a rubber spatula, fold the Firehall Fest being Main Farmer’s Market will run the to puree some Strawberries (Fresh wet and dry ingredients together, Wheld on Saturday, June 21 full season in 2008, every Saturday or Frozen) in a blender with a ½ until there is just a slight amount of from 3-9pm. This promises to be a until September 27, from 9 am to cup of yogurt and a tablespoon of flour visible; working dough as little wonderful opportunity to celebrate 2 pm on the grounds of Saint Paul honey…mmmmm. If you are feeling as possible will yield lighter scones. our fantastic community in Old University. the need to boost your fibre and At this point you could carefully fold Ottawa South and to meet other June is exciting because summers Omega- intake, throw in a teaspoon in 1 cup of rinsed, dried and chopped residents while enjoying great music, starts, school lets out and we start of Flax Seed. strawberries. fun activities and excellent food! to see local strawberries appear at Using a 1/2-cup measuring cup The Red Apron will be serving our the markets, roadside stands, pick Buttermilk Scone or ice cream scoop, scoop batter and popular slow roasted lamb in fresh your own farms, and if you are lucky drop onto baking sheet, leaving 2 pita with all the trimmings as well enough, in your garden. 4 c. flour inches between scones and making as a tasty Strawberry treat. Many of I am providing a short list of 1 tbsp. baking powder each scone roughly the same size. our ingredients will be sourced from local pick-your own farms, but a 1 tsp. baking soda You can brush the tops lightly with local growers! We hope to see you more comprehensive list can be 1/2 tsp. salt an egg wash. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, there. found at the Just Food Website 2/3 c. sugar until tops are golden brown and a Last month I mentioned that – www.justfood.ca 1 1/4 c. (2 1/2 sticks) cold unsalted toothpick inserted into center of the Ottawa Farmer’s Market is now butter, cut into 1/4-inch cubes scone comes out clean or scones open, every Sunday from 8:00 am Acorn Creek Garden Farm 2 eggs spring back quickly when finger is to 3:00 pm until October 26 and 613-836-2613 terauds@magma. 3/4 c. cold buttermilk gently pressed into them. Remove Thursday’s from 2 to 7 pm beginning ca www.acorncreek.com 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract baking sheet from oven and place on June 26 until October 30. However, 1 tbsp. strawberry preserves a wire rack to cool for a few minutes. there are many wonderful markets in Dekok Family Berry Farm Move baking sheet off rack and use a town that we visit regularly to shop 613-592-3779 jdekok@sympatico. Position oven rack to center metal spatula to transfer scones from for Red Apron meals. They include: ca www.dekokberryfarm.com of oven and preheat oven to 400 baking sheet to rack. degrees. Line baking sheets with Ottawa Parkdale Market (Est. 1927) Marier Strawberries parchment paper. For more information on the Red Parkdale Avenue at Wellington. 613-833-3042 [email protected] In bowl of a food processor fitted Apron Dinner Service or our Retail April - December 24: 7 days/week 7 SHAR-WAY BERRY FARM with a metal blade, combine flour, Store, visit www.redapron.ca or call am to 6 pm 613-489-3265 berryman@ baking powder, baking soda, salt and us at 613-321-0417. sympatico.ca sugar and pulse to mix. Add butter Ottawa Organic Farmers’ Market to bowl all at once and run food (Est. 1988) Shouldice Berry Farm & Market processor for 15 seconds. Switch to Ecole Parsifal School, Bank Street at (Richmond) pulse and continue pulsing until no Heron Road (behind Canadian Tire) 613-838-2129 www.shouldicefarm. chunks of butter remain and mixture in Ottawa. com looks grainy, like moist crumbs. Be All Year: Saturday 10 am to 2 pm careful not to overwork ingredients Remember to get out and support or allow flour and butter to form Ottawa ByWard Market (Est. 1830) your local growers and producers! a paste. Remove blade from food 55 By Ward Market Square. processor, transfer crumbs into a All Year: 7 days/week: May/Oct. - 6 I can’t resist providing a simple large bowl and reserve. am to 6 pm, Nov./Apr. - 9:30 am to scone recipe so that you can serve In a small bowl, whisk eggs to 5:30 pm them with fresh strawberries and break up yolks. Whisk in buttermilk, whipping cream for dessert or vanilla extract and preserves. Pour Last but not least, there is a relatively brunch! wet ingredients on top of flour

Québec And Ontario Urge The Federal Government To Redouble Efforts To Defend Food Supply Management www.omafra.gov.on.ca interests of supply-managed producers be accounted for in any new rules affecting agriculture.” uebec Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and “There are reasons to be concerned since, according Food, Laurent Lessard, and Ontario Minister to federal representatives, the negotiations on agricultural Qfor Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Leona trade rules could be concluded as early as June of this Dombrowsky, share a common concern that the content year,” explained Minister Lessard. of a new draft negotiating text, issued by the World Trade Both ministers vowed to raise this matter at the next Organization (WTO) chair of the agriculture negotiations federal-provincial meeting of agriculture ministers taking earlier this week, remains inconsistent with the interests place in Toronto on May 30, 2008. At that meeting, they of supply-managed producers. will be insisting that the federal government vigorously “The new WTO text falls far short of the protections defend supply management throughout the remainder of being sought for Canadian milk, poultry and eggs, the WTO negotiations. three supply-managed commodities,” indicated In Quebec and Ontario, the supply-managed sectors Minister Lessard. “I urge that the federal government account for farm gate receipts worth a combined $4.9 obtain the necessary flexibilities to safeguard supply billion, which represents 39 per cent and 28 per cent of management.” the respective provincial farm gate totals. “The Organization’s proposals do not align with the stated negotiating objectives of the federal government,” said Minister Dombrowsky. “It is essential that the Page 36 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR JUNE 2008 Vacation Property by Rick Sutherland property. have been invented to reduce or defer Well enough said on the negative The cost of maintaining a second tax liability on the cottage transfer, side of cottage ownership. Warm t’s been a long hard winter, but property can be significant. Not only the most common are the use of life weather is upon us and as long as you right on queue, summer is all but is there a cost of maintenance, utilities insurance and a trust. Due to the do your homework, are comfortable Iupon us. Our thoughts are turning and upkeep but you must also account complexity these solutions should with the annual costs and have planned to sun filled vacations and cottage life. for the annual property tax bill. As be discussed separately with your for the ultimate capital gains tax, Canadians love the cottage lifestyle the cost of gasoline continues to rise, financial planner. then cottage ownership may be the and many owners who purchased so does the cost to commute to the It is important to realize that perfect investment for you. Cottage years ago for a minimal investment cottage. These costs can weigh heavy the family vacation property is not ownership can truly be a wonderful are today sitting on a significant on a family with a limited budget. easily divisible. Many properties are and satisfying investment. Enjoy it family asset. There is also an income tax cost purchased with the intention of passing while you can, cause you can’t take Many view the vacation property that should be considered. Families it down the family line for generations it with you. as a sentimental asset. It is a venue are eligible to designate one property to enjoy. Parents often assume that the This is a monthly article on commonly used for holidays and at a time as their tax-free principle children will naturally want to share financial planning. Call or write to family gatherings. In many cases it is residence. Typically the vacation the ownership of the cottage. This is Rick Sutherland CLU, CFP, FDS, a place that represents good memories property is an ownership of a second not always the case. Siblings move R.F.P., of FundEX Investments Inc. and happy thoughts. Therefore, many piece of real estate. That deems it away from each other and will often with your topics of interest at 798- families are set on preserving the an investment and subject to capital live a great distance from the cottage. 2421 or E-mail at rick@invested- vacation property at any cost. Whether gains tax. Whether the property is There may come a time to decide who interest.ca. you are considering investing in sold or inherited by a non-spouse, will ultimately become responsible a vacation property, or assuming at some point capital gains tax must for the legal ownership and upkeep of the ownership responsibility as an be paid. Currently 50% of the gain the property. This situation may lead inheritance, there are a few points is taxable at your marginal tax rate. to financial burden and family conflict to consider about owning a vacation Although numerous planning ideas rather than a joyful gift. How To Change Financial Divorce Specialist Avoid costly mistakes with professional financial The World assistance in the division of assets. By Anna Sundin

recently attended a conference of the Ontario Collaborative Law Contact: Rick Sutherland, CLU, CFP, FDS, R.F.P. Federation. One of the speakers was Sharon Strand Ellison. She 1276 Wellington Street, Ottawa ON K1Y 3A7 I has developed a method of communication she calls Powerful Non- Phone: (613)798-2421 Email: [email protected] Defensive Communication. Her book is called “Taking the War out of Our Words: The Art of Powerful Non-Defensive Communication”. She starts with the proposition that we have learned from the time we were young to conduct our personal interactions as if we were conducting a war. We believe that we need to convince those we interact with to change their position and agree with ours. This is the case even when we are motivated by the best interests of those we are talking to, be that those we love and are intimate with or those we want to help. As a result of being the recipient of a multitude of these kinds of interactions over our lifetimes, most of us walk around daily in a defensive position. Her battlefield analogy is that if we examine ourselves closely we will discover that we are either passively or aggressively surrendering, withdrawing or counterattacking in our interactions with others. This creates power struggles thatcannot resolve any disagreements, or promote change, growth or understanding. Our interactions have become dishonest as we choose not to disclose our feelings, views and experiences of the world to others because we are afraid that this will put us in an inferior position in relation to them and give them the weapons they need to control us. The cost of this is enormous, ranging from a multitude of unfulfilled and unfulfilling personal and work- lives to war and environmental degradation on a global scale. Guidance, Protection We rarely ask a question out of genuine curiosity in order to learn about another person’s viewpoint or experience of the world. and Peace of Mind. Ellison teaches that asking questions and making statements and predictions with a neutral and relaxed face and posture, in a non-accusatory Anna E. Sundin, Barrister & Solicitor tone with the voice descending the end of the sentence instead of ascending GEnErAl PrActicE includinG: will often provide the safe environment the other person needs in order to Family Law, Wills, Real Estate, Incorporations, Litigation and Collaborative Family Law offer genuine information about themselves and their views to us, which can – A Cooperative and Dignified Approach to Separation and Divorce.– transform our daily interactions, those we interact with and ourselves. She has many stories of how asking one non-defensive question even in difficult situations such as sexual harassment has lead abusers and other aggressors to change their behaviours radically and almost instantly. Those asking the questions also experience transformation and begin to feel safe when acting from a sense of their own truth in their daily interactions. I find the beauty of Ellison’s method is in the simplicity and accessibility of this powerful communication tool that can transform lives and even the world. JUNE 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR Page 37 M.P.P. OTTAWA CENTRE Summer in Ottawa Centre

By Yasir Naqvi, MPP Race Weekend, the Rideau Canal a busy time. We recently passed a your family. Festival, the Summer Solstice motion to change the schedule in I am excited about returning s I walk around my Aboriginal Arts Festival, the the Legislative Assembly to make it to Ottawa for the summer when neighbourhood, I see SuperEx, the International Jazz more family-friendly. the Legislative Assembly rises in Ablossoming flowers and Festival and, Winterlude. As a new MPP, I have to admit June. I hope to see you out in our budding trees and I am definitely Some of these exciting events that I was taken aback by the hours community as I take advantage of all getting excited about summertime in have already begun! I hope that you of the Legislature. When I arrived at Ottawa has to offer during festival Ottawa! have taken the time to stroll along the Queen’s Park last fall, we would start season. One of the best parts about living in canal to see the beautiful tulips that with routine proceedings at 1:30 in If your community is hosting Ottawa Centre is that our community are blooming. Or perhaps you have the afternoon and would work until their own festival or event, please gets to play host to a series of already signed up to participate in the about 6 p.m. After a short dinner make sure to let me know. My Com- wonderful festivals and events Ottawa Race Weekend at the end of recess, we would start again most munity Office is always here to serve throughout the summer months. May, or have already adopted a mile evenings at 6:45 p.m. and sit until you if you have questions about I am proud to tell you that the as part of the Rideau Canal Festival. 9:30 p.m. any programs or grants that could Government of Ontario is supporting Regardless of your interests, As you can imagine, this help your group achieve a success- festivals in Ottawa through more than Ottawa has something for everyone schedule is difficult for many people ful event. More importantly, I would $1.2 million in grants to help enhance this summer. From music to art, to to follow – but picture being a love to join you! programming, attract more visitors entertainment and fitness, there is parent and not being able to help Please feel free to call me at 613- and boost our local economy. no shortage of activities for you and your children with their homework 722-6414 or email me at ynaqvi.mpp. Through the Celebrate Ontario your family to participate in. I hope or attend their hockey games in the [email protected] anytime to share program, we are supporting eleven that you seize the opportunity to evenings. your thoughts. local groups in Ottawa; the Canadian become a tourist in your own town; The new hours - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Let’s spend our summer together Tulip Festival, the CanoeKayak to visit these wonderful festivals - surely modernizes the working in Ottawa Centre! Knockout, Bluesfest, the CIS Men’s and events and see your community hours at the legislature, allowing National Ice Hockey Championship, through new eyes! more time to attend to constituent the Ottawa Folk Festival, the Ottawa Spring in Queen’s Park has been matters and more time to spend with

A Really Neat Website for Kids!! To book an OSCAR ad call Gayle 730-1058 [email protected]

Ontario’s Solar Task Force Is Seeking Bright Ideas From Anyone Interested In Harnessing The Sun’s Energy /CNW/ -

ntario’s Solar Task Force is seeking bright ideas from anyone interested in harnessing the sun’s energy. O Today the Task Force launched a province-wide consultation with the public and the renewable energy industry on two specific questions: - What are the barriers to the installation and use of residential solar hot water systems in Ontario and how can they be removed? - What actions could be taken by governments, the solar industry and others to expand residential solar hot water markets in the province? Submissions are due by June 27, 2008. They should be a maximum of five pages in length and must include a name and contact e-mail or street address. Please note, submissions will not be returned. Submissions can be e-mailed to [email protected] or mailed to Solar Task Force, c/o Conservation and Distributed Energy Branch, Ontario Ministry of Energy, 880 Bay Street, 6th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M7A 2C1. For more information on how to submit comments, visit the Ministry of Energy website at www.energy.gov.on.ca. Learn more about Go Green, Ontario’s action plan on climate change (www.gogreenontario.ca) and what Ontarians can do to make a difference (www.gogreenontario.ca/you.php). Page 38 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR JUNE 2008 OSCAR Printer Has a Filly Newest Caspian Addition

By Kent Raistrick

ometime during the day on May 14, our Caspian mare, SZarrin, had a beautiful dun filly. When we arrived home from work, she was playing happily around her mother in the paddock. We have named her Serenity Aisa, which is a Persian girl’s name. Aisa appears to have inherited the rare primitive genetics from her mother. These traits include colour, conformation and a curly coat; qualities which are in demand by some Caspian breeders. There are three types of Caspian; the primitive Steppe, the refined Desert and the larger, elegant Hunter type. The Steppe has recently been recognized, and we are proud to be able to represent all three types on our farm. Aisa brings Caspian count for Eastern Canada up to eight. Last fall, a breeder in Alberta brought several Caspians to the Calgary area, raising the total number in Canada to thirty three, and he hopes to import eleven more this spring. Aisa will be spoiled for the next few months anyway, as we are not expecting our next two foals until late July. Please visit our website to learn more. Then, contact us if you Serenity Aisa, born to Caspian mare, Zarrin, on the farm of Tracy and Kent Raisrick, part owners of would like to make an appointment Winchester Print, where OSCAR gets printed. for a tour of our farm where you can learn more about Caspian horses, greener living and solar power. We would also welcome visitors grid living. ~serenityfound of the skull, scapula, forearms and (by appointment, please) who are Tracey Adams and Kent teeth, as well as specific markers in interested in the Caspians and/or off- Raistrick http://home.primus.ca/ Tracey Adams and Kent Raistrick their DNA. One of the most striking – part owner of Winchester Print qualities, frequently seen, is the where OSCAR gets printed --made a unusual metallic sheen of the summer dream come true in 2006, when they coat. started a new farm on a large acreage Although very small, the in Eastern Ontario. Their main goals Caspian is a horse, not a pony. The were to live a simple life, mindful of proportions and general impression the environment, in the company of should be that of a well-bred, elegant their beloved animals. They built a log horse in miniature. Standing from home completely off the hydro grid, ten to thirteen hands high, Caspians and set up rustic accommodations for can often match strides with a regular their horses and poultry. sized riding horse at every gait except While searching for a small the gallop. stallion to breed to their two riding Caspians are renowned for their mares, Tracey stumbled onto some intelligence, trainability, incredible Caspian web sites, and she knew she jumping ability and athleticism. had found what she had been looking They excel at driving, and are perfect for. Tracey had always liked small childrens’ mounts for pony club and horses, but was never attracted to jumping. typical pony characteristics, so the Caspians should be considered Caspian was the obvious solution. for talented, ambitious children, The Caspian is an ancient breed and are also ideal for older people of small horse, rediscovered in 1965 seeking a safe, small driving horse. in the isolated mountains of northern Many miniature horse breeders have Iran, south of the Caspian Sea. It is found Caspians to be the next logical highly probable that the Caspian step. breed predates all others, and may be from: http://home.primus. as old as 5,000 years. ca/~serenityfound There are many ways of proving the purity of the Caspians we have today. There are pronounced physical qualities, including unique structure JUNE 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR Page 39 Creative Kids & Parents Decorating Their Handmade Birdbaths In The Firehall Pottery

Studio

L) Mary Dalipaj & daughter Abby McMann R) Jocelyn jenkins & daughter Gillian Hurd

Personal Financial Planning We will review your current financial position and recommend a plan that is designed to achieve your goals. Ben & Dad Mike Fullarton Rick Sutherland, CLU, CFP, FDS, R.F.P Tel 613.798.2421 1276 Wellington Street [email protected] Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 3A7 www.invested-interest.ca LETTER TO THE EDITOR Herbicides/Forestry he Ontario government’s announcement on April 22, 2008 to ban the sale and cosmetic use of pesticides on lawns and gardens is a step in Tthe right direction but does not go far enough. If you live in Northern Ontario you will still be very much exposed to chemical herbicides as the forest industry has been given a free pass to continue spraying vast quantities in our back yard. Typically government and industry would deny it’s a health-for-profit trade-off or has any connection with my daughter’s thyroid cancer, my niece’s leukemia or the fact that Northern Ontario has one of the highest cancer rates in North America. The boreal forest runs across the northern hemisphere of the globe. Both Quebec and Scandinavia have stopped the practice of using chemical herbicides in their forest. They now spend money on creating jobs for people, rather than chemicals and health care. Ontario alleges to have followed the lead from other jurisdictions which have successfully eliminated non-essential pesticides but have ignored the fact that Quebec’s forests have been chemical free since 2001. These chemicals migrate into the air, water, fish, and wildlife making there way into the food chain. Contaminated waters leaving Ontario’s boreal forest flow into Manitoba, the Great Lakes, James Bay, and the Ottawa River and eventually find there way to our friends in the South. It is beyond comprehension that Ontario’s government recognizes that Killex (active ingredient 2,4-D) and Roundup (active ingredient, Glyphosate) have significance health and environmental impacts therefore have banned them from urban communities yet will allow industry to continue poisoning us in the North in the face of alternatives. While this issue is out of sight, out of mind for most in Southern Ontario, we in the North don’t seem to matter. What about treaty rights to eat uncontaminated fish, wildlife, berries, and drink clean water? Where was the consultation or consent from First Nations that will continue to be exposed to multiple non-essential chemical pesticides when the sole justification is a slight increase in shareholder profit margins for multi-national corporations? Pesticide migration is inevitable. Why are we ignoring the proven alternatives currently used in Quebec and Scandinavia to vegetation management in our forests? Find out the untold truth at www.thestrongroup. org

Where does your drinking water come from? Al Simard STRONG (Saving The Region of Ontario North Group) president Page 40 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR JUNE 2008

SURROUND CIRCLE YOGA Why Yoga ~ Why Now ~ Why Kripalu Yoga?

By Maureen Fallis, is one of learning to love and nurture As practice deepens, the life force observe the activity of the mind, Surround Circle Yoga your body, not whip it into shape. becomes more active and can be felt Kripalu Yoga fosters emotional It allows you to choose the level as warmth, tingling, and currents of healing and facilitates psychological eople come to yoga for of physical intensity right for your energy. growth. As a result, your ability to different reasons. Many people body. Instead of encouraging you It encourages you to create a express yourself, listen to others, and Pcome to yoga for flexibility to judge your performance today lifestyle supportive of your health by be in relationship deepens. Kripalu and relaxation, as a way of slowing against yesterday, or compare your listening to your own body. As you Yoga also includes sensible spiritual down and de-stressing. Some choose stretch with that of your classmate’s, practice Kripalu Yoga, you become teachings that demystify the process yoga as a complement to their fitness Kripalu Yoga teaches you how to more sensitive to the needs of your of spiritual awakening and make it program, to heal a sports-related listen to your body and honour its body and are naturally drawn to accessible to contemporary people injury or to find relief from chronic needs. On some days this may lead make healthier choices about diet, living active lives. back pain. Others have a desire to you to challenge yourself physically exercise, and other lifestyle habits. It acknowledges that regular seek personal and spiritual growth. to work out the kinks. On others you Kripalu Yoga considers each person’s yoga practice is designed to initiate Whatever your reasons for choosing may move more gently to relax the body the ultimate authority on what a process of personal transformation. yoga now – the next step is to find a body and soothe the mind. promotes health and teaches you how By nurturing the body, opening the teacher and a studio that ‘work’ for It recognizes that every body is to access this body wisdom to live heart, and clearing the mind, Kripalu you. different. The goal of Kripalu Yoga is with more vitality. Yoga removes the obstacles that Although yoga traditions vary widely not to perfect the external form of the It’s a yoga you can practice “off so often stifle and stunt the natural in their approaches, most teach a postures. It views postures as tools the mat.” Being alive is a richer progression of human development. variation of the same basic yoga to release chronic tension, stretch experience when you are connected Regular practice stimulates an postures. Surround Circle Yoga, and strengthen the body, and increase to your body and breath. Through ongoing process of positive change your neighbourhood yoga studio in self-awareness. Rather than forcing Kripalu Yoga, you will discover that that inspires you to realize your full Old Ottawa South, offers classes and the body into the classic form of the the same principles that bring out the potential. workshops taught from the Kripalu posture prematurely, postures are best in you on your yoga mat can be To find out more about Kripalu Yoga perspective. modified to meet individual needs. applied to daily life. You learn how Yoga classes and workshops at Kripalu Yoga is a practice that It activates the life force of the to meet challenges with a sense of Surround Circle Yoga call Maureen revitalizes the body, calms the mind body that yoga calls prana. Kripalu relaxation, self-acceptance, strength, Fallis at 613-730-6649 or visit our and deepens self-awareness. Here Yoga teaches that the body is animated courage, and openness to change. website www.surroundcircleyoga. are the attributes unique to Kripalu by an energetic life force intimately It offers practical tools to foster com. Yoga: tied to the breath. Rhythmic psychological and spiritual growth. Practice begins gently with an breathing charges the system with By teaching you how to fully feel emphasis on being present in the energy. A balanced sequence of yoga strong emotion and compassionately body, sustaining a flowing breath, and postures encourages it to flow freely warming up. The overall experience and evenly to all parts of the body.

Need Renovations?

Custom Designed Additions and Boddha Konasana (Bound-Angle Pose) is one of the basic sitting positions Major Renovations that respect the of yoga. It is also called Cobbler’s Pose, because it is the position that shoemakers use in India. They hold the shoe with the feet, so that both Craftsmanship and Architectural hands are free to work on the shoe that they are making. Westerners can find this pose challenging because of the years we spend sitting in chairs style of your older home. with our knees close together. 594-8888 Photo by Tom Alfoldi www.gordonmcgovern.com JUNE 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR Page 41

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT OTTAWA CENTRE Protection for Gatineau Park is Long Overdue

any of us are regular Park I recently joined a community the National Capital Commission a l’Outaouais, Ottawa Greenspace visitors to Gatineau Park campaign to pressure the government right of first refusal on the sale of the Alliance as well as many members of Mand enjoy having a natural to adopt the ideas outlined in my property. the community. oasis so close to the centre of the city. private members bill C–311 which If you would like to support my The National Capital Commission would: With this legislation I am seeking private member’s bill I encourage you proudly advertises the Park to to ensure that Gatineau Park receives to visit my website and download the thousands of tourists each year. The • Reaffirm the boundaries of the park the same federal protection as other Gatineau Park petition. Together we park is clearly a jewel in the crown as recognized by the National Capital national parks in Canada. My bill C- can ensure that this crown jewel of of the capital region. It may be quite Commission; 311 will also allow for Gatineau Park the capital region remains brilliant for surprising for many people to learn • Provide the mechanisms to to increase in size and ensure that decades to come. that Gatineau Park is not protected change the boundaries of the park if private development within the park under the National Parks Act. What necessary; is kept to a minimum and does not Paul Dewar, MP this means for Gatineau Park is that • Recognize the National Capital ruin the natural beauty of the land. Ottawa Centre its boundaries can change, its land can Commission’s responsibility I am pleased to be receiving support 613 946-8682 be sold, and roads can be built inside to acquire privately owned real for my bill from several associations www.pauldewar.ca it, without the review, knowledge or properties or provincial properties including the Sierra Club, Canadian approval of Parliament. situated in Gatineau Park; and Parks and Wilderness Society, This needs to change. In order to • Require the owners of real property Conseil régional de l’environnement provide greater protection for Gatineau situated in Gatineau Park to give et du Développement durable de

COMPUTER TRICKS AND TIPS A Few More of Our Favourite Websites - 2

Computer Tricks and Tips according to buyer satisfaction, Wikipedia: A self-sustaining online source of information for quick and byMalcolm and John and eBay extends protection in all encyclopedia: http://en.wikipedia. informal research on those questions transactions. Registration for an org that come up at the dinner table. Harding, of Compu-Home eBay account is free, and there is no There is great controversy over fee for purchasers. Selling is almost Wikipedia, because of its open Malcolm and John Harding are This month, we continue with as easy as buying, and the sellers’ nature; the articles are all written the owners of Compu-Home, descriptions of some of our favourite fees are very low. Even if you by volunteers, making the content specializing in assisting computer fun and useful websites. If you don’t intend to bid, the listings are a vulnerable to inaccuracies, bias and users in your home and office. have suggestions for sites that you useful way to find the going rate for vandalism. Wikipedia claims that Visit www.compu-home.com for a think should be mentioned when we prospective purchases, if you want to studies have proved its accuracy description of our services. conclude this series next month, be do some online research. compares very favourably with sure to send them to us. traditional encyclopedias. Our Write to harding@compu-home. Online Telephone Listings: www. feeling is that while we won’t be com or phone 731-5954 to discuss CNET: www.cnet.com whitepages.com making any medical diagnoses computer issues. Granted this choice may seem a bit How often have you found a piece of based on the information here, it is geeky but CNET is a truly useful paper on your desk with a telephone a surprisingly complete (9,250,000 site, for almost everyone. You number scribbled on it, and you no entries as of December 2007) will find a wealth of tech-related longer have any idea whose it is? We areas, including reviews and price have to admit that this happens to us, comparisons of new products and at least once a week. WhitePages online (free) courses in everything has a “reverse lookup” function that from digital video, photography, will tell you the name and address digital audio, and cell phones, to of that mystery number. It also has hi-tech car gadgetry! There is white and yellow pages functions, also a download area for free and which allow you to look up numbers inexpensive software, including anywhere in North America. drivers to make that printer start working again. The Tips & Tricks Unusual Canadian History: www. area contains tutorials for everyone, mysteriesofcanada.com from beginners to advanced users. Ottawa author and businessman You have to keep in mind that Bruce Ricketts has an ongoing manufacturers’ models and prices collection of fascinating stories are American, but at least the dollar from Canada’s past that you will conversion is easy these days. not likely find in history texts. This site is “dedicated to bringing to the eBay Online Auction: www.ebay.ca attention of Canadians and others Some people think that bidding on around the world, the rich heritage of online auctions is the most fun that history, geography, myth and legends, you can have on your computer. which belong to all Canadians.” Ourselves, we have indulged our Have a look, and maybe you will hobby of collecting postcards from accept the invitation to submit a story sellers all over the world, at very of your own. modest prices. Sellers are rated Page 42 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR JUNE 2008 Make Your Cottage Country Air Safe For Asthma and Other Breathing Disorders /CNW/ - works well with sinks and counter concentrations can often be elevated outside; ensure all butts are disposed t long last, the warmer tops; vegetable oil and lemon juice in cottage country. Air pollution can of carefully weather is here and it’s time make a good dusting compound lead to symptoms, flare-ups and 5. Store any toxic household Ato head out of town to open up 4. If you have allergies to dust hospitalizations in those who already products such as paint and other your cottage or trailer. But wait, The mites you may reduce your exposure have asthma. hobby materials outside of the cottage Lung Association warns a dormant by washing bedding in hot water and/ As well, remember, cottage in a nearby shed or covered area. cottage - and cottage country air itself or drying it in a hot dryer. Encase country will be in bloom. Exposure The quality of your indoor and - may have hidden health risks for mattresses in a mite-proof plastic to different species of plants and trees outdoor air directly impacts your people with asthma or other breathing cover, taping the zippers. Increased may trigger allergies and asthma. lung health. The Lung Association is disorders. Dust, smog, pollen and humidity causes dust mites and Be sure to pack enough respiratory a leader in air quality issues ranging other triggers can all wreak havoc on moulds to increase so keep humidity medication with you to last the entire from smoke-free vehicles and homes your well deserved time away. levels between 40-50 per cent. time you are away. Make sure to to working with the government Check out The Lung Association’s 5. Check inside and out for bring your asthma action plan and to promote greater control of top tips to help you breathe easier signs of moisture or mould as this the medication required should your transboundary pollution originating while getting your home away from may indicate a leak; fix any leaks asthma become uncontrolled. As an from the United States. home ready for the summer: promptly added precaution, know the location For more ideas on how to keep your 6. Clean up any mould and let of the nearest Emergency Department cottage or home healthy, visit Inside Your Cottage the area dry thoroughly; materials and discuss with your healthcare www.yourhealthyhome.ca. where mould has permeated should provider any dangerous respiratory If you have asthma or are a Indoor air contaminants can build be discarded. Small amounts of symptoms that could require caregiver for someone with asthma up over the winter months creating an mould can be cleaned with unscented emergency treatment. and would like more information, unhealthy environment - especially dish soap and water - let area dry 1. Look around and under the please call The Lung Association’s for people with respiratory problems. thoroughly cottage for standing water and drain Asthma Action Get a hold of dust mites and mould 7. Ensure all combustion it away; slope the dirt away from the Helpline at 1-800-668-7682. to improve the air quality in your appliances such as: stoves, fireplaces foundation to allow water flow away Certified asthma educators can help cottage. and barbeques are in good repair; from the cottage with your concerns and/or provide 1. Open the windows and let your never barbeque indoors 2. Whether burning wood indoors printed information such as The cottage air out thoroughly; ensure all 8. Seal any holes where mice or or out, use only clean dry wood as wet Asthma Action Handbook screens are in good repair(*) other animals or insects can enter and mouldy wood is more polluting; or a fact sheet on asthma and the 2. Dust thoroughly using a damp (*) Be mindful if you have be sure fire is fully extinguished when indoor environment. cloth or mop, or use a HEPA rated seasonal allergies you’re done vacuum; if possible air out area rugs 3. Hand powered tools are the outdoors(*) Outside Your Cottage cleanest. Use these instead of gasoline- 3. Use non-toxic cleaning powered tools such as leaf blowers, alternatives: vinegar and water work Because smog can travel hundreds lawnmowers and trimmers. well as window cleaners; baking soda of kilometres in the wind, smog 4. Make sure smokers take it

Federal Gov’t Voted NO To Honour Ottawa’s Most Labelling of GE Food Giving Hearts The deadline for nominations for the Ottawa Philanthropy Awards is June 6. in Canada Greenpeace.org government. ake some time to appreciate that worthy community “In spite of the support of the Canadian contributor you’ve always admired by submitting a private member’s bill giving public and available independent science, Tnomination for an Ottawa Philanthropy Award before consumers the right to know if the genetic engineering lobby of Monsanto June 6, 2008. Presented by the Association of Fundraising the food sold in Canada contains has again succeeded in blocking the right of Professionals (AFP), the awards will be given out at the A th genetically engineered (GE) ingredients was consumers to know what’s in their food,” 14 annual National Philanthropy Day gala on November defeated in the House of Commons May 8, said Brandon. “Canada will continue to lag 12. Award categories include: Outstanding Corporate 2008 by a vote of 101 to 156. The defeat of behind forty countries around the world, Philanthropist; Outstanding Small Business Philanthropist; Bill C-517 effectively protects the economic including the UK, France, China and Japan Outstanding Individual Philanthropist; Outstanding interests of GE companies over the rights of which already have mandatory labelling of Philanthropic Group; Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser; Canadians to know what they eat GE foods.” Outstanding Individual Youth; and Outstanding Fundraising “It’s deplorable that a majority of MPs Greenpeace says the lack of federal Executive. are in favour of spoon-feeding Canadians GE leadership on the issue necessitates action This is your opportunity to help us honour those generous foods against their will,” said Josh Brandon, from the provinces, and noted that a private individuals, business leaders and community groups whose Agriculture Campaigner with Greenpeace. member’s bill in British Columbia could be philanthropic giving makes our city great. Past individual “This vote ignores public opinion polls tabled as soon as next week. The organization award recipients include Donald and Shirley Green; Peter which have consistently shown between 80 Has published the list of MPs whose votes and Joan Charbonneau; Dr. Tony Durst; Docteure Marie and 95 per cent of Canadians want mandatory benefited GE companies and not consumers, Des Anges Loyer; and Tony and Elizabeth Graham. Past labelling of GE foods.” as well as the elected officials who supported corporate award winners include MBNA Canada; Bell Canadians have a reason to be cautious: the right of consumers to say no to GE Canada; Mountain Equipment Co-op; and Cognos. GE foods have never been proven to be safe foods. The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) to either human health or the environment, http://www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/ represents more than 30,000 fundraisers in 16 countries and little independent research has studied campaigns/ge/latest-developments/c-517- around the world, working to advance philanthropy through the long-term effects of GE foods. The lack how-they-voted#top advocacy, research, education, and certification programs. of independent research has been criticized The Association fosters development and growth of by the Royal Society of Canada, whose fundraising professionals and promotes high ethical standards 2001 expert panel report on biotechnology in the fundraising profession. To submit a nomination for the continues to be ignored by the federal Ottawa Philanthropy Awards, visit www.afpottawa.afpnet. org. JUNE 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR Page 43 Victorian Children Come to Life at Billings Estate

By Emma Jackson “It’s really interesting to know that the Billings is $4.50 for adults and $2.75 for children. Families had such an integral role in the lives of children in can come for $12. unique exhibit has made its mark on the area,” Jacquin said. For more details, visit www.ottawa.ca/museums Ottawa’s local museum scene. Leather booties, children’s work tools, toys and or call 613-246-4830. Silver Spoons and Calloused Hands: A a piano-like melodeon are some of the exhibit’s A th Portrait of Middle Class Childhood in 19 Century artefacts that will help bring Victorian childhood Gloucester Township was unveiled at Billings Estate back to life for visitors. National Historic Site May 8. Local resident and frequent visitor Linda Brown The new exhibit, located at 2100 Cabot St in the said she was very impressed with the new display. Billings Museum, highlights the lives of Victorian “It’s very interesting, and the write-ups on the children in the Gloucester area, often citing Billings artefacts are all very informative,” she said. family members as prime examples of children in The temporary exhibit is on display on the the region. second floor of the Billings’ family home, Ottawa’s Kristine Jacquin, one of the three Algonquin oldest wood-framed house. Jacquin said the College students who designed and constructed the children’s exhibit could stay at the museum for as exhibit, said the display is a relevant addition to long as two years. Billings Estate. Her goal is to help visitors realize the conditions “It just makes a lot of sense, because there are children suffered in this area 150 years ago, Jacquin a lot of kids groups coming in,” she said. “We’re said. trying to draw that audience in and make it relevant “I want [visitors] to walk away with an to them.” appreciation for their own lives, or for the lives of Museum director Laura Peters agrees. “We’ve children in the Victorian era,” she said. started to delve a little more into the experience Some items, like a pair of ripped leather booties of Victorian children so that younger families can and antique toys like jacks and marbles, might be relate to the material,” Peters said. familiar to children today. Others, like a potato The exhibit, the first on its topic in the area, shovel and a hand-held sickle, might seem foreign discusses every aspect of children’s lives, from to many kids. playtime and hard labour to infant mortality. School groups and families are encouraged to Kristine Jacquin, Heidi Rampfl, Emily Gomez, The Billings family was responsible for the first visit Billings Estate to help children learn about the exhibit creators, at the opening on May 8, school house in the area, allowing Gloucester kids their peers of the past. 2008. to receive an education. Jacquin said this just adds Guests can visit the new exhibit from noon to 5 to the family history’s esteem. p.m. Wednesday to Sunday all summer. Admission

LETTER TO THE EDITOR re: 52 Hopewell (April 2008) Dear Editor, was the site plan of the proposed find building similar to what is being the sidewalk. development clearly showing the proposed in the Ottawa suburbs. The concept of the sun access n the April 2008 edition, you easements being requested. We can Following the City design guildelines rights is still not a part of the municipal published an email from Edie send you an updated set of plans for for the urban areas, all garages in this process. However we are quite aware IWawrychuk and Jim Cocrane that your reference. proposal are set back to de-emphasize of how important it is and we always try was sent to Mr. Doucet and our Contrary to what was indicated in their visibility from the street. One to take it into account when designing architect, with regards to 52 your message the existing site is not too thing that we are trying to do is provide urban infills like this one. Given the Hopewell in-fill housing development. small for the proposed development. more street presence on the Hopewell fact that the proposed building will be My husband and I are the owners of The existing zoning requires that the side. For this very reason (unlike many on the south-east corner its impact on 52 Hopewell. lots have a minimum area of 110 others in the City) the corner unit has the sunlight patterns will be negligible. In all fairness, I am asking you sq. metres and are at least 4.5 metres the main entrance off Hopewell. Some For one, it will provide a positive to publish the response that was sent wide. The existing lot (340 sq. metres of the easements are required to make change for the next door neighbours to Jim and Edie in hopes to clarify in area, 22.5 metres wide) can easily this possible. as the current structure is encroaching any misrepresentation of our talented accommodate both these requirements. I don’t want to dispute at this on their lands. In particular the house architect, Pawel Fiet and our intensions In the scenario we are proposing, the point some of the comments you had on Hopewell to the east will see more as builders. City would not have to give up any about the aesthetic choices for the natural light, as the proper backyards of its land, as was suggested in your project. The only thing I would like will be provided for all three units. Thank You, letter to Councillor Doucet. to say is that many of the existing As the project is located north of the Eileen and Steve Mlikan At the opening of the very same homes in the area would not meet neighbour on Grosvenor it will have Larchwood Urban letter you seem to imply that the fact your strict criteria. I am sure that no negative impact on that property that my Clients are not planning to our choice of durable, maintenance- especially since more space will be Developments live in the development has a negative free and traditional materials (brick, provided between the buildings. As

connotation. My Clients have just stucco, wood, architectural shingles far as properties on the opposite sides Dear Edie and Jim, completed building another home and, etc.) can meet or exceed the overall of both Grosvenor and Hopewell are given the fact that they have a toddler quality of the existing building stock located at such a distance (70 to 80 would like to start by saying that and infant, the idea of relocating to in this neighbourhood. feet) that the new homes will have no unlike many other developers another home is simply not an option You have also expressed your tangible impact on their sun access or I my Clients (Eileen and Steve) at the moment. And even though they concern about the trees on the property. potential heat gain for that matter. were very open to having a dialogue are not moving into the neighbourhood Both trees that you mention are on with their neighbours regarding the at this time they still can and do share the city property and we would like Sincerely, proposed development. This is why a concern for the appearance of the to keep them. We believe that with on Saturday, March 8 they organized project as it still reflects upon them as the proposed scheme the large tree on Pawel Fiett, Architect a meeting at the site to present the builders/designers. Hopewell can and will be preserved. B.Arch OAA preliminary design for this property. As for your comments regarding The other tree on Grosvenor is atelier 292 architecture & We were very pleased to see a the proposed design, you seem to probably located too close to the lot design number of neighbours show up and suggest that we based the concept on line. We would like to keep it if we enquire about the proposal. One of the suburban model. I can reassure can or we will replace it with another the drawings presented at the meeting you that you will be hard-pressed to mature tree located a little closer to Page 44 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR JUNE 2008

ABBOTSFORD HOUSE Abbotsford Rocks By Sue Walker

n Saturday May 10th 13 teams of rockers set out to keep their chairs moving for 2 hours in Osupport of Abbotsford House and the Glebe Centre. These teams of dedicated staff, volunteers, members, clients, and residents came out in full force to embrace this year’s theme of “Viva Las Vegas”. The goal was to raise $30 000 to support programs and services for seniors. Teams collected over $9000 in pledges and sponsors donated over $21 000 to help achieve the goal. Many thanks to the key sponsors of Capcorp, Scotiabank, Medico Dental, Loeb Glebe and Emond Harnden LLP. The rockers were entertained by various volunteers including Dame Edna, Terry Bartley, Edwin Orion Brownell and none other than Elvis himself. A celebrity chair was set aside for the honorary Chair of the event Jim Watson and joining Jim were Mayor Larry O’Brien, Clive Doucette, Penny Colenette, Jim McKeen and Garry Armstrong. Thanks to all of the sponsors, volunteers and others who made this event possible and watch out for next year’s 12th Annual Rock-a-thon! “Dame Edna” with Mayor Larry O’Brien (L) and MPP Jim Watson (R) Don’t Fear A Bear Market By Bob Jamieson, CFP lot of talk about bear markets, which be just the opposite of what should be is to keep a cool head, a steady hand can make investors feel uneasy. done. In fact, as a long-term investor, and to ignore extreme predictions of ith a turbulent start to When investors see stock prices begin the difference between success and doom and gloom. the year in global stock to fall, they can be tempted to limit failure may be determined by your If talk of a bear market has you Wmarkets, there has been a their losses by selling. But this can actions during a stock market decline. thinking about selling quality stock A bear market is called that and bond investments or changing because it is analogous to a bear’s strategies, you might want to reflect attack - in which the animal rears up on the notion that time in the market on its hind legs and swipes its paws is more important than timing the downward. According to survivalist market. Although past performance Peter Kummerfeldt, if you come face is not an indication of future results, to face with a real bear, it’s essential high-quality stock-market investments to stay calm and keep a cool head. have proven to perform well over the He says you should not panic or long term. make sudden moves. Instead, you But investors who try to predict should stand your ground and never when to get in and out of the stock try to outrun a bear because injuries market can pay a severe penalty for that occur have mostly to do with not being fully invested when the how the human resists. market is rising. Missing the best 30 You might find that advice days between 1976 and 2007 would helpful in an investing context as have reduced the annual gain from an well. While you’ll probably never investment in the TSX from 8.8 per encounter a real bear in the woods, cent to just 4.8 per cent. long-term investors can expect bear Many also will argue that if you markets with almost total certainty. A had missed just a handful of the worst bear market is a sharp and prolonged days, returns would have been better. stock market decline - usually 20 per This is true, but predicting the worst cent or more - and is almost always days can be even more difficult than triggered by unexpected events or predicting the best ones. And many economic conditions. Bear markets times the best days follow worst are normal, happen frequently, ones. and are not a reason to sell quality Either way, you’re trying to time investments. the market, and it’s almost impossible Consider what happened in 2002. to do that consistently. Instead of On October 9 of that year, the TSX trying, you might find that staying Composite closed at 5695, its bear- invested throughout market ups and market low. The U.S. Dow Jones downs is a better way to help achieve Industrial Average bear-market low your long-term goals. It’s a discussion was 7286 on the same day. In both that’s well worth having with your countries, these lows were followed financial advisor. by one of the longest market rallies in Bob Jamieson, CFP stock market history. It underscores Edward Jones, Member CIPF. the fact that in bear markets, investors may find that sage advice JUNE 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR Page 45

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE LIBRARIES Sunnyside Branch Library Children’s This program offers families fun, free min.) Registration Required legal, & to protect a PC from viruses & Babytime activities to encourage children to read spyware For babies and their parents or and continue developing their literacy TD Summer Reading Club – Special Friday, July 18, 10:30 a.m. (1h) caregiver with stories, rhymes, songs skills throughout the summer. Research Programs Registration Required and games. 0-18 months. has shown that the playful approach Tuesdays, 2:15 p.m. July 8-August 12 of these clubs is extremely effective in Big Mouth Puppets Laugh Out Loud (LOL) - Fun Reads (30 min.) getting more children to increase their Create your own talking mouth puppet for Adults reading skills. with Artellephant Puppets for ages 8- Listen and laugh about some of the fun Toddlertime 12. and humorous books available at OPL For toddlers and a parent or caregiver Ottawa Public Library is joining Wednesday, July 23, 2:00 p.m. (2 for adults to read. with stories, rhymes, songs and games. libraries from across Canada in this hours) Registration Required Friday, August 15, 2:00 p.m. (45 mins) Ages 18-35 months. joint initiative between TD Bank Thursdays, 10:15 a.m. July 10-August Financial Group, Library and Archives Crazy Costume SUNNYSIDE’S TEEN & ADULT 14 (30 min.) Registration Required Canada and the Toronto Public Library. Dress up stories and crafts for ages 4-8. SUMMER READING CLUB. Wednesday, July 20 (45 mins.) Why should kids have all the fun? Storytime TD Summer Reading Club – Special Registration Required Show them that adults enjoy it too. Stories and rhymes for young children Programs Unwind with good reads this summer ~ parents and caregivers are welcome Laugh Out Loud Party Cartoon Capers and join Sunnyside’s Adult & Teen to join. Ages 3-6. TD Summer Reading Club Launch ~ Learn how to draw your own cartoons Summer Reading Club: Record the Wednesdays, 10:15 a.m. July 9-August Launch our summer reading club with for ages 8-12. books you read during the summer! 13 (30 min.) a LOL good party! Family program. Wednesday, August 6, 2:00 p.m. (1 Read five books, receive a Sunnyside Celebrate the launch of our summer hour) Registration Required Book Buck! Read another five TD Summer Reading Club – Laugh reading club. Get your kit and start books, receive a Sunnyside Book Out Loud (LOL) exploring the wonderful world of Munsch-a-bunch Buck! Read another five books, Come participate in this year’s TD books! Everyone is welcome so bring LOL with Robert Munsch stories for receive two Sunnyside Book Bucks! Summer Reading Club. This year’s the whole family. Wednesday, July 2, ages 4-8. Repeat. Sunnyside Book Bucks theme Laugh Out Loud (LOL) –get 2:00 p.m. (45 min.) Wednesday, August 13, 2:00 p.m. (45 will be exchanged for books for sale ready to have children rolling down mins.) Registration Required at the Sunnyside branch. Ask the the book aisles. Be on the alert for fun Backwards Day...yad sdrawkcab! Sunnyside Information staff for details. books, stories and poems, hilarious Backwards stories and games. P.S. Adult Wednesday, June 18 - Saturday, Aug. jokes to tickle the funny bone, games don’t forget to dress backwards for 15 minutes Computer Tutorials 30 that result in side-splitting, rib-tickling ages 5-10. Having problems with the Library fun, brain teasers, tongue twisters, and Wednesday, July 9, 2:00 p.m. (45 Catalogue? Accessing the web? Email Contact: Sunnyside branch, knock-knocks that will have children min.) Registration Required issues? Register for your own 15 613-703-1082, roaring with laughter. There’s to be minutes computer tutorial. Children’s Services, ext. 29 loads of fun! Artist Patricia Storms L’il John the Clown Tuesdays between 10 and 11:30 a.m. Adult Services, ext. 22 designed the eye-catching illustration Come and have some fabulous fun and July 15, 22, 29, Aug 5, 12, 19 & 26 on the program materials. Come LOL with the ever-entertaining L’il to the Sunnyside branch to join and John! Everyone is welcome so bring Downloading receive a Club poster, stickers and an the whole family. Learn how to download books, movies, activity booklet full of fun ideas. Wednesday, July 16, 2:00 p.m. (45 music, etc. plus what’s free, what’s Alta Vista Branch Library Alta Vista Branch assistance to others. Join us for our boys’ book club. Ages (Bilingual) Saturday, June 28, 2 p.m. Ottawa Public Library Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. (1.5 hrs.) 8-12. (1 hr.)* 2516 Alta Vista Dr. June 7 Tuesday, June 10, 4:15 p.m. (45 Pleins feux sur le multiculturalisme To register call: 613-737-2837 x3 Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. (1.5 hrs.) min.)* Venez célébrer le multiculturalisme June 18 avec nourriture, contes, chants, jeux et Adult Programs Teen Programs Un livre à partager danse. Pour toute la famille. Book Banter Teen Scene Club de lecture pour ceux qui aiment (Bilingue) Samedi 28 juin, 14 h (1h)* Thursdays, 2 p.m. (1 hr.) Chat about books and share your lire. Pour les 8 à 12 ans. June 5: Waiting for the Barbarians favourites with other teens. Lundi 16 juin, 16 h 15 (45 min.)* Laugh Out Loud by J.M. Coetzee Ages 12 and up. TD Summer Reading Club 2008 Wednesdays, 7 p.m. (1 hrs.) Timbit Girls opening ceremony. Ages 4 and up. Home Security June 25 An after-school book club for girls (Bilingual), Wednesday, July 2, 2 p.m. Ottawa Police discuss security Console Conquest! who love to read. Ages 8-12. (45 min.)* concerns during the summer. Come dish it out with others on the Monday, June 23, 4:15 p.m. (45 min)* Lire aux larmes Thursday, June 5, 6:15 p.m. (2 hrs.) Wii console! Battle it out on the Cérémonie d’ouverture du Club de X-box! Ages 12+ SPECIAL PROGRAMS / lecture estivale 2008 TD. Pour les 4 Fun with English! Monday, June 2, 6 p.m. (2 hrs.) PROGRAMMES SPECIAUX ans et plus. Practice your English and meet new Gonzo about Gaming! (Bilingue) Mercredi 2 juillet, 14 h . people. In partnership with Somali PRE-SCHOOL / PRESCOLAIRE Come play a friendly game with other (45 min.)* Family Services. Babytime,Toddlertime, Storytime, kids on the big screen ! Ages 6-12. N.B Programs followed by an * Mondays, 6 p.m. (1.5 hrs.) Contes, Family Storytime coming Saturday, June 21, 1:30 p.m. (2 hrs.)* require registration. Registration Tuesdays, 1 p.m. (1.5 hrs.) back in July! for the TD Summer Reading Club Multicultural Spotlight 2008 opening ceremony starts on Knitters helping Knitters BOOK CLUBS / CLUBS DE Come celebrate multiculturalism with June 18. Meet with other knitters to share LECTURE food, stories, games, song and dance. patterns and ideas and offer The Dawg Lounge! Woof! Family program. Elmvale Acres Branch Library Programs Offered at Drop in and practice your English Presented by: Come join us for the Launch and pick Elmvale Acres Branch thorough conversation with Rita Attieh from LASSA. up your SRC kit. 1910 St. Laurent Blvd. volunteers. In partnership with Registration: 613-262-6361 Thursday, June 26, 2:00 p.m. (40 Please call for more info.: 613-738- CESOC. Tuesday, June 24, 1:00 p.m. (2 hr.) min.) 0619 ext. 3 Tuesdays – 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (1.5 hr.) * Registration required Launch of the TD Summer Newcomers – Understanding the Reading Club (SRC) at the ESL – Newcomers Practice Your Citizenship Process (Adults)* Elmvale Acres Branch (children) English (Adults) Preparation for the citizenship test. Get ready for summer reading! Page 46 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR JUNE 2008

CLASSY ADS

CLASSY ADS are free for Old Ottawa South residents (except for businesses or for business activity) and must be submitted in writing to: The OSCAR, at the Old Firehall, 260 Sunnyside, or sent by email to [email protected] by the deadline. Your name and contact information (phone number or email address) must be included. Only your contact info will appear unless you specify otherwise. The editor retains the right to edit or exclude submissions. The OSCAR takes no responsibility for items, services or accurary. For business advertising inquiries, call 730-1058. gas fireplace , security alarm , rear deck , and Old Ottawa South areas. Outgoing For Sale Looking For fenced and landscaped rear yard , ceramic personality, familiar with surrounding tile entry, electric garage door opener, children programs. CPR and First Aid Lindsay at 613-730-7797. refrigerator,stove and dishwasher. No Certification. Non-smoker. French/ Piano for sale very good price. Call ------smokers nor pets in unit since new . Condo English. Excellent references. Please Madeleine at Tel: 6130730-7820 Wanted - Used light weight canoe or fees are very reasonable and owners are contact Jacqueline at 613-241-2809 ------kayak. Call Gary or Carolyn at 613-730- directly involved with management of ------Baby Shower Gifts, Handmade Baby 4383. corporation as three owners sit on the Two OOS families looking to add one Quilts, and Crocheted Baby Blankets, ------Board .Unit is located at 434 Sandhamn child to our home-based daycare this Reasonable Price. Starting at $30.00. Looking for: - wide boards / plywood Private near the corner of Albion/Cahill September. Our ECE-educated nanny Call 613-2411 scraps to support garden beds; old and is for sale to owner/occupant only . has been with us for 4 years and offers ------ladders, however rickety; small garage Contact Fred Woolfrey at 613-730-3096 a caring and stimulating environment. For sale: vintage IKEA storage cabinet/ to deconstruct. 613-730-4804. or [email protected] for further Call 730-1967 or 730-4128 for more bookshelf. Eight adjustable open shelves, details and pricing or to arrange a vist . information. two drawers and two lower cupboards. ------Dimensions: 35 1/2” wide x 76 1/2” high Cozy home for rent to gentle couple Space available in elemtary school x 15” deep. $80. Accommodation or family. Available July 1/08. 110 teacher’s home daycare. Bright, busy Call 730-2377 after 6 p.m. Hopewell at Leonard in Old Ottawa playroom, fully-equipped fenced-in ------South. 4 bedrooms, 2 complete backyard. Nutritious meals, CPR and RECLINER CHAIR, black leather. Four bedroom home for sale by owner on bathrooms, hardwood floors, newly First Aid certified. Fun and educational. Purchased at IKEA for $300 but scarcely a quiet street in Rideau Gardens, 539,900. renovated kitchen and “low E windows”. Call Stacey at 613-239-1607. used; immaculate condition. Make an By appointment only 613-730-4266 Fully finished basement apartment with offer? Dorothy 613 730-0983 ------separate entrance, also useful as family ------House for sale by owner. Beautifully room, fifth bedroom, studio or office. Garage Sales Medicine cabinet, white, 3 glass doors, renovated 3 bed, 3 bath bungalow on Perennial garden and one parking space. 31”x26”. $20 Call 613 733-7813 Glencairn Av OOS. Closing after Aug Smoke-and-pet-free please. Wonderful ------23rd. Call Josette for appointment to neighbors. $1800 per month plus utilities. Yard Sale: 119 Hopewell Ave. Sat June Sony Cybershot digital camera. view- 613 7945961 By appointment only. Please contact 7, 2008, 8:00 am – 2 pm. Rain date Sat. Used maybe 10 times but I find it too ------Randi or Robert at (613) 730-0606 or e June 13. 2008. complicated. (late 50,s male and anything Condominium Townhome for Sale By mail [email protected]. digital are poor match) Comes with all Owner. Spotless end unit backing on ------original packaging,cd,cables,memory to parkland with network of recreation Cottage for rent during last two weeks of card ,6 megapixels (whatever those are) To Give Away pathways to neighboring communities. July on Cameron Lake (Lac Cabaret) near Call Fred @ 613 730 3096. Approximately 1450 sq.ft. 3bdrm with Low Quebec at $400.00 per week. Fully ------attached garage, full bath, ensuite furnashed, pedal boats etc.and on lake Mac Tower computer (OS 9.1) with IKEA twin loft (bunk) bed in varnished powder room , lower level powder front. Please call Trevor Ruthman 613 NEC monitor, EPSON 600 printer pine, similar to HEMNES. Excellent room, close to schools,shopping,transit 730 4342 (extra ink cartridges included), UMAX condition - $120. Mastercraft D20 recreation and other ammenities in an scanner, zip drive and software. dehumidifier - $50. Algonquin Special area of mature trees and gardens.All Ethernet port for internet access with Edition plastic shell car-top carrier - $30. Child Care units in this group have had new roofs SCSI peripherals. Excellent pre-USB Cyclone push ice melter/fertilizer/see and windows in the past 5 yrs. This unit computer. Free to a good home! Call spreader - $15. 613-730-7797 includes the following features :Cental Nanny available for September - over Colin 613-730-3671. air conditioning, new Lennox furnace 20 years experience as a caregiver, Wanted: Old-fashioned large glass last October(warranty) ,custom built in with 10 years working in the Glebe projection slides and projectors. Call Around Town La Leche League Canada has a group Wednesday, June 4th, 7:45am - 8:45am. Sunday, June 8th, 3 pm St. Matthias Coro Vivo Ottawa Auditions - Sing, in Old Ottawa South Are you breast- City Hall, Festival Plaza (Laurier side, Anglican Churcn, Parkdale at the laugh and share the love of music with feeding your baby? Are you pregnant outdoors) Join us for free coffee, juice, Queensway. Plus premieres of works by Ottawa’s friendliest and most well- and planning to breast-feed? A La Leche water and muffins. Everyone is welcome Christopher Askwith, and Mark Sirett. organized community choir. Coro Vivo League meeting is a relaxed, supportive - especially if you come by bike! Local Tickets: $15; (children and youth free) Ottawa, an ambitious, eclectic 70-voice and non-judgmental place where you bike shops and cycling groups will be Available at the door or in advance at: choir, whose repertoire ranges from can: meet breast-feeding women, ask on hand to share tips and information Leading Note: 370 Elgin near Gladstone Brahms to be-bop, is accepting new specific questions about breast-feeding, with the public. 569-7888 members. The choir includes singers learn more about breast-feeding from from across the region and performs in accredited leaders who have breast-fed Italian Week in Ottawa’s Little Italy, ART IN THE PARK, Ottawa’s largest, venues throughout Ottawa. Auditions their own children and who volunteer Corso Italia – June 5 to 15. Among the non-profit, non-commercial, artist- are Tuesday, June 17. Contact Elaine at their time, get tips for working through activities, there will be a Sicilian play run, art festival will celebrate its 16th 613-744-5629 for more information. best breast-feeding challenges, find out in the Sicilian dialect. Taste typical year JUNE 7&8 in Central Park In the more about getting ready to breast-feed Sicilian foods. The Parkdale Orchestra Glebe, Bank St between Patterson and The Ottawa Reggae Festival Is Coming (if you are pregnant), find out more of Ottawa that will play the famous Clemow, rain or shine! Admission to the - The Ottawa Reggae Festival (ORF) has about the benefits of breast-feeding triumphal March from the Aida by park is free. Besides being able to meet been born. This summer – on Saturday for baby and you, borrow books about Giuseppe Verdi and other pieces by over 235 artists from Ottawa, Montreal, August 23rd Le Breton Flats is gonna breast-feeding and related parenting other famous Italian composers. There Toronto, Kingston, New York and even be jammin and grooving to the sweet topics. Meetings every third Thursday will be the traditional St. Anthony’s Halifax there will be music, great local sounds of Reggae music. Check out of the month from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at celebrations, sports activities and three food, puppets and dance. Come and fill the Ottawa Reggae Festival’s website: 36 Glen Ave. Next meeting June 19.For final nights on Corso Italia. http://www. out a ballot for The People’s Choice http://www.ottawareggaefestival. more information call 613-238-5919, italianweekottawa.com/index.html Award for the favorite artist at Art in com for ticket information and more the local La Leche League phone line. the Park, sponsored by Art in the Park. exciting artist announcements! Will be Requiem pour Mathieu_ a benefit for See you between 10 am and 5 pm both announcing additional artists, in the Celebrate Bicycle Commuting La maison Mathieu Froment-Savoie days. For information, check the web next few weeks! Tickets are available on Clean Air Day - Clive Doucet with Pierrette Froment Savoie, piano. site at www.artinfoboy.org or call 613 through ticket master 613-755-1111 or invites you to join him in celebrating Harmonia Choir of Ottawa, Statistics 230-1471 ticketmaster.ca bicycle commuting on Clean Air Day. Canada Choir & elbmesne ensemble JUNE 2008 The OSCAR - OUR 36th YEAR Page 47 YourMarketplace

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