The

O•S•C•A•R© The Community Voice of Old Ottawa South Year 37 , No. 10 The Ottawa South Community Association Review DEC 2009 Fall Fest A Hit!

anta says “Only someone on the Naughty List would Smiss out on OSCA’S Christmas Movies at the Mayfair on December 12th. A family favourite Elf at 2:30, with a special appearance by ME (Santa) at 2:00 p.m. A Christmas classic, White Christmas at 7:00p.m. Advance tickets go on sale Nov. 23rd at the Community Centre, in Southminster Church, or at the Mayfair. 5 dollars in advance for Elf or 9 dollars at the door. 9 dollars in advance for White Christmas or 12 dollars at the door. Free horse drawn carriage rides sponsored by OOSBA , from 4-6 p.m. 10% off all meals and beverages at Quinn’s Ale House, Wag and Starbucks with the presentation of a movie ticket.

OSCA Christmas Movies at Mayfair Dec 12, 2009

2:00 pm Santa 2:30 Elf 4 - 6:00 Sleigh Ride 7:30 White Christmas (see page 9 for more details) Photos by Cass Houde. There are more photos at www.oldottawasouth.ca

By Brenda Lee and then letting the goat loose to see refills at yummycookies.ca or you can know!) which square she decides to “go” in. visit Kerry and her delicious pies at the Best Soup (gift certificates from Domus and The Barley Mow) went to fter a week of rain and Yes….this is true…wipe that smirk Life of Pie on the corner of Hopewell Julie Peckham for her carrot, ginger, freezing temperatures, the off your face!! and Seneca or at lifeofpie.ca walnut soup. weather turned and Sunday, Brandon Gillis and Rick Claus Starbucks generously provided A th provided some amazing live music. over 400 cups of coffee and cider to Best Jam (gift certificate from October 25 dawned a beautiful sunny The Barely Mow) went to Mary Anne fall day. Perfect for a Fall Fest! Thank you so much for adding that the event. Ryan Bellerive is a very Thompson for her marmalade. Approximately 350 people joined special touch to the event. Live music community minded manager and a big Best Preserve (gift certificate from OSCA in celebrating the fall season, really does add to any event and these thanks goes out to him and his team! Quinn’s Ale House) went to Brenda at Windsor Park. Games, a BBQ, live guys were terrific! John Taylor was also on hand Lee for her green tomato curry relish. music, pumpkins, bulbs, raffle prizes, Also a thank you to my friend with his own delicious soup and his Best Pickle (gift certificate from a scavenger hunt, jelly bean guessing Jeremy Paton and his friends who taste buds were kept quite busy as a the Georgetown Pub) went to Mary contest, hayrides, and contests for best brought their banjos, guitars and that judge as well. Thanks to John and our Anne Thompson for her pickled beets. pie, jam, pickles, relish, and soup, laid back country flair with them. other judges too…Michael Jenkin and Best Pie (gift certificate to Patty’s kept everyone busy and happy. Thanks to the Ottawa Folklore Clive Doucet. Pub) went to Karin Strahl for her The return of Goat Bingo also Centre as well, for providing the So many contests, raffles etc….a butter tart apple pie. was a much-anticipated part of the sound system for our musicians. quick list of winners is below. (For Fest. For those not familiar, Goat Life of Pie and Yummy Cookies those who were hesitant to join in … Bingo consists of marking off a large were selling their ever-popular the best soup and preserve winners Cont’d on page 5 area into squares, selling each square cookies and pies. If you found yourself were entirely experiments by the addicted you can contact them for cooks involved, so you just never Page 2 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR DEC 2009 DEC 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 3

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 E-mail: [email protected] to receive The OSCAR? We will send The OSCAR for one year for just $40 to Canadian addresses (including foreign service) and $80 outside Editor: Mary Anne Thompson of Canada. Drop us a letter with your name, address, postal code and [email protected] country. Please include a check made out to The OSCAR. Distribution Manager: Larry Ostler 613-327-9080 Business Manager: Susanne Ledbetter [email protected] SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS Advertising Manager: Gayle Weitzman 613-730-1058 The OSCAR is sponsored entirely from advertising. Our advertisers are [email protected] (not classy ads) often not aware that you are from Old Ottawa South when you patron- OSCAR is printed by Winchester Print ize them. Make the effort to let them know that you saw their ad in The OSCAR. They will be glad to know and The OSCAR will benefit from their support. If you know of someone providing a service in the com- munity, tell them about The OSCAR. Our rates are reasonable. NEXT DEADLINE: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 FUTURE OSCAR DEADLINES The OSCAR is a community association paper paid for entirely by ad- Dec 18 (Jan issue), Jan 15 (Feb issue), Feb 12 (March issue), March 12 vertising. It is published for the Ottawa South Community Association (April issue), April 16 (May issue), May 14 (June issue), Inc. (OSCA). Distribution is free to all Old Ottawa South homes and June 12 (July/Aug issue), Aug 7 (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. The Old Firehall FOR DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES, Ottawa South Community Centre CALL 613-327-9080 [email protected] or email: [email protected] The OSCAR thanks the following people who brought us HOURS PHONE 613 247-4946 to your door this month: MONDAY TO THURSDAY 9 AM TO 9 PM ZONE A1: Kathy Krywicki (Coordinator), Mary Jo Lynch, Brian Eames and FRIDAY 9 AM TO 6 PM Kim Barclay, Wendy Robbins, Jim and Carrol Robb, Kevin and Stephanie Williams. SATURDAY 9 AM TO 1 PM* ZONE B1: Ross Imrie (Coordinator), Family Gref- Innes, Gabriela Gref- SUNDAY CLOSED Innes and Fiona Fagan, the Montgomery family, Laurie Morrison, Stephanie *Open only when programs are operating, please call first. and Kulani de Larrinaga. ZONE B2: Craig Piche (Coordinator), Pat Eakins, Laine Mow, Hayley At- kinson, Leslie Roster, Kathy Krywicki. ZONE C1: Laura Johnson (Coordinator), the Williams family, Sylvie Turner, WHAT’S THAT NUMBER? Lynne Myers, Jeff Pouw, Curt LaBond, Brendan McCoy, the Woroniuk-Ryan family. ZONE C2: Craig Piche (Coordinator), Alan McCullough, Arthur Taylor, Ottawa South Community Centre - The Old Firehall 247-4946 Curt LaBond, Charles and Phillip Kijek, Sam & Avery Piche, Kit Jenkin, Ottawa South Community Association (OSCA) 247-4872 Michel and Christina Bridgeman. Ottawa Public Library - South Branch 730-1082 ZONE D1: Bert Hopkins (Coordinator), Emily Keys, the Lascelles family, Rob Campbell - [email protected] 730-8128 Gail Stewart, Mary Jane Jones, the Sprott family. Kathy Ablett, Catholic Board Trustee 526-9512 ZONE D2: Janet Drysdale (Coordinator), The Adriaanse Family, Gaia Cher- Centretown Community Health Centre 233-5430 nushenko, The Rand family, Aidan and Willem Ray, the Stewart family. CARLETON UNIVERSITY ZONE E1:Brian Tansey(Coordinator) , Wendy Johnson, John Sutherland, the CUSA (Carleton U Students Association) 520-6688 Rae Brown-Clarke Family, Anna Cuylits,Mary O’Neill. Graduate Students Association 520-6616 ZONE E2: Chris Berry (Coordinator), Mary-Ann Kent, Glen Elder and Lor- Community Liaison 520-3660 raine Stewart, the Hunter family, Brodkin-Haas family, Allan Paul, Christina Mediation Centre 520-5765 Bradley, Larry Ostler. Athletics 520-4480 ZONE F1: Carol and Ferg O’Connor (Coordinator), Jenny O’Brien, the CITY HALL Stern family, T. Liston, Ellen Bailie, Dante and Bianca Ruiz, Wendy Kemp, Kelly Haggart and Taiyan Roberts, Walter and Robbie Engert. Clive Doucet, City Councillor ([email protected]) 580-2487 ZONE F2: Bea Bol (Coordinator), the Tubman family, Karen Fee, Paulette Main Number(24 hrs) for all departments 3-1-1 Theriault, Mark McDonald, Susan McMaster, Cheryl Hyslop. Community Police - non-emergencies 236-1222 ZONE G: Bernie Zeisig(Coordinator), Claudia and Estelle Bourlon-Albar- Emergencies only 9-1-1 racin, David Lum, Cindy MacLoghlin, Hannah and Emily Blackwell, the Serious Crimes 230-6211 al-Asad family, Katya and Mikka Zeisig. Ottawa Hydro 738-6400 Echo Drive: Alex Bissel. Streetlight Problems (burned out, always on, flickering) 3-1-1 Bank Street-Ottawa South: Rob Cook, Tom Lawson, Paula Archer. Brewer Pool 247-4938 Bank Street-Glebe: Larry Ostler. Brewer Arena 247-4917 Ottawa East: Brian Lowley, Dave White. City of Ottawa web site - www.city.ottawa.on.ca Page 4 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR DEC 2009

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. In Memory of 18 Cameron Lament for the Windsor Willows ast month we were totally shocked care for it as we had. grew up on Belmont, when it was mostly bush and forest and deeply saddened to drive by The home featured oak floors throughout, between the river and the street. Before Windsor Park, before Lour old homestead and find that our stippled plaster walls with wide mouldings, the dike/bike path, before the tennis courts and wading pool. grand old house was completely gone. All lead light fixtures, oak staircase, beautiful I It was a wonderful children’s park then too, with annual spring that remained was a hole in the ground. My wood fireplace and mantel, bay windows, flooding, lots of rabbits and wild life, tree forts, and a network of mother thought it had accidently blown up as and many little things that made the home so paths where we would tear around and play after school. Three the last time we had driven by, the front lawn special. enormous willows were part of the landscape and even then, a was dug up and we had mistakenly assumed Old Ottawa South is under threat now favourite place to test climbing skills. the new owners were putting in a gas line. I as pretty little homes with large lawns From the time we moved back, fourteen years ago, I started thought perhaps they had dug up the house are being p replaced by “Barrhaven” type Emailing our city councilor concerning the need for pruning and moved it to the country. We could not houses, our trees are being cut down, and our the three enormous willows in the Park. When referred on to believe that anyone would actually tear it green spaces are being developed. I believe the Parks department, and eventually the city arborist, the down. our community is against this and I plan to answer was always that there was no money in the budget for 18 Cameron was built specifically by the fight it. I only wish I could have saved 18 maintenance pruning original owner in an era of quality and charm Cameron. How disheartening! There is money for inspections of not seen today. My parents purchased the venerable old trees on private property, money for new signs at home from him in 1954 and happily raised Maggie Ashe Biesterfield the entrance to the park (and everyplace else). There is a tree- our family there until they were forced to sell Life Long OOS Resident planting programme for the entire City with free trees (albeit a few years ago due to declining health. We tiny ones) for people who apply. Neighbours on Windsor Park had hoped the new owners could love and happily participate in a Park cleanup every Spring raking up all the leaves and bagging them for city pickup. In the Fall, we plant dozens of tiny new trees, remove the dead ones, and take out the Manitoba maples and buckthorn so our little trees will have a chance to survive. We have demonstrated our commitment to the health of the Park and it’s trees. One of the huge willows (three trunks) has fallen down, fortunately not hitting anyone. One is almost gone, a victim of the ice storm. There is the third one left, growing like mad with all the rain this summer. I would guesstimate like the others, it is approximately one hundred and fifty years old. It really needs a pruning to prolong its life. I’m hoping if enough of us phone 18 Cameron -- before 18 Cameron -- after (311) and request a pruning, it might happen. There must be additional money now with the requirement of a $50.00 permit to take down a large tree on private property. To be fair, when OSCAR Needs we prune and plant in the Fall, a city arborist works with us, and guides us, and this is much appreciated. He agreed a pruning Volunteers For Monthly would help prolong the life of this beautiful old willow. There are vintage willows along the riverbank, too, but I Distribution in OOS fear they are beyond repair.

Pat Kealey

Tired of Poop Bags Dear Editor

don’t know how to start this letter but here goes. I would imagine that all of us (I hope) follow the poop and scoop rules when walking our I dogs. There are those who although they for the most part do abide by the practice,they however do not complete the process!! Maybe this applies to only one or perhaps two in old Ottawa South, but I wish very much these people would NOT just toss the bags on the sidewalk. There is someone who drops their bags in front of the Sunnyside Groceteria at the corner of Sunnyside and Seneca. Please stop this inconsiderate unhealthy and rude habit. Thanks

Trevor Ruthman (dog owner) Send your comments to [email protected] or drop them off at the Firehall, 260 Sunnyside Avenue.

I may not agree with what you have to say, but I will defend to the death, your right to say it. ....Voltaire DEC 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 5

OSCA PRESIDENT’S REPORT Presenting to City Council and New OSCA Website

By Michael Jenkin We were one of well over 90 however, gives us much confidence New OSCA Website individuals or groups that presented that the fundamental traffic and Over the past several months our ince my last column in the over two days on the proposal. The transit issues with the site, and the web site committee has been hard at November OSCAR, OSCA has vast majority of those presentations consequent congestion problems it work redesigning our website. The been active in making its views strongly opposed the Lansdowne poses for Bank Street, will be solved. committee made a presentation on the S Live development and they included: I can assure you that in conjunction new concept at our November board known to City councillors on the Lansdowne project. As mentioned community organizations, advisory with our neighbouring community meeting. The site will run on new in my November column we made committees to the City, professional associations, we will be tracking this software that will make it easier to a presentation on the traffic and architects and planners, academics issue closely in the coming months update the site and allow authorized parking issues involved at a special in accounting and finance, and local and taking every opportunity to make contributors to post items. The Board joint meeting of the City’s Transit business groups. We were each given our voice heard on the key design was very favourably impressed with and Transportation Committees on only 5 minutes to present which does issues as they evolve. the work of the committee led by October 8. Then on November 12 limit what you can cover, but a couple I would like to take this John Calvert and provided lots of we made another presentation to the of questions from our Councillor opportunity to thank the Board comments and feedback. A revised full City Council on the project as a allowed us an opportunity to expand a and OSWATCH members who design for approval will be submitted whole. In that latter presentation we bit further on some of the main points participated in preparing the various at the January board meeting and focussed again on traffic issues and in the presentation. presentations on Lansdowne. I would several weeks after that, all going on the impact the development will As you will know, Council like to thank in particular OSWATCH well, the new site should be launched. have on our merchants, as we felt agreed on November 16 to proceed co-chairs, Brendan McCoy and An article on the new site’s design from a community perspective that with developing the Lansdowne Live Mohammad al-Asad, for leading the and features will likely appear in these issues were the most important. proposal and will take a final vote charge on this issue. Planning the the January or February OSCAR, so However, you will know from my last on the project in the late spring/early storylines, finding the necessary data keep your eyes peeled for the new column that OSCA and OSWATCH summer once all the plans and designs and information, and then actually design when it comes out. Our site have strong views on the lack of a are finalized and the full financial plan putting the presentation together is will keep its existing URL, www. public tendering process and the costs is developed. Some changes were hard and time consuming work, and oldottawasouth.ca and financial risks the project presents introduced as a result of the November these individuals deserve our thanks. to the City. You can see a copy 16 vote, including City council taking Even the final stage of making the Seasons Greetings of our November 12 PowerPoint a lead in designing the site and some presentations can be time consuming On behalf of the OSCA Board presentation to Council on the OSCA greater revenue sharing for the City. and frustrating because, with long and its staff, I also want to take this website (www.oldottawasouth.ca) – it Whether these changes will result queues to speak at City Hall, you can opportunity to wish you all a very is on the main page under the “What’s in a final design that resolves the never be sure when you will get the happy and safe holiday season and Hot” banner in the upper left hand major objections from citizen groups chance to speak and consequently best wishes for the coming New Year. corner, click on “OSCA Presentation remains to be seen. Nothing we have many hours can be spent simply on Lansdowne Live”. heard from the proponents so far, waiting.

Fall Fest ... Cont’d from page 1 Sunnyside Branch Material Request

Goat Bingo winners were Francine Clement, Julia Pickups at Lansdowne Danis and Beverly Wright. Jelly Bean Guessing Contest …Adeane While Closed for Renovations Raffle Prize Winners were: Lai ling Lee (Kaleidoscope Kids book basket) ttawa Public Library secured the public on Wednesday December 2, 2009. Jaxon (Sunnyside Barber Shop haircuts) close to $1.30 million through the Members of the public will be able to visit this Jessica Kenney (Carmen’s Veranda gift certificate) OFederal-Provincial Infrastructure location and return borrowed materials, pick Justine (Boomerang Kids gift certificate) Funding Program in May 2009 to renovate up their requested items, borrow Express read Brenda Sidla (quilt and pillow from Deirdre the Sunnyside Branch. This money will be materials, pay fines and get staff assistance in McQuillan) used to undertake a long overdue renovation ordering other library materials to be delivered Emily Blackwell (a festive fall dog collar from to all floors and sections of the branch. Key here for their personal use. Wag) improvements will include the opening up The Ottawa Public Library will continue Deirdre McQuillan (gift certificates from Life of of more facility space to the public with the to delivery other Sunnyside programs at other Pie) addition of new community meeting rooms locations. Library staff will do outreach Thank you to all the businesses that so generously and children’s programming space. A new programming to the schools and community contributed to our event. We are very lucky to have entrance layout and service counter will insure groups they serve during the closure. such wonderful contributors and contributions. more effective service delivery to the public Sunnyside’s Adult Book Clubs will continue As in any event, we are only as strong as our while a redesigned and expanded Children’s to meet while the branch is closed, in a rented volunteers. A Big Thank You to Greg Strahl, Cass area will make that space more usable and room at Southminister Church, which is Houde, inviting to our youngest users. New energy across the street from the branch. Sunnyside’s Melanie Farr, Nerys Parry, Jenny Haysom, efficient lighting, new flooring, and accessible Children’s book clubs will continue to meet Genevieve Martin, Heather MacDonald, Michel washrooms on all floors will brighten the during the closure at Mutchmor Public School. Poirier, Nancy Brunet, Brendan McCoy, John Taylor, building and make it accessible to everyone. Residents interested in accessing full Michael Jenkin, Francis Callanan, Clive Doucet, These renovations will commence on library service during this closure should note Natasha Corbett, Kayla Corbett, Dani Stark, Mzia Lee November 30, 2009 and continue into the that the next closest branch to them is Alta Vista Pottie, Maxim Lee Pottie, Graeme Barbe, Carolyn spring of 2010 and will result in the branch Branch at 2516 AltaVista Dr. For information Barbe, Elise Martin, Cathie Buchanan, Dinos Dafniotis, being closed for six months. Given the length on other alternative branches the public is the ever energetic and imaginative Firehall Staff, and of the closure arrangements have been made encouraged to visit the library’s web site at our Special Events Team of Val Macintosh, Lai Ling with Lansdowne Park to use a small office www.biblioottawalibrary.ca. Updates on the Lee, Julia Danis, Bev Wright, Anne Marie Corbett and front space with doors opening onto Bank Sunnyside closure, renovation and anticipated Deirdre McQuillan. Street during the duration of this closure. This reopening date will be made available through On a personal note it was a thrill for me to be a space is located in the Coliseum Building this web site beginning at the end of November. part of reintroducing the Fall Fest to Old Ottawa South immediately next to and south of the Ottawa The Ottawa Public Library looks forward and to be a part of such a warm day…warm in weather, 67s Box Office at 1015 Bank Street. This to opening a fully revitalized branch for all spirit, love, laughter and community. Definitely a location will be referred to as the Sunnyside Sunnyside Branch supporters and users in the memory to cherish and to be thankful for. Library Depot and will open with service to spring of 2010. Page 6 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR DEC 2009

The distribution routes for which OSCAR requires volunteers: Take a visual walk along Hopewell Ave, on the South side starting at Bank Street, heading west and ending at Sloan 1) Bronson Place from Woodbine Place to Aylmer/south side of Aylmer from Bronson Avenue. Place to Fulton (24 papers) Tom Alfoldi has taken photos of every building along 2) East side of Fulton from Woodbine Place to Aylmer/south side of Aylmer from Hopewell-- North and South, and provided OSCAR with the Fulton to Carlyle/west side of Carlyle from Aylmer to Woodbine Place (40 papers) photos. (See OSCAR previous issues for other street photos) 3) North side of Aylmer from Roslyn to Seneca/east side of Seneca from Aylmer to Col. By Drive/Col. By Drive from Seneca to Roslyn (47 papers) The photos continue from this page, starting at Bank Street, 4) The triangle bounded by Warrington, Harvard and Raleigh and the five-sided continues to page 11. The visual walk continues along South section bounded by Wendover, Warrington, Raleigh, Harvard and Chesley (26 papers) Hopewell on page 27, and ends at Sloan Avenue on page 32 5) South side of Cameron from Bank to Riverdale/west side of Riverdale from Join us next month for Hopewell street North, where we will Cameron to Bank (25 papers) again walk with Tom’s Camera. 6) South side of Riverdale from Avenue to Glenview (39 papers) 7) Southeast side of Southern from Avenue to Toronto and along the east side of Thank you Tom! Glenview from Toronto to Riverdale (18 papers) Contact Laryy Ostler, Distribution Manager at 613-327-9080 for more information. Brief Notes From the Firehall

renovated community centre by the end of June if the current construction schedule continues. In the meantime we are grateful to those who continue to support our recreation programs in the variety of locations we are using. Our Winter 2010 Brochure is included in this months OSCAR so please have a look By DD through it. Registration for all our programs starts on- or those who go by the Old Firehall on line at www.oldottawasouth.ca on Tuesday, Sunnyside Ave. you will have noticed December 8, 2010 at 9:00pm. Don’t forget our quite a bit of work happening. The office in exile is located at Southminster 15 F Aylmer Ave. and you can reach us at osca@ foundation on the extension should be in by the time this issue hits the streets. oldottawasouth.ca or by phone 613-247-4946. We are looking forward to moving into the Winning Recipes From the 2009 OSCA Fall Fest Butter Tart Apple Pie until frothy. Mix the sugar together Chop tomatoes and onions , add 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced Karin Strahl’s prize-winning recipe with the flour and gradually beat it into large stockpot with vinegar, 1 large potato, skin off, chopped into the egg mixture. Stir in corn sugar, spices and pickling spice. 1 medium sweet potato, skin off, For the topping: syrup. Set aside. Bring to a boil,then simmer...when it chopped 2/3 cup brown sugar In the pie crust layer the apple is desired thickness then jar it. Should 1 large orange pepper, chopped 2/3 cup flour slices, pressing down lightly. Pour take about 30 minutes. 4 cups vegetable broth 1/3 cup butter filling over the apples. Sprinkle the To jar it...boil jars and lids, while Small handful of almonds and topping over. Bake on bottom rack of still hot add relish and quickly put walnuts For the filling: oven for approximately 70 minutes. lid on. Wait to hear it pop to ensure 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 3 eggs Store leftovers in the refridgerator. a seal...those that do not seal properly 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 2 tsp. vanilla refrigerate or freeze. 2 teaspoons curry powder 1/2 cup sugar Green Tomato Curry 2 teaspoons sea salt 2 Tbsp. flour Ginger Walnut Coconut 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Relish Experiment 1-1/2 cups coconut milk 1/2 cup corn syrup Brenda Lee’s prize-wining recipe Cream Carrot Soup Sauté garlic, ginger, onion and 5 or 6 apples peeled and thinly sliced Julie Peckham’s prize-winning recipe celery in butter until tender in a Dutch 1/2 cup raisins (optional) 20 small/medium green tomatoes.. oven. Add remaining ingredients fewer if large tomatoes. Hands-on time: 25 minutes except coconut milk. Bring to a boil 1 10 inch deep dish pie crust 2 lg onions Stovetop time: 30 – 40 minutes and cook until carrots are tender, 30 – One pie crust (preferably 2 yellow tomatoes Makes 9 cups 40 minutes. homemade) 13/4 cup white vinegar 2 cloves garlic, minced Purée in small batches in a blender 2 cups white sugar 1 tablespoon fresh ginger root, or food processor. Return mixture Preheat oven to 350F 4 tbsp pickling spice in cheesecloth. peeled, minced to the cooking pan. Add milk, heat Prepare topping: Mix together 4 tbsp curry 1 onion, chopped (about 1-1/2 cups) through and serve immediately. the ingredients using a fork or pastry 2 tbsp ginger 1 rib celery, chopped blender until crumbly and set aside. 1 tbsp tumeric 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil Filling: Whisk eggs with vanilla DEC 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 7

CITY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT Progress On A Few Fronts

Dear OSCAR Readers: Centre renovation is underway. As I coming due for repairs. Work is advertising expertise available. In wrote last summer, I continue to feel proposed in the 2010 draft budget to addition, the City was in the unfortunate SAIL elation and anticipation. I look forward proceed next year including a widening situation of having committed roughly a to its reopening in 2010. of the bridge to accommodate cycling million dollars’ worth of City resources We are all sailing somewhere. The 2010 draft budget includes lanes. Budget cuts could delay projects in refining and pitching the plan to the That is why people money to do the environmental like these but the fact that they are in the citizens. Those of us opposing the like to mess about in boats, assessment study for a pedestrian draft budget indicates they have risen in sole source process and the notion of a boat is a metaphor cycling bridge over the Canal midway the priority list at the City and we can turning over unique public lands for a for an another journey between Bank and Pretoria, perhaps in expect progress in the not too distant shopping mall did not have pockets as felt but not seen, the vicinity of Fifth and Clegg. future. This project is an example of deep. We did have numbers on our side. that eagles about the edges of life. There is renewal in the works taking advantage of repair work to not Everyday people from a wide range of in the vicinity of the Rideau River. only fix what is there but make it better. political and professional backgrounds - from “Canal Seasons” The 2010 draft budget includes the Doing both things at once is more cost came supported our side and that’s how repaving of Riverside Drive, voted effective and less disruptive. we turned a done deal into a tight race. one of the two worst roads in Ottawa. Another example of taking an Thanks for becoming engaged and Progress on a few fronts The rehabilitation of Billings Bridge essential repair and building on it to thanks for the support! is being planned for the future while substantially improve things is the want to take this opportunity to the intersection of Riverside and Bank Rideau River Nature Trail in Old Coffee with Clive mention some good things in is being reconfigured to be safer for Ottawa East. That project began progress and some things on the pedestrians and improve the access to as an emergency repair to a half Coffee with Clive happens in Old I the mall. On the question of the bridge kilometer stretch of sanitary sewer horizon. Ottawa South at Bridgehead, 1176 Diesel-electric hybrid buses have rehabilitation, community associations which was showing signs of potential Bank Street, on the second Thursday of begun running along Bank Street in on both sides of the Rideau River as collapse. While we were at it, the the month from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Capital ward as part of the City’s plan well as many cyclists have expressed City and community groups seized the to use hybrid buses on low-speed the need to have more space for safe opportunity to rehabilitate/replant part All the best, transit routes with frequent stops. This cycling on the bridge. The current of the shoreline and provide a very is significant on a couple of counts. bridge is not suited to cycling. With attractive walking and cycling trail. Clive Doucet Firstly, hybrid buses use less fuel and this in mind, I am supporting the City of Ottawa position that the cantilevered sidewalks produce less air pollution. Secondly, Lansdowne 110 Laurier Avenue West, the hybrid buses are quieter so noise is on either side need to be widened and Ottawa, ON K1P 1J1 reduced. So, not only are these buses that the rehabilitation of the bridge I want to take this opportunity to less costly to operate but they provide cannot proceed until we can secure thank all the people and there were many tel.: (613) 580-2487 tangible benefits to the immediate commitment to remedy the cycling and who lent their support to the cause. The fax: (613) 580-2527 environment. It’s a small step which pedestrian issues on the bridge. Lansdowne Live proposal was very [email protected] makes Bank Street a better place. Further downstream the McIlraith well funded and they could afford to www.clivedoucet.com The Old Firehall Community bridge linking Main and Smyth is hire some of best public relations and

Update on the Lansdowne Park Legal Challenge

By John E. Martin be made should there be any threat of In order to allow for public support approximately $15,000.00 required for material change to cause “irreparable of this application and action a Legal the necessary preparation, filing and he most recent vote at City harm” such as shovels in the ground or Trust at Maclaren Corlett LLP has been fees required for an Injunction motion. Hall on Monday November 16, an agreement to commence work. set up to collect and administer funds . That means 150 donors at a T2009 has not altered the current The need for a Motion for Contributions of $100.00, $250.00, minimum of $100 dollars each. Clearly situation at Lansdowne Park. Injunction will be known on or about $500.00 or more may be made at any the higher the contribution the faster What has been approved is that the time of the next City of Ottawa vote Scotia Bank to the Lansdowne Park that amount is reached. more studies take place and that more in June 2010. Legal Fund to Maclaren Corlett. If the City abandons the current information is to be provided. The basis for the legal challenge is Cheques only please (so that you negotiation and returns to an Open There is yet another vote that the City of Ottawa has circumvented may be identified by the Trust) may be Competitive process for the entire on Lansdowne Park to decide whether its own Procurement Procedure By- made payable to: project the legal proceedings stop. or not there will be final approval. That Law 50 that requires open competitive Payee: Maclaren Corlett LLP If that happens all money less vote will take place in June 2010. and transparent bidding on all contracts In Trust minor administrative fees of the Trust At this moment there is an over $100,000.00 as well as Reference: Lansdowne Park File for Maclaren Corlett LLP and money Application for Judicial Review and a accepting an unsolicited proposal # 83540 saved by not proceeding by the law firm Motion for Injunction on the process at during a review process on an existing The Scotia Bank Branch in Ottawa will be returned. Lansdowne Park. project. South on Bank and the Scotia Bank All contributors are asked to be The Application and Injunction Only a court can decide on the Branch at Bank and Fourth in the Glebe added to the mailing list by sending an Motion have been accepted by the legality contrary to reports from the will have the necessary Transit and email to John E. Martin at jemartin@ Superior Court of Ontario and are City. A court of law will decide when account information available upon vo-ao.ca awaiting scheduling. and if necessary. request. If you have any questions please The Judicial Review will be Research and preparation by a The money will only be used for direct them to [email protected]. perfected at some point over the next trained litigator is required. legal fees for the case. There have This will reduce administrative fees year, as is prescribed under the Rules. One has been selected but this will been no expenses to date and the goal for answering questions from Maclaren The Motion for Injunction will require time and money. is to achieve the necessary funds of Corlett LLP. Page 8 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR DEC 2009

The Grosvenor Avenue Gastronomic Society “Life is too short to eat disappointing food.”

elcome to the first restaurant accompanied by lightly herb-seasoned We tried all of the main courses on review of the Grosvenor pita chips. We took this opportunity the menu except for the gourmet pizza. WAvenue Gastronomic Society! to order the “Carmen’s Pick” red wine The vegetarian option was Southwestern We are a group of friends and neighbours selection from Spain, called Lar de lentil cakes with mole sauce and a living in Old Ottawa South who thought Barros Tempranillo 2005 ($45), which tomato-jalapeno salsa. These were this column would be an excellent way to was a real treat. Although a bit drier than surprisingly good and had a wonderful help justify our obsession with eating out our shiraz-loving group usually prefers, Christmasy aroma, although our taste- while promoting local restaurants. it had a great flavour despite leaving us tester wound up wishing for a touch Our first official outing on November slightly puckered. more of Carmen’s excellent sauce. The 3rd took us to Carmen’s Veranda on Bank If you are hoping to have a long list chicken selection was Mariposa style Street. Carmen’s is a compact, cozy little of menu options to choose from, have with a Riesling sauce, accompanied joint with large windows overlooking an aversion to non-standard ingredients, by cremini mushrooms and “smashed” the street and the best linoleum dining or are generally picky, Carmen’s is not potatoes. Of the four selections, this sets we’ve seen this side of 1962. The the place for you. However, although one was a bit on the tame side and left atmosphere was unpretentious and our minimal, the menu changes weekly and you yearning for a bit more flavour. The waitress was a standout with her pleasant offers something for everyone, including beef tenderloin did not disappoint and and friendly competence. vegetarian options. The appetizer was stuffed with blue cheese and cooked While deciding who was going to selections always include a homemade to medium-rare perfection. On the order what from the chalkboard menu soup, two salad choices, and an exotic side were potato-leek mashed potatoes, posted on the wall, we were delivered bruschetta. There are five main dishes: which were heavenly, as well as grilled complimentary yummy white bean dip a beef, a chicken, a fish, a vegetarian zucchini. The fish dish was a flavourful option, and a gourmet pizza. mustard-pepper encrusted salmon steak There were four of us so we had with lemon-roasted potatoes, braised the good fortune of trying the majority escarole, and carrot ribbons. of the dishes on the menu that evening. Although we were tempted by the The appetizers were a great start to the late addition of apple cream pie to the meal. The soup was a generous portion dessert board, we finished the evening of creamed cauliflower and cumin, with two generous servings of Carmen’s which was quite flavourful and had the made-in-house carrot cake. Delicious! perfect splash of spice. That evening’s All in all, our evening at Carmen’s bruschetta consisted of two toasted slices Veranda was quite enjoyable. This is of multigrain bread, one topped with a great place for a relaxing dinner with minted pureed peas and asiago cheese, friends or for a quiet special occasion the other with green olive tapenade and meal. The atmosphere of evening sittings spicy shrimp. Although the bruschetta on the Veranda didn’t strike us as one was very tasty, the bread was a bit too that would readily attract families with crusty which made it awkward to eat. children; it seemed to have a quieter, adult Both of the salads on the menu were vibe. However, they also have a weekday delicious. One consisted of a warmed lunch menu and serve a weekend brunch pear stuffed with goat’s cheese and at Carmen’s. It’s colourful and visually- topped with hazelnuts and proscuitto on a interesting interior may well see more bed of baby greens. The whole thing was children at those times. drizzled with honey-shallot vinaigrette, Carmen’s has recently introduced which was a perfect topper to an already “Bring Your Own Wine” on Tuesdays amazing combination of ingredients. The and Wednesdays. A $10 corkage fee other salad was just as great with spiced applies. pecans, blue cheese, and cranberries Carmen’s Veranda on tossed greens and featured the same 1169 Bank Street (Old Ottawa vinaigrette as the first salad. South) In between the appetizers and our 613-730-9829 main course, we ordered our second Starters: $7-$10 bottle of wine. Keeping with the Mains: $18-$34 Spanish-speaking country theme, we Desserts: $7 ordered another red wine, the Catena Malbec Argentina (2007) for $42. With Cheers, its smooth finish, we enjoyed this bottle The Grosvenor Avenue Gastronomic more than the first selection, and were Society pleased when our waitress provided Feel free to contact us, especially to us with fresh glasses. In addition to make suggestions of places you’d like us exploring Carmen’s wine selections, we to review at: grosvenor.gastronomic@ were kept hydrated with lemony water gmail.com housed in a tall, pretty, coloured glass bottle. We had three bottles of water altogether and never had to ask for a refill, which speaks to the attentiveness of our lovely waitress. DEC 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 9

Confessions Of A Christmas Movie Addict (And An OSCA Special Event That Feeds That Addiction)

By Brenda Lee “Sisters”, “The Best Things Happen Association (OOSBA) will be offering well as at the Mayfair Theatre. Tickets When You’re Dancing, “We’ll Follow free horse drawn carriage rides between for the afternoon show will be 5 dollars ere is my confession. I, Brenda the Old Man” and of course “White 4p.m. and 6p.m. on a first come, in advance and 9 dollars at the door. Lee, am a Christmas movie Christmas. first served basis. Rides will start at Tickets for the evening show will be junkie. I get shivers when There are those who will tell Hopewell Ave near the school. Now 9 dollars in advance and 12 dollars at H you that these movies are sappy and while I know that suggesting people the door. Advance tickets available I hear phrases like “ “God bless us, everyone”, or “Remember George, predictable and tug at the heartstrings don a red cape trimmed in white fur, from Nov. 23rd till Dec. 11th. . Seating no man is a failure who has friends”. with overdone sentimental flair. To a la Rosemary Clooney, is a bit much, is limited so get yours quickly before I feel a sense of joy spread over me those I say….well… “Yes that is grabbing a warm beverage from a they sell out! when the lilting tone of Bing Crosby’s true.” I also say …”Who cares?!” It local shop and singing some Christmas A wonderful opportunity to share voice utters those first bars of “White might be obvious, but it still works. I carols on the sleigh ride is a lovely a meal, enjoy some holiday spirit Christmas”. I have yet to get through did not grow up in a home that in any opportunity that should not be missed. with your family and neighbours “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” way resembled a Norman Rockwell (and if, like me, you want to pretend and to revel in a new and a classic without openly weeping as Boris painting and yet these movies have you have that cape on while you sing Hollywood rendition of the true Karloff reminds us that “Christmas always reminded me of what I hope the White Christmas, who’s to know?) meaning of Christmas….belief in the Day is in our grasp, so long as we have world can be. To compliment your movie enduring possibilities of love, family, hands to clasp”. We all want our lives to matter experience we suggest you visit one community and in oneself. It is an addiction that started as much as George Bailey’s does, we of the local restaurants. Starbucks, I will see you there, at what I hope quite early and in all honesty is much all want to see the magic of love and Wag and Quinn’s Ale House, will be will become a community tradition. I more far-reaching than just Christmas community make someone’s heart participating in the event with an offer will be there, sitting arm in arm, with movies, it extends to all the classics. “grow three sizes that day”, we all of 10% off any meal, snack or beverage the woman who started it all for me, in My mother was the one who got want to believe in a General affecting with the presentation of a movie ticket. so many ways--my Mom. I am thrilled me hooked, the pusher, if you must his men so profoundly that they give up This discount will be honoured for to finally be able to return the favour in know. She had a love of musicals and Christmas at home to honour him and both afternoon and evening movie some small way and to introduce her the classics and was quick to instill help him achieve his dream. Life can tickets on Dec. 12th. to something that she has never seen that passion onto each of her three be so unsettling and so unpredictable; We will be selling tickets in before, Bing, Rosemary, Danny and children. She would get excited when it is comforting to watch these movies advance at Southminster Church, 15 Vera, on the BIG SCREEN! the television guide announced their and to be reminded of the greater Aylmer Ave., in our OSCA office as imminent arrival (remember children, human good and for a few hours to be a in the olden days there were no VCR or part of it. I think that it also opens us up DVD players) and would plan for days to the realization that these moments to share them with us. We would make do happen in our daily lives, just not popcorn (Jiffy Pop, because that was with a soundtrack and dance number to cool in the 70’s), settle onto the couch accompany them. and prepare to either meet with new In an attempt to add to these characters and stories or to revisit with sentimental feelings and to feed my the familiar. ever-growing addiction, the OSCA Sometimes she would preface Special Events Committee offers up a these movies with stories of her chance to experience the holiday spirit childhood, where she was when she in our community. first saw these movies, who she was On Saturday, Dec. 12th we will be with, what she loved about each hosting a special event at the Mayfair character. Occasionally a movie would Theatre. We will be showing the movie be playing so late that she would wake Elf at 2:30 p.m. With door prizes, me up in the middle of the night to Holiday music and an appearance by share a favourite. It was how I first Santa himself, starting at 2:00. Doors saw such classics as Seven Brides will open at 1:45. for Seven Brothers and The King and It is my humble opinion that Elf I. It is also undoubtedly why I have is a new ‘up and comer’ that will soon such inappropriate crushes on Jimmy be known as a Christmas Classic as Stewart, Christopher Plummer, Yul well. The innocence of Buddy the Elf Brynner and Cary Grant. and his unshakeable belief in Santa, Then there was White Christmas. tradition, family and love, make us That was indeed a favourite, and still all want to believe in it as well. It also is an annual tradition. Bing Crosby, doesn’t hurt that Will Ferrell is quite Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and simply hilarious in this movie. Vera Ellen. Huge production numbers, In the evening a special showing of elaborate costumes, dancing, love, a true classic, and a personal favourite, misunderstandings, reconciliation, 1954’s White Christmas will begin slapstick, loyalty, self sacrifice, at 7 pm. Doors will open at 6:30 and camaraderie, old world values. And the door prizes will be awarded before the music…oh the music! My heart will movie starts. forever thrill to “Snow, Snow, Snow”, To add to that classic holiday feel, The Old Ottawa South Business Page 10 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR DEC 2009

CARLETON CORNER s the weather signalled the that Engineering Professor Moyra University Service of Canada. The staff and students attended Carleton’s approach of winter, Carleton McDill won a 2009 Ontario Professional Ontario government will be offering annual Remembrance Day ceremony on AUniversity’s campus celebrated Engineers Award from the Ontario 1,400 scholarships of up to $2,500 to Nov. 11, held at the flagpole on Library its graduates and more accolades. Society of Professional Engineers help students study abroad. The WUSC Road outside the Azrieli Pavilion. This is The university’s annual Fall and Professional Engineers Ontario. will also receive $150,000 a year for a significant event for Carleton because Convocation took place Saturday, Nov. The awards are given to those who three years to help refugee students the Second World War and its veterans 14. Humanitarian, businesswoman and have shown exemplary service in their study in Ontario. are an integral part of the university’s Carleton grad Grete Hale was awarded respective fields to their communities Carleton was pleased that 46 of history. Carleton was founded in 1942 an honorary degree in recognition and their profession. Dr. McDill is its professors received 99 nomination to provide non-sectarian education for of outstanding community service, associate chair of the Department of submissions for TVO’s Best Lecturer the thousands of men and women who leadership in the non-profit sector and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Competition, the highest number of came to Ottawa in support of the war support of the democratic life of Canada. Her research focuses on improving the submissions among universities. The effort. The Right Honourable Herb Richard Van Loon was also awarded aerospace and automotive industries. top 10 lectures will air exclusively on Gray, university chancellor, was among an honorary degree at the ceremony Techniques developed by Dr. McDill Big Ideas beginning March 6, 2010. those in attendance. in recognition of outstanding service and her students have been used by At that time, viewers and a panel of Carleton Corner is written by to Canada in Aboriginal and northern international researchers and by such judges will vote for an overall winner. Carleton University’s Department of policy and strong leadership as a former companies as Volvo and Bayer. Big Ideas is TVO’s popular television University Communications. As your president of Carleton University. To mark International Education program offering lectures on a variety community university, Carleton hosts Convocation is a great public occasion Week from Nov. 16 to 20, Minister of thought-provoking topics that range many exciting events of interest to when the university celebrates the John Milloy visited Carleton to make across politics, culture, economics, art Ottawa South. For more information accomplishments of its graduates. an announcement about funding for history and science. about upcoming events, please go to Carleton was proud to announce international scholarships and the World An impressive number of faculty, carleton.ca/events.

Southside By Lori Steele on animals and how they prepare for winter. t has been a busy fall at Southside The Family Zone is up and running as October was filled with spooky at Southside on Friday mornings from stories & songs and wonderful 9:30 to 11am for parents and their I children age 0 to 5. Hallowe’en themed art and activities. Silly costumes were a part of the day as This resource program costs $5 t were magic potions with skulls, bones per family. On November 27 h, Shawn rats and bats! Charland will be here to talk and answer Pumpkin tarts were made and questions about eye care for children. consumed - and the Colonel By Hope to see you there! Residence was thrilled with songs sung An early notice that once again we beautifully by our Kinders. The After will be collecting hats, mittens, and School Program loved having Little scarves during the month of December Ray’s Reptiles drop by – it’s always for children at York Street Public School. nice to have a visit with a snake after a All donations are greatly appreciated . long day at school! And finally, a hearty Thank You to November brings with it discussions the Bryson Family for the donation of of changes in weather, friendship and the couch and chair for our new staff kindness. Carol’s group will focus room. Area Church Service Times

Sunnyside Wesleyan Chuch St Margaret Mary’s Parish 58 Grosvenor Avenue (at Sunnyside) 7 Fairbairn (corner of Sunnyside) Sunday Worship Service at 9am & 11am Sunday Liturgies : 9:30am and 11:30am Children’s program offered during both Christian Meditation: Mondays at worship services. 7:30 pm. Evening Prayer: Tuesday at 7 p.m. Trinity Anglican Church 1230 Bank Street (at Cameron Avenue) Sunday Services Southminster United Church 9.30 am -- sung eucharist (summer 15 Aylmer Avenue schedule June 14 to August 30) 10:30 a.m.: Worship and Sunday School - Regular 8.30 eucharist , and 10 am sung September through June eucharist with church school and nursery, resume Sundays, starting September 6) Thursdays 10 am – Eucharist or Morning Prayer in Chapel DEC 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 11

BACKYARD NATURALIST ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime by Linda Burr with “cavities and prominences” like cleans her room”). But since we know published the Earth. the second full moon in a month is a in 1940 in the s the Christmas carol says, This December, you’ll have two fairly regular event, something does not a s t r o n o m y “twas in the moon of wintertime chances to view the full moon of add up. (By that logic, she should be magazine Sky and Telescope (who when all the birds had fled...” wintertime. The moon will be full on cleaning her room at least every three later admitted their error). The “fact” A December 2nd and again on December years!) became an urban legend when it was Many birds have indeed fled by now, but you can still put your binoculars 31st, giving us two full moons in Calling the second full moon in later picked up and included in the to good use this wintertime. Try using one month. While this is a relatively the same month a “blue moon” is board game Trivial Pursuit in the 1980s. them to take a good look at the moon on unusual occurrence, it’s not all that rare: actually a mistake, according to Terence This “fact” has become so widespread a clear starry night. You’ll be rewarded it does happen regularly about every Dickinson, Canadian astronomer and that it’s now included in the dictionary with stunning views of mountains and three years. After all, it takes less than a editor of Skynews magazine. His definition of “blue moon”. craters. The moon is just the right size month (about 29.5 days) to go from one research shows that a “blue moon” December’s second full moon may for binocular gazing. full moon to the next. It makes sense originally referred to that very thing: not be blue, but it does fall on New December 2009 is an important that once in a while, it falls within the a moon that looks blue. This can occur Year’s Eve, and will certainly add to the month for moon watchers. Four same calendar month. only when the air is full of dust or special atmosphere of that night. With hundred years ago, in December 1609, Some people call the second full smoke from volcanoes or large forest any luck there will be a clear sky. In any Galileo began to observe the moon for moon in one month a “blue moon”. fires. Very few people can claim to have case, may the New Year bring you and the first time through his telescope. The phrase “once in a blue moon”, really seen a blue moon in this sense. yours many moments of peace and joy, He was amazed to find that the moon usually refers to a once-in-a lifetime So where did the idea come from whatever the colour of the moon! was not perfectly smooth, as had been (if not almost impossible) event (such that the second full moon was a “blue Linda Burr lives in Old Ottawa previously thought, but was covered as, “once in a blue moon my daughter moon”? Dickinson says the error was first South and is a biologist and avid backyard naturalist. Witches Abound in Ottawa South By: Ella Myers pretty down to earth people, it’s not very stratified,” he said. ttawa’s littlest witches “They reflect the neighbourhood gathered at Southminster and people in the hood,” said Grant as United Church October 24 he flipped through What Do Witches O Do? Grant and his wife, Diane Temple, for the release of Susan Atkinson’s latest children’s book and to engage in say they have no young children for Halloween festivities. whom to buy the books, but they do Atkinson’s students and neighbours buy copies for themselves. filled the upstairs room of the church Atkinson and Doyle say they reach to hear the first reading of What Do an audience outside the neighbourhood Witches Do? It’s the sequel to last through local events and school October’s Where Do Witches Go? The programs. This past week, readings rhyming picture books both follow at Valleyview Farm and workshops at the lives of a group of witches after Rockcliffe Park Public School gave the Halloween is over. book exposure outside Ottawa South. The idea that “everybody has a Sophie Brodt, a nine year old witch neighbourhood” inspired the newest with a green nose and cheeks, says story, said Atkinson as she signed she heard about the release at school, copies of the book in a lacy pink dress where Atkinson teaches part-time. and green face paint. “I love the possibility of the magic” Elizabeth Todd Doyle, the said Atkinson on what she loves most illustrator and Atkinson’s former next about Halloween. door neighbour, said she based most of Michelle Drapeau, 8, took a break the pictures on real places in Ottawa from Halloween colouring pages to South. Brewer Park and the Mayfair describe her plans for a Hawaiian witch Theatre are both featured in the costume made up of a hula skirt and illustrations, as are many of Atkinson witch hat. Drapeau says her favourite and Doyle’s neighbours. character in the book is Pansy, who “When somebody needs help, was played in the reading by Atkinson we come,” said Anne-Marie Wolfert, herself and is named after the street she a neighbour of Atkinson who helped has lived on for the past eight years. organize the event and greet the various Atkinson says the next book, witches, bunnies and cats that came to Witches Don’t Do Ballet, will not be hear the reading. written in rhyme like the others and Much of the audience was from the will focus on one character’s story. neighbourhood. Atkinson says there is Due in spring 2010, it will also be a feeling in Ottawa South that residents the first book to be released outside are “actually a family.” Bruce Grant, the Halloween season. However, Ottawa South resident of a year and a according to Atkinson and Doyle, their half, says the neighbourhood is a neat followers are like the witches they mix. It has “pretty ritzy people, and write about, they are active year round. Page 12 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR DEC 2009

Squirrel Chatter

When Democracy Rhymes With Politics

By tania & michaël Pour en arriver à faire changer d’avis il semble que le message est clair. Il Favorisons au moins les petits artisans des représentants politiques fautifs, des se résume en trois mots : « Openness et les artistes régionaux et au loin les e mois dernier, j’étais en entreprises délinquantes qui persistent », « accountability » and « democracy Walmart, les grandes chaînes vampires Allemagne. J’ai assisté à une et signent, il faut de la persistance. L’on ». Nous pouvons ajouter à cela qui tuent les petits commerces qui, eux, semaine intensive de séminaires pourrait avoir tendance à ajouter « de « sustainability ». permettent à l’économie d’avoir un L la patience » mais il devient utopique Le progrès social passe par la visage humain. sur l’éthique des affaires... À mon retour, après plusieurs discussions de penser que « tout arrive à point à construction d’une identité et d’une La question de l’éthique se pose vibrantes sur le sujet, Michaël et moi, qui s’est attendre ». Le monde tourne voix collective qui exige un ordre aujourd’hui en fonction de la notion en sommes venus à la conclusion qu’il rapidement, la vie s’écoule tout aussi moral. Ce dernier est la pierre angulaire de progrès. Le progrès économique se est difficile aujourd’hui d’aborder ce vite et les conséquences des incongruités de tout projet qui touche la société développe dans une logique abstraite thème sans devenir sarcastique. de certaines décisions politiques et présente et future. Nous sommes dans et incongrue au nom d’une logique Toutes les grandes entreprises et économiques peuvent affecter de façon un monde où il est plus lucratif de financière et incohérente avec la logique institutions, y compris la Ville d’Ottawa, irrémédiable les générations futures. Le penser et agir développement durable humanitaire. Pour paraphraser Arendt : possèdent son Code de conduite ou Parc Lansdowne en est un bel exemple. et environnement que détruire et « le progrès tel que nous sommes venus d’éthique. Pourtant, les nouvelles Un bel exemple de déficit démocratique reconstruire du neuf, vite fait mal fait, à l’entendre, signifie la croissance, un débordent d’exemples de malversation, et de décision arbitraire basée sur des un beau centre d’achats, des petites perpétuel processus d’agrandissement de corruption, d’attribution arbitraire de intérêts privés. maisons chères mal situées en bordure et d’accumulation ». La valeur contrats, de déficience démocratique, Dans un contexte où la recherche d’un stade bruyant, quel enfant voudrait économique doit faire une place à la etc. En fait, il faut se demander de légitimité est essentiel, le discours jouer au ballon sur un beau ciment valeur sociale, c’est-à-dire permettre s’il est possible de moraliser la vie doit se faire rassurant et cohérent avec verdâtre ? Il est vrai qu’Ottawa a déjà aux individus de s’intégrer, d’échanger, économique? Bien honnêtement, nous la majorité. Trop souvent ce n’est pas son Arboretum et sa ceinture de verdure d’être écoutés… et entendus! croyons que oui, mais seules les actions le cas. Les habiletés de communicateur (qui diminue à chaque année… la ville de solidarité peuvent y arriver et ce, à ne sont pas données à tous, de toute étant au régime) mais où est son jardin travers une persistance à toute épreuve. évidence. À une époque où la classe botanique, son jardin des fleurs comme politique n’a que peu de crédibilité, toutes les grandes villes du monde?

Royal Opening .... Cont’d from next page and maintenance cost savings over the the city is expected to retire the rest of the City Manager. “Now, I have to admit still cites the controversial proposed next decade, relieve the over burdened the highly expensive diesel engine fleet that there’s something nostalgic about redevelopment of Landsdowne Park in light rail commuter lines, as well as of buses, and convert the remaining the smell of diesel in the morning”. 2009 as the beginning of a sea-change freeing up more buses to improve routes to the Canadian-built hydrogen The city plans to keep the historic in municipal politics that made the service city-wide. cell buses. Route 1 serviced by eight iconic diesel metro possible. “I couldn’t see those combustion buses for tourist value. The remaining “It was stomach churning. With With full service now in operation, buses disappear quickly enough” stated combustion fleet have been sold off to almost 80 percent of the citizenry Toronto and for scrap. opposed to the plan, the then Mayor “Opponents to the construction and City Council tried to ram it down of metro service have always cited our throats”. A municipal election the cost as their principle argument” following year saw the mayor defeated says the Councillor for Capital and only three city councillors re- Ward. “They said ‘Ottawa is too elected. “The people of Ottawa actually small’. We’re now at almost two started to pay attention. They began million. Now that we’re up and to demand more of their city and their running, it’ll be interesting to see politician. We cleaned house.” if they continue to criticize. They Although the then mayor retired might complain about lighter traffic in disgrace and the plan was ultimately and reduced travel time. They might scrapped in favour of an international oppose fewer transfers and more design competition, the lawsuits and the transit users – I don’t know.” polarizing urban-rural rift in the former The new metro system is a City of Ottawa is what led directly to personal victory for the Mayor and de-amalgamation. Furthermore, even the councillors in the old urban before the plan was scrapped, a long core, who for decades had been overdue debate on public transit in the fighting against the city’s direction urban core began. on growth, which saw suburban “There’s no going back now” gloats expansion and infrastructure costs the Mayor. “People in Ottawa used to skyrocketing just as fuel prices hit sell themselves short and convince $3 a litre. themselves that this was as good as it “It took a lot of vision, and a gets. But after Lansdowne – it was a lot more perseverance” said the catalyst, you know. Backroom deals Mayor in an earlier conversation and massaging public opinion wasn’t with the CBC. “It wasn’t a battle for getting any more mileage. There was a a new transit plan – it was a battle new covenant between politicians and to change the way citizens in this the people. It took work, but look what city think. And that’s no easy task, it got us.” despite the writing on the wall. But The Mayor, who announced his seeing is believing and if we hadn’t retirement last month, says that he can asked for it, and continued to ask for now leave municipal politics a far cry it – it never would have happened”. from where they were when he began “They took a big [expletive] on his career. He is set to receive his Order our doorstep and told us to eat it”. of Canada from the King later this The Mayor, now in his eighties, afternoon. DEC 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 13 THE BIG PICTURE Royal Opening: Ottawa’s Urban Transit Network Is About To Get Even Better

long waits for irregular bus service in the sub arctic winter season in favour of a heated metro platform. Ottawa’s mayor could barely contain his joy as the Ontario premiere announced that a deal had been struck with the government of Quebec regarding the “Memo of Inter-Jurisdictional Understanding” negotiated last autumn relating in particular to the Ottawa-Gatineau region, and promising that both provinces would recognize the urban area on both sides of the boundary as their own for the sake of capital projects, transportation, taxes and investment. “It’s truly a great day for citizens of the National Capital Region” stated the Mayor. “It took a long, long time to get everyone on board, but the train’s going to leave the station – and in 2031, it’s going to go all the way to Gatineau”. Details of the deal which will include a line connecting the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau have been released on the website of both municipalities, and will include a direct service to Macdonald- Cartier Airport. As the first southbound service on the Bank Street line left the station with the Royals and all three leaders and their staff, one passer by commented: “It’s fun to see three levels of government moving in the same direction for once. In this case, southbound.” The new underground line is expected to save upwards of fifteen minutes for the same journey between Billings Bridge and the Rideau Centre by light rail, and will deliver more transit users directly to their downtown destinations without having to transfer. “It will be worth the fare hike” says one commuter. The National Capital Transit Commission was lambasted two years ago for proposing, and getting the standard ticket price raised from $8 to $10. Although the massive capital costs of bringing the project to fruition had been greatly criticized, the new underground metro system is anticipated to deliver significant labour

Cont’d on previous page (above) The Ottawa Metro System, opened today (below) Phase II metro expansion, slated to begin construction in the summer of 2025. From the Archives: underground service. Although the journey from Sparks to Billings National Capital - December Bridge took just under 15 minutes, 16th, 2024 it is the culmination of almost two decades of debate, political sabre rattling and cost overruns. wenty years ago it was but an Although it was a chilly -8ºC impossible dream. But today, at street level, the brief press their Majesties King William and T conference took place in the new Queen Catherine, accompanied by His Sparks Street underground station Excellency the Governor General took at comfortable room temperature. part in a royal opening for the National The majestic vaulted tile ceilings, Capital’s long awaited metro service. In decorated by local artists was a sight a rare display of unity, they were joined to behold. by the Mayor of Ottawa, the Premiere of Many transit users have long Ontario and the PM. Together they took awaited the chance to give up the first ride on the Ottawa’s first metro Page 14 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR DEC 2009 OOS PEOPLE “Super-Exciting” Family Trek Inspires Local Teen By Tracy Morey would live in a home about as big as our living room.” hen he decided to use the How to help OOS porch sale to raise He says one of his big lessons was money for a project in in Laos, watching UNICEF delivering W food aid in huge SUVs that were too big Peru, Etienne Cameron asked his school friends to help and leafleted for the roads. It led Etienne to consider his neighbours for a donation or a the adage about teaching people to fish percentage of their porch sale profits. rather than donating them a fish. “I figured I’d get $100-$150 Etienne loved Peru “It had toward my project,” says the 15-year everything - beauty, Machu Picchu, old student at Deslaurier H.S. “It was and the people were so nice. But it was a complete surprise – by the end of the one of the poorest countries in South day there was $800.” America. You could see it in their eyes Etienne had contacted the Peruvian and faces that they wanted to help Embassy, which provided souvenir key themselves but didn’t have the means chains from the country. “Even people to do so.” When he returned home, he I didn’t know brought me stuff. One wondered what he could do rather than family was selling biscuits at the porch just donate. Etienne’s uncle suggested Marie-Josée Leblanc and Ty Cameron with sons Xavier and Etienne at an organization called KIVA, which sale and they gave me all their profits.” Machu Picchu Different way to learn provides micro-loans to people in poor counties. The funds raised by Etienne In ’07-’08, Ty Cameron and all his life in Ottawa South. in the world.” Marie-Josée Leblanc took their sons will go to a dress-maker, a farmer who “My parents wanted an adventure, Etienne calls the trip “super- sells alpaca wool, a woman who makes Etienne,13, and Xavier, 11, on a nine- my brother and I had never left Canada exciting – I really learned a lot, but it month family sabbatical to China, and sells food products and a group that in a big way,” explains Etienne. Says was the poverty that struck me most.” is building houses. Southeast Asia, South America and Marie-Josée: “We wanted a chance for In Cambodia, he saw people sleeping South Africa (“we did a kind of U”). It “In two years they will re-pay the Etienne and Xavier to learn in a different on the sidewalk on pieces of plastic. “It loans and we can use the money again.” galvanized the young man who’d lived way, to see there are other perspectives was sad to see, and the ‘richer’ people

To book an OSCAR ad My Favourite Autoharp Student call Gayle 730-1058 By Arthur McGregor politics and rarely did they end on time. Bev just bubbled with [email protected] enthusiasm about the autoharp; she had gone to a couple of autoharp camps in the States, joined the autoharp web guild and practised her fingers off. She played me a tune and we seemed to have reached the state of student teaching the teacher! She had progressed far beyond my ability. I was ecstatic for her. Bev’s evolution from a wonderful person to a wonderful musical person was exactly why I started this business. Most folks want to play a musical instrument. Most folks mistakenly y favourite autoharp think that to enjoy playing an student, actually ex- instrument you should have started autoharp student, stopped when you were young. This is not the M case. You can become musical at any in the other day. She was in to re-felt her autoharp, something that has to be age. We may confront some physical done if you play a lot. Bev plays a lot. problems the older we get but, as with Bev started lessons on the autoharp the autoharp, there are a huge number about two years ago (maybe more but of choices of what to play. The most the time thing is broken) and, once important aspect of learning to play is her trepidation about music wore keeping at it long enough to find the off, she zoomed forward, practicing musical joy. That may come fairly regularly and pursuing all kinds of quickly or it may take a bit of work. It autoharp stuff. Last summer (2008), may not come with the instrument that I talked Bev into performing at the you have decided to play and you may Ottawa Folk Festival, at the Folklore have to change instruments to find it. Centre’s open stage. Bryan ‘god-of- But when you do, it’s magic. Being the-autoharp’ Bowers was there and I able to disappear into an instrument asked him to attend the performance. for a couple of hours is a wonderful The audience was thick and Bev and experience. I did a wonderful set of mostly Carter The Folklore Centre is the perfect Family tunes. Bryan was generous place to discover a new instrument with his praise and I was like a that might resonate in your life. We proud dad, although Bev is not in the sell so many kinds of instruments that daughter age range. you’ll surely find one that speaks to Bev stopped taking lessons from you. And, with so many great players me this past spring and I hadn’t working throughout the store, you’ll heard from her. I was very happy to find someone that knows how to play see her. Our lessons often digressed just about any of them. to discussions of politics and, well, DEC 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 15 From OSCAR Writer to Halifax Shooter By Lisa Xing of more—much more than at CBC Which means no help even if I need it. not only that, the senior VJs and Edmonton or anywhere, really. It was So, my second week was probably cameraguys, not to mention my news alifax is hectic. I can’t believe insanely stressful for me at first—I the worst. I was driving haplessly director, have all been impressed with the two months tore by. The wasn’t used to the 5pm deadline (and all over the city to places I my work and complimented me on it. newsroom is tiny after the I thought 6pm was tight!) and my had no idea how to navigate. Passersby and interview subjects alike H cutting was mediocre and slow. The As of now, I’m suffering from minor have been appalled and astounded budget cuts. There are usually no more than three or four reporters shooting was also iffy since before back soreness, and my wrists are that I’m alone. (including myself) and three cameras. this, I had only shot at university for a strained. But, I’ve definitely learned Every time I step out of the One assignment editor who acts as the couple of things in class (and we were a huge, huge amount from all of this. Global car with the gear, they ask, lineup editor, producer, VO (Voice shooting on P2 cards, so the camera At the beginning when I accepted “….wait, there’s no one with you?!” Over) writer, etc. was much smaller and lighter!). the summer position, I didn’t ever Same story with the cutting. I went It’s crazy. I think I was complete So, to start shooting stories, imagine I could actually successfully from cutting stories in a group spoiled before coming here! I was sometimes pressers with other shoot. Ever. Which is odd, considering of three for class and taking four used to having a cameraguy, a bunch media around, was quite stressful. I did accept the job. My boss knew to five hours in Avid to cutting a of producers, cutters, VTR people, It also didn’t help that I had no sense of my hesitations from the beginning pack in less than half an hour. I directors—the works. First week direction. Halifax is divided into two and was very understanding and guess deadlines can inspire a lot. here, I was completely terrified. I sections—Dartmouth and Halifax. encouraging. He probably had twice People have said they’d like to hire knew I’d be shooting on the big There are two toll bridges connecting as much faith in my abilities as I did. me back, including my boss, but of XDCams, not the mini DVs. And the two areas and of course, this made I remember my first time picking up course, the budget doesn’t really I’m 4’11 so it was just a tiny bit for even more confusion on my part. I the XDCam. It was on my first day and allow for it. But, I guess it’s good to overwhelming, to say the least. had to Google maps everything. Then I was out with another VJ. I told her I be wanted, even if the resources aren’t I went out with VJs (Video Journalist) look at a map. And pretty much know wanted to carry the equipment for a there. So, needless to say, it’s been and shooter the first week and at the exactly where I was going and how to bit, knowing I had tod o it by myself crazy and insane, stressful and hectic. end of it, I packaged my first story, but get there in order to not get lost. every day. My god, I could barely lift But, it has also been one of the best with a shooter. There has also been a lot of it off the ground. It was terrible. But, learning experiences, even though Then the second week, they pretty asking for directions everywhere. before I knew it, I went from pretty the forty pounds of tripod/camera has much threw me in and I had to drive Well, at least everywhere out of town, much the camera carrying me to doing probably taken a few inches off my myself to the shoots, shoot everything which we do quite often, especially streeters over the shoulder to shooting modest height already. myself and then come back and on weekends. Another thing, on pressers alone to shooting on a rickety script and cut my own stories. A ton weekends, I’m the only reporter/VJ in. little boat in the Atlantic Ocean. And Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Page 16 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR DEC 2009

AFTER THOUGHTS

The Digestion of Truth from Richard Ostrofsky high-tech world comprised of vast – with our habits and plans for the the world’s economy. And that world of Second Thoughts Bookstore powerful high-tech systems, requires future – before it really becomes part has grown too small, and too tightly (now closed) steady, competent management in the of us. interconnected, for trust to have www.secthoughts.com face of people’s conflicting values Neither aspect of this digestive much of a chance. All the differing [email protected] and interests, and leaves a shrinking function is adequately performed. customs and values jostle one another margin for human folly. Present-day knowledge systems have – with everyone an irritant, if not a y theme this month stems Of course, the gap between what all they can do to turn out the annual bogeyman, to everyone else. from a remark by Otto is known and what is politically crops of expert professionals on It may be that the only remedy MRank, one of Freud’s early feasible is only to be expected. The which our high-tech world depends for this cognitive indigestion is an disciples, and a significant thinker in same gap exists even before the added – never mind how many people are acquired public boredom with the his own right: “For the time being I difficulties of politics are factored in. feeling alienated, marginalized, de- issues themselves. Fanatics of all gave up writing,” he said. “There is How often each of us acts against skilled and under-valued by just these stripes are pushing this cause or that, already too much truth in the world – ‘better judgment,’ out of passion knowledge-intensive systems. Nor while philosophical types (like me) try an over-production which apparently or the influence of others, or sheer can the digestive function be well- to get their heads around the quarrels cannot be consumed!” carelessness or laziness. The digestion performed in the present cultural and and think them through. But I suspect It might be better to speak of of truth is a personal shortcoming social climate. I think Rank was right these culture wars will subside only a failure of digestion: The store of long before it is a public one. about this. as people become bored and blasé not knowledge in our libraries today What I am callling digestion here The numerous ‘culture wars’ only about their cultural differences, is one of the glories of the modern has two distinct-but-related aspects: of our time suggest to me a global but about the issues they raise for world. There has never been so much On one hand it’s a following-through case of cognitive indigestion: a vast the accumulation and deployment of knowledge – now, with the Internet, so on abstract ideas and information and growing body of knowledge and power, and for the ordinary business readily available to anyone who seeks toward more concrete and directly viewpoint that cannot be digested. At of life. The modern knowledge- it. Yet the public as a whole remains as applicable values, attitudes and least, I have no useful ideas on how it explosion will be digested only ignorant, superstitious and just plain habits – appropriate for meeting could be. Certainly there is too much when rival takes on new, disturbing silly as ever. Conduct of the world’s and responding to life’s practical knowledge and too many viewpoints knowledge have fought each other affairs remains as greedy, confused situations. On the other, it’s an uptake around for any individual to digest to a stand-off, with concrete policy and violent. What ‘is known’ is not of some abridged and popularized but them all. Accordingly, the old counsel issues effectively compromised and necessarily known by the people who reasonably authentic version of the that one should peacefully mind one’s largely forgotten, behind pragmatic ought or need to know it, certainly findings and debates of specialists own business and leave other people to compromises that have become a not by enough people to inform the into general public consciousness. As mind their’s has much to recommend matter of habit. In time, people grow practical decision-making that should with the food we eat, new knowledge it – except that it would require a weary of argument. Woody Allen said follow. This is a human tragedy – and ideas must be broken down and climate of mutual trust precluded by it perfectly: “God is silent. Now if we perhaps a lethal one. An increasingly recombined with our present being the institutionalized selfishness of could only get Man to shut up!” DEC 2009 Page 17

OTTAWA SOUTH HISTORY PROJECT Evans House – 175 Belmont Ave Although the subdivision was The home itself is two and a half stories, investment opportunity. Although Ray’s created in 1891, Ray made no sales and follows a typical “farmhouse” style profit was likely not what he expected, on Belmont Avenue until 1896, and he with a brick exterior and side hall plan, Belmont Avenue was quickly developed continued to sell properties well into a steeply pitched roof, and double hung by a handful of middle class investors the twentieth century. Lot 17 North windows. To a large extent, it mirrors who built 2 ½ story brick homes along Belmont was not purchased until 1898 other turn of the century homes on the north side of the street. Most of these when it was developed by Elizabeth the street. There are, however, several properties seem to have been intended Evans and her daughter Grace. details which the builder employed that exclusively for rental from the time of Although Elizabeth Evans herself separate this home from many other their construction. was originally from England, she similar homes in Old Ottawa South, and Together, the homes built by married into the Evans family of Billings which were almost certainly intended Elizabeth Evans on lot 117 and 116 Bridge who owned a blacksmiths to affirm the middle class status of North Belmont Avenue in “Oakland shop on Bank Street at the end of the its owner. For example, the home’s Heights” represent the optimism of nineteenth century. This marriage brickwork is of superior quality to other investors at the turn of the twentieth probably gave Evans the means to homes on the street including dentilated century. This theme of middle class support herself even after her husband’s voussoirs above the windows, and a investment from the city of Ottawa death in 1898. After buying her first more complex form with a single story proper, into the suburbs of Old property at 175 Belmont Avenue in July bay window facing the street, as well as Ottawa South was to a large extent the 1898 (her husband had died in May), finer, more even brickwork. foundation of the neighbourhood. she bought the property next door (116 Although Elizabeth Evans did not This home exhibits significant Belmont) in November of the same year live in the home she built on Lot 117 architectural and social value. Although This month’s contribution to the for the purposes of building a duplex. for very long, I suspect that it was it is much like many brick homes in Ottawa South History Project comes It is certain that Evans intended intended to be the family home, while Old Ottawa South, its brickwork and from one of our Heritage Survey the duplex to be a rental property the neighbouring duplex was meant to detailing mark it as a particularly good 2009 summer students, Abraham providing her with income, and perhaps remain an income property allowing example of a common nineteenth- Plunkett-Latimer, an M.A. student in independence. Although she remarried her to live a respectable lifestyle for century “gable-front” style worth the Department of History, Carleton as early as 1901, both properties a middle class woman without being preserving over similar houses in the University. This article will be part remained in Evans and her daughter’s too involved in business. The home’s neighbourhood. In particular, its size, of the Heritage Survey 2009 report to names rather than becoming integrated architecture supports this hypothesis. Gothic ornamentation, and complex be presented to the Old Ottawa South into their husbands’ estates. The plan of the home is virtually brickwork emphasize the values of community later this winter. By 1901 both properties were likely identical to the other early homes Old Ottawa South’s middle class at rented out. Evans had remarried to on the street, yet the architectural the turn of the century. In addition, Property James (or Sidney) Webb and had moved details, i.e. fine brickwork, voussoirs, its architectural twinning with the to Russell, Ontario, making her home ornamented pediment, windows, and duplex “rental property” on lot 116 Address: 175 Belmont Avenue (Lot 17, on Belmont superfluous. James Webb single story bay window, were certainly North Belmont Avenue, marks it as north side of Belmont Avenue) seems to have been a relatively well- intentionally included to emphasize architecturally unique within the Introduction off individual, suggesting that Elizabeth the higher status of the owners. These neighbourhood. he house located at 175 Belmont was of similar social status. Indeed, details would seem to indicate that 175 175 Belmont also reflects an Avenue in Ottawa, Ontario was even after Elizabeth’s second marriage, Belmont was intended to be the Evans’ important theme in the early history of constructed in 1898 by Elizabeth T she continued to use her property as primary residence. Old Ottawa South, and more generally, Evans, a widow with several children leverage to make loans to a series of Originally there was a wooden Ottawa suburbs. For Old Ottawa South, the oldest of which, Grace Evans, was individuals. As early as 1899 Elizabeth section at the proper back of the house it connects to middle class speculation a co-owner. It is a large 2 ½ story brick- Evans was granting mortgages, some of which may have been used as a shed or and investment in the region first veneered frame house with a side hall which were for quite substantial sums. driving shed, as it is labelled “auto” on through the investment of C.C. Ray, plan, front-facing gable, and pitched These loans, along with rental income, the 1948 Fire Insurance Plan. Currently and second through Elizabeth Evans’ roof. It functioned as a rental property must have provided Elizabeth with this section has been remodelled and development of the two properties as for the Evans family until Grace Evans’ significant personal income and security added to the main living space of the income properties. Although these death in 1965. The house is typical of after her husband’s death. Evans herself home. Although the home has changed, homes would have been located still middle class homes at the turn of the was seemingly quite business savvy. its architectural integrity remains very very much in a rural environment, both twentieth century. At the time of its Within months of her husband’s death good. The main part of the house is Ray and Evans sought to develop the construction, a sister duplex was built she had bought the two properties in very good condition with very few neighbourhood on the supposition that for Elizabeth Evans at 183 Belmont on Belmont. Within three years, she changes. the property would increase markedly which also functioned as a rental had remarried (to a man 10 years her in value as Ottawa expanded. This trend property providing income for the junior, and one who employed a male Significance marks an important transition point for Evans family. servant). Evidently, she attempted to Old Ottawa South as it began to urbanize History ensure future security for herself and Belmont Avenue functions well as a in the early twentieth century largely Lot 17 on the North Side of her family by every means available. microcosm of the larger neighbourhood driven by this type of speculation. Belmont Ave was among the first to be of Old Ottawa South at the turn of the developed in the neighbourhood of Old Architecture twentieth century. At its very beginning Contact the Ottawa South Ottawa South. Originally part of the in 1891, based on Cassius Ray’s gamble History Project at HistoryProject@ farm of William Fairbairn, it was bought Lot 17 Belmont Street covers the that the street car line running down OldOttawaSouth.ca or visit us in 1891 by the Ottawa coal importer entire area of the original subdivided lot Bank Street would make his “village” online at www.OldOttawaSouth.ca/ Cassius C. Ray. Ray subdivided the lots forty-five feet deep and one-hundred feet a lucrative investment, the street and HistoryProject. between Bank Street, Riverdale, and long landscaped and with mature trees. subdivision represented a middle class Cameron to form a village which he called “Oakland Heights.” Bruce Elliott explains in his book The City Beyond that Ray’s subdivision was for the most part tied to the expansion of the streetcar line down Bank Street which was announced in 1891, and the expectation that the property south of Bank street bridge would rapidly become valuable. Unfortunately, as Professor Elliott describes, the subdivision developed slowly. By 1901 the residents of “Oakland Heights” were mainly living in a handful of houses collected along the north side of Belmont Avenue. th Page 18 The OSCAR - OUR 37 YEAR DEC 2009 Dickens Comes Alive At Billings Estate This Season By Emma Jackson Visitors will travel by foot from in the early 1800s, and was inhabited room to room in the 1820s wood- by family members until well into the harles Dickens’ classic holiday framed house, but by wagon to the 1900s – so the house offers a perfect story, A Christmas Carol, is cemetery, weather permitting. backdrop for a Victorian-era story. experiencing a revival this “We’re keeping in mind the fact “There are elements of the house C that it will be mid-December, and that have a Victorian feel, and I was season, particularly with the new animated movie version creating hype chances are it will be cold. So we’re also inspired by the cemetery, which among some of our youngest fiction going to make sure the audience is fits so well with the image of Scrooge lovers. But another, more unique not sitting still for very long outside,” and his ghosts,” Lewandowski said. spin on the classic Christmas tale is Stephens said. Also, the museum will be traditionally taking place this season, and it’s only The weekend’s line up includes a decorated for the holiday season in Ottawa at Billings Estate National nightly performance from 7 pm to 9 with garlands, trees and traditional Historic Site. pm Dec 10, 11 and 12, and an extra ornaments, casting a decidedly festive From Dec. 10 to Dec 12, local matinee performance from 1pm to feeling over the museum that even theatre troupe Vintage Stock will 3pm on Dec 12. Tickets are $30 each. Scrooge can’t ignore. present a mobile stage version of A Apart from enjoying a unique Stephens said the cemetery scene Christmas Carol that will change interactive play, Lewandowski said will be particularly eerie under the locations for each scene, instead of the roving performance is a great cover of darkness during the three changing sets. opportunity to see the museum evening performances, which will be “The story itself takes place grounds in a new way. lit by kerosene lanterns. She said the in several locations, and since the “For visitors who have never been matinee performance on Saturday, museum doesn’t have one spot to here before, I think it will be a neat Dec. 12 will be more family oriented stage a play, we’re going to move the way to introduce them to the site, and and will focus on the “jolly” parts of audience around instead,” explained for those who have already visited the story. Brahm Lewandowski, acting the museum it will be an entirely new “After all, we don’t want to scare administrator for the museum. way of experiencing it.” the little guys,” Stephens laughed. Opening the play in the museum’s Stephens was also excited about Lewandowski said he is delighted gatehouse, the audience will then using the estate as its eight-acre stage. to have Vintage Stock take the stage at board a horse-drawn wagon and “We thought about it for all of 10 Billings Estate this Christmas. follow the cast of characters – seconds and decided it sounded really “They’re a creative group, and including Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and, cool! It’s innovative, interactive – not they are eager to try out new ideas. of course, Tiny Tim – up to the main a normal venue for something like They’ve worked with the idea of house and on to the Billings Bridge this,” she said, adding Vintage Stock Charles Dickens before so this was an community cemetery, where Scrooge just as much as the actors do, but is always on the lookout for something opportunity to build on that.” will confront his sinful past and rather they won’t have to work as hard,” different. “Calling Billings Estate Space is limited to 30 people per grim future. explained Marni Hunt-Stephens, who a museum is all well and good, but show. To reserve seats call 613-247- “The audience will move around is directing the show. to actually have people in here, you 4830 or visit Ottawa.ca/museums for can almost see the wreaths and the more information. candles. It’s a very people-oriented place, it really comes alive.” Billings Estate was constructed

OSCAR Needs Volunteers For Monthly Distribution in OOS

NCC Installs Christmas Lights On Parliament Hill anada’s capital region ¾ preparations are underway for the 25th edition of the National capital commission’s (ncc) christmas lights Cacross canada program. During the next few weeks, the installation of 200,000 led lights along confederation boulevard will be completed, with one tenth of them on parliament hill. From december 12, 2009 to january 7, 2010, hundreds of thousands of multicoloured lights will illuminate approximately 70 ncc and partner sites along confederation boulevard, including parliament hill, national museums, institutions, monuments, embassies and other prominent landmarks. Residents and visitors are invited to join us for the official illumination ceremony on december 12, 2009 on parliament hill. This year, the celebration is set to coincide with the arrival of the vancouver 2010 olympic torch relay in the heart of canada’s capital region. Testing of all sites will commence the last week of november. The more than 20 000 led lights installed on parliament hill, as well as lights at adjacent sites on wellington street, will be tested on saturday, december 5, 2009. DEC 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 19 From the Dry Cleaner’s to the Library: More Bank Street Interviews By William Burr to the corner of Bank and Cameron “I’m Jewish, so Christmas was not my you! I knew it was Willie calling but one morning at 7 am and counted the thing,” says Orange. Muslim members I didn’t want to say anything in case it t 75, David Hilllary is still cars going by. He told his father that of the staff would also sometimes work might embarrass you!” Apparently I sat very much excited about dry this was where they should build their Christmas. “People who celebrate in the front row and had a lot to say. cleaning. next store. “That’s the most ridiculous seriously got the day off.” Working I asked Townley how the library A idea I’ve ever heard!” his father replied. Christmas, though, Orange has had has changed over the years. Computers The owner and co-founder of Hillary’s Dry Cleaners gave me a “The city ends at Billings Bridge.” “It’s some interesting experiences. On one have led less people to use the library whirlwind tour of his facilities at Bank gotta go South” was Hillary’s answer. occasion some people came in and to help them research, while also and Cameron. Shirts, suits, skirts, and “This is going to be the biggest of our bought a lot of hot dogs. She asked revolutionizing library databases. On pants hung in endless rows. A team stores.” David’s second announcement them why, and was told “Mum’s a bad the kids’ end, Townley has witnessed of mainly petite women applied and followed: he wanted to build a drive in, cook. We want to be as full as possible an increased focus on literacy, with new removed shirts to and from complicated where people could drop off their dry before dinner.” She also met a lot children’s programs such as “Every metal pressing-machines. Hillary cleaning without getting out of their cars. of kids who had been sent out of the Child Ready to Read.” “We did all gave me a statistic: three of these Again, his father said it was a ridiculous house while their parents prepared for those things before,” she adds, “but we machines, imported from Japan, and idea, since there were not enough cars the Christmas meal. And neighbouring didn’t talk about them.” three employees, can press 200 shirts to sustain it. “We’re not going back to business people would drop by with Townley began working at the in an hour, where six employees could horse and buggies,” David replied. And cookies and mince meat pies. library as a page when she was 15, and previously do 120 in an hour. Hillary’s so they tore down the house and barn Asked if she has had any problems came back to it after university. She has was the first in North America to import – yes, barn – that occupied the chunk with customers, she says that on several found a real home here and developed the machines, though they have been of land, and their new store opened in occasions one of her staff has been a a passion for running activities for copied by several American companies. 1960. victim of racial slurs, and was actually children. “Every day I hear something In the recesses of the building, the Over at TD Bank at Glen and Bank, attacked on one occasion. “It’s still new from a child,” she says. Her main rows of clothes lead to giant, churning Sara Chamberland, Branch Manager, there,” she notes. program at Sunnyside is “Toddler Time.” washing machines. They are made by radiates enthusiasm about getting to Moreso, though, Orange meets a Toddler Time involves a few books, and a German manufacturer, introduced to work for TD. “You always want to work lot of characters. “There’s a lady who a lot of singing. Key components are Hillary by a German friend he met years for a company that makes you feel good comes to check the magnetic field on routine and predictability, “because ago on the streets of Ottawa. “I saw two about what you do.” She began her career my stamps. She runs her fingers over when you’re a toddler, everything is people standing outside the store one as a customer service representative, or them and then starts to shake. She says unpredictable.” day, just staring. I went out and spoke to teller. “I worked part-time for a bank in ‘Oh, the magnetic field is no good,’ and The library will be closing for them and invited them inside” – though college,” she answered. “I was offered then leaves. We end up laughing a lot.” renovations soon, but 7-Eleven will be they spoke little English. It was the start a full-time position after I graduated.” Susan Townley is the Children’s closing for good, Quickie opening with of a lifelong friendship. Though she hasn’t been at the present Programming Assistant at the Sunnyside a brand new staff. While the bright Hillary’s father owned the Ottawa location long enough to rack up a lot of branch of the Ottawa Public Library, signs of the TD Bank and Hillary’s Dry Sanitary Laundry on Argyle in the 40s. stories, she can confirm that the bank’s where she has worked for over 20 years. Cleaners will remain visible to us on our One day, the young David arrived home basement – referred to by employees “I used to attend the children’s way down Bank Street, the faded red from school to learn that he and his as the “bunker” – was flooded a few programming here,” I said to Ms. and green one with those two rhyming father were about to embark on a trip to years ago. And she proves that the Townley after we shook hands. numbers will disappear. the U. S. Why? To look at “package TD Bank is definitely one of the oldest “Oh I know you did! I remember units.” A package unit is a facility OOS businesses: it opened at Bank and where the washing of shirts and the Cameron in 1927, and moved to Bank dry cleaning of other clothes are done and Glen after World War Two. under the same roof, on the same floor Rose Orange was the Post Office (Shirts, I learned, are washed – never Manager at the 7-Eleven at Bank and dry cleaned). At this time, the two tasks Grove before the store changed hands to were usually performed in separate become a Quickie on December 1st. She buildings. The Hillarys toured locations worked there for 15 years and reflects in New York and returned to found the affectionately about her time there. “It first Hillary’s Dry Cleaners at 1318 feels like a general store,” she says. Wellington in 1949. David was 17. His She has seen some kids who used father paid him 25 dollars a week, and to drop in for candy turn into university he was obliged to return ten of these students. She recounts one story of a dollars to his parents to cover room university-age young man who came and board. To dry clean a shirt at that to the counter and asked, “Do you time, it cost a customer 17 cents. Today, remember me?” followed by “You once the price is $3.75. Hillary claims that told me I had good manners!” She was he and his father worked from 6am to surprised at how her words had sunk midnight, seven days a week, for years. in. Personally, I can remember the days “Was it worth it?” I asked him. The when, walking home from Hopewell answer is obvious to him: “Look what School, I would rush into the store to I’ve got now,” he says, pointing at the spend any dimes or nickels I had in building around him. my pocket, no matter how pitiful the But Hillary had a worry: “I’m not amount. sure that I want to do dry cleaning,” he Before working at the 7-Eleven, admitted to his father at 17. “Why don’t Orange worked at a government you go abroad?” answered his dad. And refugee centre. Her job was suddenly so Hillary made his way to Switzerland, cut, and with a young daughter at home, where, as a Canadian, he was hired to she needed to find something else play for and coach a Swiss hockey immediately. While buying a coffee at team, before the team manager had the 7-Eleven one day, the lady behind even seen him on a pair of skates. He the counter asked if she happened to stayed four and a half years in Geneva. know anyone who needed a job. “Yeah, Finally, his father came and urged him I do!” she replied. to come home, promising him one thing Now, with the 7-Eleven changing if he did: that he would buy the young hands, she will have the opportunity to Hillary a farm. Farming has been his focus on her artwork, which includes lifelong passion, and throughout his both drawing and mixed media. She career, he has owned several properties also toys with the idea of going back to on the outskirts of Ottawa. At times he school for graphic design or animation. has had 85 head of cattle. At others, he “At least I have options,” she says. has had 350 chickens, providing fresh I have always had a pang of pity for eggs for all of his employees. those who had to work on Christmas Day Some years after his return from at the 7-Eleven. It turns out, however, Switzerland, Hillary and his father went that my concerns were unwarranted. Page 20 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR DEC 2009

BOOK REVIEW

Your Planet Needs You!: A become a top video on YouTube (more very literally… I gave it to a 12 year Kid’s Guide to Going Green than 1.75 million hits). Googling “The old friend of mine and she highly (Paperback) girl who silenced the world for 5 (or recommends it to her friends – and by Dave Reay (Author), Alan 6) minutes”, brings up over 100,000 their parents. Rowe (Illustrator) hits and links. The diversity of these As in his earlier book, Reay’s links illustrates how far reaching methods are well-suited to the task at Macmillan Children (Jul 1 her message is. The girl who gave hand. Ideally, the two books are taken 2009), 176 pp. the speech is Severn Cullis-Suzuki as compendium books: one for the ISBN-13: 978-0330450959 (daughter of Dr. David Suzuki) and – children and one for the parents (and here is the shock - her topical urgent teachers) who can then supplement call for action was delivered 17 years the “Kids’ Guide to Going Green” ago! Young people today may well with additional information and become more knowledgeable and background as suitable or needed. Yet, engaged than the older generations even alone Reay’s new kids’ book n a few days, December 6-18 and demonstrate willingness and is an excellent tool for parents and 2009, the next United Nations’ determination to take ground-breaking teachers. Conference on Climate Change in I steps to reduce our impact on climate Dave Reay’s 2006 book, “Climate Copenhagen will focus world attention change and global warming. Change Begins at Home” was “a huge on this pressing issue. All indications Dave Reay, marine biologist by inspiration” for the BBC1/Discovery suggest that its outcomes will not go training and climate change researcher Channel Climate Chaos with David far in setting binding global targets for some 15 years has been studying Attenborough, according to Nicolas for reducing greenhouse gases. But the effects of global warming on Brown, the director of the film series. indications also suggest the voice of oceans as well as the wider impacts In it, Reay presents a “common sense” young people will be increasingly of greenhouse gas emissions. Now approach to practical steps people can Climate Change Begins at important in moving toward this goal. a lecturer and a program director on take to reduce their carbon footprint. Home: Life on the Two-Way At a previous such Climate Change carbon management at Edinburgh Reay isn’t asking us to make drastic Street of Global Warming Conference, a twelve-year old girl University, he is the author of two changes in our lifestyle. Instead, (Paperback) from Vancouver held the attention compendium books on “climate he demonstrates how small steps by Dave Reay of its General Assembly for five to change begins at home”. While can improve our environment and Palgrave Macmillan; 1st edition six minutes with her urgent call to his 2006 book with the same title make it sustainable for our children. action on climate change. “I am only (Sep 5 2006), 224 pages addressed us adults, Dave Reay’s To illustrate his message he has a child” she stated “and I don’t have ISBN-13: 978-0230007543 new book “Your Planet Needs YOU!” invented a “typical” family of four, the answers…but neither do you...” addresses young people. the Carbones, who could easily be our After identifying her generation’s Review by Friederike Knabe Suitable for children as young neighbours. By describing the family’s major concerns she urged the political as nine or ten, Reay’s entertaining daily routines, he demonstrates the leaders to take action: “If you can’t fix presentation of facts within a fictional contribution to greenhouses gases this it - don’t break it!” Her message has setting, aptly illustrated by Alan average lifestyle makes every day, Rowe, introduces three “climate every year. He then invites the reader change champions”: Max, Henry and to ask what changes can and should be Flora. Guided by their teacher, Mrs made. Can our daily routines continue Weatherbottom, the trio explores the without modification? many issues related to global warming Reay asks a good many questions and climate change, and, through of us all and provides the reasons their projects and homework, come behind these questions. He gives up with practical solutions including numerous examples of visible and the three Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), hidden costs that perhaps only a few local gardening and composting with of us recognise. Is your house one a worm farm. of the “uninsurable” residences? Max is an unusual character, Insurance companies view climate fitting for a cartoon: Maximus, his change and sea level rise as inevitable full name, describes himself as the and know the risks are too high “Saviour of Worlds, Protector of to cover. You can also give some Humankind and Chocolate Fanatic”. thought to your electricity usage: how He has been called by the “President many lights, computers and other of Earth” to stop the planet from appliances are sitting there humming heating up. While he looks very much away in standby mode when not in like Superman – with a big M on his use, drawing power for 24 hours per broad chest - he is everything but. It’s day, 365 days a year? What can we the two kids, Henry and Flora, who do about that? And what will our next take Max into school so that he, step automobile be? One major underlying by step, learns to understand what factor is the hidden “embodied” global warming, climate change and resource cost. For example, what their causes are all about. The cartoon are you paying in “food-miles” - the sections tell the story of the three shipping of foodstuffs from distant “climate warriors” as they travel the places that might just as readily be world, thanks to Max’s super flying grown locally? Reay’s approach isn’t powers. His special goggles come in preachy nor does he want us to feel handy when identifying the different guilty about our impact on the climate. greenhouse gases. Interjected He does, however, urge us to think in this action story are facts and hard about what we can do to reduce explanations: Henry’s school essays our contribution to climate change. on specific climate topics with some So, whether you are 9 or 99, Reay’s hilarious drawings; Floras’ brief fact books offer you ways to take positive notes; and, Mrs. Weatherbottom’s steps toward slowing climate change pearls of wisdom. There are many without serious sacrifices. funny scenes on the way, when Max draws unlikely conclusions and one other boy, Gripper, takes everything DEC 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 21 TRINITY ANGLICAN CHURCH “Stars Across The Heavens” Spare-Change Campaign For Theme For Trinity Sheep Is Piling Up Christmas Pageant Dec. 13 The Nickels And Loonies By Jim Robb By Jim Robb

hristmas isn’t far away. But before ickels, dimes, quarters , and loonies are Christmas there’s the Trinity Christmas piling up in a collection box at Trinity. Pageant on Sunday, December 13 at the 10 NIt’s a spare-change campaign to buy C sheep (one or more) for a struggling farmer in a am family service. The kids at Trinity Anglican Church have been Third World country. practising for their pageant for weeks. The cherub The sheep, valued at $150 each in the World choir is in fine voice, as is the choir of older boys Vision catalogue are ideal animals for a small and girls attending the Church School. farmer. They can produce protein-rich milk for Theme of the pageant is “Stars across the children, and wool that can be sold in the market heavens” and pageant coordinator Jennifer Small or turned into clothes and bedding for the farm says “there are speaking parts, singing parts and family. walk-on parts. A single ewe can be the foundation of a Trinity parishioners Sally Clarke, left, and Judy “There is something for everyone and anyone whole flock since sheep often give birth to Richardson take a short break from dishing up chili who would like to join in!” twins or triplets. And when you get a reasonable lunches for hungry guests at Frosty’s Fair on Saturday, So, if you are a parent, grandparent, or great number of animals in a flock, some can be sold November 7. The fair is one of Trinity’s main fund- grandparent mark your calendars for a must-see for much needed income. raising events during the year and is a popular event in event. It’s a good deal for farmers and easy giving Old Ottawa South. To top-off the morning’s excitement there’s a for parishioners who won’t miss a few quarters pot luck lunch following the family service. or loonies. Remembering A Fallen Canadian Soldier And A HARD DAY’S PLAY Afghanistan’s Children In Need By Jim Robb Before joining the military Boomer Necessity is the had worked as a volunteer in the hospital’s score of dedicated knitters at Trinity emergency department. Boomer connected are busy turning out Boomer Caps for with children and in an email to his mother Mother of Deception delivery this winter to infants and very from Afghanistan said that “making the A children smile is the most rewarding part about By Mary P. young children at risk in strife-torn Afghanistan. The Boomer’s Caps project is a memorial this tour.” he older children have been making something for celebrating the life of Corporal Andrew James Project organizers point out that Boomer and his comrades assisted the Afghan people their parents for the last week and a half. We’ve spent (Boomer) Eykelenboom, a Canadian Army as much as they could by distributing medical a little time each day adding another layer, building medic who was killed by a suicide bomber T while on duty in Afghanistan in 2006. Corporal supplies, books and warm clothing. up the tissue and glue. Yesterday we added the sparkles on Boomer’s knitted caps provide “ warm, the outside, and we’re done! Eykelenboom was just 23 when he died. Staff and volunteers at Misericordia cheerful looking caps for the children who face Beautiful tissue-paper bowls! After completion, we Community Hospital in Edmonton launched the harsh, cold winter weather without benefit made a trip to the dollar store for things to put in the bowls, the project to support Boomer’s mother, who of warm clothing,” say organizers. with the stipulation that they be light. Sturdy these things are was manager of volunteer services at the Thousands of the caps have been distributed in not, though they’re not quite as delicate as you might think, hospital for many years. Afghanistan since the project was launched. given the materials. And through all this the parents have not discovered what it is we are making. The children have not spilled the beans, they have not once uttered the word “bowl” in their parents’ presence. I know this with utter conviction. Know why? It’s not because I’ve told them “Shh! Don’t tell! It’s a secret!” Ha! Anyone with toddlers knows how utterly pointless that is. To anyone under the age of six, near as I can make out, a “secret” is something that, when you tell everyone about it? You WHISPER. It can be a stage whisper, audible to THE ENDS OF THE EARTH, but if you whisper while you’re telling it, it’s still a SECRET. So.. I have not attempted to get them to keep a secret. Though the very thought of someone attempting to do so does bring tears of Christmas mirth to my eyes. Ho, ho, ho! No. What I have done, see, is to mislead and divert. We are not making bowls. Nope. Not at all. See that first pictures? Do those look like bowls? Of course not! Bowls are not bumps! Bowls are dents. We are not making bowls. No, no, no! We are making igloos. Lovely igloos made from purple, pink, and yellow tissue paper, respectively. Igloos decorated with sparkles, then turned ‘upside-down’ and filled with (variously) Christmas crackers, shiny ornaments, star-studded garlands and/or popcorn. Mary has never, ever called these things anything other than “igloos”. And neither have the tots. We have looked at pictures of igloos. We have tried to build some out of snow. We have talked about the Inuit, and how they mostly live in regular old houses now. And the children, they have told their parents ALL ABOUT IT. Of course. Their parents know EVERYTHING about IGLOOS. And nothing, nothing at all, about bowls. Bwah-ha. Merry Christmas! Page 22 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR DEC 2009

WINDSOR REDUX B PART 8 Indoor Trees

For nearly eight years, from She Who Must Be Obeyed gather by thought I could bring him over to a the champion of removing the chain February 2000 to August 2008, the front door. My Alpha hauls the tree more civilized way of making sure that link fence and tearing down the city OSCAR carried a monthly column. through the doorway. It’s an occasion this indoor tree feels right at home, but maintenance depot so that we have The Windsor Chronicles, written by for merriment and eggnog. What such now they have The Pup potty trained. more space in the park. He’s also the Zoscha the Wonder Dog. Zoscha a ceremony truly requires, of course, is Enough of the indoor issues. Out one who has been thinning out the trees became something of a celebrity in our a proper staking out of territory. None at the park, this is a wonderful time of along the river. The beavers removed neighbourhood, and her observations of this business of looping garlands of year. The city crews have erected the the mountain ash. Windsor’s alpha cuts on the passing scene, from a canine lights over the boughs. You and I both boards for the hockey rink. For a few down the Manitoba maples. perspective, attracted her share of loyal know that light does not carry nearly glorious weeks, before they actually He works so hard at maintaining readers as well as critics. the same territorial imperative as scent. create the ice and begin to skate, the this park, I’ve heard some of the OSCAR is reprinting some of And you and I both know that trees are humanoids are open to the possibilities humanoids joke that they’ll name the Zoscha’s musings from eight years ago. made as convenient signposts to locate that a hockey rink is meant for more park after him some day. Isn’t that just The editors have annotated where we boundaries. (1) than mere skating. What a wonderful like humanoids – so insensitive and feel that today’s readers may need to So why the change of rules? playground it makes, especially when self-centred. Why rename a park that is be informed of references that may no Every day we go for our walks, and my Alpha throws a tennis ball over the already named after his dog? longer be remembered by readers today, our humanoids wait quietly while you boards and I get to show off my ability Best of the season, or where recent scholarship has shed and I and all our comrades leave our to leap gracefully in pursuit. Zoscha further light on the world described in calling cards against the trunks and I understand there was some the Windsor Chronicles.. lower branches of trees. It’s simple dispute about the placement of the rink (1) See “Christmas Tree, Holiday and straightforward, and shows mutual this winter. The city wanted to align Tree, or Signpost: a multi-cultural, December 2000 respect of cultural sensitivities. So why the rink one way. The impassioned inter-species debate,” Claire Axelmann, do they get so aggravated when we champion of the community and the Dog Studies Review, Guelph University, Dear Boomer, want to do the same thing on the tree people who actually use the rink was Spring, 2002. they have brought indoors? To each Windsor’s alpha.(2) Windsor himself (2) “Windsor” in this passage very time I think I have these species its own marker. Let them put is a black lab, but his alpha is pure bull refers not to the park itself, but to a humanoids figured out, they do their glowing lights and their coloured terrier when he gets an idea into his black lab who lived on Belmont Street, something that sets me back balls; their toy birds and tinsel icicles. head. And what ideas he’s had! backing onto the park. Gary Lum was E Let you and I decorate the trees in our Every year, he’s the one who on my haunches. But then, I’ve seen closely associated with building and this happen before, at this time of year, own way. organizes the rink maintenance – maintaining the outdoor ice rink for when the days get very short and the But they don’t see it that way, of requiring my Alpha to go out in the many years, and continues to champion first snows come. course. And I’m afraid that The Pup middle of February to flood the ice, the park. They bring trees into the living is now getting old enough to take their while I get to explore the snowdrifts at room. It’s a big deal. The Pup and side on such matters. Last winter, I my leisure. But last year he was also

ABBOTSFORD HOUSE Come Sing With Us!

Pianist Keith Murfin

By: Pat Goyeche to thank the many men and women who help make Abbotsford a place for bbotsford has been filled folks 55 plus to come to enjoy leisure with the sound of music all activities such as singing. fall with the help of pianist The group will keep meeting this A month and might even get together for Keith Murfin and group leader Diane McIntyre…not to mention all the a few sessions in December to sing hearty singers themselves! some Christmas Carols and seasonal This new drop-in group formed songs. If you think you might enjoy in late September and has grown into such a group just give us a call at a fine mix of voices. The idea was Abbotsford @ The Glebe Centre (613- to have people get together on Friday 230-5730) for more details. For those afternoons for the love of singing. It is of you who may be tempted to join not a choir but does attract people who in please look out for the spring thaw like to sing aloud to a wide range of in late March when the gang will re- songs, many old-time favorites as well group and help bring renewal to our as more contemporary ones. weather weary selves. Abbotsford is blessed with many willing and able volunteers and wishes DEC 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 23

NOTES FROM THE GARDEN CLUB Growing Dahlias--From Tubers to Blooms Without a Greenhouse their support stakes), eyes upwards, with a good helping of fertilizer such as bone meal or compost in a hole with around three inches of soil above the tuber. A perfect length for tubers is that from the thumb to the wrist and perfect width, that of a thumb. Tubers larger or smaller tend to be less successful in sprouting. She did not recommend watering tubers after planting as this can lead to problems of rot. Once the tubers sprout they need a balanced fertilizer with trace elements (Olly explained that trace elements affect the colour of the blooms); during the summer, dahlias need to By Colin Ashford be alternately fed with fertilizers that pinching out all but the centre stems of regulate temperature and humidity) in contain high middle and high third plants to promote flower production, a cool, dry, dark place such as a root he members of the Old Ottawa numbers to promote blooms and removing side buds, and keeping the cellar. If the tubers start to dry out, Garden Club took time out tuber production. She recommended plants free of leaves at ground level. humidity can be restored by means from raking the leaves and Olly said that she is not fond of a water spray bottle. They can be T of synthetic pesticides to control brought into the warmth and light in putting their gardens to bed for a last look back at summer with Olly earwigs, slugs, and aphids and has March or April for May planting. Chuchryk, the proprietor of Charing found that Neem oil is an effective Olly can be reached through her House Gardens, a local gardening alternative. website: www.charinghousegardens. operation that specializes in growing After the first hard frost has ca dahlias. Armed with a stunning killed off the last of the dahlia plants, The next meeting of the Garden presentation of the dahlias she grows the tuber clumps can be dug up, the Club will be on Tuesday 12 January, in her garden in Ottawa and some earth removed (with a garden hose 2010 at Southminster United Church tubers she had recently dug up, she if necessary) and the tubers stored at 7.30 p.m., Aylmer and Bank (enter treated the members to a colourful in a garage to dry. Once the tubers from Galt Street), when Ailsa Francis, look back at the summer that nearly are dry, the tuber clumps can be a garden consultant, will be talking wasn’t. separated by pulling the stems apart about garden renovation: “creating Olly explained that dahlias and the individual tubers broken off. the garden you love from the garden need full sun (at least four hours Each tuber should be stored in an you have”. Drop-in membership for a day), well-drained soil, good air open plastic ziplock bag with some the evening is $5 and new members circulation, and constant feeding. She vermiculite (the vermiculite helps are always welcome. recommended planting tubers (with Welcome Tomas!

n the 15th of November at 4:25 pm, Peter and Meaghan Reinecke happily welcomed Tomas Liam into the world. Weighing in at 9 lbs, Ohe was delivered under the excellent care of the Labour & Delivery staff of the Civic Hospital. Tomas is looking forward to making friends at the Firehall and going for walks in Windsor Park. Many thanks to all the friendly neighbours who have been amazingly helpful for the past few weeks. Page 24 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR DEC 2009 Two Hopewell Kids on Sabbatical: Update returned to Bangkok to pick them up and then we set off for northern Thailand, beginning in Chiang Mai. While we were in Chiang Mai, my grandmother, Grandma Charlotte, arrived from Canada to spend three or four weeks travelling with us. We were in Chiang Mai for a week, and did lots of fun things—including a full-day Thai cooking course, where I had my own wok and learned to make spring rolls and curries—but I would say the highlight was the day we spent learning to be elephant trainers (or mahouts, as they’re known here). It was just my brother and I, and my Dad tagged along to keep an eye on us. We began by learning some basic commands, like “pe-pe-pe-pe,” which means turn right and left (depending which ear you tug on), or “bai,” which means go forward. Riding an elephant The slow boat - Two-day slow boat trip down the Mekong from the In mid-August, Old Ottawa South is terrifying and thrilling at the same Thai border to Luang Prabang, Laos residents Patti Ryan and Mark time. While riding, the elephant hangs Newman left Canada for a 6.5-month its head really, really low. You sit on trip to Asia with their two children, its neck, so the entire time it feels like Chloe, 9 and Ciaran, 6. They are you’re going to fall right off and do a backpacking their way around nosedive. The elephant always tends southeast Asia and India, intending to want to eat 100 tonnes of food to see parts of Bali, Malaysia, during the trek. That part became Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam kind of annoying for me, because my and southern India. Chloe and elephant would stop and reach out to Ciaran, who are missing grades a tree to get some leaves, and beneath 4 and 2 respectively, are sending her would be a little cliff. Then I monthly articles to the OSCAR with really felt like I was going to fall off. descriptions and updates from their Eventually I got a bit used to it, but travels. Last month’s article was not entirely. about Malaysia. This month, the Near the end of the day we went focus is on Thailand and Laos. to a wide river with really brown water, where we got to swim with (Hello) from Thailand “Sawatdee” the elephants. That was the best part. The only drawback: they pooped By Chloe Ryan in the water, and it just makes you hen I last wrote, we wonder what other gross kinds of were just about to head things are making the water brown Wto Thailand. Instead of further upstream. But swimming with spending seven straight weeks there, the elephants was really, really fun. as originally planned, we decided They would slurp water up into their to see some of Laos as well. So this trunks and then spray it at us. It was month’s article is about both places. extraordinary! Our first stop in Thailand was When we were ready to leave Bangkok, where we needed to apply Thailand, we decided to head to for our visas for India. Bangkok was Laos by taking a slow boat along the busy and stinky, and even though it’s Mekong River. It’s a two-day trip. a huge, exciting city, I didn’t enjoy it: The boat is fairly nice, if you’re lucky. it was so hard to get anywhere with all You get lucky by being one of the first the traffic that we weren’t able to do people to board the boat, because there much that was interesting. So during are only a few soft seats. If you aren’t the five working days that we had to lucky (like us on the second day), you wait for our visas, we went off to a get small wooden benches squeezed smaller town two hours north called so tightly together that you can barely Kanchanaburi, where we visited the put your legs under you. The trip Tiger Temple. was very, very long and extremely The temple is run by monks and is boring. My mom kept talking about a place where you can come to touch the spectacular scenery, but it was tigers and take photos with them. It like time was toying with me, waiting was amazing. There was only one until I turned mad. The seconds ticked minor disappointment—we didn’t by relentlessly, turning into minutes, get to actually play with the tigers. then hours, never seeming to end…no We only got to sit next to them and stops, no breaks, and just when you slap their bottoms while someone thought it was almost over, no, no it took a picture. Other than that, it wasn’t. Altogether, it was a 16-hour was superb. I got to touch one adult trip, broken up with one overnight tiger and two cubs. The two babies stop in a scruffy little town without were really cute. They were just six months old, and would chew on ferns and roll around. Cont’d on next page When our visas were ready, we DEC 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 25 Continued ...... Two Hopewell Kids on Sabbatical: Update electricity. of how long it took, and were happy After the excruciatingly long boat to help in any way, but we didn’t ride plus the overnight stop, we finally speak Lao and he didn’t understand arrived at our destination, Luang English. Five minutes later he hurried Prabang, a quaint, quiet city with lots out, got back into the songthaew and of Buddhist temples and monks. At we were off again to our hotel. Later first, I thought there were really only on I wondered if, in the end, it had all two streets. But the next day when we gone well for her. rented bicycles to explore the town, The next morning was our last we found it was much, much bigger. day in Luang Prabang, and my mom There were lots of other side streets shook us awake at 6 a.m. sharp so we and small lanes. On the second day, wouldn’t miss seeing the procession we went to a waterfall called Kuang of monks down our street. Every Si, about 45 minutes out of town. We morning at that hour, nearly 300 got there by songthaew (pronounced monks from a nearby temple, barefoot “song-tow,” a vehicle that looks and wearing saffron robes, walk like a motorcycle in the front but is down the streets of Luang Prabang shaped like a small pickup truck in All of us and our gear in a songthaew - Arriving in Vang Vieng, Laos, collecting food while local people— the back, with two or three benches in a songthaew with all our gear on the roof for passengers, plus a roof). Cont’d on page 27 The waterfall was really beautiful. my mom, my dad and I swam until we didn’t mind waiting at all, regardless It had multiple tiers, and you could reached the waterfall. We sat on the swim at many of them. The best one rock directly underneath the waterfall had a Tarzan rope hanging from a tree for a while until my lips were turning so you could swing out into the water. blue. It was tricky getting back to If you waded into the water instead, shore to get out of the water because little fish would nibble at your feet the current was trying to pull us down and legs unless you moved quickly the next level. My teeth chattered enough, which was difficult because until we reached the highest tier of the water was freezing. The water was the falls, which was extraordinarily bright sea blue and it looked like you tall and spectacular, maybe 20 metres would be able to see the bottom, but high. when you actually got in, it was hard On the way home in the because it was so deep. My brother, songthaew, we drove by an accident on the side of the road. A man was waving us down for help. We stopped and our driver got out to see what the Monks make their early morning rounds in Luang Prabang, ollecting problem was. It turned out that the food for the day man was a passerby who had stopped to help a woman whose motorcycle was stuck in a ditch and who looked hurt. She was carrying a baby in a sling and had a four-year-old with her as well. It turned out she had broken her collar bone. Luckily, the children didn’t seem to be hurt. Our driver helped them into the back with us, and after another half-hour of driving, we made a slight detour to a hospital just outside the city. It was kind of strange. There was nobody in the hospital parking lot. The building was a single storey and the entrance was just an open corridor Kids on elephant - Learning with medical supplies sitting out. The to be a “mahout” for a day driver escorted the woman and her in Chiang Mai, Thailand children into the hospital. We tried our best to communicate to him that we Page 26 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR DEC 2009 Scottish Traditional Christmas

By Anna Redman are also mince pies, and the traditional Scottish shortbread, Christmas Pudding, ar across the Atlantic Ocean, chocolate biscuits, mashed turnips and in a country of kilts, shortbread roasted turkey. Fand the Loch Ness monster, the In addition to the vast array of Christmas traditions vary somewhat food unique to Scotland and some from our own. The basic premise is the imported delicacies as well, there are same; a holiday based on religion, with some fun traditions to correspond with gift giving and time spent with family. the meal. The most significant is that However, various treats and traditions of the Christmas cracker, a cylindrical are Scotland specific. shape with twists at the end, somewhat The Scottish traditions date back resembling a Tootsie Roll. These to the end of the eighth century. The seasonal treats are now available in Vikings created a mid-winter festival Canada, but have long since been entitled “Yule” or “Yuletide.” The enjoyed all over Britain. You, and a Anna (far right) with her mum and cousin Sarah, wearing their paper crowns celebration lasted an impressive 24 family member, each take hold of a days and began with a gigantic feast on side of the cracker. Then you both pull the eve of “Yule.” There are several traditions The church is still a key component as hard as you can and with a crack, The Viking festival was a pagan one associated with “Hogmanay” but the in the Christmas traditions of many it splits open pouring the contents all until 1066 after William of Normandy most renowned is that of “first-footing”. Scots. The choir always do a special over the table. The usual contents of conquered England. Then the Scottish This is the act of being the first person service around the first Sunday in a cracker include a cheap toy of some tradition was introduced to a Christian to visit the home of a neighbour, friend Advent, and there is a visit from a silver variety (a miniature puzzle, a whistle, influence after an English ship wound or relative, and to come baring a gift of band which helps put people in the mood a spinning top), a joke of some variety, up wrecked on Scottish shores. some variety. Traditionally the gift bore for Christmas. A special Christmas and a paper crown. Sometimes the jokes Following this historical change some specific significance. The first- arrangement of holly, Christmas roses, have no resemblance to humour, but the traditions slowly conformed to what footer is then served food and drinks by and candles is placed in the church occasionally they can be entertaining. they are today, although things have the host and allegedly sets the standard and one candle is lit every week until My mum’s personal favourite: What do continued to change, even in recent of luck for the rest of the year. Christmas Day which concludes the you call a broken boomerang? A stick. years. In Scotland, “Hogmanay” or Even as the prominence of lighting ceremony with the final candle. The paper crowns, however, are New Years Eve, used to be the more “Hogmanay” faded the Christmas The church is also decorated with a the real reason for crackers. While prominent holiday. Christmas was a tradition did not resemble that of variety of Christmas scenes and floral everyone claims to hate wearing them, three day period of solemn Tribune, Canada’s until after the 1950s. Until arrangements. they secretly love it and everyone wears church services and hard work. These then most establishments stayed open On Christmas Eve, the church their paper crown, (which will be one three days were then followed by a on Christmas day and Scottish citizens has two services, one at 7 pm that is of the various colours of the rainbow) “Feast of Stephen” now known as received mail delivery. Now, however, primarily for families and the Watch through the entire course of Christmas “Boxing Day.” Then, several days later that routine has been abandoned and Night Service which begins at 11pm dinner. the hard work was celebrated by the shops are closed just as they are in and continues until after midnight. There are also several Scottish extravagant “Hogmanay.” Canada. There is an additional family service treats, leading up to Christmas itself. on Christmas Day. It is short and the The first is the Advent Calendar. children often bring their presents. Typically a tradition for children but Following this service, families people are never in a rush to outgrow return home together for their traditional it. In Scotland there are various types of Christmas feast. There are a variety of Advent Calendars. There are the cheap Christmas foods that originated from and cheerful ones filled with chocolate Scotland. The traditional “Bannock” shaped like Christmas pictures that can is a Scottish oatcake. There is also the be purchased in Canada also, although “Selkirk Bannock” which is a fruit cake, similar to what is known in Canada as Cont’d on page 29 a “traditional” Christmas cake. There

Anna’s uncle gets a towel that was designed like a kilt DEC 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 27

Hopewell Avenue South, at Leonard Avenue, continuing to Sloan Avenue on page 32..

Two Hopewell Kids ..Cont’d from Page 25 we saw mostly women—line the When we finally reached the end beach for at least a few weeks before My 5 Favorite Activities sidewalks waiting to donate handfuls of the road, it turned out that to get to heading to Cambodia and Vietnam. So 1. Rockclimbing and playing on the of rice and other items. It was actually the cave, we had to climb a really steep maybe next month I’ll have a chance beach with friends I met on in the quite interesting, even though I didn’t mountainside using bamboo railings to describe Thailand a little more. Perhentian Islands in Malaysia appreciate the early wake-up at the to pull ourselves up the jumble of 2. Riding a motorcycle with my Dad time. rocks leading to the mouth of the cave. in Vang Vieng, Laos Our next stop in Laos was Vang Once we had our headlamps on and Ciaran’s Top Fives 3. Riding in the back of a pick-up Vieng, a small town along a river shining, we entered. At first, it didn’t truck all over Bali one afternoon called the Nam Song. The highlight seem that scary. Beams of sunlight Top 5 Strangest Things I’ve Seen 4. Exploring the cave and swimming there was a bicycle trip we took to see reached a fair way in, and after some 1. A small white duck, lost and in the blue lagoon in Vang Vieng, Laos a massive cave known as Phou Kam. climbing we saw a giant golden waddling frantically down a busy 5. Riding an elephant in Thailand The bicycle trip was actually not reclining Buddha figure on an altar. street in Ubud, Bali, weaving and that much fun for me at first. I had But the further we went, the darker dodging all the motorcycles and The 5 Best Foods I’ve Tried rented a little Hello Kitty bicycle it became. There were many exotic somehow managing not to get hit 1. Mee goreng (fried noodles) in Bali (the only one available in my size), spiders—we saw one that was the size 2. The giant four-foot-long lizards in 2. A giant cone dosai at an Indian and was wearing a long skirt. My of my whole hand. It was hard to see the sewers of Melaka, Malaysia restaurant in Singapore little pink bicycle with its cute pink it until we noticed its beady gleaming 3. Scooby-Doo in Thai on TV 3. Spring rolls all over Thailand basket upfront was absolutely the eyes. It was really freaky. The cave 4. Seeing a man, woman and large 4. The French toast with honey in worst bike I could have chosen for was named after these little red crabs dog riding a motorcycle together in Nong Khai, northern Thailand this trip, because the road was just dirt that lived in the puddles inside it, and southern Thailand 5. Fresh mango shakes and banana and gravel, and was so bumpy that we saw many of those. Also freaky. 5. Chicken-foot stew in Tanah Rata, lassis everywhere by the end my bottom felt black and After a couple of minutes we also Malaysia blue from all the ups and downs of noticed big flocks of bats, which the bumpity rocks. It was also mostly really looked more like little black uphill, which made the going much specks because the ceiling was so harder. I whined and complained high. At one point when we were deep all the way to the top and probably inside the cave, our guide instructed walked my bike half way there. us to turn off our headlamps. You Meanwhile, my father and little could literally see nothing—it was brother were riding a motorbike they really dark, like pitch black so that had rented (hmpf). you felt completely disoriented. All About three-quarters of the way of this seemed a perfect coincidence there, my grandmother stopped and because Halloween was only two realized she had lost the key to the days away, and the cave was spooky bike lock that came with her bike. like Halloween, with its spiders, bats, While she was searching around for crabs, cobwebs and utter darkness. it, she accidentally locked the bike When we came out of the cave so that the back wheel wouldn’t turn it was finally time to hop into the anymore. At this point we were about clear blue stream, known as the Blue an hour’s bike ride from the nearest Lagoon, that runs near the entrance real road or town, so the situation was to the cave area. The stream was all looking grim. We were really just on set up with rope swings and Tarzan a track with a couple of rustic little ropes, and you could climb up an refreshment shacks and farms here overhanging tree and jump into the and there. water. We rented an inner tube and Luckily, we happened to be used it to climb onto a rope hanging standing right in front of what must down from a tree so we could swing have been the only motorbike and out over the water and fall in. It bicycle repair stall for miles. But at was spectacular. Near the end of the the time, we didn’t know this. So I afternoon we finally set off again on climbed onto the back of my Dad’s our bicycles to head back to Vang motorbike and we set off back down Vieng, and the going was a bit easier the path, retracing our steps to see if this time since it was more downhill. we could find the key anywhere. We Later in our trip we also visited eventually returned empty handed. Vientiane, the capital of Laos. There That was when we noticed the bicycle were awesome bakeries there, and repair shop. So we dragged the we had some fun bowling, but I think unmoving bike over to the place and Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng were asked the owner if he might have an the real highlights. All of us wished extra key. He didn’t, but he did have we had allowed for more time in both the tools to remove the entire lock of those places. All in all, I loved Laos. from the rear wheel. That would later We made our way down to the islands cost my grandmother $5 to replace, of southern Thailand after we left but at least we were on our way again. Vientiane, and we plan to be here at the th Page 28 The OSCAR - OUR 37 YEAR DEC 2009

WESTBORO ACADEMY Walks, Wizards, Wolves and Wonders at Westboro Academy

By Charlotte Gomery-Scromeda Brewer Park and raise money for Run, the annual competition against and Alexandra Allan, grade- cancer research. In total, we made other private schools in Ottawa. It eight students at Westboro $4005. Way to go Westboro! took place at the South Nepean Park Academy Next, we had the Westboro in Barrhaven. Each age group ran Wizards, our grade 6, 7, and 8 soccer a different length from 8:45 AM to ummer is gone, school is here, team. We played against Ottawa 2:30 PM. All our athletes tried their event! and we are very busy. Even Montessori School, Bishop Hamilton best and in the end we even got a few Thank you for reading about though it’s still the beginning School, and Ashbury College. top placers: Nina Andrascik in fourth our wonderful school, Westboro S We played four home games and grade, and Raquel Franco in sixth Academy, and look out for more of the year, a lot is happening at Westboro Academy: soccer games, two away games, which we didn’t grade. Good job to everyone! updates from your writers, Charlotte fundraisers, competitions and much always win, but we had a good time On a different note, we have just and Alexandra. more! nonetheless. Our final standing was had our Halloween celebrations. On First of all, there was the Terry four losses, one tie and one win. Most October 30th, each class presented Fox run and walk. On Friday the of the games were really close, and a special activity to all the other 25th of September, the whole school we learned a lot. classes. These activities included gathered together to walk laps around Meanwhile, grades four to eight Freeze Dance, Halloween Pictionary, were also training for the Pumpkin and a haunted house. One by one, the classes rotated activities until everyone had a chance to participate in all the games. After the fun, the children paraded around the school to show off their costumes to the parents and staff. Mermaids, vending machines, giraffes and even tacos flooded the halls with laughter and cheers as they marched around and around the school. On December third, we have the Skate-a-thon, an annual fundraiser for CHEO. Students of all grades will participate by skating laps around the rink. To raise money, parents and friends can pledge donations for the number of laps the children skate. We are looking forward to this fun-filled

To book an OSCAR ad call Gayle 730-1058

[email protected]

Pre-Christmas Sale & Exhibition offering a variety of great Water Colour Paintings by Eastern Ontario members of the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour (CSPWC): December 5-13, 2009 (Saturday-Sunday 1-4pm, Monday-Friday 4-7pm) at Saint Brigid’s Centre for the Arts & Humanities, 314 St. Patrick - Cumberland Street Entrance. Come and meet the artists Sunday December 6th. Organized by Leonard Gerbrandt, Regional Director CSPWC Eastern Ontario. For information call 613-733-3762. DEC 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 29

Scottish Christmas ... Cont’d from page 26

the chocolate is much tastier in Card List,” with names and updated the lighting ceremony more of a novelty. is taking place. These pantomimes Scotland. There are the reusable Advent addresses. Scottish homes are filled All over Scotland there is the frequently feature famous British Calendars, which can also be found with Christmas cards taped to walls or annual Christmas party for every place television stars and it is considered here, which are filled by someone with displayed on mantle pieces showing off of employment. Across the Atlantic this an honour to be asked to perform in a various treats, normally edible. Last the vast array of snowy scenes, Santas, is a much larger event than it is here, pantomime. but not least there is the picture Advent stars, sleighs and snowmen. where people frequently fail to attend, There are some parallels between Calendar. This was the original version Specifically in Glasgow, there are or only put in a short appearance. In a Scottish Christmas and a Canadian and is still Scotland specific. These the Lights in George Square. These are Scotland it is the time for everyone to one, but there are also some distinct Advent Calendars have the 24 doors winter scenes illuminated by glowing let their hair down and the scandals that differences. Each has timely traditions, leading up to Christmas, but behind bulbs that are switched on midway occur at an office Christmas party are enjoyed by its citizens all over the each door is the picture of a Christmas through November. To accompany frequently mentioned in popular culture, country. Without these traditions scene or character. this illumination there is also a carol as can be noted in “Love Actually” or Christmas would not be the joyous Another tradition leading up sing along, pre-show entertainment, a “Are You Being Served?” occasions that it has become. It is these to Christmas is the exchanging of countdown to the lighting ceremony Finally, a famous family tradition rituals, both big and small, that make Christmas cards. While in Canada and a spectacular fireworks display. is that of attending a pantomime. These Christmas “the most wonderful time of people casually exchange cards with This lighting ceremony is particularly plays are based loosely on a classic the year.” friends and neighbours, in Scotland spectacular in Scotland because people story, such as a fairytale, but are mainly people send cards to anyone they’ve don’t tend to light up, or decorate their comprised of jokes that are related to ever met and maintain a “Christmas houses the way Canadians do, making the town or city in which the pantomime 20th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall By Joe Scanlon (or border police) with guns who checked Berlin which illustrates how important it added. The man I talked to sounded us out before the train rolled without was to the West especially the USA. disbelieving but agreed to check. He n a glass covered case on the wall stopping to Berlin. I also remember the I was asked to lecture at FB Lahr and called me back to say that I was correct of my living room is a piece of the patrol boats on the lakes on the edge of decided to go to Frankfurt from Ottawa – by going to Berlin I had saved the Berlin Wall I cut out of the wall the city, watching to make sure no one via Berlin. The government accountants Canadian government money. The I crossed the border marked with buoys in naturally queried my expense statement Americans were so determined after myself with my Swiss army knife. It was chipped off near Check Point Charlie on the water. insisting I pay the extra cost of adding the Berlin airlift to keep the city going April 18, 1990. Once in Berlin of course I had to Berlin to my journey. I told them to that they subsidized travel for anyone Watching covering of the 20th cross over so I went to Check Point check the fares for Ottawa to Frankfurt including Berlin in his/her itinerary. anniversary reminded me of the times Charlie, wandered briefly around East return against the cost when Berlin was I went to East Berlin – and of a little Berlin, spent the money I was forced to known fact about what happened when change on a beer, and then left that very the Wall finally started to come down. dreary city very quickly. West Berlin was It also reminded me of where I was a vibrant city. East Berlin was not. the night I watched television was the The next time I crossed it was to wall came down. I know I was in New Schönefeld airport. On that occasion I York State, I think Canton. I was certainly was not allowed to change any money and with the Carleton men’s basketball team. I was hustled through the border, on to I remember watching with amazement the airport and to my flight to Ljubljana, the scenes from Berlin, unable to share Slovenia, then part of Yugoslavia. I had my emotions with those who had not the same impression of tight controls and been there. the lack of smiles. I had been in East Berlin twice My third trip was again through before the wall came down. Check Charlie after the wall had (I The first time came in a rather thought) ceased to be significant. Getting strange way. through was much simpler. People were I had been attending a conference in smiling and I wandered along feeling less Uppsala, Sweden and was travelling by depressed than on my earlier crossings. train from Stockholm to Denmark, where However when I reached the my sister lives. I got into an interesting Brandenburg Tor (Gate) I was told conversation about the Canadian legal politely but firmly that only Germans system – Quebec civil code and British could cross at that point. I would have common law – with a man I later to return to Check Point Charlie. Though discovered was chief justice in Sweden. no one said specifically that the wall Before getting off the train, he asked was completely open that had been my where I was going. I told him about impression from media reports. In fact my sister – she had met and married a the Brandenburg crossing at that time founder of the Danish resistance – and was only open to Germans. the added (since I had a rail pass) I was However it was on that same trip that thinking of going to Berlin. He became I lived up to the promise I made to Krys quite stern and in a voice he must of used Pottier, a former student and the wife of to quiet unruly lawyers, he pronounced, my Carleton colleague, Dan Pottier, that “You must go to Berlin!” I would get her part of the wall. I cut out A few days later I paid the extra fare a large piece with my Swiss Army knife. to cross the Soviet zone and travelled by Krys split it in half and mounted it for train to Berlin. I can still remember he me. barbed wire and he dogs and the soldiers I have one other anecdote about Page 30 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR DEC 2009

OCCSB TRUSTEE REPORT “PUTTING STUDENTS FIRST”

Kathy Ablett, R.N. by the Catholic Education Foundation 2nd Annual Sustainable High Schools funded through parent fees on a cost- of Ontario. The object of this award is Conference at Sir Wilfred Laurier High recovery basis. Trustee Zone 9 to encourage initiatives that improve, School. Over 150 local high school Criteria for school selection are as Capital/River Wards develop and enhance aspects of Catholic students and teachers attended exciting follows: Telephone: 526-9512 Education which contribute to the workshops and shared ideas to lead • In selected schools, all JK/SK whole person. Such initiatives would successful sustainability initiatives a classes are to be full-day. s I reflect on November 11, compliment the central curricular their high schools. The highlight of • There must be space in the chosen 2009, Remembrance Day, I am program of the school or Board and the month was definitely our Climate schools as no capital funds are available reminded about the many gifts reflect the mission and goals ofa Change Awareness Week culminating in Year One of the ELP program. A Catholic school. with the October 24th “Fill the Hill” rally • Community need – A portion of we enjoy as a result of others making tremendous sacrifices. We do indeed My sincerest congratulations to on Parliament Hill which coincided with ELP spaces must be in schools serving owe a very sincere thank you to all of everyone involved in being one of the the International Day of Climate Action. low-income neighbourhoods, our veterans and those young men and winners of this prestigious award for Students and teachers joined participants • There must be minimal impact women who continue to serve our 2009. from across Canada to raise awareness on existing child care and early years country. Keep them and their families in Immaculata’s project entitled ‘CBC’ of this important issue. Special thanks programs. your prayers. – Caring, Being, Continuing – provided to student Christian Brum for leading the Schools will be chosen where the for the development of leadership camps Eco Club in this initiative. Among our program will have an impact on student Corpus Christi and opportunities in leadership at key students at the rally was a group who had achievement and where the school entry points of Grades 7, 9 and 12. Well just completed the Gulu Walk, a walk in demonstrates a readiness to implement Amazing is the key word at done! solidarity with child soldiers in Uganda. the program. Corpus Christi School this year. The Student Ben Gunn-Doerge coordinated For next steps go to: http//www. number of activities, the number of Immaculata Hosts Governor General this event for the Ottawa area. ottawacatholicschools.ca/media. parent volunteers, the many staff who Award Recipients php.?mid=45473 Item L.12. are focused on your student’s success, Mac Students Attend Careers in and the parish priests who are actively On October 2, 2009 Immaculata Justice Conference Partnership to achieve: the Dual involved in school liturgy all add up to was privileged to host two of this year’s Credit Program th an ‘amazing’ opportunity for all who recipients of the Governor General On October 29 , Grade 12 students attend this school. Awards in commemoration of the 1929 Camila Moy, Caitlin McCann, Sarah Student Success, school staff, and Teachers are in the final phase of Persons Case. Each year, five Canadians Dodsworth and Rebekah Schultz were St. Paul High School student, Taylor assessment with report cards which receive this award for outstanding among 20 female students in the Ottawa Hoffman, provided highlights of the will be issued December 1, 2009. Your contributions towards the equality of area to attend a day long educational Dual Credit Program – an innovative support and encouragement as parents girls and women in Canada. Jeannette opportunity titled “Persons Day opportunity for students to earn credits go a long way to ensure success for your Corbiere Lavell, well-known role model 2009: Achieving our Potential”. The towards their secondary school diploma children. and advocate for Aboriginal women conference, organized by the Ontario in a college setting, while earning a There has been and continues to be and Mary Scott, co-founder of the Justice Education Network and the credit toward a college program or a focus on the Critical Literacy Priority Manitoba Chapter of the United Nations Department of Justice began with a apprenticeship certification. The Board’s – reading comprehension. Snuggle up Development Fund shared their personal keynote address by the Right Honourable community partner, Algonquin College, with a good book and listen to the story stories and greatly inspired our Canadian Madam Chief Justice Beverley offers dual credits to Grade 11 and 12 from your child’s point of view. It can History and Law classes. McLaughlin of the Supreme Court of students. truly be a memory-making event and Canada. Students then had the chance to In order to support students in the excellent practice for them. Happy Immaculata Participates in Climate connect with female professionals from college setting, a dual credit teacher reading! Change Rally on Parliament Hill area law firms, to attend workshops on interacts with the dual credit students, Careers in Justice and to participate in their high school contact teachers, and Immaculata High School October was a busy month for Mac’s breakout sessions. college professors. Dual credit programs Eco Club. On October 16th, students help to engage students, who are more The Michael J. Carty Award of Owen Hovey, Jenny Ring, Camila General Board News successful when they see the relevance $1,000 was established in June 2002 Moya and Sarah Murray attended the Early Learning Program of what they are learning to their interests and future plans. The Board received a memorandum In 2008-2009, 11 Board schools had from Julian Hanlon, Deputy Director students in the program. This fall, 36 of Education, on the provincial students within the Board are enrolled in announcement of the first phase of one of the 18 dual credit college courses Ontario’s plan for province-wide Early at Algonquin College. Learning Program (ELP) for four- and five-year olds. As the Christmas Season approaches For year one, the Ottawa Catholic I would like to take this opportunity School Board will receive $2.2 to wish you all a peaceful and happy million in funding for 572 students in holiday. approximately 22 classes with a class size average of 26 students. If, at any time, I can be of assistance Starting September 2010, the to you please do not hesitate to call me core kindergarten component will run at 526-9512. from approximately 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 Sincerely, p.m. with one teacher and one Early Kathy Ablett Childhood Educator (ECE) in each class. “Your Trustee” The extended day component before and after school will be led by an ECE and DEC 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 31

OCDSB TRUSTEE REPORT Early Years All-Day Learning Implementation

By Rob Campbell It is clear that school boards are fully covered for by the Ministry, and undeniably welcome over all for in charge of designating the centres which their provincial framework the sake of Ottawa’s students and here is much we know and to house these programs and charged labour agreement does not allow for. families. Its headed in the right general much we still do not know with running them. Employees will If the funding of these new mandatory direction at least and they are to be about the government’s be their employees and the students positions also is insufficient then we congratulated as a result. My hope is T fully their students. However, before will be even worse off financially that over time an attentive government intent to bring in early years all day learning for Ontario’s children. This finalizing their plans school boards even though our gross revenues will will make it a priority to smooth these is an important step forward though are required to consult first with be up again. We may have to cut wrinkles, also for the sake of Ottawa’s has some implementation difficulties other local school boards, Best Start student services elsewhere to be able students and families. associated with it also. Right now, networks, and the municipality. And, to balance as a result of implementing If you have a suggestion or a four major questions now have been school boards will have to submit this new student service. I hope not, concern, or would like to be added answered in general terms: Which their new designated centre plans to but this may be the harsh reality of the to my e-newsletter list, then please kids will benefit? What sort of staffing the province for approval. situation for now also. contact me via [email protected] or will be paid for by the government? School boards and their partners The implementation of the new at 323-7803. Meeting and document When will this be done by? Who will are constrained in that first wave program has some undeniably big info available at www.ocdsb.ca be in charge of local implementation, centres are only be those where all wrinkles then. However, it is also city or school boards? Some questions of the JK/SK classes at a school can remain. go full day together. Criteria to use The Pascal report recommended a when siting the new programs are to balance of early childhood educators include: space availability with no new (ECE) 1/2 the day and teachers the capital required, a school remaining other 1/2 to create all-day JK and SK open at least 5 years, preference learning-focused care. Pascal also to socio-economically challenged recommended full coverage of March communities, preference to low Break, summers and before and after academic achievement rates, general school care, providing for a seamless school readiness to implement, noting day of care at school-based hubs all which communities do not currently year for families from 7:00 AM to have much daycare serving them. It 6:00 PM. may be some time before other sorts The government’s implementation of school sites can be considered. Fee- will provide for a teamed teacher and based before and after school care will ECE during the regular school day be required to be offered by Boards in a larger class size, fee-based cost also where demand exists. recovery before 9:00 and after 3:30, This shouldn’t create large with some subsidies where needed, problems for existing daycare but not necessarily any March break providers right away then. As the or summer care or new subsidies. The program expands to all schools over all package provides for less eventually clearly there may have to coverage at greater cost than Pascal be some adjustments. had recommended. I’m concerned The new early years all as this may mean, given the price day learning program is being tag on all of this and the Province’s implemented by a new ADM position economic weakness that Pascal’s created for the task, with our own Jim full progressive vision risks not be Grieve, a former OCDSB Director implemented for some years, or of Education, appointed to the role. never. On the other hand, I am happy The project over all is a joint effort to see serious new investment in the between the Ministry and Education early years and in ways which should and the Ministry of Children and make a difference for all eventually Youth Services. Boards are to and perhaps especially for more designate their own leads in place to challenged communities. coordinate the filing of a preliminary The province committed to Sep 2010 implementation plan for the covering 15% of the JK/SK population end of November. The Ministry will in each Board for 2010-11 and 20% approve plans or not by January 15th. in 2011-2012, with the remaining Soon after that student registration for 80% coverage to unroll in the four these sites will be able to start. This is years after that to 2015-16. The initial a very aggressive rollout. slow rollout is not a bad idea to get Provincial money for this programs up and running but likely includes basic labour costs, some also has something to do with the money for extra supplies and some economy. The OCDSB’s projected training dollars. The OCDSB right 2010-11 student beneficiaries # is now is struggling with structural 1300 and in 2011-12 about 1850. legacy labour costs which we are not Page 32 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR DEC 2009

This is the end of our walk along page 11. We picked up Hopewell again on and the photos. Hopewell, on the South Side, having started page 27 and have arrived at Sloan Avenue. Join us next month to walk the North side at Bank Street on page 6 and continued until Our thanks to Tom Alfoldi for the idea of Hopewell Avnue. Kaleidoscope Kids’ Books’ Holiday Gift Guide

hile some would argue that graphics and touch and feel textures Chicken Dance by Tammi Sauer back to school is the most while introducing little people to cold No, this isn’t the one you do at Wwonderful time of the year, weather animals – seal, walrus, moose, weddings when you’ve drunk a few too we beg to differ. The holidays allow us penguin, puffin, killer whale and, of many toasts to the happy couple. In this to enjoy time with family and friends, course, polar bear. story, Marge and Lola are two chickens recharge our batteries and sample determined to win the barnyard talent some eggnog and figgy pudding (what Little Books Boxed Set – Featuring contest and the coveted prize - two other time of year can you eat figgy Little Pea, Little Hoot and Little tickets to see Elvis Poultry in concert. pudding?!). Oh, and did we mention Oink by Amy Krouse Rosenthal But they’re going to have to beat a flock the presents? ‘Tis better to give than You won’t mind reading these of heckling ducks, a tractor-eating goat receive so here are some great gift ideas three board books over and over (and and cows who jump over the moon. for the kids on your ‘nice’ list. over!) again as they combine subtle humour (Little Pea hates eating his Skippyjon Jones: Lost in Spice by Board and Cloth Books dinner – candy – but can’t wait to get to introduce toddlers to feisty females and Judy Schachner Offering a great story in a durable dessert – spinach!) with fun and funky reverse psychology. Our favourite kitty boy enjoys a format, board and cloth books are illustrations. new adventure as he lifts off to the rojo perfect for those little ones who love My First ABC: The Metropolitan planet, Mars, only to meet his pals, the to taste and sample everything in their The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Museum of Art Chimichango gang, and some green world. Munsch Without a doubt, this is one of Martian-itos. When the Martians start The ever-popular, ever-resourceful the most beautiful books in the store. getting bossy, it’s up to SJJ to show Snowy Bear and Friends Elizabeth, the paper bag princess, makes This simple alphabet book introduces those aliens who the real top dog is. This cloth book features strong an appearance in board book format to babies and toddlers to their ABCs using some of the most stunning pieces of Early Chapter Books art collected from around the world, For those readers wanting to sink such as Egyptian wall paintings (H their teeth into a longer story, early Hair), Swiss tapestries (M Monster), chapter books are the way to go. Some American quilts (S Star) and European of them also include a few illustrations. paintings (D Dancer). The Unusual Mind of Vincent Shadow Picture Books by Tim Kehoe Picture books combine narrative A chance encounter with an and illustration to create stories that eccentric toy maker offers Vincent the appeal to a wide range of ages. They’re opportunity to go from bullied weird my favourite books in the store. kid to toy inventor extraordinaire.

Finn Throws a Fit! by David Elliot Jacob Two-Two on the High Seas by Unfortunately, children don’t come Cary Fagan with user’s manuals. This empathetic When Jacob’s dad writes a very and hilarious picture book will remind important novel, the family journeys to us though that we’re not alone in trying Canada aboard the SS Spring-a-Leak. to cope with and understand a toddler’s A series of clues – a black eye patch, life. a squawking parrot and a sailing ship flying the Jolly Roger – can only mean The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland trouble. This is one of my favourites. When four friends come across a very Happy Birthday Bad Kitty by Nick cranky bear, lion, zebra and moose all Bruel have ideas to cheer him up – but only Yes, Kitty really is a bad kitty – succeed in making him even more who else would want to use Puppy as cranky. It is sheep – plain, little sheep a piñata? Along with a funny story – who saves the day. Told in rhyming, and illustrations, we also find out the rhythmic text, and complimented by answers to lots of cat questions, such as great illustrations, this is a great read- “Why can’t cats have chocolate?” and aloud and a reminder that we all can “Why do cats sleep so much?” make valuable contributions. Geronimo Stilton: The Kingdom of When Stella Was Very, Very Small by Fantasy Marie-Louise Gay When Geronimo finds a golden Marie-Louise Gay goes back in staircase in his attic, he opens the time to show us a lovely tiny Stella, door at the top of the stairs to find the whose world is full of small adventures, Kingdom of Fantasy. Here’s a record a big imagination and slivers of magic. of his adventure to save the Queen of DEC 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 33 the Fairies – complete with maps, secret When her new teacher is kidnapped Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins codes, riddles and puzzles! by the pirates of the ship Ironic I like to call this one – and the first in the Gentleman Alex sets off on a rescue series, The Hunger Games – a get-your- Kids’ Fiction mission. A spooky mansion, the high own-darn-dinner book. I can’t put them While some popular series, such as seas, cunning and excitement and high down and am quite willing to ignore my Percy Jackson and the New Olympians, adventure await! children’s endless “Mum, when’s dinner Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Peter and going to be ready?” questions. Action, the Starcatchers, have added another Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos adventure, suspense – it’s all there. adventure this year, we thought it would by R.L. Lafevers be fun to introduce you to some new Theodosia spends most of her The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary characters and their adventures – and time at the Museum of Legends and E. Pearson revisit an old favourite. Antiquities in London where the Seventeen-year-old Jenna has just artifacts her parents dig up around the awoken from a year-long coma – so Return to the Hundred Acre Wood by world are put on display. But what her she’s been told. But what happened parents can’t see – and what Theodosia before that? She’s been given home can – is the curses and black magic still movies chronicling her entire life, attached to the ancient pieces. It’s up to which spark memories to surface. But Theo to keep it all under control – quite member of the Debate Club and her are the memories really hers? And why the task for an eleven year old girl. father’s “bunny rabbit”. By age 16, she won’t anyone in her family talk about was possibly a criminal mastermind. the accident? Jenna is becoming more The Mysterious Benedict Society and This is the story of how she got that curious. But she is also afraid of what The Prisoner’s Dilemma by Trenton way. she might find out if she ever gets up Lee Stewart the courage to ask her questions. What Join the Mysterious Benedict The Enemy by Charlie Higson happened to Jenna Fox? And who is Society as they embark on a daring new The bestselling author of Young she, really? adventure that threatens to force them Bond premiers a new series. When apart from their families, friends and the sickness came every parent, police Holiday Books even each other. When an unexplained officer, politician – every adult – fell My husband’s mum always reads blackout engulfs Stonetown, the ill. The lucky ones died. The others The Tomtem to all the kids on Christmas foursome must unravel clues relating are crazed, confused and hungry. Only Eve. For those of you looking to start to a nefarious new plot, while their children under fourteen remain, and your own holiday storytelling tradition search for answers brings them closer they’re fighting to survive. Now there we have a number of beautiful picture to danger than ever before. are rumours of a safe place to hide. books to get you started. Come in and And so a gang of children begin their check out our large display of holiday David Benedictus Teen Fiction quest across London, where all through books. While it’s been 80 years since A.A. One of the many fun things about the city – down alleyways, in deserted Milne last visited the Hundred Acre owning the store has been watching our houses, underground – the grown-ups Kaleidoscope Kids’ Books is Wood, we find that 80 years is but a customers grow up before our very eyes lie in wait. located at 1095 Bank Street, just three day in the enchanted place at the top (we’re talking about the kids here, not doors south of Sunnyside. To make of the Forest and Pooh and his friends the adults). We’ve watched our teen Tempted: A House of Night Novel by your holiday shopping as easy as pie have never stopped playing. In this ten section really take off in the last year. P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast (or figgy pudding!) we are pleased to story volume, the animals anticipate Here are some new and exciting titles. Dark secrets and unspoken offer a gift registry, free gift wrapping, the return of Christopher Robin, meet suspicions come between Zoey and gift certificates and extended hours in a new friend and solve the mystery of The Disreputable History of Frankie Stevie Rae, putting their friendship – December. We would like to thank you some missing bees. Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart and the House of Night – at risk. Will so much for your continued support and At age 14, Frankie Laundau-Banks their choices destroy them and will wish you the happiest of holidays Alex and the Ironic Gentleman by was a mildly geeky girl attending a darkness consume the House of Night? Adrienne Kress highly competitive boarding school, a Year End Tax Planning Strategies by Rick Sutherland, CLU, CFP, RRSP amount next year. a tax credit at the lowest marginal tax careful planning. It is recommended FDS, R.F.P We are all aware that equities were rate, donations above $200 receive a tax that you seek professional advice to not favorable in 2008 and only turned credit at the highest marginal tax rate. implement these strategies. e know, it’s almost holiday positive since March 2009. This may You can accumulate your receipts for We wish all our readers a safe and season and the last thing you have resulted in investment losses up to five years in order to maximize happy holiday season and may all your want to hear about is saving being reported on your 2008 tax return. your refund. wishes come true. See you soon in 2010. W Two strategies involving losses may be If you have a Registered Education The foregoing is for general and investing money. However the steps you take now could lead to significant worth considering. Both involve selling Savings Plan (RESP) and your child information purposes and is the savings for you in a short period of your investments before the end of the turned age 17 this year you have until opinion of the writer. This information time. We are talking about taxes, and year. The first is to determine if you the end of the year to make your last is not intended to provide personal the amount you will either pay, or get have unrealized capital gains in your RESP contribution and receive a 20% advice including, without limitation, back with a refund, when you file your account this year. If so, you can sell government grant. There are special investment, financial, legal, accounting 2009 income tax return. your investment, realize the gain and rules that must be followed in the year or tax advice. Please call or write to Rick Certain tax strategies must be then use your loss from previous years the child turns age 17. The government Sutherland CLU, CFP, FDS, R.F.P., to completed before the end of the year. to reduce or eliminate the taxable gain no longer pays grant money into a plan discuss your particular circumstances Others, such as your Registered this year. The second strategy involves beginning the year the child turns 18. or suggest a topic for future articles Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) a review of your account holdings These are just a few of the more at 613-798-2421 or E-mail rick@ contribution, can be made during the and determine if it makes sense to sell common tax strategies that can be invested-interest.ca. Mutual Funds first sixty days of 2010 and be used on losing investments this year to apply implemented before the end of the year. provided through FundEX Investments your 2009 tax return. However, spousal the loss against gains in the current or Some are more complicated and require Inc. RRSP contributions are best made at previous three years. Don’t delay, as the the end of the year. This strategy will settlement date, not the trade date, must reduce the attribution rules by almost fall in 2009. It’s best to have all trades Financial Divorce Specialist one year. initiated by December 24. Remember Avoid costly mistakes with professional financial that you must not repurchase an Don’t forget, if you turned age assistance in the division of assets. 71 this year you have until the end of identical investment for at least 30 days the year to convert your RRSP to a or you will fall under the superficial loss Registered Retirement Income Fund rules and the Canada Revenue Agency (RRIF) or annuity. Otherwise, the rules can deny your claim. Contact: Rick Sutherland, CLU, CFP, FDS, R.F.P. You have until the end of the year dictate that you collapse your plan and 1276 Wellington Street, Ottawa ON K1Y 3A7 to make your charitable donations. face the tax consequences on your entire Phone: (613)798-2421 Email: [email protected] While donations below $200 receive Page 34 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR DEC 2009

Local Veterinarian - Dr. Emily Black Getting Through The 12 Days Of Christmas With The Household Unscathed

By Emily Black perform a clandestine operation to the humorous and decorative coming out neighbours house, who had just hung a but alas for many it doesn’t. It gets wo years ago, I bought my suet bird feeder (the canine translation stuck in the peristaltic motion of the brother in law, affectionately is: hanging fat popcicle). Two days intestines and acts as a saw, cutting known as “the stomach” 12 later she started vomitting and looking through the intestines and killing T like she was the living dead. She had pets. It’s just better not to or as an handmade chocolate turtles, I wrapped them with care and without thinking given herself pancreatitis, where high alternative you can get Antique tin put them under the tree for Christmas fat meals overstimulate the dog’s tinsel from Lee Valley that can’t be lock your pets away during parties the next day. My dog Boo was most pancreases which starts releasing ingested and is reusable and therefore so there isn’t the escape temptation. appreciative! Because I’m a vet, I had to digestive enzymes into the abdomen. more environmentally friendly. Also everyone should wear collars run out and buy another 12, peal away We see a lot of this after Christmas Watch your other decorations as over the holidays with their name and the chocolate, weigh it and calculate where people have fed their dogs fatty well, it’s best to put non-breakable and a contact phone number just in case. out wether or not she had ingested her leftovers of turkey, ham and gravy, or, heavy decorations on the bottom of the Winter brings about the hazard of “toxic dose” of theobromine, the toxic while everyone was tucked up in bed, tree, that way when they are knocked ethylene glycol (antifreeze) ingestion. chemical in chocolate, especially high someone got into the garbage! That off by your playful cat they won’t A very small amount can be fatal in bakers and dark chocolate as well as can even be more fun where bones break. to a dog or cat so clean up all spills coco. It was a near miss, she was just pose a choking or obstrcution hazard! Oh, and watch cats that drink promptly and call your veterinarian under the toxic limit because a number Interesting enough many people the water holding the Christmas tree. immediately if ingestion is suspected. of them had been mild chocolate give toxic plants as gifts at Christmas. Often time people place additives into Also, it’s best to keep your pets instead of dark. She was very hyper Although I will put the underlying the water to help with the longevity of out of the kitchen during the busy and spent the rest of the day running psychology of this aside…. Poinsettias, the tree. These chemicals can be toxic. hustle and bustle of Christmas meal around really fast, but she could easily lilies and amaryllis are highly toxic to Everyone should wear Christmas preparation. To many cooks and have died. If this happens to you, both cats and dogs and yet rare is the cat collars or have some downtime during moveable obstacles underfoot can lead take your dog and the wrapper of the who can resist a little chew on the new holiday parties. Unfortunately every to someone getting spilled on. chocolate to the vet so they can do the plant on the kitchen table when no one year we hear of people cleaning up after So Merry Christmas from all of us same. If you intervene early many of is looking. It’s just safer to re-gift these their Christmas party and they can’t to all of you and all the best in the new these pets can go home without much suckers really! To people without pets. find their indoor cat. The increased year! of hitch, but you have to get to them Hang tinsel with care! Or better yet, traffic in the house, the frequency of early! don’t hang it at all! Tinsel is pretty opening and closing the door leads This year Boo decided to going into a pet and it’s definitely all to often to an escape. It’s best to

Sips from the Poetry Café In This Garden by Susan J. Atkinson the favourite hiding spots that are so unique and caring place called home. often used when the children all play t’s any parent’s worst nightmare… together, because after all that’s what In This Garden one minute your child is there and they do. This is a community where the next they’re nowhere to be all the children play together where In this garden amongst I they come out onto the street and make purple morning glories and found. Such was the case for one of my neighbours earlier this week. It had up their own games the old-fashioned tulips that flowered fleshy been a glorious afternoon, so much so way. and full-bodied in Spring. for this time of year, that my neighbour The nightmare felt like an eternity Amongst the snowdrops, had taken her children plus a playmate but it did have a happy ending. As crocus, lupines and iris to the park to enjoy the last vestiges of it turned out the youngsters had who all flourished good weather. On their return home wandered off to the home of the ‘play and had their day. the two younger children sat outside date’ quite unaware of the panic they Amongst these garden favourites eating a snack and that was when the had left behind. I tend to plants nightmare began. Naturally the safe return of the of my own. It only took minutes for the children to their respective homes children to disappear. Of course like was the ultimate happily ever after In this garden all parents the search began. First on but I think for many of the neighbours I bring Jasmine the street where all the children still that had come together in that brief, to full play free without care and then from yet agonizing hour, it was a reminder bloom door to door in case the children had of how special our neighbourhoods blow breath through strolled into a neighbour’s house are. Everywhere in Old Ottawa South paper-thin leaves which so often happens. When logical you see streets that celebrate events of a poppy. steps resulted in nothing and dark was together, that have street parties, street Cradle and cherish starting to fall the Police were called. I hockey, that borrow sugar from each a white-petalled daisy must add at this point how unbelievably other and watch over each others’ and I stoop and slow impressed I was/am by the response of homes and families. to tame a wild rose. the Ottawa Police. They were there in Certainly the stress of the other a flash and with no time to waste had evening has reinforced for ‘our little In this garden soon begun organizing a grid to search corner of the world’ that we don’t just I raise my flowers for the missing children. The men live beside one another but we are pull weeds that threaten and women of the force were gentle, family. We take care of one another, to choke or damage kind and reassuring, setting to work we watch over one another and after and with invisible hands immediately, scouring the back gardens such a scare as this in these unexpected I hold heavy heads high and alleyways of the neighbourhood. moments we pull each other a little and hope through Within minutes of the alert being closer, gathering each other a little long seasons to hear sent, neighbours gathered to offer tighter. laughter ring like Canterbury Bells. assistance, lights sprung on and with How lucky we are to live in Old young friends in tow, parents searched Ottawa South and to be part of such a DEC 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 35

M.P.P. OTTAWA CENTRE Investing in Early Learning

By Yasir Naqvi start on learning as they benefit from an learning. By implementing it in phases, Ontario schools by nine percentage extended, integrated, and stimulating the program will be responsible and points to 77 per cent – that is 13,500 MPP Ottawa Centre day at school. affordable, while giving more children more students graduating every year During the regular school year, and families the support they need for and 36,000 more graduates since 2003. s you may have recently heard, certified teachers and registered early success. Education is the key to success in Ontario will start phasing-in childhood educators will work together Ontario is the first jurisdiction in the future – both for our children, and full-day learning for four- and A to help young children learn and grow North America to launch integrated and for our society. The reality is that our five-year-olds next fall. In September during the regular school day. extended full-day learning for all four- world is changing, and to keep up, our 2010, up to 35,000 kindergarten Parents will also have the option of and five-year-olds. This program is part children need to be able to compete in students will be enrolled in full-day enrolling their children in an extended of our plan to improve education for the knowledge-based economy of the learning across Ontario. program before and after regular school every student. Over the last few years, future. We are moving toward full-day hours, for example, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and we have made important changes to the Investing in our children is the best, learning because it is great for kids, great 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., for a reasonable education system in order to improve long-term stimulus package that any for their families, and responds to what fee. Subsidies will be available to student achievement and give our government could introduce. the experts have been telling us about some families, based on financial need. students the opportunity to learn in a For more information, including the early years being critical to a child’s Registered early childhood educators variety of ways. questions and answers for parents, visit educational and social development. will lead the extended programs before The good news is that it is Ontario.ca/earlylearning. This is part of our long-term plan to and after the regular school day. working! In Ottawa, test scores for I look forward to hearing your build a well-educated workforce, which Local school boards, working Grade 3 Reading, Writing, and Math thoughts, views and suggestions. Please is absolutely essential if we are going with municipalities, will determine have increased by an average of 13 do not hesitate to contact me at anytime to have a strong, growing economy. By where the new full-day early learning percentage points since 2003. Test at 613-722-6414 or ynaqvi.mpp.ca@ giving our kids an early start in school, programs will be introduced in our scores for Grade 6 Reading, Writing, liberal.ola.org. we are setting them on the road to region. Schools that are selected will and Math have increased by an average success in the future. be announced in the New Year, in time of 7 percentage points since 2003. Full-day learning will be phased for parents to enrol their children for Not only are kids doing better in to every publicly funded school, September 2010. in class, but more and more kids are with the goal to have full-day early We have committed to investing graduating than ever before. Since learning fully implemented by 2015- $200 million in 2010-11 and $300 2003, we have increased the number of 16. This exciting new initiative will million in 2011-12 for full-day early high school students graduating from give our youngest students a stronger Jinny Slyfield’s Art Juried in New York

ld Ottawa South artist, Jinny Slyfield, has had one of her drawings juried in to the International Art OExhibition at the Frederic Remington Art Museum in Ogdensburg, New York. This prestigious event is held biannually and is an honour for the participants. This year, the work of 17 Canadian artists, photographers and sculptors was chosen from 222 submissions, and they share the event with 22 other artists who live in a one hundred mile radius of Ogdensburg. The show runs until January 16, 2010, and the Museum is well worth a visit to view the sculptures and paintings of Frederic Remington, as well as the historic building itself.

Jinny’s piece is a rendering in pencil of an aged woman in the forground, sensing the arrival of somone in a sleigh, and wondering “Who is Coming?” The judge noted that it evoked a strong sense of emotion, as Personal Financial Planning well as being sensitively drawn. We will review your current financial position and recommend a plan that is designed to achieve your goals.

Rick Sutherland, CLU, CFP, FDS, R.F.P Tel 613.798.2421 1276 Wellington Street [email protected] Guidance, Protection Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 3A7 www.invested-interest.ca and Peace of Mind. Anna E. Sundin, Barrister & Solicitor GEnErAl PrActicE includinG: Family Law, Wills, Real Estate, Incorporations, Litigation and Collaborative Family Law – A Cooperative and Dignified Approach to Separation and Divorce.–

Sundin-OSCAR-Ad-2006.indd 1 7/27/06 11:15:35 AM Page 36 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR DEC 2009

SURROUND CIRCLE YOGA Awakened Mind ~ As It Is By Maureen Fallis of meditating and some ways suit one unresolved unconsciousness. Surround Circle Yoga person better than another. Sometimes So when repressed material arises, we follow the breath. Sometimes we need to allow it to arise without lot of people, myself included, we focus on physical sensations, or suppressing it. Without analyzing, come from various traditions emotions, thoughts, and feelings; we need to allow these feelings to where meditation is taught as other times we repeat a mantra, or be experienced in the body, in our A fix our attention on a mandala. All being, and to unfold as they will. a technique. We are taught various forms of control, such as focusing on are perfectly appropriate ways of Should you get stuck and have trouble the breath or focusing on various parts bringing the mind into the present. releasing the nagging sensation, of our body. Often we are taught to But what ‘comes up’ when we let go thought, emotion, or feeling – then sit in a certain posture, with our backs of the technique is truly what makes you will know that somewhere there straight, and to breathe in a particular meditation sing! If I am following is resistance, or denial, or indulgence way. These techniques and disciplines my breath, I stop to see what is there – which is a good thing to recognize, for me to experience when I let go of because it gives you the opportunity have been taught for hundreds and photo by Eva Seilitz thousands of years, and I am not following my breath. What happens to let it go once again. when I let go of watching my mind? The great thing about this kind suggesting that they have no value or didn’t want to know what lies deep Or saying my mantra? of meditation is that it can actually merit. They do have value and merit. within our soul. And since the nature When I tell my students to let go be part of your everyday existence. What I am saying, however, is that of our entire being is to find out; when of control and let everything be as it You can practice ‘as it is’ meditation it’s when we start to let go of these we sit quietly in meditation and allow is, it is the same as me telling them anytime, anyplace, anywhere. You techniques, when we start to let go of everything to be as it is, what often to let go of making an effort. When can be driving down the highway and focusing, of doing it the ‘right’ way, happens is that repressed material we let go of effort, when we let go of allow everything to be as it is. You that we can approach our natural state within our psyche emerges. Here’s discipline, it is then we find out what can practice letting yourself feel as of being. what I mean: all of a sudden during happens in the spaciousness of our you feel. You can let the weather be When I am leading a meditation meditation, you may find yourself mind. as it is. Or you can investigate the at Surround Circle Yoga, I tell my weeping or you may feel a powerful experience of allowing your partner students that there are different ways pain in your body – something you Be to be just as he or she is. What a haven’t felt in years. You may find Be in the quiet of your mind. concept! What would it be like if you various memories will come through Be in the space between spaces. allowed yourself to be just as you are your consciousness and reveal Be with sorrow and doubt. completely? How would you engage themselves. When we really start to Be willing to see and be seen. with one another? let go, what needs to rise to the surface Be the bud opening to what is true. No doubt, meditation is a terrific rises to the surface. When we stop Be the real you… way to explore your inner world; suppressing, our unconscious starts to The real you… another fabulous way is to watch who come up and reveal itself. The real you. shows up when stepping onto your What to do with this unconscious ~ mf yoga mat, and finally putting pen to material that arises during meditation? paper is one of the most powerful Nothing! It is enough to wake up Until we can allow everything to tools we have to transform our lives. to the reality of your unconscious be as it is, in the deepest possible way, Combining all three methods is what mind and experience it however in the most profound way, we are still Surround Circle Yoga offers in a and whatever shows up. No need to involved in control. Unfortunately, class called Meditation & Motion. analyze it. What arises is most likely letting go of effort is a revolutionary Every Friday from 11:30 – 1:00pm unresolved conflict: emotions and idea to many people! Am I doing students experience a unique blend of experiences and pains you’ve never it right? What am I supposed to yoga, meditation & journaling. Call allowed yourself to feel fully. What feel? What if fear surfaces in my Maureen Fallis at 613-730-6649 to might also arise is a creative solution meditation? All are reasonable discuss details or check the website to a problem that you have been questions from individuals learning to www.surroundcircleyoga.com. puzzling over for weeks. This ‘stuff’ be in the quiet of their minds. within us yearns to be experienced We wouldn’t be human if we fully, without being relegated to

To book an OSCAR ad call Gayle 730-1058 [email protected] Carols of the Belles

Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 2:30 p.m.

Featuring the Canterbury Alumnae Trebles in a one-hour concert celebrating the Christmas Season Glebe St. James Church (650 Lyon St. South) Reception to follow. Tickets (available at the door) are $12 for adults, $6 for children Featuring music by many women composers, as well as Renaissance Christmas music, well-known hymns and will include a very special tribute to the victims of the December 1989 Montreal Massacre. The Canterbury Alumnae Trebles are a group of 17 female singers which were founded in 2005 by retired Canterbury Vocal Teacher, Robert Palmai. The Trebles include Canterbury High School music graduates from 1987 to 2008 as well as current Canterbury vocal students. CAT made their first appearance in Canterbury Stars Return 2006, and gave their first concert in March 2007. The group has competed successfully in the National Kiwanis Festival where it won silver in 2008 and in that same year made it to the semi-finals in the CBC Radio National Choral Competition. They were recently featured in the Canterbury High School 40th anniversary celebrations last May. DEC 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 37 COMPUTER TRICKS AND TIPS A New and Vicious Wave of Malware By Malcolm and John malware being nothing but vandalism, part of your address was incomplete AVG (Anti Virus Grisoft) is still Harding, of Compu-Home and why can’t we do more about this – please click here to make alternate the malware protection utility that scourge . . . and that would be very arrangements. Another, just this we like best and recommend most hatis.com defines Malware satisfying, but not productive. Instead month, is a note that is supposedly often to our clients. It is free and its as follows: “Malware (for we should look at some updated facts from Facebook or eBay, announcing protection stacks up favourably with “malicious software”) is and strategies that can improve our a new login procedure and requiring the expensive commercial alternatives W malware protection: you to confirm your password. People but AVG has become somewhat more any program or file that is harmful to a computer user. Thus, malware 1. Never respond to online who would never fall for the bogus challenging to manage in the past year includes computer viruses, worms, threatening pop-ups. These are like bank emails have been suckered in or so. In an effort to stay ahead of the Trojan horses, and also spyware, the gangsters who visit a business droves by these seemingly innocent bad guys, Grisoft has introduced a few programming that gathers information and offer protection against arson and and helpful messages and one click upgrades to the program (good) but about a computer user without rocks through the windows – with in the wrong place has triggered has also become a bit more assertive in permission.” Just to put this into the implied threat if you don’t buy downloads and installations of efforts to sell the commercial version context, there are alarming estimates their security. In the Internet version devastating viruses. (not-so-good). When you are updating from industry experts that more new of this racketeering, a pop-up will 3. Maintain a second protection to 9.0, which has just been introduced malware is being introduced right suddenly appear on your display with utility installed in case it is needed. this month, you must be careful to now than legitimate software, and an official-looking warning you that Your usual automatic virus protection choose the truly free one, rather than that more malware was produced in there is a possibility your computer utility may occasionally need a free trial of the commercial version. the past year than in the previous 20 has been infected and you can “click reinforcements, in the form of a It is very important to be sure you years all put together. here” to protect yourself. If you second program that you can run have mastered the use of AVG or any In our business we have seen a comply, you may be downloading manually if necessary. We like the alternative anti-virus that you may particularly disturbing trend over the the very malware that the pop-up is freeware version of Malwarebytes be using; they have had to become past year, in the changing nature of purporting to protect you against. for this purpose. Note, however, that more sophisticated and complicated the victims of malware. It used to be Instead, click immediately on the icon you should not have two protection in order to remain effective, and you that there was a pattern of Internet use of your own virus protection utility utilities running simultaneously; keep have to keep pace too. that could be termed high-risk; people in the System Tray, in the bottom- Malwarebytes in reserve in case an who browsed a lot of pornography, right corner next to the clock. Run a attack outwits or overpowers your Malcolm and John Harding online gambling and peer-to-peer manual scan of your entire computer, main defence. are the owners of Compu-Home, downloading sites, were usually the and follow the suggestions it displays, 4. Backup, backup, backup. The specializing in assisting home and ones who wound up in difficulty and to quarantine or delete anything worst-case scenario of a virus attack small business computer users. the rest of us could be a bit smug in suspicious that it finds. is damage to your operating system Visit www.compu-home.com and the knowledge that we were not likely 2. Be more vigilant than ever that would require it to be re-installed. go to Suggested Websites to see a list to get into trouble. Nowadays there is before when you’re handling your This would almost certainly result in of favourite useful and interesting no such distinction and even the most email. There is a particularly crafty loss of your data. We hope we don’t websites. conservative user who practices safe form of message that has fooled lots have to say more, having written at Write to harding@compu-home. browsing is vulnerable. of us in recent months. One example least two entire columns in previous com or phone 613-731-5954 to Now is the moment when John is the imaginary UPS notice that a issues on the importance of backing discuss computer issues, or to make usually goes off on a rant about parcel could not be delivered because up. suggestions for future columns.

l’Amicale francophone d’Ottawa - Cercle de Lecture

By Jean-Claude Dubé des événements qui y sont arrivés Philippe Claudel pour ainsi présenter une mémoire déficiente à court terme lorsqu’il était jeune, que Monsieur l’histoire d’un vieillard sénile, rebut mais riche du vécu éloigné. L’identité e Cercle de lecture de l’Amicale Linh se remémorise souvent, présente de guerre civile, exilé dans un pays de sa fille en est le clou. Si ceci était francophone d’Ottawa s’est des images colorées et délicieuses à étrange et dépourvu de tous ses points l’intention de l’auteur, c’est un coup rencontré le 10 novembre. s’imaginer. La fine plume talentueuse de repère : famille, village, langue de maître. L de l’auteur est présentée en profusion et culture. Malgré sa tristesse et sa La prochaine rencontre du Nous étions neuf membres pour discuter du livre « La Petite Fille de à la fin du livre par une description solitude, il a pu néanmoins nouer une Cercle de lecture sera en l’église Monsieur Linh », un court roman de d’un feu d’artifices facilement visible amitié avec une autre personne. Selon Southminster, au coin des rues l’écrivain français Philippe Claudel, par l’œil de notre imagination. C’est hypothèse, l’histoire de ce roman est Bank et Aylmer, à 19h le 8 publié en 2005. à lire et relire. La fin du livre nous une histoire telle que vue, vécue et décembre. L’entrée est à la 2ième C’est un roman d’exil, d’émigrés, révèle un fait inusité qui explique interprétée par une vieille personne porte du côté sud. Le livre choisi est de choc culturel, de choc de guerre toutes les petites énigmes et handicapée par une compréhension « Ebènes-Aventures africaines » de et de la perte d’êtres chers et de ambiguïtés que le lecteur ressent au réduite, un comportement enfantin, et Ryszard Kapuscinski. la tristesse qui en suit. C’est aussi cour de la lecture. La narration est au un roman du besoin humain pour présent et l’histoire est peu fournie l’affection et des moyens pris pour d’éléments. Il y a peu de décors et la trouver. C’est l’histoire d’un petit tout se passe dans un espace mal vieillard, Monsieur Linh, qui, après défini et un temps tangible mais peu avoir perdu son village, sa famille et borné. À part de Monsieur Bark, de ses enfants, se retrouve sur un banc de Monsieur Linh et de sa petite fille rue dans une grande ville étrangère et Sang Diû, les personnages n’ont pas y fait l’amitié d’un autre homme qui de noms : il y a la femme du quai, la avait fait la guerre dans le pays de jeune interprète, les autres émigrés, Monsieur Linh. C’est une relation au les femmes en blanc etc. Le pays delà des mots car ces deux homme de d’origine de Monsieur Linh n’a pas langues différentes ne se comprennent de nom et la grande ville où il se pas. trouve n’a ni nom ni emplacement. Les membres du Cercle de lecture Le lecteur est très proche de ont beaucoup conversé de ce livre. Monsieur Linh. On vit avec lui, on L’écriture de Philippe Claudel est avance avec lui, et on ne sait pas où très fluide et poétique. La description on va avec lui. Un membre du Cercle du village de Monsieur Linh et de lecture a présenté l’hypothèse que ceci a été conçu et voulu par th Page 38 The OSCAR - OUR 37 YEAR DEC 2009 Red Apron Cooks Season’s Greetings from the Red Apron ies, pies and more pies. At some way but the Oxford English 300,000 dazzling lights so make a organic, locally grown mushrooms. the Red Apron this month we Dictionary traces the first use of the point of getting out on some snow The King Eryngii is a great choice for Phave been up to our eyeballs word “pie” as it relates to food to 1303. covered evening to take in this this dish. in seasonal pies. Each year we make By the middle of the seventeenth beautiful sight. a few varieties of truly special pies – century, pies had become an English To help with your holiday Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. our classic Duck with Fig, the very specialty. English cookbooks from entertaining, our team of Red Apron Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch popular Bison with Sweet Potato & the eighteenth century contain many Elves will be busy stocking the fridge oven. Sprinkle the beef cubes with Cranberry, and this year the newly recipes for meat pies, some with and freezer with rich and colourful salt and pepper. In batches in single created Lamb with Apricot & Pine sweet & savoury elements – like the holiday menu items. Naughty or layers, sear the beef in the hot oil for Nuts. These special pies are only traditional mincemeat pie (dried fruit nice - everyone deserves the gift of 3 to 5 minutes, turning to brown on all available through the Holiday Season mixed with spices, suet or minced time and family. Visit our website sides. Remove the seared cubes to the so come by our store and check them meat, and often some sort of alcohol). to view our Seasonal menu and get plate and continue searing until all the out. Almost anything can be encased your tastebuds in the festive mood – beef is browned. Set aside. A pie can be a surprisingly simple in a pie dough. Our seasonal pies are www.redapron.ca and visit our blog at Toss the carrots and onions in the thing to make but many people find really just a stew, baked in a crust. www.redapron.ca/blog pan, season with salt & pepper and the prospect of making dough quite Pull out your favourite stew recipe, cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring intimidating. We have found that the cook it, let it cool, and then put it Beef Bourguignon occasionally, until the onions are simplest and most effective pie dough in a pie crust. You can freeze your lightly browned. Add the garlic and is made using 2.5 cups of flour, a pinch unbaked pie and bake it from frozen 1 tablespoon good olive oil cook for 1 more minute. Put the meat of salt, ¼ cup butter, ¾ cups of lard when you are ready to eat it, or bake it 2 to 3 pounds blade roast or inside into the pot with the juices. Add the or shortening and a small amount of immediately in a 375 degree oven for round beef cut into 1-inch cubes (See bottle of wine plus enough beef broth ice water. The Flour and cold butter/ 50-60 minutes, until golden brown. Note 2) to almost cover the meat. Add the shortening can be pulsed together This month we have included a recipe salt tomato paste and thyme. Bring to a in a food processor until the texture for Beef Bourguignon, which makes Freshly ground black pepper simmer, cover the pot with a tight- resembles crumbs. Do not over mix. an excellent filling for a delicious 1 pound carrots, sliced diagonally fitting lid and place it in the oven Transfer ingredients to a large bowl meat pie and is also a great dish for into 1-inch chunks for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or and sprinkle with enough ice water Holiday Entertaining. 2 yellow onions, sliced until the meat and vegetables are very to allow you to form the dough into On Saturday, December 12, at 7 2 to 3 cloves of garlic chopped tender when pierced with a fork. a ball. p.m., the 25th edition of Christmas 1 (750 ml.) bottle good dry red wine Combine 2 tablespoons of butter Divide in 2 and wrap in plastic Lights Across Canada will be such as Pinot Noir and the flour with a fork and stir into wrap and let the ball cool in your launched with an illumination 1 can (2 cups) beef broth (or home- the stew to thicken the sauce. Sauté fridge for at least a half an hour. Then ceremony on Parliament Hill. This made) the mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of on a clean cool surface roll out your year, the celebration is set to coincide 1 tablespoon tomato paste butter for 10 minutes until lightly pie top and bottom. with the arrival of the Vancouver 2010 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (1/2 browned and then add to the stew. Many cultures have a traditional Olympic Flame, as the Olympic Torch teaspoon dried) Bring the stew to a boil on top of the food that resembles a meat pie in Relay reaches Ottawa. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter at room stove, then lower the heat and simmer The festivities on Parliament temperature, divided for 15 minutes. Season to taste. Hill will get under way at 5:45 p.m 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour This dish can be made ahead and and everyone is invited to join the 1 pound fresh mushrooms stems kept in the refrigerator for 1-2 days celebration for this special moment discarded, caps thickly sliced (See or frozen up to 2 months. Be sure to in the countdown to the 2010 Winter Note 2) thaw thoroughly before re-heating. Games. The evening promises This meal is best served with crusty to be a magical one, with fun and Note 1: We use Fitzroy Farmers bread and a nice tossed salad. Garnish entertainment for the whole family. beef – locally pasture raised and grain the stew with freshly chopped parsley From December 12, 2009 to finished. before serving. January 7, 2010, Canada’s Capital Note 2: Christophe from Le Region will sparkle with more than Coprin Mushrooms provides beautiful Role of Local Community Health Centre ur Board Chair, Marita are open seven days a week, from 10 one or more of their flu symptoms are Killen, and I would like to a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and from worsening quickly. Oupdate you on the role that 10 a.m. to 2 p.m on weekends. Finally, I would like to remind your local community health centre, To enable our hospitals to focus you that flu assessment centres are Centretown CHC, is playing during on the most serious flu illnesses, the there to diagnose and treat the flu. the H1N1 Pandemic. We feel that it people in the following situations They do NOT provide the H1N1 is important to update you as some should see a primary care provider, vaccine. Residents who want the residents in our catchment area do not whether their family physician or a H1N1 vaccine must go to one of the have a family doctor and we wish to flu assessment centre: designated H1N1 vaccination clinics. support them. • People who are at risk of During the H1N1 Pandemic, Dr. Isra Levy, the Chief Medical severe complications from the flu. some services at Centretown CHC Officer of Health for Ottawa, has This includes children under 5 years, will change. You can view our website designated Centretown CHC as a especially those under 2; seniors over for updates at www.centretownchc. Flu Assessment Centre for those 65 years; pregnant women; and people org who do not have a family physician who have a cardiac disease, chronic or who cannot quickly access their pulmonary disease, diabetes, cancer, Thank you. practioner. We opened our doors as weakened immune systems, renal Marita Killen a Flu Assessment Centre, along with disease, anemia or morbid obesity. Board Chair our partner CHCs, on Wednesday • People in these groups should see Simone Thibault morning. As a flu assessment centre, a primary care provider within 48 Board Chair we have the capacity to see people with hours of showing flu symptoms. Executive Director flu-like symptoms, and I encourage Early treatment can help reduce the residents who are sick and do not risk of complications. have access to a family physician to • People who do not have use the flu assessment centres. We medical conditions but who see that DEC 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 39 An Ounce Of Prevention How To Protect Your Property This Holiday Season t’s a snowy day in a busy parking access to your home and told them or pick up your mail if you go away service, in which an inspector will lot. The holidays are just around how to get there. You have also given are just a few things to think about to come to your home to look for security Ithe corner. You have just spent them access to your identity with those ensure your property remains safe. risks and suggest ways to fix them. the last two hours fighting your way insurance papers and the opportunity Starting a neighbourhood association “Unfortunately, this service is most through crowds to pay for the armful for identity theft.” or Neighbourhood Watch is also a great often used by residents after a crime of purchases you are now hauling back The University of Ottawa’s way to increase security. has been committed,” says Constable to your car. You throw them in the back Institute for the Prevention of Crime Initiatives like “positive ticketing” Lamarre, “but we’d like to encourage seat, close the door and go back inside (IPC) states that in 2007, 1.1 million – leaving a note on cars in your people to take advantage of the security the mall. property crimes were reported to police neighbourhood to let people know audit as a way to prevent crime from You have just provided the perfect departments across Canada. Many of a vehicle has recently been broken happening.” setting for a crime to be committed. those crimes were break-and-enter into – will also help people be more Property crime can be frightening, “Crime happens because there is an and many were preventable. The IPC aware of crime and then take steps to expensive and traumatic for victims, opportunity to do it,” says Ottawa Police notes that individuals can help prevent avoid it. And don’t forget to visit your but there are many things you can do to Service Constable Ray Lamarre. “In my property crime from happening by Community Police Centre and get to ensure your property is safe this holiday. experience, close to 95% of theft from changing the environment of their know your Community Police Officer Constable Lamarre’s advice: “Crime vehicles happens because people leave property to make it less attractive to a so you will feel comfortable calling prevention is everyone’s business and their cars unlocked.” criminal. At home this means upgrading them when you need to. by taking a few, simple steps we can As astounding as that may seem locks on windows and doors, installing There are many resources you can all help prevent crime from happening. (because you are no doubt thinking an alarm system and adding security access to learn about protecting your In this busy season take a few minutes you always lock your car), Constable lighting around the house. With your property. The Ottawa Police Service to stop and think about how you can Lamarre finds that simple prevention – vehicle it means locking your doors, produces vehicle safety brochures and help prevent crime in your home, your putting your purchases in the trunk and not leaving valuables in plain sight, or the Ontario Association of Chiefs of vehicle and your neighbourhood. If you remembering to lock your doors – is putting your car in the garage. Police offers the “Shoulda, Woulda, don’t take crime prevention into your often overlooked, and especially during “Nothing is foolproof,” Constable Coulda” property safety booklet. Both own hands, who will?” the busy upcoming holiday season. Lamarre concedes, “but doing as many are available at Community Police Crime Prevention Ottawa (CPO) Leaving your car unlocked and your things as you can to protect your property Centres across the city. Crime Prevention contributes to crime reduction and shopping in plain sight is not only an will be a deterrent to criminals.” Ottawa also publishes resources on enhanced community safety in Ottawa invitation for theft. It can, as Constable Research from Crime Prevention crime prevention, including a tip sheet through collaborative evidence- Lamarre warns, have much greater Ottawa shows that the risk of break-and- for reporting crime and an information based crime prevention (www. consequences. “Think about what else enter crimes is halved in communities in guide for landlords about safety and crimepreventionottawa.ca). Look for is in your car,” he says, “insurance which neighbours support and help each security in rental buildings (www. more articles from CPO in the coming papers, a garage door opener, maybe a other. Getting to know your neighbours, crimepreventionottawa.ca). months. GPS device that has your home address making sure you have someone clean The Ottawa Police Service also on it. You have now given a criminal your driveway, turn on your lights provides a free “security audit” Building An Ethical Society

By Neville Nankivell

t. Matthew’s Anglican Church in the Glebe will be the Ottawa partner site for a live webcast from SNew York in late January of a major conference on “Building an Ethical Society”. Organized by the Trinity Institute on the theme of theology and the marketplace, the Jan. 27-29 conference at Trinity Church Wall Street will bring together top theologians from around the world discussing capitalism, wealth, and what’s ahead now for the crisis- rattled global economy. Speakers will include Rowan William, the Archbishop of Canterbury; Sir Partha Dasgupta, professor of economics at Cambridge University; Kathryn Tanner, professor of theology at the University of Chicago Divinity School, and Bernard Ntahoturi, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Burundi. The webcast of the conference will be shown at St. Matthew’s, which will serve lunches and light refreshments to registered participants. Wine and cheese will be served at the church during the opening evening reception and reflection period. This will be from 6pm to 9pm Wednesday, Jan. 27, followed by two days of conference presentations and discussion 9am to 5pm on Thursday, Jan. 28 and Friday, Jan. 29. There will be an opportunity for discussion and questions. Partner sites for the webcast include other churches in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Australia, France and Germany. The full conference fee for participation in the webcast at St. Matthew’s is $60 (this includes the evening reception session). Individual morning or afternoon sessions are $20 a session, and the opening reception session is $15. To register or get more information, call St. Matthew’s Church office at 613-234-4024 or you can download a registration form at www.stmathewsottawa. ca St. Matthew’s is at 130 Glebe Ave., just a few steps west of Bank St. (Entry to its downstairs office, open weekday mornings, is at 217 First Ave.) Page 40 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR DEC 2009 Contra Comes to the Capital By Jennifer Keyte The word ‘Contra’ is from the French ‘contre’ or against, describing o, it’s not a foreign invasion. how two lines of couples face each It’s a wonderful new night other. Many of the moves may sound of dancing that has come to familiar from square dancing are also N seen in contra dancing – the do-si- the Churchill Centre in the heart of Westboro. What’s the Old Ottawa do, allemande right and left, and the South connection, you ask? Our active popular swing your partner – but the community sports some of Ottawa big difference is that instead of dancing Contra’s most enthusiastic regulars, and with only the three other couples in a we’d love to spread the word. Square Dance set, you get to dance with An exciting form of traditional everybody in the line. That can mean a dance with energetic live music, Contra dozen or more couples – which is a lot dancing is tailor-made for all ages and of bang for your buck! for new or experienced dancers. While Couples progress toward or away contra dancing has been a happening from the band in a series of intricate scene in Ottawa for over twenty years, moves that ultimately bring everyone back to where they started, only with a this is the first time in a long while that Contra dancing in Ottawa - Photo by Emily Addison the series has been held in the Westboro new set of faces to dance with. – Wellington west area. Sound complicated? Not really. everyone through the dance before the Clark (of the Old Sod Band, but also What is Contra dancing? Thanks to the Contra stalwart, the music starts and continues to call the of Friends of Fiddlers’ Green) on stage Originating in New England, Caller. steps, with the music, as the dance goes with Ann Downey (Toasted Westerns), the dance style combines elements How formal is Contra dancing? on. Knowing the dance isn’t necessary, Duncan Gillis, Greg Brown and James of English-country and Quebecois Contra dances are ‘called’ dances; unlike many other forms of traditional Stephens, is a rush, even if you’re not dancing, which also count in the origins that is, there is someone - imaginatively dance. The end result is that you can dancing.” of the more familiar Square Dancing. named the ‘Caller’ – who leads have rank beginners dancing alongside Visiting bands in the line-up this seasoned veterans, and everyone has a season include the internationally good time. touring band Genticorum and Andre The other result is that you get a bit Brunet, one of the best Quebecois more free-form twirling, swinging and fiddlers currently playing in that do-si-doi-ing going on in the back 40. particular style. The Old Sod Band is I often liken it to those Merchant the anchor for Ottawa’s dance series, Ivory period movies: While the stiff, gracing the halls with their seasoned, formal, serious dancing was happening beautiful groove the second dance of in the ‘Big House’, the footmen, maids, each month. “This is great music, no stablehands and cooks were whooping matter how you slice it,” adds Roger. it up in the barn with contra dancing. Does size matter? Do I need a partner? Size and age are irrelevant in The answer to that question is Contra dancing. At recent dances, a categorical NO. Contra dancing, we have seen pre-teens on the floor although danced in couples, has a with some octogenarians. “We have culture that encourages switching college students swinging out there partners for each dance. While you can with retirees,” says John Argus, one of dance all night with the same person, Ottawa Contra’s organizers. My four- most people change up, dancing with year-old even joined me in my arms for veterans and newcomers alike. one of the gentler circle dances. Why “It’s a very welcoming, fun have I done this for over 10 years? community,” says Catherine Burns, a One friend of mine put it best. “Ah, long-time caller alongside the Old Sod to move your body to music…”, she said. Band. “Each night there’s a half-hour It’s the music, the friendly, inclusive of instruction before the music starts culture – dancing with seasoned or new for new dancers, just to teach them the people – and the terrific exercise. I’ve basic steps.” With a smile, Catherine also made some great friends over the adds, “But if you don’t get it, then, not years because you can actually talk to to worry, there’s always some friendly people while you’re dancing! And then face who will be guaranteed to guide there’s that wonderful swishy feeling Need Renovations? or gently shove you – in a nice way of you get when your skirt flies out as course – to be in the right place at the you’re swinging. That’s hard to beat, right time.” especially on a warm night. “We’re a very forgiving lot,” she Where do I find it? adds, “because we were all there once Dances are held the and Saturday before!” evenings at the Churchill Senior’s Did you say LIVE music? Centre at Richmond Road – a venue All Contra dances are danced to chosen because of its wonderful sprung live music, so even if you don’t feel like hardwood floor – the 1st and 3rd dancing, have a sore foot, or two left weekend of each month. Leather-soled feet, come out and hear some incredible shoes are recommended, but anything traditional music. that isn’t too ‘sticky’, like rubber There’s Celtic, Quebecois, running shoes, can work well. Appalachian – often combined in the Start time is 8PM, with free same set – played by some of the best instruction given from 7:30 to 8PM. Custom Designed Additions and musicians around. Fiddles, flutes, Adults $12, Students, Seniors and guitars, concertinas, accordions, Members $10, ages 16 and under are Major Renovations that respect the bodhrans, and stand-up bass have all free. First-timers also get a free pass to graced the stage in recent months. their second dance. Craftsmanship and Architectural “We’re truly blessed to have See the Ottawa Contra Dance some of the best traditional musicians website at www.ottawacontra.ca for style of your older home. come to play at our dances, “says details and YouTube links, or contact Roger Williams, a long-time Contra by email [email protected] or by 594-8888 dancer, whose son Nicholas recently phone (613) 725-3709 for more info. played with his award-winning band, Come out for a music-filled www.gordonmcgovern.com Crowfoot. “Seeing Ian Robb, Ian evening. You will be welcomed! DEC 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 41 Who is Human? A Reflection on Dehumanization and Re-humanization By Jennifer Jones Patulli prison. From the opening, Stroud (which destroys human life and therefore condemn him. Stroud’s is portrayed as a cold, “lost soul” relationships); second, he is a person desire to care for the bird formed the hat makes on person best left out of daily society. He is like you and me capable of caring (or base from which he could engage in perceive another as dehumanized – a hopeless case who human) actions. It is easy to perceive “human acts.” Indeed, this desire was human? Or, what makes ought to receive harsh treatment. As Stroud as less than human, and to hold a human desire. W the film progresses, Stroud’s character the deep belief that he is incapable of I feel that Stroud’s example a person perceive another as less than human? Further, how do we expands from a one-dimensional killer life giving or life sustaining actions. allows us to face our perceptions treat others on the basis of these to a multi-dimensional “human.” What struck me about this film of another based on their actions. It perceptions? I believe the 1962 film The key paradigm shift occurs was how Stroud defied the boundaries alerts us to what we consider to be “The Birdman of Alcatraz” provides when Stroud cares for a baby bird, of “dehumanization.” Although he human and inhuman, and how these wonderful insight into these questions. fallen from its nest during a storm. committed a dehumanizing act his classifications relate to our ability I recently borrowed this film from Eventually, for Stroud, his love for character becomes sympathetic when to forgive. In my opinion, the real the Ottawa Library, and found it birds led him to find cures for avian he redeems himself though “human” challenge in re-humanization is in addresses two important processes in diseases and become a published acts. separating the person from the action. our interpersonal relations, they are: scientist and author. What I find key in the re- It challenges us to redefine the identity humanization and dehumanization. By the halfway point in this film, humanization process is that the we impose on another, as individuals “The Birdman of Alcatraz” the audience is forced to grapple individual engaging in the process and as society. tells the fictionalized story of Robert with competing perceptions of this is, in fact, always human. Rather, it Stroud, a man convicted of two man: first, he is a murderer, and is is the inhuman act that allows others murders and sentenced to life in capable of dehumanizing actions to regard Stroud as inhuman and Is your Investment Portfolio Built to Last? By Bob Jamieson over the long term. (Keep in mind, however, that companies may decrease or he rise in the financial markets discontinue their dividends at any time.) over the past six months may • Do I own the investments I’ll want have soothed your nerves, which to own in the next market downturn? T Stock market declines happen regularly, probably got jangled during the prolonged slump of 2008 and early 2009. And yet, and without warning. You can’t prevent if you’re like many investors, you might these downturns, but you can prepare for think that the market upswing has gone them. One of the most important things about as far as it can go for now and that you can do is to own investments today we may be due for a “correction,” in that you wouldn’t mind holding if the which prices drop, perhaps substantially. market heads south — investments such If that happens, would you be prepared? as bonds and dividend-paying stocks, No one can really predict what lies in both of which tend to decline by smaller store for the markets over the next several amounts in downturns. You can also months. But whether the market declines, buy insurance products to protect your remains steady or even continues its investment value during these times. advance, you need to create an investment • Have I protected my other assets — portfolio that is built to last. To do so, ask my family? You can have the most yourself these questions: well-balanced, all-weather investment Do I have a strategy designed to portfolio in the world, but it might not help me achieve my financial goals? prevent your family from facing financial To build and maintain an effective difficulties if you were to become investment strategy, you need to make disabled or die prematurely. That’s why sure that you’re making the right moves. you should look at your overall financial For example, you may need to discard picture and examine whether you have investments that, due to their risk factors, the appropriate amounts of life insurance fundamentals or outlook, are no longer and disability income coverage. Your appropriate for your needs. And you’ll financial advisor can help you look at the want an overall investment mix that’s “big picture” and make the right moves. aligned with your long-term goals and At some point, the rise in the market risk tolerance. Furthermore, you’ll want we’ve seen lately will be a distant to avoid having similar investments memory. But when that day arrives, it in different accounts, a situation that doesn’t have to be a serious setback to could result in your portfolio being less your financial goals — as long as your diversified than you thought. Although portfolio is built to last. If you would like diversification, by itself, cannot guarantee to discuss how the above questions relate a profit or protect against a loss, it can to your circumstances, please give me a help reduce the effects of volatility. call at 613-526-3030. • Do I have a sufficient amount of ** We’re having a HOLIDAY OPEN income-producing investments? Income- HOUSE on Dec.10th. You’re welcome to producing investments tend to be less drop in ** volatile than growth-oriented vehicles. Bob Jamieson, CFP Consequently, it’s a good idea to include Edward Jones, Member CIPF some bonds and dividend-paying stocks, Insurance and annuities are offered by individually and in mutual funds, in your Edward Jones Insurance Agency (except portfolio. If you don’t currently need the in Quebec). In Quebec, insurance and dividend income to bolster your cash annuities are offered by Edward Jones flow, you can reinvest the dividends to Insurance Agency (Quebec) Inc. potentially help your investments grow Page 42 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR DEC 2009 Tasty Tidbits From Trillium Bakery Angels to the Rescue By Jocelyn LeRoy that out soon enough, when a week I was relieved it was only one eye. ditch by his barn, to ease his dying before Christmas I was in a serious But I knew I had to get to an eye doctor. wife’s pain. Until the cops told him Nellie car accident, and asked Nellie to take As I fumbled with the telephone, our he shouldn’t, that is. over one of the bakeries and help at friend Butter Tart Larry entered the But the OSCAR fairies have not n angel appeared on a bicycle the other when possible. She inspired bakery. He noticed “something funny enough space for all of his unusual at the beginning of winter. all the staff to shape up and perform about me” and promptly ordered me story. This retired math professor She was looking for a job. way beyond their usual level. They to go to the hospital. In fact, he took amused himself by driving Trillium A loved Nellie’s presence. me there. bread all over town. “It makes people As she maneuvered her bike into the bakery, she said, “I’m a fast learner.” As I limped around one store, My phone call located all happy. What a great job!” Alf was Then she handed me her resumé. struggling to finish up the closing ophthalmologists at the Civic Hospital an ambassador for good bread. He “I am planning on continuing my duties, Nellie arrived on her bike from for a conference What luck! One used to lament, “Look what’s out education, so I’ll have to leave in six the other store, picked up the broom of them would have to come to my there. The people are still eating months.” and finished my chores – after she’d rescue. Little did I know that a whole enormous amounts of bread, and half “It takes that long to learn the worked all day. Then she rode her team would buckle up a detached of it is white puffy bread. They buy ropes at Trillium. I’m sorry,” I said. bike all the way home to Aylmer! retina and save my eyesight. thousands of loaves of regular bread “And we don’t actually have any When the time came for Nellie to We closed up the shop and put up each day and never ask what’s in it.” positions available.” continue her university studies, she a sign that said “back soon, I hope.” When Alf began deliveries for But there was something about presented me with a framed painting No such luck. the bakery he said that whenever he her that compelled me to invite her to of a small person in a canoe, paddling Seven hours later poor Larry was had his first car accident, he’d quit sit down for a chat. She looked very on cresting waves. “That looks like still stoically standing beside me, and donate his van to “the worthiest young and truly had the face of an you,” I thought. leaving his fiancée to attend their cause in Ottawa: getting really good angel. She leaned forward and said And Nellie said, “I know you prenuptial class alone. “He’s with bread out to the citizens of this great again softly, “I’m a fast learner.” love canoeing. Next time we’ll go another woman,” she explained to the capital city.” (He was not a patriotic “How fast?” I asked, remembering together.” So it was Nellie – out on nuns, “and I don’t know if he’ll make American.) that in a few weeks we’d be in the the open water, surrounded by her it to class.” He did just that. On both counts. midst of our Christmas madness. love of nature – the wind, the sky, the By the time many doctors had Just when our ten-year-old truck Perhaps a little extra help would be shoreline. The gift was a thank-you shone blinding lights into my eyes, packed it in. welcome. from Nellie for the opportunity to help conferred in mumbled tones about a Alf checked himself into the “My name is Nellie. I’ve just so many people, for the opportunity “really bad detachment”, my family Perley Veteran’s Hospital in which he returned from a year in Africa, where to show that she could be a great had been alerted and they rushed to had earned himself a bed by enlisting I signed up to be a nurse (R.N.) in a employee. the hospital. It was 9 p.m. Only then in the Canadian Air Force, flying remote clinic. When I got there, I How humbling to know such was Larry willing to go. Now there’s Wellington bombers over France in the discovered the doctor running the a giving, loving person. A young a true friend! war. I have fond memories of pushing clinic had fled the country. I had to woman remembered by so many Thank Heavens for Larry. He Alf around in his wheelchair. “My do both jobs – the nurse’s and the of our customers for her smile, her gets butter tarts for life. For without legs packed it in.” was his greeting doctor’s. It was a huge responsibility. patience, her helpfulness. When I him I would never have been able to on one of my visits. He always had a I had to stay up nights learning the look at her picture, I feel inspired, no weather those long uncomfortable math book on his lap. techniques and medicines from the matter what’s going on in my busy hours or retained the gory details of When Alf got his Canadian notes the doctor had left behind. I had life. That tiny canoe with Nellie in it the seriousness of my condition. citizenship we made him a huge cake to learn fast because more and more tells me all is well. Following surgery at 1 a.m.., I lost with a maple leaf fashioned out of people were coming to the clinic after 17 pounds and was obliged to endure strawberries and chocolate hockey traveling on broken, dusty roads.” Butter Tart Larry 28 days at home doing virtually sticks (he took up hockey when he I was fascinated. I had thought nothing. I thought of all the earthly moved to Canada). she was a teenager, but actually she One afternoon as I was taking 16 angels I know. I spent a year seeing After Alf passed on, I found a tiny was 25 and had earned her R.N. Heavenly Tortieres out of the oven, “slantedly.” I think Larry was an Canadian flag glued to a picture of and completed pre-meds. She had a I noticed a strange-looking curtain angel in disguise – I see that now with that cake, among the meager cache of huge amount of knowledge of herbs, floating in my line of vision. This both eyes working well. his treasures. Also included were two homeopathy, foods, and why people beige mirage fluttered and revealed Larry’s marriage thrived, and broken hockey sticks and some war have food sensitivities. It felt like she dark solid bars behind it. “How odd. butter tarts remain Larry’s reward of medals, and a picture of his best friend really belonged with us at Trillium, so How annoying,” I thought. choice. (See May 2009 Tasty Tidbits who was shot down by enemy fire I said “You’re on,” just like that. I tried to ignore it. I plunged both for the butter tart recipe. and immediately forgave the gunner. And was I ever right! arms into 20 pounds of half-finished “He was just a scared kid” – Alf had Nellie was so helpful, so calm, pie dough for the next batch. I felt Aviator Alf compassion for that. with a kind of energy that I can only a nasty pressure building up very Fifteen years later, Trillium describe as inspirational. That’s how quickly in my eye. The curtain turned There were other angels. For customers still tell “Alf stories” – Nellie taught others, by example black. Something was seriously instance, there was Alf, who called stories of this big gruff angel who and by being inspiring. We found wrong. himself a pseudo-Canadian, until be touched their lives, who loved Canada became a real angel. He was famous and all things Canadian. Who always for Alf’s pain free easy brownies, had a kind word and a funny story on moist fudgy chocolate brownies, even the bitterest Winter day. made with marijuana he grew in the

½ cup icing sugar (sifted) Angel ¼ tsp salt

Christmas Blend dry ingredients into butter Pat dough down flat. Roll out Shortbread gently. Cut with angel cookie cutters, or Cookies diamond shapes Bake 25 to 30 minutes on Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. parchment paper on baking sheet Cream 1 cup butter Sift together 2 cups all purpose flour DEC 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 43

An In-depth Journey into Nutrition Vitamins – Part 3 - Vitamin E

By Karen Cowen, Depletion of vitamin E may be evident as almonds, hazelnuts, pine nuts, an appointment for Nutritional Registered Holistic in newborns fed on cow’s milk, which and sunflower seeds; wheat germ; Counselling or Reiki at Soul Matters: contains no vitamin E, as opposed soybeans; avocado; turnip greens; 1093 Bank Street – 613 730 7685 – Nutritionist (RHN) to breast milk, which contains some, uncooked green peas; spinach; where I am available every Tuesday providing the mother’s diet is healthy. asparagus; kale; cucumber; tomatoes; 10 a.m – 6 p.m. ontinuing on from my article Please note: Those with high tomato paste; celery; sweet potatoes; Yours in Health, Karen last month on Vitamin D, blood pressure and/or on antiplatelet broccoli; butter; egg yolks; liver; tuna This article is not intended to treat Cwhich I hope you found or anticoagulant medications, and salmon. or diagnose and is for educational useful, we will now move onto should only supplement with Fun fact: Coconut oil, with all its purposes only. If you have any another of the fat soluble vitamins: Vitamin E under the advisement of wonderful health benefits, reduces the nutritional issues or concerns, please Vitamin E (Tocopherols); what it does a qualified healthcare provider, as body’s need for Vitamin E. consult a qualified nutritionist in the body, sources and how much is it may raise blood pressure, inhibit Please note: Chlorine reduces (preferably me!) or healthcare required. platelet aggregation and increase the absorption of Vitamin E. The provider. Vitamin E is actually two families the anticoagulant effect of certain functions of Vitamin E are enhanced Many thanks to Melanie Seed. of compounds: tocopherols and medications. by other antioxidants such as vitamin Karen Cowen is a Registered tocotrienols. As with Vitamin D, there C, beta-carotene (the form of vitamin Holistic Nutritionist (RHN) living in are many forms of Vitamin E, the most Requirements: A found in vegetables), glutathione (a Old Ottawa South. Having studied common being alpha- tocopherol. Fat soluble vitamins are measured combination of 3 amino acids, more Nutrition for 2 years at the College of (D-alpha tocopherol is the natural in International Units (IUs) - each unit on this later), co-enzyme Q10, and Naturopathic Medicine in Edinburgh, and most potent form of Vitamin E being equivalent to 3.33 micrograms most of all, by the mineral selenium. Scotland; she moved to Ottawa with versus dl-alpha tocopherol, which is (mcg). The amount of vitamin Vitamin E should never be taken at her husband and continued her studies the synthetic form.) required per day is referred to as the same time as iron supplements, as with the Canadian School of Natural Vitamin E is considered to be the RDA or Recommended Dietary this will decrease its absorption. Nutrition, graduating with merit. She an antioxidant, which means that Allowance and is “the average daily This concludes our look into is also a Reiki Master and utilises it helps the body prevent damage nutrient intake level sufficient to meet Vitamin E. Next time we will move crystals in her Reiki work. from free radicals. Free radicals are the nutrient requirements of nearly onto Vitamin K. Until then, I wish Karen considers one lifetime to unstable, highly reactive atoms or all healthy individuals in a particular you abundant health, energy and well be too short to learn everything about molecules which travel throughout life stage and gender group.” (Haas, being. holistic practices but in an attempt to the body, potentially damaging Elson M., MD; Levin, Buck., PhD, If you should have any queries at least learn as much as she can, she cells and tissues, thus causing RD. 2006. “Staying Healthy with or require further clarification, is currently studying Reflexology at problems such as premature aging Nutrition”) please do not hesitate to contact me: the International Academy. and chronic degenerative diseases The key word here is “healthy”. [email protected], or make like atherosclerosis (cardiovascular In theory, the amounts of vitamins disease), arthritis and cancer. required are higher for individuals Vitamin E also helps with oxygen who are ill or chronically stressed. delivery to tissues and organs, is a Note: Vitamin E requirements will key nutrient for heart health and also be increased in those who regularly plays an important role in prostate, consume fried foods and refined and/ testicular, uterine, ovarian, and breast or rancid oils. health. It can be applied directly to the skin as an oil, cream or ointment, For Vitamin E, the RDAs* are as where it is useful in promoting wound follows: healing and preventing scar formation, 9 IU (6mg) - Males and females, as well as reducing inflammation in 1-3 years dermatitis, herpes infections, lupus 10.5 IU (7mg) - Males and rashes, burns and skin ulcers. females, 4-8 years Again, because fat soluble 16 IU (11mg) - Males and vitamins are stored in the body, females, 9-13 years there is the potential for toxicity, in 22 IU (15mg) – Males and large doses. However, Vitamin E females, 14 years and older is not stored as readily in the body 22 IU (15mg) – Pregnant as the other fat soluble vitamins, A, females, 18 years and older D and K, with excess usually being 28 IU (19mg) – Lactating eliminated through urine and feces. females, 18 years and older Thus, toxicity from Vitamin E is *(Haas, Elson M., MD; Levin, unlikely; however, symptoms can Buck., PhD, RD. 2006. “Staying include nausea, diarrhea, flatulence, Healthy with Nutrition”) and digestive problems. Vitamin E deficiency is also Good Sources: fairly rare; symptoms can include Wheat germ oil is the highest skin disorders, lethargy, muscle source, followed by cold-pressed degeneration, nerve dysfunction, and vegetable oils (raw, uncooked; reproductive issues i.e. premenstrual think salad dressings and sauces) syndrome (PMS), menstrual pain and with sunflower and safflower being cramping, impotence, and infertility. the best; nuts and seeds: such

To book an OSCAR ad call Gayle at 730-1058 email: [email protected] Page 44 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR DEC 2009

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE LIBRARIES Alta Vista Branch Library

Alta Vista Branch Adult Programs Tuesdays, Intermediate 2 p.m. (1 hr.) novembre-15 décembre , 10 h 30 (45 Is the holiday craze getting to you? 2516 Alta Vista Drive min.) Bring the family to an afternoon of Register at: Knit 2 Together fun games for all ages. Participants www.biblioottawalibrary.ca Join us for random chatter, can bring a board game to play with or call: 613-737-2837 x28 good advice and problem solving. BOOK CLUBS / CLUBS DE others. Bring hats, scarves, socks - any LECTURE Wednesday, December 30, 2 p.m. (1 Book Banter knitting projects you please. hr.)* Drop in to share the enjoyment of Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. (1.5 hr.) Book clubs for children/Clubs de good books in a relaxed atmosphere. Dec 5 lecture pour enfants Thursdays, 2 p.m. (1 hr.) Wednesdays, 6:30 (1.5 hr.) TEEN SPECIAL PROGRAM Dec. 3: Gilead by Marilynne Dec 9 The Dawg Lounge! Woof! Robinson Share your favorites and discover Game On! Jan. 7: Ella Minnow Pea by Mark French Conversation and books with our boys’ book club. Challenge your friends to get Dunn Spanish Conversation Groups will Ages 8-12. gaming. Compete on the Wii or blast meet again in the New Year. Tuesday, December 1st, 4:15 p.m. the X-Box for bragging rights. Ages Tuesday Book Group Check with the branch for dates. (45 min.)* 13 and up. Join a stimulating discussion of Monday, December 7, 6 p.m. (1.5 the best in non-fiction. The title to PRE-SCHOOL/PRESCOLAIRE Un livre à partager hr)* be explored is: Payback by Club de lecture pour ceux qui aiment Margaret Atwood. Babytime lire. Pour les 8 à 12 ans. N.B. Registration for fall Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. (1.5 hr.) For babies and their parent or Lundi 7 décembre, 16 h 15 (45 programs starts on September 16./ Dec. 1, 15 caregiver with stories, rhymes, songs min.)* L’inscription pour les programmes and activities. Ages 0-18 months. d’automne commence le 16 Infusions littéraires Thursdays, September 24-October Timbit Girls septembre./ Programs followed by an Partager une tasse de thé ou de 29, November 12-December 17, An after-school book club for girls * require registration. / L’inscription tisane en discutant de livres. 10:30 a.m. (30 min.) who love to read. Ages 8-12. est requise pour les programmes Les mardis, 14h (1 hr) Monday, December 14, 4:15 p.m. (45 suivis d’un *. The address of the 15 déc. : M. Ibrahim et les fleurs Toddlertime min)* Alta Vista Library is 2516 Alta Vista du Coran dè Eric-Emmanuel For toddlers and a parent or caregiver Drive, Ottawa and the phone number Schmitt with stories, rhymes, songs and Book club for teenagers of the Alta Vista Library 613-737- 19 jan : La traversée de la ville activities. Ages 18-35 months. 2837./ L’adresse de la bibliothèque de Michel Tremblay Mondays, September 21-October 5, Mmm…Books! Alta Vista est le 2516, promenade October 19-October 26, November Teens talk about their favourite Alta Vista, Ottawa et son numéro de Alta Vista Sleuth Hounds 9-December 14, 10:30 a.m. (45 min.) reading material with other book téléphone est le 613-737-2837. Get together to talk about your lovers. Ages 12-17. favourite mystery authors and Storytime Monday, December 21, 6:30 p.m. (1 Program registration will be done discover some new ones too! Stories and rhymes for young hr.)* on-line only. Ottawa Public Library Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. (1.5 hrs.) children-parents and caregivers are cards are needed to register on-line./ Dec. 17: Sinister Sudoku by Kaye welcome to join. Ages 3-6. SPECIAL PROGRAMS FOR L’inscription des programmes est Morgan (Bilingual) Tuesdays, September CHILDREN faite seulement en ligne. Les cartes 22-October 27, November de la bibliothèque publique d’Ottawa English Conversation Group 10-December 15, 10:30 a.m. (45 Pajama party! sont requises pour l’inscription en Improve your English and meet new min.) Wear your pajamas and enjoy ligne des programmes. friends in a relaxed setting. Contes bedtime songs and stories for the This program is offered in Contes et rimes pour les enfants. whole family. Family program. partnership Parents et fournisseurs de soins sont Wednesday, December 2, 6:30 p.m. with Somali Family Services. les bienvenus. Pour les 3 à 6 ans. (45 min.)* Mondays, 6:00 p.m. (1.5 hr.) (Bilingue) Les mardis, 22 Tuesdays, Beginners 1 p.m. (1 hr.) septembre-27 octobre, 10 Family game day Elmvale Acres Branch Library Elmvale Acres Branch of the with the Conseil économique et Jan. 19, 26 Game On Teens Ottawa Public Library - December social d’Ottawa-Carleton. Challenge your friends to get gaming and January Programs Registration. Toddlertime on the Wii for bragging rights 1910 St-Laurent Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. (90 min.) Wednesdays, 10:15 a.m. (30 min.) Ages 10-14 613-738-0619 December 2, 9, 16 December 2, 9, 16 Wednesday January 27, 4-5pm (1hr) January 6, 13, 20, 27 Jan. 20, 27 Adult programs: NEWCOMERS/ Learning to Love from Passion to Storytime NOUVEAUX English Conversation for Compassion Mondays, 10:15 a.m. (40 min.) ARRIVANTS Newcomers Attend this series of informal December 7, 14 Improve your English and meet new workshops that focus on Jan. 18, 25 How to Sponsor Your Family to friends in a relaxed setting. This compassionate communication by Come to Canada program is offered bringing together passionate love School Aged programs Learn how to sponsor a family in partnership with the Conseil (Eros) and spiritual love (Agape). member. économique et social d’Ottawa- Activities include guided meditation Frontier College Reading Circle Carleton. and creating rapport. Registration. Volunteers will help your child to How to Prepare for Your Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. (90 min.) Monday December 7, 6:30 p.m. (90 love books and become a better Canadian Citizenship December 1, 8 min.) reader through stories and games One-on-one help to prepare for the January 5, 12, 19, 26 Ages 6-8 citizenship test. These programs Early year programs for children: Saturdays, 2 p.m. (1hr) are offered in cooperation with FSL Conversation December 5, 12, 19 the Lebanese Arab Social Services Improve your French and meet new Babytime Jan. 23, 30 Agency. Call 613-286-9328 to book friends in a relaxed setting. This Tuesdays, 10:15 a.m. (30 min.) an appointment. program is offered in partnership December 1, 8, 15 DEC 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 45

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. mattress included, $50. Four summer House for rent: Old Ottawa South 3 teacher is providing tutoring right For Sale tires $100. 730-3470. bedrooms, 2 baths, finished basement, here in Old Ottawa South! Grades ------laundry facilities; deck; parking 1-4- Reading, Writing, & Math. For Flip chair in blue jean fabric - this Broomball Sticks & Ball; Large spot for one. No pets & non-smoker. more information, call 613-231-6160 is a chair that converts into a small “Diplomat” bar fridge with freezer Available January 1, 2010. Minimum ------single bed - 66 x 22 inches. Perfect space; 4-drawer hard-wood dresser; 1 year lease. 613-730-0206. Minutes Nanny share: experienced child- for a child’s room and sleepovers. In Broil King BBQ (outdoor); various from Carleton University and other caregiver available for one or two full brand new condition, only $39. Also, old panel doors; older microwave/ amenities. days per week. Also light cleaning, a hammered brass log box with lid - convection oven; new maple kitchen ------mending, and cooking if desired. 18 x 12 x 12 - in excellent condition, table (35” x 60”); assorted chairs Spectacular, new large fully furnished References available. Please call 613- $25 . Call 613-730-1163 after 5 pm (kitchen and dining room); Optex- one bedroom apartment in post 730-8098 for more information. Opt455 Tripod. Call 613-730-59872 and beam house on non-motor boat ------lake 30 minutes from Ottawa. Must Old Ottawa South child caregiver has Jingle Bear - 12 inch white stuffed 4 Snow Tires: bought Jan. 2009, be seen! $975 inclusive www. one full time space available. bear that sings (yes, his mouth moves) Infinity Winter Hero, 185/60R14, celticcrosslodge.com Larry 613 Safe, caring environment. Snacks, “Jingle Bells” when you squeeze his $300. Call 613-233-9786 7303789 hot lunches, Age appropriate paw. Perfect for a Christmas gift. ------activities and outings to parks, $20. Please call 613-730-1163 after 5 Baby Glider for cross-country skiing, Child Care playgroups. References and receipts. p.m. to get more information. in good condition. $200. 730-9851 or Contact Bonnie 613-730-9080 ------730-7051. For sale: childs day bed, white enamel Boost Your Child’s Self-Confidence in with pretty knobs on the corners, Accommodation School. A retired elementary OCDSB

Sunnyside Library Temporary Around Town Location During Renovation Local Granny Group Grammas Time: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Come and shop he Ottawa Public Library is These are: to Ambuyas hosts an evening at from Brenda’s selection of handcrafted closing the Sunnyside Branch Pick-up of holds; Return service; Ten Thousand Villages, 1174 Bank necklaces, bracelets and earrings from this winter for renovations Express Reads; Payment of overdue St., Old Ottawa South between natural gemstones. Indulge your T starting in Mid-November. At first, charges; and Access to staff for Grove and Ossington, Thursday, sweet tooth with cookies, cupcakes they were offering no alternate local assistance with ordering other library December 3, 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm. Ten and cake by the slice. A percentage service. After many complaints about materials. Thousand Villages is donating 10% of sales will be donated to Hopeful the inconvenience and lack of service, of the evening’s sales to the Stephen Hearts Dog Rescue. they have found a temporary location The temporary location, at 1015 Lewis Foundation Grandmother to Book Launch. Everyone Welcome. for the SunnySide Branch during Bank Street , will be open for service Grandmother Campaign to support Refreshments. Readings. Signings renovations. on the following days and at the times African grandmothers and orphans by acclaimed Ottawa poets. Barabara The Ottawa Public Library has designated: in their care. Bring neighbours and Myers and Colin Morton. Thursday, found a room, approximately 500 friends. Enjoy complimentary coffee December 17, 7 - 9 pm. Mother square feet in size, within the Coliseum Mondays 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. or tea. Make your holiday shopping Tongue Books, 1067 Bank St. Info: Building at Lansdowne Park (beside Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. dollars really count. Purchase fair 613-730-1055 the Ottawa 67s ticket office). This Wednesdays 1p.m. to 8:30 p.m. trade stocking stuffers, gift cards, table location is within walking distance of Thursdays 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. decorations and ornaments made by December 20: Chorus Ecclesiae and the Sunnyside branch and can provide Fridays 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. artisans in developing countries AND the Symposium Choir, directed by branch patrons with some level of Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. support children and grandmothers Lawrence Harris, present their Annual temporary library service throughout affected by HIV/AIDS. Christmas Concert of Christmas the entire renovation period. This Sunnyside’s Adult Book Clubs carols and Gregorian chant. 3:00 temporary service location, with direct will continue to meet in a rented access from Bank Street, is scheduled room at Southminister Church, which Coro Vivo Ottawa (director Antonio p.m. and 8:00 p.m. in the Cloister of to open on Wednesday, December 2. is across the street from the branch. Llaca) presents “ Navidad Nuestra- the Dominican Convent, 96 Empress It will provide to Sunnyside branch Sunnyside’s Children’s Group will Our Christmas” featuring soloist Ave, just off Somerset St., two traffic patrons a limited number of basic continue meeting during the closure at Sylvia Larrass and accompanied by lights west of Bronson. Free parking library services Mutchmor Public School in the Glebe. piano, percussion, winds, and guitar. in the adjacent lot. Tickets at the door Friday December 4 and Saturday $15; students $8. Information: 613- December 5, 7:30 p.m. Orleans 567-7729. United Church 1111 Orleans Blvd. Tickets $15, children 14 and under, “Ottawa’s best-kept musical secret” free. For information please call 613- “A hidden jewel” “High calibre of 841-3902 www.corovivoottawa.ca music” Divertimento Orchestra is an Ottawa-based group of 68 musicians. Holiday Open House with MPP It began in 1984 as a small ensemble Yasir Naqvi. When: Sunday, in someone’s basement for their December 6 - Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. own pleasure and has evolved into a - Where: Hintonburg Community full-fledged community symphony. Centre, 1160 Wellington Street West. Divertimento Orchestra is now The Holiday Party is completely free looking for 1st and 2nd violin players of charge and open to everyone. for their upcoming Pops Concerts. Friday, February 5, 2010. Saturday, 2nd Annual Christmas Show and February 6, 2010. Please call (613) Sale. Belle Creations Jewellery 823-1200 www.divertimento.ca and BeeLicious Baked Goods. Date: Sunday, December 13, 2009. Location: 82 Ossington Ave. Page 46 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR DEC 2009 YourMarketplace

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Extra Mile Renovations Quality bathrooms, kitchens, porches & more Trim work, installations, plumbing, electric, doors, fixtures Local Renovator Creative Solutions Reasonable Prices References Available Please call (613) 297-8079

Gibbon’s Painting and Decorating Local House Painter - Bonded With 20 years experience • Interior painting needs Customer satisfaction ALWAYS GUARANTEED For a free estimate please call Rory 731-8079 Ask about my $25 referral rebate Book now for your interior painting needs www.gibbonspainting.ca cell: 613-322-0109

JOHN GRANT RENOVATIONS * RESTORATIONS Homes, Apartments, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements, Shops, Restaurants, Offices 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE WE ARE CARING, CREATIVE CRAFTSMEN Call John Day: 613-294-6441 Eve: 613-623-6441 DEC 2009 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR Page 47 Tom’s Pumpkins Come to Life

om Alfoldi’s artistry seems to have no bounds. He takes great photos and makes amazing pumpkin creatures. Kids go to Tom’s house, not for candy Tbut to be treated by these pumpkin creations. What will he create next year?

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Page 48 The OSCAR - OUR 37th YEAR DEC 2009