The
O•S•C•A•R© The Community Voice of Old Ottawa South Year 39 , No. 1 The Ottawa South Community Association Review JAN 2011 Hopewell Students Raise $10,000 for Kenyan Classrooms
By William Burr
he droves of shoppers who crammed the hallways of THopewell Public School could rationalize their spending with the good cause they were supporting: the building of classrooms in Solio, Kenya. The school’s Blizzard Bazaar raised over $10,000 in a single evening on December 16th -- blasting through the $7000 goal the school had set for the entire year. Students sold a variety of homemade items, from hand-sewn dog bandannas to comic books they had written themselves. Some charged for games like bean toss or musical chairs or offered face painting. Local businesses also donated gifts for a silent auction. All funds went toward the Moving Mountains Trust, the Irish charity building the classrooms in Solio. The charity targeted that Kenyan town primarily because of the particular hardships it has faced. About 20 years Filip Bosnjak (Santa) and classmates Samuel Adam-Johnston and Mikka Zeisig ago, the Kenyan government forced the community off of its land because of fears about overpopulation, says Finding Life organization, and the Recently, the Kenyan government Elia Saikaly, head of the nonprofit man who connected Hopewell with relented and offered each Solio family Cont’d on page 8 the Moving Mountains charity. 4 1/2 acres of land, Saikaly says. Firehall After School Dance Class Street Jazz
You’ve Invited to a January 15, 2011 Community Chat on Environmental and Related Mackenzie Anderson and her students performing for parents. Old Ottawa South Firehall Popular dance Instructor teaches all Saturday morning Dance classes as well Topics as the Street Jazz on Tuesdays For more details see page 4. Page 2 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR JAN 2011
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: 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, January 21 The OSCAR is a community association paper paid for entirely by ad- FUTURE OSCAR DEADLINES vertising. It is published for the Ottawa South Community Association Inc. (OSCA). Distribution is free to all Old Ottawa South homes and Jan 21 (Feb issue), Feb 18 (March issue). March 18 (April issue), April 15 businesses and selected locations in Old Ottawa South, the Glebe and (May issue), May 13 (June issue), June 10 (July/Aug issue), Aug 12 (Sept Billings Bridge. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not issue) 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 or email: [email protected] The OSCAR thanks [email protected] the following people who brought us to your door this month: HOURS PHONE 613 247-4946 ZONE A1: Kathy Krywicki (Coordinator), Mary Jo Lynch, Brian Eames and Kim Barclay, Wendy Robbins, Jim and Carrol Robb, Terri-Lee Lefebvre, MONDAY TO THURSDAY 9 AM TO 9 PM Becky Sasaki, Kevin and Stephanie Williams. FRIDAY 9 AM TO 6 PM ZONE B1: Ross Imrie (Coordinator), Family Gref- Innes, Gabriela Gref-Innes and Fiona Fagan, the Montgomery family, Laurie Morrison, SATURDAY 9 AM TO 1 PM* Susanne Ledbetter. SUNDAY CLOSED ZONE B2: Craig Piche (Coordinator), Pat Eakins, Laine Mow, Hayley *Open only when programs are operating, please call first. Atkinson, Leslie Roster, Kathy Krywicki. ZONE C1: Laura Johnson (Coordinator), the Williams family, Josh Rahaman, Lynne Myers, Jeff Pouw, Curt LaBond, Brendan McCoy, the Woroniuk-Ryan family. WHAT’S THAT NUMBER? ZONE C2: Craig Piche (Coordinator), Alan McCullough, Owain O’Connor, Curt LaBond, Charles and Phillip Kijek, Sam & Avery Piche, Kit Jenkin, Michel and Christina Bridgeman. Ottawa South Community Centre - The Old Firehall 247-4946 ZONE D1: Bert Hopkins (Coordinator), Emily Keys, the Lascelles family, Ottawa South Community Association (OSCA) 247-4872 Gail Stewart, Gabe Teramura, Oliver Waddington, Sullivan-Greene family, Ottawa Public Library - Sunnyside Branch 730-1082 the Sprott family. Rob Campbell - [email protected] 730-8128 ZONE D2: Janet Drysdale (Coordinator), The Adriaanse Family, Gaia Kathy Ablett, Catholic Board Trustee 526-9512 Chernushenko, The Rand family, Aidan and Willem Ray, the Stewart family. Centretown Community Health Centre 233-5430 ZONE E1:Brian Tansey(Coordinator), the Rae Brown-Clarke Family (esp. CARLETON UNIVERSITY Katie), Anna Cuylits, Sutherland family (esp. Edwina and John), Sanger- CUSA (Carleton U Students Association) 520-6688 O’Neil family. Graduate Students Association 520-6616 ZONE E2: Chris Berry (Coordinator), Mary-Ann Kent, Glen Elder and Community Liaison 520-3660 Lorraine Stewart, the Hunter family, Brodkin-Haas family, Allan Paul, Mediation Centre 520-5765 Christina Bradley, Caroline Calvert, 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), Paulette Theriault, Ryan Zurakowski, Main Number(24 hrs) for all departments 3-1-1 Susan McMaster, Paige Raymond, Pierre Guevremont, Judy and Pierre Community Police - non-emergencies 236-1222 Chamberland, Cheryl Hyslop. Emergencies only 9-1-1 ZONE G: Bernie Zeisig(Coordinator), Claudia and Estelle Bourlon- Serious Crimes 230-6211 Albarracin, David Lum, Cindy MacLoghlin, Hannah and Emily Blackwell, Ottawa Hydro 738-6400 Katya and Mikka Zeisig. Streetlight Problems (burned out, always on, flickering) 3-1-1 Echo Drive: Alex Bissel. Brewer Pool 247-4938 Bank Street-Ottawa South: Rob Cook, Tom Lawson, Paula Archer. Brewer Arena 247-4917 Bank Street-Glebe: Larry Ostler. City of Ottawa web site - www.city.ottawa.on.ca Alta Vista Branch Library: Mary Anne Thompson JAN 2011 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR Page 3
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The OSCAR welcomes letters on subjects of interest to the community or in response to previous articles. All letters must disclose the name of the writer, as well as the address and phone number. Lettters may be edited for length, clarity, and libelous statements. The opinions of the writers are not necessarily those of the newspaper or its editor. Email your letters to [email protected] or leave in print at the Firehall.
Why Not a Skating Rink? Mr. Chernushenko Mr Jenkin (OSCAR President) lans for the Lansdowne urban park call for an outdoor curling rink, a proposition that is clearly inferior to having a skating rink, something am writing this letter out of frus- ing out of their way to make a bad situ- that would be more economical and enjoyed by many more. Indeed, tration due to the parking situation ation worse. I was also given a ticket Phaving an outdoor rink with a refrigeration plant would be a great comple- I on Fairbairn St. since the develop- this year for parking 1.5 meters of the ment to the canal skateway and would greatly lengthen the shinny season. ment of The Fire Hall. When the Fire laneway which is next to my house. If Toronto can have lots of outdoor refrigerated rinks why can’t Ottawa have Hall was extended they took away the (even though my property line extends one in what’s supposed to be our major park. parking spaces at the back. Although over a meter into the lane way!!!) The proposed outdoor curling rink is the product of an arbitrary, non- there is space at the front for park- This means that 21 meters of consultative process. So many of the aspects of the Lansdowne plans are ing, this space was used for landscap- the street is not available for park- utterly egregious, but if there is going to be an urban park it should have ing and benches. This combined with ing. This will become even less in features - like a refrigerated outdoor rink – that would be used healthily by church on the other side of the road the winter as The Fire hall snow re- many Ottawans. creates a problem of no parking on moval contractors continue to dump Fairbairn St. for residents. snow from the fire hall onto the street. I recently drove my wife home When a business seeks to build a John Dance after she had surgery (with general business in OOS one of the first con- anaesthesia). As there was no parking siderations is available parking spaces. on the street, I parked across from my This, however, seemed to be over- house on the other side of the road. I looked when it came to the Fire Hall. helped her across the road and into I was wondering if there could be park- I may not agree with what you have to say, the house. Even though I kept a care- ing spaces allotted on Sunnyside to al- ful look out for By Law officers I was leviate the lack of parking on Fairbairn but I will defend to the death, your right to faced with a hefty parking fine when St. or another solution to sort this out. say it. ....Voltaire I returned 10 minutes later. Last week there was only one space available at Many Thanks the end of the street. I was again given a ticket for $60 for parking within 9m of an intersection. This was at 11pm Julian Hall Send your and the street was empty at that time. It comments to seems that the By Law officers are go- [email protected]
Windsor Park Wading Pool
By Pat Kealey wooden forms for walls, then pour- ing cement for days. It was covered here will be a new wading with a tent for a couple of weeks, but pool in Windsor Park next is open now, and they seem to have summer. I first became inter- stopped work. T It will be under Parks, Recrea- ested when the City cut down four fairly large maple trees beside the tion and Cultural Services with pro- existing pool. They had been planted grammes including arts and crafts, by our then Mayor Jim Watson, and sports, and aquatic games. There provided welcome shade on a hot will be Waterplay programmes(free day to the many users of the park and swimming lessons twice a week). pool. Youth aged ten and up are encour- I called the 311 information num- aged to join the Junior Park Men- ber to find someone who could an- torship programme where they can swer my questions, explaining that become involved in the operation of I was thinking of doing a little story their neighbourhood pool. This pro- for our local newspaper, the OSCAR. gramme provides an opportunity for Well, it took a few days, but then I youth to enhance their programming was contacted by the” media center”, and leadership skills by shadowing and they were most helpful. park staff while they perform pool I thought possibly it might have duties, plan activities or events, such had some federal funding under as public education campaigns (pool some infrastructure renewal pro- rules, safety, etc.) Each Park hosts a gramme, but no, it is funded by the minimum of one special event each City, and cost almost half a million summer. Specific events are a fun dollars($450.000.00). The old pool filled day of activities, games, music, had soil problems, and the new one special interest groups and attrac- needed a special foundation to sup- tions. port the basin. It will be larger, Now, back to the trees. Wouldn’t have a ramp and be barrier free.(i.e. it be nice if our almost new Mayor handicap accessible).It has been a Jim Watson planted some big trees huge project, all fenced in, with the again. Or better still, if the squirrels demolition of the old pool, excavat- buried an acorn in your tiny back- ing for the new one, laying all kinds yard, maybe some neighbours could of piping, insulating all this, building contribute a tree. Page 4 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR JAN 2011 Brief Notes From the Firehall
here is still time to register for and healthy weight. to use an automated external defibril- rhymes, stories, bubble time and many Ottawa South Commun- Twice a week, participants will be lator (AED). much more. Although these pro- Tity Centre programs schedules guided through an exercise routine, Saturday, February 26 grams focus more on exploration, for Winter 2011 including the follow- which will change periodically. 9:00am – 1:00pm children will be introduced to a dif- ing, which did not make the printed Various levels of exercise intensity $27 ferent sport each week. Parents are or web brochure. will be offered to appeal to all fitness encouraged to participate with their levels aimed at achieving individual- We also have some new sports oppor- child and challenge them according Our popular Gentle Hatha and Active ized results. At the end of the 10 tunities for preschoolers and children to their skill level. www.sportball.ca Hatha Yoga Instructor Diane Robert- weeks, participants will have a good with these great new programs. They Location: Hopewell Small Gym. (No son is offering a new yoga class at the knowledge of how to train safely are recreation based with a focus on class Feb. 19) Firehall on Friday mornings which and feel more motivated to adhere to sports literacy in a fun environment. Saturday, 8:45 am - 9:30 am will appeal to all ages and ability. a regular strength training routine. January 8 - March 5 (8 weeks) Instructor: Guylaine Perreault is a Basketball, 8 - 10 years $131 Core Challenge and Yoga Stretch CSEP Certified Exercise Physiologist Fast paced action each week and a The core challenge will target the and Registered Occupational Ther- great way to get fit. Join your friends Parent and Tot Sportball (ages 2-3 muscles of the core (gluts, upper apist. (No class Feb 21, March 14, for some great basketball. In the ½) and lower back and abdominal area) March 16) Hopewell Small Gym with Instructor Parents can have a direct hand in a using weights, mats, foam rollers Monday 7:15pm–8:15pm & Wednes- Dave Ho. preschooler’s development through and body weight exercises. Benefits day 7:15 pm–8:15 pm Tuesday, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Jan. 4 - 8 different ball sports. Parent and include a stronger core and back and January 17 – March 30 (10 weeks) Mar. 8 (10 weeks) $65 Tot classes teach children important improved posture. This will be fol- $154.00 introductory physical skills and help lowed by a series of non-strenuous Core 90 Sports, 8 - 10 years them to develop confidence in their yoga movements designed to gently HeartSaver CPR/AED - Infant/ Dave Ho will help your hardcore abilities. The programs also help stretch skeletal muscles and deeply Child sports enthusiast work on the build- parents understand techniques that relax the nervous system. (No pro- The HeartSaver CPR course is ing blocks of sports, agility and can be applied outside of Sportball gram Mar. 18) designed for parents and child-care endurance each Saturday. Floor classes. www.sportball.ca Location: Friday, 10:00 am - 11:00 am providers. This class teaches the hockey, basketball, soccer, football Hopewell Small Gym (no class Feb. Jan. 14 - Apr. 1 (11 weeks) skills necessary to overcome reluc- will be some of the featured sports 19) $82.50 tance to act in emergency situations each week. Saturday, 9:30 am - 10:15 am and to recognize and care for life- Saturday, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm January 8 - March 5 (8 weeks) “Ottawa South Strong Sisters”: threatening respiratory or cardiac Jan. 8 - April 2 (11 weeks) $131 Strength Training for Women emergencies. Through “hands-on” $64 For more info on all our programs or This motivating strength training training you will learn the standard to register please visit www.oldot- class is designed to engage women protocols for administering proper Sportball Junior (16mos - 2 yrs) tawasouth.ca or call us at 613-247- towards better health, stamina, bone CPR techniques for infants and chil- Children and parents participate 4946. density, metabolism, posture, balance dren and understand when and how in sports, creative games, songs, OSCA Christmas Movies
n Dec. 12th aproximately 150 people braved the inclement weather for OSCA’s Christmas Movies at the Mayfair. Although the weather You’ve Invited to a Oproved to be a hindrance, (even to Santa who couldn’t make it, but he did send Dancer on with a basket of candy canes for all the good girls and January 15, 2011 boys) it was none the less a fun day with two movies playing for all age groups ( The Grinch and Holiday Inn). Community Chat on Thanks to Quinn’s Ale House, LIfe of PIe, Wag and Starbucks for offering 10% off at their establishments for those who had a movie ticket. Environmental and Related Thanks also to the generous donations from local businesses and artists for the wonderful door prizes. They included Janine Adamyk, The Mud Oven, Dollar It, Georgetown Pub, Curves, local artist Christopher Heilmann, Modern Topics Hair Design , C.A. Paradis, Kaledioscope Kids Books, the Mayfair theatre, The Clothes Secret and the National Art Gallery. By Mike Lascelles and Gail Stewart These prizes were very appreciated and I encourage everyone to go and thank the donators personally!! few years ago, residents of Old Ottawa South, with support by the As always the Special Events team is on the lookout for those who wish to local environment committee - ECOS, undertook a variety of en- help out or to join our super fun committee. The next event is the Winter Car- Avironmental projects. While there continues to be pockets of com- nival on Sunday Feb. 7th . Anyone interested in volunteering (students always munity efforts to enhance the environment in our community, our general welcome) please call Deirdre McQuillan at 613 247 4872. or leave a message interest in environmental issues or activities in Old Ottawa South appears for Brenda Lee at the Firehall 247 4946. to have waned. In light of this lull, it seems like a good time to pause and to Santa’s helpers...Julia Danis, Cas Houde and Brenda Lee listen more carefully to which environmental and other topics interest and engage local residents. So, any Old Ottawa Southers who want to share their views and values on the natural environment, or other topics such as our community’s social well- OSCAR Needs being, are invited to join Mike Lascelles and Gail Stewart in the Lounge at the Community Centre (260 Sunnyside) between 9 and 11 a.m. on Saturday, Volunteers January 15, 2011. Hope to see you then. If you have questions or comments that you wish to raise before we meet, please email either Mike at lascellm@ For Monthly Distribution primus.ca or Gail at [email protected] . Happy New Year. in OOS JAN 2011 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR Page 5
OSCA PRESIDENT’S REPORT Planning For the Future
By Michael Jenkin still a depressingly large number of empty stores or goals for the medium term, both for items we and the commercial redevelopment of the street control ourselves and for things we don’t control in s promised in last month’s column, I am has hardly been impressive and nothing like what the community more broadly. We came up with a reporting on the strategic planning session has happened in more dynamic retail areas such as seven point list: the Board held on Saturday, December Westboro. One hopes congestion from Lansdowne • Holding great, engaging community events; A does not further stymie the street’s development. • Increasing the community`s engagement in 4, at the Firehall. This was an all-day event and given the start of the Christmas rush, it was In reviewing our own performance as an OSCA and in civic issues; extremely well attended with virtually the entire association during that period we also came up • Growing our programmes and services that Board present along with our Executive Director, with a list of positives and negatives. We have support the community; Deirdre McQuillan. The session was facilitated certainly become a much more active association • Improving our resilience as an organization by local resident Ken Fisher who has literally a and our programmes and services are popular and (improving our professionalism and governance); lifetime of experience in facilitating events such as are robust. We have had many successes in getting • Promoting more community-sensitive this. We were very fortunate in having someone more resources and investment into this part of the development and opposing those developments as experienced as Ken to help us in this exercise, City and we are certainly more visible at City Hall. which do not; and a double bonus was his understanding of the We have also learned to work more closely with • Encouraging a more commercially vibrant neighbourhood from the vantage point of being a our sister community associations in the Glebe, Old Bank Street; and local resident. Ottawa East and Heron Park and the links are now • Supporting a more sustainable transport The last time the Board engaged in such an very strong, especially with the Glebe. system in the community (transit, biking, pedestrian exercise was over half a decade ago and so we But we also identified a number of important and cars). took some time to reflect on what has happened in challenges. These include: a need to recruit more We have developed a tentative work plan to Old Ottawa South in the last five or so years and volunteers and engage the community more take the first steps in implementing the above goals, what we had been able to accomplish. We did effectively on both OSCA related and City issues; broken down into issues internal to OSCA (such this exercise, like many others during the day, by a need to articulate a common vision for the future as governance, programmes and events) and those writing down on cards what we regarded as two of of the organization and the community; a need to broadly related to the community’s future (such the most significant events over the period, posting develop more team cohesion as a Board; and a as development and transportation issues). Over the cards up on a large board and then organizing need to increase our organizational capacity and the next few meetings we will develop this work them into years and themes. What struck us professionalism as we take on a larger programming agenda further with a view to getting a start on when we completed this exercise was how much role. some specific deliverables for the next six to eight had happened. The last 5 to 8 years have been We next moved on to develop a list of priorities months. characterized by several themes, a neighbourhood that is in transition as higher income families move in, property values, and taxes, rise and development pressures such as infill increase. At the same time conflict with the City has also increased, first over the 2004 budget which proposed the closure of many community facilities such as the library, outdoor rinks and reductions in other local services, subsequently over traffic issues and individual commercial and residential developments, and lately over Lansdowne. Despite the above, and partly as a result of community activism, there have been a number of big positives for the neighbourhood: the rebuilding and streetscaping of Bank Street, a new zoning regime for Bank Street to encourage more traditional Main Street retail and residential developments; the re-investment in, and expansion of, both the local library and the Firehall (representing approximately $5 million) and improvements to Brewer and Windsor Parks, the former largely the result of efforts by the Ottawa Rotary clubs. Our part of Bank Street has seen a gradual improvement as more diverse and interesting retail shops have started appearing and a revitalized Mayfair Theatre re-opened. Despite this, there are Blast Away Winter At Havana Night
ola amigos. OSWATCH invites you to dance the night away at our Havana Night Hdance party at the Firehall on January 29. There will be delicious Cuban snacks provided by our new local eatery, Havana, and mojitos mixed by an expert. The music will be all Afro-cuban and HOT. Cost for the evening is $35 with proceeds going to the Lansdowne legal challenge fund. So come on out at 8:00pm and dance away the winter blues. For information, please call the Firehall at 613-247-4872. Tickets will be available at the Firehall. Page 6 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR JAN 2011 Lansdowne Park “Follies” Follow Small Win Before Full Legal Challenge in April
By Brian Tansey City has acted in bad faith and broken sessment ‘problems’, and the heritage Nights On Air “, will describe how their own rules ( eg. of procurement arguments ( re. Aberdeen and Horti- the power of voice and place can both he fight to save Lansdowne ). The Ontario Municipal Act allows culture Buildings ). There is reason generate love and haunt the memory. Park as a public treasure took citizens to have quashed any Bylaw to hope that at least one if not all of FOL’s lawyer, Steven Shrybman, another small step forward on that has been enacted in bad faith. these, will be successful in returning will give a short update on the status T The lawyer for FOL and the two sig- the City to their original but aborted of the legal case and why its position December 17th. Many might have missed it because the small step hap- natories, Steven Shrybman, (of Sack plan, to hold a proper competition for is strong as it heads towards an April pened when the Ottawa news cycle Goldblatt Mitchel) explained in some the redevelopment of the park. court date. was winding down for the weekend detail the basis for the FOL argument Lansdowne Follies will be a fun Support for this event, and other Late on Friday afternoon, De- in a presentation at the Mayfair The- filled ‘FUN’-draiser; all 356 seats at fundraising activities, is still needed. cember 17th, in front of a small group atre on November 28th. That event the Mayfair are being sold for the 1.5 To date more than $60,000 of FOL’s of about 10 Friends of Lansdowne ( was scheduled simply as an aware- hr. event late Saturday afternoon, Feb- $100,000 goal has been raised. “ The FOL) supporters, a Master of the On- ness-builder, so that ordinary citizens ruary 5th. grassroots response to our emails, and tario Superior Court, Calum McLeod, could understand the main elements Tickets ($30) will be available at a “call to action” at our November determined, after hearing detailed of the legal challenge .... and to give The Ottawa Folklore Center, Compact 28th public-awareness meeting at the arguments from both sides all day, hope that there was a solid legal basis, Music and at the Mayfair Theatre it- Mayfair has been very encouraging. that the private consortium that wants as well as plenty of evidence of bad self right up to ‘show time’ on the 5th . Now we have to work even harder to partner with the City to effectively faith, for there to be a serious prospect to finish the job,” said Ken Shipley, privatize most of the Park, will not of success. As the name suggests, the ob- chief campaign fundraiser. Contribu- be granted full status as a Respond- The event was not designed as a jective is to both entertain and in- tions have been coming in from as far ent in the legal challenge which FOL fundraiser; nevertheless FOL received form. It will showcase~in word and as Orleans and Kanata, and FOL or- and two individual citizens have filed $5000 in small ($5 to $200) contribu- in song~the insightful messages of an ganizers are asking its core supporters against the City itself. Our own Faye tions that day, and another $5000 over impressive cast of acclaimed artists to reach out to even more like-minded Brunning, a resident of Old Ottawa the following 7 days, from people and activists, as well as have a num- residents from other communities. South, pleaded the case ; she is a col- who are interested in the outcome ber of fun filled locally made comedy City budget discussions will be league of Steven Shrybman (at Sack and want to keep the park as public skits. front and centre in the coming weeks. Goldblatt Mitchell ) who will be lead- space. By mid-December, FOL had Ian Tamblyn, who was the win- This will be an opportunity to ask City ing in April. raised $60,000 of their $100,000 goal ner of the 2010 Canadian Folk Music Councilors for more details about how The consortium had also asked for to prevent the park from being com- Award for English Songwriter of the and when public funds are going to be the right to sue for costs against the mercialized. They have stated that the year, has been capturing the hearts used to support the proposed Lans- Plaintiffs; after vigorous arguments full press fundraising effort hadn’t and souls of Ottawa area music lovers downe re-development project. from Ms. Brunning, that was denied yet started in earnest. The upcoming for decades. So concerned is he about “I’m very excited that our up- too. However, the City itself appears “Lansdowne Follies” on Saturday the folly of this proposed develop- coming “follies” variety show is go- to be equivocating on their existing February 5th, again, at the Mayfair, is ment, he’s written a song to rally cit- ing to really help keep the Lansdowne policy to not seek costs against cit- one of the full-press activities to get izens around the cause. issue top of mind. We are going to izens who are acting in good faith. FOL to their fundraising goal well be- Maude Barlow, a tireless crusader witness some truly passionate (and In all events, this now leaves the fore the legal challenge starts in April. for the environment and social justice, funny) supporters of this city, as they road open to the real legal challenge So now the battle to keep Lans- will speak about how efforts to be inspire us to fight even harder for fair which is scheduled to be heard in On- downe in the public domain has at civically engaged, and hold govern- and open government,” said Stephen tario Superior Court in early April. least four fronts; the legal challenge, ment to account, make communities Richer, co-producer (along with Jeff There, FOL and the two individ- about thirteen Appeals to the Ontario better places to live. Frogett) of the Lansdowne Follies. ual signatories Doug Ward and Gary Municipal Board, (also expected to be Elizabeth Hay, author of 2007 Sealy, will be making the case that the heard in April) the environmental as- Giller prize winning book “ Late JAN 2011 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR Page 7
CITY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT Old Ottawa South Ripe For Transportation Innovation
By David Chernushenko A better transit system would residents. You may lack time and to cross Colonel certainly help, but so too would more energy, the weather can be daunting, By to reach the t’s no secret that Old Ottawa South support for active transportation — and negotiating busy streets on two Rideau Canal, and for cyclists to cross struggles with traffic issues. The walking, cycling and other human- wheels takes courage. the Bank Street Bridge and Billings OOS Area Traffic Management powered means of travel, such as Nevertheless, we can overcome Bridge. I skateboarding and skating. many obstacles with some motivation, I have also suggested a modest (ATM) Study has documented a long list of community concerns, including The Ottawa Neighbourhood education and planning on the part of financial incentive to encourage motorists cutting through residential Study reported a few years ago that residents and the City. For example, people to walk or cycle when they’re neighbourhoods, speeding, aggressive 51% of Old Ottawa South residents the 2008-2009 transit strike taught travelling on City business, just as driving, pedestrian and cyclist safety, drove to work while 7.7% rode as many that it is possible to cycle in drivers are reimbursed for using their noise and air pollution caused by stop- passengers, 15% walked, 12.5% used winter, and that walking to work is personal vehicles. Besides reducing and-go traffic, and on-street parking public transit, and 12% bicycled. easier and faster than they thought. congestion and pollution while spillover from events at Carleton Ottawa-wide, 59.6% of commuters Ottawa’s Transportation Plan promoting public health, this initiative University and Lansdowne Park. drove, and just 7% walked to work. already acknowledges the benefits could save the City money, because The multi-year study, conducted We can do better. So, as your of active transportation, citing its the mileage rate for bikes would be for the City of Ottawa by consulting councillor, and as a member of the potential to conserve energy and lower than for cars. firm Morrison Hershfield Limited, City’s transportation and environment reduce pressure on the road network Other jurisdictions have aims to identify issues relating to committees and the newly created while improving public health and successfully implemented such traffic flow and safety, and then use Board of Health, I am making supporting economic activity. But we incentives. In Great Britain, there is a the findings to develop a strategy and it a priority to promote active must do more to prioritize walking, government rate of 40p per mile for solutions to address OOS’s traffic transportation in Capital Ward and cycling and other human-powered cars and trucks, 24p for motorcycles, problems. throughout Ottawa. travel in the budget and planning and 20p for cyclists. The City of Qualifying and quantifying the Travelling on your own steam processes, and to treat these as serious Ottawa rate for cars is 35¢/km. problems is certainly a great first provides exercise, relieves traffic forms of transportation on par with I’m pleased to report that the City step, and the neighbourhood would congestion, and reduces greenhouse cars and public transit. is studying this proposal, and I hope no doubt benefit from more traffic gas emissions, smog and noise Specifically, the City should we’ll be able to make headway on calming measures. We must also find pollution, all of which benefits the ensure that pedestrian and cycling this and other active transportation ways to mitigate the additional traffic environment, other commuters and infrastructure is and continues to initiatives in the coming months. and parking problems anticipated with everyone’s physical and mental be well designed and adequately In the meantime, I wish you all the opening of the new Shoppers Drug health. funded — after all, it’s cheaper than a very happy, healthy and safe New Mart next to the Mayfair Theatre, and Active transportation also saves building new roads and it benefits all Year. with the redevelopment of Lansdowne money and time. By cycling, you commuters. Park. don’t pay for parking or gas, and you More pedestrian-friendly David Chernushenko Yet reducing congestion is not won’t get stuck in traffic. By walking streetscapes make walking more Councillor for Capital Ward simply a matter of rerouting traffic instead of taking public transit, you appealing. Segregated bike lanes City of Ottawa by making driving more difficult in don’t pay fares or wait for the bus. make cyclists and drivers feel safer, 613-580-2487 one particular neighbourhood. The You may even reach your destination while accessible, direct routes, [email protected] greatest potential for alleviating the more quickly, especially over shorter secure parking and workplace traffic pressure here — or anywhere distances. shower facilities make cycling more — lies in making it easier for people Yet active transportation is not practical. In Old Ottawa South, we to leave their cars at home more often. an ideal solution for all Ottawa need to make it safer for pedestrians Contact the Mayor and Councillors
Mayor Jim Watson Ward 5 - West Carleton- Ward 10 - Gloucester- Ward 15 - Kitchissippi Ward 20 - Osgoode 613-580-2496 March Southgate Councillor Katherine Hobbs Councillor Doug Thompson 110 Laurier Avenue West Councillor Eli El-Chantiry Councillor Diane Deans Tel: 613-580-2485 613-580-2490 Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1J1 613-580-2475 613-580-2480 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Ward 16 - River Ward 21 – Rideau-Goulbourn Ward 1 - Orléans Ward 6 – Stittsville-Kanata Ward 11 - Beacon Hill- Councillor Maria McRae Councillor Scott Moffatt Councillor Bob Monette West Cyrville 613-580-2486 Tel: 613-580-2491 613-580-2471 Councillor Shad Qadri Councillor Tim Tierney [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 613-580-2476 Tel: 613-580-2481 [email protected] [email protected] Ward 17 - Capital Ward 22 - Gloucester-South Ward 2 - Innes Councillor David Nepean Councillor Rainer Bloess Ward 7 - Bay Ward 12 - Rideau-Vanier Chernushenko Councillor Steve Desroches 613-580-2472 Councillor Mark Taylor Councillor Mathieu Fleury Tel: 613-580-2487 613-580-2751 [email protected] Tel: 613-580-2477 Tel: 613-580-2482 David.Chernushenko@ [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] ottawa.ca Ward 3 - Barrhaven Ward 23 - Kanata South Councillor Jan Harder Ward 8 - College Ward 13 - Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 18 - Alta Vista Councillor Allan Hubley 613-580-2473 Councillor Rick Chiarelli Councillor Peter Clark Councillor Peter Hume Tel: 613-580-2752 [email protected] 613-580-2478 Tel: 613-580-2483 613-580-2488 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Ward 4 - Kanata North Councillor Marianne Ward 9 - Knoxdale-Merivale Ward 14 - Somerset Ward 19 - Cumberland Wilkinson Councillor Keith Egli Councillor Diane Holmes Councillor Stephen Blais 613-580-2474 Tel: 613-580-2479 613-580-2484 Tel: 613-580-2489 Marianne.Wilkinson@ [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] ottawa.ca Page 8 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR JAN 2011 Hopewell Studants ... Cont’d from page 1 However, resources are scant. Many says. Besides the fact that the students students currently attend school in are able to witness the construction, tents provided by UNICEF. the classrooms, at between $5000 and The classrooms are easily built, $6000 apiece, make for accessible, single-room structures made out of a realistic fundraising goals. “mortar mesh” system that combines At a table in the school’s main layers of chicken wire, concrete, and corridor during the Blizzard Bazaar, shutter panels. Hopewell students Megan Saulnier The partnership between Saikaly and Robin Stanley raised over $100 and Hopewell isn’t completely new. selling homemade air fresheners and Teachers Lesley Kathnelson and compostable bags to go inside green Andrew Wood had reached out to bins. The air fresheners were an him last year to help fund-raise for a ingenious combination that produced different project he was working on in a completely natural scent: cloves Nepal. wrapped up inside oranges. The And Hopewell’s involvement compostable bags were essentially with the classroom building does not newspapers cleverly folded to be stop with the money they’ve raised able to fit inside a kitchen green so far. At the end of April, Saikaly bin, allowing for quick disposal of Hamish Dungan, Kyla Rush, Hayley Watt, Amelia Keenan, Adam Nev- will be travelling to Kenya along compost and avoiding leaks. ille. They were selling dog bandannas and dog treats. with six Ottawa high school students The girls said they enjoyed to witness and help out with the working for the charitable cause. “It’s classroom construction. A filmmaker a good idea because we have a really grade 6 French immersion classes theme. Thériault suggests there might set up shop in the gymnasium and be an “eco-fair” or clothing swap. sold tickets for activities like bean Beyond the money they raise, toss, hula hoops, face painting, and kids hopefully also improve their decorating ginger bread cookies. social consciousness, Thériault says. “Giving doesn’t necessarily mean that “They’re so well-educated and they’re it has to be a physical thing,” Brunet so knowledgeable about the world and said. “My students are learning that they have so many opportunities but they can give some of their time.” at the same time they are children and Nadeea Rahim was running the so they need to have their awareness “tire race.” Contestants hurled tires broadened.” down the floor of the gymnasium But naturally, some will take it hoping theirs would reach the wall more to heart than others, Thériault first. The winner received candy. But says. Most will say, “Yeah, I guess so did the loser -- that’s the spirit of we are pretty lucky, that we have the event, Rahim said. “We really this amazing school,” but it won’t go don’t want to be that mean.” much beyond that, she says. A few, However, Filip Bosnjak said that however, will ask themselves “Wow, he “kind of regretted” volunteering to okay, so how did that happen?’” and dress up as Santa Claus and allowing “delve deeper into the social inequities Robin Stanley is on the left, Megan Saulnier on the right. They sold air kids to get their picture taken with him. of it all.” fresheners and compostable bags to protect green bins. “I’ve been sitting here for like two hours and it’s really, really sweaty,” Note: if you are a high school he said. However, he was aware that student interested in travelling to with several titles to his credit already, good education and we have a really he was making a sacrifice for a worthy Kenya with Elia Saikaly to help build Saikaly will catch the entire process on nice school but they have little tents tape and broadcast it back to Canadian that they do school in, so it would be classrooms over the Internet. In this nice to give them a better education,” way, students at Hopewell will be able Stanley said. to see the fruits of their labour. “To Saulnier agreed. “It kind of engage young people here, you really feels good to get involved in the real need to make them feel like they’re a world and help -- more than just go to part of an experience, they really need school.” to feel like it’s theirs, like they have Not all students sold physical some kind of ownership in it,” Saikaly objects. Kids in Célyne Brunet’s
cause. “It’s actually pretty good. I’m classrooms in Solio in April (and getting to meet a lot of kids and we also climb Mount Kenya, Africa’s raised a lot of money.” second highest peak), download the In the spring, Hopewell plans to application form online at findinglife. organize another fundraising event for ca . the Solio classrooms, says Caroline Thériault, a grade 8 teacher and a To view a video featuring kids leader of the Me to We club that helped from the Hopewell bazaar talking organize the Blizzard Bazaar. The about their fundraising efforts, go to: next event will hopefully be around http://vimeo.com/17872644 the time of Earth Day in April and have an appropriately environmental JAN 2011 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR Page 9 Middle French Immersion Program May Be Dropped From Hopewell To Address Overcrowding
By Paige Raymond Kovach boundaries for First Avenue, students in the younger grades. education in English. There was also Mutchmor, or Hopewell to reduce Thirty percent of respondents agreement that French immersion wo options in the school numbers. felt that Hopewell should have fewer is not for all students and that it is board discussion paper to A public meeting regarding students, and it needs to address important to have different options address overcrowding suggest Interim Accommodation Options overcrowding. About 12% suggested available within the community. It T in the Glebe/Old Ottawa South/ an enhancement to the English was felt that MFI was not promoted removing Middle French Immersion from Hopewell by September 2011. Centretown will be held on Monday, program, 11% suggested reducing as a strong alternative to EFI; it was The main focus of the Centretown, January 10, 2011 at 7 p.m. in the the catchment area, and 8% wanted widely felt that MFI might make the Glebe & Old Ottawa South - Auditorium of Glebe Collegiate to eliminate the Middle French English program for kindergarten and Interim Accommodation Measures Institute. Immersion option (conversely about the early grades more desirable.” for September 2011 is to deal with “I should stress of course that 7% wanted to strengthen the MFI Nicole Turpin, principal at overcrowding at First Avenue, but the decision needed at this time is program). Hopewell said that September 2011 also addresses Hopewell’s burgeoning only what is needed from September On November 4, 2010 about enrolment figures will not be known enrollment. 2011 to allow us the time to consult 100 parents, board trustees, parent until future kindergarten parents Currently, Hopewell’s total on, consider, and develop scenario councils representatives, and staff have enrolled their children at the student enrolment is 914 for a school for a permanent solution to area from the school board met for end of February. “I do not expect any with an official capacity of 800. There accommodation issues,” said Rob roundtable discussions hosted by the programs to be cut at our school,” are 487 students in Early French Campbell, school trustee. Education Committee of the Glebe said Ms. Turpin. “I also believe in Immersion (EFI), 270 students in the “It has been suggested that this Community Association to discuss every option being offered to this English program, and 124 students in fuller and more involved consultation overcrowding and other issues in area community in their community Middle French Immersion (MFI). process will start up as soon as this schools. What follows are excerpts school.” First Avenue has 553 students in March or April, perhaps with a view from that document: “We (Hopewell Council) are a school capacity of 396 (all but 73 to starting to implement permanent “The English program at Hopewell participating in these discussions students are in EFI). While Mutchmor changes as soon as September 2012.” and Mutchmor elementary schools enthusiastically, but will of course has 290 students for a school that “So, we’re engaged in a mini are both facing declining populations look to address Hopewell’s over- holds 386 students (180 in English process now that will most likely and suffer from a prevailing attitude population issue in the context of what and 110 in the Gifted Program). naturally flow into a more involved that English is second best and ends our Old Ottawa South community has The preferred Board option is one this spring,” he added. up as a catch-all for children with expressed as its preferences,” wrote to remove junior kindergarten from Hopewell parents have suggested behaviour problems and learning Neal Hill. First Avenue School and have those ways to deal with strain on our challenges. Parents at the forum felt Mr. Hill is looking for members children attend Mutchmor. Children community school. In June 2010 that the school board has devalued of the community to be part of the could return to First Avenue for senior there was a parents survey. In early the English program in favour of EFI, Education and Policy Committee to kindergarten EFI programs. November, many attended an open by discouraging take-up of English participate in ongoing discussions But there are other options in the forum in the Glebe to address over or MFI. Many participants said that and ensure Hopewell’s interests document including: crowding and lower enrolment in area the board should promote English – continue to be represented. If you can • Option D suggests moving schools. possibly with an MFI option later on contribute to this committee, please Hopewell MFI students from grades 4 Released last June, the parents – as a viable alternative to EFI.” contact Neal Hill. to 6 to Mutchmor for September 2011. survey was comprised of 237 “Parents of EFI students valued The Middle French Immersion • Option E suggests that grade responses encompassing 372 students, English education highly, as well program may move from Hopewell, 7 and 8 MFI students move from or 40% of the school population. The as their children’s capabilities in so can the English program be next? Hopewell to Glashan for September sample was overweighted in parents French. In other words, there is no 2011. of students in the Early French disagreement between EFI parents • There is no option to enforce Immersion program (70%) and those and English parents about the sound Resources ca Education Forum held November 4, 2010 in Fax: 613-820-5210 the Glebe is available at http://www.glebeca.ca/ Centretown, Glebe & Old Ottawa South Mail: Centretown Glebe & Old Ottawa South committees/education/education_forum.html. - Interim Accommodation Measures for Study, Planning Department, 133 Greenbank Road, September 2011 Ottawa, Ontario, K2H 6L3 Results from the Hopewell parents survey http://www.ocdsb.ca/sch/as/Pages/ All comments should be received no later than are available on the Hopewell Avenue CentretownGlebeOldOttawaSouth.aspx Monday January 24, 2011. Public School Council website http://www. To give comments by e-mail, fax or regular mail hopewellschoolcouncil.com/index.htm. Email: CentretownGlebeOldOttawaSouth@ocdsb. An Executive Summary of the Community Hopewell Blizzard Bazaar Raises a Classroom By Paige Raymond Kovach for the silent auction. Thank you to those businesses who donated, as the opewell Avenue Public silent auction was very popular. School students and staff This spring, local social held a Blizzard Bazaar on entrepreneur and filmmaker Elia H Saikaly (www.findinglife.ca) will be December 16, 2010 and raised over $10,000 - enough funds to build a leading a group of six high school classroom in Solio, Kenya and support students aged 16 and 17 from the the work of Moving Mountains Trust. Ottawa area to Kenya. Currently the students in Solio “Students will help build study in makeshift tents. The monies classrooms and embark on an raised by area schools will build solid adventure of a lifetime,” said Elia and lasting classrooms. About $7,000 Saikaly. is needed to build each classroom. Interested parents can apply with Hopewell students, staff and their teens at [email protected]. parents made and sold ornaments, More events to raise funds for Solio jewelry and baked goods at the bazaar. will be held this school year, so stay Local area businesses donated items tuned. Page 10 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR JAN 2011
THE BIG PICTURE A World Class Capital on $2 a Day
By Michael Honeywell- es with suburban mansions. “It looks They must learn to be thrilled with a of champagne for our incoming city Dobbin nice on the inside” has become the double-double and doughnut. council is out of the question… justification for imposing distasteful Meanwhile, the ongoing spat So it’s not a question of money – here is nothing that the City of tackiness on the outside. Our histor- about the cost of official photographs it’s clearly a question of values and Ottawa has built in the last 100 ic tree-lined streets are being pock- by Paul Couvrette continues to be a of priorities. It’s not beyond anyone years that would ever end up marked with garage doors and each collective embarrassment for our city. that the world is at the bottom of a T year our architectural deficit widens So deep and so hopeless is our sense very dark recession – but all the more on a postcard. The city’s iconic landmarks; Par- as do the number of lanes on our sub- of the value of art that what would reason to celebrate the things that we liament Hill, the Rideau Canal, the urban roads. So great is our collective otherwise have been a non-issue in a cherish, like democracy, civic pride or National Gallery, to name a few, are lack of attention, and lack of vision, culturally mature society continues to the dawn of a new day at City Hall. all under the jurisdiction of the fed- that Lansdowne Park has become the find print in what passes for a news- The shamefully obvious celebra- eral government. Although Ottawa greatest missed opportunity in the his- paper in this town. Needless to say, re- tion of cheapness continues to not freeloads such architectural beauty tory of the City. spect for the professional photograph- only debase any hope of cultural ma- from their establishment, what we can The worst part of this fact is that er’s time was met with such contempt turity for our city, but it also skews actually call our own is the soul-less the new Mayor and council seem un- by a few city councillors, that it was our sense of reality and the real cost of corporate headquarters called City likely to do much more than leave an their refusal to keep their appoint- living in the capital city of the greatest Hall. otherwise world-class city to stagnate ments that actually ran up the clock. nation on earth. London has the Underground. in a cultural mire. With an operating budget of $2.5 What a city we might become if Paris has the Metro. Toronto has its Symptomatic of our collective billion dollars, City of Ottawa spends the Mayor and Council would only now iconic streetcars. Ottawa has mediocrity is the Mayor’s recent pride over $600 million on road construc- ask themselves what inspiring civic a sprawling network of over 6,000 in saving taxpayers a few dollars by tion and maintenance each year. It’s landmarks they would leave for future kilometres of roads, increasingly having inauguration day catered by also prepared to pay $130 million for generations? If only the answer could crammed with cars… an inadequate Tim Horton’s. Nothing could inspire a new stadium and for a downtown not be: a strip mall, a sprawling net- bus service and a pipe dream of a $2 awe in the machinations of our great transit tunnel, which will, by the most work of suburban roads, and a $2 bil- billion transit tunnel to nowhere. metropolis better than ensuring that conservative estimates cost over $2 lion hole in the ground. Our otherwise vibrant central even in their first day in office, that billion. So go on, Mayor and Council: in- neighbourhoods are under attack by our new politicians don’t get any Meanwhile, there is a collect- spire us. mediocre developers who each year big ideas, or for that matter, inspira- ive groan over the cost of proposals replace dozens of often historic hous- tion from something like catering. for a new central library, and a glass
Submit articles about interesting people you know in Old Ottawa South to oscar@ oldottawasouth.ca
Area Church Service Times Sunnyside Wesleyan Chuch St Margaret Mary’s Parish 58 Grosvenor Avenue (at Sun- 7 Fairbairn (corner of Sunnyside) nyside) Sunday Liturgies Sunday Worship Service at 9am 9:30am and 11:30am & 11am Christian Meditation Children’s program offered during Mondays at 7:00 pm. both worship services. Evening Prayer: Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Trinity Anglican Church Services Southminster United Church Sunday - 8 a.m. Holy eucharist 15 Aylmer Avenue (at Bank & the 10 a.m. Holy eucharist with Choir Canal) and Church School Sunday Worship Thursday - 10 a.m. Holy eucharist 10:30 a.m. (9:30 a.m. July & in the Chapel, August) followed by bible study Sunday School During worship, September - May JAN 2011 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR Page 11 A Community of Champions n the world of karate and kickboxing The World IKickboxing Council is a top dog in competition. Every year they host a world championship that brings together juniors and adults who have made their respective country teams. This year the event was held in the area of Albufeira, Portugal. It is hard to describe the beauty of Portugal itself let alone the spectacular resort that hosted the event as well as its guests. Even more impressive were the talented competitors that gathered at the tournament. Each represented patriotism, dedication, and desire to become a world champion. Among these many countries no star shone brighter than Team Canada who brought over 150 competitors. Not only did team Canada take 1st place among all other countries, in our own community students from Douvris Martial Arts on Bank Street who competed, all received medals. In all, the Bank Street students won 7 gold medals (3 of which were won by Sensei Kelsey Friedlander), 9 silver medals and 9 bronze medals for a to be the best. They not only came forms, weapons, or sparring, the DMA Arts please feel free to contact us by grand total of 25 medals. This is not to their classes, but many help teach Bank Street students proved their email: [email protected] By Phone: an easy feat to accomplish judging by classes and come in doing extra time place among the world champions. 613 234-5000 or visit our facebook the toughness and determination of in order to receive the special training If you would like to learn more page: Douvris Martial Arts the other competitors. These students they need to succeed. Whether it was about the students of Douvris Martial have been training endlessly all year Page 12 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR JAN 2011 Curves, Not Just A Gym But A Community.
By Mary Lee Bragg, Curves Member since 2004
he Curves Fitness and Weight Loss Centre on Bank Street Topened in 2002, and since then the members have lost the equivalent of several full-grown women. Several years ago, Curves posted weight losses on a bulletin board; the average was fifteen pounds per mem- ber. Multiply that by the number of members and our collective lost flab could take over the workout circuit. The Curves concept is simple: it is a 30 minute workout designed for women, where strength training on machines alternates with a space to recover muscles and maintain your heart rate before moving to the next machine. The prompt to “Change sta- tions now” keeps everyone moving. Curves members can also attest that the circular arrangement of the machines creates a great forum to ex- change information about teenagers (difficult), city politics (annoying), where to go for coffee after the work- out and proper techniques for using was a dozen pies from the Life of Pie whose lives and homes have been dis- and scented soaps and lotions. This the machines. on Bank Street. (The objective seems rupted. year is the 6th year collecting for the And, as regularly as the seasons to be to keep us exercising forever.) The wish lists are eye-opening. shelters. change, Curves offers its members an Curves members go all out to When is the last time you bought a Jo-Ann Patenaude, the manager, opportunity to participate in charities. support Christmas charities. The toothbrush, deodorant or shampoo for estimates the total value of goods in In spring, Curves members bring Bank Street clubs brings in almost a family member or a friend? The list the gift bags at between 12 and 15 donations to the Ottawa Food Bank. 300 gift bags with wish lists for men also suggests that bus tickets, phone thousand dollars. In summer, the club fields a team for and women at local shelters. Mem- cards, warm socks and mittens are also So, in addition to losing weight the Big Bike ride to raise money for bers take empty bags and return them appreciated. As the bags accumulate and toning up, Curves offers its mem- the Heart and Stroke Foundation. My full. This year, they will provide gifts in the middle of the exercise circuit bers a chance to open their eyes and favourite Curves activity is the annual to The Shepherds of Good Hope (men from late November until Christmas, hearts to the community. Curves is a fall Bingo to raise money for breast and women) and the Cornerstone it becomes obvious that members also community within a community. cancer research – first prize this year foundation, which serves women tuck in gifts of candy, pretty scarves Change stations now.
Sudoku Sudoku Solution on page 19 To complete the puzzle: 1. all rows must contain digits 1 to 9 only once 2. all columns must contain the digits 1 to 9 only once. 3. each of the nine boxes must contain the digits 1 to 9 only once JAN 2011 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR Page 13
BACKYARD NATURALIST Dying Tree Gets Second Chance
By Linda Burr
n ancient oak tree in Old Ottawa South is on the verge of death, but City foresters are not Agiving up hope yet. The health and vigour of this old bur oak in Brighton Park has declined in recent years, to the point where it appeared barely alive this past summer. Only a few green branches still graced its spreading form, and it seemed to be a goner. But plans are being made to attempt a rescue effort. I contacted the City’s Forestry Services Branch this past fall to find out what their plans were for the tree. Here is their response: “The perseverance of the Brighton Beach oak tree through the centuries is well recognized by the community and the City of Ottawa’s Forestry Services. In an attempt to prolong the life of this tree, we have developed a management plan for the oak in keeping with practices that are used in the United Kingdom on Veteran Trees. These are trees that have aesthetic, biological, or cultural interest because of their age.” “The plan takes into consideration the overall size and condition of the tree and lays out a series of crown reductions over a number of years. This will slowly reduce the size of the tree while minimizing the risk of tree failure. This technique essentially is possibly over 200 years, if not closer to 300 about the tree. It would be interesting to find mimics the natural shedding of limbs, and will years old. Apparently, some older residents of the some older material that might help in dating the promote growth in the interior of the canopy. We neighbourhood remember the tree in the early part tree. For example, does anyone have access to old will be going forward with the first phase this winter of 20th century as being just about as large as it is photographs depicting the tree? If you do, please with a reduction of about 10% of the tree height. We now. The life span of a bur oak is well known to be contact me through the OSCAR. are not certain that this method will work, but we between 200 and 400 years, so it is not out of the We hope that these efforts on the part of City are willing to try it. If it is successful, we should see question that this tree is within that range. If that is foresters will help to keep our historic tree in the the tree green up on the interior next summer. We true, then this tree could have been a young sapling park for at least a few more years. will also be considering the planting of a new tree when John By was building the Rideau Canal in nearby in anticipation of the eventual removal of the early 1800s! As such, it would represent a real Linda Burr lives in Old Ottawa South and is a the oak in the future.” heritage treasure in our midst. biologist and avid backyard naturalist. Research on the age of the tree indicates it The City would like to have more information
A HARD DAY’S PLAY You Might be a Daycare Provider If...
By Mary P. Your alarm bells start ringing ibly over the phone while doing a si- ways, ALWAYS over by 7:00 p.m. when you suddenly realize, “Gosh, lent fist-pump in the air. It’s been over ten years since they’re quiet,” and you know they’re Your work parties are al- I’m sure there are more... you’ve peed with the bathroom door awake. entirely shut during working hours. Whenever you phone someone, You habitually come out of the it immediately either gets very quiet bathroom still zipping up, so as not to (cf “alarm bells”, above), or VERY waste a single extra second in there. VERY LOUD. You wash your hands in the kitch- You never, ever have a drink (al- en sink instead of the bathroom, same coholic) during your work day… but reason. you probably need one more than any You have ever restrained someone other profession. and it was not a sexual experience. You sniff butts at work. Every Your idea of a good time is doing day. a potty dance because of a steaming You have ever wanted to hold a pot of poo. In your living room. seminar entitled, “Saying No is Easy. Discussing bowel movements Just do it, dammit!” over dinner -- bm’s not produced by Your favourite hallucinogen is your own kids, even -- seems perfect- exhaustion. Your favourite uppers are ly normal to you. baby giggles. You find humour in snot, boogers, You find yourself writing the word vomit and poop. “gots” and wondering why spellcheck Every time you go out, every won’t accept it. time, someone will ask you, “Are they When a parent calls to tell you a all yours???” child is sick, you commiserate aud- Page 14 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR JAN 2011 OTTAWA SOUTH HISTORY PROJECT Our Community 100 Years Ago: A Sketch of Old Ottawa South in 1911 By Cornelius von Baeyer & Kathy Krywicki
This month’s contribution to the Ottawa South History Project comes from guest columnists Cornelius von Baeyer and Kathy Krywicki. hat was happening in our part of the City around W1911? Who lived here? What were they concerned about? What local institutions were active? As we celebrate the start of 2011, a look back at people, places and events of a century ago will give us a broader view of our progress. Let’s start with “who”. The 1911 Census says 1,485 people were living in Ottawa South. There were 314 households, consisting of 280 married couples, 40 widows, and 20 widowers (but no divorcees). By comparison, Ottawa as a whole had a population of 90,520. The largest number of residents was Anglican (390), followed by Roman Catholics (318), Methodists (317), Presbyterians (272), and Congregationalists (88). Most of the residents were English (598), Irish (405), or Scotch Filename: LAC_Woodside_PA-016818 (299), with some French (157), and a Aylmer Ave south at Rosedale, 1911 (LAC Woodside PA-016818) few Germans (18). There was a mix of civil servants and office workers, numerous merchants, tradespersons On Aylmer Avenue at Bank was the coronation table cloth decorated 1911), 2m by 2m, was $2.25. A and labourers, and a few market Methodist Church. Roman Catholics with the royal coat of arms and the Model T Ford touring car cost $975, gardeners. had the chapel of the Sisters of the heads of King George V and Queen but a Cadillac would set you back Our neighbourhood enjoyed Precious Blood on Echo Drive near Mary (who were crowned in June $2,500 and an Oldsmobile was a good shopping, medical services Bank (in a building that was later torn and other amenities. The 1911 City down to build the large monastery). Directory shows that on the east side Newspaper want ads show that of Bank Street, between Sunnyside workers in the city could expect to and Cameron, there was a grocer, a earn from as low as $16 to as high as butcher, a dry goods store, a doctor, $100 a month. A housemaid was at a drugstore, a post office, and a the lowest end of the scale, a fireman feed store (necessary for horse and at the highest. A butcher might earn carriage owners). On the other side $84 a month, but a female cook might of Bank, south of Cameron, stood only get $25 a month and a baby nurse Trinity Anglican Church, a contractor, $20. a billiards parlour, another grocer, a Compare this to some prices of blacksmith and a feed mill. the day: a businessman’s full course On Sunnyside Avenue, there was lunch at Murphy Gamble Ltd. cost 50 another grocer at Seneca, and the cents. Chocolate marshmallows were Congregational Church at Grosvenor. 50 cents for a half a kilo. An elaborate
Filename: OttawaCitizen 1911-04-06 Ad Cheap fun in Ottawa South (Ottawa Citizen 6-Apr-1911)
Cont’d on next page JAN 2011 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR Page 15 Ottawa South History Project ... Cont’d
Ottawa South. In 1911 there was an outbreak of typhoid fever, with over 1,000 cases and 67 deaths in the city. The epidemic was first blamed on tainted milk and poor sewage systems, but it was finally traced to polluted water being taken from Nepean Bay into the water system in dry summers in order to provide enough water for firefighting! The resulting public anger led to removing several city officials and reorganizing City Hall staff. The mayor from 1909 to 1912 was Charles Hopewell, after whom the street and the school were named. Safe water was a critical issue during his whole time in office. However, due to political wrangling and indecision, it was to take until 1919 to solve the water problem permanently. A happier story concerns Hopewell Avenue Public School, which in 1911 had its first full year in the new building. The classroom size, windows and ventilation were all built to the latest scientific standards in order to support the health and comfort of students. Ottawa was a leader in Filename: LAC_Woodside_PA-016819 this approach to building schools. In Aylmer Ave north at Rosedale, 1911 (LAC Woodside PA-016819) 1911, on a shelf in the hallway of the school, the first public library service in Ottawa South operated for one hour pricey $4,450. turnaround at Bank and Grove. 1909 lots were sold for $700 which three nights a week. How did our community fit into In fact, a real estate boom was today bring from $1,650 to $3,300.” The civic movements to the urban area around it in 1911, four underway in Ottawa South at this The article went on to praise the demand pure water, safe milk, good years after Ottawa South became part time, as in some other parts of the area’s accessibility to the centre of schools and libraries, tuberculosis of the city? There was a swing bridge city. While older areas were building the city, the beautiful Rideau River sanatoriums, parks, playgrounds and at Bronson Avenue (see photo). Bank institutions, such as the YMCA with the best of boating, abundant other amenities in our communities Street crossed the Rideau River at (1909), and the federal government vegetation, and a fixed assessment were part of a much larger Canadian the old wooden Billings Bridge (not was creating parks and parkways, for the next five years. Specifically, reforming trend that started in the late replaced until 1916). Preparations Ottawa South was being subdivided the Ottawa South Property Company 1890s and continued up to World War were made for a new Bank Street and built up by land companies and was developing a 95 hectare tract I. Bridge to cross the Rideau Canal. The by individuals. with streets, drains, water mains These movements were often high-level, reinforced concrete bridge The Citizen ran a feature in and landscaping. Two fine dry lots initiated by women, such as Adelaide was to be built in 1912 with federal April 1911, whose headline declared on Cameron were listed for $400 Hoodless of Hamilton who led the financing. “Ottawa South Place for Homes. each. (See the ad for lots on Belmont YWCA and, with Lady Aberdeen This would allow the function of Magnificent Scenic Beauty.” Readers Avenue.) (wife of the Governor General at the Ottawa South as a “streetcar suburb” were advised that now was the time to But development did not always end of the 1800s), helped found the to be fully realized in 1913, when buy a lot for a house: “Ottawa South go smoothly. Before 1909, Ottawa Victorian Order of Nurses and the the “car line” from downtown was … will rank in a few years with what South got its water from wells. Then National Council of Women. Ella extended across the new bridge to a the Glebe represents today, where in pipes were brought in from the city. This water came from the Ottawa River, and brought a new problem to Cont’d on next page
Filename: OttawaJournal 1911-09-29 ad Good Lots for Sale – Buy now! (Ottawa Journal 29-Sept-1911) Page 16 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR JAN 2011 Ottawa South History Project ... Cont’d
Bronson, founder of the highly successful Ottawa Maternity Hospital (operational from 1895 to 1925), belonged to this group of leaders. Ottawa South was becoming better connected to the outside in 1911. In addition to the streetcar on Bank, bus services operated through our neighbourhood (see the ad for viewing the Rideau Floods). The new Union Station in downtown Ottawa was under construction, and Grand Trunk, Canadian National and Canadian Pacific trains would soon be operating there. As well, the first air flight between two Canadian cities arrived from Montreal and landed in Slattery’s Field, corner of Riverdale and Main. The flight was supposed to land at Lansdowne Park as part of the Central Canada Exhibition, and only diverted to Ottawa South because of the heavy crowds at the park. Even then the idea was floated to bury the overhead wires at the park for safety reasons. We have obviously come a long way – witness the many stories in our community’s newspaper and website. But in many ways the Old Ottawa South of 1911 was not so very different from our beloved neighbourhood of today. Contact the Ottawa South History Project at [email protected] or visit us online at www.OldOttawaSouth.ca/HistoryProject. Filename: a009969 Along Driveway at Bronson Ave Bridge, 1911 (LAC Topley PA-009940)
1911 Around the World
• in March, the world celebrates the • in November, Marie Skłodowska first International Women’s Day Curie is awarded the Nobel Prize • in June, the nation-wide census in Chemistry for her role in the records Canada’s population as 7.2 discovery of radium and plutonium million with 22% born outside of • in December, Norwegian explorer Canada and 49% of those immigrants Amundsen reaches the South Pole by were from the British Isles dog sledge • in September, Wilfred Laurier, • in December, William Haviland the first French-Canadian prime Carrier introduces his “Rational minister, is defeated in the federal Psychometric Formulae” about election running principally on the relative humidity, absolute humidity issue of reciprocity (later known as and dew-point temperature, thereby free trade) paving the way for air-conditioning • in November, a cold snap known units as The Great Blue Northerner of • all year in China a national 11/11/11 hits the central United revolution rages resulting in the States precipitating record highs and overthrow of the imperialist Qing low temperatures within the same Dynasty and the establishment of the Filename: OttCitizen 1911-03-29 Ad day People’s Republic of China Old-time “patent medicine” - not a proven cure! (Ottawa Citizen 29-Mar-1911)
TRINITY ANGLICAN CHURCH News from Trinity Anglican Church By Eli MacLaren the pulpit, while a cast of characters Cornerstone Emergency Women’s Trinity is participating in the World came to Bethlehem to bear witness to Shelter. Cornerstone began many Vision Child Sponsorship program. rue to tradition, the halls were the birth of the baby – Mary, Joseph, years ago in the basement of All The girl we are sponsoring is named decked, all were jolly, and shepherds, magi, angels, a cat, a lion, Saints’ Anglican Church in Sandy Sheila. She is ten years old and she yuletide carols were sung several very cute sheep, a camel, a Hill. It has grown and been host to lives in Kenya. By donating a very T cow, and at least one pirate. thousands of women who need refuge small amount per month we are giving aplenty at Trinity Anglican Church last month. Yuletide carol: The service from abuse. Last year Cornerstone her community the resources it needs Hall decked: Thanks to the wrapped up with a memorable announced that they had purchased to improve education, fight HIV AIDS, generous bequest of a long-time rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus property on Booth Street and that and supply clean water. Through our parishioner, Bender Hall has been courtesy of young parishioner – they would be putting up a building sponsorship, Sheila has begun going beautifully repainted. 2-year-old Evan, who appears to know to give permanent residence to at- to school and can now read and write ’Twas the season: The Christmas the organist. Nice glissando with your risk senior women. They invited the at a basic level: we received a letter Pageant took place as planned (more elbow, Evan! This was followed by Anglican Diocese to participate in of thanks from her last month. Sheila or less!) on 12 December, with a riot a wonderful church potluck. Thanks furnishing the rooms, and the Trinity is only one of thousands of children of kids playing the various roles of the to everyone who helped organize the Parish Council responded by voting identified by World Vision who could Christmas story. Two narrators (Jacob show and the lunch. unanimously to adopt a room. It will use your help. For more information, and Maiya) proclaimed the text with Good King Wenceslaus looked be called “Sheila’s Room” in memory visit
Southminster United Church is located at the corner of Aylmer Avenue and Bank Street. For more information please phone 613-730-6874.
Southminster United Chruch Christmas Pageant
Submit articles about interesting people you know in Old Ottawa South to [email protected] th Page 18 The OSCAR - OUR 38 YEAR JAN 2011 AFTER THOUGHTS At a Boundless Ocean from Richard Ostrofsky current suggestion is that they begin a ripple on some boundless ‘sea’ of sure, that they exist. We conjecture of Second Thoughts as gravitational implosions, or ‘black quantized interaction. the existence of ‘strings’ and holes,’ in some other universe. A The vision seems fantastical, but ‘superstrings’ (to link gravity with the Bookstore (now closed) ‘black hole’ is a region of space with a some modern physicists entertain other three fundamental forces, and www.secthoughts.com concentration of mass-energy so great it in all seriousness – driven to such the theory of fundamental particles [email protected] that it pulls everything nearby into extremes in their search for a theory of with that of the cosmos as a whole), itself – a gravity well so strong that gravitation (and therefore of mass and but we know nothing about them magine: You are standing on a nothing – not even light – can escape, matter) that would be compatible both either. beach by the seashore, watching as it does from ordinary stars. We with quantum mechanics and general At the same time, we know that in huge waves roll in. You see adults have found such vast sinks of mass- relativity – the two most successful open systems, order can accumulate – I energy in our own universe, so why grand theories they have, which are provided only that the inputs of energy and children running along the strand, laughing in the breakers. You see not in every other? unfortunately quite incompatible with are not too violent to disrupt such bold swimmers a little further out. We don’t really know what each other. Lee Smolin, a professor configurations as emerge. At all scales Further still, you can just make out happens inside a sink of this kind. of physics at the University of from subatomic particles to galaxies, some people with surf boards trying One possibility is that the centre of Waterloo, has even suggested that if component parts can spontaneously to catch a wave. From time to time, such a hole is what mathematicians universes replicate themselves in this enter into relationships with one one of them does, and then you can call a ‘singularity’: an infinite way, they might also evolve: Over another to form systems which are watch admiringly as he stands up on density of mass-energy that implodes successive ‘generations,’ a kind of themselves entities – and parts of his board and rides it toward you, or through itself as the ‘Big Bang’ of natural selection might tune their larger systems still. These build up watch derisively if he wipes out. The a new universe – what will appear basic parameters (physical constants toward a threshold of criticality and sea is so vast; the great waves are as a cosmological ‘Big Bang’ to the like the charge of an electron and then undergo breakdowns of varying so impersonal; yet there is so much astronomers who might evolve at the speed of light) toward values magnitudes, thereby creating an life in them. So many happy people! some time in its distant future. This, that would maximize the production increasingly complex environment Maybe some happy sharks! after all, is what we are seeing now. of black holes and, as a side effect, in which such build ups continue. A fantasy gets started. Not so On such a model, the ‘thingness’ of of atoms with complex chemistries, We ourselves are configurations unlike those surfers, you find yourself a universe and all that’s in it is much capable of supporting life. of this kind. So are the groups and riding a wave of thought. like the ‘thingness’ of a wave: From Such ideas seem pretty weird, organizations and whole societies that Suppose that the whole universe the perspective of its astronomers – of but if science has taught us anything get formed when we interact. we know of is just a kind of wave, all its creatures – it’s a well-defined in the last hundred years, it’s that These ideas of self-organization a single wave, on an infinite sea of phenomenon that you can ‘surf’ on reality is pretty weird, and may be and self-organized criticality did not quantized energy. We don’t know, and live in. But from the God’s eye weird beyond our comprehension. As exist when I was a college student, and may never know where that perspective that might contemplate J.B.S Haldane said, “The universe is and only came together within my primordial energy came from, or all such universes together, each one not only queerer than we suppose, it adult lifetime. Today, the clock-work how such waves get started. One of these, each separate universe is just may be queerer than we can suppose.” universe of Newton and classical Niels Bohr once remarked of a theory mechanics is pretty dead – useful only presented at some conference, that as an approximation for the limiting it was not crazy enough to have a case of medium sized objects traveling chance of being correct. at low velocities. This is an important General relativity and quantum special case on the human scale, but mechanics have been around for it is nothing more than that. The new almost 100 years already. Tremendous paradigm is much more interesting – gains of understanding have been and much more promising for life. It’s made, but basic physics is still a fascinating, mind-boggling stuff. Its mess. We don’t know why the laws of implications for human philosophy nature and its fundamental constants – for human lives and projects – are are as they are. We don’t know why far from clear as yet. In our world there is a complicated, fascinating now, there is every excuse for feeling universe (with ourselves in it) rather confused or anxious, but none at all than nothing at all. We conjecture the for feeling bored. Anyone who feels existence of ‘dark energy’ and ‘dark bored today just isn’t paying attention. matter’ to account for the measured activities of galaxies, but we know nothing about either – not even, for Too late for university? Think again! he Bridging Program at Carleton University provides an affordable 13-week course that prepares adults for university study. Try out aca- Tdemic study in a supportive small group environment, designed to in- crease skills, confidence, and sense of belonging to the academic community. Low cost of $165 includes reading materials Bridging also provides a streamlined (and assisted) application process to Carleton’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program following completion of the Bridging Course. A grade of “B” in the Bridging course is generally ac- cepted for admission into Carleton’s general Bachelor of Arts program Registration is open NOW and class size is capped at 25. The winter term (starts January 25, 2011) is a perfect time to prepare for entering Carleton in the Fall 2011 term; call 613-5200x2974 or email [email protected] to register or for more information. If you miss this term, try for September! More information also available at www.carleton.ca/cie/bridging-pro- gram/ JAN 2011 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR Page 19 Write For Rights has Good Turnout
By Lori Pope
unday, December 12 was a busy day for Southminster. SAfter the pageant, we hosted our “Write for Rights” writeathon event. Despite the wet and slushy weather, we had a good turnout, with about 30 adults and teenagers and 10 children. And did they ever write! Fortified by coffee and hot chocolate kindly donated by our local Bridge- head, in two hours participants wrote over 160 letters -- almost 50 more than our best total before this year. The number of letters will increase even a little more with the addition of some more written by enthusiastic Southminster youth who pledged to keep writing for a little longer. The cases Amnesty International featured as part of this year’s writeathon in- cluded those of Norma Cruz, a human rights defender in Guatemala who is being threatened because of her work, Walid Yunis Ahmed, a radio and tele- vision programmer who has been im- prisioned in Iraq without trial or char- ges since 2000, and two prisoners of conscience in Myanmar, Zarganar (a popular comic and critic of the mil- that one of the prisoners of conscience Human Rights Day, December 10. If second Sunday in December 2011 in itary government, including for its re- on whose behalf participants wrote, you missed the event but would like your new calendar, so that you can sponse to Cyclone Nargis) and Su Su Femi Peters, who had been impris- to write for rights, check out the Am- join us next year. Nway (who has been imprisioned for oned in the Gambia for his work with nesty International website at www. her participation in political protests). an opposition party, was released on amnesty.ca/writeathon. And mark the Since our writeathon, we have learned Origins of Sudoku Sudoku vs Sodoku Sodoku is a bacterial zoonotic disease. It is caused by outnumbered he origins of sudoku can be traced back to magic squares which date spirochaete Spirillum minus. It is a form of rat-bite fever back as far as China around 1000 BC and perhaps earlier. The his- Ttory of Sudoku as a modern game however is much more recent. The first time a recognisable sudoku puzzle appeared however was in the late 1970’s when a freelance puzzle creator called Howard Garnes cre- ated a puzzle he termed “Number Place” which was published in 1979 in a puzzle magazine from Dell Magazines. It wasn’t until the mid 80’s however, when the japanese company Nikoli published their number puzzle entitled “suji wa dokushin ni kagiru” (literal translation: “single, celibate, unmarried” or “the numbers must be single”) which later became abbreviated to sudoku from ‘su’ meaning ‘number’ and ‘doku’ meaning ‘single’. Sudoku was named by the president of Nikoli, Kaji Maki, and was first released into the Monthly Nikolist in 1984, becoming just Sudoku in 1986.
Sudoku Solution Sudoku Puzzle is on page 12 Page 20 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR JAN 2011
BOOK REVIEW L’Etranger (The Stranger) by Albert Camus
French: (Collection Folio, 2), into Camus’ writing, I find it as deeply superficial and naive and Meursault down my eyebrows and further down Gallimard Education (October affecting and thought provoking as presents himself as an uninvolved into the eyelids[...] My eyes were 1990). then. With the hindsight of close to and carefree young man who lives blinded behind a curtain of tears and English: (Everyman’s Library) seventy years since it was written, day by day. Nevertheless, the deeper salt [...]Everything starts to flicker...” (February 23, 1993) THE STRANGER is not only a self- underlying moral and existential Anybody who has enjoyed traveling portrait of an “outsider”, who appears questions that come to the fore in the in a desert, exposed to the extreme ISBN (French) 978-2070360024 to be drifting through life without second part may need this slow and elements will relate, at a minimum, to ISBN (English) 978-0679420262 aim or emotional depth. It is also a detailed build-up, developed in the these sensations. harsh critique of a society, reflected first. It may be stating the obvious Reviewed by in the justice system, that is rigid and In the above mentioned that the way we experience and find Friederike Knabe controlling and, by extension, overly introduction, Camus explained his expression for our emotions, how we judgemental towards anybody who is book’s underlying concern that he define relationships or life’s purpose not “playing the game” or respecting described as having been at odds with are deeply personal. Some readers will “the mechanisms of society”. Finally, the perception of the readers of the relate to Meursault, others will find it is also important to keep in mind day. Mersault was an “outsider” in the him as “strange” as his judge and jury that the novel was written during the society where he lived who, at a more did. Other’s will have even stronger devastating war in which Camus, profound level, was condemned not reactions to his character. Reflecting although not in military service, was for what he did, but for “speaking the on the novel with decades of hindsight a politically highly active participant. truth”. Was he judged for his criminal and having read other material by The novel opens with “Today, act or for the challenge to society he Camus written around the same time, Maman is dead. Or maybe she died embodied? In fact, during the court I would argue that Meursault does yesterday, I don’t know”. Meursault, proceedings it emerges quickly that have the emotions of a young man in the son and narrator of the story, his lifestyle and behaviour was on his time. Yet, he may have less ability travels to the nursing home for his trial. Meursault’s reflections on the than his environment would term mother’s wake and her funeral the proceedings and his effort to make “normal” to define or describe them. next day. In short, simple sentences sense of what he hears during the Even there he is an outsider to the he describes the bare facts, the trial reads today more like a farce, society in which he lived, and as such, people he meets. Feelings? None, despite its sombre description of perceived as a threat to the established apparently. He doesn’t even recall the circumstances. At one point ways of human behaviour. his mother’s age. He returns home, the defence counsel, in obvious Does THE STRANGER have meets a former colleague of his and frustration, shouts: “Here, this is the meaning for readers of today beyond embarks on an affair with her. Life image of this trial. All is true and its importance as a “classic” novel returns to its habitual banality until nothing is true!”. The ultimate that has influenced several generations he is approached by a neighbour confusion is created when he imitates of writers and readers since? How n his Introduction to the first for assistance with writing a letter. and, unintentionally, caricaturizes his would we today, view a person like American edition of THE From then on events move towards client in front of the jury. “My fate was Meursault? In this age of Facebook, STRANGER (1955), Albert a confrontation that leaves Meursault being settled without anybody asking short message texting and Tweets, I accused of a capital crime and lead to a my opinion”, Meursault concludes. are there parallels to Camus’s world, Camus summarized his novel in one sentence: “ In our society, anybody trial that, for him, takes place “outside His trial spins into a direction that has except that today communication who does not cry at his mother’s of himself” but that at the same time no longer anything to do with him. between young people in particular funeral, risks to be sentenced to brings him towards deeper reflection What, in the end has made tends to be condensed to abbreviated death”. *) After its publication in and new understanding of himself and Meursault a “stranger”? In his own code and emotions expressed in 1942 in France, the novel achieved the system that judges him. musings in his prison cell, he states emoticons? How is our society notoriety and a kind of cult status for Set in Algiers, the locale is of little that he cannot express emotions treating an “outsider”, a person who several generations of young readers, importance, except for the vital role toward others as they do. Yet, when does not “play the game”, as Camus and was inspiration for philosophers that desert sun, ocean and beach play asked whether he loves his mother, described it? Whatever the answers and writers. Re-reading the novel in the protagonist’s life. In its first his repeated answer is: “yes, like and perspective, Camus’s “Stranger” now, forty years since first delving part, the narrative appears at times everybody else.” When accused is today as provocative a read as it of the crime, the expression of was decades ago. culpability and regret is alien to him and he states truthfully: he has no *) http://webcamus.free.fr/ feeling of guilt, only “ennui”. What oeuvre/etranger.html. Having read made him act out his crime? “The the novel in French, all quotes are my sun”. Mersault is not an insensitive translation. person, however, he does not have the “psyche of a criminal” as the prosecutor argues emphatically. Any emotions are indirectly expressed through a related physical activity: attraction to his girlfriend, assistance to his “buddy”, his work ethics, caring for his neighbour. Even when recalling childhood memories with his mother. He is most explicit when describing his emotions when outside: walking along the beach with the desert sun burning his face, the hot sand under his bare feet, or when dipping into the refreshing ocean waves. The intensity of light of the desert sun is also playing games with his mind: distorting reality and blurring his vision. In his prison cell he seeks the sun... Meursault describes such sensations on that fateful day on the beach: “Sweat runs JAN 2011 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR Page 21
Squirrel Talk Chat with Len Ward, Architect and Photographer
By: Michaël & Tania rooted in government building design designs in neighbourhoods such as and renovations & updates. He also Old Ottawa South that have an older Architecture is a profession where appy New Year 2011 ! Isn’t does a lot of restoration design for the building stock, and where people are a client may have his own project the start of a New Year such City of Ottawa. Additionally, he does living because they love that building requirements but the architect has a fantastic time !? We can’t custom residential work which is the stock, that lifestyle, that architecture, dual responsibilities: to the client H reason we initially met over a year and the sense of stability that is primarily but also to the community wait to skate and ski under a crisp winter’s day sun, and then to anticipate ago, regarding design updates for our created. This leads to a possibility and to the public at large. Architect springtime itself ! 1906 house. It turned out Len is one of of conflict between the old and the training and expectations recognizes The topic of neighbourhood our neighbours, living 2 blocks away new. It is however possible to find these both need to be balanced and transformation has been on many on the same street. The six degrees of ways of bringing in new structures sometimes can come in conflict. peoples’ minds, as can be seen recently separation is universally true. whilst respecting and fitting in with Dialogue between the customer and in the OSCAR. So in December we What about the role of architecture the old neighbourhood and without the community can usually resolve went to visit Len Ward, Architect and and some of the challenges in a mimicking the old structures. The new such conflicts. Photographer, whom we already had community like ours? Len told us structures become part of the integrity Finally, our councillors and the the pleasure of knowing. Len is easy the strengths of this neighbourhood of the neighbourhood, are sympathetic city are caught between promoting going, professional and personable. are that it was established fairly to the surroundings yet add to it rather infills and responsibility to the Len opened his office at 1181 Bank long ago and that it is stable, while than detract from what’s already neighbourhoods. So a good planner / and Ossington about three and a at the same time having vitality with there. We can describe the result councillor will work in trying to broker half years ago, his web site being the university close by and with the as heterogeneous house styles in a and compromise those situations for a www.artsandarchitecture.ca . After younger people it attracts, combined homogeneous neighbourhood. You positive outcome and to allow a better many years as partner in a firm and with families that have been here get an appearance that is diverse and use of our land. There will probably continuing his love of photography, “forever.” Additionally, Bank Street legitimate, but principles need to be be changes in our regulations as such Len decided to set up an office near is commercial and lively, has a brought to bear to make all fit in nicely issues become more and more of a his home in Old Ottawa South. Len healthy turnover, and is one block and to support the different looks such concern. Zoning bylaws are there spends his time on a combination of from the more conservative and well as the proper use of materials, the bulk to follow and generally they are subjects he loves, namely Photography established neighbourhood - quite of scale, the fenestration, and how the fairly good technically but there are and Architecture, the latter being the a range. The role of the architect in new design deals with the street. Street (understandable) failings such as in largest consumer of his time. Len such a community is to take all these facing design is different between defining the use of materials and how finds it enjoyable to work near home dimensions into account, respect urban and suburban. For example, in the designs fit into the neighbourhood with all his work topics under one roof what’s here, and at the same time our neighbourhood you don’t have - these issues are difficult to legislate. - and there is a great synergy between create new dynamics. It is important to garage doors on the front. The front In a heritage situation or in a heritage these different aspects of the business. create a relationship between old and face of a building can be considered district there is a forum to discuss Len works with five people who new styles. You don’t want a derivative a semi public space, it’s how people such issues, and if a person requires have various backgrounds including of what’s in place, you want to be approach the house, it’s what people variances it creates a forum for architecture and fine arts. Creativity forward looking and take advantage see when they go up and down the discussion with neighbours, but and integration were the themes of our of new technologies and materials street, it’s part of the whole street a more problematic situation can discussion, as applied to architectural but in a way that fits in and becomes scape - it’s part of the public domain occur when a new design follows all design and to photography. an integral part of what’s here. So so you have to be aware of that. the requirements and thus forces no Len’s business includes a Fine we asked Len about the controversy Cars are a major challenge in the opportunity to discuss what fits in or Art Photography gallery where he around infill homes and Len noted this infill urban environment - what do we doesn’t fit in with the community. So places a strong emphasis on local is a very interesting topic breached in do with all of these cars. then it falls back to the architect to do artists. Ottawa has plenty of galleries other neighbourhoods and other cities Back lanes are a wonderful the right thing. You need the passion for painting and sculpture but there decades ago but that is new to Ottawa. design that city planners had, it gets and singularity of vision to drive a are very few venues in Ottawa for Ottawa has finally come to realize cars out of the front of the building design to success, and to converge the photographers. Invited artists range we can’t endlessly expand outwards and make infills easier to design. design optimally for the new home, from college students to seasoned and take more and more virgin land Another big issue is that people often for the new homeowners and for the amateurs to experienced professionals. and convert it to residences, so there have more than one car, especially community. Shows last up to a month and each is a renewed interest in making as children often stay at home much Thanks Len for your time and for show has a theme. better use of existing urban areas and longer now and have cars. Snow and your passion for this neighbourhood. Other aspects of Len’s services land, and in reducing transportation ice also make for a real challenge in include custom framing, frames, distances and in reducing the cost of street accessibility for example with N’hésitez pas à nous écrire : albums, photo restoration, a photo city infrastructure such as water and underground garages. Another design [email protected] studio for portraits, business and sewers. The more we can concentrate, from the early part of the 20th century maternity, and of course fine art. Len a.k.a. densification, the better it is is the side laneway going to the back even does platinum prints http://goo. from energy and cost points of view. to a detached garage. Once again, gl/GR0fC , a process that stopped However, this must be done wisely this design gets cars out of the front being used about 100 years ago. both from a people point of view and of the building, there is no garage The platinum prints gave us a great from an architectural point of view. door visibility issue, and there are no impression of depth when we looked We asked Len if this is this a slopes under the house. However, this at them. Apparently this provides the natural evolution of cities to which design takes away from our yards that greatest tonal range of any printing he replied it is probably is, and that it are already too small so the laneway method using chemical development, also has to do with our times. A few model seems to be better - Michaël Len told us it is a contact development decades ago everything was about fondly remembers growing up in method that infuses the picture cars, cheap energy, and land that was Calgary with a laneway out back and right into the paper thus giving the far less expensive than today, whereas how the street fronted onto a large resulting effect. Interestingly, Len’s now there’s a maturity that cities lawn with trees and no car to be seen. photography is currently mostly about have gained as they moved forward. The thought occurs that getting rid of people which he considers the most However there are practical issues cars entirely would be great ! complex to capture. Previously he as people become more sensitive The last question we had was enjoyed photographing landscapes and responsible in regards to their to describe the role of ethics in and buildings and now has this interest use of resources and so, naturally, architecture. There are standards in the integration of people into the people think about how to better that architects adhere to, covering natural landscape. use what we have. We thus have business, aesthetics, technical Len’s architecture work is strongly people creating new contemporary aspects, and dealings with people. Page 22 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR JAN 2011 Lansdowne Park Why the Lansdowne Park Legal Challenge Matters By M. A. Thompson related parking facilities. develop Lansdowne Park on the curement; In particular, the Application as- grounds that OSEG had received a • misrepresented the character ttawa City Council has ap- serts that the City acted unlawfully conditional CFL offer to establish a of the limited financial review of the proved an untendered plan by: football franchise in Ottawa that was scheme carried out by the Auditor for Lansdowne Park. They 1. suspending, without justifica- contingent on the use of Frank Clair General for the City of Ottawa, who O tion, a procurement process for so- Stadium, when in fact that offer made did not conduct either a financial or would have you believe that they are acting in the best interests of the city. liciting competing proposals for the no reference to, and was not depend- value for money audit of the LPP in But what they’ve really done is to redevelopment Lansdowne Park in an ent upon locating the franchise at accordance with generally accepted commit your money to an untendered open, fair and transparent manner, and Frank Clair Stadium; auditing standards or in accordance venture without following proper pro- doing so to award OSEG a sole source consistently misrepresented the with the standards established by the cedures. contract to redevelop and lease Lans- fiscal consequences of borrowing at Canadian Institute of Chartered Ac- That is what this legal challenge downe Park, contrary to the require- least $164 million dollars to fund its countants; is all about. To force city council to ments of City and Provincial procure- obligations under the LPP by claiming • exposed the City and the Prov- abide by their own rules - the rules ment rules; the scheme will produce a surplus for ince of Ontario to claims under fed- you elected them to enact and to fol- 2. according preferential treat- the City when in fact none of the rev- eral-provincial and international pro- low; the rules that ensure your tax dol- ment to local developers contrary to enues generated by LPP through its curement agreements that prohibit the lars are not wasted. the open and competitive bidding re- “waterfall” scheme will be allocated City from providing favourable treat- We contend that the city acted un- quirements of the Agreement on Inter- to the City to service the interest on ment to local suppliers of goods and lawfully by: nal Trade, and the General Procure- or repay the money the City plans to services, including those it has pro- • suspending the established pro- ment Agreement of the World Trade spend on the Stadium, parking, urban cured under the LPP; curement process for open and fair Organization; park, and tradeshow and exhibition • failed to: consult with Ottawa competitions to redevelop the Lans- 3. approving the sale or long- space; residents about the LPP before it was downe site. term lease of City-owned properties, advised Ottawa residents that it approved by Council in April, 2009; • giving preferential treatment to including parkland, without comply- would use as much as 75% of the tax engage in bone fide consultations local developers contrary to the re- ing with the Surplus Lands By-law, revenue to be derived from the com- subsequent to that approval; respond quirements of the Agreement on In- or achieving the two-thirds majority mercial developments on the Lans- to requests from Ottawa Community ternal Trade vote of Council required to sell a pub- downe Site to “cover” its costs under Associations for meetings to discuss • not complying with the Surplus lic park; the LPP, when no such appropriation the Plan; properly report on the views Lands By-Law and 4. violating s.106 (1) of the Muni- or dedication of these tax revenues is of those who were consulted; and take • violating the Municipal Act cipal Act by according OSEG dispro- intended; the views of the public into account in They are, quite simply, ignor- portionate advantages or “bonuses”, failed to provide a proper ac- making decisions about the redevel- ing the citizens of Ottawa and using including by giving it: counting of the basis upon which tax opment of Lansdowne Park; and your tax dollars as if the money were • a 30-year lease to the entire revenues from the commercial de- • presented a proposal for rezon- theirs. This legal challenge is meant to Lansdowne Site for $1.00 per year and velopments on the Site were calcu- ing Lansdowne Park in August, 2010, force them to open the process to fair a similar lease to Frank Clair Stadium lated, or identify that portion which is that would permit residential and competition so we can be sure that our and related parking facilities, which assessed as the school tax and must be commercial densities far in excess money is spent responsibly and ef- the City will spend $129,300,000.00 transferred to the Province; of those represented by the schemata fectively. Please help us hold council to rebuild; claimed the City would maintain and drawings that provided the basis accountable. • 50-70 year commercial leases to ownership of the Lansdowne Site for Council’s approval of the LPP two It’s your money, you should have several acres of Lansdowne Park for while committing to a scheme that months earlier. a say in how it’s spent. Make City retail development purposes at $1 per represents a de jure or de facto pri- A complete copy of the Applica- Council spend your money wisely. year for the first thirty years; vatization of a significant portion of tion can be found at: www.letsgeti- • exclusive contracts to manage the Site through the sale of land and tright.ca. Friends of Lansdowne Inc., the redevelopment of Lansdowne fee-simple condominium rights, or by The full record of the evidence Gary Sealey and Doug Ward Park, and to program and operate granting leases for as long as 70 years; that will be presented in support of v. Frank Clair Stadium and all conces- claimed that OSEG will be at risk the Application will also be posted to sions there; for construction cost overruns when the Let’s Get it Right website over the City of Ottawa • priority rights to revenues or in fact OSEG can capitalize such few weeks. On September 9, 2010, Friends profits generated by the commercial costs and earn an 8% return on this The Applicants are represented by of Lansdowne Inc., Doug Ward and developments and activities on the ‘investment’, even before the City is Steven Shrybman, a partner at Sack Gary Sealey made application to the Lansdowne Site; and, compensated for the land it is com- Goldblatt Mitchell: sshrybman@sgm- Superior Court of Ontario for orders • the right to capitalize their in- mitting to the scheme; law.com setting aside City of Ottawa resolu- vestment in sports franchises, as well misrepresented the role of Price- tions and bylaws approving a de- as construction cost overruns, and waterhouseCoopers, which was re- velopment scheme for Lansdowne The Commitment of City to earn an 8% return on such invest- tained to prepare the LPP Business Park. According to their application, Assets and Resources to the LPP ments and costs. Model but expressly did not carry out the City’s actions are illegal because Scheme an audit, or provide any other form of they fail to comply with the require- – Grants OSEG a 30-year lease to assurance on the financial or other in- ments of municipal bylaws and/or the The City’s Failure to Act in the entire Lansdowne Site for $1.00 formation provided to it by the City Municipal Act, and because Council Good Faith per year; and OSEG on which that business failed to act in good faith in approv- The Applicants also claim that the – Ditto for Frank Clair Stadium plan was based; ing the development scheme. City failed to act in good faith or with and related parking facilities, which is failed to consult with the Ontario At issue is Council’s decision to appropriate due diligence, and in par- to be refurbished and built at a cost to Heritage Trust in a timely manner with enter into a complex public private ticular failed repeatedly to meet the the City of $129,300,000.00; respect to the protection of heritage partnership scheme with the Ontario standard of candour, frankness, im- – Gives OSEG a 50-70 year lease values and assets on the Lansdowne Sports and Entertainment Group partiality, and fairness that is required to several acres of LP for commercial Site, including those protected by an (OSEG), a consortium of local de- of municipal government when it: development at the same nominal rent easement held by the Trust and under velopers and sports entrepreneurs. unlawfully solicited, and provid- for the first 30 yrs; which its approval for such develop- Under the scheme (the Lansdowne ed preferential treatment to the OSEG – Gives OSEG exclusive con- ment is required; Partnership Plan or LPP), more than a redevelopment plan, while a public tracts to manage the redevelopment of failed to commission an independ- quarter of Lansdowne Park would be procurement process was underway to Lansdowne Park, and to program and ent audit of the LPP to assess whether converted to private commercial and invite, in an open, fair and transparent operate Frank Clair Stadium and all it represents value for money by com- condominium development, and the manner, competing proposals for the paring the cost of the LPP against City would spend $130 million to re- redevelopment of Lansdowne Park; the City developing Lansdowne Park Cont’d on next page furbish Frank Clair Stadium and build unlawfully authorized a sole source contract with OSEG to re- through an open and competitive pro- JAN 2011 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR Page 23 BACKYARD BEAT Community Policing By Constable policing today, we have come a very mittee), CI-CS (Critical Incident - absolutely impartial service to the Khoa N. Hoang long way. In my short career, I have Critical Situation) Team, Neighbour- law. had the opportunity to serve with the hood Watch, and our Police Services he health of our community Hamilton Police Service, the RCMP, Board comprised of community lead- 6) Police use physical force to the involves many considerations and now back home in Ottawa. I ers. They are all a valuable part of extent necessary to secure observance that are not always related to am extremely proud of the uniform directing the police. of the law or to restore order only T I wear and the oath I took, because I In closing, let me leave you with when the exercise of persuasion, ad- physical health. Our community has been greatly impacted by repeated, honour the community that raised me the principles which Sir Robert Peel vice, and warning is found to be in- negative exposure of its police ser- by giving back. The day we no long- believed should inform and would sufficient. vice which may or may not be justi- er represent the good people of Ottawa create an effective police service, fiable. Trust, is not only an essential is the day that I will resign… That which is to say one that is able to inte- 7) Police, at all times, should element of policing, but it is the single day has not come! grate its community members into the maintain a relationship with the pub- most important tool in an officer’s ar- Policing in any environment is police culture. lic that, in reality, reflects the historic senal. When you have public trust, about one thing, the people. And our tradition that recognizes that the po- doors open, witnesses come forward, effectiveness as officers can be - dir 1) The basic mission for which lice are the public and the public are and evidence to build strong cases be- ectly correlated to our understanding the police exist is to prevent crime the police; the police are only mem- come much easier to obtain. of the communities we serve. Each and disorder bers of the public who are paid to give Now let’s make something very community can be vastly different full-time attention to duties which are clear before I thrust myself into the one from the other, with its popula- 2) The ability of the police to per- incumbent upon every citizen in the political hole of no return, I am a tion defining the local culture. No form their duties is dependent upon interests of community welfare and community member first that has the matter where I travel, I spend most of the public approval of police actions. existence. responsibilities of a police officer. my time listening and observing the Your concerns as a part of the com- local population. I always seem to 3) Police must secure the willing 8) Police should always direct munity directly become my concern learn something about myself along co-operation of the public in volun- their action strictly towards their as an officer. the way. tary observation of the law to be able functions, and never appear to usurp The concept of community poli- But explaining personal beliefs to secure and maintain the respect of the powers of the judiciary. cing was developed by Sir Robert and police policies may not be enough the public. Peel, who many consider to be the to ease the emotional concerns today. 9) The test of police efficiency is father of modern day policing. Sir So let me extend my hand to each of 4) The degree of co-operation of the absence of crime and disorder, not Robert Peel was the Prime Minister of you and invite you to actively partici- the public that can be secured dimin- the visible evidence of police action the United Kingdom who during the pate with your police service in build- ishes proportionately to the necessity in dealing with it. mid 1800s successfully argued for the ing a brighter future. At the dawn of for the use of physical force. implementation of an effective police a new day there lies an opportunity to service at a time when crime was be- be better than we were in the darkest 5) Police seek and preserve public lieved to be rising sharply. Trust in of nights. favour not by catering to public opin- government was in jeopardy; con- The Ottawa Police Service act- ion, but by constantly demonstrating sequently, recommendations aimed at ively participates with community preventing further damage gave rise members on a number of committees to action. and groups that help steer your police But that was then. Although there service. Groups such as COMPAC are still areas that concern me about (Community and Police Action Com-
Landsdowne ....Cont’d from previous page concessions; • The City will be required to – Gives OSEG related investments pay $7.2 million per year to repay the priority with respect to revenues that debt it issues to build the stadium and may be generated by the LPP scheme; public parking. and, • The annual debt repayment – Gives OSEG the right to capital- will not result in an increase in resi- ize the costs of CFL and OHL fran- dential property taxes. This is because chises, and construction cost overruns, the $7.2 million annual payment will and to earn an 8% return on these in- be covered through the following: vestments and until they are repaid in – $3.8 million - that the City will full; not have to spend to operate and main- – Borrows $35 million for urban tain Lansdowne Park as it exists today; park (parking) and to move the Horti- – $2.6 million - 75% of the new culture Building commercial and retail property taxes that will come from the re-developed OSEG Commitments Lansdowne; • Acquiring and operating a – $0.8 million - from the parking, CFL team and the Ottawa 67’s OHL commercial development and pro- franchise; gramming revenue from the new site • Making an equity contribu- – this will be fully achieved by 2020. tion of $30 million; Until this amount is fully achieved any • Providing or arranging for shortfall will come from existing City third party financing for the costs of reserves. building the retail and related parking infrastructure; and Information taken from: • Construction cost overruns http://www.letsgetitright.ca/im- but these will be treated as OSEG ages/the_once_and_future_lans- equity. downe_park.pdf http://www.letsgetitright.ca/legal Your Taxes Page 24 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR JAN 2011 Tom Alfoldi Photos Galapagos Abovewater July 2008
Cactus Marine Iguana Turtle
Marine Iguana - Seems like everyone is starting a rock band!
Sealion pup
Penguin
Heron
“During the dive trip to the Galapagos (July 2008) we had several land excur- sions - where these photos were taken. The landscapes, formed entirely by lava were quite surreal, especially to someone used to glaciated terrain. It was amazing to see how vegetation can take a foothold on such inhospitable ground.” JAN 2011 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR Page 25 Tom Alfoldi Photos Galapagos Underwater July 2008
Eagleray Napoleon Wrasse Yellow- tailed surgeonfish
Hammerhead shark
“My trip to the Galapagos in July 2008. Some of the most dif- ficult diving I’ve ever done, but certainly worth it for the experi- ence. Strong currents, limited visibility, cold water. But a wealth of animal types and in large quantities. Most impressive were the huge whale sharks and most fun were the sea lions.”
Nudibranch Page 26 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR JAN 2011
WINDSOR REDUX PARTS 19 Tobaganning
For nearly eight years, from When the humanoids and their stick about the length of Alpha’s arm, I’m looking forward to summer, February 2000 to August 2008, pups assemble at the top of the hill, with a claw-like cup on one end and a when I hope Alpha will take the OSCAR carried a monthly column. they are all very willing to kick or handle grip on the other.(2) chuck-it out to the cottage. I want The Windsor Chronicles, written by throw the balls down the slope. Maybe Humanoids like the cup because to see if this new technology enables Zoscha the Wonder Dog. Zoscha it’s their way of keeping us out of the it lets them pick up the ball without him to throw a ball all the way out became something of a celebrity in our way while the pups line up for their touching it. They seem to have to the little island where the herons neighbourhood, and her observations turns on the sled runs. I sometimes an aversion to dog slobber, these scoop for minnows. But that is still on the passing scene, from a canine like to tease them by loitering about humanoids. They need to get more a long time away, and right now, I’m perspective, attracted her share of in their path, but every self respecting in touch with their inner pup. Some very happy looking for tennis balls in loyal readers as well as critics. dog knows enough to keep an ear of the more senior of the species also the snow. OSCAR is reprinting some of cocked for the approach of a hurtling like the chuck-it because they don’t Zoscha’s musings from eight years toboggan. have to bend down to pick up the ball. Enjoying the winter of ago. The editors have annotated where Each year, there’s a new It’s as if their arms can now reach we feel that today’s readers may need technology for humanoids to apply right to the ground. our content, to be informed of references that may to the hill. Last year, Alpha and the And I like the chuck-it because it no longer be remembered by readers Pup’s favourite was the hard plastic opens new vistas for exercise. I still Zoscha today, or where recent scholarship “flying saucer.” This year, humanoids have to get the hang of this, however. has shed further light on the world seem intrigued by the possibilities I’m still not accustomed to Alpha 1) Recent scholarship confirms described in the Windsor Chronicles.. of inflatable sleds, shaped like space being able to hurl a ball over the that the toboggan run Zoscha refers craft, that whine down the slope with hockey rink, over the kiddie rink and to lies on a slight rise near the west January, 2002 the sound of a strong wind blowing clear over the tennis court fence. I go end of the park. It continues to be Dear Boomer, through a small opening. off in search of the ball, can’t find it, enjoyed by dogs and humans alike. I think someone should come up and am usually surprised to find that See Martha S. Van Yard, “Places with an idea of skis for four-legged it has gone about twice as far as I had and Playthings: The World of Fun hat wonderful weather for creatures. Maybe attaching the estimated. in Zoscha’s Chronicles,” Journal of sleds and toboggans The dewclaw to a safety binding. I think This is good exercise for Alpha Canine Studies, Vol 2, No. 1, Summer, snow is packed and firm, W I could get the hang of shifting my as well – not just the throwing, but 2008. with icy patches for those who want weight to carve a turn in the snow, or trudging off to the far corners of momentum before they hit the speed relaxing my stifles enough to take the the park to help me find a ball that 2) Ibid. bump at the foot of the run. The snow impact as I schuss straight down the has been launched well beyond my is firm enough, in fact, that tennis balls hill. radar. In the coming months, I’ll bounce and skitter, rather than bury In the meantime, I have been no doubt get accustomed to the new into the drifts. Now that the fence thoroughly enjoying the new technology. I’ll be able to calculate has been removed from the ward technology the humanoids have how far out and in what direction the yard, there are more possibilities for developed for ball-throwing. I’ve ball has gone. And in the spring, we sledding and chasing – chasing sleds, heard the humanoids call it a “chuckit” will go out sniffing for all those tennis chasing balls, and chasing other dogs. and it’s the greatest thing since sliced balls that Alpha and I have not been (1) meatloaf. It’s nothing more than a able to find in the snow.
Red Apron Cooks Reprint from January 2007 Happy New Year! oyster stew, latkes and doughnuts. without breaking them, you will have into thin slices half a pound of citron, At the Red Apron, we are kick- a long life. and the grated rind of two lemons; hristmas, Hanukkah, Kwan- ing off 2007 with dishes from around In the Southern United States, the beat this for at least half an hour until zaa and the New Year are all the world that have symbolic mean- New Year is often celebrated by eating perfectly light; line the pan with but- occasions for feasting with ing for the New Year. For example black-eyed peas and collard greens, tered white paper, and bake in rather C in Japan, it is a traditional to eat soba usually eaten with ham or some cut of slow heat for four hours: when nearly family and friends. Most of us cele- brate these occasions with traditional (buckwheat noodles) on New Year’s pork meat. Black-eyed peas and other cold, ice. foods, like the classic Christmas tur- Eve since the thin noodles symbolize legumes symbolize coins, the pork Since we now can enjoy the benefit key with sage stuffing, baked hams, longevity. If you can eat the noodles symbolizes prosperity and the greens of hand mixers, and ovens with tem- represent paper money. peratures that can be regulated, you In England and France, the cele- can reduce the beating time by using bration of Twelfth night (January electric beaters, and reduce the cook- 6) includes the baking and eating of ing time by setting your oven to 350 Twelfth Night cakes – the tradition degrees F. Good luck with this recipe calls for small edible beans or peas to – it will make for an interesting ad- be baked in the batter, and when the venture! cake was sliced up and served, finding the hidden item was considered good This month’s dinner recipe is simi- luck. lar to one served at the Red Apron during the first week of January. You This Recipe for Twelfth Night can serve these dishes with either a Cake dates back to the 1860’s: stir fry of Asian vegetables, or a fresh salad. Cream two pounds of butter and two pounds of sugar; take one large May the New Year bring you Joy, nutmeg grated, half an ounce of Happiness, Peace, Health and an ground allspice, one teaspoonful of abundance of fresh local food! ground cinnamon, the same of ginger, the same of coriander seeds, and one wineglass of brandy; mix these well, Cont’d on next page then beat very light eighteen eggs; cut JAN 2011 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR Page 27
The Grosvenor Avenue Gastronomic Society “Life is too short to eat disappointing food.”
A Year of GAGS: A Review of 2010
A Year of GAGS: A Review of 2010 January blues a second time by look- pation for what 2011 will bring and tarian establishment, and potentially ing back on our reviews to date (see are considering including a “ratings a review of a home meal service/ A year has passed since the Gros- table). grid” for our monthly reviews, so we catering menu. As always, we en- venor Avenue Gastronomic Society Carmen’s Veranda and the Wel- thought we’d test drive a handful of courage you to provide us with your (GAGS) anonymously reviewed its lington Gastropub definitely top categories here. Let us know what suggestions on places you’d like us first restaurant (OOS’ very own Car- our favourites list for 2010 with you think as we prepare for our 2011 to review [grosvenor.gastronomic@ men’s Veranda) in December 2009. Malone’s and the recently-reviewed tasting season. gmail.com]. Given that our most scathing review Steak fighting it out to be crowned On the schedule for 2011 in addition Cheers! (Malone’s) appeared in the very next as our “worst GAGS experience of to our usual “home and away” format The Grosvenor Avenue Gastronomic issue, we thought we’d avoid the 2010”. We are primed with antici- is an OOS Pub Showdown, a vege- Society (GAGS)
Red Apron ...Cont’d from previous page
Sesame Scallion tawakiosk.com/somerset/ 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts cover and refrigerate 1 hour Soba Noodles (about 3 oz each) 3. Pre-heat oven to 375°. Place 2 tablespoons sesame seeds – gently 1. Cook noodles in pot of boiling salt- 1/4 cup rice vinegar chicken in a baking dish and pour toasted ed water until just tender but still firm marinade over chicken. Bake 20-30 12 ounces (350 grams) dried buck- to bite, about 8 minutes. 1. Combine miso, sugar, broth, minutes or until cooked through. wheat noodles* 2. Drain. Rinse noodles under cold oil, prunes and ginger in the bowl 4 tablespoons peanut oil (or Canola water until cool. of a food processor and pulse until Oil) 3. Heat both oils in a fry pan on smooth. 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil medium heat and add green onions. 2. Pour glaze over chicken; coat, 3 green onions (Scallions) thinly Cook slightly for 1 minute. Add sliced drained noodles and cook until heated through. Season with salt or *Buckwheat noodles are available at Soy Sauce. Sprinkle with sesame Asian markets. At the Red Apron, seeds and serve. we often look for ingredients in Ot- tawa’s Somerset Heights, which of- fers many treasures from Asia, wheth- Plum and Miso Glazed er it be 1000 year old eggs, chicken Chicken Breast feet, BBQ pork & duck, hand painted 1/2 cup white miso paste (found at silk garments, rice noodles, fine hand health food stores or at the Asian crafted jewelry, soup bowls, serving Market) spoons, traditional Chinese medicines 1/4 cup sugar and the largest concentration of Asian 1/4 cup chicken broth restaurants in the region. The follow- 8-10 dried plums (prunes) ing website provides information on 3 tbsp canola oil the many shops & services. www.ot- 1 tbsp minced ginger th Page 28 The OSCAR - OUR 38 YEAR JAN 2011 Presentation to Planning Committee on 71 Hopewell Avenue
Brendan McCoy, are more than 2 units being built, there was put off to the next meeting to see bicycle and pedestrian commuters in OSWATCH Co-Chair for needs to be what the City calls a “site if staff and the developer could find the City. plan”, and this needs to be approved some compromise. The three units proposed for 71 the Old Ottawa South by the City. City staff, supported by Hopewell not only lack front porches, Community Association neighbours and OSCA, have objected front porch is a signature they have no ground level windows Inc. to the proposed site plan on the basis element in Old Ottawa South. nor do two of them even have front that the design is not compatible with AA garage is not. (see photos 1 doors. This is a clear violation of the A developer has bought a lot at the City’s Infill. Specifically, all have and 2) This does not preclude density, City’s infill guidelines, staff have, to 71 Hopewell near Grosvenor, it is 50 been critical of the ground floor of lots are relativity narrow and there is their credit, recognized this. feet wide with a small yellow wooden the units which is dominated by three a mix of singles, doubles and rows. In Infill is as old as my neighbourhood. house on it. The developer wants to garage doors, and has no windows, Old Ottawa South we have tree-lined I live in half of a semi-detached on demolish the house and build 3 town and only one front door. streets where the houses are close to Grosvenor, my house was built in homes on the site. This is allowed This is the argument I made the street and have a relationship with 1919. It was built in the back yard of a under the zoning, but because there before the City’s Planning Committee the street. Most families have cars but row of three houses facing Sunnyside. on 16 November when the decision we have some of the highest rates of That row on Sunnyside is now two
(Above & below) These are photos of houses next to and across the street from the proposed three town homes. The houses have animated ground floors, front doors, front windows and porches. The driveways are small and to the side.
To book an OSCAR ad
contact Gayle
(613) 730-1058 [email protected] JAN 2011 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR Page 29
Presentation to Planning Committee on 71 Hopewell Avenue... Cont’d
Above is what the proposed three units will look like.
houses and three apartments. Seven of the property. It is in sharp contrast leadership. We have examples from reject the proposed site plan, and to units in total. The four houses on this to the neighbouring properties which across the city of great infill design, but demand that this developer do better corner (not including the apartments) have front steps, front proches, front not enough. Staff and Council worked work, work that strengthens both my all share a single private lane to park doors, front windows, grass and hard to create and pass infill guidelines neighbourhood, and this city as a behind our houses. The result is a trees in front and parking tucked in that would ensure that ,development in whole. lot of density but with an attractive beside their houses. The proposed existing neighbourhoods is embraced Members of this committee, show streetscape. It is comfortable to walk development has all the charm and instead of feared. All the guidelines your citizens that you care about by, it has room for trees, gardens and the appearance of the dullest type of really ask is that developers take the their neighbourhoods, and require porches, it looks inviting. back alley. character of the neighbourhood into developers to do better work than this. The three town homes proposed Good design works well and looks account. Everyone agrees that this for 71 Hopewell are the opposite of good. There are four recently built builder failed to do that. He had many this earlier infill. The street frontage houses on Woodbine Lane just two opportunities to make changes, and he
(Above & right) These four recently built houses are part of a three (above) and four-plex (right) on Woodbine Lane
on the proposed development is all blocks from Hopewell. (see photo 4, parking and deadens the street. After 5) Two of them won a well deserved input from the neighbours and the award for design. They respect the chose to push forward with a design wider community it was suggested street, they have front doors, large that would make three large garage by City staff that the developer of windows at ground level and all have doors and some pavement the face of 71 Hopewell look at a arrangement porches. Parking is at the side. Cars are this home to the street. similar to my house with parking not ignored, but they do not dominate The developer is betting that Planning behind, but unfortunately he declined either. These houses were built on Committee will endorse his conduct to do so. what was a back alley that was once and confirm that the only thing that Context is everything. A twenty dominated by garages: it has become matters is zoning. You have a unique story building works with other tall an inviting street. However, Hopewell chance here to defend the guidelines building in a built up downtown, but is threatened with the reverse, with and the principles of smart growth, not on a residential street. The brick the loss of its attractive streetscape and to say loudly and clearly that on the proposed town homes is fine; as garage dominated houses are the character of neighbourhoods however, the homes are a bit too tall added. Hopewell Avenue risks being does matter. Builders and developers and the ground floor is egregious. (see transformed into an alley dominated can do much better work and still photo number 3) Look at it, garages by garages. make a profit, but they need the City completely dominates the first floor In conclusion, this is an opportunity to challenge them to do that better while pavement dominates the front for the City to show courage and work. I am asking this committee to Page 30 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR JAN 2011 Havana Cafe Cuban Lunch Spot Comes to OOS
By Anna Redman only attraction. Oslaide told multiple anecdotes of loyal customers travel- n early September, Bank Street ling great distances for his delicacies. was graced with the presence He says that people from the Amer- of independently owned Life of ican Embassy frequently travel the 5 I KM for lunch. He also had a woman Pie. Their homemade pies, soups and baked goods have been an inevitable drive 25 KM from Kanata to acquire success. Now, that same recipe for suc- his favourite dish, the Ropa Vieja. cess can be found a few blocks south Oslaide knows that he isn’t the only but with a whole new flavour. Havana sandwich place in Old Ottawa South, Cafe, a Cuban lunch spot, has recent- but he says he’s not worried about ly opened up across from Subway, the competition. He believes he has and next to the Buttercream Bakery. already received a great amount of Oslaide the owner greeted me with a community support and he is confi- complimentary glass of mojito lem- dent in the food he makes. onade, a refreshing treat that should Additionally, he has made a con- not be passed up, and happily told me scious effort to make it affordable. He the cafe’s tale. He moved to Canada knows, thanks to Carleton, that there four years ago, romantically follow- are many students in the area who ing a “beautiful Canadian girl” he had may prefer the option of buying food met in Cuba. They have now been staff at Havana. In addition to Oslaide, West, Florida and Cuba. The sand- rather than cooking. Similarly, many together for seven years and now have Lindsay and Brianna are learning the wiches initially sold for 15 cents each families in the community may prefer a baby girl. trade of Cuban cookery. The most and were both filling and delicious to order Cuban food after a long day Here in Canada, Oslaide decided famous dish available at Havana is meals for the workers. Now however, at work. Oslaide believes that it is this to bring some of the zest and spice of undoubtedly the Classic Cuban sand- it has become a tasty treat worldwide. community support that will make his homeland to Old Ottawa South. wich. Oslaide calls it the most famous Oslaide’s personal favourite dish is him successful, and that Old Ottawa He has always worked in the service sandwich in the world and says that the Ropa Vieja. This is shredded beef, South was undoubtedly the right loca- industry, having previously owned a it is unquestionably the most popular. sautéed with sweet red pepper and on- tion for his new cafe. restaurant in Cuba, thus making Ha- This tasty treat features a toasted ions, and is available as a meat dish The cafe itself may be small, and vana his second culinary endeavour. white bun filled with roast pork, ham, or a sandwich. While these two items the decor is simple but tasteful and in- Having “always cooked” throughout mustard, pickle and swiss cheese. On are available every day, the cafe also viting. The staff members are friendly his life, friends and family were very Saturdays it is available with a coffee features a revolving set of daily spe- and enthusiastic about their products encouraging that he open and operate for the low price of $5, the usual cost cials. Business has been going well; and the smells are the most alluring of a business for himself in Ottawa. of the sandwich every other day of Oslaide notes that he frequently sells all. Anyone looking to try something Their support has been essen- the week. The sandwich bears an in- out of his unique dishes, having to with a little zest should stop by the tial to the successful opening of the teresting history. It was initially made run outside and erase them from the new Havana Cafe. Oslaide will make cafe, and Oslaide says they even popular by those working in cigar chalkboard your experience a positive one with help out with babysitting duties. factories and commuted between Key The specials are by no means the his friendly service and fantastic food. Currently there are three members of JAN 2011 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR Page 31
M.P.P. OTTAWA CENTRE New Beginnings
By Yasir Naqvi, MPP
elcome back! It’s a New Year – and with Wevery January 1st comes resolutions of greatness and new beginnings. I had a wonderfully busy holiday season. From Christmas concerts to holiday bake sales, Chanukah celebrations and community association AGMs, I crammed as much as I could into the month of December. On top of a brief stint as jolly ol’ Saint Nic, I also made time to host my annual Holiday Open House on December 11 at the newly renovated Sunnyside Library. It was great to see so many friends and neighbours come out to enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies! Now that the holidays are over, it is time to set our sights on the year ahead. After a very busy fall legislative session, I am back in Yasir Naqui as Santa Ottawa until Family Day next month. During this time, I will be meeting the communities that serve them, first. and Dr. Munir Sheikh (former Chief also welcome your comments or with as many constituents as I can We heard firsthand how the housing Statistician for the Government of suggestions at any time. Please feel to learn more about their priorities, system is too complicated and that Canada). free to contact me to share your ideas hear their suggestions, and gain their strict rules discourage those in need The review will begin in January or request more information. You can wisdom. of housing and create barriers to 2011 and finish in June 2012, and reach me anytime at 613-722-6414 or Next month I will be hosting opportunity. That is why the housing will help Ontario develop an action [email protected]. pre-Budget consultations across strategy will address the unique plan that will make social assistance the community. The goal of these needs of individuals and communities more effective at getting people into Here’s to a great 2011! consultations is to hear first hand by building a strong foundation jobs; easier to understand; work better what the priorities are for your family that is based on four key pillars: with other federal, provincial and and to better understand the needs putting people first; creating strong municipal income security programs, of our community. We all know partnerships; supporting affordable such as Employment Insurance; that these are tight economic times. options; and accountability. and more accountable and fiscally Although we have cut the projected As part of the strategy, we responsible. deficit for 2010/11 by almost 25 per introduced the Strong Communities These initiatives are all part of our cent, we must continue to be prudent through Affordable Housing Act that plan to ensure that Ontario’s economy and efficient managers and invest tax would, if passed, reduce barriers to continues to rebound from the dollars wisely. This means that we affordable housing by: consolidating recession and that all Ontario families need to make careful decisions about Ontario’s housing and homelessness continue to have the opportunity to where we invest our money – ensuring programs to give municipalities the succeed. We know that Ontario is that Ontarians receive the highest flexibility to use funding to address the greatest province to live in, and value of programs for their money. local needs; simplifying the rent- together, we are working to ensure that Our task is to encourage a geared-to-income calculation process our quality of life remains. Together competitive economy that creates so that most tenants would only we are building strong public services, jobs, to manage down the deficit declare their income once a year; creating jobs and strengthening our and the debt, and to help Ontario expanding affordable housing options economy. families. We cannot — we will not by requiring municipalities to set I look forward to hearing your — balance the budget on the backs of policies that would allow second units feedback and ideas. I encourage our public services. We will not turn in new and existing developments; and you to participate in the upcoming back to crumbling schools and closing clarifying the roles and responsibilities pre-Budget consultations. I would hospitals. We will not go back to of municipalities and the province dirty coal-fired electricity generation to create stronger partnerships and or poor water quality. Instead, we greater accountability. will be moving forward with full- In addition to the housing strategy, day kindergarten, renewable energy our government is also moving generation and stronger health care. forward with a Social Assistance Our plan for 2010 includes Review to improve the outcomes for strengthening the programs and low-income Ontarians. This is the services that make Ontario the best first major review of Ontario’s social province to live in. Last fall, our assistance programs in 20 years, government introduced Ontario’s and will be lead by the Honourable Long-Term Affordable Housing Frances Lankin, P.C. (Past President Strategy – a plan that puts people, and and CEO of United Way Toronto), To book an OSCAR ad call Gayle 730-1058 [email protected] Page 32 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR JAN 2011 OCCSB TRUSTEE REPORT “Putting Students First”
to bring when registering your child each elementary school. To register staffing considerations and enrolment Kathy Ablett, R.N. for Kindergarten. your child, you must contact your numbers. Trustee Zone 9 child’s new school, and be prepared The Board will hold public General Board Updates to provide the following: consultation sessions in January and Capital/River Wards • an Ontario Health Card and February 2011 to provide information Telephone: 526-9512 Kindergarten Registration record of immunization; about current practices and to seek Continues • a birth certificate or other input from the community about Immaculata High School Registration for junior and senior government document to show proof French programming for the future. kindergarten will take place during the of age; and Times will be confirmed on the Best wishes to all Immaculata week of January 24 to 28, 2011 at all • a Roman Catholic Board’s website and through the students who will soon be writing of our elementary schools for children baptismal certificate for schools. Additional feedback will be exams. Remember to keep a fine who are ages four or five by December either the child OR parent. * sought via the Catholic School Parents’ balance of rest, healthy eating and 31, 2011. Registrations will also be * the baptismal certificate of a Association and through various on- exercise, which will help you as you accepted anytime during the regular common-law spouse or step-parent is line and/or social network forums. prepare for exams. A great way to school year if you happen to miss the also acceptable. For information about the Board’s start off a healthy, happy New Year! January registration period. current French program options go To give each child the best start French Program Review - to: OttawaCatholicSchools.ca/media. Corpus Christi possible, our Kindergarten program Update php?mid=3654 provides a variety of learning May I wish everyone a very Corpus Christi will be holding opportunities and experiences. Our An update was provided by the happy and healthy New Year and a Kindergarten Open House on schools offer an excellent curriculum French Program Review Steering continued success in 2011!! Thursday, January 20 from 4:00 including French language instruction, Committee at the Board meeting of – 5:00 p.m. Parents will have the with the unique dimension of quality December 14, 2010. The group is If, at any time, I can be of opportunity to see the classrooms, Catholic education. We also offer examining the current French program assistance to you please do not meet this year’s teachers and ask comprehensive programs for children offered by our Board; the possible hesitate to call me at 526-9512. questions. Please see the article below with special needs. impact of the Ministry of Education’s Sincerely, for the list of required documentation Registration takes place at revised curriculum for French to be released 2011-2012; and, the course Kathy Ablett of action our Board is taking to move “Your Trustee” forward in 2011. Subcommittees are looking at programming options, immersion entry points, financial and
To book an OSCAR ad call Gayle 730-1058 [email protected]
Capital Ward .... Cont’d from next page
progress to round out the season. them continued. There was a late I was able to get a useful start to the political school year this technical amendment to the student year due to the election in many ways transfer policy, providing some and so we had our first Zone Council flexibility to principals to retain meeting at Viscount Alexander PS cross-boundary students at schools (Sandy Hill) December 13th. even though they no longer qualify I have wanted to get a sense of under certain circumstances. I have a what common issues or concerns minor motion coming up in January there might be. One issue which to set the school start date for next seemed to resonate from many in year based on community requests I attendance last meeting was the have been receiving. school reorganizations and teacher I am considering other more reassignments which seem to occur substantial motions for next year at the start of each school year and and, as always, request that you which many find to be disruptive contact me if you see an issue which and disconcerting. We may take this may be common to many schools one up again next meeting that is and which may arguably require a likely to be held now in February. Board discussion or policy tweak of Another vehicle you have then to some kind. provide input into OCDSB decision- making is via your representatives at Zone Council Update these Zone Council meetings.
I have for years now tried to If you have a suggestion or a organize Zone Council meetings of concern, or would like to be added reps of all Zone 9 school councils, to my e-newsletter list, then please and recently with reps from related contact me via rob@ocdsbzone9. community associations as well. ca or at 323-7803. Meeting and Sometimes these have been well document info available at www. attended and sometimes not; ocdsb.ca however, people seem to want to see JAN 2011 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR Page 33
OCDSB TRUSTEE REPORT Capital Ward Accommodations
By Rob Campbell question, and of course if so then what the program is, in my view the right at full Board and this time it passed this consensus measure might be. thing to do. My motion merely called to a resounding majority, after some s noted in the previous column, In any event, starting as soon to do a market demand study, leaving very real debate. This result was on November 4th there was a as this March / April, building on a final decision to later and included achieved in part by lobbying on the well-attended public meeting the momentum of the finalized numerous escape routes for the Board part of some in the alt ed community. A interim solution discussions, further if it wishes. However, even this was As well it was clear to me that the (approx 120 people) organized by the Glebe Community Association discussions will start on a larger more quite contentious. standing Committee was not actually community on the pressing OCDSB comprehensive process to address The case for both of these failed representative of the Board’s view school accommodation issues in the several schools’ concerns in a more motions is compelling to me but I felt of the principles and risks involved Capital Ward area. Readers will recall permanent way. The interim solution that I had to pick one to particularly here, so I’m happy this got pursued. a need to find at least interim relief buys us the time to do this properly. advance at full board. I am sorry but In the end, a happy win and some real for First Ave PS for next September This more comprehensive process is I did not believe, and do not believe, and a need to address the concerns anticipated to take several months and that both could have been achieved. I Cont’d on previous page of several area schools after that in a will be aimed at implementing, or at especially advanced the alt ed motion permanent fashion as well. least starting to implement, changes Since then, on December for September 2012. 7th, OCDSB staff organized a Various area school concerns stakeholders’ meeting of school include: concern with Hopewell council and community association PS with over all size and imminent reps to explain the process for the overcrowding; concern with First next few month’s and to seek input Avenue overcrowding; concern for on a draft public document discussing how to deal with the need for extra interim solutions. Invited were classrooms for all-day learning in community reps from Hopewell, First all area schools; some overcrowding Ave, Mutchmor, Glashan, Elgin and at Elgin Street PS; concern with Centennial PS, as well as community declining student numbers at reps from the Glebe and Old Ottawa Glashan, Mutchmor and Centennial South community associations, PS; concern with programming and OCDSB Trustees for Zones 9 at Mutchmor and Glashan. This (Campbell) and 10 (McKenzie). may be an opportunity to look at The session was very productive other options as well including and community members agreed that straightening out Viscount Alexander an additional short term relief Option catchment and looking at various F needed to be considered as well as models of school organization for the the existing set of options generated future. Several questions get raised by to date by staff. The staff report such discussions including what we on interim measures was finalized think of as ‘community’ and what we based in part on this input and came expect in each community or in each out December 16th. It is available, community school. along with other information and web-based public input link at: Motions Update http://www.ocdsb.ca/sch/as/Pages/ CentretownGlebeOldOttawaSouth. I’ve had mixed success as your aspx Trustee since last report. There Staff have booked the Glebe were two unfortunate setbacks at Collegiate auditorium Monday Committee, which politically and January 10th 7:00 PM for a general practically could only be championed public information and Q&A open forward to Board. forum meeting on the interim relief My motion, discussed last options. Public input on the options column, to keep some Late French will be received until January 24th. Immersion access for those new Staff will make a recommendation families without other Immersion to the Board at a meeting likely entry options failed on a 4-4 tie (plus mid-February. However, their 3 abstentions) at Committee. This is recommendations may or may not disappointing to me and will likely have time to come to a standing mean, unless people happen to rise Committee first. In any event there up, which has not happened to date, will be an opportunity for some sort of that this school year will be the last a public delegations in case of interest. one for which we have Grade 7 entry A Board decision is needed by the end point LFI. Next year would be the last of February at the latest so that draft year for Grade 8 students as part of staffing for the affected schools for the phaseout, etc. next year may be completed by mid- My ongoing effort, also March as per collective agreement. discussed last column, to see access The process above will be the to elementary alternative schools one used to determine temporary unrolled equitably across all Ottawa relief measures primarily for First was also defeated on a 3-3(-1) tie at Avenue PS. Whether temporary relief a recent Committee meeting. The measures are needed for Hopewell alt ed program has been bizarrely Avenue PS as well for next September the only program that we offer to is one of the matters in question. How those inside the Greenbelt; given the far interim measures should go and to program’s reconfirmation last school what extent they should or should not year as a program the Board values, prefigure permanent ones is another finally providing equity of access to Page 34 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR JAN 2011 Sips from the Poetry Café Things You Can Do With Snow That You Can’t Do With Sand
you can do neither on sand through the less than balmy 8. A pound of snow melted makes temperatures! a refreshing beverage, a pound of
By: Susan Atkinson enjoyable at least bearable. And now we’re here again and sually at this time of year I like I’m wondering what I can do this to picture myself on a beach year to make the most of the months with the sun’s rays pouring ahead. I thought of having the same U resolution but somehow it seemed to warmth, the salt air in my hair, waves licking golden sands, fruity, frothy have run it’s course so then I came up cocktail complete with umbrella with the idea of listing all the benefits in hand… well you get the picture. of snow versus sand and I thought for Unfortunately that will be an image all of you out there who have the same that remains solely in my mind for afflicition as I to the wintry weather, now and for that reason I am thinking I’d share – here goes: of ways to have a positive attitude to the upcoming season. While I’m 10 Things you can do with snow not a fan of winter and the freezing that you can’t do with sand (or at temperatures,I have been trying hard, least it’s easier to do with snow! if not to embrace the Canadian cold, 1. You can eat snow but you can’t at least to not complain about it. Now eat sand if you know me you know this is no 2. Snow falling from the sky looks mean feat. Saying I’m not a fan is a pretty whereas sand falling – well that gross understatement! Last year as would be weird a coping mechanism (and on advice 3. You can make balls from snow, of a friend who had tried it the year you can’t make balls with sand previous) my New Year’s resolution 4. t’s easier (and more pleasurable) was not to complain about the weather. to make a snow angel rather than a Let me clarify – I was allowed to sand angel sand, I don’t think so Winter engage in conversation about the daily 5. You can catch a snowflake on 9. Snow has a song written after it happenings from the sky, I was even your tongue but you wouldn’t want to “Let it Snow,” I don’t know any sand Robin Red Breast allowed to pass comment but not once catch a grain of sand songs (okay I know this one’s a bit Skipping prints in snow was I allowed to make a complaint. It 6. You can put snow in a drink lame!) Poem on canvas was amazing, not complaining about but you wouldn’t want to do that with 10. Snow + water = ice the cold, the ice, the unbearable nip in sand Sand + water = mud the air, actually made the winter if not 7. You can ski or sled on snow Good luck to all who are trying with great valour to suffer gracefully JAN 2011 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR Page 35
AMICALEMENT VOTRE La Mare au Diable de George Sand
Par Jean-Claude Dubé jeunes adolescentes. ses pièces de théâtre et ses critiques prétendant auprès d’une veuve plutôt George Sand est le pseudonyme littéraires s’ouvrirent aussi sur une coquette et il refuse de participer à une d’Amandine Aurore Lucile Dupin, révolte sociale en faveur des ouvriers compétition qu’il juge humiliante. De romancière française et femme de et des pauvres. Elle s’opposait à la son côté, Marie avait fui la ferme où lettres. Née à Paris, elle était la fille royauté et plaidait pour un pouvoir elle s’était rendue car le propriétaire d’un officier militaire, membre de la républicain véritable. lui avait fait des impropriétés dans la petite noblesse et descendant d’un George Sand rejeta l’idéal féminin bergerie. Germain la retrouve dans bâtard légitimé d’un roi de Pologne. imposé par les hommes ainsi que le le bois et la ramène chez elle, auprès Sa mère était la fille d’un oiseleur. mariage. Elle était une femme libre de sa mère. Plus tard, ils s’avoueront Orpheline à quatre ans, elle grandit et la féministe ultra du 19ième siècle. un amour l’un pour l’autre et ils se chez sa grand-mère, propriétaire Tard dans sa vie elle avait, comme marieront. Fin de l’histoire. d’une grande maison d’aristocrate amant et secrétaire, l’ami intime de En l’an 1830, ceci était le grand dans le Berry, au sud éloigné de Paris. son fils. amour idéalisé par les écrivains de l’ère C’est là qu’elle écrivit, dans une La Mare au Diable est le récit de du romantisme de son siècle. En l’an campagne paisible et protégée, ses Germain, un laboureur jeune de 28 2010, c’est une histoire d’adolescente. romans pastoraux tel que La Mare au ans qui se trouve veuf et seul avec Ce roman pourrait paraître un peu Diable. trois enfants. Il ne peut se consoler désuet dans son style, ses personnages Mariée jeune, elle abandonna son de la mort de sa femme bien-aimée. et son histoire. Certains diront : « A logis, son mari et ses trois enfants Ses beaux-parents lui conseillent de conseiller aux lecteurs qui apprécient pour suivre un amant, huit ans plus se remarier et le poussent à rendre les fins heureuses ». jeune qu’elle et loger près des rues visite à une veuve qui demeure dans le Hors, ce roman est aussi à et des bistros mouvementés de Paris. village voisin. À son départ pour cette conseiller aux passionnés de la fine Journaliste au Figaro, grand quotidien rencontre, on lui confit Marie, une plume. La simplicité du style de a Mare au Diable de George de l’époque, elle prit le nom de jeune fille de 16 ans qui doit se rendre George Sand est telle que, quoique Sand est un roman simple et plume de George Sand (son jeune au même village où elle est engagée le récit soit banal, l’histoire est naïf écrit pour une société compagnon, lui aussi journaliste, comme bergère. Sa mère est veuve, attachante. Les personnages sont L signait J.Sand). Elle adopta aussi une malade et pauvre et Marie s’engage d’une autre époque mais néanmoins faiblement alphabétisée du 19ième siècle. L’auteur, qui est une femme, tenue vestimentaire masculine. Ceci pour pourvoir à sa survie. très proches du lecteur. Leurs dépeint à merveille et très habilement lui permettait d’accéder à des lieux La route est longue et un orage expressions sont anciennes mais justes les vertus idéalisées de la vie interdits aux femmes tels que les survient qui oblige Germain et Marie et précises. C’est comme si ce sont campagnarde dans le Berry, une procès publics et les fosses de théâtres. à se réfugier dans une forêt. Ils nos aïeux que nous découvrons dans région rustique située dans le centre Sa profession de journaliste n’en campent près d’une mare en ignorant ces mots d’antan. On y découvre un de la France. Nous y trouvons de souffrait pas. En plus, les vêtements que cette mare est enchantée par le univers innocent et nostalgique. On se simples paysans menant une existence d’hommes étaient beaucoup moins diable. Marie s’endort et durant ce renseigne sur les mœurs, les mariages, bien ordonnée dans une région qui n’a dispendieux. sommeil Germain s’éprend de Marie. l’influence des aînés et le respect des même pas encore connu l’arrivée d’un George Sand n’était pas une À son réveil, Germain lui demande de jeunes envers ces aînés. On y trouve chemin de fer, la grande invention de travestie. Elle était une belle femme et l’épouser. Elle refuse l’imploration de un temps qu’on n’a jamais connu et leur temps. elle savait plaire en tant que telle. En Germain en lui disant que pour une que notre cœur, pourtant, reconnaît En un véritable hymne à la fait, elle eut de nombreux amants et jeune bergère de 16 ans, un laboureur comme le sien. A lire, si ce n’est que terre, George Sand nous raconte une des aventures passionnées et publiques de 28 ans est trop vieux. Tout en pour la rêverie et la passion de la histoire champêtre très touchante qui avec des personnalités connues tels démontrant la pureté de son âme qui lecture. nous révèle aussi les vertus pastorales qu’Alfred de Musset et Frédéric l’interdisait de vouloir gâcher un La prochaine lecture du Cercle telles que la fierté du travail, la pureté Chopin. Elle fit partie d’un cercle de mariage planifié par les beaux-parents de lecture de l’Amicale francophone de l’amour et l’amitié sincère entre grands écrivains et intellectuels tels de Germain, Marie devait cacher d’Ottawa est L’Étranger d’Albert voisins et parents. C’est de l’idéalisme que Balzac et Victor Hugo et elle les l’affection qu’elle portait toutefois Camus. La rencontre aura lieu le romantique. Malheureusement, de accueillait souvent chez elle. dans son cœur pour ce beau laboureur. mardi, 11 janvier 2011, au sous-sol de nos jours, ce chef-d’œuvre pastoral Même si elle n’était la seule Matin venu, ils reprennent la bibliothèque Sunnyside, rue Bank. écrit par une femme qui s’est fait femme de sa génération à se vêtir en la route, la magie de la nuit près Bonne lecture. remarquer durant sa vie entière par ses homme, elle a su se révolter contre le d’une mare d’eau enchantée s’étant intrigues amoureuses et scandaleuses, pouvoir masculin et forcer les portes dissipée. Chacun va vers son destin. se révèle plutôt comme lecture pour des conventions sociales. Ses romans, Germain apprend qu’il n’est pas le seul Page 36 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR JAN 2011 New Music Director At St. Matthew’s
By Neville Nankivell musical study at any age can enrich people’s lives.” t. Matthew’s Anglican Church A 2002 graduate in music of Wil- in the Glebe, which has a long frid Laurier University, Waterloo, On- tradition of excellence in choral tario, Mr. Adsett has a Master of Music S degree from the Westminister College music, has a new choir director and organist. W. Kirkland Adsett took up of the Arts, Princeton, New Jersey. the position Jan. 1, succeeding the tal- He is the recipient of several scholar- ented Stephen Candow, who last sum- ships and awards for musical ability, mer returned to his native Newfound- and sung in a church choir himself as land for family reasons a boy. That took him to music festi- Mr. Adsett comes to Ottawa from vals abroad, including singing at the the Church of St. Simon-the-Apostle, Mozart Festival in Salzburg, Austria. Toronto, where he had been the organ- “It was in Austria that I had the op- ist and choirmaster since 2007. “I am portunity to play the large organ in the very excited by the musical possibil- church at Mondsee where Maria von ities at my new church job at St. Mat- Trapp was married in the movie The thew’s,” he says. And his experience Sound of Music,” he recalls. “This in directing mixed choirs, conducting In Toronto he was also executive ous musical instruments and took part was truly the thrill of a lifetime.” evensong services and concerts, and director of the Reaching Out Through in weekly choir rehearsals. Mr. Adsett has also been the or- performing organ recitals will be put Music community choral program “As well as learning music on an ganist and choirmaster at St. James’ to immediate use. Mr. Adsett also there. It has had much success in individual basis, it was important that Anglican Church, Dundas, Ontario, brings with him a background of be- encouraging children to join choral our students were encouraged to sing St. John’s Episcopal Church, Salem, ing an active composer of new an- groups. Those in the program, mostly all together in the children’s choir,” New Jersey, and St. Simon’s Anglican thems, hymns and liturgical music. new Canadians, learned to play vari- Mr. Adsett says. “An introduction to Church, Oakville, Ontario.
Demystifying Home Technology - Aging in Place
By: Russell King, CCPD ‘age in place’ systems. a long period.... a potential slip & Sovereign Designs Inc. Most people are familiar with a fall? standard security system: the keypad • are they moving around, or just ‘Aging in Place (i.e. ‘age in place’) is on the wall by the door that beeps staying in one place? the ability to live in one’s own home - at you every-time the door opens - • a bathtub or toilet is overflowing. wherever that might be - for as long as but what is an ‘enhanced security • a door has been opened ensuing that confidently and comfortably possible. system’? An ‘enhanced security there’s no wandering or if someone Livability can be extended through system’ provides additional features has arrived. the incorporation of universal above and beyond your standard design principles and other assistive security system, features such as Additional benefits include: technologies. remote alarm alert notification to your • increased freedom to go about their From Wikipedia smart phone via email, SMS or even own daily lives. better through a ‘home gateway’. • remote monitoring ensures instant n this article we will discuss These systems can be integrated into notification of triggered events - some of the assistive technologies most existing systems. they can then take the appropriate available which can provide A ‘home gateway’ is a gateway action (call a neighbor, go home, I into the home or in this case a gateway view video, etc.) extended confidence and comfort in one’s home. over the Internet into your ‘enhanced • helps loved ones retain their It all starts with making your home security system’. Let me give independence by staying in their home safe. This has many meanings you an example: homes longer. for different people. We begin with The image pictured here is the • high cost savings versus assisted adding home security features such ‘home gateway’ on a popular smart living. as automated lights and enhanced phone. home security systems. Both of these Looking closely you’ll notice that An enhanced security system is So to recap an ‘enhanced technologies can make the home feel the alarm system of the house pictured also the spring board into ‘enhanced security system’ with ‘enhanced more secure and are the foundation of is currently disarmed and by pressing health care’ which is a major aspect of health care’ provides a platform for the Arm button one could arm that an ‘age in place’ system. simple accessible convergence of system remotely. With these systems in place one services such as: security, device There is also someone moving in can ‘stay connected with easy to control, environmental control, sensor the kitchen; displayed by the motion use, remotely accessible devices for notification, live video and aging in sensor in red. The temperature of the greater peace of mind.’ place, allowing you to monitor your home in question is 72 degrees and if From www.xanboo.com home and/or loved ones remotely for one wanted could be adjusted, again greater peace of mind. all remotely. A system can be configured for The coffee maker is currently on individual pre-defined parameters Sovereign Designs Inc. is a local and running, the washing machine making each system function electronics design and installation isn’t leaking and the back door is uniquely. A typical ‘health care’ company based in Old Ottawa South open. system could provide the following: and is a member of the Custom As you can see there is a lot of Electronics Design and Installation information that can be gained at Receive notifications when: Association (CEDIA), providing sales, a glance from a simple interface. • someone gets up from bed, or if they installation, service and monitoring. What does all of this mean? It means failed to get up by a pre-determined simply that one can monitor the state time. Questions, comments or to learn of appliances, lights, cameras and • be aware if someone is waking up more please contact us at: info@ other devices within one’s home to often during the night. sovereigndesigns.ca let you know what’s happening at any • someone has gone into the given time. bathroom, and not come out for JAN 2011 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR Page 37 MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT OTTAWA CENTRE Health Is A Top Priority For Our Community
By Paul Dewar care program, a new emphasis on Home care is another health in- have a family doctor. Many medical wellness, and greater emphasis on the itiative that has been long over-due. students in our country are interested ealthcare has always been recruitment of family doctors. Too many Canadians occupy expen- in becoming family doctors, but after a top priority for our com- Canada is the world’s third-most sive hospital beds when they could be incurring large student debts, they munity. We also take a wide expensive country for brand name receiving care at home or in long term simply cannot afford to become a H drugs. Pharmaceuticals are the coun- care facilities. Not only would hospi- family doctor instead of choosing a view of what constitutes a healthy life – beginning from everyday choices try’s fastest rising health care cost. In tal beds be opened, surgery wait times specialty. on eating and exercising to long-term the UK and New Zealand, two coun- would be reduced and patients could Addressing the issue of family determinants such as access to af- tries that have universal drug insur- be at home with their families. doctor shortage requires greater fund- fordable housing, poverty alleviation, ance programs, people spend half of At the same time, we must en- ing from federal and provincial gov- improving access to health services what Canadians spend on the same sure that Canadians who care for their ernments for Canadian universities; and increasing the number of trained medications. loved ones at home are adequately addressing student loan issues by pro- health professionals at the community A national prescription drug strat- supported and that more investments viding needs based grants; continuing level. egy could save up to $10.7 billion are made towards not-for-profit home to work with the Canadian Medical The Conservative government per year for Canadians. Canada and care for seniors and people with dis- Association; and working to recog- has demonstrated a lack of leadership the US are now the world’s only de- abilities. nize the credentials of foreign trained when it comes to improving the health veloped nations without national drug We also need to focus on preven- medical professionals. To that end, I of Canadians and our health care sys- strategies. Many Canadians are facing tion by encouraging healthy choices have introduced legislation that would tem. In 2006, they promised to tackle real financial hardships because of ris- and combating air pollution. This re- facilitate the recognition of foreign- the issue of hospital wait-times. That ing drug costs. quires work on many different levels trained professionals so that no one’s promise appears to have been com- It’s time for a national pharma- such as public education campaigns, training and credentials are wasted. pletely abandoned. care program where a national buyer improving access to housing, public I will continue to defend our uni- New Democrats are committed is able to negotiate less expensive transit and better food, while imple- versal, not-for-profit health care sys- to strengthening and improving our prices by purchasing drugs in bulk. menting stronger environmental regu- tem and demand that the Harper gov- universal, not-for-profit health care This would save patients money and lations that target big polluters. ernment take action to improve the system, a system that is the pride of relieve businesses of expensive pri- Access to family doctors is be- health of Canadians. Canadians. We also believe it’s time vate insurance fees and administrative coming increasingly difficult. Cur- for a national pharmacare and a home- costs. rently, five million Canadians do not
To book an OSCAR ad OSCAR Needs call Gayle 730-1058 Volunteers [email protected] For Monthly Distribution in OOS
CARLETON CORNER arleton University was proud education and retirement published make signs, play games and cheer on showcase its many winter programs. to announce in December the by the Institute for Research on Public the Ravens. There are three games The public will get a chance to Claunch of the Community Policy (IRPP). His study found that left to join in on the fun: Jan. 7 vs. sample a variety of fitness classes, the Engagement website (www.carleton. financial education plays a limited Ryerson, Jan. 21 vs. Laurentian and pool and the gym. Classes include: ca/communityengagement). The role, at best, in helping Canadians deal Jan. 28 vs. Royal Military College. Bands and Buns, Muscle Mix, Cardio website, designed with input from with retirement planning issues. He Individual game tickets can be Fusion, Fitness Ball Workout, Step Carleton’s various community recommends governments place more purchased online at www.goravens. Aerobics, Step Fusion and Women’s- partners, is a place where Carleton emphasis on consumer protection ca/tickets or at the Welcome Centre Only Fitness. For more information and the community can connect and rather than relying on a national in Alumni Hall. If you are looking to about the Open House, please visit: engage in an exchange of information. strategy to improve financial literacy. meet the team, partake in pre-game www.carleton.ca/athletics/news/ A special feature of the website is The study, Can Financial Education or half-time events, celebrate your athletics-open-house-jan-5-7/. its interactive bulletin board. This Improve Financial Literacy and birthday or simply have a good time Carleton Corner is written by tool was developed at the request Retirement Planning? is available for with your group, the Ravens have it Carleton University’s Department of of the community, which wanted download, free of charge, from the all! Please contact Romy_Nehme@ University Communications. As your a place to interact with Carleton Institute’s website: www.irpp.org. Carleton.ca at 613.520.2600 ext. community university, Carleton hosts experts, researchers and students. The The Centre for Aboriginal Culture 8267 to get group ticket packages many exciting events of interest to university is encouraging community and Education will be hosting its and discounted ticket information. Ottawa South. For more information groups and organizations to check fifth Annual Aboriginal Awareness There will also be an Open House about upcoming events, please go to out the website and register on the Week around campus from Jan.18 to on Jan. 5 to 7 hosted by Athletics to carleton.ca/events. bulletin board when they are planning 22. Highlights of the week include an event, have a question or they’re cultural performances from First looking for specific expertise. In order Nations, Inuit and Métis, workshops, to access and use the bulletin board, keynote speakers, the Gemini Award participants must register. There is winning film Reel Injun, Gemini also a video tutorial about how to use Award nominee Don Kelly and a it. roundance. Everyone is welcome! For The university also hosted its more information, please go to: http:// annual Holiday Skate, where people www2.carleton.ca/aboriginal/. from Carleton and the community at Athletics and Recreation is large participated in three hours of fun hosting a number of great events in at the university’s Ice House. It was January, including the Ravens’ Kids an opportunity for friends and family Zone. Staffed by our own expert camp to enjoy a skate and take in a special leaders, the Ravens’ Kids Zone is an figure skating show. area set up at the back of the Ravens’ Carleton Professor Saul Schwartz Nest during select home basketball has authored a study on financial games where kids can eat/drink, th Page 38 The OSCAR - OUR 38 YEAR JAN 2011 Can Employers Impose Standards Of Behaviour On Employees? By Anna Sundin erence to “persons similarly identified Horizons to discontinue its lifestyle tered the order to require the organ- if the qualification is a reasonable and morality statement as a condition ization to develop a policy and pro- n May 2010 the Ontario Division- and bona fide qualification” because of employment; called for the adop- vide training targeting discrimination al Court released its decision in of the nature of the job. The tribunal tion of anti-discrimination and anti- based on sexual orientation rather than Ontario Human Rights Commis- found that though it was a faith based harassment policies; and forced a re- create a broad anti-discrimination and I organization it was primarily active view of its employment practices and antiharassment program. sion v. Christian Horizons which ad- dresses this issue. in serving people with developmental submission of a report to the tribunal. The court also deemed it suffi- The Human Rights Comission re- disabilities rather than evangelical The Divisional Court disagreed cient for the organization to delete the ceived a complaint by Connie Heintz, Christians. with parts of the tribunals ruling. It reference to same-sex relationships in who resigned from her job as a sup- It further ruled the organization found the tribunal had misinterpreted its lifestyle and morality statement. port worker at a community living fa- failed to satisfy the reasonable and s.24(1)(a) of the code when it ruled As well, the court struck down cility run by Christian Horizons after bona fide requirement as it didn’t Christian Horizons couldn’t rely on parts of the order that required a re- revealing she was engaged in a same- make adequate efforts to determine the exemption due to the nature of its view of employee policies in consul- sex relationship. The court noted whether Heintz could perform the job operations. The court found Chris- tation with the commission and ap- Heintz was a devout Christian who without the restrictions set out in a tian Horizons is, in fact, primarily proval by the tribunal. has trained in Christian ministry and lifestyle and morality statement pro- engaged in serving the interests of Rather than imposing a broad counselling and took part in religious hibiting “homosexual relationships” persons identified by their creed, with general requirement on all employ- activities at Christian Horizons. to which all employees had to adhere. resultant benefits to individuals with ees, an organization now has to ad- The Human Rights Tribunal of It issued several orders, including developmental disabilities who live in dress the question of whether based Ontario issued its decision in the mat- $8,000 to Heintz for application of the their group homes and the families of on the nature of the job and the func- ter in April 2008. It ruled Christian discriminatory employment policy; those residents. tion of the employee, is it a bona fide Horizons wasn’t protected by s. 24(1) $10,000 for the poisoned work en- While it upheld the tribunals occupational qualification to impose (a) of the Human Rights Code, which vironment; and $5,000 for infliction awards of damages, the court struck faith-based hiring requirements on a allows organizations serving the in- of mental anguish. down aspects of the other remedies it particular employee. terests of a defined group to give pref- In addition, it ordered Christian imposed on Christina Horizons.It al-
To book an OSCAR ad Patience Rewarded call Gayle 730-1058 [email protected] For Those Who Wait by Rick Sutherland, CLU, to invest, because that was their CFP, FDS, R.F.P long-term financial plan, have been in profit position for some time now. elcome to 2011. We trust We are not economists and you had an enjoyable and cannot comment on how economic relaxing holiday season. factors will impact your savings and W investments going forward. What we Well it’s time to get back to work and planning for your future. More do know is that corporate earnings, specifically, your retirement future, cash flow, profits and liquidity (cash as you have until March 1, 2011 available) are at all time highs. This to top up your RRSP and make a is very positive for equity investing. deduction on your 2010 tax return. So how do you feel now How will you invest your RRSP this about your RRSP investment for year? the winter of 2011? We cannot Many have avoided equity guarantee that what happened in investing over the past two years and the fall of 2008 and winter of 2009 opted for the safer alternatives of will not happen again. In fact we bonds and guaranteed investments. can almost guarantee that it will This was done at historic lows in happen sometime in the future, but interest rates. Yes you are safe but we don’t know when. As an investor have you met your retirement savings you must be emotionally prepared return on investment objectives? for a market decline about once Let’s recap where we have been over every four to five years. The average the past few years and speculate on decline, historically speaking, is what the future may have in store for about 30%. Be emotionally ready for us. this magnitude of decline at any time Guidance, Protection It wasn’t that long ago, the fall and you will be prepared for almost of 2008 and winter of 2009, when anything the media can throw at you. and Peace of Mind. investor emotions were being tested at extreme levels. The media would The foregoing is for general Barrister & Solicitor Anna E. Sundin, have had us believe that it really was information purposes and is the GEnErAl PrActicE includinG: different this time and the sky really opinion of the writer. This information Family Law, Wills, Real Estate, Incorporations, Litigation and Collaborative Family Law was falling. The world as we knew is not intended to provide personal – A Cooperative and Dignified Approach to Separation and Divorce.– it would never be the same. Many advice including, without limitation, panicked out of the market and will investment, financial, legal, forever question that decision. accounting or tax advice. Please call At the time of writing, mid or write to Rick Sutherland CLU, December 2010, we are seeing the CFP, FDS, R.F.P., to discuss your losses of the past couple of years particular circumstances or suggest erased and indexes are tapping new a topic for future articles at 613- all time highs. The market has once 798-2421 or E-mail rick@invested- again rewarded patience for those interest.ca. Mutual Funds provided who stayed the course and stayed through FundEX Investments Inc. invested. And those who continued
Sundin-OSCAR-Ad-2006.indd 1 7/27/06 11:15:35 AM JAN 2011 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR Page 39
Local Veterinarian - Dr. Emily Black Fashion Faux Paws: Cat and Dog Winter Apparel
By Emily Black ful ice crystals. This is why you see many dogs who will lift their legs in aby, it’s cold out there so to- the cold temperatures. Also, many day we are going to talk winter dogs, such as Golden Retrievers and fashion. Dog and cat fashion. Bernese Mountain Dogs have hair B between their toes. This hair is some- Now, I have many many husbands what protective, but can also act as a who come and ask me… “does my helps disperse their weight and allows medium to form ice crystals resulting dog really need to wear booties and a them to walk better on snow, kinda in the same foot pain. Booties can coat? My wife says yes, but I am un- like snow shoes. Not only do cats not solve these problems to some extent convinced.” Then you can wade into need booties in our climate, they may in that they prevent direct contact of a similar cat debate… we will get to ingest them and I will have to remove the moist hair with the snow. The that later. them as foreign bodies surgically. other benefit of booties is that they Lets look at this from a medical Hairless cats are a human invention Finnegan, Centretown vets clinic cat prevent the sensitive skin between the viewpoint. We will start with my and really should be indoor only cats foot pads from being touched by road three favorite words… In the wild. for more reasons than simply fashion. very small – the smaller you are the salt which contains a fair bit of can- Yep, in the wild dogs and cats have Another point that might be of in- higher your surface to volume ratio – cer causing chemicals and can also be physically evolved to match their en- terest is if you have an older pet with in English this means the more skin very irritating to feet. Many dogs go vironment. Here in the great white arthritis or possibly metal plates in you have to mass the faster you will out for a walk and then lick their toes. north (Canada and Siberia) we have their joints. These animals do better lose your body heat. By keeping a The acquired moistness can increase huskies and malamutes. These dogs if those joints are kept warm. Warm small body size these dogs are able absorption of these chemicals through are amazingly well adapted to our joints move easier and aren’t as sore, to maximize their heat loss from their the skin and can also lead to direct cold climate. They have a double hair so even if your dog didn’t need a coat skin. They also have very little hair oral ingestion, which isn’t the best. coat which serves to retain heat better when they were younger… it might be on their bellies and their ears allowing Right. Cats. Despite how much in the winter and reflect it in the sum- better to spoil them in their old age. these areas, which are supplied with a they may indicate to you that they like mer and their eyes, as noted in a previ- To close, Mr. Fair Dinkum’s diet. large amount of superficial blood ves- being dressed up in Santa suits over ous article, are specially designed so Like many a good and diligent pet sels, to loose heat efficiently. Great in the holidays, or as pumpkins at Hal- as not to suffer from snow blindness. owner, too I have bought the bag of Mexico, not so great here in Canada. loween, cats do not need outdoor ap- These dogs will look overdressed in diet food and it is sitting in my kitchen These guys could definitely use a nice parel. In the winter, outdoor cats will any winter ensemble other than a ski- yet to be opened…. There doesn’t that coat made of husky fur. lay down a very thick hair coat if they joring ski harness. In the cold Arctic make you feel better. nights they curl up and allow the snow Now to address the infernal spend a lot of time outside. Indoor question of booties. Here in Canada cats do not develop this hair coat. In to wash over them forming their own Dr. Black is a both the owner and booties serve two distinct purposes the wild, where there is a lot of snow little igloos and don’t need any further a veterinarian at Centretown Veterin- related by winter. Firstly, booties such as the Canadian Rockies or Nor- accoutrement for our cold weather. ary Hospital. She herself is owned by protect the feet from ice and cold. way, the wild cats (Lynx and Norwe- Down south we have the Chihuahua. three cats. These dogs are again well adapted Dogs will sweat through their feet and gian Forest Cats) will develop thick for their particular climate. They are that sweat can freeze, forming pain- hair pads between their toes. This
Reuse or Recycle Your Old Electronics This Holiday Season
ighty-five per cent of residents • Make sure the items are ac- and plastic are shredded, smelted or your electronics. live within 10 kilometres of an cepted. More than 40 different types processed as raw materials. Recycled The program was developed with Ee-waste collection site of e-waste are accepted through the plastics are used to manufacture water Waste Diversion Ontario on behalf Ontario residents planning to go program, including TVs, computers, pipes; recycled glass is fabricated into of the Ontario government under the “out the old, in with the new” when it cell phones, digital cameras, most of- new monitors or TVs; and metals can Waste Diversion Act, 2002. The OES comes to televisions, computers, cell fice equipment and more. A full list be minted into coins. electronic waste recycling program phones and other electronic gadgets is available at www.recycleyourelec- About Ontario Electronic Stew- accepts 44 items of electronic waste this holiday season are reminded that tronics.ca. ardship Ontario Electronic Steward- including computers, televisions, there is a safe and environmentally • Find a convenient drop-off loca- ship (OES), a not-for-profit industry DVD players, hand-held devices and friendly way to divert their unwanted tion. The OES program includes more organization, oversees the responsible more. or obsolete electronic waste. than 600 collection sites, and eighty- reuse and recycling of waste electron- For further information: “Electronics are sure to be a popu- five per cent of Ontarians live within ics through a program that includes visit www.ontarioelectronicstew- lar holiday gift this year, but it’s im- 10 kilometres of at least one of them. 600 collection sites across the prov- ardship.ca and www.recycleyourelec- portant to remember that these items To locate one near you, visit www.re- ince. Each Ontario resident and busi- tronics.ca. should never be placed in the garbage. cycleyourelectronics.ca. ness is encouraged to safely recycle They can contain harmful compon- • Enjoy peace of mind. Residents ents that must be properly handled are asked to clear their drives and and diverted from landfill,” says Carol wipe their SIM cards of all informa- Hochu, Executive Director of Ontario tion before dropping them off. How- Electronic Stewardship (OES). “The ever, collectors and processors that good news is that electronics also con- are part of the OES program adhere to tain valuable materials like base and strict guidelines, so from the time it is precious metals along with glass and accepted, electronic waste is managed plastics that can be safely recycled to safely and securely. manufacture new products.” Once collected, items are destined Consumers who find themselves for re-use or end-of-life recycling. In with unwanted electronics should do the latter case, valuable commodities the following: such as steel, aluminum, copper, glass Page 40 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR JAN 2011 Mary Anne Thompson’s Bedside Books
he following books are books I ISBN-13: 978-0375760525 have resolved to read in 2011. The peace conference that followed TThe reviews were taken either the First World War was a conference from the back of the book, the dust unlike any other in history: attendees cover, or Amazon. Many of the au- redrew borders, rewrote international thors were featured writers at the Ot- relations, and tried--unsuccessfully- tawa International writers’ Festival of -to contain German militarism. It Fall 2010. unfolded in the midst of massive so- cial upheaval as Europeans awoke to Sanctuary Line widespread hunger and the inequal- Jane Urquhart ities of their age. In the pressure Publisher: McClelland & Stewart cooker of Paris, this bubbling stew of (Aug 31 2010) social and political forces boiled over, ISBN-13: 978-0771086465 and many of Wilson’s dreams were Set in the present day on a farm at the dashed. The world lives with the leg- shores of Lake Erie, Jane Urquhart’s acy of these few months. Not only did stunning new novel weaves elements the conference produce a new map of from the nineteenth-century past, in Europe and the Middle East, it led to Ireland and Ontario, into a gradual- the infamous Versailles Treaty, often ly unfolding contemporary story of blamed for provoking World War II. events in the lives of the members of one family that come to alter their fu- Living in the End Times tures irrevocably. There are ancestral Slavoj Zizek lighthouse-keepers, seasonal Mex- Publisher: Verso Press USA (April 27 ican workers; the migratory patterns 2010) and survival techniques of the Mon- periences the breakup of his parents’ ISBN-13: 978-0307397140 ISBN-13: 978-1844675982 arch butterfly; the tragedy of a young marriage, loses a close friend, falls in It’s December 1997 and a man-eating There should no longer be any doubt: woman’s death during a tour of duty love several times and moves through tiger is on the prowl outside a remote global capitalism is fast approaching in Afghanistan; and three very differ- adolescence with a mixture of yearn- village in Russia’s Far East. The tiger its terminal crisis. Slavoj Zizek has ent but equally powerful love stories. ing and rue. isn’t just killing people, it’s annihilat- identified the four horsemen of this Jane Urquhart brings to vivid life the ing them, and a team of men and their coming apocalypse: the worldwide things of the past that make us who A Little Stranger dogs must hunt it on foot through the ecological crisis; imbalances within we are, and reveals the sometimes dif- Kate Pullinger forest in the brutal cold. To their hor- the economic system; the biogenetic ficult path to understanding and- for Publisher: McArthur & Co (Sep 23 rified astonishment it emerges that revolution; and, exploding social div- giveness. 2004) the attacks are not random: the tiger isions and ruptures. But, he asks, if the ISBN-13: 978-1552784600 is engaged in a vendetta. Injured and end of capitalism seems to many like Second Violin There is nothing wrong with Fran. starving, it must be found before it the end of the world, how is it possible John Lawton There is nothing wrong with her mar- strikes again, and the story becomes for Western society to face up to the Publisher: Phoenix (Oct 2 2008) riage to Nick; they’ve been married a battle for survival between the two end times? In a major new analysis ISBN-13: 978-0753824146 for more than a dozen years, since main characters: Yuri Trush, the lead of our global situation, Slavok Zizek March 1938. The Germans take Vien- they were eighteen. There is noth- tracker, and the tiger itself. argues that our collective responses na without a shot being fired. Cover- ing wrong with her little boy Louis; to economic Armageddon correspond ing Austria for the English press is a he has good health and a sweet na- ESP Enigma to the stages of grief: ideological de- young journalist named Rod Troy. ture. They all live together in their Dinae Hennacy Powell, M.D. nial, explosions of anger and attempts Back home his younger brother joins London flat. And then one day, Fran Publisher: Bloomsbury US (Dec 22 at bargaining, followed by depres- the CID as a detective constable. Nov- walks away. Nick is left on his own 2009) sion and withdrawal. After passing ember 1938. Kristallnacht. The Jews with Louis. The manager of a success- ISBN-13: 978-0802710284 through this zero-point, we can begin leave Vienna - Sigmund Freud with ful restaurant, Nick is unable to stop Dr. Diane Powell, a prominent Johns to perceive the crisis as a chance for a an American escort on a sleeper train, working in order to care for his child, Hopkins–trained neuropsychiatrist, new beginning. Josef Hummel tied to the underside therefore, Louis becomes a restau- examines the evidence for many types of a boxcar. June 1940. Sergeant Troy rant baby. Moving back and forth in of psychic phenomena, from telep- The Thousand Autumns of Jacob is seconded to Special Branch to help time as well as place, the novel trav- athy and precognition to psychokin- De Zoet in the round-up of ‘enemy’ aliens, els from London to Las Vegas, back esis, and finds several well-designed David Mitchell among whom are Hummel and his to London and then onto Vancouver, and rigorously supervised studies Publisher: Knopf Canada (Jun 29 brother Rod. Rod and Hummel are where Fran embarks on a search for that prove the existence of some 2010) interned on the Isle of Man ...mean- her own mother, Ireni. psychic phenomena. The fact that ISBN-13: 978-0676979299 while a lunatic is killing rabbis in the psychic abilities are stronger among This is a historical novel set in Japan East End of London. Troy asks for Small Island prodigies, autistic savants, and some at the turn into the 19th century, when time off from Special Branch to re- Andrea Levy people who are bipolar or have suf- the island nation was almost entirely turn to his true calling ...Murder. Lon- Publisher: Headline (Sep 13 2004) fered certain brain injuries has led to cut off from the West except for a tiny, don is now under siege, from German ISBN-13: 978-0755307500 brain-imaging and other research that quarantined Dutch outpost. Jacob is a bombers, from its own prejudices and This novel examines class, race, and can explain which parts of the brain pious but not unappealing prig from paranoias. Is London any better than prejudice in London in 1948, when are dominant in psychics and mystics. Zeeland, whose self-driven duty to Vienna? a new multiracial England began to Dr. Powell proposes a new paradigm blurt the truth in a corrupt and de- form. Through four principal narra- for consciousness that would explain ceitful trading culture, along with his The Lost Legends of New Jersey tors comprising two married couples, psychic phenomena, such as how the headlong love for a local midwife, Frederickj Reiken the author brings to life the dreams mind of a mystic or psychic could provides the early engine for the story, Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Har- and fears of a generation. Set mainly have an organizational effect on the which is confined at first to the Dutch court; Reprint edition (July 31 2001) in the British Empire of 1948, this physical world. Grounded in decades enclave but crosses before long to the ISBN-13: 978-0156010948 story of emigration, loss and love fol- of reliable scientific research, The mainland. Every page is overfull with Elegiac and unsparingly direct, funny lows four characters—two Jamaicans ESP Enigma establishes a common language, events, and characters, ex- and poignant, this second novel by the and two Britons—as they struggle to ground among psychic phenomena uberantly saturated in the details of author of the well-received The Odd find peace in postwar England. believers and skeptics. the time and the place but told from a Sea is a beautiful story about loss, knowing and undeniably modern per- hope and survival. Between the sum- The Tiger Paris 1919 spective mer of 1979, when Anthony Rubin is John Vaillant Margaret MacMillan 13, and the winter of 1983, when he Publisher: Knopf Canada (Aug 24 Publisher: Random House; 1 edition is a hockey star in high school, he ex- 2010) (Sep 9 2003) Cont’d on next page JAN 2011 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR Page 41
COMPUTER TRICKS AND TIPS Picasa Web – an Essential Tool By Malcolm and John or both, independently. Just plain that you do another one quite soon 7. Your friends will thank you for Harding, of Compu-Home Picasa is a wonderful utility for and you will quickly get the hang of not clogging up their email inboxes storing, organizing and editing digital it after that. with photo attachments. You just send arly January is probably the images on your computer. It is very a short message that includes the URL time of year when the greatest sophisticated and some people swear 4. Culling, editing and arranging that Google assigns to your album. number of photographs by it, but it is not easy to learn to use it your photos in advance, perhaps in a Recipients click on it, and they are E and if you already have a satisfactory special folder on your desktop, will quickly viewing the images one-by- accumulates, after parties, trips, family functions, and experiments with a system, then it might not be worth make the uploading process much one, or automatically in a slideshow. new digital camera. We take photos switching. (Frankly, we find it a bit faster and easier than if you do it later for our own satisfaction and also for bossy.) Picasa Web is an online utility after they are already in the online 8. Are there competitors the enjoyment of sharing them with for sharing your photos with others, in album. for Picasa Web? You betcha! others, and both of these are realms albums that you create and upload. Myphotoalbum, Flickr, Snapfish, where digital photography can excel: Once you have organized an album 5. Internet Explorer works better Photobucket, Kodak and Blacks are an organized filing system can make just the way you want it, you send than Firefox. There is a special add- just some of the alternatives. They all your memories far more accessible an email to your friends with its web on that allows for batch uploading of have their fans and, like Picasa Web, than the old piles of shoeboxes ever address so that they can view it and (if large numbers of photos, and we don’t they all have particular advantages did, and a few clicks of your mouse you permit it) download the pictures seem to be able to make that work in and weaknesses. If friends and family can easily replace the expense and they would like to keep. You can even Firefox. use one particular system then there delay of reprinting and mailing prints choose to enable permission for others would be big advantages for everyone and negatives. to add more photos to the album. 6. Album visibility is an important if you used that one too. concept, designating who will be Picasa Web, from our friends at 2. You will need a Gmail account able to view your album. The range Google, should be your go-to assistant to use Picasa Web. Fortunately, it is from Public all the way to Private Malcolm and John Harding are for sharing your digital photos. We’ve is quick and easy to create a Gmail (see details on the website) but we owners of Compu-Home, assisting mentioned it briefly in the past in our account (if you don’t already have have found the Anyone with the link home and business computer users. columns, but we think that it deserves one) and besides, you don’t have to setting to be the best compromise, Be sure to visit our web site for a closer look at this time of year. The actually use it if you don’t want to, because it incorporates the use of an archive of our columns. . . www. instructions at the website are easy except for the purpose of logging into an authorization key, to keep out compu-home.com to follow, but there are a few special Picasa Web. unwanted gawkers. When you send Write to harding@compu-home. features we’d like to emphasize: an email to your selected viewers, com or phone 613-731-5954 to 3. It’s worth taking an hour or so they are the only ones who have discuss computer issues, or to suggest 1. It’s Picasa Web – not Picasa to create and upload your first album, access. Public is the default and so future columns. and you can use one or the other so that you can take advantage of all of you mustn’t forget to adjust that. the features and choices. We suggest Farm Animal Welfare Important to Canadians
/CNW/ - indicated they oppose the use of (bat- for the VHS. “In fact, one-third (32%) support a requirement to label cartons tery) cages, and 68% would support a of respondents wrongly believed that as “eggs from caged hens” if the hens ccording to a recent Harris/ legislated ban on cages for their prov- 5-24% of eggs in Canada come from are raised in battery cages. Decima poll commissioned ince, up 5% since 2009’s poll. cage-free hens when only 3% are For more information, visit www. Aby the Vancouver Humane Battery cages are used in the pro- cage-free. Fortunately in BC, where chickenout.ca and www.raisingtheb- Society, and funded by the Vancouver duction of 97% of Canada’s eggs. we have focused our ChickenOUT! arn.ca Foundation, 71% of Canadians said Science has proven that hens suffer campaign, 15% of provincial egg pro- they are concerned about the humane in cages. With five to seven hens per duction will soon be cage-free. We’d treatment of farm animals and two- cage, they deny hens the ability to like other provinces to follow suit.” *About the survey: thirds (65%) said a political candi- engage in any of their natural behav- Nearly three quarters of Can- A total of 1,009 Canadians were sur- date’s stance on farm animal welfare iours, such as nesting, wingflapping adians (72%) stated they would be veyed from November 18th through practices would factor into their vot- or dust bathing.. Despite the cruelty of willing to pay more for farm animal November 21st 2010 using teleVox, ing decision. cages, the poll shows that half (51%) products that were certified to humane Harris/Decima’s telephone omni- The poll zeroed in on attitudes of Canadians buy white eggs from standards of care by a third party or- bus. Results for the full sample are about eggs and laying hens. After caged hens. ganization. British Columbians (80%) considered accurate +/- 3.1%, 19 learning about the differences be- “Most people don’t realize regu- are more likely than Ontarians (70%) times out of 20. tween eggs from hens confined in bat- lar white eggs come from factory and those in Manitoba/Saskatchewan tery cages and those from cage-free farms,” said Leanne McConnachie, (64%) to be willing to pay more, and farms, three in five Canadians (57%) Director of Farm Animal Programs three-quarters of Canadians (78%)
Books... Cont’d from previous page To book an OSCAR ad
The Children’s Book call Gayle 730-1058 or [email protected] A.S. Byatt Publisher: Knopf Canada; First Edition edition (April 21 2009) ISBN-13: 978-0307398079 Heritage Sugar Shack Outing The Children’s Book is the absorbing story of the close of what has been called the Edwardian sum- oin Friends of the Farm on March 8, 2011, Our aim is to preserve, protect, maintain and mer: the deceptively languid, blissful period that for a one day bus tour to a Heritage Sugar enhance the Dominion Arboretum, the Ornament- ended with the cataclysmic destruction of World JShack in Rigaud, Quebec. al Gardens, and other public areas of the Farm, in War I. In this compelling novel, A.S. Byatt sum- Early-bird bonus before January 15. Includes partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Can- mons up a whole era, revealing that beneath its transportation and heritage lunch. ada, for the educational benefit and enjoyment golden surface lay tensions that would explode into Info: 613-230-3270 and www.friendsofthefarm.ca of the public; and promote the Farm’s historical war, revolution and unbelievable change — for the The Friends of the Farm is a registered charit- significance and heritage values. generation that came of age before 1914 and, most able organization, charity number 11891 3565 of all, for their children. RR0001 Page 42 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR JAN 2011
Tasty Tidbits From Trillium Bakery Chocolate (Dreams):A Brief History By Jocelyn LeRoy for your health. That one slim little Chocolate and the Mind happy. square – only one per day – is a pre- I have chocolate in my car and ne of the greatest treasures scription for good living. It is likely The question of whether or not also in my canoe (in the regulation ever discovered was the bean to wreak havoc with one’s best inten- chocolate is an addictive substance boat-bailer rescue kit), so it will sur- of the tree theobroma, the ori- tions and self-discipline. always raises spirited discussion. The vive a dumping and revive my spirits. O I have taken the challenge and French dietary expert Michel Mon- I have been seen bobbing in rapids ginal source of chocolate. Intense in taste, smooth in texture, slashed my chocolate consumption by tignac advises, “Be sure to limit your- having a chocolate fix. elegant to behold, subtly perfumed, 90%, now within reach of that lofty self, as chocolate is of an addictive You might want to try chocolate chocolate is a rich source of sensory goal of the miniscule amounts proven nature. To control your ‘chocohol- liquor for sipping in the bath, choco- pleasure. Almost everyone adores to be good for us. But ah… nothing ism’ drink a tall glass of water.” late meditation (wild!). Even those chocolate – a sublime treat. Translat- can disturb my lovely dreams about Controlling your consumption of chocolate-covered almonds stacked ed from the Greek, theobroma means chocolate, my propensity for think- chocolate can be really good for your in boxes at the bank wicket is a good “food of the gods.” ing about chocolate. This doesn’t character. For example, I hone my reason for walking right past the bank Over the centuries chocolate has necessarily mean I go around sucking willpower in the bakery while I cut, machine and into the bank. A couple been consumed by all levels of soci- on chocolate all day. It’s much more pour, melt, stir and measure choco- of toonies will get you a box of sur- ety, in many nations and cultures. Its subtle than that. late all day long. I walk past shelves prisingly acceptable chocolate. journey can be traced from the Maya A day without chocolate never of brownies and cookies laced with It’s really fun to visit a chocolate in Central America to Spain and the happens. Mornings are beautiful with chocolate and say, “Later.” factory in Switzerland or Belgium. rest of Europe, and back across the a little chocolate jumpstart – pure Chocolate is everywhere, moving Atlantic to the United States. cocoa powder stirred into yogurt, or The Pleasure of Chocolate along conveyor belts. Plump, merry sprinkled on cereal, even dropped “mesdames” offer samples while My Experience with Chocolate into coffee. This does wonders for Pleasure is good for us, even if we counting truffles. the morale. indulge in “forbidden fruits” such as My chocolate coloured coffee Like a lot of people, I am addicted My mother always said, “Choco- chocolate. The secret is to indulge in table book containing the history to chocolate or at least the thought of late creates happiness.” She’s right. better chocolate, not more chocolate. of chocolate tells me it wasn’t even it. Liking the idea of always being happy, The melting of chocolate in the mouth popular for centuries at a time. In- In the rarified world of quality I do usually start my day with a little is an exquisitely pleasurable sensa- stead, tea was popular. chocolate, there is a proper way to dusting of chocolate. Or I just look at tion. The flavours, over 500 of them, taste it. Sweetness and flavourings it, so I’ll know where to find it at the overwhelm our taste buds two and Chocolate dreams, may vary from country to country, end of the day: the chocolate bar in the one-half times more than any other Chocolate memories but what unites them is that smooth, empty ceramic milk pitcher, that stash food. Chocolate has been described Chocolate love sensuous melt-in-the mouth quality of pure cocoa chunks in the hardware as heavenly, sensuous, mellow, deep, What can beat this? that is so hard and so pointless to re- drawer, and those chocolate-covered dark, sumptuous, gratifying, seduc- sist. This quality can lead us into the ginger candies in grandma’s little blue tive, silky, rich, luxurious and celes- Chocolate can be with you every realms of craving and addiction, pas- and white ginger jar. tial. delicious moment – pretend or for sion and pleasure, and even nutrition. Out the door I go to take on the Chocolate is downfall, happi- real. It is my personal belief that a day, happy, knowing my home has its ness, pleasure, love, ecstasy. Choco- little chocolate treat now and then is chocolate treasures awaiting my re- late makes us wicked, guilty, sinful, not only OK, but desirable. It’s good turn healthy, chic, and, like mother said,
TRILLIUM RECIPES Health Benefits Of Mexican Hot Chocolate (serves 4) Cocoa Consumption Ingredients 4 cups milk hocolate and cocoa contain a after consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa 1 cinnamon stick high level of flavonoids, specif- may help to achieve health benefits in 2 whole cloves Cically epicatechin, which may hearts and other organs. In particular, the 4 oz. dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces have beneficial cardiovascular effects on benefits may extend to the brain and have 2 or 3 drops almond extract health. Prolonged intake of flavanol-rich important implications for learning and cocoa has been linked to cardiovascular memory. 1. Heat the milk gently with the spices until almost boiling. health benefits, though it should be noted Foods rich in cocoa appear to reduce 2. Stir in the chocolate over medium heat until melted. that this refers to raw cocoa and to a lesser blood pressure but drinking green and 3. Strain into a blender, add almond extract. Whiz for 30 seconds extent, dark chocolate, since flavonoids black tea may not, according to an analy- until frothy, or whisk vigorously. degrade during cooking and alkalizing sis of previously published research in the 4. Pour into warmed heatproof glasses and serve immediately. processes. Studies have found short term April 9, 2007 issue of Archives of Inter- benefits in LDL cholesterol levels from nal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives dark chocolate consumption. The addition journals. of whole milk to milk chocolate reduces In June 2009, Mars Botanicals, a div- the overall cocoa content per ounce while ision of Mars Inc., the candymaker and Reduce Your Chances of a increasing saturated fat levels, possibly food company, launched Cirku, a cocoa negating some of cocoa’s heart-healthy extract high in flavanols. Car Crash This Winter potential benefits. A 15-year study of elderly men pub- Hollenberg and colleagues of Har- lished in the Archives of Internal Medi- vard Medical School studied the effects of cine in 2006 found a 50 percent reduc- Drivers can take the following steps to reduce the chances of a cocoa and flavanols on Panama’s Kuna In- tion in cardiovascular mortality and a 47 crash this winter by: dian population, who are heavy consumers percent reduction in all-cause mortality • Ensuring vehicles are checked by a registered mechanic; of cocoa. The researchers found that the for the men regularly consuming the most • Monitoring weather forecasts to avoid driving in bad weather; Kuna Indians living on the islands had sig- cocoa, compared to those consuming the • Outfitting vehicles with four matching winter tires; nificantly lower rates of heart disease and least cocoa from all sources. • Ensuring a winter survival kit is in vehicles at all times; and cancer compared to those on the mainland http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocoa_ • Driving defensively by reducing speed and leaving more space who do not drink cocoa as on the islands. bean between vehicles. It is believed that the improved blood flow JAN 2011 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR Page 43 Carleton Sports Carleton Wins Water Polo Championship -- and a Busy January
By Joe Scanlon ished off with wins against McMaster break, three of its members will have gests – is Japanese but learned her and Lakehead, which – at the time – been busy: they have been invited to hockey in the Czech Republic. She n December, most Carleton Uni- was tied for first in Ontario Univer- the training camp for the team which held McGill to a 1-1 tie in regulation versity athletes took time out for sity West. The Lakehead game started will represent Canada at the World time and overtime but McGill won exams and the Christmas break with Carleton running shooting an University games in Turkey in Febru- in the subsequent shoot-out. Overall, I amazing 60 per cent and running up ary. The three are: Brad Albert, a first however, the women are last in their – and geared up for a busy January – but before that a Carleton team won a 17-2 lead. year defenceman from Nepean; Brad league with two wins, five losses and another championship. The men are ranked # 1 and the Good, a fourth team defenceman; and two overtime losses – though they are The women’s water polo team women # 7, their highest ranking ever. Brandon MacLean, a third year for- just one point behind their cross-town won a second consecutive Ontario The men are alone in first place – To- ward and the team’s top forward with rival, Ottawa U. championship – there is no national ronto is second -- and the women are eight goals and 17 assists. The three Once the season starts again this championship in water polo -- with a one game behind Toronto because To- will play against Canada’s junior na- month, there is something on every 9-7 win over the University of Toron- ronto has played one more game than tional team in Toronto before the final weekend. For example, the one week- to. The women entered the final with a Carleton. That means the two games selection is made. However, whether end the basketball and hockey teams lop-sided semi-final 16-2 win over the on January 8th will match the top two they can go to Turkey – if selected are all away – January 14-16 – Carle- host team, Queen’s. men`s and women`s teams in Ontario – may depend on whether money is ton’s highly successful fencers host Carleton’s goaltender, Evelyn University East. available. Carleton may have to raise their annual invitational tournament. Marshall was named the tournament’s The men were to take their regu- the $3,500 needed for each player. January ends with a week and week- most valuable player. She and three lar trip to Florida over the holidays; The Carleton women’s assistant end packed with events. It starts on other Carleton team members – Kait- the women were scheduled to play coach, Mani Duhamel will definitely Wednesday January 26th when Carle- lyn Sennema, Meaghan Broddy and one exhibition game in Montreal. be going to Turkey: she has asked to ton and Ottawa men and women play Sarah McIlveen – were named tour- The men’s hockey team finished assist with the Canadian women’s basketball at Scotiabank Place. It nament all-stars. their fall season with a 3-2 loss to team which will be defending its goal continues that weekend with men and The fall season was also a good L’Université du Québec à Trois- medal. women playing basketball and hock- one for Carleton’s men’s and women’s Rivières in Trois-Rivières but the The women`s hockey team had ey. There are four basketball and four basketball teams. The men have not team still had a winning 10-5-2 rec- an outstanding game against McGill hockey games that weekend. lost to a Canadian opponent – and the ord. That left them in third place in – the top team in Canada – thanks to women – after defeating # 4 Western the 10-team league. superb goal tending performance by and then losing to #1Windsor, fin- While the team was taking its Eri Kiribuchi who –as her name sug- Too late for university? Carleton Varsity Schedule Think again! he Bridging Program at Carleton University provides Schedule for January an affordable 13-week course that prepares adults for Tuniversity study. Try out academic study in a supportive Friday, January 7 rentian at Carleton small group environment, designed to increase skills, confi- Basketball Women 6 p.m. Men 8 p.m. Ryer- dence, and sense of belonging to the academic community. son at Carleton Sunday, January 23 • A chance to study an interesting topic (different each Men’s Hockey 7 p.m. Ottawa at Carleton Women’s Hockey 3 p.m. Ottawa at Carleton term) at the university level 39 class hours (3 hours x 13 weeks) in a supportive sem- Saturday, January 8 Wednesday, January 26 inar style class Basketball Women 6 p.m. Men 8 p.m. To- Basketball SCOTIABANK PLACE Women • Academic skills training, and opportunities to practice ronto at Carleton 6 p.m. Men 8 p.m. Ottawa U vs. Carleton library research, essay writing, oral presentations, note taking, test preparation, and critical reading and thinking Friday, January 14 to Sunday, January 16 Friday, January 28 • Low cost of $165 includes reading materials Carleton Invitation Fencing Tournament Basketball Women 6 p.m. Men 8 p.m. RMC • A streamlined (and assisted) application process to Carle- at Carleton ton’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program following com- Friday, January 21 Men’s Hockey 7 p.m. UQTR at Carleton pletion of the Bridging Course. A grade of “B” in the Bridging Basketball Women 6 p.m. Men 8 p.m. York course is generally accepted for admission into Carleton’s gen- at Carleton Saturday, January 29 eral Bachelor of Arts program Men’s Hockey 7 p.m. Concordia at Carleton Men’s Hockey 3 p.m. McGill at Carleton Registration is open NOW and class size is capped at 25. Women’s Hockey McGill at Carleton 7 p.m. The winter term (starts January 25, 2011) is a perfect time to Saturday, January 22 Basketball Women 6 p.m. Men 8 p.m. prepare for entering Carleton in the Fall 2011 term; call 613- Basketball Women 6 p.m. Men 8 p.m. Lau- Queen’s at Carleton 5200x2974 or email [email protected] to register or for more information. If you miss this term, try for September! More information also available at www.carleton.ca/cie/ bridging-program/
Awesome Young Writers Wanted oung writers won’t want to miss their chance to enter the Ottawa Public Library’s Awesome Authors Youth YWriting Contest. The deadline is Monday, January 31. The contest is open to writers between the ages of 9 and 17. They are invited to submit poems and short stories in English and/or French. This contest is sponsored by the Friends of the Ottawa Pub- lic Library Association. They annually publish pot-pourri, an anthology of the winning poems and stories. Participants can also win awesome prizes, which will be presented in March. Page 44 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR JAN 2011
Do You Have a Financial Plan for 2011? By Bob Jamieson experienced major developments in get your money into the plan, the on your personal circumstances – your life, such as a change in employ- longer it has to potentially grow. you should contribute to your TFSA, any people use the new ment, the birth of a child, or retire- Once 2010’s contribution is out RRSP or both. year as an opportunity ment. of the way, work on a plan to get There may be more you can do for a fresh start in vari- In trying to achieve your goals, your full 2011 contribution into your today to get ready for 2011. Speak M you’ll want to ensure that your invest- RRSP as early in the year as possible. with your financial advisor to deter- ous aspects of their lives. One of the most common is starting a fit- ments are appropriate for your needs If you can’t make a large lump-sump mine what actions you can take now ness regimen, but attending to your and risk tolerance, and that your port- contribution at the start of 2011, set to financially position yourself as ef- financial health is also important. folio is properly diversified. Keep up a periodic plan that allows you to fectively as you can for this year and The first step is to conduct a thorough in mind, though, that diversification contribute monthly – though keep in beyond, or give me a call at 613-526- review of your financial life. Unless does not guarantee a profit or protect mind that systematic investing does 3030. You may also be interested in you know where you are today, you against loss. not ensure a profit or protect against attending my upcoming January 18th won’t be able to map out a strategy Of course, you should invest loss. seminar “Making Sense of Retire- for tomorrow. every year to help keep your portfolio If you have unused contribution ment” (see the insert for more infor- You can start by making sure that growing. That means your spending, room from the past, formulate a plan mation). your goals and objectives remain vi- savings and borrowing should be to make up for those missed contribu- able and realistic. And it’s very im- under control. Examine your income tions in 2011. You’ll help boost retire- Bob Jamieson, CFP. portant to be clear on these, ensuring and spending to see how you can di- ment savings and reduce next year’s Edward Jones, Member – Can- they’re well-defined and in line with vert more to investments in 2011. tax bill. adian Investor Protection Fund your current circumstances in life. It’s Another action you can take at the You might also want to consider a especially important to revisit your fi- beginning of the new year is to make Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). A nancial objectives if you’ve recently a Registered Retirement Savings Plan discussion you could have with your (RRSP) contribution. The sooner you financial advisor is whether – based
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE LIBRARY Alta Vista Branch Library
Programs Offered At The months. min.) 6, 13, 20, 27 avril Alta Vista Library Wednesdays, February 2-February 4, 11, 18, 25 mai 23, April 13 –May 18 , 10:30 a.m. Storytime Programmes Offerts A La (30 min.) Stories and rhymes and songs Special Programs For Teens/ Bibliotheque Alta Vista for preschoolers and a parent or Programmes Speciaux Pour Toddlertime caregiver. Ages 3-6. Adolescents Stories, rhymes and songs for babies (Bilingual) Tuesdays, February PRE-SCHOOL/PRESCOLAIRE and a parent or caregiver. Ages 18- 1-Feburary 22, April 12 –May 17 , Homework Club 35 months. 10:30 a.m. (45 min.) Get tutoring and help with homework Babytime Mondays, January 31- February 21 Contes after school. Help is available Stories, rhymes and songs for babies , April 11 –May 16 , 10:30 a.m. (30 Contes, comptines et chansons pour in math, reading and science in and a parent or caregiver. Ages 0-18 les enfants d’âge préscolaire (3-6 French and/or English. Offered in ans) et un parent ou responsable de partnership with E.A.G.L.E. Center. garde. Ages 7-18. (Bilingue) Les mardis, 1er février-22 (Bilingual) Wednesdays, 4:15 p.m. février, 12 avril-17 mai , 10 h 30 (45 (120 min.)* min.) February 2, 9, 16, 23 March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Special Programs For Children/ April 6, 13, 20, 27 Programmes Speciaux Pour May 4, 11, 18, 25 Enfants Club de devoirs Reçois du tutorat et de l’aide avec Homework Club les travaux scolaires. De l’aide Get tutoring and help with homework disponible avec les mathématiques, la after school. Help is available lecture et les sciences, en français et/ in math, reading and science in ou anglais. Offert en partenariat avec French and/or English. Offered in E.A.G.L.E. Centre. Pour les 7-18 partnership with E.A.G.L.E. Center. ans. Ages 7-18. (Bilingue) Les mercredis, 16 h 15 (Bilingual)Wednesday, 4:15 p.m. (120 min.)* (120 min.)* 2, 9, 16, 23 février February 2, 9, 16, 23 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 mars March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 6, 13, 20, 27 avril April 6, 13, 20, 27 4, 11, 18, 25 mai May 4, 11, 18, 25 Club de devoirs Swinter Reçois du tutorat et de l’aide avec The cure for the winter blahs? les travaux scolaires. De l’aide Celebrate summer instead! Ages 13- disponible avec les mathématiques, la 17. lecture et les sciences, en français et/ Saturday, February 12, 2:30 p.m. ( 90 ou anglais. Offert en partenariat avec min.)* E.A.G.L.E. Centre. Pour les 7-18 ans. No love here (Bilingue) Les mercredis, 16 h 15 Sick of sappy love stories? Watch (120 min.)* 2, 9, 16, 23 février 2, 9,16, 23, 30 mars Cont’d on next page JAN 2011 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR Page 45
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE LIBRARY Sunnyside Branch Library Sunnyside Branch Library Ages 3-6. Wednesday, January 19, 7 p.m. (90 1049 Bank Street, Ottawa Wednesdays 10:15 a.m. January 19, My family and other animals min.) 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23 A romp through J.C. Sulzenko’s new 613-730-1082, poems. Ages 5-10. Registration. How to Secure a Home Wireless Adult Services, Children’s Book Clubs Friday, February 11, 10:15 a.m. (60 Network extension 22 guysread min.) Most wireless routers do not default Children’s Services, Share the love of books. For boys to the most secure configuration. and a significant adult. Ages 8-12. Teen Programs Make sure you are not the “low hang- extension 29 Registration. Mother-Daughter Book Club for ages ing fruit” that someone will decide to Wednesdays 7 p.m. (60 min.) January 13-15 attack. It is surprisingly easy to make Children’s Programs 19, February 16, March 23, April 20, A place for girls and the special sure your network is secure. Chris Babytime May 18 women in their lives to share books. Taylor, President of the Ottawa PC For babies and their parents or care- Registration. Users’ Group will show you just how giver with stories, rhymes, songs and Maman et filles Mondays, 7 p.m. (60 min.) January easy it is. Registration. games. 0-18 months. Mamans et filles venez discuter 24, February 28, March 28, April 26, Thursday, February 17, 2011 6:30 Thursdays, 9:15 a.m. (30 min.) Janu- ensemble des livres emballants. 8-11. May 16 p.m. (120 min.) ary 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24 Inscription. Les mardis, 19 h (60 min.) 18 janvier, Adult Programs Sunnyside Book Club Babytime Bilingual/bilingue bébés a 22 février, 22 mars, 19 avril, 24 mai The Bridging Program: Adults & Meet new people and join in stimu- la biblio University lating discussions on selected titles in Stories, rhymes and songs for babies Mother-Daughter Book Club for Presented by Daphne Uras, Bridging a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. and a parent or caregiver. Ages 0-18 ages 7-9 Program Coordinator & Instructor Last Friday of each month, 2:00 p.m. months. / Contes, rimes et chan- A place for girls and the special from the Centre for Initiatives in (60 min.) sons pour les bébés et un parent ou women in their lives to share books. Education at Carleton University January 28, 2011: Moon Tiger by gardien. Pour les 0-18 mois. Registration. Learn about exploring new topics, Penelope Lively; February 25, 2011: Tuesdays, 2:15 pm (30 min.) January Mondays, 7 p.m. (60 min.) January preparing for university, advance Dark Age Ahead by Jane Jacobs; 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22 10, February 7, March 7, April 11, planning for personal growth, March 25, 2011: The God of Small May 2 improving writing skills, and reading Things by Arundhati Roy; April 29, Toddlertime more critically. This is about increas- 2011: What Went Wrong by Bernard For toddlers and a parent or care- Mother-Daughter Book Club for ing your confidence generally, as well Lewis; May 27, 2011: Still Alice by giver with stories, rhymes, songs and ages 10-12 as specifically at work, at university Lisa Genova; and June 24, 2011: games. Ages 18-35 months. A place for girls and the special and so much more. Social Lunch & Choose books for Registration Required women in their lives to share books. Tuesday, January 11, 7:30 (60 min.). next year • Toddlertime A – Registration: Tues- Registration. days, 10:10 am ( 30 min.) January Mondays, 7 p.m. (60 min.) January The Writing Workshop Cercle de lecture de l’Amicale 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22. 17, February 14, March 21, April 18, An opportunity for writers of fiction, francophone • Toddlertime B - Registration: Tues- May 9 non-fiction, poetry, and experimental Partagez avec nous le plaisir des days, 10:45 a.m. (30 min.) January forms to gather. Our emphasis will livres dans une ambiance détendue. 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22. Books and Beyond be on developing works-in-progress Inscription. • Toddlertime C – Registration: Enjoy an exciting new program of for publication. The workshop will Les mardis, 19 h (60 min.) 11 janvier, Thursdays 10:10 a.m. (30 min.) Janu- stories without boundaries. Use your provide writers with encouragement 8 février, 8 mars, 12 avril, 10 mai ary 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24 imagination and enjoy crafts, creative and constructive criticism from their games and exploring outside. Each peers. Registration. Third Monday Toddlertime Biblingual/bilingue week we will bring a new story alive. of each month Tout-petits a la biblio Ages 10-13. Registration. Mondays, 6:00 p.m. (120 min.) Janu- For toddlers and a parent or care- Saturdays, 11 a.m. (60 min.) January ary 17, February 28, March 21, April giver with stories, rhymes, songs and 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19 18, May 16 Tell OSCAR Readers games. Ages 18-35 months. Regis- about your travel tration / Contes, rimes et chansons Special Programs for Children PMS & Homeopathic Medicine or your interests. pour les bambins et un parent ou Ottawa Therapy Dogs Body and mind are two sides of your gardien. Pour les 18-35 mois. Inscrip- Reading therapy with canine pals can nature. Homeopathic medicine is Send text and photos tion help your child build confidence in a holistic approach that works by to Wednesdays, 2:15 p.m. (30 min.) their reading skills. Dogs are great tailoring a treatment to your unique January 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23 listeners! Ages 4-12. Contact Chil- nature, stimulating your natural oscar@ dren’s Department for registration. defenses to help you restore balance. oldottawsouth.ca Storytime Saturdays, 2 p.m. (120 min.) January Presented by Dr. Julek Meissner, ND. Stories, rhymes and songs for pre- 15, 22, 29, February 5 Registration. schoolers and a parent or caregiver.
Alta Vista Branch Library.... Cont’d from previous page
love-free movies tonight! Ages 13- N.B. Registration for winter Drive, Ottawa and the phone number des programmes est faite 17. programs starts on January 5./ of the Alta Vista Library 613-737- seulement en ligne. Les cartes de Monday, February 14, 6 p.m. (120 L’inscription pour les programmes 2837./ L’adresse de la bibliothèque la bibliothèque publique d’Ottawa min.)* d’hiver commence le 5 janvier./ Alta Vista est le 2516, promenade sont requises pour l’inscription en Registration for March break Alta Vista, Ottawa et son numéro de ligne des programmes et les cartes Teen Advisory Group programs starts on February 9./ téléphone est le 613-737-2837. de bibliothèque des enfants sont Join the Teen Advisory Group (TAG) L’inscription pour les programmes requises pour l’inscription aux to earn community involvements du congé d’hiver commence le 9 Program registration will be done programmes d’enfants. hours and help design programs for février./ Programs followed by an * on-line only. Ottawa Public Library teens at the branch. Ages 14-18. require registration. / L’inscription cards are needed to register on- Fridays, February 25, April 1st, April est requise pour les programmes line. Children’s library cards 29, May 27, 4 p.m. (60min.)* suivis d’un *. The address of the are required for registration of Alta Vista Library is 2516 Alta Vista children’s programs./ L’inscription Page 46 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR JAN 2011
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.
For Sale for large 3 + 1 bedroom home with 2 Responsible and experienced Moth- lish or French. Tutoring is available full bathrooms and lots of beautiful er’s Helper needed for Old Ot- for grades 1 through 12. Call 613-260- All-season tires & rims for sale 16 features. $2420/month (heating in- tawa South family with 3 young 5996, or e-mail Astolot.tutoring@ inch BF Goodrich Traction T/A 205 cluded in rent). E-mail for additional children. Flexible working ar- gmail.com for more information, or to 60 R16 M + S Radial Selling for $300 information/viewing (Bczich@gmail. rangement - mornings 8:30/9:00- reserve a time. (negotiable) please call (613) 277- com) or call (613) 884-7787. 1:00. Some afternoons needed. 5801 Some light housekeeping duties (meal Tutoring: Boost your child’s confi- Furnished two-bedroom apartment prep, laundry). Please call (613) 321- dence by focusing on his/her learning IKEA BEDDINGE sofa bed, navy for rent in Old Ottawa South: Febru- 1862. needs! Retired teacher with special blue with grey frame. Includes re- ary 28, 2011 until March 27, 2011. education specialist offers individual movable washable slipcover. Very Bright, sunny, two-level apartment Nannyshare: Professional couple, tutoring here in Old Ottawa South, for good condition. In sofa mode, this with hardwood floors, two washrooms with a great caregiver for their 2 year Grade 1-5 students, Phonics, Read- piece is 200 cm wide x 104 cm deep and dishwasher. Includes heat, hydro, old, looking to share services with an- ing, Writing, Math and organizational x 91 cm high. $100. Ask for Paul at water and parking. Ideal for visiting other family in our home. Mon-Thurs skills. Call 613-231-6160-references 613-730-7581 or send e-mail to mer- relatives or professor. Located just 8-5pm. Call Neena or Bo at 613-233- available [email protected]. across from the Colonel By Retire- 3338 or Jeanette at 613-233-5974. ment Residence. One block to canal To Give Away and Bank St. shops. Ten-minute walk Accommodation to the Glebe or Carleton U. Call 613- Tutoring 233-5423. FREE 1994 Sears 27” TV in good Beautiful Echo Drive Home in Old Tutoring - Astolot Academy - Book working order. 613-233-6670 Ottawa South. Short or longterm lease Child Care now for after school tutoring in Eng- Around Town Choral Music Classes with Law- help preserve and protect the Arbor- lic Life. This event is free but par- Basses!! Rehearsals in the New Year: rence Harris - Open House. Sunday, etum and Ornamental Gardens C.E.F. ticipants will be invited to donate to starting Monday, January 10, from January 30 at 3pm and 8pm Info 613-230-3276 or email info@ the Artistic Expressions project – a 7-9.30pm at Southminster United Join Lawrence Harris for a lively hour friendsofthefarm.ca. Please no maga- joint initiative of Centretown United Church at Aylmer /Bank. Contacts: of music-making, and find out about zines, encyclopedias or textbooks. Church and Centre 507 to provide Leo 613-749-2391 or Sieglinde 819- our winter classes and events. Admis- Friends of the Farm is a registered studio space to artist-clients of Centre 568-8169; www.OttawaBrahmsChoir. sion is free, so bring all your friends! charitable organization, charity num- 507. Wednesday, February 9th, 7:30 ca Come to room 201 of the Dominican ber 11891 3565 RR0001. Our aim is pm, 507 Bank St. at Argyle. Parking University College, 96 Empress Av- to preserve, maintain, protect and en- available at Glashan Public School, Too late for university? Think enue, just off Somerset St., two traffic hance the Ornamental Gardens and 28 Arlington Ave. K2P 1C2 again! lights west of Bronson. Arboretum of the Central Experi- The Bridging Program at Carle- Develop your vocal skills and boost mental Farm. This national historic Heritage Sugar Shack Outing ton University provides an afford- your confidence – and help keep site and cultural heritage landscape Join Friends of the Farm on March able 13-week course that prepares the wonderful repertoire of Gre- is a beautiful green space, a major 8, 2011, for a one day bus tour to a adults for university study. Try out gorian chant and sacred polyphony recreational centre and one of the Na- Heritage Sugar Shack in Rigaud, academic study in a supportive alive. Help us share this deeply tional Capital’s most visited tourist Quebec. Early-bird bonus be- small group environment, designed to spiritual music with the wider com- attractions. Your assistance is promot- fore January 15. Includes trans- increase skills, confidence, and sense munity through our concerts and ing our fundraisers will help us to ac- portation and heritage lunch. of belonging to the academic com- special events, including the Gregor- complish our mandate. Info: 613-230-3270 and www.friend- munity. A grade of “B” in the Bridging ian Chants for Meditation on Good softhefarm.ca course is generally accepted for ad- Friday night, which over a thousand Faith and Public Life - An even- mission into Carleton’s general Bach- people attend each year. ing with Tony Martin MP: Centre- Welcoming new Members at Ot- elor of Arts program. Registration is For more information, call 613-567- town United Church and the Dignity tawa Brahms Choir! open NOW for January 25 start; class 7729 For All Campaign present an evening To celebrate its 30th Anniversary size is capped at 25. See www.carle- with NDP MP Tony Martin to discuss in 2011, we invite new members to ton.ca/cie/bridging-program/ and call Call For Books C545, a Bill to eradicate poverty in sing with us Johannes Brahms’ 613-5200x2974 or email bridging@ The Friends of the Farm are looking Canada. Tony is responsible in the magnificent work ‘Ein Deutsches carleton.ca to register or for more in- for used books for their book sale. federal NDP caucus for social policy, Requiem’ under the direction of Kurt formation. If you miss this term, try Books can be dropped off February 5, poverty elimination and persons with Ala-Kantti on Saturday April 30 at for September! from 10 to 3, at building 72, Central disabilities. This is the inaugural St. Thomas the Apostle. All voices Experimental Farm, east off Prince of event of Centretown United Church’s welcome. A special encouragement Wales traffic circle. Money raised will 2011 speaker series on Faith and Pub- is directed to brave new Tenors and OSCADS Community Initiatives SCAR is introducing, on an gredients: actions, resources and an base in the community. An idea (a and make a list of meeting places in experimental basis, a new idea. OSCADS try to help bring them new database) and a resource (a small Old Ottawa South for small groups Osection of free ads. together. honorarium) are looking for someone of 6 to 20, e.g. in schools, the library, The purpose is to help members If you need or have something to who is able to take action (doing the community centre, churches, plus their of the Old Ottawa South community contribute in any of these categories, research and making a list). rental cost, for possible publication in take initiatives, whether business, not- advertise here. __ OSCAR. Small symbolic honorarium for-profit or informal voluntary initia- For example, our first ad (see Here, for example, is an ad under to be discussed. Phone 613 730-2796 tives. below) is looking for someone with “Action:” or email [email protected] Most initiatives require three in- time and energy to create a new data- Wanted: a volunteer to research JAN 2011 The OSCAR - OUR 38th YEAR Page 47 YourMarketplace
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