Blackburn Area News And Reports
Vol. 54 No. 4 BanarApril 2021
Blackburn Hamlet welcomes first Neighborhood Watch streets
Don Kelly, Neighborhood Lastly, the hard work involved Constable Marc Leroux, Watch Coordinator in getting the required number Don Kelly, and Lynn Lefevre, of residents signed up to the our BCA secretary. The BCA is proud to announce program was done through This announcement is a that Blackburn Hamlet now the resolve of the Highburn good step forward for the is officially recognized as a Crescent Street Captains, Neighborhood Watch program. Neighborhood Watch area by Richard Manicom and Lisa However, to be the effective the City of Ottawa. Through Margeson. Bravo to both! voice that a Neighborhood the BCA’s partnership with The Neighborhood Watch Watch can be, we need more the Ottawa Police, and signs were installed at the residents to sign up. Our goal is especially the leadership of entrances to Highburn to have all of our streets show the our Community Police Officer, Crescent. Signs are to be Neighborhood Watch symbol. Constable Marc Leroux, the installed on Glen Park Drive This will make our community a Hamlet now has two streets, shortly. To mark the occasion, safer and better place to live. Highburn Crescent and Glen and following public health Remember, joining the Park Drive, officially named as guidelines, a small ceremony Neighborhood Watch program Neighborhood Watch streets. and photo opportunity was is easy. Go to the BCA website Another important partner in held on Highburn. In the photo, and you can find an application this achievement has been the from right to left are, Richard form, or contact me at safety@ City of Ottawa, and the support Manicom, Lisa Margeson, blackburnhamlet.ca and I will of our councillor, Laura Dudas. Councillor Laura Dudas, ensure that you get the form. 2 • The BANAR April-May 2021 President’s message
The BCA recently held our For those taking advantage first virtual AGM, and while of the spring weather to dust we miss gathering in person off your bikes, see page 21 for in our community hall, it was our annual reminder on bike great to see so many members safety. And later this summer Page 15 – Spring Clean Up come out virtually to hear we will welcome the reopening Contents about the work our volunteers of our arena (progress on 4 BCA Updates have done for the community page 8); the project is coming 5 BANAR info over the past year. While along smoothly, and it 6 Welcome to the new BCA board we had to pass on hallmark will be awesome to see the 8 Backburn Arena expansion community events, like the finished product when it 9 Tribute to Dr. Denis Cyr FunFair, the community reopens. Once the arena is 9 Sunflower growing contest garage sale, and the Cancer complete, construction on our 11 Just Food Community Garden info Chase in order to adhere to new splash pad next to the 12 History of Green’s Creek, Part 3 14 A vastly changed landscape health guidelines, it was clear community hall will begin. 15 BCA Annual Spring Clean Up that community engagement The BCA is happy to report 17 Gord Brown’s shrimp stir-fry recipe continued, albeit looking a bit that we have secured 2 more 18 Blackburn tree talk different. picnic tables to bring the total 20 Blackburn Tennis Club This past year the BCA to 3, and some additional tree 20 Free Little Library opening soon hosted a grad walk, a coverage in the area beside the 21 Community and cycling safety Halloween contest, and the splash pad. 22 Library activities TD ‘Blackburn is Beautiful’ 23 Ladies’ softball; FunFair photo contest. It was great to I would like to close my 24 April anagrams see our volunteers putting so message by congratulating 25 Speed Walking much time and effort into the our hard-working volunteers 26 Harvey Wittenberg, Part 2 community in a year that was on making our community very difficult for all of us. a safer place. Two streets Looking ahead we will have have now been designated Websites to pass again on the FunFair Neighborhood Watch streets, www.BlackburnHamlet.ca this year, but our volunteers with more to follow. Great www.BlackburnFunFair.ca are already planning a glorious work and dedication by all www.BANAR.ca www.CancerChase.com return in 2022! Other events we our volunteers! If you are hope to be able to introduce in interested in learning more Facebook a safe way as we navigate the about Neighborhood Watch, • Blackburn Hamlet Community pandemic include the Annual please reach out to our Association–BCA Spring Cleanup (page 15) Safety Officer Don Kelly at • Blackburn Hamlet Community which we will host over the [email protected] Association full month of April, and invite you to join us in cleaning up Mark Lister Twitter Blackburn after a long winter. BCA President @BlackburnOttawa
April-May 2021 The BANAR • 3 Blackburn Community Association (BCA)
Mailing address: P.O. Box 47062, Ottawa K1B 5B0 BCA Board Meetings 2021 BCA Board of Directors & Committee Chairs Did you know that the Blackburn Community President: Mark Lister [email protected] Association has been holding their monthly Vice-President: Brent Lawrie [email protected] Secretary: Lynn Lefevre [email protected] board meetings virtually since the beginning of Treasurer: Lisa Margeson [email protected] the pandemic, and that residents of the Hamlet Community Hall: Currently closed Please contact BCA president are encouraged to participate? Virtual BCA Communications: TBD [email protected] meetings are usually held on the third Thursday Transportation & of each month from 7:30 to 10pm. If you are a Community Safety: TBD [email protected] resident of the Hamlet and wish to sit in on a Environment: TBD [email protected] Membership: TBD [email protected] meeting, all you need to do is email secretary@ Parks and Rinks: TBD [email protected] blackburnhamlet.ca to receive an invitation and the Website: TBD [email protected] Zoom access code. Please remember that board Funfair Chairperson: Ian Chamberland [email protected] meetings follow an agenda, so if you have any Seniors: Don Kelly [email protected] questions or topics that you wish to raise, please Canada Day: Tracy Scott [email protected] advise the secretary at least two days prior to the and Jason Wegner [email protected] Santa’s Breakfast: Tracy Wilson and [email protected] meeting. Jason Wegner [email protected] The next BCA board meetings are scheduled BANAR Editor: Kendra Brett [email protected] for: Thursday, April 15 2021, and Thursday, May BANAR distribution: Joanne Smith [email protected] 20, 2021. BCA Membership! Your $10 annual membership helps support BCA Time to renew your activities such as the BANAR, representation to BCA Membership! various levels of government, FunFair, Hockey Day, Canada Day, Santa’s Breakfast and many Your $10 annual membership helps support BCA activities such as the BANAR, representation to various levels of other initiatives for youth, seniors, and local government, FunFair, Hockey Day, Canada Day, Santa’s groups. The membership year is from July 1 to Breakfast and many other initiatives for youth, seniors, and local groups Each membership is good for all family June 30 every year. Each membership is good members living at the same address. for two adults (who have voting privileges at To renew your BCA membership please email: the AGM) and any dependent family members membership@ blackburnhamlet.ca living at the same address. NAME:______To join the BCA or renew your BCA TEL#:______membership, please complete the form on ADDRESS:______this page, or send an email with the same information to [email protected] POSTAL CODE:______EMAIL:______Payment: By Mail: Cheque or cash amount of $10 mailed to BCA, P.O. Box 47062, Ottawa, ON K1B 5B0. By e-Transfer: $10 emailed to treasurer@ blackburnhamlet.ca, include your family name in the message box.
4 • The BANAR April-May 2021 Banar For BCA updates go to ADVERTISING in the BANAR BlackburnHamlet.ca Prices range from $40 to $300 per issue depending on Blackburn Community Garage Sale the size of the ad. Annual subscribers get 10% off). Tax Unfortunately, given recent guidance from will be added to the invoice. Ottawa Public Health, and the uncertainty of First time advertisers who purchase a subscription the COVID-19 situation in Ottawa, the BCA of ads marked with a star (*) receive a free half-page will not be organizing a community garage profile (225 words plus photo). sale this spring. The BCA does not endorse or guarantee products or BCA Bike Rodeo services sent in for the BANAR or take responsibility By Dave Garand for the print or web quality, copyright infringements Parents please note: the BCA plans to of photos, artwork or text provided by advertisers for operate a children’s Bike Rodeo at the Good the BANAR or BCA website. Shepherd school on May 19 if the current To advertise, contact Kendra Brett COVID-19 restrictions permit this outdoor [email protected] or 613-265-7661 event. Further details will be posted on Cost Cost the BCA website in early April. You can per per also contact Dave Garand, the Rodeo Size issue year Coordinator, at davethebikeguy@ 7.5 W x 9.5 H (full page)* $300 $1,350 gmail.com for more information. 7.5 W x 4.25 H* $140 $630
4.95 W X 2.75 H* $80 $360 THE BANAR is published five times a year
The BANAR is published and delivered five 3.65 W X 5.25 H* $100 $450 times a year to Blackburn homes and businesses 3.65 W X 4.25 H* $80 $360 to celebrate community and provide information 3.65 W x 2.75 H $60 $270 on local programs and events. BANARs are then 3.65 W x 2 H (business card) $50 $225 refilled at the Blackburn Library, Metro, and 3.65 W x 1.75 H (smallest ad) $40 $180 Shoppers Drugmart while quantities last, as well Circulation: 3,500 as online at blackburnhamlet.ca. PAYMENT, ADVERTISING, ARTWORK, BANAR Submissions AND ARTICLES ARE DUE BY THE Articles can be emailed in the body of an email DEADLINE DATE or attached as a Word document. Original, high Please put ‘BANAR’ in the subject line of all emails. resolution photos (i.e., 300 DPI) to accompany articles can be submitted as email attachments. June BANAR Deadline: May 6, 2021 The BANAR editor reserves the right to edit BANAR Delivery: May 29-30, 2021 articles for length and comprehension. BANAR Contact Information: Sept. BANAR Deadline: Aug. 12, 2021 BANAR Delivery: Sep. 4-5, 2021 Please email Kendra Brett at [email protected] Nov. BANAR Deadline: Oct. 28, 2021 Call 613-265-7661 if you do not get a confirmation BANAR Delivery: Nov. 20, 2021 that your email has been received. Please put “BANAR” in the subject of all emails. April-May 2021 The BANAR • 5 Welcome to the 2021 BCA Board of Directors
The BCA held their AGM on March 25th 2021 director and association president. Mark and his and, like most events nowadays, the AGM family enjoy taking advantage of all the outdoor was held virtually. With over 20 people in space and amenities Blackburn has to offer. attendance, and only a few technical hiccups, Vice President: Brent Lawrie. This will be Brent's the BCA was able to virtually welcome their second year as the vice-president of the BCA. new board of directors, including 10 returning Brent moved to Blackburn Hamlet in 1997 and is board members and 5 new faces. The BCA is proud to be a part of the community and raise his composed entirely of volunteers who dedicate family here. Brent volunteered with the FunFair their time to the Blackburn Hamlet community. for over 10 years, in which he was the chairman The BCA board consists of an executive team, for five years. and 11 directors. The roles and portfolios of the Secretary: Lynn Lefevre. Thanks to some strong directors will be determined at the next BCA encouragement by Evelyn Budd, Lynn joined meeting. the BCA at the 2018 AGM as secretary and has remained in the position since. As a resident of Executive: the Hamlet for over 25 years, she looks forward President: Mark Lister. This will be Mark's fourth to continued involvement in an organization that year on the board, having served as the rinks supports such a fantastic community. Treasurer: Lisa Margeson. Lisa has been working with BCA financials as the treasurer for three years. Now a retired accountant, Lisa has been a resident of Blackburn Hamlet for most of her life.
Directors: Barbara Whittaker: This is Barbara’s first year with the BCA. Welcome Barbara! Daniel Gosson: Daniel has been volunteering with the BCA since 2019, helping moderate the BCA Facebook page, and this is his second year as a board member. Daniel has lived in Blackburn since 1986. Continued on next page
6 • The BANAR April-May 2021 Continued from previous page Miriam Hampson: As a long time resident of DevonLocal Ellis. writer This will be publishesDevon’s first year novelBlackburn Hamlet and teacher at Glen Ogilvie volunteering with the BCA. Our beautiful School, Miriam is excited to volunteer with communityEarlier this springhas so muchBlackburn to offer resident residents and and theforgiveness BCA particularly and redemption. in the area The of author’s gardening grasp visitors.frequent She’s BANAR looking contributor forward Shawn to helping MacWha keep andof history treeing and the geography many beautiful is impressive, areas of the and he ourpublished area clean, his first healthy, novel, fun, entitled and thriving. neighborhood.uses this knowledge to take the Don“Eastern Kelly. Horizons.” Don is in his Beautifully second year set with the BCA. Nina Ryan: Thisreader will on be a Nina’s fast-paced second and year with Hehigh is inthe the director mountains of Community of British Safety, coordinator the BCA, afterfascinating originally joiningjourney the which FunFair is, at the forColumbia, the Neighborhood in the boardrooms Watch and of chairman of the committee as sametheir directortime, both of communications.horrifying and Cancer Chase Programs. Don has been a resident of Nina is thrilled to be able to immerse herself in Ottawa, and on the rugged shores of deeply comforting. This is a timely Blackburn Hamlet for over 30 years and retired here the community where she was born and raised, northern Newfoundland, this book novel and reminds us that only after 30 years of military service. and derives great joy from promoting events and explores the limits of our individual through acts of inclusion and Jessica Faure: This is Jessica’s first year on the connecting with her community. BCA.and collective Welcome compassion. Jessica! The Satinder Sahota:respect Satinder can we has be been the people,on the BCA and Kielstory Dixon-Lawlor: revolves around This the will reactions be Kiel's third for 6 years. Shecountry, grew up that in weBlackburn were truly and meant always yearof Canada, on the twoBCA. naval Kiel officersand his andfamily a have loved knew about theto BCA,be. and when she moved livingfamily in of Blackburn, Malaysian enjoyingrefugees theto a small, tight-knit back to the HamletEastern she Horizons knew she is wantedavailable to now be communityterrible war nestledin Asia. inside When the millions Greenbelt. involved in theon community. Amazon.ca and Shawn will be Maureenof people Forsythe:seek shelter This in isCanada Maureen's at first year Patrick Phillips:promoting This is Patrick’s it around second our year on witha time the of BCA. environmental She moved and back economic to Blackburn collapse thecommunity BCA, he ashelps circumstances moderate the return BCA to Facebook normal. Hamleteach of thea couple characters of years in the ago book and lookssuffers forward from pageFor further and has information an interest youin environment-themed can contact him to becoming more involved with the community initiatives. Patrick is currently working towards crushing moral failures. But as the gravity of directly at [email protected]. throughtheir crimes the BCA.is revealed each actor seeks a path to his PhD at the University of Ottawa.
April-May 2021 The BANAR • 7 18 • The BANAR June 2020 Take a video tour of the Blackburn Arena expansion Councillor Laura Dudas with images and an interview with the project manager. You can check it out at LauraDudas.ca/ Yes, this is another article about the Blackburn blackburn-arena-renovation-project/. Looking Arena! It is with good reason that I am providing forward to the grand reopening! yet another update on this exciting project; construction on the long-awaited expansion is nearly complete, and reopening is coming this spring. During a recent sneak peek of the construction site by City staff, I was astonished to see how much of a difference this investment has made in the size, functionality, and welcoming atmosphere of our beloved arena. I was struck by the large, open lobby, the new community meeting room, the plethora of windows letting in so much more light and seeing the roughed-in area for the new dressing rooms. All of these changes will make our arena a welcoming and accessible space for all users. I wanted to pull back the curtain and let everyone see some of these amazing improvements. On my website, you will find a video offering a behind-the-scenes tour, along
8 • The BANAR April-May 2021 Community tribute to Doctor Denis Cyr Robin Farnand & Don Kelly We are writing these few words to pay tribute to Doctor Denis Cyr, M.Sc. DC, Blackburn Hamlet’s notable chiropractor who passed away suddenly in March of this year. Denis studied anatomical and biological sciences and had a Master of Science. Shortly after graduating, Dr. Cyr established his chiropractor practice in Blackburn Hamlet and has been serving our community for over 33 years. Doctor Cyr was committed to providing his patients with the best of care and was passionate about ensuring he did everything he could to improve their health. His work ethic, energy, and kind treatment approach was infectious, which was a major factor in the efficient and effective recovery of so many of his patients. Denis was a cherished colleague and friend, and he will be missed by many within our community. Spring into sunflowers! With summer right around the corner, a Blackburn resident would like to challenge the community to a Sunflower Growing Contest! So grab your seeds and gardening tools, and let’s see if we can make Blackburn Hamlet the “Sunn- flower-iest” neighborhood in Ottawa! Please note, this challenge is only for fun and bragging rights among you neighbors; there will be no official judging of sunflowers.
April-May 2021 The BANAR • 9 10 • The BANAR April-May 2021 Rules and map to visit Just Food Community Farm By Moe Garahan, traffic: incorrectly being This is a working farm, nursery Executive Director, Just Food identified as a dog park on an and program area. Ottawa-wide Facebook group, Just Food staff and board, as Ongoing, updated info about large numbers of bicyclists the lease-holders for the property, visiting Just Food Community driving in groups on farm are responsible for stewarding Farm can be found at www. roads, vandalism to farm sheds, the land and, since inception, justfood.ca/farmrules as well as an increase in garbage and dog have strived to maintain a a map of the leased area. poop left behind, the mutilation vibrant, inclusive community After 10 years located in of large pine trees, and several space to meet multiple interests. Blackburn Hamlet, the Just dog and bike-related conflicts. In order to do so, and as the Food Community Farm (JFCF), This article is to remind lease-holders, we have the only serving city-wide, remains a people about the rules for say on who can access the farm key initiative and favourite visiting JFCF. at any point. Guest visitors to the neighbourhood visiting spot. The entire 150 acres bordered farm visit at their own risk, and Last year, COVID-19 led to a by Innes Road/Pepin Court, if not following the rules will be large increase in city-wide and Tauvette and Green’s Creek are considered trespassing and asked Blackburn Hamlet residents leased by Just Food from NCC, to leave. looking for greenspace, and and have been since 2014 on Here’s to a vibrant, safe space the JFCF experienced many a long-term lease, (noting our for diverse activities for all challenges from this increased temporary lease started in 2011). people engaged at the JFCF! Rules for visiting Just Food Community Farm • All current COVID garden areas, noting new the property (new rule, rules must be followed north-end garden site. given 2020 level and speed including two metres Dogs are prohibited from of bike traffic) as too many distance and masked when all garden fields. children, dogs, people and this is not possible. • ALL feces must be vehicles. You can walk • This is not a dog-park. removed from the property your bike through the farm Dogs are not automatically immediately. when visiting. allowed on the property, • All dogs must be under • Rules posted on all signs and Just Food is not instant control at all times, on the farm must be responsible for problems and must not negatively followed. arising from dogs on the affect other people, dogs, • Farm gate is closed to property. animals, wildlife, vehicles, vehicles every evening and • No dogs allowed in areas etc. If not, your dogs are does not open at a regular marked prohibited. Note: not welcome. time. Areas can change year to • No one can drive on • Open hours for walkers year and longstanding the farm roads (past the change and in part, reflect farmers are allowed dogs parking lot) unless in a daylight hours. in prohibited areas, and vehicle registered with a • Current hours for walkers: will have ribbon on their farm project on site, with a 6:30am-8pm leash. vehicle permit showing in • Hours between • Any dogs must be leashed the window. May 1 to September 30: around ALL other active • No one can bike through 6:30am-9pm
April-May 2021 The BANAR • 11 A history of Green’s Creek in four parts by Shawn MacWha water contained high levels of hydrogen sulphide and methane Part 3: Hotels and and was believed to have health Bottled Water benefits. By the 1880s the hotel By the start of the 1860s the was running two shuttles a area around Green’s Creek was day from downtown Ottawa largely cleared of forests and and patrons could purchase farms lined its banks. It was at sulphur baths for 50 cents. If this time that the area began they wished to spend the night, to serve as a playground for rooms could be had for as little the growing city of Ottawa. An as $1.25. After bathing in the 1863 map shows a hotel near heated waters, guests could the present Montreal Road relax and watch horse races at interchange, and by the 1870s the nearby Dominion Trotting Advertisement for Borthwick Springs taken from an 1879 travel guide to the this establishment was known Park. It is not known when this City of Ottawa. as the Victoria Sulphur Springs hotel closed, but it was listed as Hotel. The business was built being “in ruins” in 1917, and a as a summer resort called upon a mineral spring found 1928 aerial photograph of the Besserer’s Grove in the early on the west bank of Green’s site shows no sign of it. 1850s, it contained 65 rooms Creek and people from the city Another local inn named and was a popular destination would come here to indulge Jubilee House was located in for Ottawa day-trippers. A in the European tradition of Hiawatha Park near the current nearby wharf acted as a port “taking the waters.” The spring Residence Saint-Louis. Founded of call for the Ottawa River
12 • The BANAR April-May 2021 steamer Empress, and families from the city would spring waters around Green’s Creek. Victoria come out on weekends for a country getaway. Springs bottled and sold its water across the An 1896 advertisement in the Ottawa Journal country, as did the lesser known Borthwick promised it was a pleasant place for picnic parties Mineral Springs situated in Mer Bleue near the where visitors could depend upon “good food current intersection of Anderson and Ridge Roads. at reasonable prices.” The hotel also had its own While there was no hotel at these springs the water mineral waters, drawn from a nearby well. was so widely known for its curative powers that But it wasn’t just locals who could enjoy the it was mentioned in an American medical textbook from 1894. In the early 1890s both of these springs were listed as being amongst the largest producers of bottled water in Canada. Next Issue: The Creek Today
Water jug from the Borthwick Mineral Water Company belonging to Blackburn resident Francis Kenny. This jug sat in the basement of her family farm house up until they shut down the farm in 1997.
April-May 2021 The BANAR • 13 How do you live in a landscape so vastly changed? Brigitte Lehoux the raindrops on the leaves, we At first, the wind was could even see our joy of living. very strong, maybe even a Brigitte Lehoux, and her family From tree to tree, we hooked up sandstorm. The wind carried have lived in Blackburn Hamlet for ropes and took turns bouncing. fine particles of sand and dust over 10 years. On November 17, Our little Zackaël, skilled as that entered our eyes. We had a 2019, the family of five was in a always, would tumble in the air really hard time seeing ahead. tragic accident involving a moose. to swing with ease between the After the storm, we gradually Her 5-year-old son Zackaël Flintoff trees. Pure joy! Maxandre and come to the realization that did not survive, and her daughter Zackaël would often grab their Zackaël is gone forever. He Adélie was seriously injured. little sister with them and all three won’t come back. As much as One year after the accident, would spring forward. he loved to jump up high in the she started to write articles Bright white, the beautiful sky, he has now reached heaven. on her bilingual blog www. The sky has no more clouds. GrievingMaman.com where she Our Zackaël can no longer shares their story and the hardships jump; his last jump was so high her family faces. She brings awareness that he went to join the stars. to grief, trauma and depression, and There’s no longer a cabin to celebrates the life of Zackaël. protect us, we only have each Today, Brigitte shares with us a other. We were five, but now we metaphorical story she wrote last are four. Only the four of us are month. For those who didn’t know stuck in that desert. Zackaël, she mentions that jumping The rain from the forest has was Zackaël’s favorite activity. now turned to tears. The intense heat of the desert dries our **** tears as soon as they fall on our We were living in a rainforest. cheeks. Carl, Maxandre, Zackaël, Adélie big clouds allowed us to jump Devoid of vegetation and and I even built a little cabin in on them, high in the sky. What inhospitable, life is hard here; the trees. a joy! Our little athlete Zackaël only a little cactus here and Every day, the richness of the always got so excited when he there. Be careful not to touch forest made us discover life. saw bouncy clouds. He would them, they are full of spikes. The great diversity of plants jump and show off his spins and Maxandre is lying on the and animals gave us completely turns, so effortless and graceful. sand. He is out of breath and different experiences. We were The green of the trees, looks at the sky trying to see his so well surrounded. We would Zackael’s favorite color, was brother. But the sun is blinding, wake up to the sound of birds a rich green that went beyond and Maxandre looks elsewhere. and count the butterflies that nature. Maxandre’s gaze is turned came to us. However, on November 17, therefore towards little Adélie. In the forest, the air was 2019, with no warning, we were His little sister was injured by clean and fresh. After the rain, shoved into the desert. We don’t a 1,100 pound beast. Despite there was always sunshine. really know how it happened. her small size, Adélie is strong. The alternation between rain That day, we couldn’t see the She encourages us with her and sun brought variety to our forest anymore. From that day, beautiful smile to continue the activities. In the reflection of we knew we were in the desert. long course.
14 • The BANAR April-May 2021 Carl and I try our best to ride our own camels. I am frail BCA Annual Spring Clean Up and have no energy, but I do By Lee Stach everything possible to ride the camel. Two camels walking Spring has sprung and slowly but surely. it’s time to clean up our We try to bring up Maxandre beautiful community! The on the camel that I am riding. 2021 Blackburn Hamlet Maxandre must hold on to me. Spring Clean Up will look a We support each other. On the bit different this year, but it’s other camel, Carl carries Adélie still a great opportunity to get and beautify our community in his arms. Carl is already tired. outside, enjoy the upcoming at your leisure on any day It’s difficult to navigate with all warm weather, and help clean during April. Anyone who this weight and only a free hand. up the Hamlet. registers for the Clean Up will We don’t know where the Instead of holding the be entered into a draw for a camels will take us. We have Spring Clean Up on a single fabulous prize of local goods. been wandering into the day this year, we’ve decided We’re also looking for unknown for ages. The days to devote the whole month of Hamlet members to host Clean are alike. Every day, the heat is April. Simply register at Up package pick-up locations. oppressive and heavy. [email protected] with If you’ve got a porch where The humpbacks of the your address and number of your neighbours can pop by camels are indescribably adults and children involved to grab their packages, please uncomfortable. Several times (only your immediate contact us. a day, we imagined letting household, please). In the While we won’t be able ourselves fall full on our upcoming weeks you will to get together to welcome stomachs in the sand, to let receive information on where spring this year, we can still ourselves languish. But the sun to pick up your Clean Up take pride in our beautiful is too strong and will scorch us. package. Your package will community and make sure We don’t have that time. include cleaning supplies, it’s in tip top shape for the We remain hopeful and try instructions, and your cleaning summer. Register now to to keep our balance. Falls are route. Grab your package participate and/or host a dangerous and we have to hold and head out on your route package pick-up location. on tight. The sand is deep and we have to be careful not to sink. Every day, we travel for miles. The landscape is dry and always the same. There is no end to it. Why are we alone in this great suffering? What did we do to end up here? When will we be removed from this desert to return and find our forest? In the distance, we finally see a valley. Let’s go and get some rest. Maybe we will find an oasis?
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16 • The BANAR April-May 2021 Gord Brown’s shrimp stir-fry
By Gord Brown absorbed by the mushrooms I love cooking and 6. Add measured soy sauce and experimenting with different stir until mushrooms start to ingredients, and often all it cook takes is a single condiment to 7. Add cabbage, sriracha, oyster inspire a new favourite dish. sauce, honey or simple syrup, I originally used the Ozaku ● 3 green onions, chopped and continue to stir miso chilli oil with soya sauce and set aside for garnish 8. Stir until cabbage begins to to sautée asparagus, which ● 1/3 cup dry roasted peanuts, go translucent at the edges prompted me to try it in stir-fry. crushed 9. Add coloured peppers, and This sweet, savoury and spicy ● 1 tbsp oyster sauce stir for two to three minutes dish was the result, and it’s now ● 1/8 cup soya sauce, plus 10. Remove to a bowl a favourite in our household. additional to taste 11. Let the wok start to smoke I hope you enjoy this dish as ● 1/2 tsp sriracha again much as we do! ● 2 Tbsp peanut oil 12. Add shrimp and marinade. ● 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil As soon as shrimp is cooked, Marinated Shrimp ● 2 Tbsp of honey or Keto- remove to a separate bowl as ● 1 lb medium raw shrimp friendly simple syrup soon as done and reduce the (fully thawed, cleaned and liquid until it is thick peeled) Method: 13. Re-add vegetables. If ● 2 tsp Ozaku Hot Miso 1. Heat a wok at med-high until desired, add more soya sauce to Chili Oil it just starts to smoke taste ● 1/8 cup soy sauce 2. Add peanut and sesame oil 14. Add shrimp and stir for ● 1/8 cup rice vinegar 3. Add onion and garlic – stir one minute ● 2 Tbsp peanut oil constantly until onions start to 15. Turn off heat. Add green ● 1 Tbsp roasted sesame oil sweat onions and peanuts ● 1 large garlic clove, minced 4. Add mushrooms 16. Stir thoroughly and serve Combine marinade ingredients 5. Stir until liquid/oil is mostly on noodles of choice or rice. in a bowl and add shrimp. Mix well and cover at room temperature for two hours, stirring every half-hour.
Stir-fry ● 1 medium red onion, chopped into 1” pieces ● 2 cloves garlic, minced ● 1/4 lb mushrooms, sliced ● 1 1/2 cup chopped green or napa cabbage ● 1 coloured pepper, chopped into 1” pieces
April-May 2021 The BANAR • 17 Blackburn tree talk
Stephen Fanjoy displays over winter. They fungal mycorrhizal network have been home to a family that shares water, nitrogen, I have gardened all my life, of squirrels and many birds. carbon, minerals, and beneficial but until a decade ago I had In a decade or so they could biochemicals. These are just two never planted a tree. My first even be tapped for sap in the trees on the corner of my lot. was a maple beauty that the spring. With time and luck they Just imagine what goes on in City of Ottawa gave me. They will majestically grow to over the vast underground “wood- even delivered and planted it thirty meters tall and live for wide web” of a forest. for me… for free! A few years centuries. Now, about the City of and thirty feet later we lost For all the beauty and Ottawa Trees in Trust program. our mature linden in a storm. function trees provide above Every year, the City of Ottawa Thanks again to the city we ground, their underground plants over 125,000 trees, and soon had a second maple life is one of mystery and one of the important ways they growing where the linden was wonder. In time the roots of do this is by providing them to before. But like the saying goes, both our maples will establish people who will give a tree a all this wasn’t just free, it was and spread enough to find and place to grow. Property owners priceless. recognize each other, sharing with city street frontage suitable Our maples are now healthy water and nutrients for mutual for growing a tree can have one adolescents, adding value and benefit. In fact I am quite sure delivered and planted free of beauty to the street, cooling the trees are already “in touch” charge, a value of hundreds of shade in the summer, brilliant using the old roots of the linden dollars. Recipients are asked to colours in fall, and glistening and a symbiotic underground water the tree as needed for the
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Listing and selling properties in Blackburn Hamlet. COVID-19 conditions applied. Call us today!
18 • The BANAR April-May 2021 first three years and to call the City for help if the tree develops any problems. Not only does this program bring a tree, it brings delight to you and the neighbourhood.
Some key details about the program:
Ad to be in November 2020 and February issues● Trees areinstead provided of on profile a first come, story first and served missed basis Furry PawsAd ad.to be Actual in November value of2020 ad and this February size is $175.issues instead of profile story and missed Furry Paws ad. Actual value of ad this size● No is charge $175. to the homeowner Ad to be in November 2020 and February issues● insteadThe tree is ofsupplied profile and story planted and by themissed City FurryPlease Paws notePlease ad. that Actual note resolution thatvalue resolution of ofad photos this of sizephotos are is $175.arenot● Applies not300 300 dpi to dpihomes and and with I Ihave have street thefrontage bestbest I canI can with with what what (you sent.(you Renewal sent. Renewal a regular a regular ad 3.65” ad 3.65” width width(i.e., x up thex up spaceto to 4.25” between4.25” height) height) your property willwill be linebe for andfor April April 2021. 2021. Please note that resolution of photos are not 300the dpi roadway) and I havethat lacks the a treebest I can with what (you sent. Renewal a regular ad 3.65” width x ●up Property to 4.25” owner height) must pledge will tobe water for Aprilthe tree 2021. It is my pleasure to provide a groomingfor service the first for 3 yearsour wonderful community. It is my pleasure to provide a grooming service● Limit of for one ourtree per wonderful single fronting community. house or Furry Paws Grooming, located in Blackburntwo trees Hamlet, per corner has lot. been open for almost four ItFurry is my pleasurePaws Grooming, to provide located a grooming in Blackburn service for Hamlet, our wonderful has been community. open for almost four years now. I couldn't ask for a better job and such amazing clients. Since I was young, Furryyears Paws now. Grooming,I couldn't asklocated for ina betterBlackburn job andSome Hamlet, such considerations has amazing been openfor clients. for almostSince I four was young, I've always been excited about the furrypotential babies, planting I love taking sites: care of them and making years now. I couldn't ask for a better job and such amazing clients. Since I was young, I've alwaysthem been feel excited happy and about comfortable. the furry It babies, would be I lovemy honour taking to care take of care them of your and furry makingTo find out more about the Trees in Trust I'vethem always feelbabies. beenhappy excited I haveand comfortable.aboutexcellent the service furry It babies,and would pricing.● IsI belovethere my enoughtaking honour space? care toof themtake careand making of your program, furry call 3-1-1, or go to Ottawa.ca, search for them feel happy and comfortable. It would be● myAre therehonour overhead to take or underground care of your utilities? furry “Trees in Trust” and click on the page titled “Tree babies. I havePlease excellent feel free service to call and for anpricing. appointment● Is the soil atquality (613) acceptable 324-0099 for or tree text/e-mail. growth? Planting”. babies.Please I have feelexcellent free to service COVIDcall for and measures an pricing. appointment are in place at for (613) everyone's 324-0099 safety. or text/e-mail. Please feel freeCOVID to call for measures an appointment are in place at (613) for 324-0099everyone's or safety.text/e-mail. COVID measures are in place for everyone's safety.
CUSTOMER: Furry Paws ISSUE: February 2021 SIZE: 3.65 x 4.35 November 2020 The BANAR • 17 PROOF 1 April-May 2021 The BANAR • 19
November 2020 The BANAR • 17 November 2020 The BANAR • 17 Blackburn tennis anticipates a busy season
The Blackburn Tennis Club invites you to join For more information visit us this summer for safe, healthy, economical and www.blackburntennis.ca or call the club in season fun exercise for all, on one of our 6 beautifully at 613-824-0002 for more information. maintained tennis courts. With any necessary COVID protocols in place, we have planned an exciting season, and welcome players of all ages and skill levels! Courts will be opening as soon as weather permits and all registrations, payments, court bookings and sign-ups can be done safely and easily online through our website. As well, the clubhouse will be open May 1 from 10am to 2pm to welcome socially distanced visitors. The Free Little Library is reopening soon!
Rebecca Murray We plan to install the library and stock it full of books by the end of April. We hope that residents As the weather gets warmer I’m looking forward and neighbours of Blackburn Hamlet will come to reinstalling our Little Free Library on the front visit the library – bringing and taking books. lawn of our home on Wedgewood Crescent. We will welcome donations once the library has been installed and advertise the opening day on social media. We really want to promote a range of books and authors at the library – but ultimately the stock will reflect what we as a community are reading! You can stay up to date with the library via Instagram @wedgewoodlibrary, the Wedgewood Library Facebook page and updates on the BCA Facebook group.
20 • The BANAR April-May 2021 Community and cycling safety Don Kelly and Dave Garand there are no frayed cables. www.facebook.com/groups/ 4. Check the sizing of the bike easternottawacycling Spring has sprung! The sun (e.g., seat and handlebar community/ is out, warm temperatures heights) In further community are returning, and everyone 5. Ensure there’s a bell, safety news, there was a wants to get out and enjoy reflectors, and reflective tape recent incident in the Hamlet the outdoors. Throughout the on the forks and stays. where a 9-year-old boy was City of Ottawa are bike trails Bike owners should be struck by a vehicle while that are well defined, safe aware of the Project 529 app, crossing the intersection of and enjoyable. The National a partnership between the Innes and Glen Park Drive Capital Commissions’s Capital Ottawa Safety Council and while under the supervision Pathway Network, with its 230 Ottawa Police Services and of a crossing Guard. The boy kms of maintained pathways, Bike Ottawa and Safer Roads was not injured. A review of offers options for all cycling Ottawa. If you register with the incident was conducted skill levels and ages. Whether Project 529 and your bike is and it highlighted that some it be with skateboards, bikes, stolen or lost, an alert is sent drivers were moving into the or scooters, injuries do occur across the city to your fellow crosswalk before pedestrians so safety precautions should be cyclists about the loss or theft. had fully made their crossing. part of your cycling plans. The Over 6,000 residents have The Highway Traffic Act states websites of the Ottawa Police, signed up and many bikes have that drivers shall not proceed Ottawa Safety Council and Bike been recovered. And don’t into the intersection until all Ottawa offer some great tips on forget the importance of a good pedestrians have cleared the safety gear for cycling and what bike lock and knowing how to roadway and are safely on the to do to ensure your safety. properly secure your bike! curb or sidewalk. Remember, Remember, anyone under the If you would like to join if you see or experience acts of age of 18 must, by law, wear a the discussion about various unsafe driving you can help helmet in Ontario. cycling topics including what’s our community by reporting it being done for infrastructure to the Ottawa Police. Leaving it Things to consider before improvements in the east end, up to someone else to take care heading out for a ride: visit the East Ottawa Cycling of is not beneficial in getting 1. Verify the condition and the Community Facebook page. our streets safer. air pressure in the tires. The right pressure will be indica- ted on the sides of the tires. 2. Check the brake pads for even wear, brittleness, and the remaining amount of material. Regularly cleaning the braking surface with water and a bit of soap is recommended for consistent and safe braking power. 3. Verify that the shifting is functioning property and that
April-May 2021 The BANAR • 21 Library activities – Spring 2021
Spring is finally here! The snow ONLINE PROGRAMS (ages 8-12). Register online. is melting fast, and the crocuses FOR ADULTS https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/ and daffodils will soon be en/blogs/dungeons-dragons- showing their colourful faces to Tech Café storytelling-dice the sun. Our doors are open for Join us on Zoom to learn about browsing, limited computer use topics such as these: how to Yoga for Teens / and holds pickup. Please feel stay safe when shopping online, Yoga pour les ados free to come and pay us a visit, social networks, managing your All levels are welcome. Join us but don`t forget your mask. We phone and more. Mondays at on Zoom Wednesdays at 4pm. look forward to seeing you soon. 4pm. Tous les niveaux sont les We are not able to offer any bienvenus. Rejoignez-nous sur programs in the library at this How to Create an Zoom tous les mercredis à 16h. time, but we have all sorts of Online Book Club online activities for adults, Are you thinking of creating April Break, Ages 4-12 / teens and kids on our website an online book club? Find Congé d’avril, âges 4-12 at https://biblioottawalibrary.ca, resources and reading From April 12-17, a variety of including online tutorials to suggestions here. programs and concerts await help you download e-books. https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/ you online. There is a show Please call us at 613-580-2940 for blogs/start-fresh-your-opl-digital- every day at 3:30pm, yoga and assistance. book-club-picks-march dance, arts and crafts workshops, writing and reading. Register online:https:// ONLINE PROGRAMS FOR biblioottawalibrary.ca/en CHILDREN AND TEENS April Break for Teens / Congé d’avril pour ados Dungeons and Dragons / From April 12-17, we are Donjons & Dragons offering daily workshops on Experience the fun and poetry, songwriting, cosplay adventure of D&D online with makeup and virtual sketching other teens (ages 13-18) or kids for self-care.
Online storytime / L’heure du compte en direct Tuesdays at 10am, English. No registration necessary. Les mercredis à 10h30, français. Aucune inscription requise. Thursdays at 4pm, bilingual. No registration necessary. https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/ en/program?f%5B0%5D=field_ series_1%3A46735
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22 • The BANAR April-May 2021 Parent Baby Connections / Connexions parents-bébés Library Hours Les mercredis à 9h00, français. Closed Good Friday, April 2 • Closed Easter Monday, April 5 Aucune inscription requise. Closed Victoria Day, May 24 Thursday at 2:30, English. Monday – 10am - 6pm • Tuesday – 1pm - 8pm No registration necessary. Wednesday – 10am - 6pm • Thursday – 1pm - 8pm https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/ Friday – 10am - 4pm • Saturday – 10am - 4pm en/program?f%5B0%5D=field_ Sunday – Closed series_1%3A46735 The book drop is available during open hours only. 613-580-2940
Blackburn Blackburn Hamlet FunFair Ladies Softball through the decades League is recruiting Kendra Brett 2021 marks 50 years since new players! Blackburn Hamlet hosted their very first FunFair in Have you played before? Are 1971. However, there was no you new and looking for a fun FunFair in 1987, which means night out? Come and join us! that once the pandemic is over we will have to wait a few We are a wonderful group of more years to celebrate the photos from the early years. ladies who play recreational 50th FunFair. While we wait for If you have any photos from softball and are looking to the next FunFair, the BANAR FunFair from 1971 to 1981 and add a few more players to our would love to publish some would like to publish them in league. We play Monday and/ FunFair photos from the past the BANAR, please email me or Wednesday nights, have five decades, starting with at [email protected] recreational and competitive tournaments, meet and greet at opening night, end of year banquet, and other exciting activities throughout the season.
Please visit www. blackburnladiessoftball.com or contact Johanne Danis, BLSL Vice-President, at [email protected] for more information and to register.
April-May 2021 The BANAR • 23 BANAR Family Fun Corner – April anagrams Rearrange the following clues to discover some Blackburn-themed words! CLUE SOLUTION # OF WORDS A Blooper Brook Hint: summer time fun ______2 Drudge Bands Hint: flowers ______2 Aqua Lag Err Fry Hint: it’s a blast! ______2 Teens Thorns Hint: having a ball! ______2 A Oasis Tonic Coin Tummy Hint: volunteers ______2 Pecan Serge Hint: surrounds us all ______1 Rabble Math Clunk Hint: est. 1834 ______2 Ruffian Hint: est. 1971 ______2
24 • The BANAR April-May 2021 What’s with the wiggle walker? Noel Paine
If you have seen someone out in the Hamlet not quite running, but moving faster than any walker I am no Olympian and I’m a new racewalker, but and moving with hip action many dancers have received thumbs ups, questions, and positive would be envious of, then you have seen me support from the community. In September 2020, racewalking! I set a five kilometre racewalking Ontario Masters Racewalking is a long-distance athletic event. record (25:31). Although it is a foot race, it is different from In collaboration with the Canadian racewalk running in that one community I have organized a Virtual Canadian foot must appear to be The racewalking Racewalking Challenge in May as part of the always in contact with the world record for Ottawa Marathon. The goal is to promote ground. In the Olympics, walking as a sport, and to increase awareness of racewalkers compete 20 km is 1 hour 16 competitive racewalking. in the 20 km and 50 km minutes (a pace of You can find out more about racewalking events, walking faster 3:48 per km). online. Find me on Facebook or Twitter (@ than most people can run. NoelPaine), or connect with the Bytown Walkers The racewalking world record for 20 km is 1 hour club who normally train out of the Louis Riel 16 minutes (a pace of 3:48 per km). Dome in the winter. During the late 18th and 19th centuries, pedestrianism (i.e., competitive walking) was a popular sport in Britain and North America. For a number of years (1860-1880s) it was the biggest sport and drew huge crowds, betting and big prizes for winners. Walkers would cover large distances as fast as they could (e.g. 100 miles or across the United States), or compete against each other in an arena (e.g. six days straight). As it became more competitive, rules were created to define what was walking and what was not – and this led to what is modern-day racewalking. An athlete’s back toe cannot leave the ground until the heel of the front foot has touched and the supporting leg must straighten from the point of contact with the ground and remain straightened until the body passes directly over it. This is assessed by race judges. It’s a technical sport that requires cardio and technique to walk quickly. I have been a competitive runner for over 30 years and now have fallen in love with racewalking.
April-May 2021 The BANAR • 25 Harvey Wittenberg: Part 2 – After the war Brad Hampson
In the last issue of the BANAR, Southpark’s Harvey Wittenberg had turned 100 on Christmas day, and we had explored his early life up until his return to Ottawa after his service during World War Two. Sadly, of the six friends he’d Harvey at the piano with his orchestra in the 1950s enlisted with, only Harvey and one other returned home. career as a manager with Back in Ottawa, Harvey remained in the “Capital Fence & Wire”. Army but noted so much had changed with Civilian life also brought the amazing leaps in technology since he had his family to the newly left, including the availability of health services developed Blackburn for all, and transportation. Newly invented Hamlet in 1971. At televisions overtook radio as the primary the time, Blackburn entertainment and source of news, and Harvey Hamlet was only a few bought his first black and white TV in 1953. years old, with the new There were no colour TVs back then! The Costain development first thing he watched was the coronation of mixing new houses Queen Elizabeth II, inviting all his friends and with the older homes neighbours over to watch the young Queen being from the earlier days crowned. She, like Harvey, has weathered all of Harvey in Europe in WW2 of Blackburn. “Young the history since. families and kids Harvey’s family had never owned a car, everywhere,” Harvey recalls. There were so and he bought one soon afterward, which many kids that the schools were at capacity, and helped him get around for his new favorite new ones were being built (like Glen Ogilvie, pastime: playing piano. Harvey formed his own Emily Carr, and Good Shepherd). There was no orchestra, playing gigs across Ottawa and into public transportation at the time, and only one New York State. They were very popular, and small corner store, called “Joe’s Groceteria”, on one special night while playing at Standish near Innes and Southpark Drive. A small trailer Hall in Hull, Harvey met the iconic American truck operated as a pharmacy close by, and that jazz trumpeter and singer, Louis Armstrong. was the extent of any commercial development. Louis had stopped in while on tour for some There was no Blackburn Bypass at the time, no local entertainment, and told Harvey he had community hall, and only one set of traffic lights a good band, then he grabbed a trumpet and at Innes and Bearbrook. Unlike today, outside played a set with the Wittenberg orchestra. The of school hours, the many kids in the Hamlet band continued until Harvey was posted to played outdoors from dawn until dark, in the Newfoundland a short time later. fields, forests and on the street, often missing Harvey had a return posting to Ottawa in dinner times. 1963, and he retired from the Armed Forces in 1969, after almost 30 years of service. Civilian Stay tuned for Part 3 in the next issue for more on life, and Harvey’s band mate, led him to his next Harvey’s life in Blackburn Hamlet.
26 • The BANAR April-May 2021 BLACKBURN BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Your ad could be here! To advertise, contact Kendra Brett [email protected] or call 613-265-7661
April-May 2021 The BANAR • 27 28 • The BANAR April-May 2021