O•S•C•A•R© the Community Voice of Old Ottawa South Year 40, No

The O•S•C•A•R© The Community Voice of Old Ottawa South Year 40, No. 3 The Ottawa South Community Association Review MARCH 2012 Moose Dethroned by Archrivals

By John Dance meant that Edmonton Oiler Ben Eager, a Brantwood Park alumnus, he Old Ottawa South Moose, could rest for the evening game Winners of the Hopewell Avenue two-time champions of the against the Senators. Ben scored Councillors Cup, saw their against the Senators and the Oilers T won 4-3. Public School Spelling Bee dominance of shinny in the nation’s capital slip away on February’s The Capital Ward Cup is a lovely, hockey day in Canada. albeit peculiar, trophy introduced by Despite valiant efforts on the part former Capital Ward Councilor Clive of the royal blue Moose players, the Doucet. The trophy features a player archrival Hosers of Old Ottawa East holding a pen facing off against one somehow won all their games. The with a hockey stick. The trophy’s five-year history of the cup now has symbolism (the pen is mightier than the Hosers with one more victory the hockey stick?) is not perfectly than the Moose. clear to the pucksters fighting for cup This year, the Moose were possession. missing somewhere in the woods, The tournament has been losing all three of their games. David continued by Councillor David Wylynko, Moose general manager, Chernushenko who, like Clive, congratulated the Hosers after the officiated and kept the palpable game but warned, “We’ll get you intensity nicely under control. Clive back next year. Had six guys hurt or made a guest appearance and took away this year and four bailed two a few shifts with the Heron Park days beforehand…Hockey players, Hackers who, for the first time in half man, all they do is whine about their a decade, actually won one of their salaries and bonuses.” games. Faced with almost perfect winter conditions at Heron Park - strong (Editor’s Note: Reporter 1st place: Sydney Martin (centre), winds, -10 degree temperatures, John Dance, an Old Ottawa East 2nd place: Neve Sugars-Keen (left), brilliant sun, and hard, smooth ice - resident, presents a somewhat biased 3rd place: Chloe Ryan (right). the Hosers scored about 50 goals and perspective. The Moose were just Hopewell would like to thank the local stores that donated prizes: only the first game against the Glebe setting the Hosers up for next year.) Kaleidoscope Books, Boomerang Kids, the Ottawa Folklore Centre, Goal-Getters was the least bit close. Mrs. Tiggywinkles, and Stella Luna. The great depth of the Hosers Page 2 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR MARCH 2012 MARCH 2012 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR Page 3

CONTRIBUTIONS The OSCAR The OTTAWA SOUTH COMMUNITY Contributions should be in electronic format sent either by e-mail to ASSOCIATION REVIEW [email protected] in either plain text or WORD format, or as a printed copy delivered to the Firehall office, 260 Sunnyside Avenue. 260 Sunnyside Ave, Ottawa Ontario, K1S 0R7 www.OldOttawaSouth.ca/oscar SUBSCRIPTIONS [email protected] Moving away from Old Ottawa South? Know someone who would like to receive The OSCAR? We will send The OSCAR for one year for just Editor: Mary Anne Thompson $40 to Canadian addresses (including foreign service) and $80 outside [email protected] of Canada. Drop us a letter with your name, address, postal code and Distribution Manager: Larry Ostler 613-327-9080 country. Please include a check made out to The OSCAR. Business Manager: Susanne Ledbetter [email protected] Advertising Manager: Gayle Weitzman 613-730-1058 SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS [email protected] (not classy ads) The OSCAR is sponsored entirely from advertising. Our advertisers are OSCAR is printed by Winchester Print often not aware that you are from Old Ottawa South when you patronize them. Make the effort to let them know that you saw their ad in The OSCAR. They will be glad to know and The OSCAR will benefit from NEXT DEADLINE: FRIDAY, MARCH 16 their support. If you know of someone providing a service in the community, tell them about The OSCAR. Our rates are reasonable. The OSCAR is a community association paper paid for entirely by advertising. It is published for the Ottawa South Community Association FUTURE OSCAR DEADLINES Inc. (OSCA). Distribution is free to all Old Ottawa South homes and businesses and selected locations in Old Ottawa South, the Glebe and March 16 (April issue); April 13 (May issue); May 11 (June issue); June 15 (July/August issue); August 10 (September issue). Billings Bridge. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily of The OSCAR or OSCA. The editor retains the right to edit and include articles submitted for publication. FOR DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES, The Old Firehall CALL 613-327-9080 Ottawa South Community Centre or email: [email protected] The OSCAR thanks the following people who brought us to your door this [email protected] month: ZONE A1: Kathy Krywicki (Coordinator), Mary Jo Lynch, Brian Eames HOURS PHONE 613 247-4946 and Kim Barclay, Wendy Robbins, Jim and Carrol Robb, Terri-Lee Lefebvre, Becky Sasaki, Kevin and Stephanie Williams. MONDAY TO THURSDAY 9 AM TO 9 PM ZONE B1: Ross Imrie (Coordinator), Family Gref- Innes, Gabriela Gref-Innes and Fiona Fagan, the Montgomery family, Laurie Morrison, FRIDAY 9 AM TO 6 PM Susanne Ledbetter, Torin & Konstantine Alexander-Assal. SATURDAY 9 AM TO 1 PM* ZONE B2: Craig Piche (Coordinator), Pat Eakins, Hayley Atkinson, Leslie SUNDAY CLOSED Roston, Melissa Johnson, Lydia Oak, Torin & Konstantine Alexander-Assal *Open only when programs are operating, please call first. and John Callan & Diana Carr ZONE C1: Laura Johnson (Coordinator), the Williams family, Josh Rahaman, Jesper Lindeberg, Jeff Pouw, Brendan McCoy, Bruce Grant, and the Woroniuk-Ryan family. ZONE C2: Craig Piche (Coordinator), Alan McCullough, Charles and Phillip WHAT’S THAT NUMBER? Kijek, Kit Jenkin, Michel and Christina Bridgeman, Anne Coyle, Patrick Hinton. Ottawa South Community Centre - The Old Firehall 247-4946 ZONE D1: Emily Keys, the Lascelles family, Gail Stewart, Gabe Teramura, Ottawa South Community Association (OSCA) 247-4872 Oliver Waddington, Franklin-Flack family, the Sprott family. Ottawa Public Library - Sunnyside Branch 730-1082 ZONE D2: Janet Drysdale (Coordinator), The Adriaanse Family, Gaia Rob Campbell - [email protected] 730-8128 Chernushenko, Jacqueline Littlewood, The Rand family, Aidan and Willem Kathy Ablett, Catholic Board Trustee 526-9512 Ray, the Stewart family. Centretown Community Health Centre 233-5430 ZONE E1:Brian Tansey(Coordinator), Karen Wolfe/ Curt Labond, Norah CARLETON UNIVERSITY Hutchinson, Steve Adamson, the Sanger/O’Neil family, John Sutherland ZONE E2: Chris Berry (Coordinator), Mary-Ann Kent, Glen Elder and CUSA (Carleton U Students Association) 520-6688 Graduate Students Association 520-6616 Lorraine Stewart, the Hunter family, Brodkin-Haas family, Allan Paul, Community Liaison 520-3660 Christina Bradley, Caroline Calvert, Larry Ostler. ZONE F1: Carol and Ferg O’Connor (Coordinator), Jenny O’Brien, the Stern Mediation Centre 520-5765 family, Ellen Bailie, Dante and Bianca Ruiz, Peter Kemp, Kelly Haggart and Athletics 520-4480 Taiyan Roberts, Goutte family (Joshua, Leo and Alina), Walter and Robbie CITY HALL Engert. David Chernushenko, City Councillor ZONE F2: Bea Bol (Coordinator), Paulette Theriault, Ryan Zurakowski, ([email protected]) 580-2487 Susan McMaster, Paige Raymond, Pierre Guevremont, Judy and Pierre Main Number(24 hrs) for all departments 3-1-1 Chamberland, Valerie Dancause. Community Police - non-emergencies 236-1222 ZONE G: Bernie Zeisig(Coordinator), Claudia and Estelle Bourlon- Emergencies only 9-1-1 Albarracin, David Lum, Cindy MacLoghlin, Hannah and Emily Blackwell, Serious Crimes 230-6211 Katya and Mikka Zeisig. Ottawa Hydro 738-6400 Echo Drive: Alex Bissel. Streetlight Problems (burned out, always on, flickering) 3-1-1 Bank Street-Ottawa South: Rob Cook, Tom Lawson, Paula Archer. Brewer Pool 247-4938 Bank Street-Glebe: Larry Ostler. Brewer Arena 247-4917 Alta Vista Branch Library: Mary Anne Thompson City of Ottawa web site - www.city.ottawa.on.ca Page 4 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR MARCH 2012 Brief Notes From the Firehall MARCH 2012 at the Firehall

OSCA SPRING Join the CARDIO OSCA AGM – FITNESS CENTRE PROGRAMS NEW – CONCERT SERIES on Saturday nights at Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 7:30 pm at the Firehall. – REGISTRATION starts online the Firehall. at the Firehall $40 for 1 month, $130 for 4 Wednesday, March 7 at 8:00 pm March 31 – Ottawa Jazz singer months, $195 for 6 months and Renee Yoxon and her trio. $360 for the year 2012, or book April 21 – Sarah Burnell Band. time with one of our Personal Watch OSCAR for more details. Trainers.

------INFORMATION and REGISTRATION for all OSCA programs at: www.oldottawasouth.ca just follow the RED registration signs or call us at 613-247-4946 or drop by the Firehall at 260 Sunnyside Avenue. ------Havana Night II: What Wonderful Volunteers & Local Businesses!

Renée Yoxon Jazz Ensemble - March 31 by Mary Martel-Cantelon

he Havana Night II organizing them at the awards concert. The trip By Lisa Drouillard team of Graham and Patty to New York was, as I’m sure you can Deline, Winnie Pietrykowski, n the heals of our fantastic guess, the trip of a life time. I spent T Diane McIntyre, Gwen Gall, Greg 8 weeks by myself, no teaching, no Capricio Stravagante con- Reilly, Kathy Krywicki, Peter working, just taking lessons and prac- cert last month with Aradia Cantelon, John Callan and myself O ticing. It gave me new motivation for Ensemble, we are now looking for- would like to thank the kind and when I returned to Ottawa. It was ward to the next performance in our generous merchants of the Glebe, Old also really nice to see the commun- Sirens of the Firehall series on March Ottawa South and Old Ottawa East ity’s reaction to the trip. I really felt 31 with Renée Yoxon jazz ensemble who donated a splendiferous array of that everyone supported me in my de- In my January article on the series I items for the Silent Auction: cision to go and study. noted that Renee Yoxon was gather- Jim McKeen, Metro Glebe You have some great musicians ing recognition as one of Ottawa’s Ian Boyd, Compact Music supporting you at the upcoming most exciting voices in Jazz. Over Third Avenue Spa concert at the Firehall - tell us more this Winter, she has also merited the David Hillary, Hillary’s Cleaning about them. title of hardest working jazz artist! In The Green Door Renée: Rob Martin and Mark Fra- between multiple gigs, I caught up Mayfair Theatre ser and I have been playing together with Renée to ask her a few questions Brio for several years now. I really enjoy about her recent work. Irene’s Restaurant Pub playing with them because they’re So, you have been singing at gigs Carole Gill, UNIK talented, fun, funny and always bring all over Ottawa for the last number of Glebe Meat Market Renée: Working with René was their best to every performance. months. Am I right to see this as a C A Paradis\ the best thing that could have hap- What’s next after your Firehall significant ramp up in activity? Delusions of Grandeur pened to me when it did. We had such show? Renée: I’m so energized by new Eric Yardley, Yardley’s Antiques a great time working together and Renée : One show that I’m plan- projects and working with different Arbour Environmental planning our record. It was such an ning right now that I highly recom- people that I find it really hard to Singing Pebble Books amazing learning experience. mend checking out is a show called sit still and stop moving, even for a Tammy Giuliani, Stella Luna I hear you are also working on a My Pal Frishberg. It’s a night of the minute. I love performing and teach- Kerry, Life of Pie new recording project? songs of David Frishberg performed ing and organizing projects, and that Valerie MacIntosh, Renée: That is top secret! I can by me and the JP Allain Trio. That passion has always kept me going. The Clothes Secret tell you though that something is in will be Thursday, April 26 the NAC I know you have had great suc- Paz , Framed the works and if all goes according to Fourth Stage cess this past year with your record- The Mud Oven plan it should be out some time this Well, we hope that our Siren’s ser- ing with René Gely. You may know Eva Cooper, Delilah year. ies concert on March 31 at 8pm will that Rene performed at a fundraiser Mrs. Tiggy Winkles You won an award last year that whet the appetite for this and other dinner we held at the Firehall called Capital Home Hardware supported a trip to New York to sing - performances this year. Drinks and “Spanish Revival” playing off the Natalie, Sassy Bead Can you tell us more about the impact snacks will be on offer pre-concert architectural style of the building we Robin Bailey, Emerging Order that had on you? and doors open at 7pm. Tickets for were renovating. That recording Brian Mahmoud, Cedars Renée: Winning an Astral Emer- Renee’s performance at the Firehall garnered notice at the national level Greg Best, Pom Pom ging Artist Award was a really won- are available at 260 Sunnyside (the with several of their tracks receiving Garden of Light derful experience. It was great to be Firehall) online at oldottawasouth.ca airplay on such radio shows as CBC Mother Tongue Books able to meet everyone else who also and at the Leading Note music store Radio2’s TONIC with Katie Malloch, Britt Pegan, Milkface and other programs . Can you tell us won the award, really talented young on Elgin. more about this project? . people. It was great to play alongside Cont’d on next page MARCH 2012 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR Page 5

OSCA PRESIDENT’S REPORT Joining OSCA Board and OSCAR Editor

By Michael Jenkin there is always a need to search for Board meeting (the third Tuesday formally launched the competition for new members. The work is important each month, except in July and August a new editor for the paper. The Board Have You Thought About and never more so than now with when the Board does not meet) and to appointed Michaela Tokarski to Joining the OSCA Board? OSCA’s programming expanding and help out on a Board committee or at a chair the search committee of Board lots of other issues in the community special event. It’s not a lot of time, but members. The committee has been t its last meeting on February requiring the Board’s attention such it will give you a unique window on mandated to conduct the search and 21, the Board appointed as planning and development, traffic, what is going on in your community choose the winning candidate. The a nominating committee special events and the like. and provide you with an opportunity current OSCAR editor, Mary Anne A The requirements for joining to directly help to make Old Ottawa Thompson, will act as an adviser to the chaired by Mike Lascelles, with Lisa Drouillard, Gwen Gall and Val the Board are pretty simple: you South a better place to live. committee. The OSCAR has grown MacIntosh as members, to search have to be a resident of, or own a If you think you would like considerably over the past several for candidates to serve on the OSCA business in, Old Ottawa South and to join the OSCA Board, or want years under Mary Anne’s capable Board. While it may seem a long you have to have been a registered to talk about it, send an email to leadership and we are looking for a way off (our Annual General Meeting member for three months before the [email protected] with your new editor who can build on OSCAR’s where the new Board is elected does AGM. You can formally join OSCA contact information and Mike or one success. If you are interested in the not take place until May 1) we find that as a member for free by visiting our of the members of the nominating position, or know of someone who we need to get started early to come website (oldottawasouth.ca) clicking committee will get back to you. might interested, please do consider up with a good slate of candidates to on “OSCA” on the top bar and then sending in an application for the serve on the Board. Every year some clicking on “membership” and filling New OSCAR Editor search committee’s consideration – Board members retire and new ones in the online form. As you will see in the instructions are in the advertisement. join and on average about a quarter The commitments in terms of advertisement in this issue of the The closing date for applications is of the Board turns over each year, so your time are to attend a monthly OSCAR (on page XX) we have Monday, April 16, 2012.

Havana ....Cont’d from previous page

Boomerang Kids Curves 3 Trees Oslaide Guerra, Havana Cafe Bruce Tobin, Optical Excellence Arthur McGregor, Ottawa Folklore Centre OSCA Is Looking For A New Editor For The Oscar Glebe Trotters Escape Classic Casual Clothing Anne Bangs, Cats R Us he Old Ottawa South Community contribute reports and articles for Dragon Tail Books Association is looking for a publication. Another thank you goes to the following people who provided Tdynamic, imaginative and results Preferably the successful candidate us with even more wonderful Silent Auction goodies: oriented individual to take over as editor will have: some experience in managing Patty Deline, Lydia Oak, Gwen Gall, Tosha Rhodenizer of the OSCAR, The Old Ottawa South or editing publications (full or part time), (YMCA), Graham Deline, Alexei Kintero, Joan Fairweather, Community Association Review, the ideally in a community context; the ability Heather Bale, Gorge ( Embassy of Cuba) and Pierre Legris. monthly newspaper serving the Old to work well with volunteers; and will be The repeated success of Havana Night II was possible because Ottawa South Community. a self-starter with imaginative ideas about of our incredible volunteers! My thanks goes to the following The OSCAR was established in how to meet the information needs of Old people for their important contributions : the mid-1970s, and is a not- for-profit Ottawa South residents in the context of a Postering: Gwen Gall, Greg Reilly, Winnie Pietrykowski, newspaper published to serve the not-for-profit enterprise committed to the Stephen Richer, Kathy Krywicki, Barbara Riley interests of residents of the Old Ottawa local community. Experience in publishing Writing/Translating: Kathy Krywicki, Gwen Gall, Jean-Claude South community. With a circulation of or managing an online publication, and Dubé, Winnie Pietrykowski, Patty Deline, Isabella Abols approximately 4,500 copies, OSCAR is with Adobe system software or similar Set Up Crew: Patty Deline, Diane McIntyre, Winnie Pietrykowski published 11 months of the year and is applications, will be considered an asset. , Graham Deline, Peter Cantelon, Curt LaBond and Karen Wolfe delivered door-to-door by volunteers to Bar : John Callum, Diana Carr, Helen McCallum, Peter Cantelon households in the community and to retail How To Apply: Selling Bar Tickets/Taking Tickets: Evelyn Stein, Maggie Gore, businesses and institutions in Old Ottawa You should submit a letter explaining Veronika Druta, Amy Carter, Nora McKnight, Jo Hauser, Matthew South and neighbouring communities. your interest in the position and your Deline, Crystal Lambert You can view archived copies of the paper views about how OSCAR can improve Bar Keeps/Waiters: Amy Carter, Maggie Gore, Veronika Druta at www.oldottawasouth.ca/oscar. its presence in the Old Ottawa South Silent Auction: Diane McIntyre, Patty Deline, Leia McIntyre The position is a part-time contractual community, along with a short résumé Slideshow: Graham Deline arrangement for two years (renewable) of your relevant professional, voluntary Photography: Veronika Druta starting in June, 2012. An honourarium of and/or work experience, to the following Dancers: Herman DaSousa & Louise $1300.00 per month is paid to the Editor, address: Clean-up Crew: Winnie Pietrykowski, Lydia Oak, Peter plus a productivity bonus. Based on the Cantelon, John Callum, Patty Deline, Graham Deline, Diane current editor’s experience, fulfilling the OSCAR Editor Search Committee McIntyre, Kathy Krywicki, Isla Paterson & Brian Tansey. Editor’s duties requires about 50 hours OSCA A thank you also goes to Deirdre McQuillan, Cathy Buchanan, a month of time. The Editor’s principal 260 Sunnyside Avenue Dinos Dafniotis and the rest of the staff at the Firehall for their responsibilities include: Ottawa ON K1S 0R7 assistance. 1. editing and laying out the paper for or print ready copy, I send my personal thanks to Oslaide Guerra and to his Havana [email protected] Cafe staff for the fabulous nibbles served throughout the evening, 2. acting as the production liaison with the paper’s printers, (please put “OSCAR Editor Search” and to the organizing team for their hours of volunteer labour, their in the subject line). encouragement and support. 3. managing OSCAR’s operations, Finally, I thank all of you who bought tickets to Havana Night budget and finances (with the assistance of a part time bookkeeper), and The closing date for applications is II, danced, laughed, drank, bid, ate, sang, and donated to the Friends Monday, 16 April 2012. of Lansdowne legal challenge. What fun we had! 4. managing a small team consisting of an advertising manager, and a distribution manager, plus many volunteers who Page 6 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR MARCH 2012

MAYOR’S MONTHLY COLUMN Remembering Jean Pigott

By Jim Watson, Mayor As a local Member of Parliament and Chair of the N.C.C., she n January 10th Ottawa lost understood the important role Ottawa one of its great champions. plays in Canada, famously saying that Ottawa should be every Canadian’s Jean Pigott was many things O second home – words that have stuck to many people: A loving wife, sister, with me throughout my career. mother and grandmother; a pioneer; For me, above all, she was a and to many, an icon. friend. I first met Jean when she came Jean was an incredible leader in striding into the Speaker’s Office, both the public and private sectors, where I once worked, enthusing about and someone who could always be an idea for a red-brick road on the counted on to put the interests of her route that would go on to become community and country first. She was Confederation Boulevard. It was a tremendously driven and hardworking wild idea, something the Wizard of but she was also an eternal optimist. Oz alone would green-light, but her She encouraged people to dream big spirit was so infectious that it was and work hard to see those dreams hard not to believe in it even if only come true. for just a second. I made Jean Mayor for the day back when I was last Mayor. She’s seen Her passion and determination to The Boulevard went on to be here wearing the Chain of Office with one of her sisters, Grete Hale. create Confederation Boulevard and a built, albeit not out of red brick, and new convention centre are just two of Jean became one of the great friends I extend my deepest condolences 110 Laurier Avenue West her many legacies that will live on in and mentors of my life. Jean knew to Jean’s family who can take solace Ottawa, ON Ottawa. me as Jim but I always knew I was in knowing that Jean was a great Jean was a pioneer for women in in for it when she had something on citizen of Ottawa who inspired many K1P 1J1 our society, having served as the first her mind and she would invite me and will be missed by many more. Tel/tél: 613-580-2496 female chair of the Ottawa Congress over for tea and cookies and begin Centre, The National Capital the conversation by calling me Fax/téléc: 613-580-2509 Commission, and on the boards of James. It was Jean at her endearing Office of Mayor Jim Email/courriel: Jim. Ontario Hydro and Canadian Tire. best: hospitable, caring, strong, and [email protected] She was also the first female member determined. Watson of The Rideau Club. Women’s Day Partnership With Ten To book an OSCAR ad call Gayle Thousand Villages Supports 730-1058 Maternal Health Care In Africa [email protected]

n Thursday, March 8th, Manager. 15% of all purchases made CNIS trains midwives, nurses Owith a coupon at Ten Thou- and doctors, as well as medical and sand Villages Canada will help pre- clinical officers, to bring life- sav- vent maternal mortality in Africa ing surgical and emergency obstet- through the Canadian Network for rical training to Africans. “During International Surgery (CNIS). The my time as Canadian Ambassador, two organizations have teamed up I came to know and greatly respect to empower women through ac- the peoples of sub-Saharan Africa. cess to life-saving medical care and They face huge challenges in mater- the sale of Fair Trade handcrafted nal health care and trauma. CNIS goods in Canada. volunteers are making important Around the world, women are contributions through their life- among the poorest members of so- saving surgical teaching program ciety, yet their income is essential and the support of the development for the well-being of families. Since of local capacity,” says John Bell, 1946, Fair Trade handicrafts retailer Honorary Consul of Cote d’Ivoire Ten Thousand Villages has been in Vancouver, BC. creating employment opportunities Partnership coupons are avail- for women in developing countries. able online at www.cnis.ca and “Seventy percent of our artisans www.TenThousandVillages.ca, are women, so working with CNIS through the CNIS office, and at par- feels like a perfect fit – especially on ticipating Ten Thousand Villages International Women’s Day,” says Canada stores. Kristen Reffle, Sales Development MARCH 2012 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR Page 7

CITY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT Guess Which Comes First: A Strong Economy Or A Strong Community?

oes a strong economy lead to cator of overall community health and, community are more likely to want tive. a healthy, caring and inclusive ultimately, greater economic success. to stay and contribute, and also more Still, especially in this time of Dcommunity, or does a strong When residents feel closely attached to likely to convince others to move there. spending cuts, we need to bear this community contribute to a healthy, where they live, they are more likely to This ultimately helps boost the number in mind: A community with soul will diverse and resilient economy? And stay in, care about, invest in and boost of educated, talented workers contrib- take care of people’s needs, attract em- if you want both — I assume we all the reputation of their hometown. uting to the area’s economic growth. ployers and create employment. But would — where should we focus our So what exactly are the qualities The researchers’ findings were if we focus too narrowly on attracting efforts? that create this “soul”, and therefore remarkably consistent, regardless of employers and generating tax dollars, Political and business leaders and attachment? differences in city size, geography we will not necessarily take care of commentators often insist the economy Of 11 community characteristics and political culture. So, although it’s people’s most important needs. is paramount — that building financial rated by the study, the top three relate an American study, there’s an import- I vote for a city with soul, with prosperity should be our greatest pri- directly to people’s quality of life: ant lesson Ottawa can take from it: strong community attachment sup- ority because our society’s success de- 1. Social Offerings, in the form of If we want to measure and promote porting a healthy economy. Where pends on it. First, attract employers by places and activities that give residents real progress, we should look beyond shall we start? I welcome your com- reducing regulatory barriers, decreas- a chance to meet each other and to feel traditional economic indicators like ments on this and other community ing taxes on businesses, and offering that people care about each other; these job numbers and growth and consider issues. incentives to set up shop. This will include a vibrant nightlife, arts and those other, less tangible factors in Read more about the Soul of the naturally lead to higher employment cultural opportunities, and social com- people’s overall happiness. Community project at www.soulofth- rates, strong fiscal growth, corporate munity events Of course, the fact that non-eco- ecommunity.org. philanthropy and, eventually, safe and 2.Openness, in terms of how wel- nomic factors rank highest should vibrant streets, good schools, thriving coming the community feels to differ- not imply that we must focus only on Councillor cultural institutions and healthy, happy ent types of people, including families building parks and plazas and not act people. Right? with young children, young adults to stimulate job creation — both pri- David Chernushenko Well, it turns out we may have been without children, new graduates, im- orities are important to our society, 613-580-2487 | going about city-building backwards, migrants, and residents of all ages, after all. I suppose that should come as David.Chernushenko in Ottawa and across North America. ethnic backgrounds and sexual orien- a relief to the City of Ottawa, which An extensive study by Gallup and the tations in recent weeks both opened the Rink @Ottawa.ca John S. and James L. Knight Founda- 3.Aesthetics, defined as an area’s of Dreams, its new outdoor ice skating www.capitalward.ca tion found that it is actually by creating beauty and physical setting, includ- facility, and launched Invest Ottawa, strong emotional bonds, by understanding green spaces and the availability its latest economic development initia- ing and building “attachment” between of parks, playgrounds and recreational residents and their community, that we trails can most effectively achieve our eco- Interestingly, the economy and nomic, social and environmental goals. safety are in the bottom half of the list. Communities that place a high priority Even more striking, there was a very on these so-called “soft” investments – clear correlation across all commun- investing in their “souls”, so to speak ities between “soul” and economic — are the ones that fare best socially benefits. In places where residents felt and economically, even in a recession. more attached to where they lived, The groundbreaking study is part there was significantly more local of the Knight Soul of the Community economic growth per capita. This is project, launched in 2008 to answer important because a strong local econ- the question: What attaches people to omy is not just good in and of itself; it their communities? By interviewing creates the ability to invest locally and close to 43,000 people in 26 U.S. cities to meet residents’ needs. over three years, researchers found that The bottom line is that residents emotional attachment is a reliable indi- who feel a strong attachment to their Canal Footbridge Design Moving Ahead By John Dance Parks Canada to ensure the changes satisfy these agencies’ considerations. ew design features of the In April, after feedback is received proposed footbridge over from the public, the project team will the Rideau Canal at Fifth work with the NCC and Parks Canada N to review the comments. In early May and Clegg will be posted on the City’s website at the end of March so the revised proposal will be considered residents can review and comment. by the NCC’s Advisory Committee “We are advancing the on Planning, Design and Realty. design concepts to show the deck This committee provides objective, structure, pier locations, intersection professional advice for decisions by modifications, and incorporating the Commission on design proposals some of the ideas that we heard from affecting the federal lands. the second public open house,” says After this review, the project Colin Simpson, the City’s senior team will prepare for the final public project officer for the bridge. open house, tentatively scheduled for Before the new information is the end of June. The City’s website posted, the City’s project team for for the footbridge is www.ottawa.ca/ the footbridge will be meeting with rideaucanalbridge. the National Capital Commission and Page 8 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR MARCH 2012 Osborne Park: Quiet Spot Named after British Naval Commander By Paige Raymond Kovach the end of what is now Osborne along the river,” wrote Mr. Simpson. sborne Park is a postage stamp- “My own memories of the area sized greenspace hugging the are of the several large houses along Rideau River, nestled between Cameron whose property went all O the way to the river. They were all Osborne Avenue and Pentry Lane just off Cameron. torn down in the 60s to build the First the street, and later the townhouses, and the May Court is the park, were named after a British only one left standing. So the woods Naval Commander who fought in the in the 50s extended in either direction Crimean and Opium Wars, tried to rid several hundred yards along the river the Chinese coast of pirates, and made as the property owners left the area as two voyages to Canada’s arctic to bush. It was a great place to play at that search out doomed arctic explorer Sir time.” John Franklin and his crew. Mature oak trees still reside in Sherard Osborn was born on April the park, their leaves covering it in 25, 1822 in Madras, India. He was the welcome summer shade. son of a Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Mr. Jo Hauser has been a neighbour Osborn and Eliza Todington. At just 15, of Osborne Park for many years. His he joined the Royal Navy and took part father had a maple tree dedicated to his in a campaign against Malay pirates mother planted in the park. in Siam (Thailand), and in Britain’s “It’s lovely to live by the park and, first war against China in Canton and of course, by the river. In the summer it Shanghai. feels like I’m in the country. This is my cottage in the city,” said Jo Hauser, an When he returned to England Sherard Osborn from a portrait painted by Stephen Pearce which hangs in Old Ottawa South resident for the last in 1849, he volunteered to join an the National Portrait Gallery in London, England. http://en.wikipedia.org/ 50 years. expedition to find out what happened wiki/Sherard_Osborn to Sir John Franklin and his crew. Mr. He canoes and his neighbours kayak on the river, launching their Osborn’s first travels in Canada’s arctic air, we were delighted to see a solitary March was a scene of constant business boats from a lea just above the park. are chronicled in his book Stray Leaves drop of water trickle down the black diversified with sledge parades and “The shorefront of the park is muddy, from an Arctic Journal or, Eighteen paint of the Pioneer’s side. At that amusing military evolutions recalling and so it is not that easy to launch from Months in the Polar Regions, in Search moment oddly enough the temperature to our minds unpleasant recollections there,” Mr. Hauser added. of Sir John Franklin’s Expedition, in in the shade was -36 and in the sun of sweltering field days and grand “A few years ago I asked the city the Years 1850-51: the thermometer only rose to 2 below parades.” to put in a garbage can to reduce the “On the 8th of March at 11 am the zero. Water however it undoubtedly Mr. Osborn spent the rest of his amount of garbage that collects on the temperature in the shade having been a was and as such we cheerfully hailed it naval career sailing to China, Mexico, grass. It does work. I organized a spring couple of hours previously at 41 below to prove the increasing heat of the sun and again to the Arctic, before working clean about three times. One year we zero, and mercury solid in the open and to promise a coming summer. All on the railroad in India, and laying got about 10 people to come out for an communications cables from India, to hour to rake the grass,” said Mr. Hauser. Australia and England. His journals “Would be nice to have flowers in and articles cover a range of topics the park and perhaps some bushes on from Chinese politics, naval matters, as the hillsides. It’s something I’d like to well as on Arctic exploration. Sherard organize when I find the time. I was Osborn died in London on May 6, 1875. going to contact the city to see if they Given that Sherard Osborn spent supply the flowers and I, and some most of his life at sea, it is fitting that other volunteers, supply the effort.” one of our local streets and park be In a 2003 OSCAR, then Girl Guide named after this famous British naval Holly Taylor described Osborne Park officer. as “white space in the winter, or brown Osborne Park is not just about space for the mud on rainy days in the free-flowing water, ice also has been an spring… In the spring and summer, the important aspect of the park. green space is also used for picnics, Bob Simpson cited a book in his games of tag, and a lot of other fun collection, The History of Billings things. Although the green space isn’t Bridge, which describes winter ice as big as Brewer Park or Windsor Park, cutting that happened each year at the there are still a lot of exciting things end of Osborne. There were several you can do at a tiny park.” ice houses in the area, and the river ice “In the spring, the river reclaims filled local ice boxes all summer at five about half of the park, rising mid- cents a day. way up the grass,” said Mr. Hauser. Mr. Simpson also remembers as “It’s usually for a one-week period a young boy in the 1950s playing in depending on the weather. The water is the woods that is now the park. “When so high it covers the small island across I was very young Mr. Rankin, who the river. If there has been a long fall, lived at 141 Cameron, told me that he there tends to be less flooding in the remembered Indians living in the area spring.” of the park during the summers. He would have been in his 80s then and Resources I was about 10, so dating it would be The citation on the name of the turn of the century. However his house Osborne Avenue is from Ottawa Past was built about 1913 so he may have and Present by A.D.H. Ross. visited the area.” For more on Captain Sherard “In the Billings Family records I Osborn, visit Canadian Biography once found a story about a very young online, or read Stray Leaves from an nephew who came to visit and wandered Arctic Journal or, Eighteen Months off and got lost. After several days of in the Polar Regions, in Search of Sir searching for him the family brought in John Franklin’s Expedition, in the a clairvoyant who said he envisioned Years 1850-51 by Sherard Osborn is the boy among huge oak trees. As the also available free online on Google Cameron and Osborne area used to be books. an oak forest, they moved the search to that area and found the boy’s body at MARCH 2012 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR Page 9 Awaiting the OMB Ruling For 9 Rosedale By: Kathleen Marsman lightened the mood. The neighbours of 9 Rosedale chose not to cross- he Ontario Municipal Board examine the developer’s witness hearing is behind us now. (their own consultant), but most of the Phew! The neighbours of 9 neighbours and our witness (a Herit- T age expert) were cross-examined by Rosedale represented themselves at a hearing on February 1, 2012 in an the developer’s lawyer. effort to appeal the variances and Our heritage expert did an excel- consent for severance granted by the lent job of pointing out the heritage Committee of Adjustment last fall. issues surrounding 9 Rosedale and the Typically, OMB decisions take about Rideau Canal, while carefully avoid- 3 months to issue. ing any implication that the OMB Representing ourselves without a could grant heritage standing (it can- lawyer was, well, interesting. At first, not). The neighbours of 9 Rosedale the lawyer for the developer and the made some effective points as to why OMB member hearing the case were the proposed attached homes need not impressed that the 6 of the neigh- more than 1 m of back-yard, and bours of 9 Rosedale were each plan- should be set back from the sidewalk ning to speak at the hearing, as it was by more than 1.8 m. However, the de- expected that one of us would be the veloper’s side showed that there are “representative” of the group. How- houses built in the neighbourhood that it is likely that she was not familiar citizens who wish to appeal decisions ever, our appeal was submitted as a are similarly close to the lot line. The with the subject property (unlike at of the Committee of Adjustment, lest group of applicants, and we had indi- neighbours then presented a study the Committee of Adjustment). It is the first right of appeal would be to vidually prepared to speak on separate (based on satellite views on the City not clear if that will work to our ad- the courts. Even without a lawyer to topics. Thankfully, everyone adapted of Ottawa eMap website) showing vantage or not. One of the issues with represent our case, we believe that the to our speaking agenda. It was a full that, at 20 feet wide, Rosedale Avenue the OMB is that the decisions made at concerns of the neighbours of 9 Rose- day hearing in which the developer’s is the narrowest street in Old Ottawa the hearing can take into account the dale were heard clearly at the OMB side talked for most of the morning, South (the average street width being Planning Act and the Official Plan, hearing. We hope that our experience and the neighbours of Rosedale pre- about 29 feet). This makes a reduced but not issues relating to distinctive will encourage others in the neigh- sented during the afternoon. front yard set back less desirable. The tree preservation, the disputed prop- bourhood to take their concerns to the A courtroom-like atmosphere was excessive balcony overhang (one of erty encompassed within the rear yard next level, should they feel that the C established, which in itself was ad- the requested variances), and the sev- set back, or heritage issues. of A didn’t understand their points of mittedly stressful. There were some erance of the lot were also discussed. There is talk of the OMB being view. We will update OSCAR when comical moments, and our OMB The OMB member who heard abolished or reformed. Hopefully a the decision is rendered. member told a few anecdotes which our case lives in Peterborough, and similar venue will remain available for Five Unpleasant Facts About Parking For The Lansdowne Site By Isla Paterson The refurbished Lansdowne stadium will provide one (1) (Author Bio on page 11) parking spot per 48 seats for expected crowds from 10,000 to 24,000. The renovated Civic Centre (arena) will have Fact # 1 only one parking spot for every 20 seats compared the cur- Lansdowne has a serious parking deficit compared rent one spot for 4.47 seats - a reduction of 75%. According to the Ottawa Citizen (Feb 12/12), one of the to other sport and cultural event facilities in the primary obstacles to the Lynx baseball team’s success city. (and the reason for the Lynx’s $10.6M lawsuit against the At the community meeting of Dec. 1/11, citizens were told city in 2006) was the failure to provide sufficient on- and that 500 of the 1340 underground parking spots would be off- site parking. In the press release of Oct 18/06, the available to patrons who purchased an on-site parking pass Lynx’s former owner stated: “The club ran into a major in advance. All other event goers will have to walk, cycle, problem by frequently running out of parking. We had ab- take the bus, or park elsewhere. No other event location in solutely no idea how many people were turned off by that the city has such off-site event access assumptions in its and never came back. The lack of space hurt the club’s business model. Successful city event locations have one business model. The team needs one space for every three parking space for every 1.67 to 4.47 seats. fans.” Parking Availability at Larger Sports and Cultural Event Locations in the City

Entertainment Venues # of Parking Fixed Seat Cap- One Parking Spot/ Spots acity # of Fixed Seats Existing Facilities Scotiabank Place 6,500 19,153 1:2.95 Civic Centre (Arena) 2,200 9,836 1:4.47 Baseball Stadium 800 10,322 1:12.90 Frank Clair Stadium 2,200 28,826 1:13.10 Shenkman Arts Centre 299 500 1:1.67 Centrepointe Theatre 450 954 1:2.12 National Arts Centre (4 stages) 900 3,520 1:3.91 Lansdowne Park Plan Civic Centre (Arena) 500 10,000 1:20 Frank Clair Stadium: Regular Events 500 10-24,000 1:48 for 24,000 Frank Clair Stadium: Grey Cup/ none on-site 25-40,000 0 Concerts

Cont’d on page 13 Page 10 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR MARCH 2012

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. An Old Friend of Old Ottawa South - Say NO to Over Development By Michael Lynch fication would allow young families to afford a home in our community. am writing to respond to an article Quite the contrary. Proposed develop- by Gina Appleton in the Febru- ments along Colonel By will result in ary 2012 issue of OSCAR. Sadly condos at prices well over one mil- I lion dollars, a much higher price than it misrepresents many facts about our community. the demolished homes they replace, I have lived along Colonel By and certainly beyond reach of most Drive for thirty years. I served eleven families. She states that the existing years as a volunteer on the Board of homes have no redeemable properties OSCA, three as President. During that and are like ninety percent of homes time, I have never been approached in Ottawa. To be sure, many of the to sign an anti development petition styles of homes along Colonel By are as a resident of Colonel By until last mirrored in other core city neighbour- October. It certainly was not anti-de- hoods. But Ninety percent? Hardly. It velopment. I know. After all, it was would be closer to one or two percent, I who circulated the petition among along Colonel By Drive could have a ton. It also recognized that local mu- if that. residents along Colonel By. greater heritage value as a group than nicipalities would face development Ms. Appleton continues by stating That petition requested that OSCA they would have as individual homes. pressures on lands just outside that that the canal and its surrounding NCC and our Councillor support a recom- That opinion was based not only on buffer zone. For this reason, Canada lands are a stagnant, sad and beautiful mendation by the Ottawa Built Herit- their architectural value but also be- accepted the following obligation: landscape devoid of life where one age Advisory Committee (OBHAC) cause of their location along the his- As State Party to the World Herit- cannot even get a warm drink or beer. to the City of Ottawa Planning Com- toric Rideau Canal. age Convention, Parks Canada must Far from it. mittee to undertake a study of heritage When UNESCO designated the submit every six years to the World Aside from the intrinsic historical protection options for the homes along Rideau Canal a world heritage site, Heritage Committee a periodic report value of the Rideau Canal, the water- Colonel By between Bronson and it recognized that the Canal’s visual on the application of the World Herit- way is surrounded by vibrant com- Bank Streets. This recommendation landscape contributes to its heritage age Convention, including the state munities which offer pubs and restau- followed upon a decision by OBHAC value. Accordingly, it included within of conservation of the World Herit- rants on the Canal or within minutes to not designate number 9 Rosedale the designation a corridor of lands, a age properties located on its territor- of leaving it. At one end, the Dow’s as a heritage property. What OBHAC buffer so to speak, surrounding the ies. Thus, in 2012 Parks Canada must Lake Pavilion offers three licensed did acknowledge was that the homes Canal’s route from Ottawa to Kings- report on the Rideau Canal, provid- restaurants. Little Italy beckons from ing information on work undertaken just beyond. Bank Street businesses, to protect and manage the Rideau including a choice of restaurants and Canal and to address the World Herit- pubs are within a block of the Bank age Committee’s recommendation to Street Bridge. There is the Canal Ritz, strengthen the Canal’s visual protec- the Royal Oak at Pretoria Bridge, the tion outside the buffer zone. nightlife along Elgin Street, and of [from the Request for Propos- course more bars and restaurants at als by Parks Canada for a Landscape the National Arts Centre, the Westin Character Assessment of the Rideau Hotel and the Chateau Laurier. In the Canal Corridor to fulfill its obligation winter, beaver tail outlets and other to the World Heritage Convention]. amenities are offered along the length The homes along Colonel By of the Canal. Drive are part of the Canal’s visual And there is life, lots of it. One landscape outside the buffer zone. merely needs to read community They contribute to the beauty of that newspapers to appreciate the divers- landscape, as many a stroller, jog- ity and vibrancy of neighbourhoods ger, visitor or neighbour would at- through which the Canal flows. For test. Alas, as is occurring elsewhere one, Old Ottawa South is full of life as throughout our community, develop- reflected by the many and varied comment under the guise of intensification munity events and activities. Indeed, has appeared. Some development is it has been nominated as one of the well thought out. Unfortunately, de- best places in Canada, a nomination velopment is more often driven sole- which includes a picture of Colonel ly by the desire for maximum profit By Drive as it winds along the Canal to the developer, often in the form below the Royal College of Phys- of over development where the new icians and Surgeons. structure is built to property lines and As for the stretch of the Canal in maximum heights, and increasingly at front of my home, I look out my win- considerable loss of value to immedi- dow at Seneca Hill, a hive of activity ate neighbours. not only in winter but throughout the Residential setbacks exist for year. I watch families playing soccer, many reasons: maintenance of pri- badminton, having birthday parties, vacy, access, and mitigation of fire Easter Egg hunts, or simply tossing a hazards, to name a few. Over develop- ball. Along Colonel By and the Canal, ment ignores best practices in land I have lost count of the many mara- use planning while dismissing the ex- thons, crowds gathered to greet vis- pressed concerns by residents about iting heads of state and royalty, boat development out of scale to its im- mediate neighbours. Ms. Appleton states that intensi- Cont’d on next page MARCH 2012 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR Page 11

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR OSCAR, You Have Mail From Toledo, Ohio Dear Editor beasts scared me silly!! I walked with but I can’t remember them. We car- left 29 Carlyle and went to Montreal Jill Frodsham from Mt. Seneca and ried piles of books as we journeyed to learn the trade of nursing. Jill is our article in Feb 2012 about Alymer Ave, and Jeanette Clark also to school daily and all our assign- still in Ottawa, Heather and Bev are Mt. Seneca evoked an ava- from Alymer Ave. At that time there ments were completed in longhand. in the Toronto area and Jeanette has a lanche of reminiscences and were streetcars on Sunnyside and those In fact I seem to remember stick pens home in Toronto but is currently liv- Y remained for several years. Through with removable nibs and ink wells at ing in Malaga, Andalusia, Spain. I memories!! I grew up at 29 Carlyle in the 40’s and 50’s and was one of grade 8 we walked to school in all Hopewell School!! married an American and have been the kids who played on that “moun- kinds of weather. Jeanette moved to Everyone went to church on Sun- living in a suburb of Toledo, Ohio for tain” every winter for probably 4-5 the west end and Jill and I were joined day and ours was Southminister UCC, the past 44 years with at least yearly years. When Olive Frodsham blew by Heather Hibberd and Bev Smith. where I married my sweetheart. Trin- trips back to Ottawa where my sister her whistle we all went home as it was When we started high school at Glebe, ity Anglican was well attended as lives with her family. We forget about by then getting quite dark:-) I do re- the old Bronson Bridge was still there was the Catholic church on the other our early roots and then something member the 3 sides of the hill and my bridging the canal at the top of Fulton side of Bank Street. We went to Sun- revives those most poignant and pre- personal fav was the side through the Ave. day School and sang in the youth cious recollections which I believe trees!! Interestingly and to my know- Many days the four of us took choirs and learned about Faith and shape our lifelong values and world ledge, no-one was ever hurt on that up the entire street walking along in believing. views. hill and we did not wear helmets nor our full skirts and heavily starched I do remember Brighton Beach To your wonderful paper I say, was there a parent standing by!! crinolines....a sight to behold accord- and we would go there on our bikes thanks for the memory and keep More about growing up in Ot- ing to one of the Mothers!! We were during summer vacation, spend the writing....I’ll keep reading!! tawa South.....I distinctly remember fun loving, boy crazy and dedicated to day and enjoy the beach and water as my first day at 4 year old kindergarten hip clothes....the latter included saddle long as it was warm and sunny. The Catherine (Stephen) at Hopewell Ave Public School. My and buck shoes, black peddle pushers, bike was our chief means of transpor- Hoogerhyde Mother walked me up Sunnyside Ave kitten sweaters buttoned up the back tation and I believe we even had to and I was aghast at the horse-drawn and reversible plaid skirts. I’m sure have a bike liscence. Toledo, Ohio milk and bread carts. Those huge there were more fashion statements At the end of grade 13 in 1960, I Questions re- Brighton Avenue I may not Send your agree with houldn’t it be fraud when veloper demands? comments to a corporation hires a front Shouldn’t it be time for develop- what you have Sman to mislead in order to ers to stop running our city? to say, but I oscar@ clinch a lucrative property deal? will defend oldottawasouth.ca Shouldn’t our civic officials stop Tracy Morey rubber-stamping everything that a de- to the death, your right to or drop them off at say it. .... the Firehall Isla Paterson Bio Voltaire 260 Sunnyside Ave have been a resident of the Glebe when there are home deliveries (fur- for 18 years (renter and now home niture, appliances) or moving vans, I owner) and before that a home or garbage pick up. In the past, my owner in Ottawa South for 6 years. guests or family members who came I became interested in following the to visit used to find parking easily. parking issues for the Lansdowne site, Now they drive around looking for a when the parking spots on my narrow free spot, often far from my house. residential street, Patterson Avenue This is before the site is redeveloped. (one way from Bank Street to the can- As quoted in the Citizen of Febru- al ) suddenly increased with the new ary 23, the Mayor said: “ There will parking signs allowing 3 hour limits definitely be more traffic, but hav- when previous there had been one ing more people in the neighbour- hour limits at the same site, or no hood is fundamentally a good thing, parking at all. even if it does bring headaches.” I do not recall being consulted or But this kind of traffic!!... these kinds informed of this change by the City. of headaches !!. It is willful blindness In the winter, there are supposedly 2 by the Mayor and the 21 City Coun- traffic lanes on the street. In reality, cillors who continue to support this there is only one. And with the park- development and avoid its unpleasant ing increase, the traffic on the street facts, the parking deficit being only has slowed, or stopped altogether one.

An Old Friend of OOS ... from previous page flotillas, fireworks, military re-enact- Appleton cites the experience of other ments, with many thousands of people cities around the world, those with participating at each event. Even the canals. Our heritage need not be cop- Pope paid us a visit. ied from those cities as Ms. Appleton As elsewhere in our community, does with stock photos from the inter- Colonel By residents are concerned net. They are as different from one an- about the impact of over develop- other as we should be from them. Our ment. The proposed study by OBHAC heritage values are very important, and would provide residents with a review hopefully, in the spirit of the magnifi- of heritage protection options upon cent legacy left by Colonel John By, which to make an informed decision will provide for a future which can be about the legacy or heritage that they enjoyed by all. wish to leave our community. Ms. Page 12 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR MARCH 2012

BOOK REVIEW The Waterman’s Daughter mystery? Well, it is that and quite a bit lem is: his counterparts are the local Claire: the local woman as the driver more. Set in Soweto, in the post-Apart- elders and power brokers, who demand and “chaperone” for the “white girl”. by Emma Ruby-Sachs heid South Africa, at a time when the ever more money to “keep their women Can they even communicate, can they Publisher: Emblem Editions (May township dwellers’ hopes and dreams under control”… After only one day develop some rapport given they come 10 2011) 336 pp. for a better life are gradually being of meetings and a boozy night, Peter from two completely different worlds? ISBN: 978-0771077975 eroded, Ruby-Sachs builds a colourful Matthews, known locally only as “The As we follow their movements through portrait of a community that finds itself Water Man”, is found dead, brutally the neighbourhood, both young women in opposition to the authorities and their murdered in the township… While have to confront their previous held international corporate partners - first the investigation drags on, Claire, his views and preconceived ideas about the affordable electricity, now water. The twenty-year old daughter, arrives to find issues at hand. When Nomsulwa takes most recent controversy erupted with out what happened. Claire completely outside her comfort the township’s new water access system Ruby-Sachs’s sympathies are with zone, new possibilities for common and the bone of contention is the way her South African characters: they are ground emerge. by which the privately-run water sup- vividly and believably presented. As Emma Ruby-Sachs, who studied ply system is implemented. In addition readers we can visualize them within law in Toronto and Chicago, and works to the other economic hardships faced their local environment, preoccupied as a writer and lawyer, has set herself a by the local people, the installation of by challenges, economical as well as major challenge with her debut novel: the new distribution system will require personal. Nomsulwa “feels ancient, part how to bring an explosive political everybody to pay for any water usage of a thousand generations of women issue, such as the privatization of water above their limited personal allowance. who fought for their community.” The supply for poor communities in Africa, While more convenient and possibly author captures her beautifully, caught into a fictional setting that is convincing safer, thanks to taps inside their small as she is between community needs and blends its treatment into a novel houses or compounds, the personal and law and order requirements. She that engages the reader, beyond its cen- allowance is much too low for any also has responsibility for her younger, tral issue. While the murder mystery family’s needs. The women, tradition- rather wild cousin. Her counterpart, provides a useful frame for her novel, ally responsible for carrying the water Zembe Africa, the local police offi- the author’s narrative strength lies with to the family, are taking action aimed at cer, is similarly torn between, on the the depiction of her South African char- delaying the operation of the new sys- one hand, her duty to pursue the pipe acters, their environment and the deeper Reviewed by tem. Organized by the Phiri Community thieves and, on top of that, handle the problems they confront. Conscious, no Foundation and led by twenty-six year murder enquiry and, on the other, her doubt, of not overwhelming the reader Friederike Knabe old Nomsulwa, they dig up the distribu- sense of belonging to and empathy with with her underlying concerns, the au- tion pipes under the cover of darkness! the community’s problems and, in par- thor relies on the reader to pick up on dead man, his grieving daugh- A crisis erupts: the water company’s ticular, Nomsulwa’s personal dilemma. the numerous references and allusions ter, a community activist leader, respected water engineer is sent from For reasons that will be clear pretty within the text to delve deeper into the Aand a local police woman are at Canada to Johannesburg to negotiate early on, she insists on pairing the com- political topics that preoccupy her be- the centre of Emma Ruby-Sachs’s ambi- some sort of deal or compromise. Prob- munity worker with Peter’s daughter yond her fictional writing. tious debut novel. Sounds like a murder Interview with Emma Ruby-Sachs on Writing The Waterman’s Daughter Friederike Knabe for OSCAR 3. At the broadest level The Waterman’s Daughter their kind of relationship beyond the novel? is a murder mystery. Were there particular reasons I think this relationship is about human connection 1. At the Ottawa International Writers’ Festival why you chose this genre as the frame for your story? against all odds. I literally put every road block I last October you introduced your novel, The When I first told my family that I was writing a could find between these two women, and they still Waterman’s Daughter, by explaining what made you novel, my father said, “For god sake’s, make sure it found a deep connection. If anything, this conveys put your professional life as a lawyer aside for a while has a plot!” That’s what I tried to do, marry the page the sheer power of the human need for and capacity to embark on this, your first, foray into fiction. Can turners I read as a guilty pleasure with the world I felt for connection and love. These women were also you briefly tell us what led you to write this novel? I had to describe. motivated by a need to be understood. I think that is, I spent a year and a half working on an academic 4. Your central characters, especially the South in some ways, what brings them together. I find this to paper about women organizers in South Africa in the African women, are vividly portrayed in all their be universal, across cultures, races, ages and class, anti-privatisation movement. When it was all done, I complexity and even contradictions. Were you we all yearn to be understood. realized there were so many stories I couldn’t tell in a inspired by women you knew or met in South Africa? 6. Privatization of water resources and services is non-fiction, academic setting. This book began by a I met dozens of incredible activists while living in a concern for millions of people all over the globe. need to get those stories down on paper. South Africa – in fact, the anti-privatization movement Is this issue especially complex in a country like 2. Your novel is set in post-Apartheid South is almost entirely run by, and populated by women. South Africa and, if so, why? Can you elaborate your Africa. Why did you choose this locale and time? The characters in this book are a mash-up of these concerns without giving much away of the novel’s Post-Apartheid South Africa is an incredibly women, and also parts of me and the women and men content? vibrant place. Most people you meet actually remember I know and love as part of my life in Canada and the When Apartheid fell, Mandela made a number winning a revolution. At the same time, their situation United States. of compromises, and the first steps towards the is, in real terms, worse than it was during Apartheid: 5. The counterpart to Nomsulwa, the local sale of public service providers was one of those there is more poverty, fewer services, less food and community leader, is Claire, a young Canadian lawyer compromises. Since then, South Africa has viciously less work. I wanted to explore that contradiction and and the Waterman’s Daughter. Without telling too pursued the privatisation of services in its own country also the kind of compromises one must make with such much of their encounters within the novel, what and throughout the region. At its core, this is a system poverty and also such a passion for justice. message(s), if any, did you intend to convey through that encourages big companies to make money off of the thirst of the world’s poorest citizens. If you don’t have money, you don’t get enough money to survive. This is particularly complex because the original charter of the ANC, Mandela’s party, promised free basic services for all. So water privatization in South Africa is a betrayal of the most basic promises of the revolution. 7. What you would like readers to take away from reading your novel? I think every writer hopes that a reader will leave their novel with a tinge of regret upon reaching the last page. That’s my only hope. I hope readers enjoy themselves, and that they want to keep reading.

Thank you! Thank you for taking the time to ask these amazing questions! Emma MARCH 2012 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR Page 13

Five Unpleasant Facts Cont’d from page 9

Fact # 2: Parking Availability at Competitive Shopping Centers in the City Lansdowne has inadequate on-site parking compared to its retail competitors. Shopping Venues # of On-Site Parking Retail Space One Parking Spot/ Spots Sq ft Amount of Retail Sq ft The 2010 J. C. Williams Group Retail Study as- Bayshore Centre 4,000 728,047 1:182 sumed that ample parking including on-site parking in Place d’ Orleans Centre 4,000 734,477 1:183 the retail area would be available for shoppers (p.16). St Laurent Centre 4,600 971,000 1:211 The Lansdowne Park Plan announced on Feb 8th includes 1380 parking spots: 1340 underground and 40 Billings Bridge Plaza 1,657 460,000 1:277 on-site, above ground near the retail area. Lansdowne Park Plan 1,060 360,000 1:339 Of the 1340 underground parking spots, 280 will Lansdowne Park Plan - Event 560 360,000 1:643 be for residents, leaving 1060 paid parking spots for Days (24,000 attendees or fewer) retail shoppers and cinema/restaurant/bar goers. On event days, 500 spaces will be for event goers, re- for 657,057 sq ft of commercial retail space on three that many of the 450,000 households in the National ducing the non-event parking to 560 spots. The 40 levels, 3 theatre screens with a seating capacity of Capital Region (estimated population of 1.150 mil- on-site above ground parking spots will be shared 1002 seats, and an eight-storey office tower of 45,961 lion) will regularly attend movies or shop at the re- among Para Transpo, taxi stands and customer and of- sq ft. It is served by major bus routes including the vitalized Lansdowne site. The site’s main custom- fice worker drop off/pick up. Compared to other retail Transitway, compared to Lansdowne which is served ers will be the 4,456 households (population 10,029) shopping opportunities, Lansdowne is unattractive by only 2 routes. of the Glebe and the 2,420 households (population from a shopper’s viewpoint. As well, Rideau, St Lau- The J. C. Williams Group Retail Study assumes 5,975) of Old Ottawa South who currently patronize rent and Bayshore shopping centres have announced that the Lansdowne retail will be attractive to every- the cinema, grocery stores, restaurants and bars in the expansion plans with increased on-site parking. one living in the National Capital Region. Given the neighborhood. This is an insufficient population base The Rideau Centre has 1,492 paid parking spots site’s limited parking and transit access, it is unlikely to maintain a viable shopping and cinema complex.

Fact # 3: Lansdowne in Relation to the City’s Normal Minimum Parking Requirements Lansdowne has inadequate on-site parking compared to its retail competitors. Proposed By-law Parking Magnitude Minimum By- Current Lansdowne Use Minimum Rates of Use law Parking Plan Parking In October 2010, the City Council amended the Requirements Provision zoning by-law applied to the Lansdowne site adding Designated Parking Spots commercial and residential uses to accommodate the Lansdowne Partnership Plan. Concurrent with the Low/mid-rise condos/ 0.5 spaces/ 280 units 190 spots 280 spots zoning amendment, the City decided that the usual townhouses (Residents) per dwelling unit (housing) parking by-laws applicable to all other properties in Sports Arena 1 space/4 seats 24,000 attendees 6,000 spots 500 spots the city did not apply at the Lansdowne site, requir- TOTAL Designated Parking 6,190 spots 780 spots ing instead that a minimum of 1200 spaces be pro- The Common Parking Pool vided in an underground parking garage. In the Feb 8th Plan, a total of 1380 parking spots Low/mid-rise condos 0.2 spaces/ 280 units 56 spots are provided for: 1340 in the underground parking /townhouses (Visitors) per dwelling unit (housing) garage and 40 on the surface in the mixed use area. Specialty Retail 2.5 spaces/ 360,000 ft²/ 836 spots Of these 1340 underground spots, 280 have been as- 100m² 33,470m² signed to residents, leaving 1060 unassigned spots Urban Cinema (10 screens) 1 space/8 seats 1700 seats 213 spots to be shared among all other site users for day-to- Offices 2.0 spaces/100m² 100,000 ft²/9,290m² 185 spots day activities, reduced by 500 spots on major event days. If no exception had been made for the Lans- TOTAL Parking Pool 1,290 spots 560 spots downe site, and the City’s normal zoning by-law re- Total Minimum Parking 6,480 spots 1,340 spots quirements were in force, there would be a deficit Requirements vs Actual of 5,140 parking spots (79%). This is likely the min- MINIMUM DEFICIT (79%) 5,140 spots imum deficit as estimates of parking requirements for the urban park have not been included.

Fact # 4: 5,360 spaces were assigned to resi- iv) The parking surveys were com- There was no provision for this in the The June 2010 Parking Survey dents with parking permits guaranteed pleted in 2009. In the past three years, parking surplus estimates. has serious errors, resulting in a for 24/7 use. Such permits should have the Glebe and Old Ottawa South have overestimation of parking sur- been excluded from “parking surplus” been undergoing intensification, thus calculations, but were not. further reducing parking availability. Cont’d on page 15 plus in the surrounding com- ii) The 2009 surveys did not break munities. down the supply of parking spaces and their use by on-street parking restric- The June 2010 McCormick Ran- tions, which are a maximum of one, two kin Transportation Impact and Assess- and three hours. The Consultant’s cal- ment Study determined that there were culation assumed that all surplus spots 5,360 parking spaces in the residential were available for an unlimited time and commercial areas bounded by Main period. Street, Catherine Street, Riverside Drive iii) Drivers prefer to drive and park and Bronson Avenue including the area as close as possible to the event loca- in the triangle enclosed by Bronson Av- tion. The June 2010 report stated that enue, Queen Elizabeth Drive and Car- in the streets nearest to Lansdowne ling Avenue. Using four spot parking site, the parking use was “at capacity or surveys conducted in 2009, it estimated close to it” (p 46). On any day, there are that there are 2,750-3,000 surplus park- likely surplus parking spots in the stud- ing spots in the area that can be used by ied area, but they are not a comfortable event/urban park patrons and shoppers walking distance (1 km-20 minutes) at the Lansdowne site. from the Lansdowne site. Is it realistic The study has four serious meth- for the City to assume that event-goers/ odological errors: visitors will park their cars at Preston i) The surveys did not take into and Carling to attend an event or go consideration how many of the existing shopping at Lansdowne? Page 14 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR MARCH 2012 Squirrel Talk Reading with your children

By: Tania & Michaël ! James is seven and likes to read with the intimacy is lovely. It’s a nice way to animate stories to their daughters his parents. There are two ways they to end a day, at almost every bedtime.” Nadia who is 5.25 years old and Naomi his month’s topic was suggested usually read books. In the first, reading Story time is a family experience shared who is 8.92 years old, as if they were by our wonderful editor Mary is done together with Paul or Ann read- together and is outside of daily routine, on stage. When reading a book or in- Anne : the benefits of reading to ing a part and James the next part. The outside of school, outside of hockey venting a story, the emphasis is on the T second way is where Paul or Ann do practice. Sometimes they talk about delivery - voices, sound effects, dy- and with children. So we went out and did some field work to get a variety of all the reading from a book they pick. the story before and after reading, for namics and pauses for dramatic effect. thoughts on the topic. They might help Evelyn pick books but example do you remember what hap- Sadly, Nestor no longer captivates as First, we interviewed Mary Anne she mostly reads by herself as she is pened last time, what do you think will much attention from his 9-year old as Thompson herself. Mary Anne says: nine. All sorts of books are suggested happen next. The children get indignant she has taken to reading books by her- “Reading helps children organize their and include books Paul and Ann read if story time is missed for no good rea- self; so he’s milking the time with his thoughts, and helps with imagination when growing up, such as “Swallows son! Ritual and Routine are important, 5-year old for as long as he can. It’s a and creativity. Reading also seems to and Amazons” which takes place in the as is time with the parents. fight with mom for who gets to read at help with mathematical and science in- beautiful Lakes District. “The Hobbit” Deanna says novels are important, night! terest and ability as each of my daugh- also came up as popular choice with but picture books are important too – Mr.Squirrel’s Mother, Barbara ters has post graduate studies in differ- several families we interviewed. it’s a different kind of thinking. Some Gazier, was visiting this weekend and ent areas of math and science. Reading We were glad to hear that all fam- childrens’ books are particularly suited mentioned that using the municipal li- helps children to have things to think ilies read in French and in English. as they are known for their artwork brary is a great resource. The library about, things to talk about, and these James for example reads in French at and illustrations. Jason does most of gave kids stars for reading a lot which things help to help create more brain school as he is in immersion, but reads the reading which usually consists of was very motivating. One needs to cells. more in English at home. Paul says novels. He loves it and doesn’t mind make age appropriate choices; for ex- I have always found that children children should enjoy reading as it pre- reading the same excellent books over ample, some fairy tales can be very who read are more resourceful, more pares them for their adult life, as many and over. spooky for smaller children. Library able to cope with change, more able to jobs need reading. Our friend Dan Rivaud is an art- books are also useful to answer difficult resist peer pressure.“ That’s a very im- Reading is also important because ist and engineer living in Kanata with childrens’ questions in a scientific and portant issue ! it stimulates the imagination. There is his wife Angela and they are wait- age appropriate way. But how did they choose books? also a social aspect to reading, for ex- ing for their new home to be built Barbara says it is important to de- “Over time, my daughters read a great ample the children can participate in in Hintonburg, a community nearby vote time every day to the child, for variety of books, choosing from the “water cooler” discussions with their OOS. He doesn’t read to his children example before bedtime. This way the more than a dozen books each of the peers. Also, in reading, children can -- in part because he’s teaching them child has parent time with him alone three borrowed from the library every learn about daily behaviours such as Spanish and all their books are in Eng- during reading time. Barbara says that two weeks. A librarian helped to find how to act with others. lish. Instead, he turns the lights out reading to the child will raise interest books if we were going through a James who was just back from win- and focuses on storytelling in Spanish both directly from the story and from theme -- bees, caterpillars, electri- ning a hockey game playoff said that he with their 22-month-old Avi and their looking at pictures. It makes the child city, or a favorite author or children’s reads to do better at school, he likes the 3.5-year-old Anna. He finds the one curious about their world and it is im- book illustrator. Some books were re- pictures, and likes to learn. He finds the the kids like best at night is the story of portant to create curiosity and to teach read often and some were dismissed. stories interesting, and that it is not at what happened in their lives that same them how to concentrate and stay fo- Why get stuck on a particular book all the same to read alone, so he likes to day... for example, how they broke off cussed on a topic. Mr.Squirrel is very when there are thousands if not mil- read with his parents. some “Carambanos” (icicles) that day inquisitive and loves to learn so he lions from which to choose. I also let Deanna Young & Jason Creaghan and licked and chewed them like lolli- thinks his Mom is right and did a great the kids decide what books they want. have two artistic daughters and a son pops. Dan adds “Oddly enough, they job! He also remembers his Dad spend- Their tastes change over time and who Will, who is seven and likes to read a also like hearing about when they were ing lots of time teaching him every- am I to dictate what books they should lot. As their daughters are a bit older punished for bad behaviour earlier in thing from math to carpentry, showing read. I would, of course, leave around now they tend to read by themselves the day.” Dan says “If it is part of their that there are also other ways to spend them books I hoped they would like.” but they used to like reading with their real lives, it gets told as a story and they time together and learn. That seems very wise ! Mary Anne is parents. love it.” So he tells them about the We found in our interviews that moving near one of her daughters this Reading can be done from birth till scare a day earlier when 911 was called often one parent was primary reader spring to help raise her granddaughter the children don’t want to, at least 11 to send an ambulance to take their tod- even though both parents teach their and we wish her wonderful experien- or 12. dler to the hospital. Anna likes to point children in different ways. Each family ces. We hope Mary Anne will still be Deanna says reading regularly out that the paramedics didn’t take their has many reasons to read together in- able to contribute to the OSCAR as her helps the children improve their read- boots off and left puddles of snowy cluding learning and preparation for the imprint will always be with us. ing, and also makes them ask questions water on the dining room floor. Dan’s future, but the themes of personal time Then we interviewed Paul Hubbard about literature and other topics of in- children are both adopted -- one from together and of stimulating creativity & Ann Hammond who have two chil- terest. However “the primary reason to South Korea and the other from New came up strongly. The families even dren who we see growing up so quickly read is the one-on-one quiet time, and Brunswick. So sometimes he tells made up stories as a way to communi- them their birth story... “when you were cate and spend time together and make born out of your birthmom’s belly, your the experience lively and special. All birthdad was the one who caught you children love this special time together, with his arms. Do you remember his and the parents are all very proud of name?” His daughter shouts in excite- their children and love this time togeth- ment “Michael!” and Dan continues the er also. story as he tells the kids the stories of Thank you dear neighbours, their own lives. friends, and Mom for sharing. We have Our friend Nestor Amaya also quoted directly some emails and verbal knows Dan well and relates to his discussion points in this text, and found story... Nestor also prefers to make up this to be a fascinating topic ! May time stories. His favourite is about a lonely together and books always be a very little cloud who was born above lake important part of life for all ! “Wapoossalooga” in the South African We’ve enjoyed meeting more OOS savannah. He was so lonely up there, community members: it’s always a by himself, looking down on all the ani- pleasure to meet you. We love to hear mals ... In the end, he was so sad that your ideas and comments – these in- he cried himself to nothingness - only spire us to write on specific topics and to find that he was part of something we always learn from you. Écrivez- greater, back in the water... nous : [email protected] So Nestor and his wife Patricia like MARCH 2012 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR Page 15

A HARD DAY’S PLAY Reading Between The Lines? By Mary P. sharing the obvious, but I’d rather return at the end of the day. should be. All the mommies are at she weren’t projecting her assump- Tyler turns his attention to me and work, all the daddies are at work, all y mommy is at work.” tions onto him. Was he worried that says it one more time. “My mommy is the kids are at Mary’s. And the sun is First thing in the morning, mommy might not come back? Well, at work.” in the sky, and the sky is blue, too. It’s and we have the usual busy if he wasn’t before, he probably is Now, I still don’t know why he’s just how reality rolls. M now! There is such a thing as too so persistently pursuing this topic, but Tyler starts to grin. “Yes, all the scene: I kneel on the floor, greeting the child who has just arrived, the much empathy. Mom is well-inten- he’s done nothing at all to indicate mommies are at work,” he says, his children who have already arrived tioned, but she’s leading the witness. he’s in any way distressed. He’s not eyes sparkling, “but MY mommy has trot over to greet her. One parent is Many children would by now be showing worry, anxiety, loneliness. SNOWPLOWS at her work!” His face just leaving, pulling the door shut be- responding to the mother’s assump- His body is calm, his face only earn- breaks into a beaming smile. Oh, the hind him, another parent is hanging tions. They would become uncertain, est. When a child makes what could wonder of SNOWPLOWS!!! “There the snowsuit of her just-arriving child. anxious. They would start to fret over be an emotionally-charged statement are TWO snowplows! A yellow one In the hub-bub, no one has responded mummy’s absence. Instead of com- without any sign of a particular emo- and a big, big, big blue one!!!” to him quickly enough, so Tyler tries forting, this mother would be causing tion, my practice is to either be equally And for the next few minutes, again, a little louder. “My mommy is distress. neutral, or to assume a positive emo- Tyler regales us all with the wonder at work.” Tyler, thankfully, is made of har- tion. (I mean, really: If you’re going of the snowplows in the parking lot at This time he catches the attention dier stuff. He gives her a blank stare, to project an emotion onto someone, mommy’s work. of the parent hanging the snowsuit. and repeats himself. why not make it a happy one?) So it turned out that “My mommy Her maternal heart wells with sym- “My mommy is at work.” In this case, I keep it neutral. is at work,” carried no negative pathy. The poor little guy, missing his The mother cannot see that she’s “Yes, she is. And Grace’s mommy charge for him at all. It was merely mother already! missing his point (whatever it is) and is at work, and Rory’s mother is at a segue, his springboard to boast- “Yes, mommy is at work,” she persists in her agenda of soothing the work. All the mommies are at work!” ing. HIS mommy is at work, yes, and says, her voice warm, reassuring, concern that doesn’t exist. “But she’ll Because they all are, and in our little his mommy has the BEST WORK soothing, “but she will come back. be back at the end of the day, sweet- world, this is perfectly standard. Noth- EVER! Mommy always comes back, doesn’t pea. Don’t you worry!” And, giving ing remarkable about it at all. Noth- Lesson for the day: When you she?” I wince at bit. I don’t see worry her child a hug and kiss, off she goes. ing exceptional, nothing worrisome, read between the lines, make sure on Tyler’s face. I’m not sure why he’s To work. From whence she, too, will nothing negative. In fact, it’s how it you’re on the same page.

Five Unpleasant Facts Cont’d from page 13 Fact # 5: ing spaces. This will make it difficult Lansdowne site. In my view, it is not site with inadequate parking as it will Event patrons are not likely to be for businesses to attract and develop in the best interest of city taxpayers place at risk the required sustainable shoppers or cinema goers. loyal, regular customers, as they will or the (OSEG) developers to have a revenue into the waterfall. not likely shop or attend the cinema OSEG and the City of Ottawa before or after the entertainment partners are planning a minimum events. Neither will people likely of one large event (10,000+ people) carry out their food shopping before every two weeks and over 90 events or after the event. of 5,000 + participants annually. The City assumes that mixed use at the site My Conclusion: The under- presents an ideal opportunity to have ground parking garage is too small a common shared parking pool thanks to be a good investment. The report to different use peaking characteris- to City Council of June 9, 2010 (p tics. However this is not necessarily 97) and the business model facts true. show that the estimated total cost of Entertainment events will co- the underground parking is $35M, of incide with peak shopping hours which OSEG will pay $11.9M (34%) (week nights, Saturdays and Sundays) and the City/taxpayers $23.1M (66%). thereby discouraging customers from What is the point of spending $23.1M shopping or attending the cinema dur- to end up with an investment that is ing events. During these events, there inadequate the day it opens? will be minimal if any shopping at the The parking and traffic issues site, because of the difficult street ac- are serious, in terms of the business cess and the reduced number of park- success (or not) of the proposed new Area Church Service Times Sunnyside Wesleyan Church St Margaret Mary’s Parish 58 Grosvenor Avenue (at Sun- 7 Fairbairn (corner of Sunnyside) nyside) Tuesday Evening at 7PM Sunday Worship Services at 9am Friday Daytime at 12:15PM & 11am (one service at 10am May Saturday Evening at 5PM 22 - Sept 4) Sunday Mornings at 9:30AM and Children’s program offered during 11:30PM worship services. Southminster United Church Trinity Anglican Church 15 Aylmer Avenue (at Bank & the 1230 Bank St (at Cameron Ave) Canal) Sundays: Holy Eucharist at 8 and Sunday Worship 10am 10:30 a.m. (9:30 a.m. July & with Church School and Choir August) (9:30 in July and August) Sunday School During worship, September - May Page 16 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR MARCH 2012

AMICALEMENT VOTRE Parce que chanter c’est trop dur: Michèle Vinet Elle nous a raconté comment, de Mirabelle est belge et elle a les Monsieur Le Temps est un très jeune et lectrice en herbe, elle cheveux noirs, donc son nom est personnage céleste demeurant dans fut emballée par l’héroïne d’un Noire. La maman de Chantale est un paradis nébuleux surnommé « en bouquin : une tortue vertueuse du nom française et elle a les cheveux blonds, haut, là haut ». Le Temps surveille et de Patrovite. C’est en découvrant que donc son nom est Blonde. Lorsque favorise la destinée des quatre fous le nom de sa tortue était créé des trois Noire et Blonde se parlent, elles ont qui demeurent « en bas, là bas ». mots pas, trop et vite que l’univers du de la musique dans la voix, comme si Dans l’espace « en haut, là haut » mot écrit et parlé de Michèle Vinet on écoutait un duo. habitent aussi des angelots, êtres est né. C’est depuis cette découverte Mirabelle se moque de tout et éthérés et purs qui sont les âmes des que Michèle Vinet écrit et récite : Elle s’invente un monde qui lui plaît. enfants qui ne sont pas encore nés récite, cause, déclame, joue, mime Quand elle parle, cette coquine sur la terre « en bas, là bas ». Ces ‘ parce que chanter c’est trop dur ‘. déplace les accents toniques et met esprits angéliques de pure innocence Michèle Vinet n’a jamais cessé des traits d’union où ça lui plaît. Elle s’amusent dans la ramée d’un de cultiver l’amour de sa langue. À écope toujours de retenues après immense arbre aux fruits roses et l’école, elle gagnait des concours l’école. Durant la retenue, elle lit les bleus dont le feuillage pousse vers le de composition. Adulte, elle a fait fables de Jean-De-La-Fon-taine et bas et le tronc immaculé vers le haut. carrière à titre d’enseignante et de son amie s’appelle Chant-ale. Elle Dans ce cosmos féerique de comédienne. Elle a vécu quelque se nomme elle-même Mirabeau- l’imaginaire, nous y trouvons Beau- temps aux Etats-Unis ; elle est monté Mirabelle et se donne le sobriquet Pierrot et Capucine, deux âmes sur les planches en anglais aussi Beau-Belle qui s’abrège à B.B. Elle sœurs qui s’aiment enfantinement et bien qu’en français; elle a joué dans est une enfant-fille-garçon. Elle se qui sont aussi les âmes des enfants plusieurs films et dans des séries fout de tout. ni nés ni conçus de Mirabelle et de télévisées. Enfin, elle a pris la route Les samedis, les deux petites Chantale. Les deux jeunes femmes, Par Jean-Claude Dubé de l’écriture romanesque ‘parce que vont voir une vielle dame Méli (Méli- copines depuis toujours, ont un chanter c’est trop dur’. vielle pour Mirabelle). Méli, genre pressentiment de l’existence de ces a St. Valentin est le jour de Ce n’est donc pas surprenant de bonne sorcière demeurant dans petits êtres d’un autre monde. Seul l’amour et c’est en ce jour que Mirabelle, l’héroïne de « Parce une petite maison à l’orée du bois, Jérémie de Roncevaux, le vieux chat que le Cercle de lecture de L que chanter c’est trop dur », a un chat qu’elle appelle ‘Jérémie de la vieille Méli, connaît ces petites l’Amicale a eu le grand privilège de possède elle aussi cette discipline de de Roncevaux’. Elle possède un âmes non nées car il joue parfois se laisser séduire par une maîtresse l’enchaînement de ces petits éléments coffre de cèdre plein de trésors : des avec les ombres de Beau-Pierrot et du mot, l’auteure Michèle Vinet. linguistiques qui s’épanouissent chapeaux, des bijoux, des châles, des de Capucine sur le gazon de la petite Celle-ci est experte et adroite dans grâce à leur tonalité. tuniques, des saris et toutes sortes de maison de Méli. la manipulation des mots et elle nous Coucher des mots sur une feuille choses exotiques. Les fillettes sont Ainsi se termine cette fable fait ainsi découvrir l’enchantement de papier, c’est créer une harmonie. ravies et s’amusent en se costumant. contemporaine. Elle est d’une de lire et d’entendre une langue bien Énoncer ces mots à haute voix Plus vielles, rendues à la grande douceur de velours et d’une beauté écrite et gracieusement exprimée. devient une expression musicale. école, les deux copines visitent féerique qui n’existe que dans les Michèle Vinet est femme de lettres Mirabelle, petite espiègle et garçon les marchés aux puces pour garnir chimères enfantines. Cette fable et femme de mots. manqué, préfère noircir son papier leur garde-robe. Mirabelle choisit a-t-elle une morale ? Oui, bien sûr! Michèle Vinet nous a alors régalé avec des mots harmonieux ‘parce que les vêtements masculins - vestons Nous laissons les lecteurs épris des de très charmantes anecdotes sur chanter c’est trop dur’ cintrés et chapeaux ronds - tandis que « sons des mots qui chantent à eux son enfance, ses études, son art, ses Mirabelle et Chantale, enfants Chantale préfère les jupes longues seuls, sans portée et sans notes » la voyages, ses aspirations et surtout, uniques, sont toutes deux issues d’un et amples. En plus, à l’école, les découvrir. Il suffit de parcourir les ses principes sur l’usage de sa langue. milieu monoparental. La maman jeunes ados découvrent le théâtre douces pages de ce beau récit où et les garçons : « Grandir, ce n’est l’on trouve ni haine, ni malheur, ni pas difficile. C’est de s’émerveiller chagrin, ni douleur, ni péché. continuellement…..quand on sait « entre l’amour et l’écriture, il y écouter les vieux chiffons, c’est plus a une vaste et paisible plaine » facile ». Michèle Vinet vient de publier Aux jeux d’enfants succèdent une autre fable onirique : Jeudi les années folles et enrichissantes de Novembre. Une ancienne maîtresse l’adolescence et de jeunes adultes. d’école de village découvre dans Leurs chums Pierre et Luc sont à son jardin un beau jeune homme nu l’université dans une ville voisine. comme un ver qui est tombé du ciel Mirabelle et Chantale, 17 ans, les un jeudi de novembre. Il faut lire ça. visitent les fins de semaine. Les Le mardi, 13 mars prochain, mamans, Noire et Blonde, glissent le Cercle de lecture L’Amicale des préservatifs dans les sacs de aura encore une fois le plaisir et le voyage de leurs cocottes. privilège de recevoir une autre auteure Plus tard, les deux jeunes couples distinguée de la région. Nancy forment une troupe de théâtre qui Vickers participera à la discussion fait le tour des grandes villes du sur la lecture de son roman « La monde. Ils y trouvent succès, gloire petite vieille aux poupées », gagnant et célébrité. Mirabelle est l’écrivaine du Prix du livre d’Ottawa. Son récit et elle compose merveilleusement, porte sur un sujet délicat, l’inceste, sans efforts. C’est ce grand talent qui raconté par deux sœurs victimes très assure le succès de sa troupe portant jeunes et maintenant rendues à un âge le nom de « Les Quatre Fous ». avancé. Voici que l’auteure, Michèle Vinet, ajoute un nouveau scénario Notre rencontre aura lieu à à ce récit de félicité sans horizons, 19h au sous-sol de la bibliothèque sans épreuves et sans détresse où municipale Sunnyside au 1045, les jeunes artistes vivent follement rue Bank, le 13 mars 2012. Il n’y a à chaque instant pour le plaisir du aucuns frais. Il suffit que de venir, moment. Elle nous transporte dans le même comme auditeur. domaine de Monsieur Le Temps. MARCH 2012 Page 17 Walls With Garages By Alexandra Serre the semi-detached at 37 Brighton, which offers “...views of the river alf of what some residents of and parkland (on a) quiet tree-lined Rideau Gardens not-so-affec- street...” tionately call “the monster” Ironic, isn’t it, that people who H apparently appreciate parkland and (the enormous new semi-detached across the street from old Brighton tree-lined streets knowingly move Beach) is up for sale for 1.2 millions into houses whose construction re- dollars. I suppose that’s the market quired the destruction of trees and price for a house with an elevator green space? They like to enjoy other and unobstructed views of the river. people’s picturesque old porched Unobstructed? Maybe not for long. houses, mature trees and English gar- Right across Brighton Avenue, the dens from the windows of their own “little storybook house,” as residents super modern square houses with affectionately called it, is being torn “high end finishings and contempor- down, to be replaced with a three-unit ary style.” They like to come home construction that one of my neigh- in their SUV down a quiet tree-lined bours referred to as “a wall with gar- street and pop into their double garages.” So the people who buy the ugly (others would say greed). Yes, yes, thetics put aside, one thing seems to age without even having to set foot semi-detached will get to stare at an beauty is in the eye of the beholder be generally accepted: green space outside. I guess some people like to ugly three-unit from their balconies. and so on, and what appears to be and trees are pleasant and make a have it all, at the expense of others. Isn’t it ironic... ugly now by “small-minded people” neighborhood healthier and more at- But quiet tree-lined street? Well, Some people may question my might be judged to be works of art by tractive. Even people who purchase maybe not for very long, if the de- use of the word “ugly” to qualify enlightened future generations. These “walls with garages” agree. Proof of struction of smaller houses with large these products of modern architecture banalities and discussions about es- this can be found in the MLS add for treed lots continues to make way for more and more walls with garages...

Sips from the Poetry Café Up for a Challenge? – Try This In Celebration of International Poetry Day

By Susan J. Atkinson The example that I have chosen fascinating. Okay, okay I am to share is based on one of William completely off topic. I was going to This Is Just To Say e are on the eve (or Carlos Williams poems entitled “This give a challenge – that’s right – if you thereabouts!) of the 12th Is Just To Say”. I will not include are looking for a way to celebrate the I took Annual International the poem here as I do not have the great art form of poetry this March try the sweater W permission or the money to reprint this:- that was in Poetry Day. The day when poets and poetry are celebrated to their heights. it!!! However it can be readily found Find a copy of William Carlos the drawer I thought for my humble blurb this and is often used in workshops for the Williams poem “This Is Just To Say” and which month I would suggest a “little’ poetry same purpose as we are using it here. and try to write your own version you were probably challenge in honour of this particular Just as a slight aside and more as a of his poem. Choose an object in saving day. You may even think of this as a ‘story’ than hard-nose truth, I heard substitution of the plums but use the to wear on short workshop or exercise of kind, once upon a time that Williams, an same cadence and voice, the structure Saturday whatever you take from it is up to you. American poet (1883-1963) whose and line breaks so that the heart and What follows may be shared with writing had a huge influence on the flow of the poem stay in tact. Don’t Forgive me a group of friends, who might like imagist movement and the American worry if you deviate slightly, after it was so warm the idea of getting together to write Literary scene of the 1950’s was a all it is your own work. It is amazing so soft but can’t decide what to write about. family doctor and that the reason what you will be able to come up with and suited me so well. You could do it with a spouse, a child he wrote such small, imagery based and you’ll be surprised how much fun or anyone who may want to share a poems was because he would scribble you can have, especially if you do this Editor’s Note: there is a copy of the writing adventure this March 21. It them on his prescription note pads with a few friends, in a coffee shop William’s poem at: can even be for you closet poets out between patients. The theory goes that and then you all take turns sharing! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Is_ there who could literally take this idea one writes to the space allotted. I have I have included an example below. Just_To_Say into the closet and do it by yourself, to no idea if this is true but I do find it Enjoy and Happy Poetry Day! keep to yourself so it may never see most the light of day! Okay here goes:- Some of you may have heard the expression “imitating the greats”, some of you may feel that it is a sure way to ‘kill’ your own voice or your own originality, others may feel it is a poor way to write and almost borders plagiarism but others may find it to be a great springboard for creativity and ideas. Oops I better back track and explaining what I mean by “imitating the greats”. Think of it as trying on the voice, the tone, the imagery or the line breaks of one of the great masters of poetry. By studying the poet’s craft and discerning what it is you like, or admire about their work, is an excellent way to break through into your own creativity. No matter what you think about this exercise it really is a fun way to get that pen on the paper! th Page 18 The OSCAR - OUR 40 YEAR MARCH 2012 A Neighbour has Written a Book see it, is symbolic of our society at urban planning policies in the belief those it serves, and then in taking time this time and thus significant. The they might be survival-oriented in to document and share his journey efforts it records are characteristic of character, concerned with the well- to date, is a story in itself. The very a major process underway throughout being of those for whom land use existence of the book marks a major Canada: a growing desire on the part planning is done. He found the policies milestone for city planning in Ottawa. of an increasing number of citizens were circumscribed, insensitive to the Journey of a Citizen not only provides to have a meeting of minds with our life-support needs of city dwellers a rationale for a better and healthier governments about our future on a and focused merely on putting built understanding of such individual small planet. structures onto land. As the Citizen issues as South March Highlands, The book, Journey of a Citizen, discovered and documents, the view the Leitrim wetlands, and many other is very largely the story of minds that we live in the land and not merely planning issues in the city, but also for that did not meet: the Citizen’s mind on it was seemingly incomprehensible the overall future development of the and the minds of a city council and, to the city, foreign indeed to our city. later, a provincial government agency. province and even our constitution. Given the inexorable logic of the The “mindset” of these institutions The dialogue that ensued was that Citizen’s approach (that we are within reflected the way we have, to date, of ships passing in the night. His our environment: it is not “out there”) organized our public affairs. The hearers could not understand what he it seems only a matter of time before Citizen seeks change, the adoption was saying: he could not understand messages from the Earth’s reality will Reviewed by Gail Stewart of a different mindset. Rather than why they were doing what they were itself underline the Citizen’s message conceiving nature as green and doing. Increasingly intent on making and we and our governments yield to avid McNicoll, Journey of “outside” ourselves, the Citizen his point, the Citizen gradually meets its persuasion. In the meantime I, and a Citizen (searching for conceives of himself and all of us as with hostility for his persistence in perhaps others, feel indebted to the DEarth’s reality from within active participants in nature, asking raising the issue. The “journey” then Citizen for his long and continuing the dysfunction of Canada), Baico government to do the same. (Long took the Citizen further, into science journey and for sharing it with us. Publishing Inc., Ottawa, 2009 694pp. canoe trips have encouraged the and subsequently to values. Even A neighbour has written a book. Citizen in his outlook and he includes then, at book’s end, what to be done For more information about I think it not only an important book accounts of these in his book in an was not clear. David’s book and information about but an important act. This is not so attempt to assist the transition.) His effort though, in first seeking buying a copy, go to: http://web.ncf. much because the book itself tells Initially focused merely on the to have municipal government take ca/journeyofacitizen a story (it does) as because of the preservation of small green spaces responsibility for planning in such a story of the book. The book, as I in the city, the Citizen approached way as to protect the well-being of Paris Works of Famed Russian Artist Sonia Delaunay on Display by Rick Roberts fused onto unconventional design. she lectured at the Sorbonne on the It was a whole ‘New Look’ that influence of painting in clothing and onia Delaunay (b.Ukraine, ultimately turned Cubism on its head. fabric design, as well as the novel Russia, 1885; d. Paris, 1979), Sonia and her equally famous idea of prêt-à-porter clothing and the first living female artist to husband Robert called this new other newfound freedoms in women’s S startling expression simultanéisme, or fashion. One could say that Delaunay exhibit in the Louvre, arrived on the contemporary 1920’s art scene with ‘simultaneous design’, which occurs “liberated” colour in fashion; at the a huge splash: an explosion of colour when one design is juxtaposed with same time she electrified the world another resulting in an unexpected of textile, furniture, interior and even industrial design. In costume and stage Delaunay worked with Sergei Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes and had legendary collaborations with playwright Tristan Tzara and ballet genius George Balanchine. Her work has appeared on everything from the covers of visual impact. Their colour and Vogue Magazine to the painted finish spatial redefinition made a huge shift of at least two automobiles (she would within the norms of perspective and design dresses with a matching car design. Sonia credits the birth of this body and upholstery motif). influence (later christened “Orphism” Orphism took on epic proportions by the revered critic Appolinaire) with when Delaunay was asked to decorate the vibrant geometric fabrics that she the Railway Pavilion for the 1937 saw in Russian farmhouses, where Paris Exposition (where Picasso also spirited folk-art colour and textile introduced the world to ‘Guernica’). motifs belied the monotone and pallid Just before her death in 1979, the winter greys of St. Petersburg, where Pompidou Centre in Paris acquired she had studied art the entire body of her graphic works. Sonia set Paris ablaze with this Fortunately many of these works life-force of fragmented colour and were produced as multiple editions, developed it to the degree that has had so today’s collectors can still acquire a profound and lasting influence on art examples. A sampling of these (with a significant revival impacting can be seen at Antiquing at The the vibrant, swinging ‘60’s). By Fieldhouse- The Ottawa Antiques 1923 Hollywood actresses were and Art Show, Carleton University st buying her designs, popularized as Field House, March 30th to April 1 the “Jazz Age style”. Among her (www.asinter.com). clients were Joan Crawford, Greta On display and for sale will be Garbo, Nancy Cunard and Gloria select pieces from Delaunay’s rare Swanson. In 1925, Sonia featured and renowned “Tableaux Vivants”, her fashion designs in the Exposition a hand-coloured pochoir suite which Internationale des Arts Décoratifs, the in 1969 appeared as a collection of landmark event that ultimately gave “Art Deco” its name. That same year Cont’d on next page MARCH 2012 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR Page 19

Kaleidoscope Kids’ Books Waiting for Spring to be Sprung

interlude is over, yet the reader of the joyfulness of spring. and her green-thumbed grandmother. physical evidence of our New on the shelves this year Includes notes for parents, Wnorthern location lingers – is And Then It’s Spring by Julie suggestions for learning activities and hands up, who’s a little tired of winter Fogliano. In this picture book about comical illustrations that will have weather? Until the kids are out there anticipation, we meet a young boy kids chuckling. in the puddles, splashsuits suitably and his dog who decide that they’ve Kids can start planning ahead for splattered, perhaps spring picture had enough of all that just-after-winter books can be a placeholder until brown and resolve to plant a garden. Mother Nature chooses to release the They dig, they plant, they play, they warm breezes and spring showers for wait . . . and wait . . . until at last, the green grass and the growing flowers. brown becomes a more hopeful shade I am a Bunny is a classic board of brown, a sign that spring may finally be on its way. Gideon is the latest in the Gossie and Friends series of books by Olivier Dunrea. Gideon is a gosling who likes to splash with the ducklings, pots and window boxes for families hop with the frogs and scamper that don’t have a garden. Who better all around the barnyard. The one than the good folks at DK to take us thing Gideon does not want to do is for a walk on the wild side in our own take his nap! Dunrea’s trademark backyards? illustrations and feisty protagonist Perhaps by the time this issue take readers on a barnyard romp. of the Oscar reaches you, signs of Parents and kids will both enjoy spring will be blossoming in the Caldecott Honor Award winner late spring activities with the Dorling ‘hood. We at Kaleidoscope Kids’ The Gardener. Lydia Grace Finch Kindersley (DK) book Wildlife Books remain hopeful that we see brings a suitcase full of seeds to the Gardening. In this book, Martyn Cox some grass relatively soon, but at big gray city, where she goes to stay teaches kids how to bring birds and least can take some comfort in the with her Uncle Jim, a cantankerous bugs into their backyards. He tells fact that we’re surrounded by the new us that choosing the right plants and season of books right about now. It’s creating a suitable habitat will invite like brightly-coloured book flowers some very interesting visitors to our blooming all over the store! yards. There are also projects using

book by Richard Scarry. Nicholas, the bunny who lives in the hollow tree explains to young readers what he likes to do in spring (chasing butterflies and picking flowers), summer (lying in the sun watching birds and frogs), and how he prepares for winter. For baker. There she engineers a gradual fans of “Golden Books”, gentle text transformation, brightening the shop and cozy illustrations make this book and bringing smiles to customers’ a favourite for little and big people. faces with the flowers she grows. Nothing says spring like cute But it is in a secret place that Lydia baby animals! In Beautiful Babies, Grace works on her masterpiece -- an Karma Wilson’s words are brought ambitious rooftop garden -- which she to life by photos of the babies with hopes will make even Uncle Jim smile. touch and feel inserts for small hands Sarah Stewart introduces readers to to explore. Bunnies, lambs and chicks an engaging and determined young on a sunny day – it’s about as seasonal heroine, whose story is told through as it gets… letters written home, while David For another forest tale, check Small’s illustrations beautifully evoke out Hooray for Spring by Kazuo the Depression-era setting. Iwamura. Mick, Mack and Molly are Looking for some technical red squirrels who are enjoying spring manuals on spring? They’re here too. in the forest of new leaves, cherry Kids can learn how things grow with blossoms and hungry baby birds. Nature’s Miracles: Once There They know that caterpillars like to eat Was a Seed by Judith Anderson and leaves; bees like to suck nectar from Mike Gordon. This early science blossoms, but what do baby birds like book shows kids the lifecycle of a to eat? Great pictures and text remind seed through the eyes of a little girl

Paris Works .... Cont’d from previous page her most famous couture creations palette of the Tristan Tzara suite “Juste from the heady 1920’s. Sonia’s Présent”, as well as other limited hallmark, abstract form-into-function edition works. Gallery owner Joanne style shows how her semi-figurative Bergen will be on hand to discuss elements thrive when colour alone Delaunay’s art and to answer questions. sets a surprising pace. Also exhibited A sneak preview is available online at are etchings from the primary colour www.artophile.com. Page 20 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR MARCH 2012 TRINITY ANGLICAN CHURCH An Evening To Remember: News from Trinity from Sue Cherry Frances Moore Lappé Speaks To Full House Pancake Supper is a Lively “Kick-Off” For Lent

Held every year to raise funds for the “Out of the Cold” suppers at Southmin- ster United Church, a Pancake Supper at Trinity on Shrove Tuesday served a record number of pancakes, sausages and maple syrup to parishioners and Frances Moore Lappé Photo by Faris Ahmed of USC Canada Old Ottawa South visitors. By Friederike Knabe our quality of life by changing the way we think and getting our mind to n February 1, 2012, St Brig- work: as an ‘ecomind’. id’s Centre for the Arts saw Traveling the world and meet- an enthusiastic crowd pack ing many diverse groups of people, O ranging from farmers in India and the former church hall! The beginning of the event had to be delayed local community leaders in Africa to so that everyone could find one of world renowned scientists and sen- Ash Wednesday, Lent, Palms, Imposition the seven hundred or so seats. People ior executives in Europe and else- Of Ashes, What’s That All About? came from all walks of life, repre- where, Frankie has gathered a wealth he Reverend Andrea Thomas, Priest at Trinity, answers these ques- senting three generations, if not four. of information and evidence on how tions in a letter sent to parishioners this month: For many of the older genera- we each can work towards a better “Ash Wednesday (February 22nd) is the first day of Lent and occurs tions seeing and listening to Fran- and healthier environment in which 46 days (40 days not counting Sundays) before Easter. It is a move- ces Moore Lappé, or “Frankie” to to live. Her ability to share her ex- Table feast, falling on a different date each year because it is dependent on the her friends and fans, was a special, periences and her own learning over date of Easter. It can occur as early as February 4th or as late as March 10th. even an emotional occasion. Some the years, exquisitely elaborated in “Ash Wednesday gets its name from the practice of placing ashes on the came with their personal and well- Ecomind, is admirable and her posi- foreheads of the faithful as a sign of repentance. The ashes used are gathered used copy of Frances Moore Lappé’s tive practical approach to the issues after the Palm Crosses from the previous year’s Palm Sunday are burned. The 1971 book, Diet for a Small Planet, before us is nothing less than “con- ashes are mixed with Anointing Oil and this paste is used by the minister who in hand. Then, it had been ground tagious”. presides at the service to make the sign of the cross, first upon his or her own breaking with its challenges to broad- Among the seven “thought traps” forehead and then on those of congregants. The minister recites the words: ly-held assumptions about the limits that she addresses in her book, for the “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” of our global food supply as a result Ottawa talk, Lappé focused on the “The purpose of Lent is to be a season of fasting, self-denial, Christian of the world’s population growth in global food system. In answer to the growth, penitence, conversion, and simplicity. Lent, which comes from the the years to come. Her book has sold concern that “We can’t grow enough Teutonic (Germanic) word for springtime, can be viewed as a spiritual spring millions of copies since and she went food to feed the world” she explained cleaning: a time for taking spiritual inventory and then cleaning out those on to publish seventeen more books... the “thought leap” needed to prove things which hinder our corporate and personal relationships with Jesus Christ For the younger crowd the Ot- the pessimists wrong. We can make and our service to him.” tawa event may have been the first the food systems work for the bene- encounters with one of the foremost fit of local people everywhere: less advocates for a healthier and fairer waste, less industrialization, more global world. They were not less en- local sustainable agriculture, and thusiastic or intrigued by what Lappé healthier food, based on traditional had to say and how she conveyed knowledge and the diversity of seeds what she wanted to say: in a warm and plants that have evolved for thou- and personable way Frances Moore sands of years. We human beings have Lappé’s most recent book, Ecomind, to relearn to understand ourselves as (see book review in OSCAR Janu- part of nature and the ecological sys- ary 2012) takes an inquisitive and tems and not working against it. Her broad-ranging perspective on what choice of the food theme was chosen may be wrong with our world… and deliberately, Lappé noted. For one, our minds. Frankie started her talk we are all affected by the outcomes by citing, of all people, the founder of of what happens to our food supply VISA, who is quoted as having said: in terms of our own health and the “It is far too late and things are far too environment in which we live. Also, bad… for pessimism.” She has taken she wanted to recognize and appreci- his statement very much to heart and ate the work of the Toronto and Ot- has made this one of her core con- tawa events’ host organization, USC cepts in her work and life. Pessimism Canada (www.usc-canada.org) and is not conducive to finding solutions. its award-winning Seeds of Survival Instead, she defines herself not as an Program. optimist but as a “possibilist” – seeing opportunities where we can change MARCH 2012 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR Page 21

AFTER THOUGHTS

Myth and Theory from Richard Ostrofsky replaced the all-too-human gods with before any of the markers of language both biological and cultural, toward of Second Thoughts impersonal forces; and it based its or conceptual thinking are found. It the capabilities and skills of language Bookstore (now closed) truth claims on what we would see seems likely that the dynamic Erectus – and thus of myth and theory alike. www.secthoughts.com today as a feedback loop of narratives cultures (capable of divergent, As between religion and science, [email protected] continuously revised in the light of specialized technologies that took philosophy is somewhere in between. experience and criticism. Mythic the species out of Africa, and from Like science, it is pluralistic and t has been argued, notably by traditions were originally oral, and one end of the Eurasian land mass critical; it not only tolerates but rejoices Paul Feyerabend, that science could be held together only through to the other) must have depended on in an endless cycle of questioning, is just another mythology, and faithful repetition. Critical thought this new faculty of joint engagement speculation and argument. But, I (i.e. philosophy and science) could which still underpins both our mythic like religion, philosophy willingly that its claims to ‘method’ and ‘objectivity’ are deluded. I would only get off the ground after writing and our theoretical cultures today. adresses questions whose answers are go so far with this philosopher as to was invented – when alternative In fact, a mimetic culture can not subject to empirical validation – agree that neither ‘scientific method’ narratives could be preserved and achieve – as the cultures of H. Erectus questions of fundamental meaning nor ‘objectivity’ are straightforward juxtaposed and evaluated on their are known to have achieved – a very and of valid reasoning, questions of concepts, and that neither can be so respective merits. Where religious great sophistication. Pre-modern value, questions of ethics and politics. much taken for granted as is often traditions call for homogeneity and China and Japan had languages, of Gradually it came to be recognized that done. Nonetheless, I think it important faith, scientific ones are more tolerant course, but they made more use of the answers to certain questions (those for modern minds to be clear about of diversity and they invite continuous subtle emulation than most modern of what came to be called ‘natural the difference between religious adjustment. Francis Bacon put the cultures tend to do; and they give us philosophy’) could be criticized not myth and scientific theory, and find issue between them in this way: “If some idea of what is possible. Their just by verbal disputation but by to my dismay that many people, even a man will begin with certainties, he martial arts, dance, religious rituals, experiment; and it was just here that bright and well-educated ones, are shall end in doubts, but if he will be neolithic skills like pottery-making, science hived off from philosophy. not. Accordingly, I am going to use content to begin with doubts, he shall weaving and cooking, and many other Originally no such distinctions this piece to explain that differences end in certainties.” I doubt that any things are taught largely by emulation could be made. There was religion, as I understand it – leaning upon two more compact summary is possible. to this day, because that approach is founded on myth and ritual, and books that I recommend as seminal Merlin Donald is at pains to more effective than explanation for the concerned with the proper worship of in their fields: The first is Merlin show that both mythic and theoretical transmission of complex behaviors. the gods; and there was ‘philosophy’ Donald’s The Making of the Modern culture were enabled by, and to this Such skills and the values associated (so called), also a tradition of Mind. The second, which makes day depend upon a still older mimetic with them are not learned through story-telling, but concerned with extensive use of Donald’s thought culture, based on a peculiarly human any amount of verbal exposition, but speculation and argument. And is Robert Bellah’s tome on Religion kind of imitation. All monkeys and by closely observing and attempting now there is science, or ‘natural in Human Evolution. What follows apes, including us human ones, are to match the performance of a philosophy’ which rejects myth, is is my attempt at a compact precis of notorious imitators. “Monkey see, respected teacher. Young children suspicious of philosophy as such, their thought, not quite as they wrote monkey do” is proverbial, and ‘to ape’ learn their native languages in just but which (for better and worse) has it down but as I take it on board for is another way of saying ‘to imitate.’ this way. As Donald argues, the very taken technology into its domain and my own use. But a chimp’s imitations are highly success of mimetic cultures based on founded the world we know today. Both Donald and Bellah would concrete and situational. The 12 or 13 sophisticated emulation would have agree with Feyerabend that science, month old child already imitates at a generated strong selection pressures, like mythology, is a tradition of story- level that is not observed in chimps at telling. Without language, without any age, or in any other non-human symbolic representation in general, creature. Our babies seem to copy not scientific theory would not be possible. just the behavior itself, but the attitude Both religious myth and scientific and intention behind a given behavior. theory present themselves to each new They imitate in a triangular pattern generation as received collections of known as ‘joint engagement,’ looking narrative. Both are transmitted from back and forth between the person teachers to their students through they are engaged with and an object some combination of practice and of that person’s attention. They follow story. There is this difference, finger-pointing and eagerly point however: Myth is anthropocentric, themselves. They follow the gaze of and it bases its truth-claims on the others with their own. authority of received tradition – Donald draws a crucial distinction primordially an oral tradition. Theory, between the ‘episodic’ culture of other however, as it began to emerge during hominids, and the ‘mimetic’ culture the first milennium BCE in what probably available to Homo Erectus has been called “the Axial Age,” 1.8 million years ago (MYA), well

Services At Trinity At Easter

Palm/Passion Sunday - April 1st at 8am and 10am

Maundy Thursday – April 5th at 7pm

Good Friday – April 6th at 10am, with Children’s program

Easter Vigil – April 7th at 7pm

Easter Sunday – April 8th at 8am and 10am

Everyone is Welcome...Please join us! Page 22 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR MARCH 2012 TheTundra Review Reviews courtesy of [the other side is “boring” - I bet you job as the lead, but the story works Chris Whitehead can guess which films I think fall on best in its simplest moments, when it that side...Jane Eyre]. Intrigue, power shows the immediacy of desperation ebruary, with its disgustingly games and betrayal are always fun to in a world where time is literally a [disgruntlingly...not a word, watch [speaking of which “Game of matter of life or death. The film isn’t I know, but more reflective of Thrones” gets released in March... great, but it’s oddly memorable, and F and it’s chock full of deceit and ma- was certainly fun to watch even with how I felt] warm weather [I bought a winter coat, what a waste of money nipulation and plotting], and when it its heavy hand of Marxist judgement. that was, stupid global warming], is is coupled with an interesting story finally over. I don’t generally mind idea, a twisting narrative structure, “Whistleblower” is an absolutely vi- February, but it seems to be a very and some great dialogue [the weakest cious film to watch. It’s a drama, there Canadian thing to bemoan the winter part of so many films...Titanic sucked is nothing gratuitous to the violence blues at this time of year [not that we across the board, but better dialogue of the film, but the story is both heart- actually had a real winter] so I figured may have made it sound less...cheesy] wrenching and frustrating to watch I’d just go with the general consensus you have the makings of an engross- [at one point I was pacing I was get- [even if it’s wrong]. I did, however, ing film. Everyone seems to be getting ting so agitated] in part because of its enjoy the sudden influx of odd [read put off by the whole “Did Shakespeare subject matter, but also because of “not Big Name”] film releases since actually write his plays” aspect of the its realistic portrayal of a flawed pro- it inspired me to actually watch more film - but it’s just there as a plot device, tagonist - this is not a thriller where this month then I did almost all of last this film isn’t meant to be accurate or should be enough to make you want problems can be solved through the year [ha, and if you believe that...]. controversial, it’s meant to spin a yarn to watch it]. It turns out it’s a decent So below are a few of the titles that as devious, comic and tragic as any- movie - not great [though I maintain captured my interest, and all of which thing the bard himself came up with that it had the potential] - with a solid I recommend. These titles, and thou- [not that the film itself is that good - and interesting story at its core that sands upon thousands more, are avail- although it has its moments]. This is draws you in with twists and turns, able for rent at your local movie store also a film with a lot of money behind and a secondary mystery that actually Tundra Moving Pictures, 435 Sun- it, so for those who care [and to my ties everything together [unlike in so nyside @ Seneca. surprise a lot of people seem to] the many films where you end up won- costumes and sets are absolutely stun- dering why they overwrote the story]. “Anonymous” is a historical polit- ning and engrossing in their own right. There are flaws, the dialogue is almost ical thriller that falls heavily on the painful in one or two parts, but there “interesting” side of the fence of my “The Double” is a spy thriller [that are also some brilliantly executed categorization of historical fiction alone should be enough to make scenes. And in the end, well, it’s a spy people watch it, but just in case I’ll thriller - and who doesn’t like those. keep blathering on]. That the trailer for this film seemed to give away “In Time” - One of my favour- the entire story [it doesn’t - but the ite genres is the “Dystopian Sci-Fi perception that it does pretty much Thriller”, there aren’t tons of them undermines the trailer’s usefulness but they’re out there [Equilibrium, as a marketing tool], and that the co- the classic Blade Runner, for ex- application of greater violence, it’s star is the whining twit from “That ample] and every year or so another a story about a woman who has no 70s Show,” made me hesitant to idea how to resolve a situation that watch this film [hesitant...but it’s a has brought out the absolute worst in spy thriller, so odds were I was go- everyone around her, and whose faith ing to watch it anyway]. On the other in law and authority are left broken by hand, despite his long career in maud- the end. The film revolves around the lin romance films, Richard Gere has true story of a US police office who actually made some really interest- goes to work for a private contractor ing 2nd-tier films recently [especially in Bosnia (under the auspice of the The Flock - a gripping and disturbing UN) uncovers a sex-trafficking organ- mystery], and it’s a spy-thriller [no- ization with which a significant num- tice how I keep pushing that...it really ber of UN personnel are involved, but when she attempts to bring the situation to light she finds at best indiffer- ence and at worst further corruption. This is a well made, but very disturbing film, about the failures of the UN, the untrustworthiness of corporations, and the inhumanity of humankind towards one another in pursuit of money or a momentary sense of power.

one gets added to the mix [last year So that’s what stood out for me(so far) it was Surrogates, which I also liked]. this month [nothing light, as usual, This year’s addition to the genre is sorry to those who don’t like gritty, “In Time”, and a more heavy-handed dark, depressing, or sarcastic films metaphor in film you will not find. - I don’t like the light, happy, uplift- Time is Money, literally. But it works ing or inspiring films...to me that stuff [absurdly well], and in doing so pro- is about as interesting as self-help vides a disturbingly accurate under- books]. If you’re looking for a list standing of the underlying problems of our weekly new releases, trailers of capital accumulation [and why of new films we really like, or some greedy, manipulative people shouldn’t other musing of mine [mostly rant- be in charge...simplistic yes, interesting about bad movies I’ve watched ing to watch, hell yes]. The film has - cause that’s fun] please check out a well-conceived concept at its heart our Facebook page, just google “fa- [and a surprisingly coherent world cebook tundra moving pictures”. constructed around that concept], Timberlake does a surprisingly good MARCH 2012 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR Page 23

BACKYARD NATURALIST March of the Planets

an hour after sunset you should see urn will rise in the east about the same a bright-looking “star” just above the time as the moon, which rises at mid- horizon, in the location around where night. Saturn will be visible just above the sun has just set. That’s not a star, the moon. (The month of April will it’s Mercury! Binoculars can help, but be better conditions for seeing Saturn, are not necessary. Don’t wait until as it will rise in the east just after sun- later in the month, as it will no longer set during that month.) be easy to see after the first week. The month of March ends with If you’re looking for Mercury in another couple of beautiful sights. early March, why not stick around to On the evening of March 25, as the see Mars as well? Mars will rise in crescent moon sets in the west, Jupiter the east at sunset. Look to the east for will appear as a bright “star” right be- a reddish looking “star” in the early side it. The next night, on March 26, it evening. On March 7, you should see will be Venus that appears beside the Mars just above the nearly full moon, crescent moon. which should be a pretty sight. Let’s hope for some clear skies to Both Jupiter and Venus should be enjoy this unusual March of the plan- visible most of the month of March. ets! Venus has already been appearing as (Much of the information for a bright evening “star.” But when two this article came from SkyNews, the planets appear close together in the Canadian magazine of astronomy and night sky, it’s a relatively rare event stargazing. If you’re a backyard star- known as a “conjunction.” We are gazer with an interest in astronomy, I in for a spectacular conjunction on highly recommend SkyNews. It fea- the nights of March 12 to 14, when tures wonderful astrophotography by the two brightest planets, Jupiter and amateurs, as well as short, non-tech- Venus, make a rare appearance very nical articles and observing tips, and close together. If we are fortunate to easy-to-read charts of the night sky. have clear skies those nights, the two Check out their website at skynews. planets will appear to be near each ca.) other in the western sky after sunset. Linda Burr lives in Old Ottawa To see Saturn, you’ll have to stay South and is a biologist and avid out a little later in the evening. For ex- backyard naturalist. By Linda Burr that share our solar system. They ap- ample, on the night of March 10, Sat- pear to wander because they’re fol- id you know that of the seven lowing their orbits around the sun, planets in our solar system along with Earth. (besides Earth), it’s possible Observing planets can be a fun D pastime that adds to our enjoyment to see five of them with the naked eye? That’s right - you don’t need a tele- of the night sky. While taking an scope or any special equipment, just evening stroll, it’s cool to be able to your eyes. Only Uranus and Neptune look up and know that a particularly cannot be seen without some kind of bright “star” is actually Venus, Jupi- equipment. (Pluto was officially de- ter or Saturn! But because they move moted and is no longer considered a around so much, how can we know planet, but of course you can’t see it what we’re looking at? Fortunately, either). astronomers can now tell us exactly The five visible planets are our where and when we’ll be able to see nearest neighbours in the solar system: the planets. This year, the month of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and March presents a rare opportunity to Saturn. To the naked eye, they look see all five of the “naked eye” planets. just like stars. However, these “stars” Here are a few of the highlights of the appear in different locations every month. night, unlike real stars, which appear Mercury is the most challenging to be fixed in their relative positions in and elusive of the naked-eye planets the sky. Astronomers in ancient times to spot. However, this month you will thought they were “wandering stars”. have a good opportunity to see it. On Of course, we now know that these a clear evening during the first week wandering stars are really the planets of March, find a location with a good view of the western horizon. About

Planet Size Comparison (L to R) Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars Page 24 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR MARCH 2012 There is More to Mali Than Timbuktu By Friederike Knabe this vast country that I didn’t know at all. For many years I have had profes- ost of us have heard of Tim- sional reasons to keep in touch with buktu, the fabled and mys- West African community-based in- terious city, far away, some- itiatives, focused on combatting land M degradation and desertification, while where in the Sahara desert… situated in northern Mali, actually. Few have improving the life of local people visited this ancient centre of culture through strengthening food produc- and learning, even fewer would travel tion, education, health services and today - and on their vacation - to land- economic development. Traditional locked Mali, one of the poorest coun- knowledge in agroforestry, comple- tries in the world. Why visit there and mented by up-to-date scientific advice, spend time in remote villages and re- can result in impressive changes in gions that are characterized by large livelihood security for rural popula- stretches of desert-like landscapes tions. Mali, heavily reliant on its sub- and bizarre rock formations on stony sistence farmers for food production is hillsides? (see photo 1) Furthermore, an excellent case study. Since the early Mali has been in the news on and off 1990s I had made friends with Malians in the last couple of years since the working in my field of interest and I kidnapping of Canadian diplomat jumped at the opportunity to observe Robert Fowler in the region. More re- Photo 1 – Approaching Douentza what progress had been made over the cently, growing unrests have been re- eighteen years since my first visit. ported: kidnappings and robberies by hel that forms its southern border: its the Douentza region, in 1994 and again Let me take you on a brief jour- returning Touareg mercenaries from ochre-red earthy colours, contrasted by in 1998, I did not travel as a tourist, ney of Mali, starting at the capital Libya (a fall-out of the demise of the an intensely blue sky and with pockets but as a representative of a Canadian Bamako, a thriving city of more than Gadhafi regime); a looming food crisis of lush green vegetation. I have also international development charity, two million inhabitants, bursting at the in the country’s north following a very become very fond of the local people USC Canada, accompanying the local seams in terms of city infrastructure, poor harvest in the fall. Security con- who, despite so many obstacles and Malian team. especially concerning water supply cerns, especially for foreigners have hardships, often have a smile on their spread all the way south to the capital, face and welcome the visitor with Bamako… warmth and kindness. I don’t want to So, who would anybody want generalize, of course, yet my personal to travel to Mali under these circum- encounters in villages near Timbuktu stances? Well, me for one. You have or around Douentza in central Mali to have very good reasons to go and I have had a long-lasting effect on my did have several. First of all, I admit, attitude to the country and its people. I am very much drawn to desert land- And Malian music is famous around scapes and the Sahara and the Sa- the world. During my longer stays in

Photo 2 – The Niger at Mopti

This time, though, last December, and sanitation. The city suffers from I visited Mali as a tourist, visiting with rush-hour traffic that can easily be friends of long standing. Curious also compared with that of Ottawa… ex- about the political and economic chan- cept that the thousands of motorbikes ges Mali had gone through since my pollute the air so badly that a grey fog last visits, I wanted to explore areas of

Photo 3 – harbour market activity in Mopti MARCH 2012 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR Page 25 There is More to Mali Than Timbuktu ... cont’d I was taken aback when we stopped. sential in this context, as is the collec- Where was the village I remembered? tion of traditional local seeds that have The only thing I could see was green! already proven to adapt better to cli- Not only had the school disappeared mate vagaries than commercial seeds. behind the trees (see photo 6), there Unfortunately, it would take too long were trees everywhere, even on the to elaborate on this important theme other side of the road. Proud former here. My contact information is at the students and village elders showed off bottom of this article and USC Canada their tall trees of different kinds and (www.usc-canada.org) is an excellent varieties. One of the young women ac- resource for more detailed information companying us, twenty-three year old on this and other aspects of the pro- Gindu, a local teacher now, showed gram. me “her tree” that she planted back in Let me end instead with a brief Grade 1! There was pride and delight look at what it the most famous tour- in all their faces as they explained how ist attraction in Mali (apart from Tim- valuable they had found the trees and buktu): the Bandiagara Escarpment, a hoto 4 – The Bozo islands the fruit was of higher market value Unesco Heritage site, and home of the than the fire wood of old. They had Dogon people, one of Mali’s many eth- cloud hangs over the city. On the other be used more widely and tree planting learned to graft more productive tree nic and cultural groups with a long and hand, all traffic lights are solar-pow- should be a constant task. In 1994, in varieties onto their local equivalent tradition-rich history. The escarpment ered. As with many prospering cities the village of Gono I witnessed the be- and even trimming trees was now pos- is a set of sandstone cliffs that rise in the South, Mali exposes the growing ginnings of a tree planting experiment sible without killing the tree in the pro- some five hundred meters above the gap between rich and poor: slum areas in the yard of the newly built elemen- cess. They may not notice it anymore, low-lying countryside and span some are expanding right next to modern of- tary school. Gono at the time had very but for me the cooler air among and 150 km in length. (see photo 7) Hous- fice buildings and beautiful villas sur- very few trees. With the involvement under the trees also made for a very es are literally built into or leaning rounded by lush gardens. I was glad to of the local teacher, an arboretum was comfortable atmosphere. against the rock face; the caves higher leave the city as fast as possible. established and 58, locally adapted, One word that always arises up in the cliffs had been the dwellings Bamako is divided by the mighty drought-tolerant tree seedlings were where tree planting, market gardens of pre-historic people, the Telem; their Niger River that winds through the planted in small specially prepared or growing of cereals and other grains caves have been used by the Dogons, country like a huge crescent, begin- plots (‘zai’). Each child was given is thriving in dry to arid ecosystems: who arrived around 1200, as storage ning in the Guinean highlands in the responsibility for one tree and told WATER! The region of Douentza is rooms or burial chambers. The Dogons West, moving north-east until just all about this particular variety. Signs rather fortunate that water is not too in this region, in particular, form rather south of Timbuktu and then bending were put up to label the trees. (see difficult to bring to the surface from closed communities that stand apart south-east towards neighbouring Niger photo 5) Four years later, I saw the the underground supply. Still, water from others. Many of their ritualis- and eventually through Nigeria to flow school yard again and was impressed conservation is paramount and choice tic and spiritual artifacts, elaborately into the Gulf of Guinea. For Mali the with the height of the trees. In the of seeds (many locally adapted var- Niger is THE life-line: for water, trans- intervening years, other young people ieties) and planting methods have been Cont’d on next page port, and for agriculture and industry in the village had started a second used for a long time to good results. among others. Ancient cultures have arboretum and the local tree nursery These methods use as little water as developed along the Niger River, and was busy handling the demand. possible and conserve surface water as while physical evidence of these king- Driving along the road to Gono much as possible. Agroforestry is es- doms of Mali may be scarce, oral history traditions are alive and well and generations of “griots” (praise singers and musicians) have transmitted the ancient stories through time immemorial. En route north we pass harbour towns Segou*) and Mopti, old cities with rich history, now buzzing with trade along the Niger. The view (see photo2) of the peaceful river at Mopti harbour belies the utter chaos of the market on the shore right next to it. (see photo 3) The elegant long-boats, pinasses, are the centre of Bozo life. The Bozo are the traditional fishermen, who live on islands in the Niger and, even today, nobody can legally fish without their permission. **) (see photo 4) Photo 5 - The Gono school arboretum 1994 My return to Douentza (USC- Mali’s program area) turned out not quite in the way I had planned… the security situation in the region had worsened since my arrival in Mali, and my friends and former colleagues were concerned for my safety if I stayed more than one day… I had to focus on a few villages for my visit and the issues I was interested in comparing between 1994/98 and now. Still, I could see immediately what a difference a decade and a half can make! In an area that I remember as bare except for low- growing bush, fully grown trees were scarce except for the odd acacia. Most trees were felled for fire wood or to burn for charcoal. Mali, unfortunately, still relies very heavily on wood and charcoal for energy even though, in the dry Sahelian ecosystems, solar should Photo 6 – The Gono school arboretum in 2011 Page 26 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR MARCH 2012 Habitat for Humanity in Cochabumba, Bolivia was needed. Even more impressive to my mind was how people naturally flowed from task to task with little or no direction. A job needed doing and it was done with a smile and laughter. I think this easy camaraderie is part of volunteering, but I was struck by how this was founded in our common goal and strong desire to realize the dream that the Lopez family had worked so long and hard to achieve. Without a doubt this is one of the finest teams I have ever been involved with, and I thank each and every one of you for making this such a rewarding experience. It was a pleasure and inspiration to work with all of you. I would like to thank everyone who supported this effort and attended my Yoga for a Cause classes at the Old Ottawa South Community Centre.

By Andrea Robertson from Canada. comes from working side by side Now that I have been home for a people who share that goal, and the his January/Febuary I spent few days and have started to reflect fundamental desire in each of us to my time working with Habitat more on the trip, I am struck by how change the world in a positive man- for Humanity in Cochabumba, special our group of team members ner. When we arrived at the work site T was. We came from various walks of there was only the barest of outlines Bolivia helping to build a home for the Lopez family with a team of 10 life, from all corners of this country, of the house to be constructed. By the and with vastly different life experi- time we had to depart, that house had ences. Regardless, within hours we become a reality and was well on its gelled as a true team with a common way to becoming a home. I doubt that goal. I am left with several positive there was one among us who would and life affirming realizations. not have wanted to stay to see that Firstly, is that a small number of home completed. like minded people can and do ac- Secondly, it was amazing to complish amazing things. In our see how smoothly our team worked often fragmented and hectic lives we together. We had no prima donnas’ or forget the power of a common goal, slackers, everyone was equally eager the sense of accomplishment that to dig, saw, bend, mix, tote or twist as There is More to Mali Than Timbuktu ... cont’d carved from hardwood timber, can more likely be seen in impressions, and eager to return to explore more. museums around the world and in private collections than For readers, here are some recommendations on books in the villages – taken, bought or stolen long ago. Now, that may not be as well-known as others: Dogons, supported by the Mali authorities, are engaged *) Segu by Maryse Condé and The Children of Segu in international negotiations to have the artifacts returned. are engaging historical novels about an important time in They form an integral part of the complex belief system the Mali kingdom that the Dogons adhere to. Without disturbing the villages **) For readers of French (unfortunately no English the view from the top of the cliff and walking down into translations are available to date) Moussa Konaté has writ- the maze of alleys and houses leaves the visitor with deep ten several novels bringing to life different ethnic groups in Mali. The most recent and available books “L’empreinte du renard” – murders in Dogon lands; and “La malediction to Lamatin” that addressed the culture of the Bozo. My reviews of both books can be found on amazon.com Please feel free to contact me at Friederike.knabe@ gmail.com for more information, photos etc.

Photo 7 - Panorama shot of the cliffs. MARCH 2012 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR Page 27 Red Apron Cooks March is Maple Syrup Month arch is Maple Syrup Month milk for 1 minute. and Canada produces virtu- Add 8 cups of the flour. Stir until just Mally all the world’s maple combined, then cover with a clean syrup. A substantial proportion of kitchen towel, and set aside in a rela- that comes from the area around the tively warm place for 1 hour. After 1 city of Ottawa. March is when the sap hour, remove the towel and add the starts running, and the annual harvest baking powder, baking soda, salt, always includes special events and and the remaining 1 cup flour. Stir celebrations to mark the end of win- thoroughly to combine. ter. For a list of maple events, check Preheat the oven to 375°F. out Ottawa Tourism’s Maple page at To assemble the rolls, remove half www.ottawatourism.ca. Here you will the dough from the pan/bowl. On a find a list of the many sugar bushes floured baking surface, roll the dough nearby, both on farms in the rural areas into a large rectangle, about 30 x 10 around Ottawa and inside the city’s inches. The dough should be rolled urban districts. Some are so close you very thin. can get there by city bus! You can also To make the filling, pour 1/2 cup of find out which restaurants are featur- the melted butter over the surface of ing local maple products. The site also the dough. provides a listing of special maple Generously sprinkle half of the events. There is also a wonderful list- ground cinnamon and 1 cup of the ing of the sugar bushes in town at the sugar over the butter. Beginning at the www.justfood.ca website. end farthest from you, roll the rect- At the end of this month, we will angle tightly towards you. Be careful be treating our staff and some friends to keep the roll tight. When you reach to a brunch at an authentic Quebecois the end, pinch the seam together and Cabane a Sucre, ‘Sucrerie de la Mon- flip the roll so that the seam is face tagne’ in Rigaud, Quebec. This year down. they will celebrate 33 years of maple With a sharp knife, make 1/2-inch sugaring. They feature an amazing slices. One “log” will produce 20 to menu filled with sumptuous tradition- 25 rolls. Pour a couple of teaspoons of al dishes, some of which include ‘Ra- melted butter into disposable foil cake gout de boulettes (traditional meatball pans and swirl to coat. Place the sliced stew, fragrant with the essence of cin- First boil of the year, wood ready, tractor ready, kids ready, they’re rolls in the pans, being careful not to namon), ‘Feves au lard de chantier’ starting! Mary 10 (tractor driver), Rodney 12 (chief collector), George overcrowd. (Each pan will hold 7 to (wood-fired baked beans), ‘Oreilles dad and farm owner (boiler operator). They are tapping 600 trees this 9 rolls.) de crisse’ (crispy fried pork rinds) and year, and they hope to keep up with the sap: it is the earliest season ever. Repeat the rolling/sugar/butter proof course the ‘piece de resistance’, Grain, flour, rolled oats and pastured pigs is their business, but syrup cess with the other half of the dough fluffy pancakes with maple syrup gets them going in the spring.Farm store open Sundays afternoons, or and more pans. Preheat the oven and sugar pie. To check out the rest come by the Lansdowne Farmers’ Market starting May 6th. to 375°F. Cover all the pans with a of their menu and learn a little more Castorriverfarm.ca kitchen towel and set aside to rise on about them, visit www.sucreriedela- 2696 9th line rd, one mile east of Metcalfe, 20 min. south of Ottawa. the countertop for at least 20 minutes montagne.com. before baking. Remove the towel and Throughout the month of March, ¼ cup maple syrup 1 cup Melted Butter bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until gold- the Red Apron will be featuring an as- ½ cup diced apple 2 cups Sugar en brown. Don’t allow the rolls to be- sortment of delicious pastries made Instructions: Generous Sprinkling Of Cinnamon come overly brown. using copious amounts of our favour- Whisk together all of the dry ingredi- While the rolls are baking, make the ite maple syrup from family owned ents until combined. Cut the butter MAPLE FROSTING: maple icing: In a large bowl, whisk ‘Ferme Alska’ in the Eastern Town- into small pieces and work into the 8 to 10 cups icing sugar together the powdered sugar, milk, ships of Quebec. It takes 40 litre of flour by hand until the mixture resem- 1 cup Maple syrup butter, maple syrup, and salt. Whisk sap to create 1 golden litre of their bles small peas. 1/2 cup Milk until very smooth. Taste and add in maple syrup. This amazing syrup is Whisk the eggs with the cream and 1/4 cup Melted Butter more maple, sugar, butter, or other available for purchase in our retail maple syrup. Make a well in the flour 1/8 teaspoon Salt ingredients as needed until the icing store. mixture and pour in the liquid. Add Preparation Instructions reaches the desired consistency. The For information on the Red the diced apples. Fold gently until For the dough, heat the milk, vegetable icing should be somewhat thick but Apron’s dinner service visit www. combined. Do no over-mix. oil, and sugar in a medium saucepan still very pourable. redapron.ca or visit our store at 564 Scoop out the dough onto a baking over medium heat to just below a boil. Remove pans from the oven. Immedi- Gladstone Avenue, between Percy & sheet lined with parchment paper Set aside and cool to warm. Sprinkle ately drizzle icing over the top. Bay. Our fridges and freezers will be using a ½ cup scoop. the yeast on top and let it sit on the well stocked through the month in or- Bake at 325 degrees for 30 to 40 min- der to make your March Break activ- utes or until golden brown. Test cen- ity planning easier. tre for doneness using a toothpick. While scones are still warm, drizzle Apple Ginger Scones with with a little bit of maple syrup. Maple Drizzle Recipe makes 8-10 scones Maple Cinnamon Rolls ROLLS: 2 cups of all-purpose flour 1 litre Whole Milk 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder 1 cup canola Oil 1 tablespoon ground ginger 1 cup Sugar ½ teaspoon of salt 2 packages Active Dry Yeast ⅓ cup of sugar 8 cups (Plus 1 Cup Extra, Separated) ¾ pounds of cold butter, cut into All-purpose Flour cubes 1 teaspoon Baking Powder 1 egg 1 teaspoon Baking Soda ½ heavy cream 1 Tablespoon Salt th Page 28 The OSCAR - OUR 40 YEAR MARCH 2012 Abbotsford @ The Glebe Centre A Peek into The Boutique By: Julie Ireton as cashmere, wool, silk. There are sweaters, skirts, pants, scarves, night orothy Martyn starts every gowns, and shoes.” Côté says. day well before sunrise. From time to time people bring She isn’t a baker or an early by bags from estates. If the women D receive more clothing than they can morning runner. She arrives at The Glebe Centre’s long term care home handle, it gets donated to the Salvation at 6 o’clock to help out dementia Army. Côté and Martyn say some patients. And all her work is as a seniors who come to the Boutique volunteer. are on fixed incomes and appreciate “I give them a cup of tea and a being able to get clothes that are new- cuddle, whatever is needed,” Martyn to-them, but not expensive. Côté says says. she likes when she can help a woman But Martyn’s day doesn’t end with an outfit that’s a bargain. there. Almost every day, after helping “It’s very fulfilling to go to out in the long term care home all Abbotsford,” says Côté. “I’ve been morning, she walks the short path lucky in life so it feels good to give over to Abbotsford a community back. I know that it helps.” centre for adults 55+ to volunteer in For Dorothy Martyn, The The Boutique. Boutique gives nice variety to her “The Glebe Centre is busy, my very busy, volunteering schedule. work at Abbotsford is relaxing.” Claude Côté who helps out once a “She asked me if I’d like “The dementia patients become This little shop on the main floor week. to volunteer in The Boutique,” part of my family. When they pass at Abbotsford features good quality, “She’s great. I always tell her remembers Côté. “I told her I don’t away I have a hard time. I like my second-hand clothing, jewelry and she’d do well at Holt Renfrew,” like second-hand clothes. I said no. volunteer time. And when you enjoy shoes for women. At The Boutique, laughs Martyn. “And she’s very gifted But then she told me I could have something, it’s not a job.” you can often pick up a complete with people.” carte blanche to do whatever I want Abbotsford’s Boutique is open outfit for less than $10. Côté says she sort of fell into her in the shop. I discovered I like to sell! Monday to Friday between 9 am and “Everything is donated. All the volunteer role at The Boutique by So now Côté sorts clothes, sets 4 pm. money goes back into Abbotsford accident. She was wandering through up displays, prices items and then programs,” she says. the shop one day and she asked Martyn sells the bargains. She says she could Martyn doesn’t manage the little if she had ever considered matching actually work at it full time, there’s so store all on her own, there is a team the outfits with some of the jewelry much to do. of devoted volunteer including Marie- lying in a basket on the counter. “We have high quality items such

CARLETON CORNER

arleton University Prof. Adrian Chan Carleton. The Co-op and Career Office is hosting symposium. Bailey and Tom McSorley of the has been named one of Canada’s most daily events focused on helping students transition Canadian Film Institute lead a roundtable discussion Cexceptional university teachers by the into the workplace. There will be opportunities for about film festival programming, moderated by Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher all students from first year to PhD to participate, Carleton’s Aboubakar Sanogo. The event will focus Education and 3M Canada. He will be presented as well as faculty, alumni and potential employers. on the role of world cinema as an alternative to with a 2012 3M National Teaching Fellowship in Participants will learn about resume writing, Hollywood. It takes place March 2 and 3. To learn June, at the STLHE Annual Conference in Montreal. interview skills and have the opportunity to network. more, visit: http://events.carleton.ca/global-gaze- Prof. Chan teaches in the Department of Systems The complete calendar of events is available at: looking-outside-the-frame/. and Computer Engineering. On March 20, Carleton http://www1.carleton.ca/cc/c2c/. National Engineering Week is being held across is hosting its first Community Celebration in the Three-time Atlantic University Sport coach of Canada during the month of March. Carleton’s university’s new River Building. Steve Huddart, the year, Steve Sumarah, has been named the new undergraduate engineering students are joining CEO of the McConnell Family Foundation, will head coach of the Ravens varsity football program. a province-wide project to build a massive Rube give a keynote speech about community-university Sumarah led the Saint Mary’s University Huskies Goldberg machine, a device deliberately over- engagement and the best way forward. There will to four consecutive AUS titles and is the 2009 engineered to perform a simple task through a also be a panel discussion on the benefits and recipient of the Frank Tindall Trophy. Carleton is complicated chain of reactions. Carleton’s national challenges of this kind of learning and the ways bringing back varsity football in 2013, and new engineering week will be celebrated March 5 to 9. it can be improved. Participants will learn about football facilities and stadium upgrades are being Carleton students and faculty are participating community projects and research done by Carleton planned. in Brain Awareness Week, an annual global initiative faculty and community partners, and will have Cameron Bailey, co-director of the Toronto aiming to share neuroscience research with local opportunities for discussion. International Film Festival, is giving the keynote communities. The Society of Neuroscience’s March is also Campus2Career month at address at Carleton’s Film Studies’ Grad student Ottawa chapter is holding its first Brain and Mental Health Art Show to celebrate. The show is intended to explore perceptions of the mind, brain and mental health. A preview will be held March 9 at Grounded Kitchen & Coffee House. Details can be found at: www.sfn-ottawa.ca. Carleton Corner is written by Carleton University’s Department of University Communications. As your community university, Carleton hosts many exciting events of interest to Ottawa South. For more information about upcoming events, please go to carleton. ca/events. MARCH 2012 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR Page 29 Surround Circle Yoga Parents Helping Parents

arents Helping Parents: Demystifying the Gifted Yoga is for Men too…. Program. Confused about gifted education options Pin Ottawa’s public schools? Need more information to make informed decisions? Want an opportunity to speak with other parents who have “been there”? Join the Associa- attends the Gentle Soul class on Wednesday tion for Bright Children of Ontario (Ottawa Chapter) and night said, “I like Elizabeth’s class – we start parents from various OCDSB gifted centres for an informa- with a gentle warm-up then move into some tion evening. The event will include informative speakers easy/moderate postures and conclude with a followed by an opportunity to speak with parents of students long relaxation period. Yoga is something I enrolled in the gifted program in all grades at schools across enjoy sharing with my girlfriend.” the city. Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre, 102 Greenview Ave., “The thing that keeps me doing yoga is Ottawa. Tuesday, March 20, 7-9 p.m. ABCOttawa@abcon- the hope that I will learn something important. tario.ca, 613-860-1398. Sometimes I do and that is the reward that strengthens my habit.” Words shared by Thomas Poetschke. A student who preferred anonymity By Maureen Fallis, offered the following, “I was looking for a peaceful experience to help me relax, loosen Surround Circle Yoga up and calm a busy mind. After just a few practice sessions I do feel a bit less on edge fter surveying the men who practice and a little more open.” He went on to say, “I yoga at Surround Circle Yoga, it particularly appreciated the warm welcome struck me that men are not really all A I received when I arrived just over a month that different than women when it comes to ago and was allowed to find my own comfort what they like about their yoga experience. level without being managed.” Another fellow Since significantly fewer men than women said, “I appreciate the personal attention and attend classes at the studio, my assumption hands-on assistance – it helps me learn how to was that yoga was some great mystery to the modify the fundamental alignment principles male population in the neighbourhood. Here’s for my body.” what some of the male students of yoga told It takes a little practice and humility for me… most inflexible guys to jump into a yoga “I believe it’s the soft-side of yoga that practice but as the poses become easier to tends to keep men away.” Vince Westwick told manage they become more graceful over time. his wife when she invited him to join her for It’s all about having the ability to put the ego yoga - he didn’t want to go because of all the aside and let the healing benefits of yoga begin. “stuff” that surrounds it. “Initially I was put Bart Bakker, who has practiced yoga off by the softer elements of yoga (the music, off and on for almost a quarter century, is candles, yoga gear, etc.) but I’ve come to experiencing renewed vigour in his system, appreciate them in the context of the overall since he has started practicing at Surround work out.” Circle Yoga. For him yoga is a major reminder David Ross, a four and a half year veteran about the importance of keeping a healthy of yoga, said he began yoga with the singular blood flow circulating. After his body showed objective of improving his slowly deteriorating signs of stuckness and dis-ease, due to stress balance, due to aging and arthritic knees. He and other habits cultivating illness, he has made this comment about his experience, chosen the path of holistic healing. Yoga, “since practicing yoga I am much more stable meditation, nutritious food, and exercise and agile in spite of being even older now.” He all play a part in his attitude about choosing went on to say, “There are many other benefits healthiness. He feels Surround Circle Yoga of yoga. I am stronger overall and my muscles has been a cornerstone for his return to being are greatly toned without getting the muscular a healthy contributor to life. He says, “I bulge produced by gym work. And due to the realized that if I wanted to make a sustainable deep stretching in yoga, I am more fit than contribution to my community I need to take I’ve ever been for longer distance cycling and better care of myself – physically, emotionally, swimming.” mentally, spiritually, financially, and socially. “For me, yoga is an antidote to sport”, With the great response my body receives said David Chernushenko. “I came to yoga from the practices at Surround Circle Yoga, I to increase my flexibility and I discovered it am reminded of this importance... I am looking was something I could practice for my entire forward to deepening the mindful practice of lifetime (as opposed to say football, hockey yoga, day by day and being a health-contributor and running). In addition to the many physical to life, no matter how old I get.” benefits, my ability to balance life demands A world turned upside down – that may improved; and I’ve been able to stay in the be yoga for some men. But the gents who moment more easily.” David adds, “I’ve come have stepped over the threshold at Surround to appreciate the breathing practices, poetry Circle Yoga, seem to have found what they and spirituality as well as the entire body work needed. One last quote from David Ross sums out.” it up, “Yoga has completely transformed my Michael Petrunik feels his gentle and physical and emotional health, and rescued me restorative yoga practice compliments the from premature entrance into “codgerville”! more rigorous workouts he takes in at the Life To find out which class might be Fit Centre at the RA. Peter Fiander said he suitable for you please call Maureen Fallis came to yoga because his body was stressed at 613-730-6649 or check the website www. and inflexible and it needed relief. He says, surroundcircleyoga.com. Surround Circle “It has been an invigorating and happy Yoga is located at 15 Aylmer Avenue in Old experience.” Ottawa South. It seems most men have a hankering to improve their flexibility, balance, and reduce their stress level. John Reilly, who regularly Page 30 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR MARCH 2012

M.P.P. OTTAWA CENTRE Ontario’s Action Plan to Transform Health Care

By Yasir Naqvi, MPP family doctors and nurse practitioners senior population. In the Ottawa Over 370 seniors in the region Ottawa Centre — through after hours care and same- region, in cooperation with the have benefitted from a new assisted- day and next-day appointments — Champlain LHIN, there are already living program which helps maintain or many of us in Ottawa, access that will save Ontarians time, keep three programs underway that meet their independence. Funded by the to quality health care is an them healthier, and help them avoid each of these priorities: Champlain LHIN and operated by important priority, whether we trips to hospital. Finally, it will community agencies, services include F support Ontario’s seniors who want 1. Keeping Ontarians Healthy homemaking, personal hygiene, care are thinking about our children, our parents or grandparents. Ontario is to live independently at home, in The Living Healthy Champlain coordination, security checks and a launching an Action Plan to transform their communities, by providing more program has supported and engaged 24/7 on-call service. This program the health care system and deal with home care supports. over 1,500 people to take control of is relieving pressures on hospital our demographic challenges as well as To achieve these goals, Ontario their chronic disease conditions. The emergency rooms and helping to the province’s deficit. Under the plan, will bring planning for family program consists of workshops that prevent premature admissions to long- the government will remain focused health care under the Local Health run for six weeks to help people better term care homes, freeing these beds on gearing our health care system Integration Networks (LHINs) — manage their symptoms and make for people who need them the most. towards patient-centered care in our ensuring that patients will have a positive lifestyle choices. The Action Plan for Health Care communities. more seamless experience in the local in Ontario builds upon the significant The Action Plan for Health Care health care system from their family 2. Faster Access to Stronger progress that has been made in in Ontario will ensure families get the doctor to hospitals, and improving Family Health Care improving Ontario’s health care best health care where and when they the quality of care that seniors receive The Greenbelt Family Health system since 2003 and is the next step need it, while ensuring all Ontarians at home. Ontario will also seek to Team in Nepean provides primary in our government’s plan to protect get better value for their health dollars. move more routine procedures into family health care to over 6,000 health care for our children and The Plan will make the necessary specialized not-for-profit clinics in patients. The clinic is using Advanced grandchildren. and responsible decisions regarding instances where it’s clear that these Access, a model of scheduling For more information on the funding priorities and ensure funding clinics can provide patients with safe, appointments with care providers Action Plan, visit www.ontario. is shifted to where we get the best high-quality care at better value. within one or two working days, ca/health, or you can contact my value, while providing new measures The Plan will focus on three depending on the patient’s flexibility. Community Office by email at ynaqvi. to prevent illness in the first place priorities aimed at preventing illness, [email protected], or by phone and to help Ontarians stay healthy. It increasing access to family doctors 3. Access to the Right Care, at at 613-722-6414. will give Ontarians better access to and supporting Ontario’s growing the Right Time, in the Right Place Writer’s Museum in Edinburgh By Anna Redman works. These men each bore great liter- .K. Rowling is undoubtedly the ary genius, something they shared first name to come to the minds of with the world, and each added a the vast majority when the topic unique jewel to Scotland’s crown of J fame. Outside of their texts, however, of British authors is mentioned. When that topic is narrowed down to Scot- they each lived remarkable lives, all tish authors many may draw a blank, of which are celebrated, along with or grab at straws mentioning Row- rotating exhibitions devoted to other ling’s current Edinburgh residence authors, at the Writer’s Museum in or the penning of Harry Potter at The Edinburgh. Elephant House Café. The museum can be found off the Despite Rowling’s international Royal Mile, housed in building with fame and fortune, Scotland does have its own exciting history. The building some other literary names to gloat is in fact an old house, which goes by about. As does England for that mat- the name of “Lady Stair.” Sir William ter. Scotland has chosen to devote a Gray of Pittendrum constructed the museum to their three particular fa- house in 1622. A number of owners vourites. The aptly named Writer’s occupied the house over the years, but Museum houses artefacts, furniture, it is Elizabeth, Dowager Countess of photographs and literary works as- Stair, whose memory is honoured by the house’s current name. The house was purchased by the 5th Earl of Rosebery in 1895 and gifted to the city of Edinburgh in 1907. The house contains a series of levels, all reached by the slow ascension or dissension of a winding, narrow stair- case found within. The featured, tem- porary exhibit can be found on the floor beneath the main entrance, while the regular, permanent staples, and the museum gift shop, can be found above. sociated with these favourite authors: ary 25th would not exist. Without Sir The museum opens the eyes of all Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Walter Scott the historic novel may who visit. It shows the lives of Robert Robert Louis Stevenson. never have graced bookshelves, leav- Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Why these three have earned ing many great stories unwritten. As Louis Stevenson and the people that themselves the top place is plain for Robert Louis Stevenson, author these three men were outside of their and simple. If it were not for Robert and creator of Treasure Island, the extraordinary texts. While their ingen- Burns and his address, haggis would sharing of travel knowledge and the ious works should always be celebrat- not receive the respect it deserves world beyond one’s own community ed, the Writer’s Museum ensures that and the feasts and festivities of Janu- is a triumphant contribution to literary the lives they lead will be as well. MARCH 2012 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR Page 31

Local Veterinarian - Dr. Emily Black In the Season of Colds and Flu

By Emily Black blood cells that patrol the exposed and sluggish because your thyroid virus to the nose or body, allowing the surface of your mouth and throat. hormone has plummeted to try and body to figure out what works to kill n the season of colds and flu’s I Because it doesn’t have any protective encourage you to lie down and rest and this virus right at the beginning so that thought it would be an apt and skin, it needs its own deployment fight. Your brain goes foggy so that when the first actual virus lands, the interesting topic to discuss the office– these are your tonsils. Also, you will sleep. It’s amazing. body is ready for it and can either stop I once past your tonsils and into your So, the question is, do dogs and it in its tracts or it can kill it off faster. immune system. It is this incredibly complex and amazing army of signals lungs there is a lining of mucous and cats get colds and flus? The answer Cats also get colds. Theirs tend to and cells that work in the constant war cilia that move things up and out of is yes they do. Right now there is be from the Herpes virus, the cat form to protect your body from invasion your lungs called the mucocilliary an epidemic in Ottawa of a virus of the virus that causes cold sores in by bacteria, virus’ and other nasties escalator (makes me smile every time). commonly referred to as kennel cough. people. This virus is pretty clever. It that go bump in the night. And, like The escalator picks the nasties up and That virus is caused by two bacteria initially attacks and causes a head cold so many other things in life, you only dumps them at the back of your throat and two virus’ and is transmitted in cats. Generally just a lot of sneezing notice it when it isn’t working! How where you can swallow them to be from dog to dog in exactly the same and mucous but in cats that in itself does it do this? Basically your immune killed by your stomach acid! way as colds are transmitted between can be quite dangerous because cats system is made up of an army of cells; So, when a virus lands, and it people, through direct contact as well are more reliant on smell to eat. If the lymphocytes or white blood cells; starts being fought by the protective as through what we technically call their nose is blocked then they can’t called such because when blood settles cells those cells release their armory fomite transmission, for humans those smell then often times they don’t eat. these form a white layer on the top of of various enzymes and compounds are things like telephones, doorhandles Cats need to eat every day or they can the red blood cells. There are various to destroy the virus. This release and waterfountains, for dogs those are get a disease called fatty liver and die. members of this army which include summons more protective cells which sticks, balls, and waterdishes. Just like So what happens once the body starts the lymphocytes, the eosinophils (my start to fight too. It is this migration humans these colds are generally not clearing the virus up? Well, the herpes personal favorite), the neutrophils, of cells to the area which causes it to a problem. They cause coughing and virus hides out in the nerve endings of the macrophages, the plasma cells swell and get sore. The chemicals also retching and worse than this, you can’t the body. In people these are the nerve and numerous others. These armies filter back to the lymph nodes which go to the dog park until you are disease endings around the mouth, in cats it’s reside during their off season in the are told to start making more cells, free which takes about 6 weeks. Some the nerve endings around the eyes. In lymphnodes. These are little glands and to experiment and try to make cell dogs - those with concurrent illness or that nerve ending the body can’t see located at key points all over your contents which will fight the particular physical abnormalities, - can develop that virus which waits until something body. The ones you are likely most virus the best – this is why they complications and like in people this stressful comes along, like exams, or a familiar with are the submandibular swell up and get big under your jaw simple flu can kill them. The bulldog bladder infection, or a new cat in the lymphnodes under your jaw bone in bone. All the swelling and response type dogs are most at risk from this house, and it rears its ugly head. That your neck – these are the ones which triggers more mucous production disease because of their shortened is why people get recurrent cold sores get swollen when you have a sore and the mucocilliary escalator goes face. This results in less surface area and why cats will get recurrent upper throat, or better yet, the mumps! into overdrive to try and protect the to trap and kill invading bugs and their respiratory tract infections. There is The way this army is mobilized lungs from invasion by whatever is mucocilliary escalator doesn’t work no vaccine for this disease and almost is as follows – we’ll use the example in the throat. That is why you start great because it’s all squashed. These 50% of cats have it already. of a sore throat: So. A virus comes horking and coughing up mucous and dogs will frequently develop a bit of Take home messages: don’t get run into your throat and because you phlem. Meanwhile your nose starts pneumonia with kennel cough and down, take care of yourself and when have not been taking care of yourself, doing the same thing. The mucous have to be watched carefully. Like you do get sick, admire and respect your body’s natural defenses are not there is designed to prevent movement people there is a flu shot for dogs. It’s your body for all it is doing for you working great. Because your throat is of the nasty bugs into your lungs. called bordetella – and protects against Dr Black works at Centretown such a hospitable portal for viral and Meanwhile the rest of your body has the virus component of kennel cough. Veterinary Hospital. She has had a bacterial invasion, being moist and ramped everything up in the name of Like the human flu shot, just because cold since November. Her animals on dark and having things going in and out a good fight. Your temperature goes you have it doesn’t mean you won’t get the other hand are fully vaccinated all day, it has a large number of defense up to try and make as inhospitable sick, just that you won’t get as sick for annually and she feels dumb that she mechanisms. Like all areas of your an environment as possible for the as long. The way that vaccine works is didn’t get her flu shot this year. body it has a population of those white bugs you are fighting. You feel tired that it introduces a little bit of the killed OCCSB TRUSTEE REPORT “PUTTING STUDENTS FIRST”

Kathy Ablett, R.N. of February. Their Mardi Gras was Drummond Report Trustee Zone 9 again a tremendous success thanks to The Board is in a ‘wait and see’ Capital/River Wards the Parent Council and all involved. mode. The Provincial Government Telephone: 526-9512 Your spirit is truly contagious. has to review the Report to determine Watch for Lenten and March what recommendations will be “PUTTING STUDENTS FIRST” activities in the Principal’s implemented. The Province has newsletter. indicated that the fall kindergarten The proposed School Calendar program will continue to be he second semester is well 2012 -2013 has been posted to the implemented. underway and the challenges Board’s website. Pending Ministry Spring Break will begin Monday, Tin new courses are noted. approval, the first day of school will March 12. I hope you will enjoy the A sincere wish of congratulations be Tuesday September 4, 2012 and break. Keep safe and have fun! and support to Ms Danielle Novak, the last day of elementary school in recently appointed as the Principal of 2012 will be Friday December 21, If, at any time, I can be of Immaculata High School. Danielle 2012. assistance to you please do not brings a wealth of knowledge and The development of the hesitate to call me at 526-9512. her interest in student achievement Board budget for 2012/2013 has Sincerely, to this position. commenced. Stay tuned for further Kathy Ablett Corpus Christi Catholic School information. “Your Trustee” has just finished a very busy month Page 32 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR MARCH 2012

THE WINDSOR CHRONICLE PART 31

WHAT’S THE POOP?

For nearly eight years, from February And for our part, we understand the service from the city. afterward. And so what I propose is 2000 to August 2008, OSCAR carried importance these routines, rituals and On the one hand, a television the wheat flour and corn starch cornets a monthly column, The Windsor rites of passage have for humanoids. So newscast maintains 90 percent of dog used for ice cream cones. They are Chronicles, written by Zoscha the I do my best to hold on until we reach owners the City consulted have no biodegradable. They are insoluble Wonder Dog. Zoscha became something Windsor Park, where I know my Alpha objection to taking dog poop home with enough for your average dog walk. of a celebrity in our neighbourhood, and will dedicate the appropriate attention them. On the other hand, we’ve found Using one cornet, humanoids can scoop her observations on the passing scene, and care to our daily needs. but one single dog owner, out of the 100 our deposits into another cornet and from a canine perspective, attracted her The humanoids erect shrines to or so consulted in Windsor Park, who is take it home. share of loyal readers as well as critics. these activities. Spaced throughout part of this overwhelming majority. Put it in the receptacles and let OSCAR is reprinting some of Zoscha’s the park, like stations of the cross, the On the one hand, the demand for a the city biodegrade it? Maybe. Take it musings from eight years ago. The garbage receptacles welcome our little higher degree of civic responsibility on home and flush it down the toilet, cornet editors have annotated where we feel offerings. Every once and awhile, the the part of the dog owners so they don’t and all? Perhaps. that today’s readers may need to be high priests of these ceremonies come leave their litter in the containers. On Or maybe just put them in the informed of references that may no by and unload the receptacles into a city the other hand, a remarkable degree of freezer for a few months and, on the longer be remembered by readers today, truck. And therein lies the source of the civic responsibility already shown by hottest day of summer, when so many or where recent scholarship has shed dispute. dog owners. They don’t leave the poop people have forgotten all the effort of further light on the world described in Because some humanoids do not on the ground. They are very hard on the poop-and-scoop harvest, take them the Windsor Chronicles.. appreciate these rituals at all. Or at least, those among them who neglect to clean out of the freezer, go down to city hall they think the rituals should be extended up. And every Spring, they get together while they thaw, and offer them to February 2003 by having the humanoids carry the dog for the pick-a-poo harvest, when trowels councillors and city employees. Call Dear Boomer, poop back to our homes. It should be and bags in hand, the humanoid gather them poopsicles, if you like. flushed down the toilets, they say, and together to clean up anything they may Just don’t go near the Dairy Queen. What’s the scoop, the poopy bags stored with the general have missed in the snowbanks of winter. Betty Boop? garbage under the kitchen sink, I guess. And in the process, they clean up the Advocating a dog representative on What’s all this fuss Or the humanoids should carry park of all litter, making it a better place city council, Over doggie poop? with them poop and scoop buckets, for everyone.(2) Zoscha (3) rather than plastic bags. The buckets The debate continues. Tempers he humanoids are getting their would be placed at the front door, along are getting hotter. So I have a modest (1) R.J. Huxtable, “Rites of dewlaps in a snarl again. Seems with our leashes and combing brushes. proposal. Passage,” Carleton University Review, Tthat opinions are polarized on But above all, say this school, poop Neither Alpha nor I condone the Spring, 2010, analyzes how Zoscha what to do about cleaning up after us. bags should not be left in the garbage civil disobedience of some who say, perceives the human progression. Some humanoids are elevated souls containers at the park itself. “Well, if they’re going to make it so (2) Zoscha often wrote articles who understand that there is no greater The humanoids get quite animated much harder for us, we just won’t about the annual cleanup of the park. calling than to take care of the lower over this debate. On the one hand, the bother picking up.” This is not the way See, for example, “Poop Picking members of the pack. The lower challenge of landfill sites filled with to inter-species harmony. Harvest,” Windsor Chronicles, Part 3, members, sad to say, are us. plastic bags and excrement. On the Nor do we condone the suggestions April 2000; “Cleaning Up the Park,” Our alphas acquire a degree of other hand the problems of hygiene at that the contents of the poop bags be Part 34, May 2003; “Harvest Time,” humility by stuffing their pockets with the home. mailed to city councillors with a note Part 52, April 2005; “Playoff Season,” plastic bags and taking us to the park. On the one hand, City councillors asking them to do something with it. I, Part 71, April 2007; “No Country for Christ washed the feet of His disciples. maintain that it would cost more than for one, have too much pity for the letter Old Dogs,” Part 83, May 2008. Alphas clean up dog poop. a million dollars to keep emptying the carriers. (3) The debate about what to do One of the rites of passage in the park containers. On the other hand, dog I like the idea of new technology for with dog waste in Windsor Park has weaning of humanoid pups is training owners say this is only a real problem chemical disposal of waste in the parks. escalated in recent months, with the City them to pick up after the doggies. Often in the summer when the aroma of the But the city won’t spring for a couple of putting signs on garbage receptacles my Alpha let’s the Pup or his friends shrines can discourage humanoid summer students to clean up containers, prohibiting their use for animal poop. hold my leash when we go for a walk. activity in the vicinity. So why would so I doubt whether it would go for The Windsor Pups Community Action He always asks if they will clean up it cost a million dollars to hire a couple special doggie doo doo depositories, Group, representing about 250 dog the poop if I make a deposit during my of summer students and a truck for four or even biodegradable plastic bags owners in the neighbourhood, has perambulations. Always they refuse. months to go around to the dog parks? available at the park entrances. submitted a proposal recommending They are not yet weaned. Once a They ask where the money from But it seems to me that the heart dedicated covered containers for animal humanoid pup is old enough to clean up the purchase of dog licenses goes – and of the issue is recycling. We need waste. They have asked for a meeting after a dog, he or she is no longer a pup. some say they wouldn’t mind paying a recyclable containers for doggie poop, with City officials. (1) few dollars more per dog to get adequate and we need something to do with it Hector and the Secrets of Love by Francois Lelord By Helene Merritt Hector becomes part of an experiment and falls in love with Hector. by Professor Cormorant while on a Hector is frantically trying to find the h! The vagaries of Love! Hector, trip to Khmer. Hector takes one of the fleeing Prof. Cormorant who leaves Aa psychiatrist , is about to find out professor’s pills and falls in love with clues and lovelorn victims everywhere everything there is to know. waitress Vayla while Vayla takes a pill he goes. Meanwhile, Hector has left Clara his long-time partner behind. Clara had been having an affair with her boss Gunther. Then Clara sees Hector on TV with Vayla , becomes jealous and takes off in hot pursuit of Hector whom she still loves even though she is involved with Gunther. amiable characters through different How will all this end? parts of Khmer looking for true love Hector saves the day by kidnapping and finding adventure, a little bit of Prof. Cormorant’s pills and throwing sex, a lot of confusion and some wise them off a cliff. little bits of thoughtfulness on the side. We never do find out if Hector ends up The Library does not own the original with Vayla or with Clara. That is left to in French – I’ll have to look into that. our imagination. I found this book on one of Anna’s We do have a fun romp following inimitable displays. MARCH 2012 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR Page 33

OCDSB TRUSTEE REPORT

Board Budget

By Rob Campbell the land for more than one year as the Also, it is not clear which of the the Province will fund and there is Province keeps its belt tight. So, any Drummond Commission’s recent rec- some central negotiation ongoing now ur annual budget cycle has scraps of reserves lying about will dis- ommendations for cuts to programs at Queen’s Park this way. started and I’d be interest- appear pretty quickly and our budget and services in publicly funded edu- We recently approved a consulta- ed in any ideas community also may need to shrink in real dollar cation the government will or will tion plan to involve the public, with O terms. Depending on what happens, not act on as part of its forthcoming web comments, school council con- members have on what we need more of and what we could do with less of we need to be able to react by cutting budget. A lot is up in the air right now. sultation, letters to stakeholders, etc. and indeed what is just right and not more or cutting less. Our staff have, Add to this a lack of clarity around In the months ahead, if you have to be played with. We are sitting on over the past few months, been going Provincial funding of all School views on our budget then please let some modest reserves at the moment, through their departmental budgets, Boards’ basic salaries going forward, me know. All Ontario school boards more by accident than design, but we cost centre by cost centre, and chal- and this could be fun. All teacher will experience an entertaining budget are projecting to stand pat or maybe lenging all spending. Our budget pro- groups, and indeed all other employ- process this time around! having a shrinking budget year after cess is a little kooky as we must make ee groups in all boards in Ontario, all. a decision to spend about 70% of our all have their multi-year collective If you have a suggestion or a con- The Province has flagged that it budget - teacher and principal staff- agreements expire at once this com- cern, or would like to be added to my wishes to hold education sector costs ing - by March, before we know the ing August. While local Boards hold e-newsletter list, then please contact to 1% for next school year though its grants, due to legacy collective agree- the pen in the end re details of staff- me via [email protected] or at 323- detailed grants package information ment provisions binding us to staffing ing, hiring, benefits, responsibilities 7803. Meeting and document info will not be released to Boards until notices by then. The non teacher-staff- and work conditions, and theoretic- available at www.ocdsb.ca maybe April. This is going to be less ing component is usually decided on ally salary, the basic salary question is than inflation and may be the lay of by June in our budget calendar. entirely dependent of course on what Southside Time To Register For Southside Preschool Programs By Paige Raymond Kovach kindergarten. There are full-time about what she wanted to do after and part-time options available. The school this year, she immediately egistration has begun for the full-time option is from 8:45 until 1 picked the Southside After School school year 2012-2013 at p.m., when children are walked to Program. She is the kind of person Southside Preschool, which kindergarten, and then from 3:30 until who needs to refocus her energy R 5 p.m. when children are walked back at the end of a long day. The calm, has many programs to offer Old Ottawa South families. to Southside. The part-time option is self-directed and yet fun atmosphere Southside staff are all Registered from 8:45 a.m. until 1 p.m., and is and activities at Southside suit her Early Childhood Educators. They offered five days, three days (Monday, perfectly. She feels comfortable there offer warm and engaging programs Wednesday, and Friday) and two days and can pursue her own interests in a where children learn through play. Two Junior Kindergarteners are (Tuesday and Thursday) per week. quiet setting; this means a lot to her The educators follow the interests experimenting with coloured The Southside After School (and of course, to me!),” said Sheryl of the children and create a child- water in the Science Area. Recreation Program provides a Hamilton, an Old Ottawa South directed curriculum filled with indoor Photo Staff place for children in grades 1-3 to parent. and outdoor activities. relax at the end of the school day While you are thinking ahead to Southside has dedicated rooms in a safe and friendly environment. next school year, why not also plan for each age group and each includes love that he has been able to forge Teachers keep the program low-key, on keeping the kids busy this July? a craft centre, a library area, a friendships on his own in such a and encourage children’s creativity Southside offers summer camps science centre, a dramatic play area, happy environment. Because I am at and imagination. When the final bell for children aged 4, 5 and 6. The and a small toy centre. Southside home with Evan, we have lots of time rings at Hopewell, the children are same early childhood educators who also has a fun outdoor play yard together, but Southside has provided walked to Southside, and snacks are work with them all school year are for fresh air and physical activities. very important balance for us, letting provided for the children on arrival. there to provide them summer fun. Southside programs blend creativity, Evan be independent, and giving him Special activities in the after school The ratio of students to teachers is imagination, self-help, problem a sense of what school will be like. I program have included both kindness much lower than at most other summer solving, self-confidence and school am so happy that he’s had the time at and helpfulness charts, a Southside- camps. Each week has a unique theme readiness. Southside before heading off to junior wide talent show, gingerbread house and camps run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 Nursery School program for kindergarten.” making, and ice cream sundae days. p.m. on July 3-6, July 9-13, July 16- children ages 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 includes Kinders programs provide The program runs from 3:30 until 20, and July 23-27. indoor and outdoor activities. kindergarten students who attend 5:15 p.m. There are five-day, three- For more information, visit http:// Children enjoy art, puzzles, science, Hopewell Avenue Public School for day and two-day options available. www.southsidepreschool.ca/, or call playdough, storytime, songs and half a day the opportunity to play “When I gave my daughter, Joanne Iob, Southside Executive more. The program is offered 8:45 and learn the rest of the day. The Brigitte, a choice last summer Director at 613-730-5819. until 11:15 a.m. in two (Tuesday and bright Kinders room is packed with Thursday) or three-day (Monday, toys for them to enjoy and organized Wednesday, Friday) combinations. programming opens many doors for There is an enriched program also eager young minds. There are junior available for this age group from 8:45 and senior kindergarten options. a.m. to 1 p.m. and is also available For children attending morning two (Tuesday and Thursday) or three- junior kindergarten there is Afternoon day (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) Kinders offered only full-time from combinations. 11:30 a.m. until 5:15 p.m. Children Victoria Scott, Old Ottawa South are walked back from Hopewell to mom of two, asked her son Evan, aged Southside with staff and spend the rest three what his favourite thing about of the day having lunch, learning and Southside was, and he said “Playing playing. with my friends!” Morning Kinders is the reverse. Victoria adds, “His friends there Children start their day at Southside are very important to him, and I and are walked over to Hopewell to Page 34 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR MARCH 2012 Tasty Tidbits from Trillium Bakery The Cocktail Hour: On the Leukemia Path By Jocelyn LeRoy It’s really like a good java jolt. I’d ing too happy even though the team having a cigarette because they’re for David like more social interaction. The nurs- leader, who looks like Mr. Bean, and taking life support off his son. There es and doctors are all angels, but they I are trying to figure out how to slow are people having dialysis. There are fter two glorious weeks at don’t have a lot of time to sit around me down. I am the only patient not psychiatric patients that have fears home, I’m back in the slam- socializing with me. lying in bed all the time, for which I and ghosts in their minds. They all mer – the Smythe Road I’ve got to move. I’ve got to get am extremely grateful. I draw plans hide in their own way. A out. Of course, with no immune sys- for a cottage, play chess with my tall- The covered bus stop near the weight loss Spa I call it, for Round Two of chemotherapy. They say it will tem left, I’m at risk, not only in what’s er-than-me son, have picnic suppers main entrance is full of pyjama-clad be easier this time. Anything would. likely the most sanitary part of the from home in the cafeteria with Joce- smokers hanging onto their IV poles, Before I realize how many days hospital, but so much more every- lyn. I watch movies, read, look out the chatting away while enjoying their have passed, my six day poison cock- where else. window, and take photos of the heli- cigarettes. tail regime is finished. I can sit back On with my mask. I’m going out copter rising up from a white cloud of There’s something very wrong and wait for my numbers to fall, then to explore and get some exercise. I swirling snow. here in this place of healing but no bottom out. White blood cells, red glance at the raised eyebrows and A terrible thing happened last irony. It’s hard to distinguish the used blood cells, platelets, nutriphyls. By sympathetic looks from the nurses’ night. My neighbour in the next room yellow gowns from the new ones – the way, nutriphyls in the baking in- station as I stride by (ignoring my disappeared. “Is he coming back?” I they are piled in wrinkled heaps in the dustry are bottles of fake whipped shortness of breath). ask the nurses. “No.” bins in the hallway – protectors and cream, used for decorating cakes. It The elevator is full of coughing His body rejected his brother’s also transmitters of germs. You hope never goes bad, droops or shrinks. humans packed in tight. I’d better wait donated bone marrow. It happens your visitors get the right one on. Not so with Leukemia treated for the next one. Same thing. I know – often. The nurses standing by the The days drag on, each one spiced cells. They droop, they fall, and I’ll take the stairs! empty room look sad. with magic moments, and a lot of car- they’re already bad. My legs feel wobbly after five They do get somewhat attached. It ing. Feeling as well as I do is quite This place is full of irony. It’s one flights going down, but I can do this. must be quite a stressful job, working the miracle, but I still feel the empty of the ways I amuse myself. I pass doctors climbing up the stairs. in the world of Leukemia. hours. I’m really bored, truth be told. This is the exercise corridor for people I feel myself sinking. Fear knocks I tackle my tome – “The Leuk- Tired of being sick. Sick of being on the move. And that now includes on my door. I’m so lucky. So, so, emia Path”. I hope to help other pa- tired. Every morning I do my little me. From now on, I’ll get my exercise fortunate. I will prevail! You’re not tients, from a Leukemia patient point routine. Shower, look in the mirror to on the stairs. done ‘til they stop counting. One, of view. see if there’s any hair to shave, tidy up By the end of the day I’ve stag- two, three, four Like in the fights on My cocktail hours are half done. my room, give thanks for all my bless- gered up and down five flights, three TV. My social network is expanding Two rounds, one month each, and ings. It’s like living in a trailor. And times. The doctors see me gasping for each day as I explore new areas in and each totally different. Leukemia is in the view out my wall of glass is ever- air, and suggest I slow down. “It’s not around the hospital. There’s an amaz- what I call “the department of difficult changing. Sunrise and sunset are my a race.” Good idea! ing wind tunnel behind the front wall. diseases.” favourite times – incredible colours I’m feeling quite positive. I feel I’ve met patients and caretakers. We My doctor’s opening statement light up the grey horizon. energetic even though my red blood all have issues to deal with. They’re was “Leukemia is a tricky disease. People tell me if boredom is my cells aren’t carrying enough oxygen all personal. You get just one chance to get the cure worst problem, I’m really lucky. I where they are supposed to. Some don’t want to talk, because right.” know that. Some of the doctors think I’m be- it’s just too painful. There’s a man Old Ottawa South Haunts ... Cont’d from next page

ard, lived just past the butcher shop on houses all along, and my daughter Sunnyside. In those days, Sunnyside went back to get the car to meet us did not go all the way to Bronson as it at the corner of Aylmer Avenue. We does now. It was mostly bush, until then took a short drive to show him after I left Ottawa in the mid-fifties. the Street Car route down Sunnyside We turned right on Seneca and found to Seneca, to Grove and then back up a side street (maybe Pansey Avenue) Bank Steet. We did not to the whole to park on. Out for more walking, and route, as by this time we were all hun- all the houses are still so beautiful. gry, so we stopped in to the Barley Some have had little cosmetic changes Mow for a great lunch. to enhance what was already there, but It was so enjoyable that we de- it is so nice to see. We walked along cided to do another ‘Memory Jaunt’ the driveway to Rosedale, and when I of the old haunts, like Bathing Island, told Damien that I used to toboggan Brewer Park where it had been, and at Seneca Hill, he said it was a pretty other sites, never forgotten in the fu- small hill. I explained that it had been ture. It brought back many memories, much bigger before I left Ottawa and, hopefully, it will ‘jog’ other for- South, but with the increase in traf- mer residents, old friends, and rela- fic they must have made it smaller so tives minds, the way my previous motorists could see more easily what stories did. traffic was coming onto the driveway. However, it gives a clearer view of Marilyn Brown (Dancey) was Bronson Bridge, which had been a born and lived in Ottawa South until ‘swing bridge’ in my younger days. she was sixteen. She then moved to Mr. Ethier was the Bridge Master, and Sandy Hill, and on to Winnipeg in when a large boat was going to pass the mid-50’s, where she married and Bronson, he would have to release had two daughters. Since her return gates on the Driveway and Bronson to in 1964, she lived in other areas, but stop motorists and manually crank the when her daughter and she bought in Bridge open to allow passage of boats. 1995, they are just off Pleasant Park, Then crank it closed again and allow and close enough to the old neigh- cars to pass. bourhood once again. We continued walking on up to Rosedale, admiring the beautiful MARCH 2012 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR Page 35 Old Ottawa South Haunts Revisited with my Great Grandson By Marilyn Brown munion and my Confirmation. In fact, We drove on past Grosvenor was the Jenkins, and then a laneway (Dancey) I had been going to the Irish Drop In Avenue, and the little Church that to the back yards of the next four row Centre there on Tuesday’s, until I had has really undergone some vast up- houses. These housed the Quinn’s in ne day this past summer, my Damien full time to babysit when he grading and modernization, and on to 63, the Creighton’s in 61, the Killmar- daughter Karren and I were was registered in Senior Kindergarten Rosedale Avenue. At the corner was tin’s in 59 and the Raymond’s in 57. wondering what to do on one in a school close to home.. Glustein’s Grocery Store, that sold Damien’s little ears picked up on the O After that, we walked up to Bank just about everything. That build- last name, as my girlfriend from those of her days off. I was babysitting my 5 year old Great Grandson, Damien, and Sunnyside, where I showed him ing was quite the place. It had two 2 days when we were about 8 years old, at the time, so we had to come up with where Haddad’s Grocery Store had storey houses with basements on Sun- was Joan Raymond. Oddly enough, something he would also be interested been (at this time, a Second Cup) and nyside, the corner store, with a side she lives across the street from me in. He actually likes just about any- across the street where Coulters Drug door on Rosedale that was the house now. He knows her as ‘Aunty Joan’. thing we come up with, and we keep Store (now a Dollar Store) had been. of the store owner and his family. The next double was 55 and housed saying he is a 15 year old in a 5 year Across Sunnyside from Haddad’s had Then there was a little covered alley- the Buckland’s, and at 53, my family, old body. When he was 4, we took been the Dominion Store, and beside way that led into the backyards of the the Dancey’s. We had a lane going him to Upper Canada Village, Cum- it was an old R.A Beamish, where I two families living at 75 (the Han- to our backyard at 53, and quite a big berland Village and the Outdoor Mar- could do a lot of shopping with just son’s, remember they lived beside us front yard and back, but this has all ket, Old Fort Wellington in Prescott, twenty five cents. Across from the on Riverdale) and 73 Rosedale (the been changed now. In fact, the house Canada’s Wonderland, and he has Dominion Store’s parking lot, on Brown’s). I never thought much of looks like it’s almost right at the street shown a lot of interest and is fascin- Sunnyside, had been the dentist that it growing up, but just think – 4 two and has only a small back yard. ated with all of these things. I thought was the meanest old man storey plus basement houses, a store We shared the laneway with the Karren suggested we take him in Ottawa. Of course Damien asked and another home – with entry from first two houses at the corner of Ayl- to Old Ottawa South, to show him me why, and when I told him I bit him both the store and the street. They mer. First house was the Mullin’s, where Nanny was born and lived until when he was putting the sharp instru- still look good too. who had fenced off their portion, and I was sixteen or so. It’s pretty close to ments in my mouth, and he bit me We parked in the laneway, and the next house was Mr. Montgomery. home, as we are just off Pleasant Park right back. He didn’t like that story, I can’t remember the name of the He put up a huge semi circled canvas and I know all the places where we but his Dentist is much different. I family in the little yellow house at 77 tent type structure in his yard to prac- can leave the car, in the various areas then pointed out the Mayfair Theatre Rosedale, but there was an older man tice his golf shots. He would let us we wanted to see. Karren and I have and explained that I spent a lot of Sat- that gave my Mom a beautiful canary. use it as a stage to put on some of our taken these little excursions quite urday afternoons there. For ten cents That was another great thing about ‘made up’ plays, and shows, etc. often. He was quite happy with our we would get the News of the Day, a a lot of streets in old Ottawa South We then walked back to the car idea, so we all headed out to the car. Serial (really exciting, and it would – the laneways. This one ran from and continued driving down Sun- Our first stop was Riverdale and leave you so anxious to see the next the back of the little Church on Gros- nyside, passed Leonard Avenue, and Sunnyside. This is where our family, episode the following week), a car- venor all the way to the last house on continued on towards Roslyn. My the Dancey’s, was living when I was toon, and a double feature. Beside it, the right hand side of Sunnyside after Aunt and Uncle , the Rockbourn’s born. We were in the half double at was the Mayfair Tea Room, where we Seneca heading towards Bronson. now lived on Sunnyside midway be- the corner, and oddly enough, you would go after the show for a Ginger The next house on Rosedale belonged tween these two streets. On to Sen- will see why later, the Hanson family ale, or other soft drink. to the Dennison’s, then the Bottom- eca Avenue, where I pointed out that lived beside us, and my Aunt Beatrice Back to the car so we could go a ley’s, and next the Wellington’s. Mr. on one corner there was DeFalco’s and Uncle Victor Rockbourn lived on little further down Sunnyside. I point- Wellington was a Silversmith, and Grocery Store and Connoley’s Smoke the other side of Riverdale. I don’t re- ed out Hopewell School, where most we used to watch him repairing and Shop, and across the street was Jimmy member this house, as we moved not of my friends attended, but I went cleaning Silver Tea Sets, Coffee Pots, Craig’s Butcher Shop. Another Aunt too long after I was born. We parked to St. Margaret Mary’s, which is now Trays, etc., through his basement win- and Uncle – Doris and Howard Sew- the car and walked to St. Margaret gone, and in its place an expensive dow. The blue flame of the blow torch Mary’s Catholic Church, where I had Condominium building. I haven’t or whatever it was that he worked cont’d on previous page been Christened, made my First Com- seen it yet, but will on another trip. with, used to fascinate us. Next house Raw Food and Weight Loss: A Special Report By Sarah Ives facilitate weight-gain if needed). Still successfully eat more raw food, you easy ways to include more raw food yet to be proven exactly why we need can also experience the happy bene- in your life. Join her this March at here are many different rea- our veggies, scientists know we all fits, like losing (or gaining) weight, her Raw 101: Fermenting, Sprouting sons why people turn to a do. I believe it has to do with fully while embarking on a journey that and Wheatgrass class on March the raw food diet. Health reasons oxygenating our cells. We all need will truly nourish your body, mind 10th or her Raw Asian Cuisine class T oxygen to live and eating more fruits and soul. That’s a no-brainer, right? on March the 24th. Sarah is also - anything from a serious illness to acne - are often top of the list. But not and veggies delivers this oxygen Wishing everyone a wonderful new presenting a special Green Smoothie far behind, you’ve guessed it – weight right where we need it, giving every year! Class at Pranashanti Yoga Studio on loss. But not just weight loss - the raw cell in our body a mini-makeover by March 31st. Find more info at www. lifestyle isn’t your average package cleansing away waste that has likely Sarah Ives is a raw food educa- ohmyraw.com of pills or injections/solutions, pre- accumulated for years. Washing away tor and coach who teaches simple and packaged dinners or any of that – in this waste helps the body rid itself fact, it’s a feel-ravishing, completely of excess weight and other sludge back to basics, phenomenal nourish- that holds us back on a physical and ment for your body and mind. But mental level (for a real-life Raw Food let’s leave the feel-good/healthy stuff Living proof visit www.ohmyraw. behind for a minute. We all know that com/blog for an inspirational weight- what is good for us isn’t necessarily loss story). motivation enough for us to actually But, science aside, notice how do it. Let’s talk weight-loss. you feel when eating a cleaner diet. While the exact reasons are still Watch how the raw food diet has the hotly debated in some circles, the bot- power to transform you into a newer, tom line is that your grandmother/ cleaner, more alert and alive person mother was right when she said to than you may have felt in years (with eat your veggies. Our bodies respond clearer skin and brighter eyes). Many positively to raw foods and it thanks people report feeling better than they us in many ways, the most obvious did in their early twenties while eat- being weight loss (more aptly it is a ing a diet high in raw foods (!). By return to optimal weight – raw foods learning some basic tips and tricks to Page 36 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR MARCH 2012

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT OTTAWA CENTRE Harper Must Protect the Retirement Security of Canadians

By Paul Dewar chette-Lamothe (Pierrefonds-Dollard), lost income to the poorest Canadians is term, the cost increase is one that we NDP deputy-critic for Seniors, moved significant (roughly $30,000 per senior can afford. ’ve heard from many people in Ot- another motion in the House of Com- over two years when combined with As it stands, the maximum amount tawa Centre who are deeply con- mons calling on the government to the loss of GIS-without the GIS this of OAS/GIS of $15,270 that a senior cerned by the recent statements stop trying to fund its corporate tax figure is closer to $12,000). can currently receive is far below the I cuts on the backs of those planning for Mr. Harper is basing these changes government’s own $18,373 low-in- by Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the World Economic Forum that major retirement. on the idea that the current system is come cut-off for a single resident in a changes are coming for Old Age Se- Currently, OAS pays a maximum “unsustainable,” because of an afford- large urban area. curity (OAS) and the Guaranteed In- benefit of $540 per month. On an an- able, short run demographic change: My colleagues and I are commit- come Supplement (GIS). nual basis, the maximum OAS pay- The gradual retirement of the “baby ted to strengthening Canada’s pension New Democrats have been very ment is $6,481. GIS pays various rates, boomers”, who began to retire in 2011. system and taking affordable and prac- clear in the House of Commons that depending on family status and family In its claims regarding growing tical steps to eliminate poverty among the government should live up to its income. The maximum amount a sin- costs, the Conservative government seniors. On February 7, New Demo- commitments to protect and ensure gle person could receive per month in appears to be citing research from crats launched a Canada wide tour to retirement transfer payments to indi- October 2011 was $732. The average 2006. Although the government’s most consult with Canadians about Harper’s viduals. It’s not just seniors, but future amount of GIS received by a single recent Actuarial Report (released in plans to cut OAS. This tour is being generations of Canadians who are wor- person in the same month was $491. August 2011) is not significantly dif- led by my colleagues Irene Mathyssen, ried about Harper’s attack on retire- The maximum annual amount a ferent, there is one key feature. The Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe, and ment security. single senior can receive from OAS 2011 report indicates that OAS will Wayne Marston. With the cost of living continuing & GIS combined is $15,270. In Octo- account for 2.37% of GDP in 2011, The NDP’s plan to ensure retire- to rise as well as unemployment, many ber 2011, there were nearly 5 million 3.16% in 2030, but then fall below ment security for Canadians by ex- Canadians are justified in fearing they seniors collecting OAS and 1.7 million today’s level to 2.35% in 2060. The panding the CPP, is affordable and won’t have enough money to retire. seniors collecting GIS. previous Actuarial Report (released in responsible. A modest increase in This past June, my colleague Irene Last year, the government spent 2008) showed that this cost would ac- premiums over a period of time can Mathyssen (London-Fanshawe), NDP $27.2 billion on OAS and $7.9 billion tually drop below 2% by 2075 (this fig- finance a doubling of CPP benefits critic for Seniors, moved a motion call- on GIS. Combined these two programs ure was curiously not included in the for all Canadian workers. This would ing on the government to take action comprised 13% of overall government most recent Actuarial report). Further- provide real, sustainable, retirement against the rising poverty levels for expenses. more, the Parliamentary Budget Office security for those who retire. Canadian Seniors. The motion passed The government’s idea of poten- has said today’s OAS is fully sustain- My colleagues and I will continue unanimously in the House of Com- tially raising the initial eligibility age able. working hard to make sure that the mons; however no action has been for OAS will be highly repressive be- As a result, New Democrats be- Conservative government keeps its taken by the Government. More re- cause it will disproportionately impact lieve that the current system is indeed hands off the hard earned pensions of cently, on February 2nd, Lysane Blan- the poorest Canadians. The scale of the clearly affordable, and in the medium Canadians. Whats Old Is New Again: (Unexpected) Adventures In Organic Farming By Amanda Divito Wilson

rowing up in Old Ottawa South, the idea of farming Gwas definitely not something I thought I might do when I grew up. The closest I came was a garden barrel where my sister and I planted a couple cherry tomato plants and maybe some carrots (I don’t think those ever worked out). For the most part food was something that came from a decided he wanted to try vegetable grocery store and my top career choices farming full-time I was really excited included an Olympic horse jumper, (but also a little terrified!). a lawyer and a panda bear specialist. We had little experience growing Fast forward a couple decades later and vegetables before we dove into this I find myself entering the third year of (some would say crazy) adventure, an organic vegetable garden operation but both of our families have farming with my partner Alex. It’s been quite in their histories. My mom’s parents a shift for a self-described city-lover, had an apple orchard for several but growing food for ourselves and a years after immigrating to Canada community is something I’ve come to from Italy and my nona has grown an cherish. impressive assortment of vegetables My interest in local food began in in her backyard. Alex’s family has a university where I learnt about food long history of farming in Vars, a rural security, organic agriculture and issues community on the east end of the city, facing migrant farm workers. A couple a history that continues to this day. In years later I had the chance to do a a way it feels like farming gives us a workshare on a near-by farm where connection to those roots and that I worked a few hours each week in history. exchange for a vegetables share in their Our farming philosophy is that we Community Supported Agriculture program. After that summer I knew gardening was something I was Cont’d on next page interested in; when my partner Alex MARCH 2012 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR Page 37

COMPUTER TRICKS AND TIPS Software Updates – How, Why and When by Malcolm and John a new version of the program itself. Microsoft software. Frankly, the best confident. Harding, of Compu-Home In the case of the paid versions, this strategy for most users is to go to Generally, there is no significant is a notice that your subscription has the Windows Control Panel and set disadvantage to refusing or delaying expired and it’s time to ante up for the updates to download and install an update, and so if ever you are unsure ith all the bad guys out there the next year. For the free ones it is automatically. about whether or not an offering is trying to get at you and your also their opportunity to remind you Macintosh OS updates happen more legitimate, the best procedure is to computer at every turn, we W that they offer a paid version, and just formally, with the suggestion from turn it down. It would then be a get a lot of very reasonable questions imagine how much rosier life would be Apple that you download and install simple matter to Google it to see if about software updates. People have if you upgraded! One way or the other an upgraded version of the operating the publisher mentions or explains the become aware of the fact that bogus you do have to do this update, because system. You usually do this manually, need for this particular update. Another updates are one way that the crooks the publisher will stop support of the far less often than happens in Windows, strategy is to go to www.filehippo. gain access to your computer and old one, sooner or later. We suggest and with much more obvious changes com which is a reputable repository of install spyware or viruses. On the other that if you are using a free one you are and benefits. useful utilities like the ones above, to hand, many updates are very helpful careful to stick with it and avoid being see if they offer a newer version. and some of them actually assist in derailed into the paid version. Major support utilities offer updates defending your computer from the We have mentioned in the past that it often, and although they are not We always enjoy hearing from readers attackers. Here’s how to distinguish is very important to explore all of the usually absolutely necessary, they are and we learn lots from you when you the good ones from the bad. aspects of the control panel of your usually quick and innocuous and it do get in touch. Write or give us a call anti-virus utility, so that you know is fine to let them go ahead. Adobe any time. Your anti-virus utility (Norton, what to do if it ever detects a virus Acrobat Reader (which allows you to McAfee, AVG, Avast, Kaspersky, etc.) attack. Another benefit is that you will view and print PDF files) Adobe Flash Malcolm, Frances and John must update itself regularly to learn not be fooled by a popup reporting a Player (which facilitates viewing the Harding are the owners of Compu- of the new viruses that proliferate at a bogus threat and offering a fraudulent more complex web pages) and Java Home, assisting home and business rate of hundreds every day. Without solution. from Sun Microsystems (which is computer users. their update information they are integral to running of some cross- Be sure to visit our web site for protecting you from last week’s or last Microsoft Windows updates have platform programs) are some examples an archive of our columns. www. month’s threats and that’s really not been sent frequently (but irregularly) to of utilities that need to be updated compu-home.com good enough. Most people set their all legitimate Windows users since the occasionally. Write to [email protected] protection to be updated daily, at a time introduction of Windows XP. These Special programs that you use on or phone 613-731-5954 to discuss that their computer is turned on but not are genuine and you really do want to your computer may have their own computer issues, or to suggest future in use. allow them, because they frequently procedure for updating themselves, columns. A second kind of anti-virus update contain security improvements and with or without your knowledge. happens yearly, when they publish other major or minor tweaks to Allow them only if you are 100%

food isn’t about what you have to give our farm and farming adventures, Organic Farming .... Cont’d from previous t page up, its about what you can gain, and you can check out our blog at www. grow food for people, not for market. it as accessible as possible by offering what we risk losing if we don’t. theveggieundergroud.wordpress.com. Our focus is on building a strong food some CSA shares at a sliding scale and For more information about community, through our Community through workshares where members Support Agriculture (CSA) and contribute labour hours to the farm in by providing a regular supply of exchange for a share. vegetables to local restaurants. In a Farming isn’t just about growing CSA members purchase a share of and selling vegetables, it is about the harvest up front and in exchange developing self-sufficiency and local receive a weekly basket of produce. sustainability as a community. Each Our CSA runs from mid June to mid year we preserve as much of the October with weekly pick-ups in produce as we can, either by freezing, Old Ottawa South and Hintonburg. canning or dehydrating it. We are The CSA model balances the risks still working our way through our jars and rewards of farming between the of tomatoes and our storage crops of producer and consumer and helps beets, potatoes, squash, carrots and farmers cover some of the up-front sweet potatoes. I’m not going to lie, costs of growing food. For example, in the middle of winter the thought this year some of our members’ money of a fresh head of lettuce or crisp red went towards the cost of seeds that pepper is quite tantalizing, but so is the have to be purchased well in advance thought of the carefully rationed cans of spring. of peaches we have left over from the Getting to chat with our CSA summer. members each week when they pick I know not everyone will love up their veggies is something we growing vegetables like we do, or will genuinely looked forward to; we be able to preserve enough food to last get to hear what they thought of the the winter, but there are lots of different food that week, what they did with ways to participate in a local sustainable particular items. The excitement on food system. It wasn’t so long ago that people’s faces, especially their kids, most people grew some of their own when a particular vegetable comes into food in one way or another. Several season (watermelon!) lends itself to an local business do a great job providing appreciation of food that we lose when local, organic produce in their dishes there is unlimited choice year round in or on their shelves. Old Ottawa South a large grocery store. Not to mention is blessed with two farmer’s markets in that this cheap year-round access is walking distance and has several CSAs often built on exploited seasonal farm- with pick-ups in the area. The last workers, underpaid farmers, large- issue of the OSCAR mentioned plans scale mono-cropping and a heavy for developing a community garden in dependance on oil. Local organic food Brewar Park, a great way to introduce can sometimes be out of reach for folks kids to where their vegetables come on a limited budget. We try to make from. Committing to local, sustainable th Page 38 The OSCAR - OUR 40 YEAR MARCH 2012 The Death of Old Age Security \by Rick Sutherland, CLU, defenceless and low income seniors. Until this message can be effectively You cannot rely on the government or CFP, FDS, R.F.P Grandma will be tossed out onto the communicated the changes will have employers for your desired retirement street if changes are made to OAS. to wait. lifestyle. Educate yourself or hire the oday’s retirees were born into a So what does all this really mean to We are not sure when or how this help you need to put your financial world of entitlement in which the average Canadian? Demographics debate will end. We can only speculate plan on the right course to meet your the employer, the union and tell us that the government will be what this means to average Canadians. financial needs and objectives. T under a great strain to maintain this There will definitely be a shift in the government provided a defined- benefit retirement plan and financial unfunded government program. expectations about entitlement. For The foregoing is for general security from cradle to grave. This Unlike the premium based Canada many it means new financial planning information purposes and is the scene is changing fast. As Canadians Pension Plan, the OAS is entirely skills will have to be learned and opinion of the writer. This information age we are seeing this social safety net funded from the taxes we pay. practiced. Canadians must become is not intended to provide personal being dismantled. Corporations are Today the cost to Canadian more self sufficient and less reliant advice including, without limitation, declaring bankruptcy to avoid their taxpayers is about $40 billion per on the government and employers for investment, financial, legal, obligations to next wave of retirees. year. The first wave of the baby funding their retirement. accounting or tax advice. Please call Governments want to make changes boom generation are about to become A greater dependence on personal or write to Rick Sutherland CLU, to the public retirement programs. eligible for the OAS benefit. It is savings will be required to fund our CFP, FDS, R.F.P., to discuss your And we probably have not seen estimated that the cost to the Canadian retirement in the future. This will particular circumstances or suggest anything yet. taxpayer by 2030 will increase to require a better knowledge about a topic for future articles at 613- The Harper Government recently about $108 billion. investment options. Canadians will 798-2421 or E-mail rick@invested- began its rhetoric on the subject of The federal government has need to learn how to select investments interest.ca. Mutual Funds provided making changes and reforming the already announced that the OAS is that are appropriate from a risk and through FundEX Investments Inc. Old Age Security (OAS) benefit. unsustainable and in need of reforms. return point of view. This may mean Supporters claim the OAS program But they must first figure out how to that thrift and cautious spending will is the yellow brick road to follow communicate the changes to us. They once again become common place, the same path as Greece. Opposition must tell us how the reforms will much like it was for our parents and politicians claim it is an attack on work, who will be affected and when grandparents. the changes will come into effect. The message is loud and clear.

To book an OSCAR ad Are Your Retirement call Gayle 730-1058 Savings At Risk [email protected] By Anna Sundin If faced with a critical illness or long-term care need, people don’t onsider the following want to be forced into spending their hypothetical situation. A retirement savings. couple retires at age 65 with Health care options C Critical illness insurance pays a $300,000 in RRSPs. To enjoy the lifestyle they want, they need an lump sum following the diagnosis of additional $1,000 from savings each a covered illness. The owner of the month to top up pension income policy, when they qualify, can spend (Canada Pension Plan, Old Age that money any way they choose: to Security, etc.). The total monthly pay down a mortgage or debts; to seek withdrawal to cover taxes for the tax treatments not covered by government bracket they’re in is $1,300. At this plans; or to seek treatment outside of rate, their savings should easily last Canada. beyond their average life expectancy, Another practical health which at 65 is 16 years for men, 20 insurance option is a long-term care years for women. policy. If the insured can no longer Then, as a result of a stroke at age perform two activities of daily living 67, one spouse needs long-term care. - eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, With average home care service costs continence, moving to or from a bed of $2,500 a month, a withdrawal of or chair - then the weekly income $4,550 is required from their savings would be there to help with their care. each month (to cover home care, That income could be used to pay a spouse’s normal living expenses, and family member to provide care or to taxes). A stroke at the age of 67 could pay for someone to come into their wipe out $300,000 of savings in less home. than ten years. Here is some advice for people One way to cushion the impact who are putting off the decision of a critical illness or long-term care to buy health insurance, perhaps need is to purchase health insurance. because they think they’ll have to pay Health insurance should be too much money. You should look at part of everyone’s overall financial more than the cost of the premium. If plan. People need to plan for the you were faced with an illness today, unexpected. You can’t predict when what would be the total cost of that you’re going to need it and then how care? long it’s going to last when you’re Today, more than ever, it’s talking about care. important for you to protect your People are in fact surviving serious assets from health-related risks. While illnesses. Fifty years ago, people had you plan for your retirement, consider heart attacks. They had strokes. They health insurance. It’ll give you more had cancer. The big difference is that choices if you’re faced with the costs today, they’re more likely to survive, of a critical illness or a long-term care and there’s a financial consequence to situation. surviving a critical illness. MARCH 2012 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR Page 39 Carleton Sports Nadine Crowley, Ottawa World Class Referee By Joe Scanlon ereeing men’s games and occasionally and I like to carry those skills onto the community in Ottawa when she fin- she senses US coaches are uncomfort- basketball court. I think I stole that ap- ished her Masters, Crowley started to hen American women able with her when US teams play in proach from my dad. We have a simi- leave in her car packed with all her played the semi-final at the Canada. “It’s a feeling you get,” she lar personality.” belongings. But she decided she liked women’s world basketball says. She usually listens patiently when Ottawa after all – it’s a pretty city with W But she can only recall a few in- coaches complain. “I try to give them three rivers and a canal and it’s Can- championship in Brazil and lost to Russia in 2006, the referee was a short cidents. On her first international as- an ear,” she says. “Often they are just ada’s capital -- and decided to settle (5’6”), black female. signment in Montreal, the other ref- venting. They are just looking for an there. She worked at first with the That same woman can be found eree kept overturning her decisions. out. If they complain too much, you Children’s’ Aid Society then opened many weekends at Carleton Univer- She did not want an argument during tell them, ‘That’s enough,’ and they a private practice in 2001 which con- sity. the game – “if the refs are fighting the stop for a while or try it on another sists of a number of contract assign- Her name is Nadine Crowley. She game goes downhill” – but afterwards official”. ments with the Office of the Chil- comes from Ottawa, Canada and she she wagged her finger at him (he did She started basketball when dren’s Lawyer (under the umbrella of is a world class referee. not speak much English) making clear her father and a coach named Mike the Ministry of the Attorney General), In recent years she has offici- she was unhappy. It never happened Lavelle ran clinics at her high school has contracts with employee assist- ated in Argentina, Mexico, Lebanon, again. and when her father worked at a sports ance programs at various companies South Korea, Japan and China, at two Crowley grew up in Clarkson, camp. She played on club teams in and is a mental health counsellor at a Junior World Championships – Brno now part of Mississauga, just west of the Toronto area and then at three local school. She has completed medi- in Czech Republic and Bratislava in Toronto, a white community, along Canadian universities – Dalhousie in ation courses through Ottawa’s Carle- the Slovak Republic – as well as the with a brother and two sisters. Both Nova Scotia, McMaster in Hamilton ton University Continuing Education women’s World Championship in her parents worked. Her mother start- and Lakehead in Thunder Bay, both in Program and a program called TAPE Brazil. ed in a hairdressing salon and later Ontario. run in affiliation with St. Michael’s Three years ago she switched to worked for Canada’s largest depart- At Dalhousie, she got into conflict College at the University of Toronto men’s basketball and this past summer ment store, Eaton’s. Her father was an with her coach and though she passed where she is currently doing Child she refereed men’s games at the World insurance claims adjustor as well as a her year she was kicked off the team. Protection Mediation. She finds that University Games in China. football and basketball referee. She transferred to McMaster where her approach to resolving conflicts fits She says she enjoys refereeing in Crowley is very much aware that she red-shirted (it is against the rules in nicely with refereeing. China. “They treat you 10,000 times she is black and female and her hero- to transfer and play the next season) Referees don’t just show up for a better in China – five stars all the way. ines are Maya Angelou (who wrote then played for two years. After get- game and start blowing their whistles. Since you usually referee one game a and read a poem at the Clinton in- ting her Arts degrees she moved to They arrive at least an hour be- day there is time for sightseeing and auguration), Bell Hooks and Nina Si- Thunder Bay where she did a degree in fore a game starts, meet and do a thor- meeting wonderful people from all mone. But – though she has had a lot Social Work and again played basket- ough pre-game, such as reviewing over the world.” of support from female colleagues – ball. After working in the Toronto area new rules, their positioning and what She is not the first in her family to she has also been helped many times she moved to Ottawa where she did to expect from the teams that will be become a sports’ official. by males at the local, provincial and a Master of Education in Counselling playing. (Canadian universities now But her father unlike his daughter, national levels. When she started ref- degree. She started refereeing high play FIBA rules but when US teams had to battle racial prejudice. ereeing in Ontario in 1993, Murray school basketball while at McMaster are in Canada the Canadians usually Though he was one of the top Shoup the man assigning referees and continued off and on until she agree to play the quite different Amer- university level referees in Canada – first assigned her to work with an- became more permanently active as ican college rules.) he got to referee Canadian university other woman Janice Deacon giving a member of the Ottawa panel of ref- Crowley says sometimes a game football and basketball champion- her a role model. Deacon was the first erees. develops in an unexpected way. Per- ships – he was never accepted to ref- women referee to qualify internation- In 1999 she was nominated by haps some starters get injured. Per- eree professional games. There were ally. All her assignors made sure that Ontario to attend a referees’ qualify- haps there is an early foul call or black players even quarterbacks in once or twice during the season she ing camp. She passed a physical exam, rough play. Perhaps the pace becomes the Canadian Football League but no got a game in the Toronto area al- rules test and a floor test and became so frenetic a referee gets out of pos- black referees. lowing her to visit her parents. qualified with FIBA (Fédération Inter- ition. The referees try to discuss these In addition, when her father was At first she stuck with the women’s nationale de Basket-ball Amateur) to developments as soon as there is an selected as head referee for the Can- game especially when – after doing referee internationally. Refereeing is opportunity. Crowley says when a dis- Am football bowl game in Tampa, one men’s game – she decided she physically demanding and Crowley puted call is made, referees will come Florida in January 1978, the Amer- wasn’t ready for that. (The man who stays in shape lifting weights, running together to discuss the situation and ican organizers rejected him: they assigned her recalls her being shocked three to four times a week and through will not overrule another referee’s call said black and white referees could at some of the language the players an active lifestyle including tennis, not work together in Florida. When used to trash talk.) She did referee mountain biking, downhill skiing and cont’d on page 41 the Canadian coaches told Bob Pugh, for a few years in the Eastern Col- snowshoeing. chief executive officer of the Can- lege Athletics Conference (ECAC) in Since there was virtually no black adian Intercollegiate Athletics Union Northern New York State (little more (CIAU) Pugh told the organizers if than an hour’s drive from Ottawa) but Stanley Crowley wasn’t head referee the issue of crossing the border and – the game was being played under the hazards of winter travel made her Canadian rules -- Canada would not stop. Three years ago she switched to take part. The US referees had not men’s games and now she does only objected: they said they had no prob- men’s games. lem working with a Canadian, black Her style of officiating is low or white. The organizers backed down key. If a player is doing something and the game went ahead with Crow- that could lead to a foul call she will ley was – when a chance arises – quietly of- The Canadian head coach, Darwin fer advice. “If you see something sim- Semotiuk from the University if West- mering, you deal with it not necessar- ern Ontario remembers the incident ily by making calls but by talking to and he, like Pugh, was determined them.” Crowley would referee. “Stan was a “I like to be natural. I like to bring real gentleman,” he said, “technically a lot of my own personality to the competent and a very good person.” game. I have a very high tolerance. I Crowley says being female led to am an open person. I am a mediator, a few problems when she started ref- too (she also does family counselling) Page 40 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR MARCH 2012 From Mt. Everest to Bank St... Think Twice Before BGGO Arrives Venturing Onto The Ice! I opened up BGGO New Edinburgh. After he Ottawa Drowning Prevention Coalition reminds resi- three years of working seven days a week to dents that when the temperatures go down awareness of make the store a success I was ready to open Tthe dangers of being on or around ice and open water a second store and was thrilled to find a per- needs to go up. fect space in the Glebe.” When water begins to freeze on rivers, lakes, the Rideau The Glebe location carries a wide ar- Canal and other open bodies of water it may look solid but is ray of unique and colourful pieces from the often still dangerous. If you want to go out onto the ice, remem- spring collection of Canadian designers and ber the thickness should be: 15 cm for walking or skating alone most of them made in Canada. BGGO carries 20 cm for skating parties or games 25 cm for snowmobiles 35 cm a wide range of clothing sizes - from size 2 for fishing huts. to 22- along with shoes, scarves, purses and As a guideline, clear blue ice is usually the strongest; white jewellery from Nepal. You will be sure to opaque or snow ice is half as strong as blue ice. Grey ice is un- find something eye catching to update your safe. The greyness indicates the presence of water. wardrobe when the warmer weather arrives! Water levels this year are higher than usual and are accom- By Nicola Maule Bobby’s success is partly due to her en- panied by soft, slippery banks that are treacherous, particularly thusiasm and her vivacious personality. She for young children, adults and the family pet. GGO is the Glebe’s newest woman’s makes all her customers feel welcome by of- Before venturing onto the ice, check the Lifesaving Society’s clothing store located at 751 Bank fering personal attention, and as a result she guidelines for staying safe, and review guidelines by The Can- BSt. (previously occupied by Mari- has built up a loyal customer base that keep adian Red Cross on what to do if you get into trouble on the ice. lyns), opening its doors on February 4, 2012. on coming back to see her newest treasures . When in doubt, simply stay away from the ice, period. BGGO is named after its owner, Bobby BGGO is open seven days week and Last winter, Ottawa Fire Services, working in close coordina- Gurung and her husband Gerry O’Brien. evenings until 8 pm on Thursday and Friday. tion with Ottawa Paramedic Service and Ottawa Police Service, Bobby comes to Ottawa from Nepal via For more information on the store and its col- responded to 49 calls for help from persons in distress, lost or Hong Kong, and Ottawa is lucky to have this lection please visit www.bggo.ca. However, feared drowned. All three groups are part of the Ottawa Drown- female entrepreneur with tons of energy and it is best to visit Bobby in the store to receive ing Prevention Coalition. drive to make her dreams come true. first class service! The coalition also includes representatives of the City’s “I arrived in Ottawa with my husband Please help me welcome BGGO to the Parks Recreation and Cultural Services Department, Ottawa Pub- in 2008 and decided I was ready to realize Glebe by paying her a visit at 751 Bank St. lic Health, the Canadian Red Cross, the Lifesaving Society, and my dream of owning a woman’s clothing this spring. local community groups. store full of international fashions including Canadian made,” explains Bobby. “In 2009, Weathering Market Conditions To book an OSCAR ad call Gayle 730-1058 By Bob Jamieson and headlines are bleak. [email protected] This is especially important for uickest Route Isn’t Always Best many investors who rely on their We all want our investments to portfolios for income and tend to go up, and preferably immedi- be more concerned about short- Q term drops in portfolio values. ately. But we believe patience is an important attribute of a long-term in- Road Conditions Change Quickly vestor, and our research supports this. Successful investors don’t make In fact, studies show that most people money on every investment. In fact, who constantly buy and sell have his- success doesn’t mean making money torically had lower returns over time.* each year, and few investments per- The most noticeable short-term form well all the time. While this may investment risk is volatility, or the seem obvious, consider your reaction variations in investment value. If you to your last portfolio statement. Were sell out or vary from your plan, your you unhappy if investments dropped investments won’t have the potential to in value? And while it doesn’t guar- grow. And then you may find yourself antee a profit or protection from loss, facing other risks. One common risk for owning a well-diversified portfolio long-term investors is having too much means you’ll typically own invest- in short-term investments or cash, es- ments performing differently over pecially with today’s low interest rates. time – the main goal of diversification. There are many paths to success- It’s not always a smooth road. When fully making money. Some strategies road conditions test your resolve, re- get you to your financial goals fast- member your goals and why you’re er – if they work. But, like driving investing. A long-term approach based on ice, they could result in disaster. on time-tested investment principles Other strategies are like driving cau- can help you achieve your financial tiously with snow tires. Know how objectives. you’ll react to market volatility, so Speak with your financial advisor that you don’t have to change your to ensure your strategy will weather overall strategy when hazards arise. changing market conditions, or give Don’t Predict. Prepare. me call at 613-526-3030. You’re also Since road conditions are difficult to welcome to attend the Investment In- anticipate, many savvy drivers prepare sight seminar being held at my office for hazardous conditions. In much the on March 20th. same way, long-term investment success relies on preparation: selecting Bob Jamieson, CFP a strategy that take you through good and bad highways. Edward Jones, Member Can- Quality Helps You Stay on Track adian Investor Protection Fund. Owning a diversified portfolio of quality investments can give you greater *Source: Dalbar. confidence that your investments can Diversification does not guarantee a rebound when stocks have dropped profit or protect against loss. MARCH 2012 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR Page 41

Carleton Sports Cont’d Nadine Crowley .... From page 39 “unless they are 150 per cent sure they ling” (walking with the ball without cially true when there is a “blow-out”, teams this season. saw something different”. She says, “I dribbling) she will look at the tape to a one-sided game. In a close game, she Canadian referees don’t make a lot of strive to be accurate therefore I won’t see if the complaint was justified. After says, “you feel the energy. A blow-out money – they get paid about $110 a make a call unless I am sure. Some- a thorough review of the game tape, is tough. You make sure nobody gets game even at the top level. That’s not times that gets me into trouble”. they select three to five plays and pass hurt and the team being embarrassed much better when years ago Crowley After a game, they review the game these to the supervisor. gets off the floor with some dignity”. could make $75 – paid on the spot – for both by discussion and looking at tapes. Inevitably referees have good games That can be a problem in Ottawa where officiating a high school triple header. Crowley likes to check her positioning, and bad games. “As an official you are Carleton University men have won sev- “We do it for love of the game,” says go over any controversial calls and re- your own worst critic. A bad game can en of the last nine Canadian University Crowley. view anything related to complaints. If ruin your weekend.” championships and often win handily She’s had that love affair for 23 years. for example a coach has complained Crowley says it is difficult to keep fo- against weaker opponents. The Ravens that the refs were not calling “travel- cused for 40 minutes and that is espe- were 5-6 against NCAA division 1 Carleton and Canadian Interuniversity Sport By Joe Scanlon Part of the tournament will be televised. then Carleton has had a shoot-out win Carleton skiers are rated among the over Concordia in a game in which they best in Canada and Carleton should be anadian Interuniversity Sport Women’s Basketball trailed 4-1 before Kelsey Vander Veen among the top contenders for a Can- (CIS) playoffs start in late Feb- The women have been ranked in had a natural hat trick – which means adian championship. Cruary and continue into March the top 10 in Canada all season and re- she scored three consecutive goals. At a meet in North Bay, the Ravens so by the time you read this article, cently they had an overtime win over The women seemed assured of finish- captured 10 medals including four some Carleton teams may be finished University of Toronto their main rival ing third in Quebec behind McGill and first-place finishes. The Ravens men’s for the season, others may be heading for second place in Ontario Universi- Montreal. They would have to defeat team dominated the 10 km individual towards CIS championships. ties Athletics (OUA) east. It seems like- McGill twice if they wished to go fur- not only winning but finishing second, There are three Carleton teams ly they will be one of four teams at a ther in the playoffs. That seems unlike- third, fourth, fifth and sixth with Lee which should have a good shot at a na- tournament at the University of Ottawa ly. Hawkings taking top spot, followed tional championship – men’s basketball the same weekend as the men’s cham- by Kyle Power and Peter Beisel. The and men’s and women’s Nordic skiing. pionships. Given their top 10 ranking Men’s Hockey women weren’t quite as dominant but it would appear they have a chance to The men also defeated top-ranked Ingrid Hagberg finished first and Kyla The prognosis: play at the CIS eight-team champion- McGill and then lost a return game and Vanderzwet second. Men’s basketball ship tournament at the University of also lost to Ottawa. Four teams includ- The next day the men took five of The Carleton men have not lost a Calgary in mid-March. They were at the ing Carleton are all within one point of the top six spots, with Hawkings bring- game to a Canadian team all season. championships last season for the first each other in the standings, all strug- ing home his second gold of the week- They are ranked # 1 in Canada. They time ever. gling for the final playoff spot. It doesn’t end. The women again took first and are defending CIS championships. Even seem likely the men will be playing by second but this time Kendra Murray if they lose a playoff game, they should Women’s Hockey the time you read this. finished first and Ingrid Hagberg who be one of the eight teams playing at the For the first time ever the women’s had won the day before, second. Van- Metro Centre in Halifax March 9-10- hockey team defeated the # 1 team in Nordic (Cross country) Skiing derzwet was one second 11. Given their impressive record so far Canada and the defending CIS cham- The results of the Nordic cham- out of third. it will be disappointing if they don’t win pions, McGill. Then in the return game pionships will be reported in the next their eighth championship in 10 years. McGill defeated Carleton 10-0. Since issue of OSCAR.

Jesus Christ Superstar Tell OSCAR Readers about your trav- Sing-Along el or your interests. Friday, April 13, 7:00 pm. Send text and photos to Jesus Christ Superstar “Sing- Along” at St. Matthew’s Anglican [email protected] Church in the Glebe. Sing along to the soundtrack of the songs made famous in the musical and movie. Illustrated by still photos. Costumes welcome. Re- A Musical Offering freshments available. Adult $20, student $15. Tickets at church office, 217 For Palm Sunday: First Ave. (near Bank St.) or at the door. Event will take place in the downstairs The Crucifixion at St. Matthew’s Church Hall. Tel. 613-234-4024. www. stmatthewsottawa.ca. n Sunday April 1st at 7pm, The work includes five hymns for Sir John Stainer’s oratorio, the congregation to sing. OThe Crucifixion, will be Stainer was appointed as the presented at St. Matthew’s Anglican organist of a parish church in London Church in the Glebe. Featuring the at the amazingly young age of 14. He choirs of St. Matthew’s, St. Luke’s rose to become organist at St. Paul’s Anglican Church and St. Matthias Cathedral in London and professor Anglican Church, the liturgical work of music at Oxford University. His will be directed by St. Matthew’s works are not frequently performed Kirkland Adsett. The soloists will be today although many of his tenor Michael Ruddy and bass David arrangements of Christmas carols Keyes. have become standard versions. Victorian composer and organist A free will offering will be taken John Stainer (1840-1901) wrote in support of the Anglican Primate’s The Crucifixion: A Meditation on World Relief and Development Fund. the Sacred Passion of the Holy St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, 130 Redeemer, in 1886-87. It was first Glebe Ave. (near Bank St.), tel: 613- sung in London’s St. Marylebone 234-4024. www.stmatthewsottawa. Parish Church on Good Friday 1887. ca. Page 42 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR MARCH 2012

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE LIBRARY

Sunnyside Branch Library

Sunnyside Branch Library Mondays, 7:00 p.m. (60 min.) March watched the anime. Now discover are faced with a bewildering array 1049 Bank Street, Ottawa 19, April 16, May 14 the alchemy behind Fullmetal Al- of choices. Chris Taylor, from the 613-730-1082, chemist. Cecile Wilson, a scholar of Ottawa PC Users’ Group, will help Adult Services, guysread Western esotericism with an interest you “focus” your search for the ideal extension 22 Share the love of books. For boys and in alchemy, will reveal the concealed digital camera. Registration. Children’s Services, a significant adult. Ages 8-12. Regis- knowledge referenced by the icons Thursday, March 8, 6:30 pm (120 extension 29 tration. and concepts of alchemy that appear min.) Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. (60 min.) in this popular series. Registration. Children’s Programs March 21, April 18, May 16 Thursday, April 26, 7:00 pm (60 min.) The Future Is Now! - NFB Film Babytime Documentary For babies and their parents or care- March Break Adult Programs In an effort to re-connect a pessimistic giver with stories, rhymes, songs and Adventure Beat Conversation en français “everyman” with humanity, a journal- games. 0-18 months. Musical Storytime. Ages 3-5. Regis- Improve your spoken French and ist takes him on a voyage of possibil- Tuesdays, 2:15 p.m. tration. meet new friends in a relaxed setting. ities, encountering leading thinkers in March 27-April 24 Monday, March 12, 2 p.m. Thursdays, January 12 – May 31, the arts and sciences. Will the journal- 7:00 pm (60 min.) ist succeed in turning the cynic into Storytime Nature Art/Art Nature an optimist? Will it matter? What can Stories, rhymes and songs for pre- Environmental artist, Marc Walter, The Writing Workshop one person do? Registration. schoolers and a parent or caregiver. invites you to explore your creativ- An opportunity for writers of fiction, Thursday, March 22, 6:30 pm (90 Ages 3-6. ity while making art from elements non-fiction, poetry, and experimental min.) Mondays, 2:15 a.m. of nature. Ages 6-12. Registration. / forms to gather to help develop March 26-April 23 Artiste environnemental, Marc Walter works-in-progress for publication. Starting a Business vous invites a explorer votre créativ- The workshop will provide writers Interested in starting a business? Storytime (bi-lingual) ité lors de la manipulation d’éléments with encouragement and constructive The OCRI Entrepreneurship Centre Stories, rhymes and songs for pre- naturel. Pour les 6-12 ans. Inscription. criticism from their peers. Registra- presents this information-packed schoolers and a parent or caregiver. Tuesday, March 13, 2:00 p.m. (90 tion. workshop on how to start a business Ages 3-6. min.) Mondays, 6:00 pm (120 min.) March and business planning. Call 613-580- Contes, rimes et chansons pour les 19, April 2, May 28 2424 x32140 for information. Regis- enfants préscolaires et un parent ou Hunger Games tration. gardien. 3-6 ans. Test your skills. Ages 13+ Adult Special Programs Monday, March 26, 6:15 (120 min.) Wednesdays 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, 2:00 p.m. (60 March 28-April 25 min.) Improving Health Through Dynamic Neoplatonism Posture You may not have heard of Neo- Toddlertime Stories to the Rescue Come and join Dr. Chandan Brar of platonism, but you have certainly For toddlers and a parent or care- Storytime for young imaginations. the Glebe Chiropractic Clinic, for heard of demons! The demon, or giver with stories, rhymes, songs and Ages 3-5. Registration. interactive classes on improving your daimon, was a central feature of the games. Ages 18-35 months. Wednesday, March 14, 2 p.m. posture naturally. You will learn how Neoplatonic world. Join Cecile Wil- Tuesdays, 10:15 a.m. posture is connected to your diges- son, a scholar of the Western esoteric March 27-April 24 Fairy Tale Survival Kit tion, breathing and even a healthy traditions, as she looks at the Neo- OR Bread crumbs, clever tricks and prolonged life. Topics to be covered platonic conception of the world and Thursdays, 10:15 a.m. magic ~ be prepared! Ages 6-8. will include posture and the work- the universe and traces its influence in March 29-April 26 Registration place, effective strategies for stress our modern world. Registration. Thursday, March 14, 2 p.m. management, and nutrition. Registra- Thursday, March 29, 7:00 pm (60 Children’s Special Programs tion. min.) Kindermusik Perseus and the Gorgon Medusa Thursday, March 15, 7:00 pm (60 Kindermusik is an internation- Artelle Puppets bring you a perform- min.) Novelist ally respected music and movement ance of the popular story from Greek Wednesday, April 4, 7:00 pm (60 Have you ever wondered what you program for young children that mythology about Perseus’ quest to min.) should read next? The library has encourages and enhances their natural slay the evil Medusa. Ages 7-12. Thursday, May 17, 7:00 pm (60 min.) tools to help you discover new auth- creativity and love of music. Kinder- Registration. ors and read-alikes. Registration. musik is a unique, highly creative, Friday, March 16, 2:00 p.m. (45 min.) Kabbalah Thursday, April 12, 7:00 pm (60 min.) music learning experience for chil- The Jewish mystical tradition of dren from birth through to 7 years of Gaming Marathon Kabbalah has enjoyed an upsurge in Gardening Q & A age. In Kindermusik classes, children Can you survive this challenge. Ages interest in recent years, partly due to You’ve got questions? We’ve got an- sing and move, chant, play simple in- 9-12. Registration. celebrity endorsements. This popu- swers. Come with all your gardening struments and listen purposefully. The Friday, March 16, 2:15 p.m. larity has provoked the question: Is questions and get your solutions from natural creativity of a child’s mind is Kabbalah a practical prescription for a Master Gardener, Lee Boltwood. stimulated in a learning environment Teen Programs living or a mystical teaching for the Registration. where the emphasis is on process, not TAG Teen Advisory Group (Ongoing select few? Cecile Wilson, a scholar Thursday, April 19, 7:00 pm (60 min.) performance. Event) of the Western esoteric traditions, will Monday, March 19, 10:15 (45 min.) Sunnyside Teens--join our new Teen explore the foundational concepts of Adult Book Clubs Advisory Group and have a say in Kabbalah and invite you to form your Cercle de lecture Children’s Book Clubs which programs, activities and servi- own opinions. Registration. Partagez avec nous le plaisir des Mother-Daughter Book Club Ages ces will be offered to youth and also Thursday, February 23, 7:00 pm (60 livres dans une ambiance détendue. 7-9 help plan and implement them. Ages min.) Les mardis, 10 janvier, 2 février, 13 A place for girls and the special 14-18. To join, stop by the branch. mars, 10 avril, 8 mai, 19 h (60 min.) women in their lives to share books. Mango Languages Registration. Mother-Daughter Book Club Learning a new language has never Sunnyside Adult Book Club Mondays, 7:00 p.m. (60 min.) March A place for girls and the special been easier with Mango Languages. Meet new people and join in stimulat- 5, April 2, May 7 women in their lives to share books. Come and discover what the public ing discussions on selected titles in Ages 13-15. Registration. library offers to help you acquire new a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Mother-Daughter Book Club Ages Mondays, February 27, March 26, language skills. Registration. Registration. 10-12 April 23, May 28, 7:00 pm (60 min.) Thursday, March 1, 7:00 pm (60 min.) Fridays, February 24, March 30, April A place for girls and the special 27, May 25, 2:00 pm (60 min.) women in their lives to share books. Alchemy (for Teens) How to Buy a Digital Camera Registration. You’ve read the manga. You’ve When buying a digital camera, you MARCH 2012 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR Page 43 Teens Challenged OOS Winter Carnival By Lisa Drouillard offer as prizes this past year will no To Enter OPL Video Contest doubt encourage more participation in he Ottawa Public Library’s are reading with new technologies unday, February 5th gave OOS the next. (OPL) annual Teen Tech to inspire creativity. Most teens are residents and Windsor Park vis- OOS businesses offered fantastic Week video contest is back. extremely comfortable with current itors a gorgeous day to celebrate support for this year’s Carnival. Ka- S leidescope Children’s books provided T Winter Carnival! The weather was Teens 13 to 18 can participate by technology and are very imagina- creating a one-minute video about tive. We’re looking forward to an- mild enough to enjoy the games, but a beautiful gift basket with all man- a favourite book. The video may be other year of great submissions.” just chilly enough to keep the ice in ner of new releases for young read- a book trailer, a parody, a review, The top 10 finalists will be an- great shape for tossing turkeys. Hun- ers, which was raffled off at the turkey a dramatization of a compelling nounced and their videos will be dreds of neighbors came out for the toss table. Tracy Arnett Realty kept up scene, or anything related to their screened at an Awards Night & event, as was evident by the speedy their generous tradition of sponsoring book of choice. Teens are encour- Video Screening on Thursday, April disappearance of the substantial stock the cost of sleigh rides around Wind- aged to share their videos on You- 19 at 7:30 p.m. in The Chamber at of hotdogs prepared by OSCA Board sor Park for the afternoon. These are Tube between March 4 and March Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centre- member Greg Strahl. Greg’s daughter always a real highlight of the Carni- 31 with participants competing for pointe Drive. All participants will Meghan also volunteered at the event, val, and the absence of bitter winds the grand prize: an Apple iPad. be invited to attend but the win- helping out with raffle and turkey toss provided great conditions. C.A. Para- The iPad is compatible with OPL ners will not be revealed until the tickets, which were very much in de- dis, Taylor’s Genuine, Life of Pie and eBooks, and with the wireless con- Awards Night. This event is free mand. Stella Luna Gelato cafe all provided nections at all 33 OPL branches. and open to everyone. A special thank you must go to fantastic prizes for the chili and bread The video contest kicks off this For more information about Brendan McCoy for officiating this competitions, which were expertly year’s Teen Tech Week (TTW), the contest, including the rules and year’s competitive toss, with help adjudicated by our MPP, Yasir Naqvi, which takes place March 4-10. regulations, visit BiblioOttawaLi- from his family. City Councillor David Chernushenko, TTW highlights the fact that public brary.ca/TTW or call InfoService at Contributions of chili and bread and OSCA President Michael Jen- libraries are about much more than 613-580-2940. were down somewhat this year, which kin. Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson also books; OPL’s digital offerings in- was disappointing for the crowds of came out for the event, and while not clude eBooks, downloadable music OPL is the largest bilingual festival-goers, but helped to guaran- a chili judge this year, he was spotted from Freegal, OPL blogs and OPL library system in North America. tee that contributors took home great sampling the beautiful cookies and smart phone apps. Serving over 900,000 residents, prizes for their efforts. Neighbours pies on offer from both Yummy Cook- “We received more than 50 sub- the OPL helps build a strong, vi- should note that no formal invitation ies and Life of Pie. missions for last year’s contest, and brant and sustainable community is needed for entering chili into the Thanks to the fireball staff, OSCA they were all so creative,” said Jane by supporting literacy and life-long contest ( or helping to feed the crowds Board members, neighborhood vol- Venus, Manager of Lifelong Learn- learning, fostering inspiration and each year). Simply show up with your unteers, local businesses, community ing and Literacy at OPL. “This is enjoyment, and connecting people spicy offering in a labelled pot, and leaders and participants for making a way to bring together what teens to each other and the world. Carnival volunteers will keep it hot this a great event! and serve it up! The beautiful gifts on Firehall Cardio Fitness Centre By; Deborah Michelin place to workout at in the neighbourhood. Firehall Fitness Trainer Each member upon registering receives a complimentary orientation/workout session f you build it, they will come” seems to with one of five knowlegable personal trainers be the mantra when creating space in the that work at the center. As well, personal train- lower level at the Firehall for a Cardio Fit- ing sessions can be booked with these trainers I should you wish further coaching and motiva- ness Center and come they have. Exercisers of all ages have been joining since it opened tion to reach your fitness goals. Workshops are its doors in early October. The center boasts available to members with Strength Training to be the cleanest and brightest fitness facil- for Older Adults currently running on Wednes- ity around. There are two rows of brand new day afternoons and a Core Strengthening ser- cardio machines including six treadmills, ies planned for the spring. There is something three elipiticals, two stationary bikes and for everyone and the atmosphere at the cen- two recumbant bikes. The room is bordered ter is welcoming and supportive. by two huge walls of mirrors and has a well If you haven’t yet checked out this hid- equipped free weight section. For the stability den gem, drop by the Firehall and have a look. challenged amongst us, which is most of us, Chat with one of the trainers, set up your mem- there is an area with Bosu Balance Trainers, bership and orientation session and get rolling stability balls, foam rollers and a nice selec- towards a healthy and active lifestyle. tion of toning balls and bands. Since the room Please see information about registration, has been open members have commented at membership pricing and personal training in how fortunate they are to have such a beautiful the insert of this month’s OSCAR.

Greenboro Community Centre Page 44 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR MARCH 2012

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE LIBRARY

Alta Vista Branch Library Programs Offered At The Alta Perseus’ quest to slay the evil Ages 13-18. Registration. March 29, April 26, May 31 Vista Library Medusa. Ages 7-12. Registration. Thursday Apr 05, 2012 (4:00 pm - Harp Music from WalesCelebrate Programmes Offerts A La Wednesday Mar 14, 2012 (2:00 pm - 6:00 pm ) the music of Wales with harpist Mary Bibliotheque Alta Vista 2:45 pm) Muckle in concert. Alta Vista Branch Adults Thursday, March 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m. 2516 Alta Vista Drive How Did They Build the Pyramids? Register: www. Both parents and children will enjoy New! Documentary Series How to Start a Home-based Busi- biblioottawalibrary.ca this fascinating demonstration of how This documentary series is offered in ness Start building your home Or call 613-737-2837 x28 Ancient Egyptians may have moved collaboration with the Heron Rd. business with this two-hour program stones to build the pyramids. Ages Seniors Centre and will take place in presented in partnership with the Homework Club / Club de devoirs 7-12. Registration. the theatre of the Heron Rd. Com- Entrepreneurship Centre. Learn what Get tutoring and help with homework Thursday Mar 15, 2012 (10:30 am - munity Centre at 1480 Heron Rd. you need to consider, how to plan after school. Help is available 11:45 am) (1:00 pm - 3:00 pm) your business, and resources to help in math, reading and science, in Monday Mar 05 - “The World ac- you. Registration required. French and/or English. Ages 7-18 Imagination Station cording to Monsanto: From dioxin Call 613-580-2424 x 32140 for infor- Registration. Offered in partnership Refuel your creativity tanks with to genetically modified crops”. mation. with E.A.G.L.E. Center/ Reçoit du crafts and activities. Ages 6-8. Monday Apr 02 - “Madiba: The Thursday, March 1, 6:15-8:15 p.m. tutorat et de l’aide avec les travaux Registration. Life and times of Nelson Mandela”. scolaires. De l’aide disponible avec Thursday Mar 15, 2012 (2:00 pm - NFB Film Club: “The Chocolate les mathématiques, la lecture et les 2:45 pm) Book Banter Farmer” sciences, en français et/ou anglais. Drop in to share the enjoyment of In an unspoiled corner of southern Pour les 7 à 18 ans. Inscription. The Titanic Disaster / La tragédie du good books in a relaxed atmosphere. Belize, cacao farmer Eladio Pop Offert en partnariat avec E.A.G.L.E. Titanic Thursdays, 2:00 p.m. (1 hr.) works his plantation in the tradition Centre. (5:00 pm - 6:30 pm ) Facts and fiction to mark the 100th March 1: A Confederacy of Dunces of his Mayan ancestors. A tender Wednesdays, Jan 18 - May 30 anniversary of the ill-fated voyage. by and moving tale, this lush cinematic Ages 9-12. Registration. / Histoires John Kennedy Toole journey captures a year in the life of March Break et récits pour souligner le 100e the Pop family as they struggle to anniversaire du premier et dernier Tuesday Book Group preserve their values in a dramatic- Rugged Remedies voyage du dit « Insubmersible ». Share the enjoyment of good books ally changing world. Registration. The Billings’ were the first settlers Pour les 9 à 12 ans. Inscription. in a relaxed atmosphere. Join us for Wednesday, March 21, 2:00-3:15 in their area. How did they survive Friday Mar 16, 2012 (2:00 pm - 3:00 a discussion of The Great Books p.m. without modern conveniences? Learn pm) (First Series, Part 2) how Lamira cured them all with March 13, 27, April 10, 24 Author Reading: Not in My medicinal remedies and make your Teens 7 p.m. (1.5 hrs.) Father’s Footsteps own herbal tea to take home. Join local author Terrence Rundle Ages 6-12. Registration. Teen Book Swap Alta Vista Sleuth Hounds West for a reading from his latest Monday Mar 12 (10:30 am - 11:15 Expand your reading repertoire and Share the enjoyment of good book, a historical novel that am) share your favourites. Choose a book mysteries in a relaxed atmosphere. follows two young men from the related to the theme; read, share Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. (1.5 hrs.) bread lines and hobo jungles of Can- Avalanche to Zombie then swap suggestions with other March 15: Any title by Julia Spencer- ada to the battlefields of the Survival guide to natural disasters members. Title suggestions available Fleming Spanish Civil War. and unnatural phenomena. Ages at the branch. Ages 13-17. (7:00 pm Wednesday, March 21, 7:00-8:00 9-12. Registration. - 8:00 pm ) Infusions littéraires p.m. Monday Mar 12, 2012 (2:00 pm - Tuesday Mar 20 - Book into Film Partager une tasse de thé ou de 3:00 pm) tisane en discutant de livres. Adult Advisory Group 55+ Resume & Interview Skills with Les mardis, 14 h (1 hr.) Join the Alta Vista Adult Advisory Adventure Beat - Bouge de là! Youth Zone 20 mars : Un jour, même les pierres Group and let us know how we can Musical Storytime. Ages 3-5. Learn the elements of a good parleront de Kim Echlin. improve services for adults, and offer Registration. / Contes musicaux. résumé, even if you have never suggestions on future programs. Pour les 3 à 5 ans. Inscription. had work experience and improve Knit 2 Together Thursday, March 22, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Tuesday Mar 13, 2012 (10:30 am - your interview skills. Learn what Love to knit? Bring your needles, 11:15 am) Click here to register questions you can expect and the yarn and good cheer. No need for Perennial Gardening Tips appropriate answers. Ages 13-18. expertise, we knit for the pleasure of An expert from Artistic Landscape Fairy Tale Survival Kit / Pourrais-tu Registration. it. Designs will discuss the selection and survivre aux contes de fées? Thursday Mar 15, 2012 (4:00 pm - Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. (1.5 hr.) care of perennials for sun and shade. Bread crumbs, clever tricks and 6:00 pm ) March 3, April 7, May 5 Bring your questions! magic – be prepared! Ages 6-8. Wednesday, March 28, 6:30 - 8:00 Registration. / Miettes de pain, Job Retention with Youth Zone French Conversation Group p.m. astuces et tours de magie. Soyez When young people get fired, 75% Improve your spoken French in a prêts! Pour les 6 à 8 ans. Inscription. of the time it has nothing to do with relaxed setting. For those with an Using Ancestry Library Tuesday Mar 13, 2012 (2:00 pm - their way they perform the duties intermediate level of French. Introduction to the content and use of 2:45 pm) of the job but rather because of Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. (1.5 hrs.) this popular genealogy database. a lack in self management skills. Jan 24 – May 29 Tips and tricks. Registration. Stories to the Rescue / Histoires sans Learn what self-management skills Friday, March 30, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. fin are to improve your success in the English Conversation Group Storytime for young imaginations. workplace. Ages 13-18. Registration. Improve your English and meet new Used Book Sale Ages 3-5. Registration. / Contes pour Thursday Mar 29, 2012 (4:00 pm - friends. In partnership with Pick up great books at great prices! éveiller l’imagination des enfants. 6:00 pm ) Somali Family Services. Check out the Friends of the OPL Pour les 3 à 5 ans. Inscription. Mondays, 6:00-7:30 p.m. bookstore half-price book sale. Wednesday Mar 14, 2012 (10:30 am Job Search/Career Planning with Tuesdays, 12:00-2:00 p.m. Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - 11:15 am) Youth Zone March 10, April 14, May 12 Develop job search skills and Café Alta Vista for Adults 55+ Perseus and the Gorgon Medusa techniques, including the skills of Drop in for coffee and conversation Artelle Puppets bring you a networking and self-marketing while with others in the community. performance of the popular story cruising through careers that match Last Thursday of the month. from Greek mythology about your personal skills and abilities. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. MARCH 2012 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR Page 45

CLASSY ADS

CLASSY ADS are free for Old Ottawa South residents (except for businesses or for business activity) and must be submitted in writing to: The OSCAR, at the Old Firehall, 260 Sunnyside, or sent by email to [email protected] by the deadline. Your name and contact information (phone number or email address) must be included. Only your contact info will appear unless you specify otherwise. The editor retains the right to edit or exclude submissions. The OSCAR takes no responsibility for items, services or accurary. For business advertising inquiries, call 730-1058. For Sale ly $800 + Contact armstronglake@ storm.ca or call 730-2369. Child Care Looking For ------Bentley Upright piano - standard size, NANNY SHARE. We are looking Gracious elderly couple require a per- Family looking for 3 bedroom, 2 Best Offer 613 730 3928 for an OOS/Glebe area family who sonal assistant in their Ottawa home bathroom apartment, flat or house to would like to share the services of a in the Glebe. Job includes housekeep- rent in Old Ottawa South (for long- nanny in our home or yours. We are ing, errands, cooking, some driv- term lease) with moving date May or Accommodation seeking full time care beginning April ing. Applicant must have experience June 1. Would prefer location close to 2012 for our one-year old and hope to working with elderly, a driver’s li- Brewer Park with individual parking find another similarly-aged child to cense, ability to cook and some flex- and that is no smoking. For rent: Sunny century farmhouse join in on the fun. Post-school care ibility to travel. Previous experience ------on 160 acres with small private lake. may also be needed for our 3 year old as a healthcare worker is an asset. Wanted: Family home to rent starting Sandy shoreline suitable for chil- (TBD). We have a lead on a nanny, Housing in the Glebe can be part of July 2012 in OOS. Preferably fur- dren. Canoeing, fishing. Hiking trails but have yet to confirm. Please con- remuneration package. Please contact nished and available for several years. on adjacent Crown Land. Bon Echo tact us at [email protected] to [email protected] 613-608-8749 Park, golf and galleries nearby. Week- discuss! Around Town Landscape paintings by Old Ot- First ever Fashion Clothing Sale $90.00, others $95.00. Phone 613- Gardener Lectures: April 3 - All tawa South artist Brenda Small at Consignment Quality. Buy your 230-3276, email info@friendsofthe- from a little seed! April10 - Low Down Carmen`s Veranda, 1169 Bank St. spring wardrobe now! farm.ca Delightful Dirty Earth; April17 - The until April 4. (www.brendart.ca) Friday, Saturday March 16th& 17th beauty of annuals; April 24 - Creating 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Fourth Av- One-Day Visit To Monasteries Of a winter scene in your own yard. 7 March 3 By the Book, a used book- enue Baptist Church Bank St. at Quebec With Chorus Ecclesiae Sat- p.m. to 9 p.m., Bldg. 72, Arboretum, store and cafe operated by the Friends Fourth Avenue. Cash Only urday March 31, All Day Ride with C.E.F. east off Prince of Wales round- of the Ottawa Public Library Associa- Chorus Ecclesiae in our motor coach! about. Call 613-230-3276 info@ tion (FOPLA), is holding its monthly March 17, 1:30pm at Ottawa City Visit the cloistered Benedictine com- friendsofthefarm.ca www.friendsoft- half-price book sale on Saturday, Hall CCCA Trees & Greenspace munities at the Abbeys of Sainte- hefarm.ca March 3, from 10 to 4, at 363 Lorry Committee presents CROPS in POTS Marie des Deux Montagnes and Greenberg Drive. Following sale on with Master Gardener Edythe Fal- Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, and hear sung Craft & Bake Sale April 21 & 22 10 7. Drop by for great buys on hun- coner. Whether ornamental or edible, prayer services at the Abbeys, fol- a.m.- 4 p.m. FREE Friends of the dreds of books (most under $2). plants in containers can be very re- lowed by a brief recital of Gregorian Farm are hosting a Craft & Bake Sale, warding for those small places such as chant by the Chorus Ecclesiae. Enjoy with an incredible selection of items Liturgies Of Holy Week Concert porches, decks and balconies. Make beautiful scenery, three meals includ- to choose from, and don’t forget to Sunday March 11, 3:00 pm and 8:00 your green thumb greener on St Pat- ed. Call 613-567-7729 for informa- pick up some delicious baked goods. pm: Chorus Ecclesiae, conducted rick’s Day. Donations will be accepted tion and reservations. Bldg. 72, C.E.F., Arboretum, east off by Lawrence Harris, present a con- and refreshments will be served. Con- Prince of Wales round-about, 613- cert featuring Gregorian chant and tact Bonnie: 613-237-1056 Friends of the Farm hosts Master 230-3276, www.friendsofthefarm.ca choral music from the liturgies of Holy Week. Location: Cloister of Friends of the Farm – On the Road the Dominican Convent, 96 Empress Again March 28 - Travel to Upper St. Free admission, and free parking Canada Playhouse, Morrisburg, for a in the adjacent lot. Information 613- matinee performance of Norm Fos- 567-7729. ter’s “The Foursome”, followed by dinner at the Legion. Cost: members

SPRING INTENSIVE WRITING CLASSES

Four-week April course is aimed at writers with an idea/s at any stage of development who want to refine and polish and prepare for publication. Veteran journalist Susan Hickman (http://www.linkedin.com/in/ hickmansusan) will help students structure their article(s), provide tips for interviewing, explore potential markets and teach how to pitch to editors. Contact [email protected] for information or to register by March 15 to secure your spot. Only $99. Page 46 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR MARCH 2012 YourMarketplace

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NOTES FROM THE GARDEN CLUB Shrubs—Diversity and Drama in the Garden By Colin Ashford chartreuse to aquamarine but also not- so-subtle bursts of red from Japanese he ice storm of 1998 may have and Korean maples and muted golden created havoc in the wood- colours from bald cypresses. lands of 210 Burritt’s Rapids Dave continued his presentation T by noting that fruiting shrubs such as Road just outside of Merrickville, but Dave Dunn and Rob Caron took crab apple, viburnum, magnolia, and the opportunity to clear a large area winterberry not only provide colour

Fall Feeding Station tions available. The 2012 Ramble Recommenda- • Hemlock—dwarf and weeping. tions: • Balsam and spruce—dwarf • Amur maple—great screen, col- introductions. our, tolerant. • Rhododendrons—Finnish (big- • Ninebarks—tolerant, great leaf variety). backdrop and screening. The next meeting of the Garden • Japanese barberry—many new Club will be on Tuesday 13 March introductions for colour and impact. 2012 at 7.00 p.m. at the Old Ottawa • Sweet Spire (Clethra)—toler- South Community Centre (The Fire- ates shade, late blooming. hall), 260 Sunnyside Avenue, when • Japanese and Korean maples— Darrell Kekanovich and Neill Ritchie undeniable impact, part shade, fall of Ritchie Feed and Seed will describe colour. perennials rated best in show suitable • Hydrangeas—huge selection, for our area—lovely plants to use to shade, and fall impact. create beautiful scenes in your gar- • Dwarf ginkgo—new introduc- den.

Winter Spruce of the property of broken trees and and interest (often late into the fall) but began the process of creating what also attract and encourage birds such would eventually become one of only as robins and waxwings. Flowers are two nurseries in eastern Ontario voted also a good reason to choose shrubs: “worth the drive” by Gardening Life a number of shrubs such as roses, hy- magazine. The Rideau Woodland drangeas, and rhododendrons exhibit Ramble (rideauwoodlandramble. quite striking flowers whereas shrubs com) is a garden centre and display such as viburnum and hazel exhibit gardens whose mission is “to cap- more subtle flowers. ture the imagination of gardeners Probably the most contentious and collectors”, and Dave and Rob issue with shrubs is size. Dave noted did an excellent job of capturing the the oft-made mistake of planting a imagination of the members of the shrub that grows, over time, to over- Old Ottawa South Garden Club and power its surroundings. Fortunately their guests. Amongst other things, there are now dwarf varieties of most Rideau Woodland Ramble special- popular shrubs including crab apple, izes in growing and selling a range of larch, burning bush, and bald cypress. shrubs—and shrubs were the subject By adjusting the height of support of their presentation. poles of weeping plants such as spruce Dave started off with a definition and hemlock, the plant height can be of a shrub (any woody plant less than controlled. Illustrating his point that five metres tall), and continued by list- shrubs also provide interest in winter, ing his criteria for choosing shrubs, Dave showed pictures of winter pine, namely: fragrance, colour, fruit, winter spruce, spire oak, and magno- flowers, form, and winter interest. lia flower buds with their promise for Whilst we tend to associate fragrance the coming spring. with flowering plants, shrubs like To finish the evening, Dave roses, mock orange, lilac, and magno- showed a series of photographs illus- lia are extremely fragrant—and sweet trating how the elements of a garden— spire and our native witch hazel are colour, form, focal points, structure, additionally fragrant late into the year. contrast—are brought together at the In terms of colour, shrubs not only Ramble and how shrubs form the offer a subtle range of greens from bones of the Ramble. Page 48 The OSCAR - OUR 40th YEAR MARCH 2012