November 29, 2018: Newswest Announcement; Stop the presses.

November 29, 2018: Newswest Announcement;
Stop the presses.

Dear Newswest Readers.

This is the final print edition of Newswest! After 40 years of publishing Kitchissippi community news, the Board has decided it is time to stop the presses.

We give special thanks to our many volunteers and editors, who over the years, made Newswest the community paper of the day and particularly our current editor Tim Thibeault. We also acknowledge the positive support of the Kitchissippi Times management and staff – our publication partner since 2003, our correspondents from across the region and especially you, our supporters and readers,

Although this is the final print edition of Newswest, we are continuing to work with community partners to develop our electronic Newswest presence. If you are interested in becoming part of a new E-Newest, contact us at: editor.newswest@gmail.com .
Thank you!
Pat O’Brien
Chair, Newswest Inc.

 

November 29, 2018: Christmas Story Returns to St Martin’s; The Nativity as it’s meant to be shared.

November 29, 2018: Christmas Story Returns to St Martin’s;
The Nativity as it’s meant to be shared.

Story and photo by Sharron Hanna.

A real donkey and several of his animal pals will be front and centre once again in a live depiction of the Nativity story set to take place on the grounds of St Martin’s Anglican Church Sunday, December 9th between 2 and 4 pm. The church is located in the Carlingwood area at 2120 Prince Charles Road where it meets Lockhart Avenue.

With St Martins’ located in a neighbourhood brimming with young families, and a good cross section of residents at the grandparenting stage of life, it is the hope of event organizer, Fiona Hills, that folks throughout the neighbourhood will come and enjoy a rendition of the nativity story that invokes the true spirit of Christmas.

Of course with proceedings being held out of doors in typical Canadian weather for this time of year – read snow and below zero temperatures – there’ll be hot chocolate and cookies at hand to match the warmth of the nativity story being shared by the young people enrolled in St Martin’s Cross Training program.

Admission is free. All are welcome. Free will donations gratefully appreciated.

Photo Caption: This donkey and his many furry friends are part of St Martin’s outdoor nativity celebration ready to delight young and old alike.

November 29, 2018: Christmas Day at the Carleton; 18th Annual Community Get-together.

November 29, 2018: Christmas Day at the Carleton;
18th Annual Community Get-together.

By Hintonburg Economic Development Committee.

The Carleton Tavern is once again hosting a free Christmas Day meal on December 25th.

Seventeen years ago, the owners of the Carleton Tavern wanted to ensure that Christmas was a wonderful day for those who might otherwise spend the day alone. They turned what might be a very sad and lonely day for hundreds of people into a day of music, good food and fellowship with neighbours and friends.

The Hintonburg Economic Development Committee has partnered with the Carleton Tavern on this event. Last year about a 1000 meals were served, either at the tavern, delivered to those who could not attend, or taken out for someone who could not come. At the end of the day the very small amount of food remaining was distributed to local rooming houses and the family shelter.

It really does take a village – 130 volunteers, 20 musicians, 30 businesses, several organizations and countless individuals who drive, deliver, bake, wait, or donate, to make this day a memorable one in Kitchissippi Ward. After 18 years, this memorable day has become a memorable tradition.

As always, making this day happen requires the whole community’s help. We need donations of: turkey, pre-cooked boneless ham, tortiere and home-baked goodies. Frozen turkeys should be dropped off to the Carleton 10 to 14 days before Christmas to allow time to thaw and cook the amount we need. Baking can be dropped off December 23 to 25.

We also need gifts of new, unused items (especially for men): gloves, hats, scarves, personal care items. We appreciate gift cards: Giant Tiger, coffee cards, certificates for food (Hintonburger, Pizza Pizza, Subway), phone cards, and movie passes. We need gifts for women, children, youth and also for pets.

We also really appreciate donations of gift bags – both gently used and new.

For information contact Cheryl 613-728-7582 or carletonxmasdinner@hotmail.ca or hedc@sympatico.ca .

So, whether you attend as a diner, a server, an entertainer or a volunteer, come and participate in the 18th Annual Christmas Day meal at the Carleton Tavern, 223 Armstrong at Parkdale, from 11am to 3pm December 25. Santa and Mrs. Claus look forward to seeing you there.

November 29, 2018: Photo Inset: MCA Support; Helps the art of some friendly fine feathers.

November 29, 2018: Photo Inset: MCA Support;
Helps the art of some friendly fine feathers.

Photo Caption: Mechanicsville Community Association (MCA) was pleased to provide a Letter of Support for the property owner at 93 Carruthers in order to obtain a permit for a mural to be painted by artist, Daniel Martelok. This mural is located on Carruthers and Lyndale Avenue and was unveiled this past summer. MCA would also like to recognize the property owner, Blair Simser, who has redeveloped this property into attractive, affordable housing units. This rental property has also attracted great residents to the community of Mechanicsville. Kitchissippi could do with more property owners like this one. Photo courtesy of Mechanicsville Community Association.

November 29, 2018: Cst Neilly’s Neighbourhood; Light up the night for safety.

November 29, 2018: Cst Neilly’s Neighbourhood;
Light up the night for safety.

By Cst. Dawn Neilly, OPS.

It looks like we’re well and truly into the dark season, otherwise known as winter. The long, dark winter nights are wonderful for showing off your Christmas lights but they’re also a great opportunity for would-be thieves to go about their activities without being noticed. Shining a light into the dark is a good way to thwart someone planning to break into your car or home. If you haven’t done so already, consider installing lights over your front and back doors and make sure they get turned on. If you prefer, make them motion-sensitive lights. If you have a garage and a vehicle, put the vehicle when it’s not in use in the garage and lock the garage door. A light over the garage door can’t hurt either.

In addition to the security of your property, once the dark days arrive, you need to think carefully about your personal safety, especially as a pedestrian or cyclist and especially during early morning and late afternoon rush hours.

By law, bicycles need to have a white light in front and a red light in back, and white reflective tape on the front forks and red on the back forks. But don’t stop there. You are at least as important as your bike, so get some reflective clothing and tape on yourself. You can’t be too visible.

Pedestrians, don’t hesitate to emulate your cycling neighbours. Lights and reflective gear for yourself and the dog you might be walking could be a lifesaver. Make it a light, bright, safe winter.

November 29, 2018: Where Does It All Go; Lessons from leftovers.

November 29, 2018: Where Does It All Go;
Lessons from leftovers.

By Carol Card.

Whew! The First Unitarian Fall Fair, held on November 17, is over for another year. This is the largest church bazaar in the city, with over 12,000 sq. ft. of sales space, 16 different shopping areas and some 300 volunteers. As always, it was a great event, with fun and bargains for all.

For Katherine Gunn and her team, the next phase has already begun. Their challenging task is to reduce waste by diverting material from the dumpster and giving it a new purpose. The fundraiser’s success depends on the tons of clothing, linens, computer equipment, books and other household goods brought in by church members and friends. That quantity of donations, however, creates the potential for large amounts of discards going to the landfill, including good-quality items that just didn’t find the right buyer on sale day. In response, and in keeping with Unitarian principles of protecting the environment and helping those in need, the “Site Services” team has found many innovative ways to recycle, reuse and redistribute everything possible from the fair.

These efforts were initiated some years ago when Katherine, a Westboro resident and longtime volunteer, spotted a large pile of blue recycling bags full of paper, plastics, etc. sitting beside the church. Given her deep involvement in community and environmental organizations, she wondered what else could be redirected from the fundraiser’s many unaccepted and leftover donated goods. Today, as a result, everything from scrap paper to torn linens and stuffed toys, is put to further use somehow.

Here are just a few examples. Paper, plastics and other recyclables are scrupulously separated for recycling. Metal goes to a scrap dealer who assists First Unitarian’s Poverty Action Working Group in moving furniture for the Minwaashin Indigenous Women’s support centre. Sewing and craft materials, including fur and leather from damaged coats, are sent to Inuit crafters in Arctic fly-in communities. For leftover electronics, it’s off to the Ottawa chapter of World Computer Exchange, for distribution in underdeveloped countries. The Good Companions Seniors Centre receives decorative items for their thrift shop. Unsold clothes are divided among various charities, such as drop-in centres, refugee support groups, clothing banks and organizations like Suits His Style, which provides business clothes to help low-income men find employment. Winter boots find appreciative new wearers at men’s and women’s shelters. And the 100-plus boxes of surplus books are shared among a number of local community organizations.

In this way, more than a dozen charities are supported, and waste from the Fall Fair is greatly reduced. As Katherine comments, “By the time we are done, my old van is ready for a tune-up, and so am I!” But the work is worth it.

Photo Caption: Katherine Gunn sorting recyclables after the First Unitarian Congregation’s November Fall Fair. Careful waste-reduction and diversion serves to protect the environment while helping to the greatest possible extent, those in need both locally and nationally. Photo by Carol Card.

November 29, 2018: Rosemount Library; Looking to the Future.

November 29, 2018: Rosemount Library;
Looking to the Future.

By Josh Nutt, Chair READ Rosemount Community Group.

The Ottawa Public Library’s Rosemount Branch recently marked 100 years in its current building on 18 Rosemount Ave. Service is top-notch at Rosemount; the space leaves much to be desired. But after renovations beginning soon, Rosemount will, READ hopes, march into its second century revitalized and ready to provide improved community spaces for reading, reflection, social congregation, and study, notwithstanding the limited space the architects have to work with.

The wonderful new central libraries in Calgary, Halifax (and soon Ottawa!) herald a new era of public libraries as major and important community spaces of architectural significance that build civic pride. Equally, stunning new branch libraries in urban areas across Canada reflect branch libraries as innovative, interactive, and integrated community hubs. These branches provide powerful models for the Rosemount planning and design team as revitalization and renovation takes shape. Some examples.

Right here at home, Ottawa’s Beaverbrook and Greenboro and Kingston’s Rideau Heights branches have wonderful group study spaces. All new and renovated branches across the country have public bookable meeting rooms. Winnipeg’s Windsor Park and Victoria’s sx?e?x??? t???x? | James Bay branches are filled with an abundance of natural light. Most new branches including Markham’s Aaniin and Halifax’s tiny Musquodoboit Harbour branches have curved shelving often on wheels to provide flexibility, but with no diminution of collection size. Several library systems notably in Victoria, Markham, Winnipeg, Lethbridge and Regina have carefully developed collections, spaces and programing to respect and acknowledge Canada’s Indigenous peoples – First Nations, Métis and Inuit.

Technology underpins increasingly responsive and efficient service at renovated branches. This includes self-check and automated returns, sophisticated maker spaces and creative studios, ample and mobile public computer access, digital media labs, 24/7 wireless access, and much more. In Halifax and in some new Scandinavian libraries, even after-hours access is offered requiring no staff present.

All new branches have put an emphasis on more and varied seating for individuals and groups designed to support leisure, study, and business pursuits. Finally, most new branch libraries increasingly develop with significant community input so that the resulting expenditure of public monies responds closely to identified community needs.

Canada’s urban centres continue to put a priority on good, environmentally sensitive design. Recently five new branches were awarded LEED designation-the most widely used green building rating system in the world. LEED Silver included the Edmonton/Calder, Kingston/Rideau Heights and Winnipeg/Windsor Park branches; LEED Gold included the Toronto/Albion and Markham/Aaniin branches.

Many new/renovated/expanded branch libraries are part of a larger community complex such as Ottawa’s Greely, Beaverbrook, Greenboro and St-Laurent branches, Vaughan’s Pleasant Ridge and Vellore Village branches, Regina’s Albert Branch at mâmawêyatitân centre (a Cree word for let’s be all together) and Montreal’s Benny branch a part of the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Cultural Centre. These joint ventures, while sometimes challenging, offer enormous advantages to service opportunities.

Let’s hope that a revitalized Rosemount builds on the success of all these recent branch library developments across Canada!

Josh Nutt.

November 29, 2018: Moving On;

November 29, 2018: Moving On;
.

By Anna Borris.

“I don’t know how I’m going to get through Christmas” my mom sighed. “Shopping, planning, cooking, getting the house ready for visitors…” I had just come in from a preliminary round of Christmas shopping with a couple of friends. We were all starting to feel holiday merriment and the afternoon had been fun if not too productive. “I’ll help you Mom, as soon as my exams are over,” I offered.

Dad came in and we all sat around the dinner table. “I have something to tell you all,” he said. “It’s pretty big news. You remember a while back that I mentioned that part of my department would be relocated out of province? I hadn’t heard much more for a while, so I thought my section was staying here. Today I heard that in fact that the entire department is moving..

I looked up in shock. “Moving? Where? When?” I stuttered.

My little brother’s eyes were as big as saucers. “Are we selling our house?” he asked, his voice quivering.

“We will be moving to Prince Edward Island, but not until February,” Dad replied. “Yes we will be selling this house. I’ll spend a few days in Summerside looking at houses. When I have found a few possibilities, you all will come down and we can decide which one is the best.”

Marty’s eyes were full of tears. “I don’t want a new house. I like this house and my school.”

I could feel panic building. “Can’t you switch to another department Dad? One that’s staying here?” I asked desperately. “I don’t want to move away, all my friends are here. I won’t know anybody.”

“I know it’s hard to leave all your good friends here,” Mom said. “At least there will be lots of new people at school who are transferring from Ottawa.”

I pushed my chair away from the table. “I’m not hungry. I’m going to call Karen and tell her the horrible news..

Karen couldn’t believe it. “I’m just devastated,” she wailed. “I’m calling Judy and we’re coming over to your house right now.”

Soon Judy and Karen arrived, bringing Dave and Mike with them. We sat in the basement rec room with chips and cokes, talking over the details. The boys thought it would be a great idea for us to visit all our hang-outs together one last time during the Christmas holidays. We would do it all in one day.

Starting at Wellington and Somerset we’d visit Jack’s restaurant first, hunt for bargains at Neighbourhood Services then pop in to see Adele at the Manhattan. After checking out United Stores, we could visit George and Frank at the Galaxy to see if they had any luck at the track. Malhams was always good for candy and gum. Maybe something fun would be playing at the Elmdale. Fred and Eva at the Aroma Restaurant were always ready to yell at us. After a walk through Beamish’s, we would wind up at Jimmy’s and hope that our friend Sandy the cop would be there. He was always full of stories and good for a laugh.

Our plan was set by dinnertime and the gang agreed to meet and spend as much time together as we could in the days remaining to us.

I was feeling more and more depressed, and as my friends trooped out the door I muttered to my mom, “I don’t know how I’m going to get through Christmas either.”

October 30, 2018: Lumbering Days Legacy; Kitchissippi poet celebrates J. R. Booth.

October 30, 2018: Lumbering Days Legacy;
Kitchissippi poet celebrates J. R. Booth.

By Barbara Clubb.
[Ed: the print version of this article will appear later.]

The Ottawa street leading to the Chaudière Bridge, a hill in Kingsmere, a road in North Bay, an Algonquin Park lake, and a red brick mansion on Metcalfe Street –– all are named after John Rudolphus Booth, pre-eminent among the Ottawa Valley lumber kings but today forgotten by many. A new book, Building on River, by longtime Kitchissippi resident Jean Van Loon, brings him back to life.

Curiously, Van Loon chose to explore Booth’s life and times through poetry. “Poetry felt like the way to draw out the sounds, smells, and textures of his childhood on an eastern townships homestead and his life in roughneck Bytown. Plus, I could present the perspectives of different voices in different poems.” In fact, the first poem in the book assumes the voice of the Ottawa River.

Upon his death in 1925, Booth had his papers burned. No diaries or journals or personal letters admit a reader of today into his thinking. “Poems have the advantage that nobody expects them to be literally factual,” says Van Loon, “so I felt freer to imagine his thoughts and feelings and those of his family and business associates.”

Booth lived to 98 and worked to the very end. He built a business empire on the forests of the Ottawa Valley and the power of the Chaudière. In the 1880s, with his Chaudière sawmill becoming the largest in the world, he built a railroad from Vermont to Georgian Bay, a steamship line to link the railroad to the Canadian prairies and the U.S. Midwest, and grain elevators on Parry Island to accommodate shipments moving east. Van Loon notes, “the Queensway through Kitchissippi follows the path of that railway. And the original Experimental Farm consisted largely of land bought from Booth’s farm holdings.” This was a man recognized not just in Canada but around the world for his business achievements.

Van Loon shows Booth as a driven man, passionate about his work. He was also an eccentric, loved by thousands of employees. He dressed in tradesman’s clothing, worked at manual labour alongside his men, and offered his own home remedies if they were sick. The poor state of public health and medical treatment in the 1800s affected his family – three children of the eight born to him and his wife Rosalinda died in early childhood, and one of tuberculosis at 23. “In those days,” says Van Loon, “one in five people in this area caught TB, and the average life span after diagnosis was five years.”

Building on River brings to life a fascinating figure who shaped Kitchissippi and much of Ottawa. “More Canadian history needs to be re-imagined as poetry,” poet Catherine Owen wrote, reviewing the book in her blog Marrow Reviews. Van Loon’s Building on River made the bestseller list of Books on Beechwood for two months running and is available at the Ottawa Public Library and in Books on Beechwood, Perfect Books, Octopus Books, branches of Chapters and Coles and online from Amazon and Indigo.

Photo Caption: Kitchissippi writer Jean Van Loon celebrates the life and times of Ottawa Valley lumber baron J. R. Booth in her new book Building on River. Photo by Michelle Valberg.

October 30, 2018: Unitarian Grannies in Action; Holiday Market fights Aids pandemic (on November 25).

October 30, 2018: Unitarian Grannies in Action;
Holiday Market fights Aids pandemic (on November 25).

By Shari McGuigan.
[Ed: the print version of this article will appear later.]

Colleen Murray, a long-time resident of West Wellington is a mother, a grandmother, and a member of the Unitarian GoGos. The GoGos are part of the One World Grannies, a group which, through their annual GRAND Market, raises funds for the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers’ Campaign.

And why are these grandmothers fundraising? The “Grandmothers to Grandmothers” program has shown itself, over a period of twelve years, to be a unique and effective way of combating the AIDS pandemic in Africa. The program involves grandmothers, originally in Canada, and now also in Australia, the U.K. and the U.S.A., raising funds (over $30 million, since 2006!) to help grandmothers in Africa who are supporting grandchildren affected, or orphaned, by AIDS.

This program takes action to strengthen families, and to build confidence, skills and a route to success for grandchildren whose parents can no longer support them. African grandmothers are feeding, housing, and clothing their grandchildren, putting them through school, creating support groups to manage grief, and delivering comfort and hope.

Important progress has been achieved on HIV/AIDS. Globally, new HIV infections among young children were reduced by half between 2010 and 2016. On the other hand, infections among teens between the ages of 15 and 19 are rising. Two-thirds of those newly-infected persons are girls. The Grandmothers to Grandmothers initiative has put in place programs which speak strongly to African teens about how they can prevent infection, or, if necessary, obtain treatment.

Colleen coordinates the GRAND Market’s Children’s Toys and Books section. Gently used treasures are donated by Grannies and their friends. Colleen ensures that donated items are complete and in nearly new condition. Thus, the GRAND Market is able to offer, at remarkably low prices, a wonderful collection of good quality toys, games and books for babies, toddlers and school age children.

The Grannies want everyone to know that their 4th annual GRAND Market, which started in the Churchill Seniors’ Centre and has outgrown its origins, will take place on Sunday November 25 at Lansdowne Park’s Horticulture Building from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The GRAND Market will feature a wide variety of home-made and holiday items including baking, crafts, and gifts.

Also featured will be many “gently-used” offerings, including excellent-quality women’s clothing and accessories, children’s toys, books, board games, and art, silver, glassware and other treasures. Visitors can enjoy a coffee, treats or lunch at the Sweet and Savoury Café and perhaps chance a visit to Grandmother Moon, our popular Tarot card reader.

For more information contact One World Grannies’ Val Swinton vswinton2@icloud.com or Peggy Edwards wanderingpeggy@me.com .

Photo Caption: Colleen Murray, of Wellington West, coordinates the GRAND Market’s Children’s Toys and Books section. Photo by Bill Van Iterson.

October 30, 2018: Rosemount Library Revitalization; Ensuring Community Voices are Heard.

October 30, 2018: Rosemount Library Revitalization;
Ensuring Community Voices are Heard.

By Josh Nutt Chair, READ Rosemount.
[Ed: the print version of this article will appear later.]

On October 3, the Ottawa Public Library hosted a very well attended open house regarding the revitalization of the Rosemount library. The small lower-level meeting/program space at Rosemount was packed as members of the community circulated to examine design ideas for the future Rosemount. Attendees shared their own ideas and feedback by writing on Post-It notes and attaching them to various poster-boards created by +VG Architects.

The Open House was busy and shows that our community is keenly interested on the future of our local library. I heard great ideas for how to make Rosemount better and a bit bigger. The OPL and +VG Architects must take the time to reflect on what the community said and incorporate the feedback into the preliminary design. READ will continue to hold the OPL accountable and will push for a presentation from the architects when the preliminary design is released in December 2018.

One particular design element that invoked criticism was the OPL’s focus on outdoor space. Many attendees expressed concerns that outdoor space would have limited use given Ottawa’s climate. In READ’s view, the focus should be on expanding and improving the indoor space.

The ongoing community consultations allow residents to give feedback on all aspects of the proposed renovation. READ believes that Rosemount must meet the demands of the diverse and growing Kitchissippi neighbourhood. The library should be re-designed so it becomes an innovative, interactive, and integrated community hub. READ also encourages people to consider what design features would allow Rosemount to serve the high-needs and vulnerable groups and individuals in the community.

The Ottawa Public Library is still seeking feedback through an online survey. As well as the survey, the display boards and photos used at the Open House are also on the OPL website at biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/rosemount-revitalization-presentation.

A second consultation will present a preliminary design based on the input received from the community. READ will ask that the format for this December consultation feature a presentation by the architects, followed by a question and answer session. It is important that there be a dialogue so all attendees can hear each other’s viewpoints.

For more information: visit the READ website http://www.readrosemount.ca/,

Photo Caption: Revamped outdoor areas at the OPL Rosemount Branch will not guarantee year-round comfortable reading spaces to rectify current crowded conditions. READ members stress the importance of additional indoor space. Photo courtesy of R.E.A.D.

To see what’s happening with library branch development in other urban Canadian cities CLICK HERE ( https://www.exlibris.ca/doku.php?id=occasional_papers:red_hot_library_development )

October 30, 2018: Photo Inset: Recreation Association of Hintonburg; Supported by T-shirt sales.

October 30, 2018: Photo Inset: Recreation Association of Hintonburg;
Supported by T-shirt sales.

[Ed: the print version of this article will appear later.]

Photo Caption: John Ferguson, owner of GT Express, joins Hintonburg Economic Develeopment Committee (HEDC) Co-Chair Cheryl Parrott (r), to present a cheque for $2,000 to the Recreation Association of Hintonburg’s Chair, Lorrie Marlow (l), and some of the Friday night basketball players.

The $2,000 represents the proceeds from sale of Hintonburg t-shirts which was a joint effort by GT Express and the HEDC to raise funds for youth programming.

The Recreation Association will use the money to pay for team jerseys, a spring basketball tournament, basketball coaching and a referee training course.

Through the generosity of GT Express and the HEDC, the RAH provides free drop-in basketball and soccer programs on Friday nights at the Connaught School gyms. The basketball program for youth ages 13+ usually has approximately 20+ participants and the soccer program, for kids 8 to 12 years of age has around the same number. These free drop in programs run at Connaught School every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. through the winter. For information on these programs, message the Recreation Association of Hintonburg Facebook page.

October 30, 2018: Halloween Party 1962; Melting mummies and a graveyard smash.

October 30, 2018: Halloween Party 1962;
Melting mummies and a graveyard smash.

By Anna Borris.
[Ed: the print version of this article will appear later.]

Every fall, on a late October weekend, our neighbourhood had a Halloween party in the community building at the park. For days before, we planned our costumes carefully, knowing we would wear the same one again on the actual night. I borrowed an old house-dress from my mom, added a long fringed shawl, and tied a kerchief around my head. In the basement I found some old brass curtain rings and sewed them to the scarf for earrings. The end result was a perfect cartoon gypsy.

My ten year old brother wasn’t having any luck finding a costume and was getting discouraged. Our mom made some suggestions, but nothing was appealing. It was almost time to leave when I had an idea. “Hey Marty, how would you like to be a mummy?”

“Sure,” he said looking more cheerful. I found some rolls of toilet paper and wrapped him from his legs up to his head, with a little slit for him to peer out. We added an old hat, and some fake glasses, nose and mustache. He was delighted with his image in the mirror, so we headed to the park.

Tables of candy, donated cupcakes, cookies and fruit punch lined the back wall which was decorated with orange and black balloons and grotesque jack o’lanterns. After everyone had had something to eat and drink, the costume judging took place. We all stood in a line around the room and three of the parents conducted an inspection. To my astonishment Marty the mummy won first prize, an orange flashlight to use on his Halloween rounds.

I found Karen and Dave in the crowd and Marty met his gang of buddies. The party naturally included a dance. Everyone did the Twist along with Chubby Checker. Elvis sang “Good Luck Charm”, the Four Seasons sang “Sherry” followed by Gene Pitney, Bobby Rydell, Brenda Lee and Sue Thompson. Bobby Boris Picket finished off the dancing with our favourite new song “Monster Mash”. We loved it so much, nobody danced to that one; we just sang along. It was a graveyard smash.

When we got tired of dancing, it was time to tell horror stories. We sat in a huge circle, and a few people had scary tales to share. Our friend Dave told one we had heard since we were little kids. He embellished the story, adding creepy details and changing his voice to suit each character. It was about a girl who always wore a kerchief and refused to tell anyone why. After being bullied about it, she yanked it off and her head fell off. Even though we had heard it a thousand times, we were still horrified but at the same time we all launched into hysterical laughter. Some of the other stories were about the killer with the hook that came off on the handle of the lovers’ car door, and the monster in the basement coming up the stairs one at a time, suspense building with every step.

On that note, the party ended. As Marty and I headed into the spooky dark night, I noticed he was wearing his plain clothes again. “What happened to your costume?” I asked.

“I spilled some juice on it, and it just disintegrated,” he laughed.

“Good thing the judging happened at the beginning of the party. Never mind, we’ll do it again for Halloween night.”

“OK,” he grinned and shining his new orange flashlight on the sidewalk ahead, he got us safely home before any monsters could catch us.

October 30, 2018: Newswest AGM; Celebrating 40 Years of Communty Service.

October 30, 2018: Newswest AGM;
Celebrating 40 Years of Communty Service.

By Pat O’Brien, Newswest Chair.
[Ed: the print version of this article will appear later.]

All are invited to attend Newswest’s 40th Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, November 13 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Hintonburg Community Centre. The AGM will be a celebration of our 40 years of providing community news to the residents of Ottawa West.

Light refreshments will be served.

This will be a full AGM with the election of Board Members in accordance with Newswest’s By-Laws. If you live within the distribution area* and wish to run for the Board of Directors you must be a paid-up member ($5.00) by October 14, 2018 For information contact us at editor@newswest.org .

I hope to see you there!

Pat O’Brien, Chair, Newswest Board of Directors.

Note: *: the area bordered by the O-train tracks and Woodroffe Avenue, between the Ottawa River and Carling Avenue. This area includes the neighbourhoods of Mechanicsville, Hintonburg, Champlain Park, West Wellington, Wellington Village, Hampton Park, Westboro Beach, Westboro, Highland Park, McKellar Park, Carlingwood and Civic Hospital.

October 30, 2018: Community Calendar Plus.

October 30, 2018: Community Calendar Plus.

DRAFT UPDATED October 31th. See bottom for late additions.
(Suggestion: Bookmark the Coming-Events category or the Calendar tag so you can quickly return to see late additions/updates )

++++ => extra/notices not in print issue.

Newswest Volunteers. ++++
Newswest is seeking volunteers to help with its monthly digital on-line content. Experience with Facebook or WordPress ideal, but eager learners welcome. Email editor@newswest.org or come to a board meeting. Next meeting is the …
November 13: Newswest AGM. ++++
Newswest is holding its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday November 13, 2018 at 7p.m. in the Hintonburg Community Centre. ). Besides electing the Newswest Board members, important motions will be presented to a vote concerning the year ahead.

October 31 – Hallowe’en Spook-tacular on Bayswater Avenue.
Safe streets – what a treat! Again this Hallowe’en, Bayswater Avenue will be closed from 6-9 p.m. between Hickory and Beech for safe “trick or treating”. Check out the link to the Liveable Bayswater Facebook page, which has some photos from previous years: https://www.facebook.com/events/282072425972123/ .

November 3 – Yuletide Bazaar.
The Parkdale United Church Yuletide Bazaar is taking place Saturday November 3 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (429 Parkdale Ave.) Lots of Christmas gift ideas, café, home baking, jams and jellies, soups, old linens, kitchen and bath, attic treasures, fashion boutique, silent auction, books, antiques and collectibles and much more! For information call 613-728-8656 or go to http://parkdaleunitedchurch.ca .

November 3 – Getting Started in Genealogy.
Do you want to research your family tree but are not sure how to start? Learn about first steps, organizing information, the records you need and where to find them, and tips for effective searching. Happening at the Carlingwood Library on Saturday November 3 at 2 p.m. Registration is required. For more information go to: https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/getting-started-genealogy-4 .

November 4 – Big Sing Ottawa.
Experience the joy of singing together in harmony with Evemarie Brunelle, the founder of Allez Chante! in Montreal, as she brings her dynamic workshop to Ottawa for the first time. Happening 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Westboro Masonic Hall (430 Churchill Ave. N.). No experience necessary. All ages and voices welcome. Information & tickets ($20): http://rasputins.org .

November 5 – Computer Basics
Understanding some of the basics of your computer’s file structure, files, folders and file management is one of the most fundamental things every computer user should know. Jeff Dubois, Publicity Chair, Ottawa PC Users’ Group, will provide a simple, easy-to-understand overview of how things are organized on your computer, and provide some meaningful tips on how you can develop more effective file management strategies to improve your computer skills. The Windows file manager (Windows Explorer), file names, directories, copying, moving, and sharing of files will all be covered as a first-step towards your becoming a more efficient computer user. Happening at the Carlingwood Library on Monday November 5 at 6 p.m. Registration is required. For more information go to https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/computer-basics-things-you-should-know-8 .

November 6 – Friends of the Farm Master Gardener Lecture. ++++
Normally from 7 to 9p.m. Topic “History of English Country House Gardens” with Heather Clemenson. FCEF members $12, non-members $15, For more info check http://friendsofthefarm.ca/master-gardener-lectures-2018/ .

November 17 – First Unitarian Fall Fair.
Biggest church bazaar in town and it’s right here in Kitchissippi! Great deals on gently used clothing, books, jewellery, electronics and other treasures. Fabulous silent auction; two food venues; knitted items; baking, and jams. From 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All at First Unitarian (30 Cleary Ave.)! For information, email FallFair2018@firstunitarianottawa.ca or call 613-725-1066 .

November 17 – All Saints’ Westboro Village Fair/Bazaar.
The All Saints’ Westboro Village Fair/Bazaar is taking place Saturday, November 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 347 Richmond Road. Noted for crafts; knitting; used books; vintage linens; silver, china and collectibles; jams, preserves and baking; a children’s store, a silent auction and a delicious lunch. The New-to-You shop will be open. For information contact the church office at 613 725-9487 or http://allsaintswestboro.com .

November 17 – St. Martin’s Church Bazaar.
The ever popular eagerly awaited annual St. Martin’s church bazaar at 2120 Prince Charles Rd. offers a vast array of baked goods, jams, jelly, jewellery knit goods, craft and decor items along with a silent auction and on site bistro lunch. Doors open at 9 a.m. Be there early !

November 23 – Night of Worship and Ministry.
Join St. Mary’s Parish for an evening of praise, prophecy, teaching, healing and fellowship on November 23, 7-9 pm. The theme is “Worship: Encountering Heaven.” Michael Sarich, the speaker, is a gifted leader of various ministries at St. Mary’s Parish and he serves the Body of Christ through his charisms in teaching, prophecy and leading worship. The Night of Worship and Ministry is held every fourth Friday of the month. For more information, please contact Natalia Lacar at 613-728-9811 x720 or email night.worship.ministry@stmarysottawa.ca .

November 24 – Hintonburg Artisan Craft Fair.
Come join your neighbours for a day of holiday shopping with local craftspeople and makers! Handcrafted items, bake sale, music, hot chilli lunch and lots of familiar faces! Saturday November 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hintonburg Community Centre. https://www.facebook.com/events/318578585359639/ .

November 25 – Unitarian Grannies at Landsdown.
4th annual GRAND Market, which started in the Churchill Seniors’ Centre and has outgrown its origins, will take place on Sunday November 25 at Lansdowne Park’s Horticulture Building from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The GRAND Market will feature a wide variety of home-made and holiday items including baking, crafts, and gifts.
See their article in this issue of Newswest.

November 28 – Christmas Bazaar.
Join us at Amica at Westboro Park for our Christmas Bazaar! A variety of Westboro vendors will be there selling everything from baked goods to clothing to jewelry. Complimentary hot chocolate will be served. The event runs in our Duke of Richmond Pub from noon to 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome. For more information please call Julia at 613-728-9274 .

December 2 – Songs of Hope – A Winter Choral Concert.
What gives you hope during these turbulent times? Come listen to the three choirs at First Unitarian as they explore the concept of hope through songs by Craig Hella Johnson, Eleanor Daley, Gordon Lightfoot, Sam Cooke and many more. Sunday, December 2 at 2 p.m, 30 Cleary Ave. Freewill donation accepted at the door.

December 12 – Friendship Luncheon.
Come and join us at the Churchill Seniors Recreation Center (345 Richmond Rd.) from noon to 2 p.m. for a Christmas themed lunch to celebrate the holiday season. Enjoy a home-made meal, including coffee, tea and fresh baked dessert. We look forward to being entertained by ballroom dancers. Cost $12.50.

December 12 – Friendship Luncheon.
Come and join us at the Churchill Seniors Recreation Center (345 Richmond Rd.) from noon to 2 p.m. for a Christmas themed lunch to celebrate the holiday season. Enjoy a home-made meal, including coffee, tea and fresh baked dessert. We look forward to being entertained by ballroom dancers. Cost $12.50.

Ottawa Family Cinema. ++++
Is back. Please visit http://www.familycinema.ca for movie info.
See Ottawa Family Cinema website for updates, changes and other dates.

Ottawa Newcomers Club. ++++
Our club is a non-profit, social organization for women who have recently moved to this area; (and those who have experienced a significant life change), and would like to meet new people of similar interests by joining our many group activities. More information about us and what we do can be found on our website at: http://ottawanewcomersclub.ca or by contacting newcomersclubottawa@gmail.com .

Making Music Meaningful in Nepean. ++++
A lively program that introduces babies, toddlers and preschoolers to the joy of making music. Music classes are offered in Nepean (Argue Drive), call 613-402-6082, or visit http://www.makingmusicmeaningful.com or see https://www.facebook.com/MakingMusicMeaningful .

Westboro Supper Club is looking for members.
Food has a way of bringing people together. Some of our best memories are shaped around meals shared with family, friends, and neighbours. The Westboro Supper Club was created with the goal of creating new memories and sharing a meal together at one of the many wonderful restaurants our city has to offer! If you would like to join us in this experience of all things edible, please send us an e-mail at westborosupperclub@icloud.com so you’ll be the first to know about our exciting Westboro Supper Club events. We look forward to hearing from you!

Volunteers Needed!
OWCS has openings for volunteers to help on our Shopping Buses. Shopping Bus volunteers work with the OWCS Driver to assist client in the store and to carry groceries into their homes. For more information please email info@owcs.ca or call 613-728-6016 .

Westboro Legion’s Bingo and Leagues.
Bingo every Wednesday night at the Westboro Legion. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for Ric’s@480 food service. Games begin at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Join us with your friends, or come and meet new friends. Funds raised are donated back to community organizations. We also have bid euchre, darts, pool and sandbag leagues on a weekly basis starting in the Fall. For more information visit http://www.rcl480.com or call 613-725-2778 .

Westboro Legion’s Saturday and Sunday Pool.
Free pool from noon to closing upstairs at the Westboro Legion on Saturdays and Sundays. Everyone is welcome. For more information visit http://www.rcl480.com or call 613-725-2778 .

Toastmasters.
Learn confidence and hone your leadership skills. Above and Beyond Toastmasters will help you get there. We meet every Monday at 7 p.m. except holidays at the Civic campus of The Ottawa Hospital in the Bickell Room on the main floor (across from Tim Hortons). Everyone is welcome. For more information, please see http://abottawa.toastmastersclubs.org or contact toastmasters.iwona.bm@gmail.com .

Churchill Seniors Centre.
Coming this fall! Drop-in programs at Churchill Senior Recreation Center:
Folk Song Circle is now meeting on the fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.
Join our knitting, crochet or quilting circles on Fridays between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Open Lounge, Tuesday and Thursday, 1-3 p.m., meet others and play chess, Scrabble or cribbage. Play Pickleball Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. or Fridays at 11:15 a.m. Social Painting Club is Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., open room with lots of light and like-minded artists. Weight & Cardio Agility on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and there’s open use of the fitness center. Fees are nominal. For more information call 613-798-8872 or email Anita.Findlay@ottawa.ca .

Drop-in Ukulele.
at the Churchill Seniors Centre. Come play ukulele on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m and/or Friday at 9:15 a.m. Bring your own ukulele. This is a beginner drop-in but all players welcome! Cost: $2.00 .

The OWCS Grocery Bus. ++++
A Call for Volunteers to help with this service is currently in effect (see Notice above).
For Seniors in Hintonburg, Carlington and Westboro who need assistance with grocery shopping. For only $6 Ottawa West Community Support (OWCS) provides door to door transportation and help with bagging and carrying of purchases. Each Tuesday and Wednesday, the bus departs OWCS at 9a.m., picks up seniors from their homes and takes them shopping at local supermarkets. For more information about the Grocery Bus and other OWCS programs, please contact the office at 613-728-6016 ( and read their article in Newswest On-line ).

Spirit of Rasputin’s Open Stage. ++++
Each Monday night at 7:00 pm we hold our Open Stage at the Whispers pub in Westboro. And on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm it’s the Folk-along Jam at the Vimy Brewing Company [Ed: BTW the Vimy Brewing Company happen to help support Newswest, so our thanks to them too.].
Also: Spirit of Rasputin’s members Jay Kassirer and Rita Finnigan are happy to announce a series of Sunday afternoon (1 p.m.) musical events at the Britannia Coffeehouse (with its adjacent ice cream shop The Beachconers) at 273 Britannia Rd. They’ll take place at 1:00 pm and there’s no cover charge. http://www.cullbridge.com/music.html .

Musicians and singers: An opportunity to help. ++++
Hospice Care Ottawa offers palliative and end-of-life programs and services with no charge to clients or their families. Their Day Hospice service provides a day out in a warm and friendly environment at three sites in the city. Volunteer musicians or singers who could entertain hospice clients would be very welcome. If this interests you, or if you know someone who might be interested, you can contact volunteer.services@hospicecareottawa.ca .

Ottawa Tool Library – Shop Night. ++++
Every first Wednesday of the month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. come book our benches to grind away at your projects with tools from our library. Book on line at http://www.ottawatoollibrary.com and then come to your bench for the might in Makerspace North, 250 City Centre Avenue, Bay 216 (upper level). Just $5 for members and free for members 55 or older, with lots of parking.

Ottawa Tool Library – Community and Demo night. ++++
Connect and chat with other makers around Ottawa at our tool library. Learn and observe with live demonstrations starting at 6 p.m. on topics such as Bikes, Gardening, Carpentry, Painting, Canning, Wiring etc. We are a volunteer-run nonprofit providing endless opportunities to create, garden and cook. Located in Makerspace north, 250 City Centre Avenue in Bay 216 (upper level), we are open Mondays 6 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Find us on Twitter and Facebook, @yowtoollibrary.

Bytown Swing. ++++
Come dance Lindy Hop and West Coast Swing with us on Saturday nights in Ottawa. Grab a pair of indoor shoes and get ready to hit the dance floor. Non-profit, holds a dance every Saturday at Studio X, 122-250 City Center Avenue ( 3 minute walk from the Bayview Transitway stop ). Parking available. Beginner lessons start at 8:15 p.m., DJ’d social dancing starts at 9:00 p.m. Cost is just $7 cash at the door and $5 for students and seniors.
Starting in 2017 there will be no more bi-weekly dances: we’re moving to one-off Lindy Hop events like bar nights, pop-up dances, and special live band events. The Westie Underground will be hosting bi-weekly WCS dances under a new name. Stay tuned for future announcements on dates and details! See http://bytownswing.com or https://www.facebook.com/bytownswing/ .

Friends of the Farm’s new book ‘Blooms’ ++++
Is about the Ornamental Gardens at Ottawa’s Central Experimental Farm A wonderful gift for anyone who loves gardens and flowers, as well as a treat for those interested in Canadian history. Friends of the Farm has several books now available for purchase highlighting Ottawa’s Farm, Ornamental Gardens, and Arboretum at the Central Experimental Farm. By local authors, they are for anyone who loves gardens and flowers, as well as a treat for those interested in Canadian horticultural history. Available at http://friendsofthefarm.ca/ and local bookstores.

Friends of the Farm’s “Join Us”. ++++
Join the Friends of the Farm to influence decision-makers to preserve the integrity of this cherished National Historic Site and its exceptional setting in the heart of Ottawa.
The future of the Farm as we know it is more important than ever. While the core research areas remain, the Farm lands, Dominion Arboretum, Ornamental Gardens and historical buildings still need constant care and protection. If lost, this jewel can never be replaced.
Become a member today and support the Friends’ mission to bring the Arboretum and Ornamental Gardens to their full potential. Membership benefits include free admission to the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, a quarterly newsletter, discounted events, and more. http://friendsofthefarm.ca/

Your Community Associations.
For up-to-date news on your neighbourhood, stay in touch with your community association. Information about events, traffic changes, development, neighbourhood clubs, volunteer opportunities and board meetings is available from the following Community Association websites.

Champlain Park Community Association
champlainpark.org

Civic Hospital Neighbourhood Association
Chnaottawa.ca

Friends of Churchill Seniors Centre
friendsofchurchill.com

Hintonburg Community Association
hintonburg.com

Hampton-Iona Community Group
hamptoniona.wordpress.com

Island Park Community Association
islandpark.wordpress.com

McKellar Park Community Association
mckellarparkcommunity.wordpress.com

Mechanicsville Community Association
facebook.com/MechanicsvilleCA

Wellington Village Community Association
wvca.ca

Westboro Beach Community Association
westborobeach.ca

Westboro Community Association
lovewestboro.wordpress.com

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