February 15, 2018: Kitchissippi Nights; “Some of us are looking at the stars.”

February 15, 2018: Kitchissippi Nights;
“Some of us are looking at the stars.”

With a large portion of Kitchissippi Ward bordering on the Ottawa River, our residents have a better chance than many in Ottawa to see what goes on in the skies above us against a relatively dark background.

To take advantage of this opportunity, Newswest has asked local astronomer Mark Narwa, of AMeN_Observatory, to point out some of the more interesting celestial events that brighten both our nights and our understanding of the space we occupy. The accompanying chart shows noteworthy celestial events occurring between February 15 and the arrival of spring, the Vernal Equinox, March 20. Subsequent columns will deal with relevant events and phenomena as they occur.
feb15-2018-pg-17
Photo Caption: Sky chart courtesy of M. Narwa.

Text appearing in chart;

DATE TIME EVENT
February 15, 2018 4:05p.m. New Moon.
February 16, 2018 20 minutes after sunset Venus is 2.3° below Moon in WSW horizon.
February 23, 2018 3:09a.m. First Quarter Moon.
March 1, 2018 7:51p.m. Full Moon.
March 2, 2018 20 minutes after sunset Venus and Mercury 1.3° apart in western horizon.
March 3, 2018 20 minutes after sunset Venus and Mercury 1.1° apart in western horizon.
March 4, 2018 20 minutes after sunset Venus and Mercury 1.2° apart in western horizon.
March 9, 2018 6:20a.m. Last Quarter Moon.
March 10, 2018 1 hour before sunrise Moon close to Mars in SSE sky.
March 11, 2018 1 hour before sunrise Moon close to Saturn in SSE sky.
March 17, 2018 9:12a.m. New Moon
March 18, 2018 30 minutes after sunset Moon close to Venus in western horizon.
March 18, 2018 30 minutes after sunset Venus is 3.5° apart from Mercury in western horizon.
March 20, 2018 12:15p.m. ernal Equinox – Spring Begins. Equal Day and Night.
March 24, 2018 11:35a.m. First Quarter Moon.
March 24, 2018 8:42p.m. – 8:48p.m. ISS passes over Kitchissippi from SW horizon.
March 25, 2018 7:50p.m. – 7:58p.m. ISS passes over Kitchissippi from SSW horizon.
March 26, 2018 8:33p.m. – 8:41p.m. ISS passes over Kitchissippi from SW horizon.
March 27, 2018 7:40p.m. – 7:50p.m. ISS passes over Kitchissippi from SW horizon.
March 28, 2018 8:24p.m. – 8:32p.m. ISS passes over Kitchissippi from WSW horizon.
March 29, 2018 7:31p.m. – 7:42p.m. ISS passes over Kitchissippi from WSW horizon.
March 30, 2018 8:15p.m. – 8:24p.m. ISS passes over Kitchissippi from west horizon.
March 31, 2018 8:37a.m. Full Moon, *Second Blue Moon of 2018.
March 31, 2018 8:59p.m. – 9:06p.m. ISS passes over Kitchissippi from WNW horizon.

* ISS – International Space Station

* Blue Moon is a rare occasion when a full Moon occurs twice in the same calendar month.

February 15, 2018: Community Calendar Plus.

February 15, 2018: Community Calendar Plus.

DRAFT UPDATED February 15th. See bottom for late additions.

++++ => 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 Tuesday February 27, 2018 at 7p.m. in the Hintonburg Community Centre.)

February 14-24 – “The Clean House”. ++++
Three Sisters Theatre Company, Ottawa’s own indie theatre company dedicated to promoting local opportunities for women in theatre, opens its first show this season with Sarah Ruhl’s “The Clean House”. An unsentimental romantic comedy about love, loss, change, and redemption. It opens at The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa on Wednesday February 14, and runs evenings at 7:30p.m. (except Sunday and Monday nights) and afternoons 2:30p.m. on Saturdays and Sunday, until Saturday February 24th. https://threesisterstheatre.ca .

February 16 – PD Day program (games, Lego and crafts)!
Children age 4-12 are welcome to join us at the Carlingwood branch of the Ottawa Public Library for board games, crafts, and Lego during your PD day! Drop-in. For more information go to https://biblioottawalibrary.ca .

February 17 – Family Movie Special Event! ++++
Saturday February 17th at 2p.m. Come to the Pokemon 4 Ever Movie and Trading Event (Movie rated G). Bring your Pokémon hero cards and trade with others and watch the cinema’s latest Pokémon adventure on the big screen! (Plus Cartoon and Door Prizes.) Ottawa Family Cinema, Notre Dame Auditorium, 710 Broadview Avenue (north of Carling) Ottawa 613-722-8218 or visit http://www.familycinema.ca for this and other family movies in the coming weeks.

February 22 – Southern Italy & Sicily.
In Sicily visit Greek and Roman archaeological sites, smoking Mount Etna and explore charming Taormina. Crossing to the mainland, we will visit Matera, Lecce, Sorrento, Amalfi and Capri. The scenery, history and culture is amazing, but with a different feel from the north. Explore this with Alex Bissett! Happening at the Carlingwood Library on Thursday February 22 at 7 p.m. Registration is required. For more information go to: https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/southern-italy-sicily .

February 23 – Arts Night.
Arts Night takes place at First Unitarian Church (30 Cleary Ave., off Richmond Road) at 7:30 p.m. You are invited to come and see artists demonstrate or perform their art. This month’s guests include Janice Tait, writer; Ruth Tait, painter; Ruby Jin, pianist. Admission is $5. For information call 613-725-1066 . For more info see the Newswest Web-extra for February (bottom link).

February 23 & 24 – Elmdale Public School BookFest 2018.
BookFest, Elmdale’s iconic annual second-hand book sale, is an opportunity to find a great read while supporting a good cause. With more than 25,000 titles there’s something for everyone, all at very low prices (cash only) complete with raffles and a bake sale. BookFest will take place in Elmdale Public School’s gymnasium (49 Iona St.) on Fri., Feb. 23, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sat., Feb. 24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Have a box of books you’d like to donate? We’d be glad to come and get them. Email Traceylyn at elmdalebookfest@gmail.com . Like and share us on Facebook!

February 24 Somerset Square Bonfire.
The Kitchissippi Ward Councillor will be working with the Wellington West BIA to put on a community bonfire in Somerset Square Park from 5 to 7 p.m. on February 24th. It will be our last bonfire of the season and it’s shaping up to be a fun one, so don’t miss out! (Weather Permitting.)

February 26 – Cloud Computing 101.
The “cloud” has become a ubiquitous term in the modern computing vernacular. In a nutshell, cloud computing is merely the practice of using an Internet hosted server to store, manage or process data rather than relying on a local network server or personal computer. Jeff Dubois, Publicity Chair, Ottawa PC Users’ Group, will examine a number of cloud-based practical applications, services and features that may be of interest to the consumer market. Happening at the Carlingwood Library on Monday February 26 at 6 p.m. Registration is required. For more information go to https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/cloud-computing-101-6 .

February 27 – Hintonburg Supper Club. ++++
The next Hintonburg Supper Club event will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 27th at The Third (former location of the Black Pepper Pub). Reservations will be accepted until February 23rd on a first-come, first-served basis. More info: supper@hintonburg.com .

February 27 – Come contra dance in Hintonburg! ++++
Never heard of contra dance? Think super-fun folk social dance with awesome live music (fiddles+) and a really vibrant community!. Everyone welcome, no experience necessary (beginners very welcome!), all dances taught, and you can come alone, with friends or family. 7p.m. intro lesson, dance 7:30-10p.m. Rosemount Hall – 41 Rosemount. More details: http://www.ottawacontra.ca .

February 27 – Kitchissippi Ward Councillor’s Pop-up. Office
The Kitchissippi Ward Councillor’s next pop-up office hours will be at Happy Goat (at 35 Laurel) on February 27th from 4-7 p.m.

February 28 – Friends of Churchill Event Series: Take a trip to Bolivia.
Come experience Bolivia through lens and commentary with Erin Courtney, Community Relations Manager, Amica Westboro. Bolivia is home to over 40% if all Earth’s known wildlife.Taking place at the Churchill Seniors Centre (345 Richmond Rd.) from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. No cost; refreshments will be served. For more information and to indicate attendance, please call 613-798-8927 .

February 28 – What Privacy Means in the Digital Age.
Contrary to what you may hear and read, privacy is not dead. It has however changed in our digital and social media age. It affects how we interact with each other as citizens, employees and consumers. Learn about some of the legal dimensions around these issues, and how you can better protect yourself with lawyer Jean Nelson, who holds a number of roles with the Canadian Medical Association including that of Chief Privacy Officer. Come with your questions. This session is part of Ottawa Public Library’s Law at the Library series provided by the Ontario Bar Association. Disclaimer: This session is informational only and does not include legal advice. Happening at the Carlingwood Library on Wednesday, February 28 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required. For more information go to https://biblioottawalibrary.ca .

March 2 – World Day of Prayer.
World Day of Prayer is an ecumenical prayer service which is held on the first Friday in March world wide and focuses on a certain country. This year the focus is Suriname and the theme is “All God’s Creation is Good.” In our area, the service is being held at St. George’s Catholic Church (415 Piccadilly Ave.) at 7 p.m. on Friday March 2nd. All are welcome.

March 3 – Spring Art Exhibition. ++++
Art Lending of Ottawa, a not for profit organization since 1970, presents its spring exhibition on Saturday, March 3rd. One may lease, lease to purchase and purchase original, fine visual art at reasonable prices. Local artists. Large selection. RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Drive (Outaouais, East entrance) 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. Free admission and parking.Visit us at http://www.artlendingofottawa.ca .

March 5 – First Time Home-buyer.
Thinking about buying a home? This seminar is presented by Susan Sowah, of BuyHerself and Houses&Co, for all first-time home-buyers. Let us walk you through the entire process from beginning to end, sharing valuable tips and straight talk on how to purchase property and what you need to consider for your lifestyle and future plans. Topics include updates on new government regulations, credit scores, mortgages, home buyer incentives, property types, financial and emotional readiness, what you should expect from your Realtor and Mortgage Advisor, and much more as we help make home ownership a reality for you! Happening at the Carlingwood Library on Monday, March 5 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required. For more information go to https://biblioottawalibrary.ca .

March 8 – “Godspell”. ++++
This play will bring Jesus and his disciples to life for Easter at Centrepointe Theatres starting March 8th with a fresh approach, suitable for the whole family. Godspell is 9th Hour Theatre Company’s 20th production since the non-profit was founded in 2009. Moderated discussions will precede some of the performances, and frame for the audience some themes explored in the Ottawa production. There will be a reception after the opening night performance at 10p.m. on Thursday, March 8 in the studio’s lobby at Centrepointe Theatres. The Ottawa production of Godspell will be raising funds after every performance for the Ottawa Innercity Ministries art program for homeless and street engaged youth. http://www.9th-hour.ca .

March 10 (and onward) – Urban Organic Gardening Seminars.
The Ottawa chapter of the Canadian Organic Growers is hosting a series of urban organic gardening seminars at the Hintonburg Community Centre (1064 Wellington St W.) Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on March 10, April 14, and May 12. Seed sale to follow at 1:30 p.m. One day passes are available, which includes three full seminars. Discounts are available with registration for full package passes; nine seminars in all. Student discounts are available too! March topics include: Growing Organic Vegetables; Herbs & Edible Flowers; Container, Small Space, and Labour Saving Urban Garden; Starting Seeds Indoors and Out. For more information and to sign up go to http://cog.ca .

March 15 – St Patrick’s Friendship Luncheon.
At the Churchill Seniors Recreation Centre (345 Richmond Rd.) on Thursday March 15 from 11:50 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Featuring the Sue Fay Healy Irish Dancers. Catered sandwiches, salads, desserts, tea or coffee Cost: $12.50 (over 65) or $13.75 ( under 65). Deadline to register is March 6. For more information, please call 613-798-8927 .

March 21 – Afternoon Tea Dance.
At the Churchill Seniors Recreation Centre (345 Richmond Rd.) on Wednesday March 21, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Ballroom, line, and Latin dance in a social setting on large wood spring floor. No partner required. Cost: $3.75. For more information, please call 613-798-8927 .

April 10 – Friends of the Farm Master Gardener Lecture. ++++
from 7 to 9p.m. “Gardening with Wildlife” with Rebecca Last. Learn plant and garden design to create a wildlife-friendly garden. FCEF members $12, non-members $15, Bldg 72 CEF Arboretum, east exit off Prince of Wales roundabout. 613-230-3276 http://friendsofthefarm.ca/master-gardener-lectures-2018/ .

April 14 (and onward) – Urban Organic Gardening Seminars.
The Ottawa chapter of the Canadian Organic Growers hosts a series of urban organic gardening seminars at the Hintonburg Community Centre (1064 Wellington St W.) Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on March 10, April 14, and May 12. Seed sale to follow at 1:30 p.m. One day passes are available, which includes three full seminars. For more information and to sign up go to http://cog.ca .

April 18 – Friends of the Farm Annual General Meeting. ++++
From 7 to 9 p.m. Public welcome, membership not required. Free event. Guest speaker is Dr. Paul Villeneuve, presenting “Environmental Impacts of the Farm.” Meeting and presentation at K.W. Neatby Bldg with free parking. Registration is required, 613-230-3276 or http://friendsofthefarm.ca/event/annual-general-meeting-2018/ .

April 21 – Introduction to Hiking. ++++
Saturday, April 21st, a full-day course for new hikers and those interested in tips to make hiking safe and enjoyable. Topics include hike planning, preparation, packing, outfitting and on-trail procedures, plus an orientation to hiking with a guided group. The day includes a short hike to practice your new skills. Nepean Sportsplex, $85 (includes one-year RTA membership). (RTA means The Rideau Trail Association, a volunteer-based hiking club active in Eastern Ontario). To register or for information: e-mail introtohiking@rideautrail.org .

April 24 – Friends of the Farm Master Gardener Lecture. ++++
From 7 to 9p.m. “Flowers and Vegetables ” with Judith Cox. Add beauty to your vegetable garden and reap the rewards. FCEF members $12, non-members $15, Bldg 72 CEF Arboretum, east exit off Prince of Wales roundabout. 613-230-3276 or http://friendsofthefarm.ca/master-gardener-lectures-2018/ .

May 8 Friends of the Farm Master Gardener Lecture. ++++
From 7 to 9p.m. “Unusual Edibles” with Esther Bryan. Come and learn about all sorts of weird and wonderful edibles. FCEF members $12, non-members $15, Bldg 72 CEF Arboretum, east exit off Prince of Wales roundabout. 613-230-3276 or http://friendsofthefarm.ca/master-gardener-lectures-2018/ .

May 12 – Urban Organic Gardening Seminars.
The Ottawa chapter of the Canadian Organic Growers hosts a final series of urban organic gardening seminars at the Hintonburg Community Centre (1064 Wellington St W.) Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on March 10, April 14, and May 12. Seed sale to follow at 1:30 p.m. One day passes are available, which includes three full seminars. For more information and to sign up go to http://cog.ca .

May 22 – Friends of the Farm Master Gardener Lecture. ++++
From 7 to 9p.m. “A Garden for the Bees” with Julianne Labreche. Learn how to attract bees and why they are necessary for pollination. FCEF members $12, non-members $15, Bldg 72 CEF Arboretum, east exit off Prince of Wales roundabout. 613-230-3276 or http://friendsofthefarm.ca/master-gardener-lectures-2018/ .

Westboro Legion’s Bingo and Leagues.
Bingo every Wednesday night at the Westboro Legion. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for Café 480 and 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. For more information visit http://www.rcl480.com or call 613-725-2778 .

Westboro Legion’s Saturday Pool.
Free Pool from noon to closing upstairs at the Westboro Legion. 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). Our next guest night is January 22. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please see abottawa.toastmastersclubs.org or contact toastmasters.iwona.bm@gmail.com .

Churchill Seniors Centre.
Drop- in bridge and mahjong at the Churchill Seniors Centre (345 Richmond Rd.) every Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m. Come and play. No partner required in either of these games Cost: $1.75. For more information, please call 613-798-8927 .

Drop-in Ukulele,
at the Churchill Seniors Centre on the last Wednesday of the month from
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bring your own ukulele. This is a beginner drop-in but all players welcome! Cost: $1.75 .

The OWCS Grocery Bus. ++++
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 9am, 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 look for their September 1st article here in Newswest On-line ).

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


Late Additions:

Web-extra (February 15, 2018): Photo Inset: Triple the Arts at First Unitarian; Next Arts Night is on Friday February 23rd.

Web-extra (February 15, 2018): Photo Inset: Triple the Arts at First Unitarian;
Next Arts Night is on Friday February 23rd.
feb15-2018_WE_pg-13-ArtsNightposter
Photo Caption: This month’s “Arts Night” Poster provided by the church.
The Artists this month:
Literary artist is Janice Tait a published author with a book entitled “The Devil’s Snare” on her experience living in Vietnam with her husband Richard who was working in External Affairs. She is now putting together a chap book of vignettes written over the last 40 years, some of which she will share with you.
Visual artist is Ruth Tait a professional painter. She also has years of observational drawing to work as a storyboard artist. Painting remains an anchor for strength, renewal and a way back to the natural world for her. Her engagement with the Unitarian faith is an extension of that spiritual path.
Musical artist Is Ruby Jin. As an avid recitalist and chamber musician, Ruby Jin performs regularly at various venues across Canada, such as Music and Beyond Festival and DOMS series in Ottawa, plus events in Edmonton, Vancouver, and Montreal. She has also appeared in international musical scenes in China, South Korea, Germany, and UK. In recent years, she has been exploring new music, premiering a number of chamber and solo works. She maintains a dynamic and active teaching studio, sharing her passion and knowledge with a group of young pianists.

Text appearing in the image:

Friday, February 23, 2018,
First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa,
38 Cleary Avenue, 613-725-1066,
7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.,
$5.00 or pay what you can.

“Arts Night”
Featuring…
Literary Artist: Writer, Janice Tait
Visual Artist: Painter, Ruth Tait
Musical Artist: Pianist, Ruby Jin

The evening begins with an open set where anyone
may perform in the art of their choice
The guest Artists will then talk about, demonstrate or
perform their art for 30 minutes each.
Refreshments will be served.

Poster by Paula Theetge.

Web-extra (January 25, 2018): Theatre Review: What a Young Wife Ought to Know; at the GCTC until February 4, 2018.

Web-extra (January 25, 2018): What a Young Wife Ought to Know ;
at the GCTC until February 4, 2018.

By Allyson Domanski, Newswest Theatre Reviewer.

Greeting you on arrival is beguiling illumination that blankets an eerily smoky set. Plain antique furnishing indicates that this is neither a contemporary piece nor a story about the well-to-do. The set by Andrew Cull and lighting by Leigh Ann Vardy befit both the period and the apparition alluded to from the start of GCTC’s latest offering, What a Young Wife Ought to Know.

Sophie, the young wife in question, opens the play by addressing the audience in a disarmingly forthright manner, her diction a throwback to a bygone era. Dressed in a fetching old-fashioned frock (costumes by Leesa Hamilton), the young lady speaks as if intimately acquainted with us.

Her sister’s taken to talking to her, she tells us, but since her sister’s dead, Sophie thinks she may be going mad. That doesn’t worry her; the insane asylum is just down the road so luckily, she won’t have to go far. Supplicating to us as if soliciting advice from a physician or a wizened woman-friend, Sophie dares to share the otherwise unspeakable. What troubles her is a sin: she knows it’s wicked to use unnatural means to stop a natural child from coming into the world.

Her dilemma in those opening lines had to arch a brow or two for how unthinkingly commonplace such ‘unnatural means’ prevent childbirth today. They not only thwart reproduction, they permit desire as justification alone for sex, known as ‘the marital act’ in the first decades of the twentieth century, the backdrop for this play penned by celebrated Canadian playwright Hannah Moscovitch.

Indeed, back in the day, birth prevention was illegal and talk of sex was taboo. All a young wife like Sophie knew was learned from an older sister like Alma. Alma is hardly worldly – let’s get real, this is a play about fuddy-duddy Ottawa – but her work at the hotel has taught her a thing or two about men. She berates and beats Sophie for mercy-kissing the post-boy who’s about to die of consumption, and for ogling the handsome stable-hand with the Irish brogue named Johnny who asks if she’s a “feckin’ eejit for staring so”. Alma, admonishing Sophie for such brazenness but also to show that she has the upper hand, imparts to innocent Sophie some rather vital technical information: when you have union with a man, you lie down, he puts his organ in and you have a child.

More detailed mechanics of the act would be unavailable for another half century until publication of “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex * But Were Afraid to Ask.”

Sophie later finds Alma vomiting but she’s not sick. Either having flouted her own good advice while working at the hotel, or having decided to snag Johnny before her prettier, younger sister does, Alma lies to Sophie that she had union with a Mr. Sutherland and for doing something God didn’t like, she now finds herself in the family way.

Desperate not to be found out, Alma beseeches Sophie for help to scrape it out. (Such were the options at the time.) Bewildered Sophie pokes around until she feels something dislodge. What follows, the audience is thankfully left to only presume, are the catastrophic flows of the red sea.

By then, you could’ve heard the proverbial pin-drop in the packed house of the theatre, such were we gripped.

Re-enter Johnny. Distraught, feeling as responsible for Alma’s death as Sophie, he is suddenly more attractive to Sophie for the emotional sensitivity he displays than for his physical attributes (which are ample, I might add). The two find solace in each other and the play’s unflinching look at love, sex, and fertility shifts to focus on Sophie and Johnny, whose knowledge of how that all works is abysmal and attests that We’ve Come A Long Way, Baby.

Christian Barry directs this extraordinary 2b Theatre Company production. Liisa Repo-Martell as Sophie is movingly rendered, transforming Sophie from inexperienced naïveté to weathered resilience in all of 75 intermission-less minutes. Her terrific performance not only conveys the affect of yore and has the down-home lilt of an Ottawa Valley-girl down pat, but she lustily sizzles in what can rightly be called sex scenes with Johnny. He is interpreted by David Patrick Fleming with spot-on emotion, physicality and the nimble timing of a comic. Rebecca Parent astutely portrays Alma, both keenly cunning when alive and guileless when dead, haunting Sophie as the apparition.

This small cast of new faces to the GCTC stage compellingly delivers Moscovitch’s vision inspired by real stories from the bedrooms and lives of young mothers of a century ago. By the end, you’re left wondering how similar the circumstances faced by our great- or great-great-grandmothers, many of whom bore six, eight, sometimes twelve children, not all of them surviving, were to those captured on stage.

Taut, heavy-hitting, yet imbued with moments of tenderness and levity, this play is very well done. Highly recommended.

What a Young Wife Ought to Know runs at the GCTC until February 4, 2018.

CAST (Actor: character):

  • David Patrick Fleming: Johnny;
  • Rebecca Parent: Alma;
  • Liisa Repo-Martell: Sophie.

CREATIVE TEAM:

  • Hannah Moscovitch: Playwright;
  • Christian Barry: Director;
  • Leigh Ann Vardy: Lighting Designer;
  • Leesa Hamilton: Costume Designer;
  • Andrew Cull: Set Designer;
  • Fiona Jones: Stage Manager;
  • Daniel Oulton: Production Manager;
  • Louisa Adamson: Director of Production.

January 18, 2018: Councillor’s Corner; City news.

January 18, 2018: Councillor’s Corner;
City news.

By Jeff Leiper, Councillor, Kitchissippi Ward.

Happy New Year, Kitchissippi! We hope that everyone had a restful holiday season. We’re back in the swing of things and excited to tackle all the challenges and opportunities 2018 has to offer.

Before the break, we were thrilled to pull off a successful tree-lighting ceremony in Roy Duncan Park. This year we got the whole tree lit; big thank you to Giant Tiger for the lights, Dovercourt for equipment, and Taggart Construction for the use of a cherry picker to string the tree.

One of the issues we’ll face in 2018 is the new inclusionary zoning regulations set forth for comment by Queen’s Park. Inclusionary zoning gives municipalities the power to force developers to include a portion of affordable housing in new housing developments.

This would be huge for Kitchissippi, as much of the growth happening inside the Greenbelt is happening here; not surprising when we consider how LRT will transform our neighbourhoods, placing five stations in our ward alone.

This growth increases property values. Without intervention, it’s likely there will be very little affordable housing in Kitchissippi in the coming decades. This creates barriers for many Ottawans to access transit in our ward, and will have a negative impact on our communities.

Unfortunately, I feel the inclusionary zoning regulations have some problems. Core issues include: the rules only apply to ownership; municipalities will be required to subsidize developers’ affordable units by 40%, cash-in-lieu of parkland and development charge waivers would be used as part of the subsidy; and, affordability would be defined at a neighbourhood, not city-wide level. You can read a detailed copy of the regulations on the blog, but ultimately I feel that these new inclusionary zoning regulations in their current state won’t be much help to Kitchissippi.

Essentially, cities will be required to set out locations in their Official Plans where inclusionary zoning rules would be applicable to buildings with 20 or more units. The affordable units would be limited to 5% of a development or 10% if the building is in a high demand area due to access to transit. Cities must then lay out a detailed housing plan and guarantee that units would be affordable for a minimum of 20 but a maximum of 30 years. Clearly, this is a complex issue that will require some careful thought. If you have ideas, please drop me a line.

As Kitchissippi continues to grow, we need to work together to ensure it’s the best it can be.

Don’t forget: our next Pop-Up Office will be held at Freshii in Westboro (342 Richmond Road) from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 27th. While January is giving us some winter weather, we may as well enjoy it. The SJAM Winter Trail is fully open, having reached its fundraising goal of $20,000. Thank you for keeping this pathway open and making our city just a little bit greater.
jan18-2017-pg-15
Photo Caption: Pictured here at the Hintonburg 5K Run, Kitchissippi community activist Jeff Leiper regularly bicycles to his job at City Hall. Photo by T. Hairbach.

January 18, 2018: Science Moment; Supermoon for January 31 viewing.

January 18, 2018: Science Moment;
Supermoon for January 31 viewing.

By T. Hairbach.

The coming super moon on January 31 will also feature a partial lunar eclipse. Moonrise occurs at 5:31 p.m. in Ottawa, and the eclipse will begin at 8:31 p.m. Although only a partial eclipse, this eclipse will be visible from Ottawa, clouds permitting. If you’re going out to see it, dress warmly and bring a camera. Newswest would love to share your photos. You can send them to editor@newswest.org .

[ED: a reader replies:
Dear Editor,

The so called “Supermoon” occured on January 1 which was the closest full Moon to the Earth of 2018 and will not be on January 31 as stated in the article.

The January 31 full Moon is known as a “Blue Moon”, as this is a rare occasion when a full Moon occurs twice in the same calendar month.

The January 31 full Moon will feature a total lunar eclipse for locations west of the Manitoba/Ontario border, however from Ottawa, a partial lunar eclipse is only visible due to the Moon setting at 7:25am.

The correct time for the beginning of the lunar eclipse is 6:47am and not 8:31pm as stated in the article.

Mark Narwa
AMeN Observatory, Westboro


And for more checkout the CBC coverage:
How to watch the ‘blue moon’ lunar eclipse]

January 18, 2018: Compelling Theatre, Close to Home; Bear and Company.

January 18, 2018: Compelling Theatre, Close to Home;
Bear and Company.

By Allyson Domanski.

“Compelling theatre, close to home.” That’s the mandate of Bear & Co., a professional indie theatre collective and a resident company at The Gladstone Theatre. Barely five and a half years old, Bear is about to open its 18th play for a limited run at The Gladstone from January 17-27.

Bear’s production of playwright George Brant’s Grounded is just the latest in a string of Ottawa premieres by the company. This award-winning one-woman show became an Off-Broadway hit starring A-lister Anne Hathaway as an elite air force fighter pilot, proficient at dropping bombs over Afghanistan and Iraq, who gets grounded once she becomes pregnant, only to be reassigned to Nevada’s ‘chair force’ to operate drones continents away from her targets.

A trio of equally formidable women is behind Bear & Co.’s production of Grounded.
Alexis M. Scott dons the flight suit to white-knuckle the audience through the emotional power trip of feminism going head to head with female biology. Director/actor/producer Eleanor Crowder is one-half of Bear & Co., while Hintonburg’s own Rachel Eugster is the other half of its genius. (Eugster is also Bear’s music director, actor, writer of an award-winning children’s book, community activist and formerly a long-time soloist at Parkdale United Church.)

After seeing Grounded in New York, Crowder was so taken by its powerful script that she had to produce it. Crowder, who directs Scott in a role whose hard edges turn anything but mushy, had this to say: “A solo show is a marathon, a triumphant display of talent and sweat. This text is exactly that. A sweep of action and insight that asks the performer to pour every ounce of strength into her work. Alexis is the actor for this role. She is utterly compelling.”

Scott, a 2015 Prix Rideau Award nominee for her work as an emerging artist and a graduate of the Ottawa Theatre School, currently works out of Toronto. She has acted in past Bear productions, including Shakespeare’s Macbeth, The Tempest, and The Comedy of Errors.
Bear performs indoors and out, with casts large and small, offering works from the Elizabethan era to the present day.

Eugster says they typically put on three shows per year, starting with “something really daring” (like Grounded), followed by summer Shakespeare in the Park (Romeo and Juliet, 2017; Macbeth, 2016), followed by a fall musical revue (No Way To Say Goodbye: Songs of Leonard Cohen in 2017; and Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris in 2016).

A small company that punches way more than its own weight, Bear chooses works that intrigue and please audiences while delivering peak power from its artists.
Catch Grounded before it takes off.

CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM:

  • Director: Eleanor Crowder;
  • The Pilot: Alexis M. Scott;
  • Sound design: Daniel Claxton;
  • Cello effects: Raphael Weinroth-Browne.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS:

  • January 18-27 (preview January 17)
  • Tuesday – Saturday at 7:30 p.m.;
  • Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets: at The Gladstone thegladstone.ca/grounded/
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Photo Caption: Bear and Co.’s Alexis Scott

January 18, 2018: Community Calendar Plus.

January 18, 2018: Community Calendar Plus.

DRAFT UPDATED January 20th. See bottom for late additions.

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

January 20 – Dovercourt annual winter carnival.
Dovercourt Recreation Centres popular winter carnival is taking place Saturday January 20 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.! Drop by for sleigh rides (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.), face painting, skating/ hockey, bonfire, sliding & games, and hot chocolate. Warm up inside in the upstairs lobby and have a bite at the Adam’s Apple Cafe, which will feature hot dogs, grilled cheese, burgers and “Dovertails.”

January 20 – Family Dance with live music.
Come dance with your young family, grandkids or kids you know at a super fun community dance in the heart of Westboro! Fantastic live traditional music (think fiddles). No experience necessary as all dances are taught and very family-friendly. 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. with optional potluck after! For more details go to http://www.ottawacontra.ca/familydance . Can’t make it to the January dance? Mark these dates in your calendar:, March 17 2018, April 21, 2018 .

January 24 – Personal Care Options.
Most of us have heard about CCAC (Community Care Access Centre), mainly on the difficulty of accessing sufficient care hours. There are several streamlining and cost-saving initiatives underway at CCAC. Come and hear the latest, and of the many types of personal care options available. Learn and compare, before you need it. Churchill Seniors Centre (345 Richmond Rd.) on Wednesday January 24 from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Free. For more information, please call 613-798-8927 .

January 26 – Block Party.
Something great for creative kids age 6-12 is happening at the Carlingwood branch of the Ottawa Public Library! “Building Boom,” show off your architectural creativity with Lego! Fridays at 4 p.m. starting from January 26, 2018 – March 23, 2018. For information or to register go to https://biblioottawalibrary.ca .

January 26 –– Night of Worship and Ministry.
Join us as we gather at St Mary’s Church (100 Young St.) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the Night of Worship and Ministry. The speaker will be Fr. Robert Arsenault of the Companions of the Cross. The theme will be “Our Redeemer Lives.” A reception will follow in the lower hall.

January 27 – Westboro Beach Winter Celebration.
The Westboro Beach Community Association welcomes you to our annual winter celebration on Saturday, January 27 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. It will feature a bonfire and roasting of marshmallows, tobogganing and snow building and colouring. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available. Everything is free but donations are welcome. For more information, please contact westborobeach@gmail.com .

February 7 – Find Your ancestors in church records.
Church records of all denominations can be a treasure trove for genealogists. Gloria Tubman will discuss these valuable records and their place in family history research. Discover the information that is available from the record of a church rite, regardless of location, and learn some further clues to get the most from church records. Taking place at the Carlingwood branch of the Ottawa Public Library on Wednesday February 7, 2018 at 6:30p.m. Registration is required. For information or to register go to https://biblioottawalibrary.ca .

February 16 – PD Day program (games, Lego and crafts)!.
Children age 4-12 are welcome to join us at the Carlingwood branch of the Ottawa Public Library for board games, crafts, and Lego during your PD day! Drop-in. For more information go to https://biblioottawalibrary.ca .

February 23 & 24 – Elmdale Public School BookFest 2018.
BookFest, Elmdale’s iconic annual second-hand book sale, is an opportunity to find a great read while supporting a good cause. With more than 25,000 titles there’s something for everyone, all at very low prices (cash only) complete with raffles and a bake sale. BookFest will take place in Elmdale Public School’s gymnasium (49 Iona St.) on Fri., Feb. 23, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sat., Feb. 24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Have a box of books you’d like to donate? We’d be glad to come and get them. Email Traceylyn at elmdalebookfest@gmail.com . Like and share us on Facebook!

February 28 – Friends of Churchill Event Series: Take a trip to Bolivia.
Come experience Bolivia through lens and commentary with Erin Courtney, Community Relations Manager, Amica Westboro. Bolivia is home to over 40% if all Earth’s known wildlife.Taking place at the Churchill Seniors Centre (345 Richmond Rd.) from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. No cost; refreshments will be served. For more information and to indicate attendance, please call 613-798-8927 .

April 10 – Friends of the Farm Master Gardener Lecture.
from 7 to 9p.m. “Gardening with Wildlife” with Rebecca Last. Learn plant and garden design to create a wildlife-friendly garden. FCEF members $12, non-members $15, Bldg 72 CEF Arboretum, east exit off Prince of Wales roundabout. 613-230-3276 http://friendsofthefarm.ca/master-gardener-lectures-2018/ .

April 18 – Friends of the Farm Annual General Meeting. ++++
From 7 to 9 p.m. Public welcome, membership not required. Free event. Guest speaker is Dr. Paul Villeneuve, presenting “Environmental Impacts of the Farm.” Meeting and presentation at K.W. Neatby Bldg with free parking. Registration is required, 613-230-3276 or http://friendsofthefarm.ca/event/annual-general-meeting-2018/ .

April 24 – Friends of the Farm Master Gardener Lecture. ++++
From 7 to 9p.m. “Flowers and Vegetables ” with Judith Cox. Add beauty to your vegetable garden and reap the rewards. FCEF members $12, non-members $15, Bldg 72 CEF Arboretum, east exit off Prince of Wales roundabout. 613-230-3276 or http://friendsofthefarm.ca/master-gardener-lectures-2018/ .

May 8 Friends of the Farm Master Gardener Lecture. ++++
From 7 to 9p.m. “Unusual Edibles” with Esther Bryan. Come and learn about all sorts of weird and wonderful edibles. FCEF members $12, non-members $15, Bldg 72 CEF Arboretum, east exit off Prince of Wales roundabout. 613-230-3276 or http://friendsofthefarm.ca/master-gardener-lectures-2018/ .

May 22 – Friends of the Farm Master Gardener Lecture. ++++
From 7 to 9p.m. “A Garden for the Bees” with Julianne Labreche. Learn how to attract bees and why they are necessary for pollination. FCEF members $12, non-members $15, Bldg 72 CEF Arboretum, east exit off Prince of Wales roundabout. 613-230-3276 or http://friendsofthefarm.ca/master-gardener-lectures-2018/ .

Westboro Legion’s Bingo and Leagues.
Bingo every Wednesday night at the Westboro Legion. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for Café 480 and 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. For more information visit http://www.rcl480.com or call 613-725-2778 .

Westboro Legion’s Saturday Pool.
Free Pool from noon to closing upstairs at the Westboro Legion. 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). Our next guest night is January 22. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please see abottawa.toastmastersclubs.org or contact toastmasters.iwona.bm@gmail.com .

Churchill Seniors Centre.
Drop- in bridge and mahjong at the Churchill Seniors Centre (345 Richmond Rd.) every Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m. Come and play. No partner required in either of these games Cost: $1.75. For more information, please call 613-798-8927 .

Drop-in Ukulele,
at the Churchill Seniors Centre on the last Wednesday of the month from
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bring your own ukulele. This is a beginner drop-in but all players welcome! Cost: $1.75 .

The OWCS Grocery Bus. ++++
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 9am, 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 look for their September 1st article here in Newswest On-line ).

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.

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


Late Additions:

January 17-27 – One-woman show.
Can a woman pilot a fighter plane . . . and motherhood? Alexis Scott stars in the searing one-woman show GROUNDED, offered by Bear & Co. at The Gladstone Theatre. This is war made personal. http://www.thegladstone.ca, 910 Gladstone Ave., 613-233-4523 . Discount on 8 or more tickets booked together (See the January 18th issue article “Compelling Theatre, Close to Home;” for details )

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