January 18, 2018: From Mechanical Engineer to Spiritual Engineer; St. Stephen’s Welcomes New Minister.

January 18, 2018: From Mechanical Engineer to Spiritual Engineer;
St. Stephen’s Welcomes New Minister.

By Charles Singh.

“Church Street”, as Parkdale Avenue was once known, is celebrating the arrival of a new minister.

St Stephen’s Presbyterian welcomed Rev. Meg Patterson, graduate of the Knox College, University of Toronto with her Masters in Divinity. Meg has a life-long association with the Presbyterian Church but prior to her call to ministry she worked as a mechanical engineer. She and her husband Ian have three wonderful children ages nine and six (twins) and all are settling in to their new adventure in Ottawa and with the family of St. Stephen’s.

“It is a joy for me to plan and lead worship,” says Rev. Patterson, “ I gave my first sermon at the age of 14, and it has been something I have enjoyed since then. I like to experiment a bit with my preaching style, although it is always based on Scripture. Music has always been important to me, and I appreciate meaningful, theologically sound, sing-able praise songs that speak to the theme of the Scripture for the day. I love ministering within a community of people who are passionate for Christ and for God’s mission within their neighbourhood, as well as in the larger global context. I see the entire congregation as ministers of grace and love, where I am the pastor of ministers, equipping people to be Christ’s hands and feet in the community.”

St. Stephen’s has a proud history in the west-end, and was founded as a result of a burgeoning Church School after the second world-war. It was one of those Churches that sponsored Vietnamese Refugees back in the late 70’s.

Within the neighbourhood, St. Stephen’s is a proud partner and active supporter of the Parkdale Food Center, the Youth Services Bureau; A.A., the Ottawa West Community Support, the Forward Shelter and Campus Ministry at Algonquin College.

Rev. Patterson hopes that St. Stephen’s will continue to have a positive impact in our Community.

 

January 18, 2018: Huddling Through Winter; January Has Doldrums, Too.

January 18, 2018: Huddling Through Winter;
January Has Doldrums, Too.

By Anna Borris.

We piled on hats, coats, mitts, boots and scarves and went out into the day, now frigid with Arctic air. Gusts of wind blew snow down the deserted street. We pulled our scarves up to our eyes, but soon the scarves were soggy and cold. Then they froze into wet cardboard.

Karen, Judy and I were congregated at Judy’s house, sitting around the kitchen table, listening to the radio and the blustering wind outside. We couldn’t think of anything to do. Saturday afternoons were boring after the fun and frantic Christmas season, the weather outside was quite uninviting, and Judy’s house was quiet, warm and welcoming. Her little brother Marty wandered into the kitchen to make a peanut butter sandwich.

“What happened to your face?” I asked, noticing a cut on his cheek.

“We had a sword fight” he said, “with icicles.”

“Cut that out, you could have lost an eye,” Judy scolded.

Marty munched his sandwich and rolled his eyes, both still happily in their rightful places.

We had just started a half-hearted card game when Judy’s mom came bustling down the hall carrying the vacuum cleaner. “You girls move somewhere else for a while, I want to do the floor” she said.

“Let’s get out of here” Judy said with alarm. “Mom’s having a cleaning fit. Let’s walk down to the store.”

We piled on hats, coats, mitts, boots and scarves and went out into the day, now frigid with Arctic air. Gusts of wind blew snow down the deserted street. We pulled our scarves up to our eyes, but soon the scarves were soggy and cold. Then they froze into wet cardboard.

The corner store was toasty, and cheerful Sam the owner always had a joke for us. Sue Thompson was brokenhearted though, and was singing about “Sad Movies” on the radio. We took our time making our selections of Malted Milk and Sweet Marie chocolate bars, spearmint Life Savers, and peppermint Chiclets. Judy even remembered to buy a treat for her brother. The bell hanging above the shop door jangled merrily as we struck out into the deep freeze and trudged hurriedly back to Judy’s house.

We headed to the basement playroom where Marty was sorting through a pile of comics.
“We brought you a box of Smarties.” Judy tossed it over. He caught it with a surprised grin.

“Maybe there’s something good on television” Karen suggested, flipping through the TV Guide. No such luck though. “’The Hound of the Baskervilles’ is on tonight. I think it’s pretty creepy. We’ll probably like it.”

“Hey, why don’t you stay for dinner and we can watch it later? My mom won’t mind. We’re having chicken à la king,” Judy said. Sure enough her mom didn’t mind a bit.

After clearing the table and washing the dishes, we made a big bowl of buttered popcorn and settled in to watch “The Hound of the Baskervilles”. The plight of Sir Henry Baskerville and the eerie sound of the hound howling on the moors made our hair stand on end.

“I’m not walking home by myself. I’ll hear hounds howling all the way home.” I told Karen.

“Don’t worry, I’ll walk with you, but only if you watch me get to my door, so the hounds don’t get me either.”

We bundled up in all our winter gear and set off into the freezing night convinced that we could hear faint howling coming from neighbouring backyards. Thankfully the days were gradually getting longer, but spring was still far off on the horizon. With spring would come Easter holidays, a big melt, and the distant promise of summer. Until then, we would race through the cold days and only hope that Valentine’s Day would be interesting, romantic, and quick to catch up with us.

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

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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 )