August 30, 2018: Rosemount Library Renovations Begin; Group urges community input.

August 30, 2018: Rosemount Library Renovations Begin;
Group urges community input.

By Barbara Clubb, R.E.A.D.

It’s official! The architects for the renovation of the Rosemount branch of the Ottawa Public Library will be the Ontario firm +VG Architects (the Ventin Group).

READ Rosemount will be be participating in the consultations and encourages everyone in the community to get actively involved in this planning and design process beginning Fall 2018 (see OPL announcement below).

Councillor Jeff Leiper tweeted out August 10th that he ran into firm representatives at the library recently, so they are already hard at work. Some of the other libraries in the +VG Architects portfolio include: Drayton library (Township of Mapleton, ON), Callander library (on Calnder Bay on the shores of Lake Nipissing, ON), Hillsburgh library (Wellington County, ON), Fergus library (Wellington County, ON), Peterborough library and Clearview library branch in Stayner, ON (northwest of Barrie).

From the OPL website.
Rosemount Revitalization.
Ottawa Public Library has engaged +VG Architects to design the revitalization of the Rosemount branch. This project will extensively renovate and refresh the branch, address building condition and accessibility issues, improve efficiencies, and modestly increase public floor space.
+VG Architects is an award-winning architectural firm known for innovative approaches to their design. Carnegie Library upgrade projects represent a core competency of their experience; having completed projects at eight of Ontario’s remaining Carnegie Libraries (more than 10%).
Overall Design Objectives:

• Provide functional, flexible library spaces by creating multi-use areas with open sightlines;
• Rehabilitate building elements, while retaining and complementing the building’s historic character;
• Address accessibility requirements;
• Address sustainability requirements;
• Address building code requirements;
• and Incorporate Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles.

Public input is a key to the success of the Rosemount Revitalization, and is set to begin in early Fall 2018. More information and specific dates to follow in September 2018. Construction is tentatively set to begin in April 2019, at which time the branch will be closed for revitalization. Service to the community will continue at a temporary site at 1207 Wellington Street West.

Photo Caption: Rosemount Branch of the Ottawa Public Library is about to embrace some much needed changes. Photo courtesy of R.E.A.D.

August 30, 2018: Summer’s End Pyjama Party.

August 30, 2018: Summer’s End Pyjama Party.

By Anna Borris.

Every year, just before school started, someone in our group had a pyjama party. It started off as an evening party and included a few boys who were our friends. Later, when they’d gone home, the pyjama portion went into full swing.

The year the party was at my house we had only one “incident.” Emotional Heather had a meltdown over some perceived insult and spent half an hour sulking and crying on the porch before we coaxed her back inside. Heather and her drama moved to Calgary that winter and our classmate Sharon volunteered to be the host the next year.

Karen and I, of course, had to do some shopping for party snacks. We headed to Loblaws for a large bag of our favourite Humpty Dumpty chips, and some Cheezies. Then, a carton of mixed Pure Spring soft drinks was added to our cart; two Swiss Cream Sodas, two Minted Grapes and two Honee Orange – my all time favourite. We carried our bags the short distance over to Sharon’s house and left them in the laneway.

After an early supper, my dad drove me back to Sharon’s with my sleeping bag, records, pyjamas, and a small zippered case full of experimental makeup and hair accessories. Sharon’s dad opened the garage door and looking worried when three of our frineds arrived at the same time, muttered “I hope you’re not all thinking of moving in..

We left all our stuff in the garage and brought our records and snacks down to the rec room to get the party started. The boys arrived in a group, bringing more chips, pretzels and a big bag of caramel corn.

Soon the basement was rocking with the Beach Boys “Surfin’ Safari”, Bobby Vee, “Take Good Care of My Baby”, Elvis’ “Blue Hawaii” album and Chubby Checker’s “Limbo Rock”, which naturally turned into a limbo contest. Most of the uncoordinated boys were too tall and fell flat on their backs. In the middle of the chaos, Sharon’s mom appeared with a pan of Rice Krispie squares which we fell upon like starving hordes.

After the boys left we broke out the beauty products. Sharon did Judy’s makeup which made her look like Cleopatra with her black bangs and wide cats eyes. When Karen finished my makeover, erasing my freckles, I had tiny red lips, thin black eyebrows and a pale face like a geisha. “This is the perfect makeup for Halloween, I love it!” I told her. The other girls were turned into Joan Crawford with thick black eyebrows and Marilyn Monroe with her distinguishing black beauty mark. Sharon’s beautiful long red hair and delicate features made her a shoo-in for Ann Margret.

Gradually we ran out of steam and curled up on the various couches, chairs or the floor giggling and gossiping. One by one as we faded into sleep, our party came to an end. This last party of the summer meant that school was next, but we could look forward to the Ottawa Ex which was just around the corner.

Web-extra (May 24, 2018) A Newswest – How To Vote; New Ontario Voters should Be Prepared.

Web-extra (May 24, 2018) A Newswest – How To Vote;
New Ontario Voters should Be Prepared.

With more Canadians than ever being new to our election process, here are some points you as a new Ontarian voter may need to know.

In the days before an election you should;

1) Verify you are registered to vote. If you do it by May 29th you should receive your voter card in the mail in time for the polling day of June 7, 2018. Voter cards are first mailed out starting May 17 to May 25th. More are mailed later for corrections and new voters.
If you have lived at your current address for the last 4-5 years you may already be registered to vote. To verify your registration, or to correct/change your address etc or to register for the first time, there is an on-line registration at elections.on.ca . If you cannot access the internet contact your local returning office.

2) Put your voter card in a safe place until you vote. While you can cast a ballot without receiving a voter card, having your card with you at the poll will save you time.

3) Select what Identification you will bring with you. A photo ID with your name and current address is ideal (Drivers license, or other Ontario issued ID cards are best, but some federal ID cards are just as good.) The ID does not have to have a photo nor indicate citizenship but your name and address are required. If you do not have a card with your name and address, you can bring a document that you received in the mail like a bank statement, utility bill, Insurance, Tax slip, Pay receipt etc. For students their Letter of Admissions may suffice. Please note that while you must be a citizen of Canada to vote in the provincial election, you do not need to bring proof of citizenship to the poll. Proof of citizenship might be needed if somebody challenged your right to vote, but you would still be allowed to fill in a special ballot when you got to the Poll. Once your right to vote was confirmed, or if the challenge was removed then that special ballot would be included with the other ballots. Federal officials such as Immigration officials will not be inside your provincial polling station.

4) If you bring with you, as a memory aid, any literature from a candidate, Keep it to Yourself. Once inside the polling station your choice is supposed to be a secret, so don’t let anyone tell you who to vote for and don’t tell anyone who to chose. And leave nothing behind when you leave (except your ballot obviously). The one exception to this secrecy is if you are unable to mark your ballot unassisted then you may request somebody to help you behind the voting screen (or where you can reach). That person will be administered a special oath prior to helping you. There is more on available assistance on-line.

5) Know where to go and how to get there. Your voter card identifies the place and the poll number where you will vote. That information will also be in the hands of the returning office and a few days before the election likely in the hands of someone at the candidate’s Office that you are choosing to vote for. Elections Ontario also provides a Voter Information Service with such information.
If you cannot get to your poll on your own, the local candidates and riding associations organize volunteer drivers on polling days, as well as some community organizations, places of worship, senior’s residences etc. If you are too far away to get home you may still be able to cast a special ballot where you are, so contact Elections Ontario for advice in that case.

6) Chose a time. Polls are normally open 9a.m. to 9p.m. and employers are supposed to allow workers enough time to get to their polling station. To save time chose a less busy moment. Times that may be busy are shortly after the Polls open, before and after supper time. For some polls lunch time and after 8p.m. will also be busy. Voting early is generally better. If you wish to vote earlier Advance polling is often the least busy but a further distance to travel.***

On Election or Polling Day
7) Expect a few phone calls on Polling Day. The law forbids advertising and reporting on surveys the day before, but checking on likely voters is part of ‘getting out the vote’ that Candidates depend on. And remember whether on the phone, or outside the polling station nobody has any right to know how you voted.

[Ed: More on what to expect when you as a New Ontarian Voter arrive at your place for voting in our next article here on-line next Thursday.]

***Advanced date polling locations will be announced for May 26 to May 30th 2018 in your riding. On other days up to June 6, 2018 visit your returning office or use a mail-in ballot.

May 24, 2018: Backyard Camping; Roughing it at 12 years old.

May 24, 2018: Backyard Camping;
Roughing it at 12 years old.

By Anna Borris.

The long weekend stretched before us. The weather was warm and sunny, and many of our friends were away camping or at their cottages. Judy and I, bored, sat on our garage roof looking over the neighbourhood. Mr. Fournier the neighbour behind us, came out of his back door carrying a large bundle of material. He spread it over his back porch and we realized it was a tent. Suddenly I had a brilliant idea.

“Judy, don’t you have a tent at home” I asked.

“We have an old one in our basement” she replied.

“Why don’t we set it up in your backyard and sleep in it tonight?” I asked excitedly.

“We can’t, my Dad just put earth and grass seed all over our yard. Could we bring it over here?”

When my parents agreed, we hurried to Judy’s house, found the tent, and hauled it out of the basement. Once out on the sidewalk, we half carried and half dragged the heavy tent down the street. Then we did another run to fetch the poles, as well as Judy’s sleeping bag and her overnight stuff in a paper grocery bag. We sat in the backyard amid a bewildering array of various-sized poles and a huge lump of canvas. Luckily my Dad saw our plight and helped us put everything together.

When the tent was set up to Dad’s satisfaction, we made another trek, this time to the corner grocery store for “supplies”. We stocked our little house with Humpty Dumpty chips and our favourite, RC Cola. The biggest decision was which chocolate bar to buy. Judy decided on Malted Milk; my choice was a Snack Bar.

We could hardly wait for nightfall. The tent was tastefully furnished with sleeping bags, pillows, flashlights and a transistor radio. At one end was a box containing our snacks, drinks and plastic glasses. Of course we brought along our trusty eight ball.

When the sun set, we piled in and cranked up the music. “Hey Paula” and “The End of the World” provided the background to our gossip about the cutest boys in our class. We thought the slow songs were sappy though, preferring songs like “Walk like a Man” or “Sugar Shack”. Our reliable eight ball answered our deepest questions, revealing which boys liked us.

After a couple of hours of giggling, sharing secrets and singing along with the radio, we fell asleep, exhausted, around midnight.

Something woke me with a start in the middle of the night and I sat up in my sleeping bag, listening intently, my heart pounding. There was a rustling in the grass, then a large, dark shadow floated across the wall of the tent. I shrieked loudly, Judy woke up and instantly screeched, then my dad’s voice said, “I just thought I would check on you girls, not scare you to death”. Gradually we settled down again, and slept until morning.

As we packed up our gear and took down the tent that morning, we agreed that we would have to do it again. Next time though, we would invite a couple more friends. We had learned well enough that there was safety in numbers – and protection from the creepy sounds of the night.

March 15, 2018: Community Calendar Plus

March 15, 2018: Community Calendar Plus

DRAFT UPDATED March 16th. 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.)

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 18 – Ottawa Orchid Society meeting.
The Ottawa Orchid Society welcomes guest speaker Leslie Ee from the “Southern Ontario Orchid Society” Toronto. Leslie’s presentation will be on Phalaenopsis Violacea variety Indigo. Also on the program will be a show table for members bringing in their flowering orchids to be shown and judged. Plants will be offered for sale from Flora Peculia which specializes in Neofinetia (Vanda) Falcata (the Samurai orchid). Starting 1:30 p.m. at Tom Brown Arena (141 Bayview Rd.). Visitors welcome, $5 at the door. For information please call 613-729-0175 .

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 .

March 24 – Westboro Legion Dance with live music.
Please join us at the Westboro Legion Saturday Night Dance with live music performed by “The Divas” in the upstairs lounge at 391 Richmond Rd. from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Everyone is welcome, you do not need to be a member to join. Cost for admission is $2 for Legion Members and $5 for the public. For more information please visit our website at http://www.rcl480.com . Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter to learn more.

March 25 – Ukrainian Easter Bazaar.
Join our regular bazaar patrons who have shown exceptional skills as they refine the art of designing beautiful pysanky (Easter eggs) every year. Pysanka decorating supplies including traditional dyes and beeswax will be available along with beautifully illustrated books. The Ukrainian Women’s Association hosts its bazaar from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral hall (1000 Byron) on Sunday, March 25. Admission is free with parking on Byron and the church parking lot. Enjoy your Ukrainian lunch with your friends, then stock up on varenyky, holubtsti and borscht for your freezer. New arrivals from Ukrainian include richly embroidered handicrafts, blouses, modern apparel and ceramics. Local raw honey and knitted goods are favourites along with the Easter breads and popular goodies like lemon poppy-seed and carrot cakes. For more information call Doreen Keir at 613-826-0353 .

March 26 – Media Streaming 101.
Broadband internet has significantly transformed the delivery of media content to our households. With more content readily available, a growing number of Canadians are cutting the traditional cable and satellite umbilical cord and opting for online alternatives. Jeff Dubois, Publicity Chair, Ottawa PC Users’ Group, examines some of the alternatives, restrictions and solutions used to maximize your streaming experience. Happening at the Carlingwood Library on Monday March 26 at 6 p.m. Registration is required. For more information go to https://biblioottawalibrary.ca .

March 29 – Carlingwood Film Club.
Watch and discuss a good film in a relaxed, book-club-style chat about film and cinematography! Last Thursday of the month until May. Happening at the Carlingwood Library on Monday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m. Drop-in. For more information go to: https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/carlingwood-film-club .

March 31 – Westboro Legion Dance with live music.
Please join us at the Westboro Legion Saturday Night Dance with live music performed by “Country Mile” in the upstairs lounge at 391 Richmond Rd. from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Everyone is welcome, you do not need to be a member to join. Cost for admission is $2 for Legion members and $5 for the public. For more information please visit our website at rcl480.com. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter to learn more.

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 11 – Annual General Meeting for Hampton Iona Community Group.
The Annual General Meeting for Hampton Iona Community Group will be taking place April 11 at 7 p.m. in the second floor Teaching Kitchen of Loblaw’s Superstore on Richmond Road. The Agenda will include: A review of the past year’s events; upcoming June gardening and park events; election of officers and proposed constitutional amendments. For more information contact webmaster@hamptoniona.ca . If anyone is considering putting their names forward for the position of President, Vice President, Treasurer or Secretary, they are required to submit their names by March 28 so we can plan for any potential board elections. Please contact Ken Hoffman at khoffman@web.ca .

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

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Late Additions:

March 17 – A St. Patrick’s Day Celebration for the family! ++++
On Saturday March 17th at 2 p.m. The Ottawa Family Cinema, presents an Oscar nominated animated feature from Ireland! “SONG OF THE SEA” (rated G) in Dolby Digital plus a Cartoon (G) and Door Prizes, Also Irish Music and free Gift if you are wearing Green to the show. Notre Dame Auditorium 710 Broadview Avenue (north of Carling) Ottawa 613-722-8218 . http://www.familycinema.ca

January 18, 2018: Trustee’s Report; OCSB School News.

January 18, 2018: Trustee’s Report;
OCSB School News.

By Jeremy Wittet, OCSB Trustee Kitchissippi/Bay.

Happy New Year! Wishing you and your family the very best for a safe, healthy and happy 2018.

Team Canada Special Olympics Visit – Notre Dame High School:
On November 29th, the Canadian Special Olympic Team visited Notre Dame High School to join staff and students for a pep rally in the gym along with the Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities. The school community helped celebrate the outstanding achievements of our athletes and students with special needs. An exhibition basketball game was also held between the NDHS Eagles and Glebe Collegiate Institute.

Lighting up the Grace:
The Salvation Army’s Grace Manor held its annual “Light up the Grace” on December 1. It was a pleasure to attend along with MPP Yasir Naqvi and Kitchissippi Councillor Jeff Leiper. Everyone was in the festive spirit with hot cocoa and Christmas carols accompanied by the Salvation Army Band.

Advent Mass and Christmas Potluck St George’s Parish:
St. George’s Parish held its annual Christmas Potluck and Advent Mass on December 17th. Many Kitchissippi families were in attendance to enjoy the children’s concert as part of the third Sunday of Advent which culminated with a delicious potluck meal in the parish hall.

OCSB Childrens’ Choir Christmas Concert – St. Basil’s Church:
On December 18th, the award winning Ottawa Catholic School Board Children’s Choir along with the St. Basil’s Church Choir put on a Christmas concert to remember. Many well-known pieces were performed, as well as some new numbers for the packed house to enjoy. One notable selection featured the OCSB Boys Choir teaming up with their dads to perform some holiday favourites.

Christmas Lunch – St. Rose of Lima School:
As 2017 ended and the Christmas Break was on the horizon, St. Rose of Lima School in Bayshore hosted their annual Christmas Lunch for students. Parents and community members were kind enough to prepare a lunch with all the fixings. It was a pleasure to help serve lunch on and chat with over 150 students, staff and community volunteers.

Jeremy Wittet is the Zone 7 (Kitchissippi /Bay Wards) Trustee for the Ottawa Catholic School Board. He can be reached by email at Jeremy.Wittet@ocsb.ca , or telephone 613–721-2376 . Jeremy Wittet is also accessible on Twitter: @OCSBWittet .

Photo Caption: Ottawa Catholic School Board Trustee Jeremy Wittet. Photo courtesy of OCSB.

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/

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

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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 )