Web-extra (May 31, 2018) Why Should I Vote?; A Canadian’s Question.

Web-extra (May 31, 2018) Why Should I Vote?;
A Canadian’s Question.

When I think about voting, “is it worth the time?” I ask.

“Compared to what? Doing the dishes?”

Dishes? OK I’ll do the vote thing instead. But what about missing out on something I want to do. Like vegging in front of a screen with something unhealthy in one hand and something electronic in the other. Or maybe I have to do homework I could not do elsewhere because… oh well somebody I won’t name procrastinated.

A recent election we all seem obsessed with does give pause to think about what you get when you don’t participate. We all hope things will turn out alright in the World just the same. Unfortunately we find ourselves not only reading about the novel goings-on, but like characters in a novel… we are unsure about how the plot will end.

First time I voted I had the unlikely chance to pigeon-hole the next Prime Minister with a question that well… He had not been briefed on. He did his honest best to answer, within the moment fate gave him, and then he was off to whatever was his next Bus stop. Nothing much changed, but I voted with the majority (if that is the right mathematical term for 39%), and waited to see how Canada’s future might change. Reflecting on that old question we still have a first-past-the-post system that was first designed for the British Landowners and the Infamous Rotten Boroughs ( which might make a great name for a band ). But the ‘Company Store is the only one in Town’ as they say, so I have voted for the best choice on the shelf even when the inventory seemed a little bare.

What was in store for a Franco-Ontarian in 1913 was their voice was not wanted in Schools, and for them life got a whole lot more costly. That generation sent their young sons to Poppy covered Fields of Flanders with Hope, Concern and Mis-information. Their boy’s badly made kit fell apart, the shovels were unable to move the liquid mud out of the trenches and their boy’s rifles were jamming ( not music to anyone’s ears ). But our Leaders made fake news and Women couldn’t vote so nothing much changed for years. Even when my great grandmother got to vote in 1917 others could not! And so it was for more than a decade because those ‘people’ were born to the ‘wrong sort’ of parents. Canada was their ‘Rotten Borough’ I guess.

But I got lucky… I guess. For me Canada has never been a ‘Rotten Borough’. I have voted for those who changed the “Canadian Question” and I have voted to ensure that a “Canadian Question” endured. The closest I ever came to lying in a trench was the election I slipped on some ice. Now that is a Canadian’s Question …When Should We Vote!

So on June 7th I will go out to vote… I wonder what the weather will be doing?

A Kitchissippi Procrastinator.

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

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

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

Ballot – Normally referring to a piece of specially printed paper where a voter marks their choice for local candidate in an election. “Casting a ballot” is neither a magical nor a fishy term. Voters cast a ballot when they mark their choice and put it in the “Ballot Box”. In Canada a Ballot box is normally just a cardboard box made specially to be used for a single day of the election (after that busy day the cardboard is retired).

Candidates – Pronounced like “Candy Dates” the sometimes sorry lot of potential political representatives who can never be as sweet. In Canadian elections, voters get to chose just one candidate for Provincial MPP/MLA ( and just one for Federal MP ). That elected representative MPP is responsible for elevating their party leader to the head of Government position we know as Premier (assuming the Lieutenant Governor can keep it together when presented with the ‘choice’).

Polls – This word may confuse some because it is used to both describe un-official surveys of potential voters, and to describe the official place where about a couple of hundred nearby voters will cast their votes on a ballot. And when the “Polls Close” the word poll is also used in the counting of ballots that is later reported on TV.

Polling Station – The location where a number of Official Polls are held. Typically it is in a public school or a community centre, or a meeting room in a place of worship close to the homes of the voters for those Polls. Some stations may be put in Old-age-Homes/Seniors Residences and have just one Official Poll for the station. Other special stations may be in Hospitals***, Colleges and Universities, and deal with voters whose Official Polls are far far away. Polling Stations are never held in Gas Bars nor Subway Train stations…AFAIK.

Riding – A word you might think of as a verb but used as a noun for elections. The Riding is the area of land where resident voters chose a single political representative. “Riding Associations” are not for Horses but are for “Political Parties” (and not the most fun sort of parties IMO). Those associations act locally to chose and assist candidates in local elections. For those of you into Horses however the term “First Past the Post” (describing our odd election format) does comes from Horse racing. An alternate term is Electoral District.

Returning Officer – This person is not a Police Officer, not a Military Person nor any other Government Official. The Returning Officer is a person you might even know from your street. They signup to work a full day helping people vote and making sure the voting goes properly. They are trained and sworn in by Elections Ontario to take responsibility for keeping an orderly Poll and have powers the Poll Clerk does not. The term Returning Officer is also used for a person higher in rank responsible for a Polling Station, and for a single person responsible for the whole Riding.

Poll Clerk – The Elections Ontario hired assistant to the Returning Officer for a given Poll. This person sits beside the Returning Officer for that Poll and does much (but not all) of the paperwork. The Poll Clerk does not handle the Ballots, but may handle other things and ask the voter questions to help find their place in the Official Voters Register.

Scrutineer – Are observers from the political parties who act as agents for their Candidates. Elections Ontario allows them to be present after making them swear an oath to act with-in the rules, and to maintain the privacy of voters. Scrutineers should not speak to voters nor do anything else to influence voting. Used mostly to help parties see if their likely voters make it to the Polls, Scrutineers also monitor the counting of votes, the determination of spoiled ballots, and any apparent mistakes in the application of Elections Ontario Rules. Their observations may be important if a recount is needed to determine the winning candidate for the Riding.

Voter Card – A postcard mailed to registered voters in Provincial and Federal Elections typically marked with;

1. 1. Name of Registered voter,
   2. Home Address of voter (Your Address),
   3. The Number of The Poll that voter should vote in. (Poll / Bureau de Vote),
   4. The Place and Address of the Polling Station for that Poll Number (You vote at),
   5. The Date for Polling (Election Day),
   6. The time the Poll Opens and the time the Poll Closes
   7. The name given to the Riding (Electoral District)
   8. Information on how to contact the authority for the election ( Elections Ontario elections.on.ca ).

 

Your card should be with you when you go to vote to save time and bother. You will also need one other piece of identification with your name and current address.

[Ed: don’t forget to look for the card in your mail box this week and visit elections.on.ca to verify if you are registered to vote, (preferably before May 29th 2018).]

Federal MP – Member of Parliament.

MPP/MLA – Member of Provincial Parliament / Legislative Assembly (some assembly is always required).

Commentary appearing in italics should not be taken too seriously, as in…
“Lexicographer: A writer of dictionaries; a harmless drudge…” Samuel Johnston.

---

*** Note: The three day Hospital Program for patient voting was from May 21 to May 23rd 2018.

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: Community Calendar Plus.

May 24, 2018: Community Calendar Plus.

DRAFT UPDATED May 23rd. See bottom for late additions.
(Suggestion: Bookmark the Coming-Events category or the Calendar tag so you can quickly return to see late additions/updates )

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

Newswest Volunteers. ++++
Newswest is seeking volunteers to help with its monthly digital on-line content. Experience with Facebook or WordPress ideal, but eager learners welcome. Email editor@newswest.org or come to a board meeting. (Next meeting is Tuesday May 22, 2018 at 7p.m. in the Hintonburg Community Centre.)

May 25 – LobsterFest. ++++
Kiwanis Club of Ottawa returns with the sell-out event of the last 40 years, again at the Centurion Centre 170 Colonnade Road South. Social hour 5:30p.m., then dinner 6:30-8:00p.m. then dancing. 75$ or $60 for the chicken dinner. Call 613-723-8971 for Reservations.

May 25 to June 2 – The Happening
Art, food, fun for the whole family! The Happening celebrates local artists, designers, musicians and businesses on Wellington West from the Somerset Bridge to Island Park.Go to http://thehappeningottawa.ca for the full festival line up. Note: Arts Park returns to Parkale Park on the final day June 2nd.

May 26 – Author visit with David Mulholland.
AuthorDavid Mulholland will read scenes from his most recent work,Chaudière Falls – A Novel of Dramatized History. The story is based upon the founding of our National Capital Region and how Ottawa became our nation’s capital. David will answer questions about the story, and copies of his three novels will be available for purchase. Happening at the Carlingwood Library on Saturday May 26 at 1:30 p.m. Registration is required. For more information go to https://biblioottawalibrary.ca .

May 26 – Final Concert of the Season. ++++
For Cantata Singers of Ottawa’s final concert of the season, the CSO will be joined by a 13-piece string orchestra for a concert based on the 14th century Christian hymn, Ave Verum (presented in plain chant and a more Canadian modern composition). Other composers represented will include Josquin des Prez, William Byrd, Peter Phillips, Orlando Lassus, Franz Liszt, Mozart, Edward Elgar, Charles Gounod, Camille Saint-Saëns, Gabriel Fauré and Francis Poulenc. A wonderful evening of music for all. Join us at 8 p.m. atSt. Joseph’s Church, 174 Wilbrod St. Please visit http://www.cantatasingersottawa.ca for more info.

May 27 – Newswest Reminder: Leader’s Debate. ++++
A Newswest reminder to watch this Ontario Election’s Provincial Leader’s Debate on Sunday May 27th. Available on CTVOttawa CH13 starting at 6:30p.m.

May 27 – Dollars for Dogs in Andrew Haydon Park. ++++
Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind presents their 34th annual Dollar$ for Dog$ Fundraising Dog Walk. This is an event for the public and their pet dogs to raise funds for Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. Raise pledges in advance and join us for a four-kilometre walk in the park on Sunday, May 27th. A 100 dollars in pledges will get you an exclusive Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind t-shirt, or $500 gets you a $50 gift card from a major retailer (a whopping $1,000 will get you a $100 gift card). After the walk, there will be free pizza and plenty of prizes. Registration starts at 9:30a.m. and the walk starts at 10:30a.m. Sign up online at http://guidedogs.ca or email events@guidedogs.ca for a hard copy entry form. Andrew Haydon Park is at 3169 Carling Avenue.

May 27 – Psychic Sunday.
With many different types of Psychics, Mediums, Palm Readers, Tarot, and Tea Leaf Readers to choose from, this day is sure to be magical! It will take place in the private hall upstairs at the Carleton Tavern (233 Armstrong St.) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Coffee and baked goods will be available in the hall, and the Breakfast Special will be available downstairs until 2 p.m. Each Psychic will have their own set fee for their readings. Admission by donation.

May 28 – Provincial All Candidates Debate.
The Hampton Iona Community Group invites you to attend an All-Candidates-Debate for our riding in the upcoming provincial election. Join us at St. George’s Parish 415 Piccadilly Avenue ( between Wellington Street West and Byron Avenue ) on Monday, May 28th. Start time is 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Please contact newsletter@hamptoniona.ca for more info.

May 29 – Newswest Reminder: Ontario Election Registration. ++++
Newswest asks that if you have not yet registered to vote in the Ontario Provincial Election or have not received your voter card in the mail to please visit the Elections Ontario Web-site ( https://elections.on.ca ). Those who register on-line on or before May 29th should receive their voter card before June 7th. Those who are not registered by this date should visit the web-site to familiarize themselves with what is involved with late registration.

May 29 – Dining in the Dark at Chances R. ++++
Chances R will host their 9th annual Dining in the Dark, a fundraiser in support of Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, on Tuesday, May 29, 2018. There are sittings at 5:00p.m. and 7:30p.m. Tickets are $40 per person, which includes a 4-course meal. Tickets are available in restaurant only by cash, and by debit, or credit card. 7:30p.m. is SOLD OUT. Tickets for 5:00p.m. are first-come, first-served. Last year, $5,000 was raised bringing the grand total to $35,000! This event sell outs, so act quickly! Chances R is at 1365 Woodroffe Avenue not far from Baseline Bus station.

May 30 – Mobility: Maximizing Your Choices.
Join an expert panel from The Council on Aging, Ottawa West Community Support, The City of Ottawa and learn about issues ranging from walking and wheeling in varied weather conditions, age-related changes and driving, transportation options of your local Community Support Services agency, and riding OC Transpo and preparing for the LRT. Happening at the Carlingwood Library on Wednesday May 30 at 1 p.m. Registration is required. For more information go to https://biblioottawalibrary.ca .

May 31 – Parkdale Food Centre Gala.
Our 5th Annual Gala promises to be quite the affair. Amazing restaurants and a great band. Come and dance, bid on some amazing Silent Auction prizes and don’t miss a chance to eat at 10 of your favourite local restaurants & caterers all in the same evening! All money raised goes to pay our grocery bills over the summer. (Charitable number 889365003 RR 0001.) Click here for details. Tickets can be purchased at https://parkdalefoodcentregala.eventbrite.ca .

May to October – Friends of the Farm’s Art Exhibitions. ++++
The Ottawa Society of Botanical Artists will send 5 to 10 artists to the gardens during “June Blooms” as part of their summer Sketching Program this year. The Society is supporting two botanical art exhibitions, “Art of the Plant”, hosted by the Canadian Museum of Nature, May 10 to October 14th, and “Plant Portraits: Native Plants of Canada”, hosted by Canadian Agricultural and Food Museum, May 18 to October 31st. Visit http://friendsofthefarm.ca for more info.

May to September – Ottawa Tool Library Events. ++++
May 26th – OTL is at the Great Glebe Garage Sale, Tools, small appliances, more tools! Some vintage, all working. 366 Third Avenue.
May 28th – Learn to Mend (and swap fabric, wool, and clothes too!) Repair don’t toss! Swap, don’t shop! https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/learn-to-mend-tickets-42507679614
June 2nd – 100-in-1-Day Synapcity Swap – Tools, small appliances, clothes and more! The Ottawa Tool Library is taking part in the 100in1 Day community activities across Ottawa with a giant swap at Makerspace North. http://www.100in1day.org/events/5af1a4378941af0004258135
June 25th – Community Demo Night at OTL – Bike Repair! Small group demo’s on tightening brakes, oiling your chain, pumping tires, and alignment. Everyone welcome, $5 suggested donation. Visit http://ottawatoollibrary.com/monthly-shop-community-demo-nights/ for more info.
And More OTL Events Coming up:
July 8th – Maker Day,
July 30th – Community and Demo Night (topic to be determined),
August 18th – Repair Café at the Overbrook Community Centre – part of the Overbrook Community Day Celebration!,
September 24th – Learn to Mend (it’s so popular that we’ve added it to our regular rotation!).

June 1 – Ottawa Family Cinema. ++++
Coming Friday June 1st, World Premiere “Reliving Marilyn” (rated PG). Please visit http://www.familycinema.ca for more info, The Ottawa Family Cinema (613-722-8218) is at Notre Dame Auditorium 710 Broadview Avenue (north of Carling). (No films on Friday May 18th and Saturday May 19th as the Cinema is closed for May )Long Weekend.

June 2 – Fletcher Wildlife Garden – Native Plant Sale. ++++
Saturday June 2 from 9:30a.m. to 12:30p.m. Visit the Fletcher Wildlife Garden (FWG) for their Annual Native Plant Sale. Hundreds of beautiful local wildflowers grow in the Ottawa area. These native plants attract and support local wildlife, including pollinators such as birds, bees, and butterflies. FWG encourages growing native plants so that pollinators and other wildlife can find shelter and food. A wide variety of native plants creates a garden that flowers throughout the summer and whose ecological balance makes herbicides, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers unnecessary. Volunteers will be on hand to advise about which plants suit your garden. The sale is located at FWG building on the east side of Prince of Wales Drive, just south of the Arboretum.
Visit http://friendsofthefarm.ca for more info.

June 2 – Art Lending of Ottawa Summer Exhibition. ++++
Saturday, June 2 in the RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Drive (Outaouais Room, East entrance) 10:00a.m-.5:00p.m. You may lease, lease to purchase and purchase original fine visual art at reasonable prices. Local artists. Free admission and parking. Visit us at http://www.artlendingofottawa.ca (Art Lending of Ottawa, is a not for profit organization since 1970).

June 2 – Wild, Wild Westboro Garage Sale.
This annual garage sale is an annual event which takes place outdoors at the Dovercourt Recreation Centre. Saturday June 2 from 8-11 (no rain date). Come and browse over 50 tables with tons of treasures, including children’s toys, gear, and clothing. Proceeds go to the Westboro Community Association.

June 2, 10, 13, 14, and 16 – June in the Park Month.
Hampton Iona Community Group will be participating in Ecology Ottawa’s “June in the Park Month.” HICG has received a TD Bank Parks People Grant and is hosting a “Leave your Mark on Iona Park” series of events in Iona Park under the guidance of artist Claudia Salguero. Teams of ten people per session will clean, cut and paint planters made from tires. It is fun for all ages. For more information, or to sign up, contact newsletter@hamptoniona.ca . It all culminates on June 16when we hold a Gardening Party while finding inner calm with Yoga in the Park, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Please bring your own mat.(See the Newswest Article “Great News for Hampton-Iona; TD Parks grant inspires new projects (June 2-16, and beyond)” for more on the event).

June 3 – Annual Neighborhood Plant Share.
June is bloomin’ wonderful this year, with Ottawa Garden Days and Ecology Ottawa holding green events. Come to the third Annual Neighborhood Plant Share on Sunday June 3 at 9:30 a.m. to noon in front of 125 Wesley Ave. Share your divided plants and take home new ones. Orphaned plants will be added to the gardens in Iona Park, a project begun in 2016 (See the Newswest Article “A West End Garden Legacy; Sherry Clarke’s enduring work” for more on the Iona Park project).

June 6 – Digging Up Your Roots with FamilySearch.
This workshop will provide an introduction to the FamilySearch website for family history researchers. Learn about the many free resources and tools available, and how to maximize your research capabilities at Family History Centres. The presenter is Shirley-Ann Pyefinch, Director of the LDS Ottawa Family History Centre. Happening at the Carlingwood Library on Wednesday, June 6 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required. For more information go to https://biblioottawalibrary.ca .

June 7 – Newswest Reminder: Ontario Election Day. ++++
Newswest asks that if you have not yet voted to please do so on Thursday June 7th 2018. Those wishing to vote before June 7th may do so by mail or at the office of your returning officer. Other locations will be available starting May 26th. For details and registration please visit the Elections Ontario Web-site ( https://elections.on.ca ).

June 9 – Ottawa Carleton Choristers Concert.
Join The Ottawa Carleton Choristers, special musical guests, The Suspicious Harmonies, and MC Adrian Harewood for “O’Siem: We are all family…stronger together” concert on Saturday, June 9 at 7:30p.m. at Woodroffe United Church, 207 Woodroffe Ave. Admission is a goodwill offering. Dessert reception follows.

June 9 – Plant and bake sale.
Friends of Churchill Recreation Centre will be holding a plant and bake sale in the parking lot on Churchill Ave, between Madison and Richmond, on June 9th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is a cash only sale.

June 10 – Guided Arboretum Tree Tours. ++++
Explore this urban gem with tour leaders, Sunday June 10 at 10a.m. Topic: “Trees and Damaging Agents”. Why do trees usually not live much more than 2 or 3 human lifespans, if lucky? Our guides will explore many damaging agents and other causes of tree mortality via a tour of the Dominion Arboretum. Although the tours are free and open to the public, please register in advance. Visit http://friendsofthefarm.ca/arboretum-tree-tours/ for more info.

June 16 to 17 – Friends of the Farm’s Used Book Sale. ++++
Saturday and Sunday, June 16 and 17, from 10a.m. to 4p.m. Thousands of the best used books in Ottawa are for sale at the Friends annual Used Book Sale. Enjoy browsing outstanding selections culled from the home libraries of friends and families from around the region. It’s a 2-day sale for a reason! Stock up now for your summer reading. All fiction is alphabetized with 18 categories of non-fiction plus vintage books. Great selection, great prices – $1 for paperbacks, $2 for trade paperback and hardback, $3 for new releases. Your support in donating books at our annual book drop-off makes it possible for this to be our biggest event every year. Heartfelt thanks to all our generous donors and tireless volunteers who sort and stack them! Have more books to donate? Hang on to them for the Fall Used Book Drop-off on Saturday October 20 (mark your calendar). Visit http://friendsofthefarm.ca/fcef-annual-events/ for more info.

June 19, 21, 22 – 3 talks on Contemporary Middle East. ++++
Dr. Said is an Anglican Priest ordained in the Diocese of Jerusalem, currently serving in the Diocese of Liverpool, England. He is also a scholar, Islam Lecturer and travels under an Israeli passport. The schedule of Dr. Said’s talks here in Ottawa by general topic and location is as follows: First “Islam” Tuesday June 19 at 7p.m. at All Saints with St. Matthias in Westboro 347 Richmond Road, Second “Islam and Christianity” Thursday June 21 at 7p.m. at St Martin’s 2120 Prince Charles Road, And finally “Christians and the Middle East” Friday, June 22 at 7p.m. at St Martin’s. Dr. Said will be guest of honour at a luncheon hosted by St Martin’s on Wednesday, June 20 and will be guest preacher at St Martin’s Sunday morning worship services taking place at 8:30a.m. and at 10:00a.m. on June 24. Look for more information in the May 24th issue of Newswest here on-line.

June 20 – Have You Had ‘The Talk?’.
Can you live as long as you want as well as you want in Ottawa? Begin one of the most important talks of your life. Take part in a discussion about Advance Care Planning – a process of conversations, decisions and caring for each other. Happening at the Carlingwood Library on Wednesday June 20th, 2018 at 2:00 pm. Registration is required. For more information go to: https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/have-you-had-talk .

June 24 – Friends of the Farm’s June Blooms Garden Tours. ++++
Stroll Through Garden History on June 24th. The Central Experimental Farm’s Ornamental Gardens have enchanted visitors for more than a century on this National Historic Site. Friends of the Farm invite you to “June Blooms” Saturday June 24 from 10a.m. to 2p.m, with 1p.m. launch of the historic replanted portions of the Macoun Garden. Expert garden volunteers provide free guided tours of the CEF Ornamental Gardens (donations are always gratefully appreciated). Park at the Agriculture Museum parking lot (Pay and Display). The Friends will be at the Farm entrance near the parking area with additional information on garden tours. Light refreshments will also be available.
**Event will be cancelled in case of rain, so check at http://www.friendsofthefarm.ca/event/june-blooms-garden-tours/ for more info.**

June 26 – George Parish Strawberry Social.
We’re breaking out the fine china for the St. George Parish strawberry social! Join us and bring a neighbour for a fun tea party at 415 Piccadilly Ave. in the parish hall on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 between 2 pm and 7 pm! Delicious church sandwiches, homemade cake with locally sourced strawberries and ice cream, and plenty of tea and coffee. Family friendly. Great raffle prizes and a bake sale table. Tickets available at the door – $10/adult, $5/child. All proceeds support the parish’s charitable activities in the neighborhood. All are welcome. http://www.saintgeorges.ca/events .

July 12, 14 & 20 – 3 Guided Arboretum Tree Tours. ++++
Thursday July 12 at 3:30p.m. Canadian Institute of Forestry Tour (Ottawa Valley Section). Saturday July 14 at 8p.m. “Got Bats?”. Friday July 20 at 8:30p.m. “A Night With the Moths”. All tours start at Building 72 in the Arboretum. Although the tours are free and open to the public, please register in advance on each tree tour website page. Donations to the Friends of the Farm are gratefully accepted during the tour. Visit http://friendsofthefarm.ca/arboretum-tree-tours/ for more info.

July 22 – Friends of the Farm Victorian Tea. ++++
from 2p.m. to 4p.m. Classic tea is served on the lawns of the Arboretum. Dress in full Victorian garb, (optional), listen to live music, enter the best hat and costume contest. Formal Tea $13 at Bldg 72, CEF Arboretum east exit off Prince of Wales roundabout. Call 613-230-3276 or visit http://friendsofthefarm.ca/fcef-annual-events/ for more info.

August 11 – Art on the Farm. ++++
You are invited to exhibit at Art on the Farm. Saturday August 11 from 10a.m. to 4p.m. in the Arboretum. Rain Date: Sunday Aug 12th. Friends of the Farm’s premier summer event Art on the Farm showcases local and regional artists. There isn’t a more beautiful and peaceful setting in Ottawa than under the luxurious canopy of the Arboretum next to Building 72 on the Central Experimental Farm. A wide range of original media is accepted. The event is Free! to the public. If this natural setting is the place for your artwork, please visit Art on the Farm for information and registration material or call 613-230-3276 or email info@friendsofthefarm.ca . Visit http://friendsofthefarm.ca/fcef-annual-events/ for more info.

October 16 – Friends of the Farm Master Gardener Lecture. ++++
Normally from 7 to 9p.m. Topic “Bulbs for Year Round Enjoyment” with Mary Reid. FCEF members $12, non-members $15, For more info check http://friendsofthefarm.ca/master-gardener-lectures-2018/ .

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

Volunteer wanted. ++++
Friends of the Farm is seeking an volunteer event coordinator for their “Annual Used Book Sale”. Central Experimental Farm, June 16 & 17, 10-4p.m. You’ll require good communication, organizational skills, ability to work well in a group setting. Submit resume volunteer@friendsofthefarm.ca .

Spirit of Rasputin’s Open Stage. ++++
Each Monday night at 7:00 pm we hold our Open Stage at the Whispers pub in Westboro. And on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm it’s the Folk-along Jam at the Vimy Brewing Company.

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

Westboro Legion’s Saturday 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). Everyone is welcome. For more information, please see http://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: $2.00 .

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 9a.m., picks up seniors from their homes and takes them shopping at local supermarkets. For more information about the Grocery Bus and other OWCS programs, please contact the office at 613-728-6016 ( and read their article in Newswest On-line ).

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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