BY COUNCILLOR DOUG THOMPSON
Tel.: (613) 580-2490
For more events visit “Notes from Doug” at www.dougthompson.ca
OUR NEW AND IMPROVED WEBSITE
I am extremely proud to announce that we now have a NEW and IMPROVED Website designed by Kyle Burry, a resident of the Village of Osgoode. Kyle, through his company burbek Inc., Professional Website Design, has developed a very modern website for our office. Please visit our NEW WEBSITE, www.dougthompson.ca. Although the site is a work in progress, your comments would be most appreciated.
Special thanks goes to Florence Moffatt, our Office Manager, who is working with Kyle to finalize the product.
John Foliot of Bytown Internet has done a remarkable job of hosting our previous website for over ten years. Thank you, John, for your professionalism and dedicated efforts on behalf of our office and our residents.
With regard to column submissions, we are very pleased to support local clubs, organizations and any groups that provide a service to our Community. In order to meet the deadline for the local papers and our office, the following timeline has been established. Material for the column must be into our office by Friday at NOON for inclusion in the newspaper columns / electronic newsletter of the following week. Your support with regard to this timeline is most appreciated.
Thanks,
Doug
POLITICAL NEWS
PUBLIC FORUM ON RURAL ROAD NEEDS
Over 60 residents attended our Public Forum on the Road Infrastructure Needs in the south end of the City. Dan Perley of Greely chaired the meeting that featured comments from John Manconi, General Manager of Public Works and Carina Duclos, Program Manager, Infrastructure Assessment. Councillors Glenn Brooks, Steve Desroches and myself listened attentively to comments / concerns / questions from the residents.
I believe the Public Forum was the first step in obtaining more resources from the City for upgrading the roads in our Communities.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Liam Maguire: 50th Birthday Fundraiser
On Friday, May 22nd, Liam Maguire is hosting a fundraising dinner / dance at the Manotick Arena. Liam is turning 50 and decided to hold a fundraiser for the Ottawa Hospital ICU in memory of Mike Doyle. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m., catered by A.J's. At 8:00 p.m., there will be a few short speeches / videos followed by “Sticks n' Stones”, a great local band.
Tickets are $35.00 each and are available at Manotick Office Pro or Quality Cleaners in Manotick.
Just Kiddin' Theatre: Outstanding Work
The Just Kiddin' Theatre is a remarkable story of local residents who wanted to give an opportunity for youth to experience drama. Andrie Nel has been the ultimate volunteer who wrote the play “Surviving Camp” as well as producing and directing the show. Twenty-five youth participated in the play that attracted sold out performances at the Metcalfe Town Hall from May 1st to 3rd. What is equally astounding is that thirty adults volunteered for various support roles in the production.
What incredible community spirit we see on a regular basis!
City of Ottawa Civic Appreciation Awards 2009
On Tuesday, May 5th, City Council hosted the 8th Annual City of Ottawa Civic Appreciation Awards. Local residents Kim Bates, Michael Daley, Hugh Doyle, Stuart Holmes, Kay Johnston, Elsie and Gib Patterson as well as Anne Peterson were recognized for their volunteer contributions.
Congratulations to Betty Prophet of Edwards on receiving the Distinguished Civic Award for Rural / Agriculture. Also, congratulations to Michael More of Greely who was presented with the Distinguished Civic Award for Heritage.
Bows for Butterflies Benefit Concert
The Stellae Boreales Violin Ensemble presented a truly professional Benefit Concert on Friday evening at the Brookstreet Hotel. Proceeds from the evening are directed to the Early Identification and Intervention Program for Youth, a program provided by the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health.
The young, lovely and talented Fiona Tomic from Osgoode was one of the star performers of the Stellae Boreales Violin Ensemble. As you might imagine, this outstanding evening had the trademark of excellence because our very own, Carol Nixon, was one of the primary organizers.
Vandalism in Our Community Parks
Ottawa Police, local residents and myself are very concerned with the recent wave of vandalism in Metcalfe's Mckendry Park as well as other parks in Osgoode Ward. Broken beer bottles, graffiti, substantial litter and automobiles driving across grassed park areas are becoming regular nightime activities.
It is critical for local residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity in our parks by calling the Police at (613) 236-1222 ext. 7300.
Victorian Tea: Metcalfe
Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Metcalfe is hosting a Victorian Tea on Saturday, June 6th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Hats are optional.
For information, please contact Marjorie Stanley at (613) 233-1556.
Ottawa's Countryside Membership Reaches 100!
Ottawa's Countryside is excited to announce its membership is now over 100 business members strong! Proudly we have grown from 4 members in 2005 to over 100 in 2009! We are pleased to support rural businesses through our tourism and marketing initiatives but even more so to offer residents and visitors alike an experience that cannot be matched anywhere else!
Our businesses in and around the Rural areas of Ottawa and for 90 kms beyond, invite you to Come Play, Shop, Eat, Stay, Meet and Celebrate right in your own backyard!Ottawa's Countryside is your choice destination for an hour, a day or more! Whether you are in the mood for a quiet country escape, an exciting family adventure, shopping for treasures in quaint villages, or experiencing the countryside's best farm fresh produce and meats, our members will fulfill your every need.
Congratulations to Earl Stanley, President, Board of Directors of Ottawa's Countryside!
Polycystic Kidney Research Society of Canada: Ottawa Chapter Event
When: Saturday, May 30th, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Liam Maguire's, 1705 St. Laurent Blvd. (at Innes Road)
Event Info: Tickets are $10.00 each. Liam Maguire, the NHL trivia king, will be the evening's emcee! There will be live music performed by Blackboard Nails, a silent auction, 50/50 draw and your chance to win many door prizes. Tickets and additional event information are available by emailing Julie Chamberland at ottawapkdchapter@gmail.com, or by calling 1-877-410-1741. (Please leave your contact information and a PKRS of Canada representative will be in touch with you to take your order.) For up to date information, be sure and visit our web page at www.pkdcure.org/PKDFCanada.
Terlin Construction: 2nd Annual Invitational Golf Tournament
Terlin Construction is proud to be sponsoring our 2nd Annual Invitational Golf Tournament for The CHEO Foundation. The tournament this year will be held on Thursday June 25th at Dragonfly Golf Links.
Thanks in part to all who participated in last year’s tournament, we managed to raise over
$26, 000 to help the CHEO Foundation. Once again this year, we are aiming to raise even more funds. We are proud to welcome A Channel’s Sandra Blaikie as our emcee for the day’s events. There are many ways that you can help this year from being a sponsor, or by simply participating in the tournament.
Due to the overwhelming success of last year’s tournament, we are expecting a sell out, so register soon!! COME AND ENJOY A DIFFERENT KIND OF WORK DAY! For further information about this tournament, please feel free to contact Beverly at (613) 821-0768 ext. 241 or at beverly@terlin.ca. .
I want to thank Terry McLaughlin, President of Terlin Construction Ltd., for his tremendous efforts on behalf of CHEO.
Metcalfe Community Soccer – Late Registration
Late registration, for children wanting to play soccer in May and June with Metcalfe Community Soccer, will be available at 6:00 p.m. on May 14th and 21st at McKendry Park. This is just prior to the 6:30 p.m. start time for soccer. Please arrive before 6:15 as it is our very busy, first evening. Cost is $7.00 per child. Please have the children wear weather appropriate clothing and soccer cleats, with shin pads and soccer socks. Also, please bring your water in a refilled or non-disposable water bottle, and save the planet! Bring bug spray if you wish. We play non-competitive, skills development soccer and the children must be in JK to Gr. 9 this year. Girls and boys play on mixed teams, sorted by grade and we have a ton-o-fun! See you there! For information, email: metcalfesoccer@gmail.com.
Edwards-Metcalfe Watch
The Edwards-Metcalfe Watch is similar to a residential Neighbourhood Watch program, with which you may be familiar. The main differences are that we are a registered charitable organization and that our volunteers patrol our larger community by vehicle. Founded 11 years ago (as the Edwards Watch) in response to a rash of “break-and-enter” crimes in our area, we support the Ottawa Police by helping to prevent crime - mainly property crime - in our community through patrols, observation and education.
Should you be interested in helping out, we would appreciate having you join us in patrolling and / or observing the area. Please check out our website: http://www.edwardsmetcalfewatch.ca/index.htm.
Osgoode Garden Club
On Saturday, May 23rd, the Osgoode Garden Club is holding a Spring Plant Sale at the Osgoode Library, 5630 Osgoode Main Street. The sale is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. There is also a draw for a wonderful basket donated by Manotick Landscape and coffee will be available. For more information, please call (613) 826-0906.
Fish Fry Dinner
St James United Church on Main Street in Osgoode is holding a Fish Fry Dinner on May 24th starting at 4:00 p.m. - Crispy Fish, beans, fries, salads, rolls, drinks and dessert! Come out and enjoy. Don't bother cooking dinner! Come and have an excellent dinner made fresh for you!!
Adults: $13.00, Children: $7.50 (under 10) Family: $35.00 Eat in or Take Out. Tickets are available from Beth at (613) 826-2446 or Eileen at (613) 826-2373.
Greely Gardeners Group
On Saturday, May 23rd, the Greely Gardeners Group is holding a Spring Plant Sale at Andy Shields Park on Old Prescott Road. The sale is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
For more information, please call (613) 821-1847, or visit our website www.greelygardeners.org.
Our Lady of the Visitation Church Annual Charity Auction
On Saturday, May 23rd from10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Greely Community Centre, Our Lady of the Visitation Church is hosting its Annual Charity Auction. Attend our 8th Auction featuring furniture, collectibles, gift baskets, gift certificates for groceries, gas, golf, the movies and many other items - in fact over 200 for this Live and Silent Auction event. Bid on two life size Don Cherry cutouts!
Product donations would be gratefully accepted. Proceeds will be directed to the Building Fund at Our Lady of the Visitation, 5338 Bank Street, Gloucester.
For information, please contact Marie Trojan at (613) 526-2366 or Gladys Gallant at (613) 821-3434 or visit www.olvis.ca.
Nepean Rideau Osgoode Community Resource Centre
Nepean Rideau Osgoode Community Resource Centre is starting a new program. Please tell your colleagues and friends about the Healthy Relationships Men's Group. Topics for discussion include: healthy adult relationships, assertiveness, healthy communication, anger solutions, stress management, self care. The meetings will be held on Mondays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., May 25th to June 29th at the Nepean Rideau Osgoode Community Resource Centre, 541-1642 Merivale Road. For more information or to register, contact Sheila Norquay at (613) 596-5626 ext. 228.
Metcalfe Public School Community Garage Sale
The Metcalfe Public School Community Garage Sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 30th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Rain date is June 6th)
Tables are $15.00 for private individuals and $20.00 for small business owners. We will also be accepting donations of used toys, equipment, books, & household goods. Money raised will buy new books for the Library and resources for the new Middle French Immersion program at Metcalfe Public School.
Please contact Jennifer at (613) 821-1363 to register.
The Ninth Annual Walk for ALS Ottawa
The Walk for ALS began in 2001 and has so far raised approximately 11 million dollars nationally. It takes place annually in more than 70 communities nationwide between May and September.
The 9th Annual Ottawa WALK for ALS will take place on May 30th, a 5 km. walk beginning at the Assembly Hall, Lansdowne Park. Check-in is at 10:00 a.m., with the Walk commencing at 11:00 a.m. The aim of this year’s Ottawa Walk is to reach the $1 million mark of funds raised in the Ottawa area since the Walk’s inception. Please refer to the Walk website for additional information
The funds raised support direct services for people with ALS and their families – educational information, referrals to local health care and community services, equipment assistance, home visits, and coordination of peer support groups. It also finances ongoing ALS research across the country through the ALS Society of Canada. One important thing to know about ALS is that it affects the whole family. Caregivers, most commonly a spouse, are responsible for approximately 90 per cent of the home care needed by patients. ALS is a costly disease - emotionally, physically and financially.
Vernon's 11th Annual Village Garage Sale
Vernon's 11th Annual Village Garage Sale is scheduled for Saturday, June 13th beginning at 8:00 a.m. until noon - rain or shine. There will be sales throughout the village, with 40-50 homes participating again this year. Bake tables, BBQ lunch, drink stands, kids stuff, antiques and more - something for everyone!
For more information, please contact Kim at (613) 821-3033.
Gigantic Greely Garage Sale
The 8th Annual Gigantic Greely Garage Sale will be held on Saturday, June 13th from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Greely Community Centre. Donations of household items can be dropped off at the Community Centre on Friday, June 12th between 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. All proceeds will be directed to CHEO.
For information, please call Anita Snelgrove at (613) 614-8257.
News from O-YA (Osgoode Youth Association)
Our brand new website is now LIVE!!! Visit us online at www.o-ya.ca to see our Calendar of Events for all four of our groups (Tweens, Jr. Youth, Sr. Youth & SNAP), hours of operation, information about volunteering at O-YA, and the introduction of our new Community Cares fundraising campaign. Check it out, and let us know what you think!
Add 'O-YA Centre' as a friend of Facebook, and get up-to-the-minute updates on O-YA happenings.
Volunteers Urgently Needed to Plan and Run Canada Day 2009 in Greely
We are only two months away, and so far we have only 2 people running this huge event! We need your help to complete planning, fundraising in the community, both residents and businesses, and help with the activities on this special day. A few hours from many people will make sure we can go ahead.
Email to president@greelycommunity.org, or call Gill Toll at (613) 821-6123.
Ottawa Public Health Is Hosting Pesticide Free Gardening
Presentations are being held throughout the city. To register for any of the presentations, call (613) 580-6744 ext. 26301. There is no cost for these seminars.
•Eco-Friendly Native Plant Gardening - Wednesday, May 13th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Nepean Sportsplex (Hall E), 1701 Woodroffe Avenue.
•Great Gardens Are Rooted in Healthy Soils, Compost and Mulch - Thursday, May 21st from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Churchill Seniors Centre (Town Hall), 345 Richmond Road.
Live & Learn Resource Centre
Toy Lending Library
The Toy Lending Library offers many benefits to children and their families. Play is crucial to a child's development, and it is through play that children learn about themselves and the world around them. Become a member of the library at the Live and Learn resource centre, 8243 Victoria St., Metcalfe (lower level) and enjoy borrowing from over 300 toys for just $ 30.00 a year.
Right now the TLL is offering these spring specials:
• Pay just $ 5.00 for a one month trial membership.
• Cover your membership by donating a toy, in excellent shape and worth $30.00, to the toy lending library.
Drop by the Toy Lending Library at the Live and Learn Resource Centre. We look forward to seeing you soon.
OSGOODE / RIDEAU RECREATION INFORMATION
Area Program information now available at URL link: manotick.net/cityrecreation . For more information on area programs and services, please contact (613) 580-2424 x30235.
Citywide Recreation Guides are available at the Client Services Centre or online at www.ottawa.ca.
COMMUNITY HEALTH NEWS
Ottawa Public Health, Rural Health Programs
For more information about or to register for any of the programs, please contact Barbara O'Brien-Litten, Public Health Nurse, at (613) 580-6744 x26173 or
barbara.obrien-litten@ottawa.ca.
Well Water Testing
You can drop off your samples on any Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Metcalfe Library.
Collective Country Cooking Program 2009
Are you not eating well because you don't feel like cooking for only one person? Are you finding it hard to stretch the grocery money for the month? Would you like to get together with new friends to try new recipes, get nutrition tips and have fun in the kitchen preparing healthy meals? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this new program is for you.
The Collective Country Cooking Program brings participants together to prepare several low cost nutritious meals, enjoy a meal, and divide the leftovers to bring home for future meals. Participants also gain nutrition, food safety and health tips.
Planning meetings were held, topics, discussed.
The theme for May is:
COOKING WITH UNUSUAL FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
- Monday, May 25th, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Osgoode Community Centre – Kitchen
- Tuesday, May 26th 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Alfred Taylor Community Centre – North Gower
Cost: $2.00 per session
Registration information: 613.596.5626 (Nepean Rideau Osgoode Community Resource Centre)
Space is limited so register now if you are interested!
Assistance for transportation costs is available if needed.
This program is brought to you by the Nepean Rideau Osgoode Community Resource Centre and Ottawa Public Health, Rural Health Program.
COMMUNITY POLICING NEWS FROM CONSTABLE FINNISS
Let's continue to report and make those calls.
(613) 236-1222 ext. 7300 Call Centre to report vandalism, theft from vehicles
9-1-1 Crime in progress / life threatening
(613) 230-6211 Dispatcher all other emergencies
(613) 236-1222 ext. 3700 Leitrim Information Desk
(613) 236-1222 ext. 3787 Cst. Jennifer Finniss / finnissj@ottawapolice.ca
Quote
“One way to get the most out of life is to look upon it as an adventure.”
William Feather
