
BY COUNCILLOR DOUG THOMPSON
Tel.: (613) 580-2490
For more events visit “Notes from Doug” at www.dougthompson.ca
POLITICAL NEWS
OSGOODE WARD ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING
This month's meeting of the Osgoode Ward Advisory Council will be held on Wednesday, May 27th at 7:00 p.m. at the Metcalfe Town Hall. Please try to attend.
OFFICIAL PLAN UPDATE
Last week a Joint Meeting of the Rural Affairs Committee and the Planning Committee listened to Staff Presentations and Public Delegations on the Review of the Official Plan. During the three days of meetings, comments were heard supporting both sides of the Urban Boundary / Village Boundary Debate. On Tuesday, May 26th, a Joint Meeting of both Committees will make final decisions about any changes to the current Urban or Village Boundaries.
RESIDENTS QUESTION POLICE ACTIONS
Many local residents have contacted our office with regard to recent incidents involving Ottawa Police Officers.
The Recent Shooting of Two Dogs Near Manotick Station Road
There is an ongoing internal investigation. I have asked for a full report of this incident once the investigation is complete.
The Allegation that an Off Duty Ottawa Police Officer Assaulted a Cab Driver at the Airport
Also, the Allegation of Improper Procedures Used by Police Officers Responding to the Incident
Both complaints are being fully investigated. I will report through this newsletter once the investigations are complete.
ROADSIDE GARBAGE COLLECTION INFORMATION
A friendly reminder that household garbage is to be placed at the end of your driveway by 7:00 a.m. on pick up day (Fridays).
COMMUNITY NEWS
Home Support News
The Board of Directors of the Township of Osgoode Home Support Program
(HSP) is pleased to announce that Catherine Rutka, (BsocSc), will assume the position of Administrator, effective June 1st, 2009. Catherine has 17 years experience in working with community based health care setting for seniors. She has worked at the Home Support Program office from 2007 to the present, as the Project Consultant for the Seniors Transportation Project of three rural agencies, including HSP. Prior to that, she was the Executive Director of Harmer House, a 77 unit independent living complex for seniors. She has held the position of the Adult Day Programmer with Harmer House and was the Day Support Coordinator of the Good Companions Senior Centre. Catherine is enthusiastic about beginning her role in this new position and looks forward to working with the clients, staff and our energetic volunteers.
Carol Halstead, who has been the Executive Director for the past 19 years, is retiring, effective May 31st. A gathering in honour of her retirement is planned for May 28th from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Metcalfe Client Centre.
“Morning Break” Support Group
Alzheimer Society's “Morning Break” Support Group for caregivers meets next on Wednesday, May 20th at the Osgoode Home Support Program Office from 10:15 a.m. - 12:00 noon. This group provides a time for family members of a relative with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia to meet and share experiences, information and ideas related to the caregiving role. This group is NOT suitable for the person with dementia.
Put Your Mind to It: Make Change Happen!
The Alzheimer Society's AGM will be held on Wednesday, June 3rd from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Tudor Hall, 3750 North Bowesville Road in Ottawa. Special presentations will be given by Ms.Elizabeth Manley-Theobald on “Breaking Down the Stigma with My Family's Story” and by Dr. Andrew Frank on “Current Research into the Cause and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease”. The cost for this event is $20.00 before May 15th or $25.00 after the 15th of May.
To register or for more information, contact our chapter at (613) 523-4004 or www.alzheimer-ottawa-rc.org.
Third Annual Community Book Sale Event at Castor Valley Elementary School
On Friday, May 22nd and Saturday, May 23rd, Castor Valley Elementary School is holding its third annual Used Book Sale. The sale is open to all - come along and browse through the donated books for some bargains in fiction and non-fiction for children and adults. Children's books are priced from 25 cents to $1, adult books from $1 to $3, lots of choice for everyone. Sale proceeds will support the school's arts and sports programs, the library and the purchase of new technology. Our student Ambassadors in grades 7 & 8 will be hosting a bake sale. Proceeds from the bake sale will support our school's efforts to build a school in Kenya through our partnership with Free the Children. Castor Valley is located at 2630 Grey's Creek Road (off Snake Island Road) south of Greely in the south end of the city. The event runs on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Come along, have some fun and support Castor Valley Elementary School.
St. Paul's United Church Annual Anniversary Supper
St. Paul's United Church Annual Anniversary Supper will take place in the Kenmore Community Hall on Monday, May 25th. The supper features Roast Beef and homemade pies. Tickets are $15.00 per person.
For tickets, please contact Marilyn Moffatt at (613) 821-2626.
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.
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.
Metcalfe Co-operative Nursery School
The Spring Garage Sale was a huge success - thank you to all who participated.
Summer Camp registration is ongoing - Sign up for 1 week or more. Weekly camps run from July 6th to August 7th. For more information, call (613) 821-3196.
Our fall registration for the 2009 / 2010 school year has begun. To register, please contact the school at (613)-821-3196.
Car Boot Sale: Metcalfe
Metcalfe St. Andrews United Church, 2677 8th Line Road in Metcalfe, is having their first annual Car Boot Sale (Trunk Sale) on Saturday, May 30th from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the Church parking lot. For a tax deductible donation of $20.00 to the Church, you can reserve a spot. You are asked to arrive with your goods in the boot (trunk) of your car, the goods are then unpacked onto folding tables, a blanket, or tarpaulin or simply on the ground. Some ideas for goods to sell: crafts, plants, unwanted household goods, new or used goods ... Refreshments will be available for purchase.
If you would like to reserve a spot, please contact Nelda Isaac at (613) 821-2075 or Martha Robertson at (613) 821-1708. HURRY as spots are limited!
Fun Day at Stinson's on Bank Street
A Fun Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 30th from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Stinson location at Bank Street and Leitrim Road. (Rain date May 31st) This fun day is to raise money for Relay for Life and includes a garage sale, BBQ, bake sale, and car wash.
If you have any items you would like to donate for the garage or bake sale, or donate your time to come and help out, please contact Nancy Despard or Kelly Schuett at (613) 822-7400.
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.
"A Retrospective Millinery Fashion Show"
In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Women's Institutes in Carleton District, there will be “A Retrospective Millinery Fashion Show” at the Alfred Taylor Recreation Centre, 2300 Community Way, North Gower. This event takes place on Sunday, June 7th from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. and includes displays of hats, history of Women's Institutes, Tweedsmuir history books, and a play entitled “Home and Country”, presented by the Rural Roots Theatre. Enjoy tea, desserts, draws and prizes. Come, Celebrate and Wear a Hat!
For tickets at $10.00 per person, please contact Ruth Kennedy at (613) 832-1044 or Myra Kelly at (613) 821-2959.
Knights of Columbus Council 8092: Golf Tournament
Knights of Columbus Council 8092 will be holding their 7th Annual Open Charity Golf Tournament on the 7th of June at Falcon Ridge Golf Course.
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.
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 21st at McKendry Park. This is just prior to the 6:30 p.m. start time for soccer. Please arrive before 6:15. 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 Gardens and coffee will be available. For more information, please call (613) 826-0906.
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 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Our Lady of the Visitation Church is hosting its Annual Charity Auction at the Greely Community Centre. 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.
Fish Fry Dinner
St James United Church on Main Street in Osgoode is holding a Fish Fry Dinner on Sunday, 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.
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 and District Ringette Registration: Now Being Accepted
You may register in one of two ways: by mail or in person.
Mail: Registration forms and general information about registration can be found on the MDRA website under Resources www.mdra.ca. Registrations and payment can be mailed to:
MDRA
P.O. Box 429
Metcalfe, ON K0A 2P0
In Person: Saturday, May 30th, at the Greely Community Centre, Hall B, 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon OR Saturday, June 27th at the Metcalfe Community Centre, Hall, 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon.
The deadline for the early registration discount is May 31st, 2009. The registration deadline is June 30th. After that date, registrations will be placed on a waiting list. Hurry and register soon, spaces are limited!
For more information on the MDRA, please go to www.mdra.ca or call Registrar, Pat Johnston at (613) 821-1157 or registrar@mdra.ca.
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.
For more information, to donate or to register for a table, please contact Jennifer at (613) 821-1363.
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.
CFS Leitrim MS Golfathon
On June 10th, Canadian Forces Station Leitrim will host its 8th Annual Multiple Sclerosis Charity Golf Tournament (Charity # 107746174RR0004). The event will be held at the "Manderley on the Green" Golf Course, rain or shine.
We solicit your support for the 2009 MS Golf Tournament. Your contribution will be greatly appreciated. We hope you will extend your support to us by sponsoring a hole and / or prize donations.
If interested submit all donations to:
Sharron Dewan-Aiken
CFNOC DND
Training Coordinator
Phone:613-945-6455 ex 7703
Fax: 613-945-7733
SHARRON.DEWAN-AIKEN@forces.gc.ca
Golf Registration
The entry fee is $80.00 / player (for all non Leitrim Mess Members), but if you would like to have a team participate we could use the Leitrim Mess Members entry fee of $75.00 / member (usually teams of 4). The day will include a buffet breakfast at the course, all golf fees, cart, and a dinner which will be served at CFS Leitrim Mess. Please submit individual name and / or foursomes and payment to;
Sgt Tom Rodden-Aubut
Phone: (613)-945-3128
Email: Rodden-Aubut.TM@forces.gc.ca
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)
O-YA Has A Brand New Website!
Hours of operation, programming, volunteer opportunities, community events and much more can all be found at www.o-ya.ca. Come on by!
Justin Trudeau is Coming To O-YA!
O-YA is thrilled to announce that Justin Trudeau will be coming to The Osgoode Youth Association on Monday, June 1st from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Justin will be speaking about his Private Members Bill supporting Youth Service, volunteerism, the value of supporting youth and the value of community. This event is open to all community members (youth and adult; no age restrictions!)! Please RSVP your attendance by email to o-yacentre@rogers.com or phone (613) 826-0726. Visit www.o-ya.ca for more details.
Because It Takes A Village
The Osgoode Youth Association is a charitable, non-profit organization which has always relied on the generosity of a small group of financial supporters. However, in this tough economic climate, we are finding it especially difficult to secure sustainable funding. As such, the O-YA Centre is reaching out to you, our local community, for support.
In a campaign called “Community Cares”, O-YA is asking community members to make monthly financial contributions to O-YA (where you choose the amount), enabling us to continue providing our young people with an outstanding place to grow, learn and play. O-YA is a precedent setting youth centre, and it is part of your community. Can we count on you to be one of our supporters?
For your monthly contribution (by pre-authorized bank debit, Visa or MasterCard), you will receive an annual tax receipt, and the satisfaction that comes with being a part of a caring community. To sign up to support “Community Cares”, or for more details, please contact O-YA at (613) 826-0726 or o-yacentre@rogers.com.
Ottawa Public Health Is Hosting Pesticide Free Gardening
To register for this presentation, call (613) 580-6744 ext. 26301. There is no cost for the seminar.
•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
Ready to Learn Program
The Ready to Learn Program will start again on Monday, May 25th and continue on Mondays and Thursdays for 5 weeks.
First Words Screening Clinic
First Words Screening Clinic will be held on Saturday, June 20th from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Live & Learn Resource Centre, 8243 Victoria Street. First come, first served.
Summer Fun Day
Come join us for our year end celebration on Friday, June 26th from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. in the courtyard at 8243 Victoria Street.
NEW Upcoming Playgroups: Fridays
May 22nd - Infant Massage - An introduction to Infant Massage by a Certified Infant Massage Instructor. Please call 613) 821-2899 to register.
May 29th - Toddler Playgroup
June 5th - PAT - Parents as Teachers program (children 0 – 3)
June 12th - Infant Massage
June 19th - Toddler Playgroup
June 26th - Summer Fun (outside in front courtyard)
Reminder to those who need space for a meeting, playgroup or get together - the Resource Centre is available on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons.
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 ext. 30235.
Citywide Recreation Guides are available at the Client Services Centre or online at www.ottawa.ca.
COMMUNITY HEALTH NEWS
H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu): Important Message
What everyone needs to know:
• Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve or a tissue, not in your hands.
• Stay home if you experience flu-like symptoms.
Where to go for more information:
www.ottawa.ca/health
(613) 580-6744
Promoting Healthy Parenting - A Discipline Workshop
There is a free Parenting Workshop offered by Ottawa Public Health entitled “Promoting Healthy Parenting- A Discipline Workshop”. It will be held on Wednesday, May 29th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the North Gower Cooperative Nursery School, 2300 Community Way. This session will assist parents by identifying the differences between discipline and punishment while looking at ways they can communicate in a positive way to influence and guide their child's / children's behaviour. To register, please contact (613) 825-5990.
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 ext. 26173 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.
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
“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will.” Vince Lombardi