A GIFT FROM YOUSUF KARSH TO "THE CITY HE LOVED"
(City of Ottawa Press Release)

Estrellita Karsh, widow of the world-renowned portrait photographer Yousuf Karsh, presented nine of her late husband’s portraits to the City of Ottawa.

 
"This is a gift from the heart, a gift from Yousuf to the city he loved,"  Mrs. Karsh said at the elegant ceremony in the Karsh-Masson Gallery.

 
The portraits mark the first Karsh photos in the City’s fine arts collection, which holds more than 1,600 pieces of art. One portrait will remain permanently at the Karsh-Masson Gallery, while the others will be on public display in various municipal facilities across Ottawa.

 
Two of Karsh’s most famous portraits—Winston Churchill and Georgia O’Keeffe—were among the nine. The remaining portraits are Canadians who have all had a profound influence on the country either through literature, the arts or politics, including Pierre Trudeau, Robertson Davies, Frederick Varley, Kenojuak Ashevak, Stephen Leacock, Jack Bush, and a self-portrait of Karsh himself.

 
Acting Mayor Doug Thompson noted that Karsh’s true legacy was not only his immense artistry, but also his fine reputation. "This gift is appreciated on so many levels: culturally, historically and personally. Today we are not only celebrating this exceptionally important gift to the City’s public art program, but also the 100th anniversary of Yousuf Karsh’s birth, and the sheer honour of having him as an Ottawa resident for more than 60 years."

 
The nine portraits are all original prints. Jerry Fielder, curator of the Karsh estate, explained that once Karsh closed his studio in 1992, no further prints were made from his negatives. "Mr. Karsh was a master technician in the darkroom,” explained Fielder. “Also, Mr. Karsh protected all of his clients. He never wanted the photos to be used commercially."

 
The nine portraits will be on exhibit at the Karsh-Masson Gallery from July 15th to 26th, 2009. The Gallery is located at 136 St. Patrick St. For more information, visit ottawa.ca/arts.

 

The City of Ottawa is calling on all residents and visitors to pitch in and stop the LitterBug from littering in our parks, neighbourhoods and scenic locations.

 
The City has more than 2,900 waste receptacles across the City for residents to use when they are out enjoying the summer weather.

 
No one wants to live in or spend a vacation in a litter-filled city. Please keep our parks and tourist attractions clean for everyone to enjoy by doing your part and putting your litter where it belongs in a waste or recycling container.

 
The simple action of putting your litter where it belongs benefits everyone.

 
If you wish to report litter, contact the City by calling 3-1-1 (TTY: (613) 580-2401). Let us know what you think about litter in Ottawa by taking our online survey at ottawa.ca/litterbug.

 
Together, we can help keep Ottawa's parks, neighbourhoods, scenic locations and tourist attractions clean and green.

 

The City of Ottawa is gearing up to turn the streets green. The Ottawa Green Bin program is a new initiative that will stop organic waste from going to landfill and instead, use it to make compost.

 

The City will start delivering green bins and kitchen containers to approximately 220,000 households (63 per cent of Ottawa residences) between September and December of this year. Pick up of organics will begin January 2010.

 

The Green Bin program will accept organic materials such as kitchen scraps (vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, bones, dairy products, coffee grounds and filters), yard waste and other organic household materials. It will not accept diapers or plastics of any kind.

 

The Green Bin program is the latest waste diversion initiative launched by the City. This program will significantly reduce the more than 330,000 tonnes of residential waste that currently goes to landfill each and every year.

 

Once collected, organic material will be transported to a state-of-the-art, indoor composting facility where it will be converted into nutrient-rich compost ideal for agricultural use.

 

 

Volunteer  Awards Nominations 

                              

Our office has received nominations from a number of Osgoode Ward residents. There are only two weeks remaining to nominate an outstanding volunteer from our Community.

 
The categories for nominations are:

 
        Youth Volunteer Award
        Community Volunteer Award
        Senior Award - HR Dick McLaughlin Memorial Award
        Outstanding Community Service Award

 
Please include with your nomination a short biography, if possible, and forward to  florence.moffatt@ottawa.ca or telephone (613) 580-2490. July 31st is the closing date for nominations. Our "Annual Osgoode Ward Volunteer Appreciation Awards & Corn Roast Dinner" is scheduled for August 27th  at the Metcalfe Community Centre.

 

 
33rd Annual Pioneer Day

The Osgoode Township Historical Society and Museum will be hosting its 33rd annual Pioneer Day celebration on July 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free and there will be live entertainment, historical reenactors, vintage automobiles and tractors, heritage displays, games and activities for children. 

 

Also, join us for a BBQ hosted by the Vernon Community Association and Museum and a Strawberry Tea. ($6 for adults, $4 for children under 12).

 

For more information, please call (613) 821-4062.

 

2009 marks the 19th year that “The Family Ball Tournament” has been held at the Osgoode Community Centre. Sixteen teams consisting of male and female family members compete in a three-pitch tournament. All proceeds are donated to a worthy charity or charities.

 

Time:  Friday, August 7th, 7:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m., Saturday, August 8th, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.

 

Location: Osgoode Community Centre, 5660 Osgoode Main Street

 

Food:   A variety of sandwiches and potato chips will be available on Friday evening and all day Saturday. Barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs will be available   from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday. Pulled pork sandwiches will be available after 9:00 p.m. on Saturday. Soft drinks and water will be available at all times. Coffee will be available in the evenings and Saturday morning and running water will be accessible to the cooks.

 

Organizers:  Tracey D’Aviero (613) 826-2186 (Home) or (613) 851-5075 (Cell/work) or Marty Kelly (613) 838-3307.

 

 
International Youth Day on August 12th!  

  

We are encouraging as many Nepean, Rideau & Osgoode youth to apply for the talent show as possible so that Ottawa can see the skills and diversity of our local youth!!   Lots of great prizes are available to be won, along with the opportunity to perform at the United Way's "Youth Got Talent" event on August 12th at the Bronson Centre.
 
There will also be an event for rural youth taking place August 12th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. in Metcalfe located at the Osgoode High School gymnasium.  Videos, games, hacky sack and food will be available followed by a shuttle for youth to get downtown to the "Youth Got Talent" event in the evening. More details to follow!!

Let's put Nepean & Ottawa's rural youth front stage for International Youth Day!!

 

Special thanks to Judy Carey who coordinated a remarkable Medieval Festival in Osgoode Village. The following is her report.

The rain may have dampened the grounds but certainly not the spirit of the Kingdom of Osgoode Medieval Festival.  Some of the events had to be moved to drier locations and the jousting on Saturday became a skills demonstration of the Knights and their steeds.  Other than that, everything went as planned.

 
Approximately 100 people attended The King's feast Saturday evening.  George Bailey of Baileys Blade and Bow in Smiths Falls put on a swordplay demonstration, with the winner receiving the hand of the King's daughter (we won't mention that Jim Devenny played the role of the Princess!!).  Door prizes included a trip for two to Quebec City on Via Rail, Spa Treatments and a Fire Pot from Baileys.Some two thousand people attended the two day event, taking in entertainment such as jousting, swordplay, archery, dancing, music and the merchant marketplace.
 
The Knights of Valour were the biggest draw of the festival.  What little boy hasn't dreamed of becoming a Knight...and here in the Kingdom of Osgoode, he gets to watch real knights joust on horseback.  They put on a tremendous display of skill and talent.  Dr. Terry Brennan was placed in the jousting field with a cabbage on his head and one of the knights galloped by, slicing the cabbage in half.  The crowds cheered.  During the Knights of Valour's last performance of the festival, Sir Jason was unseated from his steed by the World Jousting Champion, Sir Shanton...an affirmation that this sport is real.

 
Doug Thompson...or should I say, Mayor Thompson, showed his good sportsmanship by spending time in the Stocks and having wet sponges thrown at him.

 
A big thank you goes to the Osgoode Village Community Association for hosting the second annual Kingdom of Osgoode Medieval Festival as well as all the volunteers that made this event possible.  What was unique about the Kingdom of Osgoode Medieval Festival was that it was free to all.  Tax collectors mingled throughout the crowds looking for donations, but it was a very affordable event for the whole family.

 
One comment from a local resident  summed it all up.  "I've lived in this village for 40 years and I've never seen such excitement and enthusiasm as this festival has brought...thank you."  Plans for the 2010 Medieval festival have already started.  If you have any comments or suggestions for next year's festival, please contact Judy Carey at (613) 826-1243 or carey002@sympatico.ca .

 

 
Ottawa SuperEx: 2009

Lyn Presley, President of the Central Canada Exhibition Association, is very excited about the 2009 SuperEx that runs from August 20th through to August 30th. This column will begin highlighting features of the Ottawa SuperEx. This week we are promoting “The Best Apple Pie in the Valley”.

 

A new event at this year's Ottawa SuperEx (August 20th  - 30th) is "The Best Apple Pie in the Valley".  Prize Money of these generous amounts is unheard of!  1st - $500.00, 2nd - $200.00, 3rd, 4th, and 5th each win $100.00.  This event takes place on Thursday, August 27th  in the Pure Country Pavilion.  Advance registration is required.  Preliminary judging by celebrity judges including Meredith Brophy of Osgoode will take place 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and final judging at 7:00 p.m. will be undertaken by CTV's Max Keeping.  Following that, the winning pies will be auctioned off by celebrity auctioneer and philanthropist, David Smith. 

 

Once again, the Ottawa SuperEx will be presenting “Organ Donor Awareness Day” in conjunction with the Kidney Foundation of Eastern Ontario. The event will take place on Monday, August 24th, 2009.

 
The Kidney Foundation will have a booth at the Ottawa SuperEx front gate, offering information on the importance of organ and tissue donation. At approximately 5:00 p.m., people will assemble at the SuperStage area where there will be a small presentation and then participants will form a “Living Green Ribbon”.

For more information, check out the Agriculture section of the SuperEx website: www.ottawasuperex.com or call Judy Buske at (613) 237-7222.

 

 
Osgoode Lions Award Bursaries to St. Mark Students

At the St. Mark Catholic High School Graduation Ceremonies on Thursday, June 25th, the Osgoode and District Lions Club presented bursaries to two outstanding graduating students. As Osgoode residents who have demonstrated student leadership qualities and achieved a high academic standing, Katherine Martin and Bridget Kelly each received $500 from the Lions Club.

Presenting the bursaries was Osgoode Lions Vice-President, Glen Driedger, who said he was pleased that the club has doubled its awards this year, providing funds for two deserving students. He added, “We support youth, seniors, and those in need, and focus on leadership as well as athletics for the young women and men in our community. All our members are proud to assist students in their pursuit of post secondary education.”

Every year, the Osgoode and District Lions Club provides bursaries to students at St. Mark as well as Osgoode Township High School and the Kemptville Agricultural College, now part of the University of Guelph.

 

The Stairwell Carollers are looking for new voices starting this fall.  The Stairwell Carollers are an Ottawa / Gatineau choir who enjoy raising money for local charities. The choir rehearses every Wednesday evening at St. Columba Church, 24 Sandridge Road in Ottawa and are presently looking for tenors, sopranos and basses for September 2009.

 

For more information, please visit our website at  http://www.stairwellcarollers.com.

 

Friends for Greener Vernon: Photo Contest  

                                                                                           

Take a picture of your favourite garden on your property at the right time of the season. (Sorry, Vernon area only.) Only three pictures per household will be allowed and the contest ends September 1st, 2009. Drop photos off at 7842 Morningside Avenue, Vernon.  Please note that the pictures will be judged by  non-residents of Vernon.

 

   1st prize $25.00
   2nd prize $15.00
   3rd prize $10.00

 
 
So get out there and start snapping before you miss it!  Any questions, call Helen at (613) 821-3685.

 

 
Live & Learn Resource Centre

Open July 13th -  August 7th  (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday only)

 
Closed August 10th  -  August 28th
 

 
Playgroups in the Park

July 22th 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Greely West Park
July 29th 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Metcalfe Rowan Park
Aug. 5th 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Vernon Park
Aug.11th  9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Metcalfe Rowan Park
Aug.13th 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Kenmore Park
 
Come out and join us for playgroups at local area parks, sponsored by Rural Family Connections and Ontario Early Years Centre Nepean-Carleton.
 
If you are looking for space for a meeting, playgroup or get-togethers, the Live & Learn Resource Centre is available Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.  Please call for a reservation.

 

Kindercamp 2009 - Summer Fun 

 

A summer camp program for children ages 2 1/2 to 6 years.  July 6th  - August 7th  from 9:00 – 12:00 noon daily (Discovery Camp will run for a full day).
 

 
Registration for Preschool and Toddler Programs is ongoing for September.  Please call (613) 821-3196 for more information.

 
 

If you would like to work from home, be your own boss, and set your own hours, we have an opportunity for you.  Check our website www.ruralfamilyconnections.ca, click on the Metcalfe Home Daycare logo, then click on provider package.  As part of the process you will need a police check, and MHDC will pay the fee.  Please call (613) 821-2899 for more details.

 

The Greely Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion is hosting another annual Country Music Jamboree from July 24th to July 26th with Charlie Kitts as the MC. The proceeds will be directed to the Winchester Hospital.  Advance tickets are available locally through Linda Wyman (613) 822-0233. Dan Paul Rogers and Darlene Thibault are the headliners this year but the lineup includes a lot of known performers. Rough camping is available - FREE.  Bring your own lawn chairs and musical instruments as there will be lots of  “field pickin” going on that weekend.  Camping area will be open on July 21st  after 3 p.m.

 

 

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) 236-1222 EXT. 3700	Leitrim Information Desk
(613) 230-6211	Dispatcher for all other emergencies
(623) 236-1222 EXT. 3787	Cst. Jennifer Finniss /  finnissj@ottawapolice.ca

 "The person interest in success has to learn to view failure as a healthy, inevitable part of the process of getting to the top."  Dr. Joyce Brothers