November 16, 2009
BY COUNCILLOR DOUG THOMPSON
Tel.: (613) 580-2490
Visit Doug's “Website” at www.dougthompson.ca
POLITICAL NEWS
INADEQUATE VACCINE SUPPLY CAUSES TEMPORARY CLINIC CLOSURES: UPDATE AS OF NOVEMBER 12th
The supply issues are a result of a recently announced vaccine manufacturing slowdown that affects vaccine distribution across the country. Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has no control over vaccine supply and must rely on other levels of government and the producing pharmaceutical company.
The temporary halt in service will be as brief as possible, and planning is already underway to ensure a smooth transition back to normal operations when an adequate vaccine supply is delivered. No information is currently available as to the size and date of the next delivery.
However, OPH is currently able to supply alternate vaccine delivery agents (VDAs), which include about 100 interested local doctors with doses for their patients, as part of its continued strategy to increase capacity and reach into the community.
In addition, OPH is also able to meet the provincial mandate to vaccinate emergency responders and seniors over 65 with medical conditions who are in long-term care facilities and hospitals.
For more information on H1N1 and vaccination clinics, visit www.ottawa.ca/health or contact the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at (613) 580-6744.
GREEN BIN CHARGES CONTROVERSY
The recent PROPOSAL by the Planning and Environment Committee to charge a “User Fee” for the Blue and Black Box Program as well as the Green Bin Collection has angered a huge number of residents. I support the Green Bin Program but absolutely do not support the proposed method of charging for the service. The cost should remain as part of the garbage collection costs on our property tax bills.
The remaining space in our Landfills will run out in approximately 12 – 14 years. In order to acquire land, prepare and open a new Landfill, it would cost a minimum of $250 million. The process would have to start within 4 – 5 years.
In order to comply with the Provincial Mandate of 60% diversion from our Landfills, we must recycle. Our program of recycling Construction and Demolition Material, the Blue and Black Box Recycling and the Green Bin Collection will, in total, drastically reduce our Landfill requirements. Probably within 5 years, the Plasco Gasification System confident there will not be a “User Fee” for the Green Bin Collection costs.
will be operational on a much larger scale. The Gasification process, in turn, will significantly reduce the remainder of the household garbage that would normally go to the Landfill.
I am confident there will not be a "User Fee" for the Green Bin Collecton costs.
Next important dates in the process are as follows:
- December 9th – The 2010 Draft Budget is to be tabled at City Council.
- January 25th to 29th – City Council, as Committee of the Whole, will hear Public Delegations on the 2010 Budget.
CITY OF OTTAWA 2010 – 2011 COLLECTION CALENDAR
The City’s 2010-2011 Collection Calendar for the new green bin program recycling, leaf and yard waste and garbage pick-up is currently being delivered to residents and should be in mailboxes by the end of November.
The calendar provides tips on how to reduce, reuse and recycle, as well as information on holiday schedules and the dates and locations of household hazardous waste depots and Give Away Weekends.
This year’s calendar has a new design and format, and includes collection dates for the City’s new Green Bin Program, which starts January 2010. The final page shows what items are accepted in the recycling and Green Bin program.
Residents may post the new calendar in a convenient place, such as the kitchen or garage. It can be referred to every week so the resident is aware of which items to put out and when. Residents can also access the web version of the calendar at www.ottawa.ca/collectioncalendar by the end of November.
By the end of the month, the Collection Calendar can also be picked up at any Client Service Centre or by calling 3-1-1.
The City’s 2010-2011 Waste Collection Calendar is another way to help Ottawa residents RETHINK GARBAGE, reduce waste and protect our most precious treasure – our environment.
Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Marilyn Journeaux at extension 21528.
OSGOODE WARD ADVISORY COUNCIL
The monthly meeting of the Osgoode Ward Advisory Council will be held on Wednesday, November 25th at 7:00 p.m. at the Kenmore Community Hall.
DOGS IN PARKS - COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
Parks can provide a pleasant and safe environment in which to exercise dogs. Safety for other park users is, however, also a consideration. The City of Ottawa Animal Care and Control By-law provides for a variety of park usages or "designations" for dogs and there is a Dogs-in-Parks Designation Policy (DIPDP) that now applies. This approach to park designations had been in place in old Ottawa since the late 1990's. It is, however, new to the other former municipalities' parks. Over time, parks outside of old Ottawa are being designated based on the criteria set out in the DIPDP with community consultation.
At this time, By-law & Regulatory Services Branch will be holding community consultations for these rural locations to assist in determining the appropriate designations for parks in each ward:
Ward 20 - Osgoode
Wednesday, November 25th
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Metcalfe Community Centre Hall, 2785 8th Line Road
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR OTTAWA’S OUTDOOR RINKS
The City of Ottawa invites residents to help make a difference in their community by joining hundreds of volunteers who devote their time to provide access to winter activities every year. Ottawa’s outdoor rinks need volunteers for the 2009-2010 winter season. Grants are available to assist those who choose to volunteer.
If you are interested in becoming a community outdoor rink operator, please contact the City of Ottawa Seasonal Recreation Office at (613) 580-2590 to obtain an application package.
For more information on volunteering with the City of Ottawa, visit ottawa.ca/volunteer <http://ottawa.ca/residents/volunteerservices/index_en.html>.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Remembering Our Veterans
Congratulations to the Osgoode Ward Legions, schools and residents for the tremendous efforts in remembering our brave and heroic Veterans.
Osgoode Legion, Branch 589 coordinated Remembrance Day Services at the 416 Highway of Heroes and in Vernon, Kenmore, Osgoode as well as Metcalfe. I was honoured to lay wreaths at each of these ceremonies. On November 11th, I attended an early morning service at Osgoode Public School.
The Greely Legion, Branch 627 held a very impressive ceremony on Sunday, November 8th at the Branch on Mitch Owens Road.
With ideal weather and a renewed interest in thanking and remembering our Veterans, record crowds attended each event. We are all proud of those from our Community who served our Country, in some cases giving their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today.
Metcalfe Lions: 50th Anniversary
Congratulations to the Metcalfe and District Lions who recently celebrated the 50th Anniversary of their charter. The Vernon Hall, on November 7th, was filled with Lions Club Members from all over Eastern Ontario. Metcalfe and District Lions Club President, Ron Isaac, was an outstanding MC for this prestigious event.
Congratulations and thank you for 50 years of supporting our Community!
Annual OTHS Food Drive
Osgoode Township High School is preparing for their Annual Food Drive. This year's goal is 25,000 non-perishable food items. All donations will be divided equally between the Good Neighbours Food Bank in Embrun which serves Russell Township and the Enniskerry Food Bank which serves Osgoode Ward.
“Door-to-Door Blitz Days” are Saturday, November 21st and Saturday, December 12th.
Small Business Association: 12th Anniversary
The Small Business Association is celebrating its 12th Anniversary at its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, November 19th from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Ben Franklin Place, Centrepointe. The evening includes a special keynote speaker, Mayor Larry O'Brien, exciting news, door prizes and draws in addition to a buffet dinner. Register online at www.sba-canada.ca/events. The cost is $15 for SBA members and $20 for future SBA members.
Osgoode Baptist & Vernon United Church: Annual Harvest Supper
On Saturday, November 21st, the Osgoode Baptist and Vernon United Church will be serving up its Annual Harvest Supper. It will be held in the Church basement, with two sittings, one at 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., and the second from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are highly recommended, as the sittings sell out early. The prices are $12.00 for adults, $6.00 for children 5 to12 years and children under 5, free. Takeout meals will be available, with tickets bought in advance. Tell your friends and families and mark it on your calendar now. Please plan to join us for this wonderful time of Fellowship.
Goode Grapes 2009
Warm up your November night wiht "Goode Temptations" in support of O-YA pm Saturday, November 21st, 7:00 p.m. - 1;00 a.m. at the Osgoode Community Centre HALL, 5660 Osgoode Main Street.
Wine, beer and Scotch tastings begin at 7:30 p.m. with passed hors d'oeuvres and paired cheeses. Sommeliers from Groovy Grapes will lead the way complemented by the jazzy East Side Quartet and dancing into the night with DJ Kim. Silent and Live auctions will follow. End your night with a table of chocolate and a taste of Framboise.
The cost is $60 per person and you can reserve your ticket by contacting Jill at jilly.woodley@gmail.com.
Osgoode Night at the Races
All residents of Osgoode Ward are invited to attend “Osgoode Night at the Races” at the Rideau Carleton Raceway on Sunday, November 22nd at 6:00 p.m. I encourage as many residents as possible to join us for fun, entertainment and delicious food.
Milk Bag Project Open House
On Tuesday, November 24th from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., come to the Vernon Recreation Centre to see what the Milk Bag Project is all about. Much interest has been shown in cleaning, cutting, tying and crocheting the bags and so come down and see how things are done. Great time to drop off any bags you have collected.
For more information, please contact Kim at (613) 821-3033.
$125,000 Fundraising Campaign Launched
The Men’s Project, the only agency in Ontario fully dedicated to providing mental health services for men who suffered sexual and physical abuse as children, launched its 2009-2010 fundraising campaign.
“The campaign couldn’t be more relevant,” says Campaign Director Alan Morissette. ”Recent national news stories on victimization and the subsequent fallout has given this sensitive issue a rather compelling profile.”
Research has shown that one in six males will be sexually or physically abused by the age of eighteen, very few men speak out or seek counselling, and there is no permanent funding in Ontario to help them.
The Men's Project first fundraising event will be “An Evening at the Races” on November 26th at 6:00 p.m. at Rideau Carleton Raceway. The evening is just $50.00, which includes admission, parking, buffet dinner, a race program, taxes and gratuities. An income tax receipt will be provided to the purchaser for $28.00 for each ticket bought. Tickets can be purchased by contacting our office at (613) 230-6179 ext. 223.
Contacts:
Alan Morissette Rick Goodwin
Board of Director Executive Director
Telephone: (613) 821-2321 Telephone: (613) 230-6179 ext. 400
Email: amorissette@themensproject.ca Email: rgoodwin@themensproject.ca
The Men’s Project Website: www.themensproject.ca
Volunteers Needed for Greely Winter Carnival
Greely Winter Carnival Committee would like to invite volunteers to help organize and run the 2009 / 2010 Winter Carnival. It will run January 28th - 31st, 2010. Please contact Bruce at wealth@brucebrayman.com.
Osgoode Branch, Ottawa Public Library
On Tuesday, December 1st, we are having "Bedtime Stories" at 7:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, December 15th at 6:30 p.m., we are decorating cookie houses and reading holiday stories. Both programs are 60 minutes.
In the new year, we are challenging our patrons to "Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks". As part of this initiative, we are going to try to start a book club at the library, based on the response we receive.
For more information, contact Sherri Ryan, Children's Programs and Public Service Assistant, at the
Osgoode Branch of the Ottawa Public Library at (613) 826-2227.
Osgoode Cooperative Nursery School
Osgoode Cooperative Nursery School is still accepting registrations for the Mon./Wed./Fri. and Tues./Thurs. programs. This is a great way to prepare your child for kindergarten. Please e-mail OCNS@live.ca or call (613) 826-2528 for more information.
Live & Learn Resource Centre
Our website is www.ruralfamilyconnections.ca.
Playgroups:
Tuesday 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Regular Playgroup
Wednesday 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Lullababies
Thursday 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Regular Playgroup
Friday 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Happy Babies - focus on Infant Massage and PAT
1st Friday and 3rd Friday of the month
Friday Playgroup in Kenmore: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday & Friday Playgroups in Osgoode: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Ready to Learn will start at the end of October. Please call to register.
Are you a childcare provider in your own home? Are you a nanny providing care? The Live & Learn Resource Centre invites you to meet fellow providers at the Centre every Monday morning. Arrange your playgroup to meet at the L & L Resource Centre. We'll provide the craft supplies, the space and resources. Bring a craft idea or use ours. Share childcare tips and issues with other caregivers.
Upcoming Workshop
November 26th 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. - Community Information Centre of Ottawa - "211"
Call Leigh at (613) 821-2899 to register.
Metcalfe Co-operative Nursery School
Nursery School still accepting registrations in the preschool program. Check the website at www.mcns.kids.org.
Metcalfe Home Daycare Agency
Childcare subsidies are available - please connect with our main office at (613) 821-2899.
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Christmas Is Just Around The Corner
'Tis the Season for Food Drives, Christmas in the Village, Santa Claus Parades ...
Christmas Exchange / Snowsuit Fund
The Christmas Exchange is now open and the Ottawa Snowsuit Fund has also been accepting clients for the past month. If you know clients or community members in Nepean , Rideau or Osgoode requiring help, they can call (613) 596-5626 ext. 257 and Kim will be happy to help them.
Metcalfe Farmers' Market: Christmas Edition
The 16th Annual Metcalfe Farmers' Market was a huge success. Great crowds, outstanding vendors and remarkable products are the trademark of one of the most successful Farmers' Markets in Ontario.
On Saturday, November 21st and Saturday, December 12th, the Metcalfe Farmers' Market will hold its “Country Christmas” Market at the Greely Legion. This Market will run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on both days.
Vernon Christmas Craft Sale and Bazaar
Our Annual Christmas Craft Sale and Bazaar will be held at the Vernon Recreation Centre on Saturday, November 28th from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Home made crafts, catalogue sales, baking and more will be available. Canteen on site for light lunch. Sorry no booths remaining for rent which means we are full of great buys for everyone.
For information, please call Kim at (613) 821-3033.
One Stop Shopping Event
Community Christian School, 2681 Glen Street in Metcalfe, is hosting their third annual One Stop Shopping Event on Saturday, November 28th from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Local vendors will be selling products you want for Christmas. There will also be a canteen available on site. This is a fundraising event for Community Christian School. Admission is $1.00. Children under 12 are free.
For additional information or to book a table, please contact Sharon at (613) 821-3297 or Alanna at (613) 445-0954.
Poinsettia Sale
The Metcalfe Ringette Tween C players are holding a poinsettia sale. The beautiful poinsettias are supplied by Richmond Nursery at a cost of:
4 ½ “ POT - $10.00 6 “ POT - $15.00
Please place your order with any Tween C player or call (613) 821-0308. Delivery is scheduled for the first week of December.
Christmas in the Village: December 5th
Come experience Village Charm and Community Spirit in Osgoode Village! A warm fun place to start the holiday season! Events include: Breakfast with Santa, Annual Christmas Parade, Christmas craft sale, street hockey, Christmas caroling, story time for kids, youth activities, hot chocolate by the bonfire and more! Enjoy the spirit of the season as Osgoode “lights up the village”.
For more information, please visit www.osgoodevillage.com.
Kingdom of Osgoode Medieval Festival
On December 4th, 5th & 6th, drop by Foodland and the Country Creations Craft Show in the Market Square Mall, Osgoode Village to vote for your favourite quilt. There will be approximately 18 quilts from which to choose. These quilts will be auctioned in a Silent Auction to raise funds for the 2010 Medieval Festival. The Auction closes at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday December 6th . The quilts would make Great Christmas Gifts!
For further information, please call (613) 826-1243 or email carey002@sympatico.ca.
Santa's Breakfast and Silent Auction
Enjoy Santa's Breakfast on Saturday, December 5th from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Metcalfe Community Centre. This event is sponsored by St. Catherine Catholic School Council.
Annual Food Drive
1st Osgoode Scouting will be holding their Annual Food Drive, during the Christmas Parade in Osgoode Village, on Saturday, December 5th, 2009. Donations of food and cash will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping us help others!
Breakfast with Santa and Silent Auction
On Saturday, December 5th from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., enjoy a full breakfast at the Osgoode Community Centre, 5660 Osgoode Main Street. Have your picture taken with Santa, bid on some great items at our Silent Auction and take home tasty treats from our Bake Sale. Tickets are available at the door.
For more information, please call (613) 826-2528. This event is a fundraiser for the Osgoode Cooperative Nursery School.
Christmas Cookie Walk
Don't have time for Christmas baking? We can help. Come to the 2nd Annual Christmas Cookie Walk (Sale) on December 12th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Metcalfe Lions Den - 2803 8th Line Road (Metcalfe Fair Grounds). Walk about the Lions Den and fill a cookie box from a very large variety of scrumptious homemade Christmas baking. Boxes are $8.00 or $15.00 - provided at the door. Be sure to come early. This event is popular and quantities may not last.
The Metcalfe Area Grannies All About Kids hold this annual event to raise funds to help African Grandmothers raise healthy children and turn the tide of HIV/AIDs. Africa has become a continent of orphans - an estimated 13 million children have been orphaned by AIDS. Grandmothers bury their own children, then begin to parent again, raising their grandchildren with little support.
For more information about the Cookie Walk or if you would like to join our Group, please contact Bev McKibbon at (613) 821-4981 or Joan Heyland at (613) 821-2505.
Metcalfe Santa Claus Parade
On December 13th starting at 2:00 p.m., the Metcalfe Santa Claus Parade will wind its way along Victoria Street to the Metcalfe Community Centre. After the parade children and their parents are asked to come to the Community Centre for a free picture and a hot bowl of mushroom soup, donated by A.J's Catering and Continental Mushroom.
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OSGOODE / RIDEAU RECREATION INFORMATION
Area Program information now available at URL link: www.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
To Our Residents,
I have been redeployed to the H1N1 clinics and, therefore, will not be in my office / the community for several weeks but will check messages and respond to them as I can.
Thank you,
Barbara O’Brien-Litten, Public Health Nurse
For more information or to register for programs, call Barbara O’Brien-Litten, Public Health Nurse, (613) 580-6744 ext. 26173 or email Barbara.obrien-litten@ottawa.ca.
Community Office: Lower Level of Metcalfe Client Service Centre
H1N1 Clinics
The listing of the H1N1 clinics has been released. Please see the link below to the city webpage listing the clinics. Please note the priority populations for the first week or two. http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/health/conditions/swine_influenza/h1n1_clinics_en.html
Barbara O'Brien-Litten, our Community Health Nurse, has given us the following information she received from the Kingsway Health Centre, 5542 Ann Street, Manotick. They are vaccinating people for seasonal and H1N1 every Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. by the following schedule. Patients must bring their OHIP card.
November 20th Manotick Legion
November 27th Kingsway Health Centre
December 4th Manotick Legion
December 11th Manotick Legion
For more information on the Seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses, visit Ozone, ottawa.ca/health or contact the Ottawa Public Health Line at (613) 580-6744.
Healthy Holidays Group
This group is for adult men and women to discuss topics such as:
feeling alone, stressed, coping with pressures, self-care, building resources, stress & wellness, and establishing traditions.
Healthy Holidays Group meets on Mondays 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. beginning November 30th through to January 11th at the Nepean, Rideau and Osgoode Community Resource Centre (In the Merivale Mall).
For more information, please call Sheila Norquay at (613) 596-5626 ext. 228 or Alicia Bastin at ext. 253.
Listen to the Whispers
Ovarian cancer can affect women of any age but most commonly over the age of 50. There is no screening test so health care providers must rely on the vague whispering symptoms for a diagnosis. There is a high survival rate if diagnosed early. The survival rate drops dramatically if diagnosed later. Come learn about the signs and symptoms, risks and preventive factors of ovarian cancer.
Wednesday, November 18th from 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. at Moncion's Independent, 671 River Road, Riverside South For more information regarding this meeting, please contact Carol Sprott at (613) 830-8833, psprott@rogers.com or Keltie Purcell at (613) 832-9192, keltie@nehi.ca.
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
“It isn't the mountain ahead that wears you out; it's the grain of sand in your shoe.” Robert W. Service
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