December 7, 2009BY COUNCILLOR DOUG THOMPSON
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December 9th |
Draft Budget to Council |
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December 10th |
Osgoode Ward Public Budget Meeting Metcalfe Town Hall 7:00 p.m. |
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January 25th to 29th |
Public Delegations to City Council |
SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER, NOT THE FLU. GET THE H1N1 VACCINE
The bustle of shoppers in malls, travellers heading home in airports, and social gatherings of friends and family brings plenty of opportunity to spread the holiday cheer during the season. But if you have not had your H1N1 flu shot, these gatherings also provide an opportunity to spread the flu.
The number of cases of H1N1 flu virus may have decreased in Ottawa over the past week, but the virus remains in our community and continues to infect new people. With increased social activities on the way, such as family gatherings, parties and congregating in crowds, your possible exposure to the virus is increased.
“We encourage everyone to get the H1N1 vaccine,” says Dr. Isra Levy, Ottawa's Medical Officer of Health. “It's the best protection for you and your family against the H1N1 flu virus through the holiday season and well into the New Year.”
When you get vaccinated, you are not only protecting yourself, you are also protecting young infants less than six months and other people who cannot be vaccinated.
The H1N1 flu virus is unpredictable, as Ottawa residents witnessed in late October when the number of cases dramatically rose. It can also vary in intensity from one city and region to another – making it important for holiday travellers to get the vaccine.
While celebrating the season in social settings, it is also recommended to practice flu and cold prevention by covering sneezes and coughs with the sleeve or arm and washing hands regularly. You should avoid social activities when feeling ill. To minimize the chance of getting ill during the festive season, get your vaccine now.
Dr. Levy adds that the more people who get vaccinated, the better the community can build a resistance and prevent future outbreaks of the virus.
Ottawa Public Health continues to operate vaccination clinics throughout the city. The dates, times and locations are available at www.ottawa.ca/health. Parents are reminded that children between six months and three years, as well as children under 10 who have chronic medical conditions, require a second dose of the H1N1 vaccine.
Ottawa Public Heath reminds all residents who have not yet received their H1N1 flu shot to add the H1N1 vaccination to their holiday to-do list and help ensure a healthy holiday season and New Year for everyone.
For more information, visit ottawa.ca/health or contact the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at (613) 580-6744.
SEASONAL FLU VACCINE TO BE OFFERED AT ALL OPH CLINICS
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) vaccination clinics will begin offering residents both the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccinations as of Thursday, December 3rd.
“This is a unique flu season with a predominant and unpredictable H1N1 flu virus being in the mix with other seasonal flu strains,” said Dr. Isra Levy, the City of Ottawa’s Medical Officer of Health. “With the arrival of the seasonal vaccine, we can now offer all residents more complete protection from the flu this year.”
The seasonal flu vaccine, which arrived from the province this week, will also be available at doctors’ offices, as it is every year. About 250 doctors have also requested and received the H1N1 vaccine from OPH.
“Residents can get both shots at our clinics during one visit,” said Levy. “This is a safe and efficient way to increase your protection against the flu this year.”
OPH continues to encourage all residents who have not received their H1N1 vaccination to get it. While H1N1 activity has decreased, it remains in the community and flu activity is higher than normal for this time of year. It’s never been so easy to protect yourself from the flu.
If you have received your H1N1 vaccination, get the seasonal flu shot to complete the protection of your health. Any strain of flu can cause serious illness. The flu season will continue for several more months.
OPH has also announced a change to operations at all clinics effective Thursday. Wristbands will be now handed out at all City clinics one hour before scheduled openings. Residents who are trying to fit their vaccinations into their busy schedule should take advantage of the clinic availability and minimal wait times.
For a list of available clinics, visit www.ottawa.ca/health or contact the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at (613) 580-6744.
Residents can also contact their family physician or health care provider for vaccine availability for both H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Christmas Is Just Around The Corner
'Tis the season for giving, goodwill, generosity ...
Metcalfe Santa Claus Parade and Food Drive
It is that time of year again…time to start thinking about participating in the 14th Annual Metcalfe Santa Claus Parade and Food Drive.
This year the parade will take place on Sunday, December 13th at 2:00 p.m. We are hoping that your business/group will be interested in participating in this year’s festivities. Floats line up Sunday, December 13th at exactly 1:30 p.m. on Glen Street in front of the Community Christian School. The parade will proceed through Metcalfe to the Community Centre. At the Community Centre families can enjoy treats, hot chocolate, mushroom soup, decorate Gingerbread cookies and get a picture with Santa.
If you are unable to participate but would like to support this great community endeavor, food bank donations, candy or a monetary donation would be appreciated.
As always, volunteers are needed to make this activity a success, ie. at road blocks, serving treats, decorating the hall ... Get involved in your commUnity.
To register or for more information, contact Laurie Ann Holmes at (613) 821-2112 or by email at klholmes@xplornet.com.
“Yuletide Carols”
Village Voices Women’s Choir presents “Yuletide Carols”, Saturday, December 12th at 7:00 p.m. at Winchester United Church, 519 St. Lawrence Street in Winchester. Special guests will be the Ottawa Youth Harp Ensemble. Tickets are $10.00. Children 12 and under are free. There will be draws for gift baskets, choir cookbooks for sale and refreshments will be served following the concert.
For more information, please contact Cathy at catgraham_59@yahoo.com or Kay at (613) 821-2174. Also, you can visit www.freewebs.com/villagevoices.
Christmas Exchange / Snowsuit Fund
The Christmas Exchange is open and the Ottawa Snowsuit Fund continues to accept clients. 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
On 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.
Osgoode Village Community Association is hosting its annual
Christmas in the Village Craft Show
December 4th through December 13th
in the Market Square Mall
5669 Osgoode Main Street, Osgoode Village
Show Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, December 8th & 9th – Noon – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday & Friday, December 10th & 11th – 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 12th – 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 13th – 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Christmas Carolling in Metcalfe
On December 9th, the Girl Guides of Canada will be Christmas Carolling around the Village of Metcalfe and asking for donations of non-perishable foodstuffs for the Ottawa Foodbank. Carolling will begin at the Metcalfe Public School at 6:30 p.m. with the girls travelling through the Village and finishing up at the Stanley Apartments on or about 8:00 p.m.
Turkey Bingo
Metcalfe and District Lions Annual Turkey Bingo will be held on Friday, December 11th at 7:15 p.m. at the Metcalfe Lions Den, 2803 - 8th Line Road in Metcalfe.
For more information, you can contact any of the Metcalfe Lions Members.
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.
Merry Christmas and Holiday Wishes from the Home Support Staff, the Volunteers and the Board of Directors to Everyone in the Osgoode Ward Community!
For information regarding Home Support, please call (613) 821-1101.
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ITR Spring Production
ITR is currently in the process of choosing a director and producer for their upcoming Spring production--"Said the Spider to the Spy" a farce by Fred Carmichael. Production dates are May 7th -15th, 2010.
Please contact Lynn Jolicoeur at fh133@ncf.ca or by phone at (613) 821-3362 by December 18th to schedule an interview. Come on out and be part of a fun group!
Julee's Homecrafts: Closing
On December 24th of this year, Julee's Homecrafts of Osgoode Village will be closing its doors for the last time, ending another chapter in the History of Osgoode Village. It has been sixteen terrific years and Judy would like to thank everyone for their friendship and support. Merry Christmas to All.
Osgoode Township High School Goes for Green
Osgoode Township High School is an amazing school...let's all help them win this. The Rural Voice is roaring green! Pass it on...and put our High School on the map!
Out of 2000 entries, the school has made it to the top 60- the semi finals. This win would mean 100 thousand dollars for our school to put in solar panels and with the hydro we sell back, possibly another $14,000 a year.
Please vote every day until the 16th and pass this along to like minded folk.
We need your help! Vote once a day per e-mail address. Here is the link : http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf1889 . Click on this link and vote.
Here is information to help you get started with the voting.
Here's what you CAN do to HELP us NOW .
1. Look at our idea http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf1889.
2. When you click on this, you will see our entry called: Time for A Paragidgm Shift: Energy Solutions We Can All Adopt. Click the Blue Vote Now Button. If you are already registered, enter your e-mail and password. DONE
3. If you have not registered yet follow steps above, and after clicking the Vote Now button you will have to choose Register Now. Once you have registered, it will register your vote.
4. If you want to vote with another e-mail address (you can only vote once a day per e-mail address), you must Sign Out. Click again on the e-mail link, click the Vote Now button and register the new e-mail. DONE. YOU have just helped us one step closer to WINNING $100,000!!!
THANK YOU! Lets Be Seen and Go Green! THANK YOU!
Hopewell “LOVE YOUR LIFE” Valentine’s Gala Fundraiser
On Saturday, February 13th, 2010 at the Hilton Garden Inn (Airport), come celebrate with your sweetheart while raising funds for Ottawa’s own Hopewell Eating Disorders Support Centre. The evening includes a 4-course dinner, live band (www.ShowtimePartyBand.com), silent auction, on-site photographer and raffle tickets for a grand “Everything Hilton” weekend getaway.
For information and / or tickets, please call (613) 241-3428 or visit www.Hopewell.ca. Tickets are $90.00 until January 15th and $100.00 after that date.
Osgoode Ward Home Support
Looking for a gift for a hard to buy friend or family member. Make a donation in their name through Osgoode Ward Home Support. They will receive a Christmas Card and you will receive the tax receipt.
Call Home Support at (613) 821-1101 for more information.
Osgoode Home Support and Rideau Community Support
Come and share a morning with us!! Osgoode Home Support and Rideau Community Support invite you to join in our information session on Stategies and Tips for the Caregiver. Our speaker will be Stephanie Poivesan from Family Services. It will be held at the Greely Fire Hall on Tuesday, December 8th at 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Call Home Support at (613) 821-1101 or (613) 692-4697.
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.
The next “Door-to-Door Blitz Day” is Saturday, December 12th.
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 15th at 6:30 p.m., we are decorating cookie houses and reading holiday stories. This program is 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 - Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Please call to register for next session in January.
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
Saturday, December 12th
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Christmas Craft Morning
(ages 3 - 6) - $10.00, payable by December 8th.
Call Leigh at 613) 821-2899 to register for the above workshop.
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.
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 or 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
Community Office: Lower Level of Metcalfe Client Service Centre
H1N1 Clinics
Please see the link below to the city webpage listing the clinics.
http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/health/conditions/swine_influenza/h1n1_clinics_en.html
The Kingsway Health Centre, 5542 Ann Street, Manotick is vaccinating people for seasonal and H1N1 on Friday, December 11th at the Manotick Legion from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Patients must bring their OHIP card.
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.
WinterWalk 2009 / 2010 – The 2010 Olympic Torch Run
Join us as we virtually travel the route of the 2010 Olympic Torch Run as it passes through Ontario. Keep track of your total monthly minutes of physical activity and contribute them to the total “kilometers walked” by Osgoode Ward Residents. All activity and steps count including planned exercise and household chores.
(20 minutes – 1 km) (1250 pedometer steps – 1 km)
December 1st to April 30th, 2010
Join anytime. Report your “kilometers walked” to your Public Health Nurse anytime up to April 30th. Include all activity, whenever and wherever you are physically active: at home or at the office, indoors and outdoors, doing chores or having fun. There is no cost for this event.
Greely Walking Club
An indoor walking club that runs from October to May / June.
Mondays and Wednesdays
9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Greely Community Centre
1448 Meadow Drive, Greely
There is no cost for this event.
Osgoode Walking Club
An indoor walking club that runs from September to May / June.
Mondays
9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Osgoode Community Centre
5560 Main Street, Osgoode
There is no cost for this event.
Vernon Walking Club
An indoor walking club that runs year around.
Monday and Thursdays
9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Vernon Community Centre
7950 Lawrence Street, Vernon
There is no cost for this event.
COMMUNITY POLICING NEWS FROM CONSTABLE FINNISS
Let's continue to report and make those calls.
| (613) 236-1222 ext. 7300 | Call Centre to reort 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
“Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a poverty of ambition. It asks too little of yourself. And it will leave you unfulfilled.” Barack Obama
