January 11, 2010

BY COUNCILLOR DOUG THOMPSON
Tel.: (613) 580-2490
Visit Doug's “Website” at www.dougthompson.ca

 

POLITICAL NEWS

REMEMBERING CONSTABLE ERIC CZAPNIK
Our Community and our City is still in shock and mourning as a result of the brutal murder of Ottawa Police Constable Eric Czapnik. Constable Czapnik had responded to an assault case in our Community and had followed up on that call at the Ottawa Civic Hospital.

We truly appreciate the heroic and dedicated efforts of our Paramedics, Firefighters and Police Officers. It is at times like this that we must strengthen our resolve to support the members of these protective services.

I was very honoured to represent Osgoode Ward and the City at the very moving funeral of Constable Eric Czapnik, a remarkable human being.

OSGOODE WARD ADVISORY COUNCIL
Our regular monthly meeting of our Ward Advisory Council will be held on Wednesday, January 20 beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Greely Community Centre. All are welcome.

POLICING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
The Osgoode Policing Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday, January 21 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Metcalfe Town Hall.

CHRISTMAS TREE PICK-UP SCHEDULE
For residents with collection calendars “A” and “C”, Christmas trees will be collected during the week of January 11 to 15 on the regular garbage pick-up day. For residents on calendars “B” and “D” schedules, Christmas trees will be collected during the week of January 18 to 22, on the regular garbage day.

Trees will not be collected if wrapped in plastic bags or if they contain decorations. In order to avoid problems with collection or snow removal operations, we encourage you to place your Christmas tree at the curb the night before your scheduled collection day. Trees frozen in snow banks will not be picked up.

ORGANIC WASTE COLLECTION
I appreciate the questions and comments our office receives with regard to the Organic Waste Collection (Green Bin) Program. Through our electronic newsletter, our newspaper column and our Year End Report, I have outlined the details of this new environmentally friendly program. As well, I have continued to respond to a number of false rumours that have been circulating about this new initiative. As I have indicated previously, let us give the Organic Collection a chance to show it will work. 

Points of Clarification

- You will not be fined for not using the Green Bin. There are no garbage police.
- Organics are not part of the future Plasco Gasification Operations.
- The Garbage Collection contracts will be reviewed for the new contract in 2012 and it is expected that significant savings will be realized from reduced collection requirements.
- Green Bins have been constructed to ensure they are animal-resistant.
- Leaf and yard waste will be picked up every week with the Green Bin from spring until fall.
- All organic compost material has been presold for agricultural use.

CITY OF OTTAWA – 2010 BUDGET
Ottawa City Council approved a DRAFT 2010 Budget that sits at 3.9%.
Public delegations are invited to make presentations to City Council from January 25 - 29 at City Hall. Contact Dawn.Whelan@ottawa.ca to reserve a time slot if you wish to make a budget presentation.

COYOTE PROBLEMS IN OUR COMMUNITY
I will be attending the meeting of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Strategy Working Group in Aurora on January 27. Following this final meeting, I expect the Ministry will announce plans to resolve our concerns over the serious problems with coyotes.

Please send any information with regard to coyotes to the following:

Donna Cansfield, Minister of Natural Resources	(donna.cansfield@ontario.ca)
Scott Smithers, Ministry of Natural Resources, Kemptville	(scott.smithers@ontario.ca)
Lisa MacLeod, MPP	(lisa.macleod@pc.ola.org)
Mayor Larry O’Brien	(larry.obrien@ottawa.ca)
Derrick Moodie, Rural Affairs Office, City of Ottawa	(derrick.moodie@ottawa.ca)
Councillor Doug Thompson, Ward 20 - Osgoode	(doug.thompson@ottawa.ca

  

COMMUNITY NEWS

Thank You from Osgoode Home Support
On behalf of Osgoode Home Support, we would like to thank everyone who attended the Jets Alumni Hockey evening and auction on January 2, 2010 at the Metcalfe Arena. The game was a huge success and we collected approximately $5000.00 for Home Support. Although Home Support receives
government funding, it is expected to conduct fundraising projects to supplement its many programs and projects. So thank you for helping us help Seniors in our area!

A special thank you goes out to the Metcalfe Ringette Association for rescheduling their games to accommodate the Jets Alumni Game. As well, thank you to Emerald Links, Cloverdale Links, Anderson Links Golf Courses (Gib Patterson), the Moffatt Group of Companies and Councillor Thompson's office for covering the cost of the Hall.

Osgoode Youth Association (O-YA) Seeks Help
The Osgoode Youth Association (O-YA) is a youth led, volunteer driven youth centre in rural Ottawa.  Its home is in the renovated fire hall on Main Street.  Currently, we are looking for a few items to replace some old furniture.  We are looking for couches in good shape that will welcome the youth, and provide a comfortable place for community members.  We do not have the budget to buy this furniture, but we can pick it up and provide a tax receipt.

Wish list:
Couch, Loveseat, Mixer (for our great cooking and Global Kitchen programs), Hand mixer, Measuring cups/spoons, DVD player, Lap-top computers (in good condition with wireless capabilities for our After School program).

Thank you for thinking of us. Contact Jill Woodley, Executive Director, at o-yacentre@rogers.com.

Osgoode Branch, Ottawa Public Library
We are challenging our patrons to "Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks".  As part of this initiative, we are hosting a book club at the Osgoode branch once a month on the last Monday of the month. All are welcome, and coffee and supervision for children is being offered. Those interested should contact the branch at (613) 826-2227 or visit the website at www.biblioottawalibrary.ca.  

Local Grandmothers Seek Donations of Aeroplan Miles for Gathering in Swaziland
The Metcalfe and Area 'Grannies All About Kids' are urgently seeking donations of Aeroplan miles by January 17 to send a Canadian delegation of grandmothers to Swaziland for the first-ever African Grandmothers’ Gathering. It is hoped that our local nominee will be one of the 40 delegates to attend the gathering. The three-day event in March 2010 will culminate in a march of thousands on International Women’s Day.

The Canadian delegation will represent more than 5,000 women from across the country involved in the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s (SLF) Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign.

Through its Beyond Miles programme, Aeroplan facilitates the donation of miles by Aeroplan members to the Stephen Lewis Foundation year-round to offset ongoing travel costs. Miles for the Swaziland gathering should be donated through the foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign website at www.grandmotherscampaign.org.

Individuals wishing to start or join a Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign group in their community should contact Helen Silbiger at campaigns@stephenlewisfoundation.org or 1-888-203-9990 ext. 230.

The Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) supports grassroots organizations that are turning the tide of HIV/AIDS in Africa by providing care and support to women, orphaned children, grandmothers and people living with HIV and AIDS.

OSGOODE WARD WINTER CARNIVALS
We are so fortunate to have well organized Winter Carnivals to help us enjoy our winter season.
Our Column will keep you updated as to the dates and events of the Village Carnivals as we receive the information.

Greely Winter Carnival
The Greely Winter Carnival runs from Thursday, January 28 to Sunday, January 31.

Thursday, January 28	Noon - 2:30 p.m.	Seniors' Luncheon, Catered by AJ's
	6:30 p.m.	Texas Holdem Tournament
Friday, January 29	5:00 - 6:30 p.m.	Pizza Party
	6:30 - 8:30 p.m.	Pre-Teen Dance
Saturday, January 30	8:00 - 1030 a.m.	Pancake Breakfast
	10:30 - 11:30 a.m.	Family Entertainment
	12:00 - 4:30 p.m.	Greely Idol
	8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.	Dance - "Ambush" * Tickets:  $12.50 (Advance Tickets Only)

*Advance Ticket Sales for Ambush, playing Saturday January 30, will be available for purchase at the Greely Community Centre on Wednesday, January 13 from  7:00 – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 16 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Tickets are presently available at the Metcalfe Variety Store. The cost is $12.50 per person.

 

Sunday, January 31	10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.	Greely Lions Club Brunch
	11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.	Free Sleigh Rides
	1:00 – 3:00 p.m.	Greely Idol Finals

             
Kenmore Winter Carnival
The Kenmore Winter Carnival runs Saturday and Sunday, February 21 and 22.

Osgoode Winter Carnival
To be announced.

Vernon Winter Carnival
The Vernon Winter Carnival runs Saturday and Sunday, February 21 and 22.

Home Support Program Needs Help
Home Support needs you!!  The Home Support Program (serving Osgoode Ward) is in need of Home Help workers.  Home Help workers go to the homes of seniors and assist with house keeping duties including laundry.  The wage is $15.00 per hour with a minimum of a 2 hour shift. 

If you are interested or would like more information, please call the Home Support Program at (613) 821-1101.

Worship United Community Choir
Registration dates for the Second Semester of the Worship United Community Choir are January 12 and 19. You are able to register from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Parkway Road Church in Greely.

For more information, please visit the website at www.Parkwayroad.com and click on the Worship United banner.

Elvis Is Coming!
Mark Saturday, February 13, 2010 on your calendar as that is when Elvis will be coming to the Greely Legion, 8021 Mitch Owens Road, to help us celebrate Valentine's Day.  At a cost of only $20.00 per person, you will enjoy a scrumptious dinner followed by the musical renditions of Elvis performed by Tribute Artist, Sylvain Simard who was the 2007 Peoples Choice Award winner at the Hilton and Casino du Lac-Leamy.  Tickets may be obtained at the Legion Lounge Bar.  Bring your sweetheart and enjoy the show.

Hopewell “LOVE YOUR LIFE” Valentine’s Gala Fundraiser
On Saturday, February 13, 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 until January 15 and $100 after that date.

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.

Please call the office if you are interested in or require more information about Ready to Learn. Sessions are every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from January 5 – March 11.

 

 

SPORTS REPORTS

We are introducing a newe section to our column.  The "Sports Reports" will highlight special achievements of minor sports teams from our Ward.  Send us your story in 200 words or less.

 

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

COMMUNITY HEALTH NEWS
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

WinterWalk 2009 / 2010 – Olympic Spirit

Join us as we virtually travel the route of the 2010 Olympic Torch Run. 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 1 to April 30, 2010
Join anytime.  Report your “kilometers walked” to your Public Health Nurse anytime up to April 30.  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. There is no cost for this event.
Mondays and Wednesdays   9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Greely Community Centre
1448 Meadow Drive, Greely

Osgoode Walking Club
An indoor walking club that runs from September to May / June. There is no cost for this event.
Mondays    9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Osgoode Community Centre
5560 Main Street, Osgoode

Vernon Walking Club
An indoor walking club that runs year around. There is no cost for this event.
Monday and Thursdays     9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Vernon Community Centre
7950 Lawrence Street, Vernon

 

 

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

People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.”   Dale Carnegie