January 18, 2010BY COUNCILLOR DOUG THOMPSON
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| Donna Cransfield, Minister of Natural Resources | (donna.cransfield@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) |
NEW FARM PRODUCT AND SERVICE IDEAS WORKSHOP
Are you looking for or do you have a business idea for your farm? Not sure how to make your idea a reality? The City of Ottawa’s Rural Affairs Office, along with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) are offering a workshop to assist.
Over two days, the participants will identify their specific value-added ideas, put their ideas into action, evaluate market channels, the importance and components of a business plan, explore how to finance the stages of the business and manage risk.
| Dates: | Tuesday, February 23 and Tuesday, March 2 |
| Times: | 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day |
| Location: | West Carleton Community Complex, Council Chambers 5670 Carp Road, Kinburn |
Who should attend these workshops?
Farm and rural based entrepreneurs who want to learn how to tap into new market place and value added opportunities.
Workshop Leaders:
Ontario farm business owners, entrepreneurs and advisors will share lessons learned and best practices to engage participants in evaluating new product and service ideas and steps to successfully bring them to market.
The workshop is limited to 25 participants. Pre-registration is required. Cost for the two days is $75.00 and includes lunch both days.
You will benefit from this workshop by learning how to:
· Identify, find and evaluate new value added ideas
· Put your ideas into action using the seven step value added development process
· Evaluate market channels
· Find innovative ways to market your products and services
· Save time and money in the development process
· Price your products properly
· Manage your risk
Over the two days you will:
· Explore case studies of how innovative rural and farm businesses developed their value added ideas and opportunities
· Explore how a new product evolves from conception to the marketplace
· Identify how a business plan is crucial to a value added venture
· Network with other participants and learn from their stories and experiences
· Take home practical and useful resources and tips
This training opportunity is eligible for cost-share funding through the Growing Forward Business Development for Farm Businesses program. For more information on program requirements, please visit http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/about/growingforward/busdev.htm or call 1 (877) 424-1300.
Register by February 16, 2010 at www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/busdev/conference/quest/ottawa.htm or contact ruralaffairs@ottawa.ca.
CITY OF OTTAWA 55+ SHORT STORY CONTEST NOW UNDERWAY
The City of Ottawa’s 13th Annual 55 + Short Story Contest invites submissions of original, unpublished short stories or memoirs of 2000 words or less by Ottawa residents 55 years or older.
Eight entrants will be named to the 2010 Winners Circle, sharing recognition and prize money of $400. They will be recognized at An Afternoon of Readings on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Heron Seniors’ Centre, 1480 Heron Road.
One of the winning stories will be selected for publication in the spring issue of Forever Young newspaper. Though contestants may submit multiple entries, they will only be eligible to win one prize.
An entry fee of $5 per story is applicable. Deadline for submissions is Monday, March 15, 2010.
This contest is co-sponsored by the Colonel By Retirement Residence and the Forever Young newspaper. For full contest details, pick up a brochure at any City of Ottawa Client Service Centre or call the Heron Seniors' Centre at (613) 247-4808 ext.1.
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.
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.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Castor Valley Choir Sings at City Hall
I would like to extend a special thank you to the Castor Valley Elementary School Choir for accepting my invitation to sing the National Anthem at Ottawa City Hall. Choir Director and teacher, Carol Ann Stewart, does a remarkable job with the Choir as well as the School Band.
It was a pleasure for City Council and myself to hear “O Canada” sung by such a talented group of young people!
St. Mark Students Tour Orgaworld Facility
The St. Mark High School Environmental Science and Global Issues students were fortunate enough to be the first student group to tour the new Orgaworld Compost Facility on Hawthorne Road. The students (who are the first to study the new Environmental Science curriculum) came with many questions and left empowered to effect positive change for the earth we occupy.
The students plan to return for another tour after the facility gets up and running so that they can 'smell' the difference that composting makes.
Currently, St Mark High School runs a litterless lunch initiative each Wednesday encouraging students to save the environment by recycling and composting.
Thank you Orgaworld for allowing this informative tour.
Photos of the Metcalfe Santa Claus Parade
MetcalfeFair.com has posted an eight page album of photos of the 2009 Metcalfe Santa Claus Parade. You can find it in the Related Albums section of the Photo Gallery, or at http://www.metcalfefair.com/PG-Rel-SCP09-1.html. The album contains a total of 96 pictures.
I would like to extend a huge thank you to Jim McCuaig, Webmaster for the Metcalfe Fair.
Greely Legion: Garage Sale
On Saturday, January 30, the Greely Legion is holding an in-house Garage Sale. SO get rid of your unwanted clutter and gain a few loonies in return! Table rentals are available.
Contact Tom Keeley at (613) 822-4720 for rentals or further details.
Spaghetti Dinner
A spaghetti dinner, sponsored by St.Paul's Anglican Church in Osgoode, will be held on Saturday, February 6 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Osgoode Legion, 3284 Sunstrum Street. You can count on delicious homemade meat or vegetarian sauce, homemade pies and other delightful desserts. The cost for adults is $10 and children 5 and over, $5. Reserve a family table or a table with friends. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.
For information, contact Barbara at (613) 489-2881.
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 | 12:00 – 2:30 p.m. | * Seniors' Luncheon, Catered by AJ's |
| * Tickets for the Thursday, January 28 Luncheon, a hot, buffet style meal catered by AJ's , are available now by contacting Shelagh at (613) 821-3611. The cost of the luncheon is $15 per person. |
| 6:30 p.m. | Texas Hold'em Tournament | |
| Friday, January 29 | 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. | Pizza Party, $3.00 per slice |
| 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. | Pre-Teen Dance, $4.00 | |
| Saturday, January 30 | 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. | Greely Firefighters' Pancake Breakfast |
| 10:30 – 11:30 a.m | Family Entertainment Magician, Eric Leclerc |
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| 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, are presently available at Campbell's Metcalfe Variety Store. The tickets are $12.50 per person and are on a first come first served basis. Tickets will not be held for people at the door. For information, contact Jim Heatlie at (613) 821-3611. |
| Sunday, January 31 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Greely Lions Club Brunch |
| 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Free Sleigh Rides | |
| 2:00 – 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
The Osgoode Winter Carnival runs from Thursday, February 4 to Sunday, February 21. 2010 Osgoode Winter Carnival Highlights
| February 4-7 | ORMHA Don Mott Minor Hockey Tournament – Stuart Holmes & Manotick Arenas |
| Saturday, February 6 | 8:00 a.m. | Lions Pancake Breakfast with Lollipop Pancakes- Osgoode Community Centre |
| 4:30 p.m. | ACW “All You Can Eat” Spaghetti Dinner - Royal Canadian Legion | |
| Sunday, February 7 | 11:00 a.m. | 5th Annual Firefighters' Snowbowl (Football) Game – O-YA Centre |
| 12:00 p.m. | Snowman Making in Taylor Park (Behind O-YA Centre) | |
| 1:00 p.m. |
O-YA’s 1st Annual TEAMCOOK Chili Cook Off (to enter send email to oya-nicole@rogers.com) |
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| Thursday, February 11 | 6:30 p.m. | Carnival Bingo - Royal Canadian Legion |
| Saturday, February 13 | 10:00 a.m. | Kids Fun Games - Osgoode Community Centre |
| 1:00 p.m. | Cribbage Tournament - Royal Canadian Legion | |
| 2:00 p.m. | The O-YA Winter Olympics (ages 12-18) – O-YA Centre | |
| Sunday, February 14 | 1:00 p.m. | Foodland Free Family Skate - Stuart Holmes Arena |
| Saturday, February 20 | 9:00 a.m. | “Snowball” (Softball) Tournament - Osgoode Community Centre |
| 5:00 p.m. | UCW Carnival Dinner & Silent Auction - Osgoode Community Centre | |
| Sunday, February 21 | 1:00 p.m. | Foodland Free Family Skate - Stuart Holmes Arena |
Vernon Winter Carnival
The Vernon Winter Carnival runs Saturday and Sunday, February 21 and 22.
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.
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.
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 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 new 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
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.
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
“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” Henry David Thoreau
