Telephone our Office: (613) 580-2490
POLITICAL NEWS
PUBLIC FORUM ON RURAL ROADS
This Thursday, May 7th at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mark High School, I am hosting a Public Forum on the Road Infrastructure needs of the south end of the City. Councillors Glenn Brooks, Steve Desroches and I will be joined by City Roads Staff to listen to your comments / concerns / suggestions with regard to our Road Infrastructure needs. I hope you will be able to join us.
BINGO HALL APPLICATION BY RIDEAU CARLETON
The Rideau Carleton Raceway has applied to the Province and to the City to open a Bingo Hall at their site.There are currently three Bingo Halls in the City following the closure of the Merivale Bingo Hall last week. Some charitable organizations have raised concerns that a new Bingo Hall at the Raceway may negatively impact their financial support from the other locations. I believe that there would be minimal impact from the opening of a Bingo Hall at the Raceway. In fact, the Rideau Carleton Proposal may inject a vitality into the existing Bingo Industry. Richard Gardner, the Chief Financial Officer of the Rideau Carleton Raceway, confirms that local charities will benefit financially from the opening of a Bingo Hall at the Raceway.
OTTAWA CELEBRATES EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WEEK: MAY 3rd TO 9th
Are you and your family ready should a natural or industrial disaster or major service disruption occur in Ottawa? The City of Ottawa's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) invites you to learn more about how to prepare for an emergency during National Emergency Preparedness Week, May 3rd to 9th.
OEM promotes the importance of emergency preparedness through the Are You Ready program. While the City is prepared to respond to emergencies, as residents and employees, we also have a responsibility to be prepared. Emergency Preparedness Week will begin with an Information Fair on Monday, May 4th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the Sparks Street Mall between Bank Street and O'Connor Street. Activities will include the fair, media launch and the opportunity to meet some of the Are You Ready trainers - specially trained volunteers who help the City spread the message about the importance of emergency preparedness.
OEM, in partnership with the Ottawa Public Library (OPL), is also holding home-planning workshops at several branches. The 30-minute workshops, part of the Are You Ready program, will provide you with information on the seven steps to personal and family emergency planning and how to assemble your own emergency kit.
The workshops will be held at:
Main Branch
May 5th at noon (bilingual) May 9th at 1:00 p.m. (bilingual) North Gloucester
May 5th at 7:00 p.m. (bilingual) Hazeldean
May 7th at 7:00 p.m. (English only) Information displays will also be available at the Manotick, Osgoode, North Gloucester and Hazeldean branches.
PLEASE STAY OFF SPORTS FIELDS AND BALL DIAMONDS
The City is asking residents to stay off sports fields and ball diamonds to allow the turf to grow for the upcoming season. Access to ball diamonds is not permitted prior to Friday, May 1st. Access to sports fields is not permitted prior to Friday, May 15th. Organizations with official City contracts can use the facilities, only on the dates specified in their contracts (weather permitting). Thank you for helping to keep Ottawa's fields in good condition.
COMMUNITY NEWS
4th Annual Metcalfe Shroomfest: Huge Success
Brian Johnston, Al Graham, Doug Hicks, Doug Anderson, Kevin Cavan, Donald Kettles, Mike Campbell, Earl Maahs and Chris Reaney know how to raise money for our Community. The 4th Annual Shroomfest on April 30th hosted 600 men at the Metcalfe Fairgrounds raising over $25,000. This 2009 amount brings the 4 year total to just under $90,000 with all proceeds going to local Osgoode Ward organizations.
The generosity of our local residents and businesses is truly remarkable! Special thanks to the organizers. We truly appreciate all your hard work.
Ottawa's Countryside Membership Reaches 100!
Ottawa's Countryside is excited to announce its membership is now over 100 business members strong! Proudly we have grown from 4 members in 2005 to over 100 in 2009! We are pleased to support rural businesses through our tourism and marketing initiatives but even more so to offer residents and visitors alike an experience that cannot be matched anywhere else!
Our businesses in and around the Rural areas of Ottawa and for 90 kms beyond, invite you to Come Play, Shop, Eat, Stay, Meet and Celebrate right in your own backyard! Ottawa's Countryside is your choice destination for an hour, a day or more! Whether you are in the mood for a quiet country escape, an exciting family adventure, shopping for treasures in quaint villages, or experiencing the countryside's best farm fresh produce and meats, our members will fulfill your every need.
Congratulations to Earl Stanley, President, Board of Directors of Ottawa's Countryside!
Bows for Butterflies Benefit Concert
The young violinists of Stellae Boreales, including Fiona Tomic from Osgoode, are presenting a benefit concert in the Grand Scheme Ballroom of the Brookstreet Hotel on Friday, May 8th during Ontario's Children's Mental Health Week. All proceeds will go to support the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre's treatment programs for youth. Highlights include a performance by mezzo-soprano Julie Nesrallah and address by Michael Kirby, Chair of the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Former Lieutenant James Bartleman is the event's Master of Ceremonies and Senators Team Captain Daniel Alfredsson, the Honourary Chair. Human Rights lawyer, Lawrence Greenspon, will auction a select few items live at the close of the concert. For tickets ($50 adults & $25 students), contact info@stellaeboreales.ca or (613) 826-0825 or Doug Thompson at (613) 580-2490. For pre-concert dinner reservations at Brookstreet's acclaimed Perspectives Restaurant (! 10% of all food & drink sales to the cause), call (613) 271-1800 or book online at www.opentable.com.
Terlin Construction: 2nd Annual Invitational Golf Tournament
Terlin Construction is proud to be sponsoring our 2nd Annual Invitational Golf Tournament for The CHEO Foundation. The tournament this year will be held on Thursday June 25th at Dragonfly Golf Links.
Thanks in part to all who participated in last year's tournament, we managed to raise over $26, 000 to help the CHEO Foundation. Once again this year, we are aiming to raise even more funds. We are proud to welcome A Channel's Sandra Blaikie as our emcee for the day's events. There are many ways that you can help this year from being a sponsor, or by simply participating in the tournament.
Due to the overwhelming success of last year's tournament, we are expecting a sell out, so register soon!! COME AND ENJOY A DIFFERENT KIND OF WORK DAY! For further information about this tournament, please feel free to contact Beverly at (613) 821-0768 ext. 241 or at beverly@terlin.ca.
. I want to thank Terry McLaughlin, President of Terlin Construction Ltd., for his tremendous efforts on behalf of CHEO.
9th Annual Charity Classic Golf Tournament
Wednesday, July 15th 2:00 p.m. - Shotgun Start Presented by Flagstick Golf Magazine, this tournament is in aid of the Osgoode Township Care Centre. Over $37,900 has been raised to date. Please join us to SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY. The cost is $80.00 per person, $65.00 without cart.
The Day Includes:
18 Holes of Golf Registration Gift for Every Golfer Door Prizes (1 for every 2 Golfers) Roast Beef Dinner in Hickories Restaurant Silent Auction Hole In One, Putting, Trivia, Hit the Green and other Contests Register by calling (613) 821-3673 or emailing info@metcalfegolf.com.
Village Voices Women's Choir Presents "Heartstrings"
On Saturday, May 9th at 7:30 p.m., the Village Voices Women's Choir will present "Heartstrings" at the Ottawa Mennonite Church, 1830 Kilborn Avenue in Ottawa. 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 and refreshments will be served following the concert. For more information: catgraham_59@yahoo.com or (613) 821-2174 or www.freewebs.com/villagevoices.
Metcalfe Community Soccer - Late Registration
Late registration, for children wanting to play soccer in May and June with Metcalfe Community Soccer, will be available at 6:00 p.m. on May 14th and 21st at McKendry Park. This is just prior to the 6:30 p.m. start time for soccer. Please arrive before 6:15 as it is our very busy, first evening. Cost is $7.00 per child.
Please have the children wear weather appropriate clothing and soccer cleats, with shin pads and soccer socks. Also, please bring your water in a refilled or non-disposable water bottle, and save the planet! Bring bug spray if you wish. We play non-competitive, skills development soccer and the children must be in JK to Gr. 9 this year. Girls and boys play on mixed teams, sorted by grade and we have a ton-o-fun! See you there!
For information, email: metcalfesoccer@gmail.com.
Fish Fry Dinner
St James United Church on Main Street in Osgoode is holding a Fish Fry Dinner on May 24th starting at 4:00 p.m. - Crispy Fish, beans, fries, salads, rolls, drinks and dessert! Come out and enjoy. Don't bother cooking dinner! Come and have an excellent dinner made fresh for you!!
Adults: $13.00, Children: $7.50 (under 10) Family: $35.00 Eat in or Take Out. Tickets are available from Beth at (613) 826-2446 or Eileen at (613) 826-2373.
Greely Gardeners Group News
The Greely Gardeners will host the next meeting on Wednesday, May 6th at 7:00 p.m. at the Greely Community Centre. The topic is "PEONIES AND PERENNIALS I KNOW AND GROW" with speaker, Marilyn Light. Marilyn also grows and hybridizes daylilies and tropical orchids. She is now expanding a collection of species peonies - raised from seeds. Annual membership is $10.00. Guests are $2.00.
On Saturday, May 23rd, the Greely Gardeners Group is holding a Spring Plant Sale at Andy Shields Park on Old Prescott Road. The sale is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. For more information, please call (613) 821-1847, or visit our website www.greelygardeners.org.
Our Lady of the Visitation Church Annual Charity Auction
On Saturday, May 23rd from10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Our Lady of the Visitation Church is hosting its Annual Charity Auction. Attend our 8th Auction featuring furniture, collectibles, gift baskets, gift certificates for groceries, gas, golf, the movies and many other items - in fact over 200 for this Live and Silent Auction event. Bid on two life size Don Cherry cutouts! Product donations would be gratefully accepted. Proceeds will be directed to the Building Fund at Our Lady of the Visitation, 5338 Bank Street, Gloucester. For information, please contact Marie Trojan at (613) 526-2366 or Gladys Gallant at (613) 821-3434 or visit www.olvis.ca.
Greely Elementary School Grizzlies Basketball Team
Congratulations to the Greely Elementary School Grizzlies basketball team and their coach, Kevin Ready, who on Friday, April 24th, won the Regional Jr. Boys Basketball Championship (Ottawa-Carleton Elementary Athletic Association) by defeating the Elizabeth Park Public School Falcons with a score of 14-12.
Metcalfe Public School Community Garage Sale
The Metcalfe Public School Community Garage Sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 30th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Rain date is June 6th) Tables are $15.00 for private individuals and $20.00 for small business owners. We will also be accepting donations of used toys, equipment, books, & household goods. Money raised will buy new books for the Library and resources for the new Middle French Immersion program at Metcalfe Public School. Please contact Jennifer at (613) 821-1363 to register.
The Ninth Annual Walk for ALS Ottawa
The Walk for ALS began in 2001 and has so far raised approximately 11 million dollars nationally. It takes place annually in more than 70 communities nationwide between May and September.
The 9th Annual Ottawa WALK for ALS will take place on May 30th, a 5 km. walk beginning at the Assembly Hall, Lansdowne Park. Check-in is at 10:00 a.m., with the Walk commencing at 11:00 a.m. The aim of this year's Ottawa Walk is to reach the $1 million mark of funds raised in the Ottawa area since the Walk's inception. Please refer to the Walk website for additional information.
The funds raised support direct services for people with ALS and their families - educational information, referrals to local health care and community services, equipment assistance, home visits, and coordination of peer support groups. It also finances ongoing ALS research across the country through the ALS Society of Canada. One important thing to know about ALS is that it affects the whole family. Caregivers, most commonly a spouse, are responsible for approximately 90 per cent of the home care needed by patients. ALS is a costly disease - emotionally, physically and financially.
Gigantic Greely Garage Sale Coming Soon
The 8th Annual Gigantic Greely Garage Sale will be held on Saturday, June 13th from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Greely Community Centre. Donations of household items can be dropped off at the Community Centre on Friday, June 12th between 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. All proceeds will be directed to CHEO. For information, please call Anita Snelgrove at (613) 614-8257.
News from O-YA (Osgoode Youth Association)
Our brand new website is now LIVE!!! Visit us online at www.o-ya.ca to see our Calendar of Events for all four of our groups (Tweens, Jr. Youth, Sr. Youth & SNAP), hours of operation, information about volunteering at O-YA, and the introduction of our new Community Cares fundraising campaign. Check it out, and let us know what you think! Add 'O-YA Centre' as a friend of Facebook, and get up-to-the-minute updates on O-YA happenings.
Volunteers Urgently Needed to Plan and Run Canada Day 2009 in Greely
We are only two months away, and so far we have only 2 people running this huge event! We need your help to complete planning, fundraising in the community, both residents and businesses, and help with the activities on this special day. A few hours from many people will make sure we can go ahead. Email to president@greelycommunity.org, or call Gill Toll at (613) 821-6123.
Ottawa Public Health Is Hosting Pesticide Free Gardening
Presentations are being held throughout the city. To register for any of the presentations, call (613) 580-6744 ext. 26301. There is no cost for these seminars.
"Landscaping Alternatives to the Lawn - Wednesday, May 6th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Walter Baker Centre (Room 202), 100 Malvern Street. "Pesticide Free Lawn and Garden Care - Thursday, May 7th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Alta Vista Library, 2516 Alta Vista Drive. "Eco-Friendly Native Plant Gardening - Tuesday, May 12th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Greenboro Recreation Centre (Room A/B), 363 Lorry Greenberg Drive. "Eco-Friendly Native Plant Gardening - Wednesday, May 13th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Nepean Sportsplex (Hall E), 1701 Woodroffe Avenue. "Great Gardens Are Rooted in Healthy Soils, Compost and Mulch - Thursday, May 21st from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Churchill Seniors Centre (Town Hall), 345 Richmond Road.
Isle in the River Review Theatre Company Presents "Funny Money"
Isle in the River Review Theatre Company presents the comedy "Funny Money", a comedy by Ray Cooney, directed by Glenna Walkden. This comedy is about a man, a briefcase full of money and all the possible things that could happen when one finds a briefcase full of money....
Performances are at the Osgoode Community Centre on May 1st, 3rd, 7th, 8th, and 9th at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $12.00 for adults and $10.00 for seniors / students. Please note that proceeds from ticket sales at our May 3rd matinee performance will go to the Canadian Liver Foundation in memory of Anne Quinn. For information, please contact our box office at (613) 860-1291 or visit our website www.itrtheatrecompany.com.
Live & Learn Resource Centre
PAT Playgroup Change
The regular PAT playgroup which usually runs the first Friday of each month (i.e. May 1st) will be changed for this month to Friday, May 8th from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Open to all children 0 - 3 years of age. If you would like more information on the PAT program, please contact:
Marlene Shepheard, PAT Educator, Resource Facilitor Live & Learn Resource Centre (613) 821-2899 Toy Lending Library
The Toy Lending Library offers many benefits to children and their families. Play is crucial to a child's development, and it is through play that children learn about themselves and the world around them. Become a member of the library at the Live and Learn resource centre, 8243 Victoria St., Metcalfe (lower level) and enjoy borrowing from over 300 toys for just $ 30.00 a year. Right now the TLL is offering these spring specials:
Pay just $ 5.00 for a one month trial membership. Cover your membership by donating a toy, in excellent shape and worth $30.00, to the toy lending library. Drop by the Toy Lending Library at the Live and Learn Resource Centre. We look forward to seeing you soon.
OSGOODE / RIDEAU RECREATION INFORMATION
Area Program information now available at: www.manotick.net/cityrecreation. For more information on area programs and services contact (613) 580-2424 ext. 30325. Citywide Recreation Guides are available at the Client Services Centre or online at www.ottawa.ca.
COMMUNITY HEALTH NEWS
The Diabetes Education Program
These classes are for people who have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. The classes are taught by a Nurse and a Dietitian and the course consists of a series of three classes. You must pre-register for this course. Please call (613) 233-6655 to pre-register.
Tuesdays, May 5th, 12th and 19th from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. Manotick Public Library, 5499 South River Drive, Manotick Ottawa Public Health, Rural Health Programs
For more information about or to register for any of the programs, please contact Barbara O'Brien-Litten, Public Health Nurse, at (613) 580-6744 ext. 26173 or barbara.obrien-litten@ottawa.ca.
Well Water Testing
You can drop off your samples on any Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Metcalfe Library.
COMMUNITY POLICING NEWS
Some young, local truck drivers are using our local parks as speedways, driving over the grassed areas of parks and schools. Some detailed information has come forward and charges are expected to be laid by City Police. This is a very serious crime and the extensive cost of repairing the damage will be borne by these silly drivers. Residents please call in all suspicious actions in our Community.
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 is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." Robert Collier
