Kitchissippi Times | February 15, 2018

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IT’S A PAPER WITHIN A PAPER! FIND IT on page 11 • Mystery bird in Hintonburg • IODE annual home tour • Ploughing through winter

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Jeff Leiper

February 15, 2018

City Councillor conseiller municipal

What’s next for the Civic sign?

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SEE PAGE 7

Alex Néron (1977-2018) leaves an imprint of positivity, kindness, and selflessness on those who met him. Photo by Ted Simpson

Remembering Alex Néron SEE PAGE 8

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By Alyson Queen

An open house about this development is being held Tuesday, February 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Churchill Senior’s Centre (345 Richmond Rd.). For photos and proposed designs, see the web version of this story at Kitchissippi.com.

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to make it work for all parties. This is a very important project for our legacy.”

David says they have already modified the original plan because of feedback, by pulling the building back to allow for wider sidewalks and bike parking.

He confirms that they have also reached an agreement to remove a fence on a shared property line with Starbucks.

In the absence of an actual plan, he says they derive much of their guidance from “OPA 150” (Official Plan Amendment 150), which was introduced in 2014 and offers some additional language on Traditional Main Street allowances.

“OPA 150 clearly states that an appropriate depth for a Traditional Main Street is 200 metres. We are within that 200 metres so we are very comfortable that it’s appropriate.”

Councillor Leiper says that the City has made informal commitments to re-visit the secondary plan for the west end of the ward during the next term of Council.

But that next-term timeline will come too late for a number of proposals currently being reviewed, including this one.

“The entire area [is] subject to this wild-west zoning that we’ve been seeing for the past several years,” says Councillor Leiper.

“It’s all happening on an ad-hoc basis right now and there is no certainty, nothing that residents can rely on at this point. That’s not acceptable.

We have planning for a reason.”

The Planning Committee is currently targeting April 10 for a decision on this proposal.

An open house is being held Tuesday, February 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Churchill Senior’s Centre (345 Richmond Rd.). The public is invited to attend, hear details from the developer about the proposal, and provide feedback.

“We’re eager to see what the developer brings forward and what the community has to say at the consultation,” says Karen.

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Westboro is a hot destination for new business and development in Ottawa, esepcially as it prepares for its next chapter with LRT later this year.

But a new proposal received for 398, 402 and 406 Roosevelt Avenue has once again highlights the lack of an actual development plan in the midst of this change.

Domicile Developments has filed a proposal with the City of Ottawa to demolish three residential homes, now owned by Domicile, and permit rezoning for a six-storey mixed-use building that includes two commercial units, 35 dwelling units, underground parking and rear surface parking.

According to the application, the re-zoning application is needed in order to shift the height limitation from three storeys (R3 or residential zone) to six storeys (Traditional Main Street zone). And that’s where concern arises.

“I am opposed to putting in a Traditional Main Street zoning this far back from Richmond Road in the absence of any kind of up-to-date secondary plan that can help residents understand what’s going to happen with respect to growth in between Byron to the transitway,” says Councillor Jeff Leiper.

Other parts of the ward have clear community design plans, including transit-oriented development plans.

There are no arguments that there is significant pressure for intensification in Westboro, particularly around the transit stations.

Karen Johnson, vice chair of the Westboro Community Association, emphatically states that many residents are excited about what the future holds for a vibrant, transit-oriented community. But she says there is concern about the drifting of Traditional Main Street zoning into residential neighbourhoods.

“The spot-by-spot re-zoning suggests that there might not be a plan and we want to keep our walkable streets, we want to keep our trees and we want to keep the character of Westboro that makes it so attractive in the first place.”

The upcoming launch of LRT, now scheduled for November 2 of this year, is unsurprisingly the driving force behind this particular development.

“We need ridership and we need intensification at the right locations,” confirms David Renfroe, Director of Business Development and Planning with Domicile Developments, a local developer headquartered on Richmond Road which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary.

“We [also] recognize that we’re fitting into the community and we need

KITCHISSIPPI TIMES

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250 City Centre Ave., Suite 500 Ottawa ON K1R-6K7 www.kitchissippi.com Kitchissippi, meaning “the Grand River,” is the former Algonquin name for the Ottawa River. The name now identifies the urban community to the west of downtown Ottawa. Newswest is a not-forprofit community-owned publication that is distributed 12 times per year inside the Kitchissippi Times.

Publisher Mark Sutcliffe Editor/Associate Publisher Andrea Tomkins editor@kitchissippi.com twitter.com/kitchissippi Contributors Ellen Bond, Shaun Markey, Alyson Queen, Bradley Turcotte Proofreader Judith van Berkom Advertising Sales Eric Dupuis 613-238-1818 x273 eric@kitchissippi.com Creative Director Tanya Connolly-Holmes creative@greatriver.ca Production Regan Van Dusen regan@greatriver.ca

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Finance Jackie Whalen 613-238-1818 x250 jackie@greatriver.ca All other enquiries 613-238-1818 info@kitchissippi.com

Meet David Milnes Collected by Ellen Bond

“I was born in Grand Prairie, Alberta and have lived in Grand Prairie, Edmonton, Straffordville, Manitouwadge, White Lake, Orno, Charleoia, Belgium, Ottawa, Ono, Japan, and Alexandria. Living in many different places, has instilled in me the appreciation of new experiences and a wanderlust that I satisfy today by wandering with my

backpack. I recently celebrated my 50th birthday by hiking for four weeks on the Rideau Trail. Now I satisfy my desire to wander by hiking, exploring the natural world that is all around us. I like the Kitchissippi area because it’s central and convenient. It’s close to the river and walking trails, my two children with whom I love spending time,

and close to my favourite outdoor store, MEC. I like living in an urban village like Westboro.

“There are many trails around the world I’d like to walk but as Thoreau reminded us there is always enough to discover within the limits of an afternoon walk from your front door.”

Humans of Kitchissippi is a special street photography project designed to introduce readers to some of the people who live, work, and play in Kitchissippi. Each instalment of HOK contains three elements: a photo, a name, and a quote from the subject that reveals a little bit about who they are. Go to kitchissippi.com to view our ongoing collection of humans.

Distribution A minimum of 16,000 copies distributed from the Ottawa River to Carling Avenue between the O-Train tracks and Sherbourne Road.

Most residents in this area will receive the Kitchissippi Times directly to their door.

If you did not receive your copy, or would like additional copies, please contact us. Bulk copies delivered to multi-unit dwellings and retail locations. Copies available at Dovercourt Recreation Centre and Hintonburg Community Centre. distribution@kitchissippi.com 613-238-1818 x248 Tips and ideas We want to hear from you about what’s happening in our community.

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Unfortunately, it’s an all-too-common occurrence in Kitchissippi. A parked car once again blocked Tassy Kingsley’s driveway, but this time, she received an apology.

Photo by Andrea Tomkins

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The owner was parked there at least 1.5 hours, probably more. Good news. I got a letter in the mail with a gift card to Tim Horton’s: “I would like to apologize for blocking your laneway last Monday. It was indeed a stupid mistake on my part. My head was just somewhere else that evening and I did not notice. Your note was well-deserved. I would have done the same. Please accept this gift from Tim’s, sorry for inconveniencing you.”

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“Good news. I got a letter in the mail with a gift card to Tim Horton’s.”

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The other day someone parked right across my laneway. The laneway was plowed and there was a car in it. I called 311. Bylaw came and gave a ticket. I wrote a note across the windshield saying how annoyed I was, in fact I was angry as it meant I could not take my car out.

Betting on a combo shot Local sandwich shop joins forces with billiards hall

Story and photo

by Shaun Markey

February 15, 2018 • 6

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Some times the stars just align. Such was the case when Rob Johnson needed larger premises for his restaurant: Robz Real Food, famous in the neighbourhood for his home-made smoked beef and turkey sandwiches.

Having recently lost their place to play pool, Jennifer Tucker and her friend were also looking for a location to start up a billiards facility.

Jennifer’s team mate knew Rob and before long the group joined forces to find a space that would accommodate both a restaurant and a billiards hall.

After ruling out a few possible sites, Rob suggested a vacant commercial building on the south side of Carling Avenue just west of Clyde Avenue. He could literally see the building from his present location.

The previous tenant in the building had left after a fire did major damage to the interior. But after one viewing, it didn’t take long for the group to decide that they had found the perfect spot for their joint restaurant / billiards effort.

After twelve months of planning and construction the three partners officially opened the new Pocketz Billiards / Robz Real Food last fall.

There was a three-week interval

Pocketz Billiards and Rob’s Real Food are racking ‘em up at 1696 Carling Ave.

between the closing of Rob’s old location and the opening of the new one.

Even though it was a short time frame, many of Rob’s loyal customers were complaining, loudly, that they couldn’t get their sandwich fix.

As they moved toward opening, Jennifer emphasized a key objective.

“We wanted a place that would become part of the community,” she says. “We also wanted our customers to feel that they could bring the entire family here.”

As it turns out, that’s exactly what’s been happening. Friends and neighbours are already stopping by

for the Sunday afternoon “family day.” League play is nicely underway as well.

For Rob, the new location has provided a 40-seat restaurant space which he didn’t have before. Rob’s meats are fresh and slow roasted every day. Rob also points out that “nothing is prefrozen and everything is home made on the premises and gluten free.”

The Pocketz billiards area is up a few stairs from the restaurant. One look at the sun light streaming in from a huge overhead skylight, spotlessly clean floors and a collection of sport related antiques on the walls and ceiling lets you know right away that this isn’t your average pool hall.

A friendly, compact bar area with several seats, custom made corner benches for group seating and eight pool tables complete the interior.

Commenting on the new operation, Rob admits that it was “like starting over” but the 30-year veteran of the Ottawa food and restaurant industry is already seeing the fruits of his labour. “December was a great month,” he says.

In pool, running the table is a perfect game. The trio at Pocketz and Robz appear poised to do that and more.

Residents save Civic Pharmacy sign The iconic sign was the first of its kind in Canada

By Alyson Queen

Thanks to months of effort from a group of concerned residents and their supporters, the Kitchissippi Times has confirmed that the Civic Pharmacy sign has been saved from its potential fate in a dumpster.

It’s been nearly a year since Andy Billingsley and Gregg Kricorissian took on the project of preserving the Civic Pharmacy sign on behalf of the Civic Hospital Neighbourhood Association (CHNA) through its History and Heritage Committee.

They first learned of the situation following some media attention around the building and its sign.

Artist and “Ottawa Rewind” blogger Andrew King covered details of the sign’s “Googie” architecture on his website (ottawarewind.com) in March 2017 in which he described the atomic-like lettering as being trendy in the 1960s. When Andrew wrote his post, the building was listed at $3.36 million. He wrote that he hoped the Ottawa icon wouldn’t be “unceremoniously tossed into a scrap heap.”

The process to track down building contacts was a long one. Gregg’s real breakthrough happened in late October when Councillor Jeff Leiper’s office noticed a building permit had been issued for exterior updates.

It was at that point, Gregg says, that the campaign to save the sign really got underway.

In the meantime, Gregg had shored up support from Steve LeBrun of Ottawa’s Ray Neon Signs to help restore the sign and store it if needed.

His father co-founded the company, which built the original sign nearly 60 years ago.

With its five letters illuminating on rotation, and unique design, the sign was the first of its kind in Canada and a major project for the Ottawa company.

The project was a natural for the community association, but particularly given CHNA uses the Civic sign lettering for its logo.

“When we heard of the sale of the building, we did worry that the new owners wouldn’t really understand the significance or importance of the sign to the community and it would inadvertently be destroyed. So we wanted to make sure that didn’t happen,” says Karen Wright, president of CHNA. When asked why such an effort was made to save this sign, Gregg said it beckons of home.

“I’ve seen it every day for the last 35 years that I’ve lived in this neighbourhood. It’s just a very happy

Photo by Andrew King

touchstone of the neighbourhood. It shows where home is.”

The famous five letters are currently keeping warm underneath layers of tarp and scaffolding during the building renovations.

It remains to be seen where the sign will ultimately hang.

Although many would like to see the icon remain at Carling and Holland, other ideas include a new adopted home in either an art gallery or even possibly the new campus of

The Ottawa Hospital, once built.

But one thing that everyone agrees upon is that this little piece of illuminated history – and all the memories it conjures with it – needs to remain alive and connected to its community.

“If it’s restored and honoured on the building where it’s always traditionally been, I think that’s a great outcome. If for some reason it doesn’t fit into the future of that building, we are more than willing to help find it the right home,” says Karen.

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Contact us at 613.301.7782 to book your private appointment.

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Remembering Alex Néron

Artist and business owner leaves imprint of positivity, kindness, and selflessness on those who met him Alex Néron in 2014 when Railbender Studio first opened. For more photos, see the web version of this story at kitchissippi.com Photo by Ted Simpson

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By Bradley Turcotte

Railbender Tattoo and Art Gallery proprietor Alex Néron passed away peacefully on the evening of January 17, two and a half years after a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Alex was 40-years-old.

Alex tattooed many clients at the Hamilton Ave. N. studio, however, his bright, positive and non-judgemental personality is what has left a permanent mark on family, friends and members of the community.

Originally from the Orleans neighbourhood in Ottawa’s east end, Alex excelled at athletics as a child and became an exceptional baseball player.

Alex loved to draw and, along with his younger brother Yves, attended a summer camp for the arts facilitated

by Sandra Oh, who is now known for her role in the medical drama series, Grey’s Anatomy.

The Néron brothers were Oh’s favourite pupils, Yves recalls.

“We were a couple of rascals,” Yves says. “We were super hyper, always laughing with our parents trying to rein us in.”

Alex went to live with his father, Marcel, and stepmother, Donna, when he was 13. Donna says his artistic abilities were apparent from an early age.

After attending Algonquin College for carpentry, Alex fluttered through many careers, at one point operating an airport shuttle service before working for Ford and Pepsi.

“He was never sure of exactly what he wanted to do for the longest time,” Donna says. “But when he discovered tattooing, it became his passion and he wanted to pursue it.”

Donna credits Alex’s wife and Railbender co-founder, Marta Jarzabek, with encouraging her son to follow his artistic calling.

While working at Market Organics in 2011, a “super handsome” man with “a big smile” arced across his face asked Marta to make him a coffee. Alex was a new hire at the health food store and on their first shift together, the two chatted all day,

cementing a yearlong friendship that eventually turned to courtship.

Their pairing seemed like a natural fit to the couple and to everyone who knew Alex and Marta.

“He and Marta were an amazing team,” friend and client Shelley McKay says, describing the duo as “humble” and “full of joy.”

“We could tell it was the love of his life,” Donna says.

Two months into their relationship, Alex purchased Marta’s engagement ring during a trip to Paris but he waited years to propose as Marta continually thwarted his attempts at a surprise.

While on a pub-crawl of the city’s breweries and beer bars on the “hottest day” of 2014, the couple strolled

down the Ottawa River. Sweaty and overheated, Marta turned around to ask for water. Alex held out the engagement ring to Marta on the wooden steps behind Parliament Hill.

“When you know someone’s going to ask you for a long time, you think that you wouldn’t be taken aback,” Marta reminisces. “I was speechless. I didn’t even look at the ring. I was near tears.”

The couple gave their friends and family one-week notice when they married on July 18, 2015 at Blessed Sacrament Church. Over 100 wellwishers attended. Marta describes their nuptials as “perfect.”

Curators selected some of Alex’s visual creations for art shows but it was Marta who emboldened Alex to

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February 15, 2018 • 8

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You are invited to join

Mayor Jim Watson

become a tattoo artist.

Alex got his very first tattoo at an underground shop at the age of 15.

The first tattoo he penned was on his own body – a group of abstract orange circles on his knee.

“It was awful,” Marta laughs.

“Then he did another quite large one on his thigh that was really good; a raven with a sun.”

In 2013, Alex and Marta stumbled across Railbender’s digs during the Hintonburg Beer Run at neighbouring Beyond the Pale and snatched up the space. With help from the community, Alex and Marta realized his dream of an upscale tattoo shop and art gallery that promoted local artists and put their employees first.

Alex’s vision for the shop included a plan for Railbender’s interior.

“He loved creating, whether it was drawing or tattooing. Even renovating is a form of creating,” Marta says.

Alex and Yves gutted the unit with renovations taking three and a half months. Clients continually inquire about the studio’s concrete floor that the brothers poured themselves.

Meticulous regarding Railbender’s cleanliness and operations, Alex always had a paintbrush on hand to touch up scuffs and politely showed clients to the shoe mat during the winter.

“He strived for perfection in a lot of what he did in his life,” Yves says.

“I think it’s why the standard was so high. People noticed and commented on it all the time.”

Yet when it came to the tattoos stamped on his body, Alex was happy to let another artist practice their craft on his skin, regardless of the quality.

Most obsess over their ink, but for Alex, the artistry was his obsession.

Besides, there were always cover-ups.

Julien Detillieux, who along with Marta, Yves and artist Stephane Courchaine, make up Alex’s “dream

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team,” says his tattoo style matched his “unique” personality.

“Whenever he would do a tattoo you could tell it was an Alex tattoo,” Julien says. “He definitely influenced my style and allowed me to have a second view on how to do certain things. His methods spoke to me.”

Alex and Juilen tattooed each other many times. When recalling the flower with an “M” for Marta and the liver paired with “survivor” he inked on Alex, Julien becomes emotional.

“I don’t know where I’d be today in the tattoo world if it wasn’t for him. I owe and dedicate my career to him. I’m thankful for Alex,” Julien says. “That I got to know him, be around him and learn from him.”

“Everybody’s circumstances are so unique to them… Having people who are going through similar experiences to talk to and share those things with, it can make a huge difference in minimizing the traumatic part of it.”

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Nearly 20 years ago, Alex and Marcel received tattoos from the same artist. Alex recently covered up the tattoo his father got that day with his own rendition.

One of Alex’s works, a tribute to the fight against domestic violence, graces Shelley’s skin.

“He definitely helped me and continues to help me to this day. I keep rereading all the messages from him.

They keep me going,” Shelley divulges. “I feel very honored that I have one of the last tattoos he did.”

Donna and Marta each have a single tattoo. Both are Alex’s work.

Marta’s everlasting piece is “my love” written in Alex’s handwriting.

Alex was feeling unwell long before his 2015 diagnosis. Doctors assured him he was too young for anything serious and attributed his symptoms to indigestion, Marta says.

Extremely low hemoglobin levels led to a colonoscopy and then Alex’s stage four diagnosis.

There were promising results along the way that would turn out to be false hope, Marta recalls, and Alex struggled to stay positive at times.

“Where Alex was at, the prognosis is never good, so you have to find a way to keep going. You need to find hope that you can hold on to,” Marta says.

Alex endured rounds of chemo, many operations and three clinical trials. After one treatment of chemo and stem cell inhibitors, Alex was feeling good. He responded very well and

could “enjoy his life with friends and family.” He called it “a great beginning to the future of cancer treatment” in a video on The Ottawa Hospital foundation website (ohfoundation.ca/our-supporters/alex-neron).

The trials come with a list of “all symptoms that you could find in the dictionary ever,” Marta says. Alex was keen to take part in the trials as his participation in these studies could help not only himself but others as well.

Before his diagnosis, Alex supported the community of those who have received a diagnosis by organizing a team for The Ottawa Hospital’s annual Do The Ride fundraiser named #youarenotalone in 2014. He missed the bicycle event only once, in 2015, due to the effects of chemotherapy.

Connecting with this community brought Alex great comfort after his own diagnosis. He sought out the advice of a “coach” and met with doctors at the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre.

“Having support around you makes a big difference,” Shelley says.

“Everybody’s circumstances are so unique to them… Having people who are going through similar experiences to talk to and share those things with, it can make a huge difference in minimizing the traumatic part of it.”

Marta implores everyone to think about cancer in a “proactive way” and visit their doctors regularly.

Overcoming a cancer diagnosis relies on early detection. While visiting chemotherapy wards, Alex met people younger than himself in addition to younger patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

A fundraiser to alleviate costs (gofundme.com/weloveyoualexandmarta) incurred during Alex’s illness quickly surpassed its goal.

Yves and Marta attribute the fundraiser’s success to the generosity of the community facing diagnoses and Alex’s positivity resonating and reflecting back.

Marta is moved by “how many people were touched by Alex’s kindness and generosity” as hundreds of messages flood in sharing stories, adding she hopes people will pay kindness forward in memory of Alex.

“I think he brought something out in people,” Yves notes. “Not only did Alex himself inspire people but people would see that in themselves; what is possible when people come together.”

Alex’s Celebration of Life will take place on his 41st birthday, February 25, at Railbender Studio between 1 and 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Additionally, on Railbender’s fourth anniversary, February 15, the shop is hosting a fundraiser for The Ottawa Integrative Cancer. In conjunction with Maker House Co., Railbender will offer $75 #fuckcancer tattoos and each human canvas will receive a gift from the home ware and decor store.

Those who choose not to be inked can also donate and all donors will be entered in a raffle to receive a $100 Railbender voucher.

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Neighbours on both sides of the O-Train corridor reported recent unusual sightings of an apparently urban hawk. Robert Alvo, author of “Being a Bird in North America”, identified the bird and provided additional information and expertise.

Photo by Bruce Jackson

Being a Mystery Bird in Hintonburg Area authority identifies Hintonburg hawk

By T Thibeault Early February saw several reports of an unfamiliar hawk in at least two area neighbourhoods.

Hintonburg resident, Paulette Dozois, started the ball rolling in a note to Newswest, “Two of my colleagues saw hawks in their yards here in Hintonburg and in Little Italy.”

From there, word travelled and the mystery deepened until photos were offered up to help with the identification, and Paulette Dozois “flipped the question to Robert Alvo – local birder and bird author...”

The hawk was first spotted in late

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January or early February in the neighbourhood of Gladstone and Breezehill Ave. North. At least one other report placed the hawk in Little Italy around the same time.

Andrew Horrall noted that it had been coming to a tree at the end of their garden on Breezehill North regularly over the past couple of weeks, “Sometimes to eat its prey. Other times alone.” After mentioning the sighting on the Bayswater/Breezehill email list, he learned that the bird had visited several other neighbourhood gardens as well.

Other photos have since turned up

to provide additional evidence of the identity of the Hintonburg hawk.

Asked to share his expertise, biologist and conservationist author, Robert Alvo, looked at the images and put an end to the mystery with this observation: “The bird in question is a Cooper’s Hawk. There have been a number of sightings in Ottawa this year, though none have been documented on eBird yet. It is observed in Ottawa every year. It is known to nest in at least a few places in Ottawa, but I don’t know about Hintonburg. It won’t start nesting until March or April.”

Alvo’s recently launched book, “Being A Bird in North America – North of Mexico” devotes several pages to Cooper’s Hawk and others in its family. Alvo was able to give a detailed description of the hawk in our photograph, and provide pointers to allow for positive identification.

February 15, 2018 “Cooper’s Hawk has a long tail as do other accipiters (compared to Buteos like the Broad-winged Hawk, and has rufous barring across the chest. Compared to the smaller Sharpshinned Hawk, it has a pale nape and a rounded tip of the tail compared to the Sharpie’s squared off tail.”

Compare these points to Bruce Jackson’s photo here, and to the photo

by Viki Holan on pg 13. You might agree that it is indeed a Cooper’s Hawk that stalks the Hintonburg ‘hood.

The Cooper’s Hawk has a range stretching from Mexico, north into southern Canada. Ottawa seems to be just on the northern edge of its range.

Alvo’s book further documents the Conservation Status of birds with categories such as Secure, Vulnerable, Imperilled and even Presumed Extirpated, indicating that the lighthearted approach used in “Being a Bird In North America” still casts a wary glance at the much darker shadow of environmental degradation and the threat that presents to planet and people.

In a series of emails, related to this mystery, Robert Alvo mentioned other sources of information including the websites AllAboutBirds.org, and ebird.org, (the website of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology). With the resources of the internet and a good book in hand, we can be sure visiting mystery birds won’t be guarding any mysteries for long.

INSIDE NEWSWEST SJAM Winter Trail.........................pg 14 IODE Home Tour 2018 ..................pg 16 Celestial Events ...........................pg 17 Deadline for the March 15 Newswest is Friday, March 2.

Please note our new address: Newswest c/o 132 Bayview Road, Ottawa, K1Y 2C6 Visit us online at Newswest.org for more photos and Web-extra content.

EAT WELL and

ENJOY

OCSB Trustee’s Report

Catholic School News

“Questions arose about the amount of “screen time” kids were engaging in at school and also what types of new technologies were being used in the classroom.”

ARTISTIC FUSION: On January 15, our talented OCSB staff and student artists transformed the Catholic Education Centre Board Room into an art gallery for everyone to enjoy. This annual event saw dozens of participants from across the board display their artistic creations including, sculptures, photographs, stained glass, water paintings, jewelry, pottery and much more. We are truly lucky to have so many talented individuals working and learning at the OCSB. ONTARIO CATHOLIC SCHOOL TRUSTEES CONFERENCE: From January 18-20th, Catholic School Trustees from across Ontario gathered in Mississauga at the annual Catholic Trustees Seminar. It was a pleasure to connect with colleagues from each of Ontario’s 29 English Catholic school boards. Conference seminars included topics such as, improving constituent outreach, the 2018 municipal election and fostering the relationship between school and the parish, just to name a few. A key highlight was the provincial political panel, which featured representatives from all three of Ontario’s major political parties, including an address by the newly appointed Minister of Education. It

.

CHILI AND TRIVIA NIGHT – ST. GEORGES PARISH: On Saturday, January 27th, St. Georges Parish hosted their annual Chili and Trivia Night fundraiser.

Nearly 20 teams signed up this year making it the largest turnout to date.

Questions ranged from pop culture, religion, sports and music. Msgr. Hans Feichtinger was on hand to kick things off and share some of his time with the crowd. Thanks to the Knights of Columbus for their hard work organizing and running the event.

OCSB Trustee Jeremy Wittet Photo courtesy of OCSB

was a privilege to represent Kitchissippi and Bay Catholic ratepayers and families on the provincial stage.

CATHOLIC SCHOOL PARENTS ASSOCIATION MEETING: The Catholic School Parents Association held its monthly meeting on January 24th at the Catholic Education Centre. The topic for discussion was the Deep Learning Framework. Parents representing their local school councils came from across

OTTAWA STUDENT TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY: It is a privilege to have been elected by the OCSB Board of Trustees to be one of the directors on the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority.

Safe and reliable transportation to and from school is an essential part of our education system. As a board of directors, it is our responsibility to ensure safety, professionalism and financial stewardship in student transportation. It is also an important area because we share bus routes and costs with our coterminous board, the Ottawa Carleton District School Board. Should families have concerns or questions about their child’s transportation needs, please do not hesitate to reach out.

the board and also joined in online. Our board superintendent for learning technologies, Brenda Wilson, gave an overview of the board’s vision for deep learning and took questions from parents. Questions arose about the amount of “screen time” kids were engaging in at school and also what types of new technologies were being used in the classroom. Attending these meetings is an extremely valuable way to gather parental feedback and learn about what is happening in schools across the district. The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 28 at the Catholic Education Centre.

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NEWSWEST 12

February 15, 2018

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Constituency Youth Council

By Catherine McKenna MP Ottawa Centre Calling All Ottawa Centre Youth – Step up to the Challenge Are you aged 15-24 and passionate about creating real change?

Do you care about what happens in Ottawa Centre? If you answered yes, I want you on my Constituency Youth Council!

This nonpartisan council connects engaged and passionate youth within the riding with me and my team so we can hear fresh perspectives. At the same time, young people like you gain insight into the federal political process while building leadership skills.

The Prime Minister is the Minister of Youth and our government strongly believes that by partnering with young Canadians,

we can inspire innovative ideas and initiatives. Difference makers come at all ages, and I am proud to be part of a government that celebrates and encourages the voices of our younger generations.

Members of the council meet regularly to discuss issues in Ottawa Centre that matter to them and work to find solutions. Last year’s council noticed the Glebe Community Centre did not have a composting strategy and decided that was something they wanted to change. Together, with the help of Councillor Chernushenko and the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group, they successfully implemented a composting program at the centre this past fall.

The Council’s compost project is a great, practical example of

caring for the environment, reducing our waste and taking sustainable action on climate change. I am so proud to see young people mobilize the community to make a positive impact; everything helps in making Ottawa the greenest capital.

If you are interested in joining the Council, I encourage you to visit my website (www.catherinemckennamp.ca) or contact my office (613-946-8682) to get more information on how to apply.

Applications will be accepted until February 28th, 2018.

I look forward to meeting the new members of the Ottawa Centre Council and am excited to work together to make Ottawa Centre a more positive and inclusive community.

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In another view of the Cooper’s Hawk from our lead story, the bird’s colouration and large size are apparent when seen in the context of a Bayswater/Breezehill neighbourhood back yard. Cornell Lab of Ornithology has joined with National Geographic, National Audubon Society, BirdLife International, and more than 100 organizations to declare 2018 the Year of the Bird.

Photo by Viki Holan

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Mystery bird de-mystified

February 15, 2018 13

Cooper’s Hawk in Hintonburg

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Councillor’s Corner

Current Events in Ward 15

By Jeff Leiper, City Councillor Kitchissippi Ward Congratulations Kitchissippi – you made it to February! We had a very busy start to 2018 and things are continuing to ramp up in our office as we are working on many important files.

On Sunday, January 28th we celebrated the SJAM Winter Trail! I was thrilled to attend a ribbon cutting of the new connection between Champlain Park and the SJAM Winter Trail, made possible by the autumn closure of Pontiac Street that my office championed.

Groomer Dave, our MPP Yasir Naqvi, the Norwegian ambassador Kari H. Ovind, John Rapp from Dovercourt, four-time Olympian Sue Holloway and many others were in attendance for the ribbon cutting. The ribbon cutting was followed by a ski festival, which included a kid’s loppet and a variety of fun activities. We are so fortunate to live

in a Ward with great access to the Winter Trail and all it has to offer.

There is a City-initiated by-law amendment in the works to change the zoning for St. Brigid’s Centre for the Arts, the Bronson Centre, Barrymore’s, and places of worship across the city to reflect their capacity as live music and performance venues. The amendment is now available for comment, and comments to the planner Tim Moerman are due by February 27th. Find more information about the study and comment on our website!

The City has submitted a very forceful response to Queen’s Park outlining the issues with the new inclusionary zoning rules. This response addresses the major shortcomings of the rules, especially the requirement to subsidize 40% of the lost value to the developer of an affordable unit and an exemption for rental housing. I was also able to reiterate these points in an op-ed I co-au-

thored with Councillors from Toronto, London, Hamilton, and Kingston Cities.

In related news, I brought forward an inquiry to Council at the January 31st meeting asking what tools the City has to direct housing development and renewal or renovation of existing facilities in rapid transit hubs to be affordable.

The inquiry also asks if there are any current urban planning strategies in place to ensure that urban displacement of low-income and vulnerable residents does not occur around rapid transit hubs. As we welcome light rail we must continue to ensure that it is accessible to everyone.

We have a few upcoming events in Kitchissippi Ward. On February 24th we will be working with the Wellington West BIA to put on a community bonfire in Somerset Square Park from 5 to 7 pm.

It will be our last bonfire of the season and it’s shaping up to be a fun one, so don’t miss out! We will have our pop-up office hours at Happy Goat (35 Laurel) on February 27th from 4-7 pm. Come see us and chat all things Kitchissippi!

Ploughing Through Winter

NEWSWEST 14

February 15, 2018

Volunteer trailblazers on SJAM

By T. Thibeault In its third year of existence, the Sir John A Macdonald Winter Trail (@ SJAMWinterTrail on twitter) is more than just ploughing through. It’s offering robust outdoor experiences for skiers, snow-shoers and winter fat-tire cyclists. All it takes is warm clothes and an appetite for adventure in the great white north.

From a pilot program in 2016, the trail has matured in its second full season and promises to grow even more by the end of 2019 when, after 3 full seasons, the NCC will re-evaluate SJAMTrail’s impact and usefulness, then reach a decision on future plans.

Head groomer, Dave Adams, took a brief break from his 7-days-a-week labour of love to tell us about the trail and its effect on the people who ski it, and work on it.

Always marked by burning enthusiasm for his subject, Dave’s words show his excitement at the momentum this project builds with each passing season. Where he once had to seek out help and support, he says people are now coming to him with ideas and projects that will only increase the trail’s usability and positive impact on the region.

Adams didn’t even try to hide his excitement when he spoke of being approached by Fabio deWitt of DEW Engineering with an interesting proposal that resulted in a win/win situation for all concerned and especially so for those who regularly use the SJAM Trail.

DeWitt’s engineering firm makes military grade, diesel-powered skidoos specifically designed for hauling heavy loads over long distances in the Canadian Arctic.

Volunteer Driven since 1978 Newswest c/o 132 Bayview Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 2C6 613-710-3553 www.newswest.org EDITOR: Tim Thibeault editor@newswest.org

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SUBMISSIONS Newswest accepts submissions from the community. Articles, photographs and community calendar items are welcome.

Send to: editor@newswest.org SUBMISSION GUIDELINES Articles should be maximum 500 words; letters to the editor maximum 300 words; community calendar items maximum 50 words. Photographs should be 300 dpi; print photos 3X5.

Dave Adams, head groomer on the SJAM Winter Trail poses with just some of the equipment used to keep the 25 km round-trip trail in top form.

Photo courtesy of SJAM WinterTrail

Both might benefit, he suggested, from using the SJAM trail and its near-constant grooming needs as a testing ground for DEW Engineering’s equipment.

Both men agreed and the result is greater, state-of-the-art horsepower to keep the SJAM Trail in prime condition while providing measureable results for the con-

All signed letters to the editor are welcome. We reserve the right to edit for length and content.

struction and development of the machines themselves. The big winner of course, is the individual skier on the SJAM Trail.

With 14 named sectors, maintenance of the trail relies heavily on regular volunteers and occasional helpers from the community. In particular, the hard core Continued on page 17

Opinions and information published in Newswest through letters we receive, community association news, or individual columns, do not necessarily reflect the opinion(s) of this newspaper.

Neilly’s Neighbourhood

Safety on the Ice

Ottawans are very lucky to live near waterways that contribute greatly to our enjoyment of the outdoors. From the Rideau Canal running through the centre of the city, to the great Ottawa River, to any number of nearby lakes, big and small, there’s plenty of water around for us to enjoy, even in winter when it freezes over.

Then it’s time for skating, ice fishing (my favourite!), snowmobiling and maybe just the feeling of being able to walk on water. These are all great ways to make the most of winter as long as we don’t forget that the ice is one layer away from really, really cold water.

It’s easy to think that as long as there’s ice, we’re protected from the freezing winter water. But not all ice is safe. Here are a few guidelines for judging the safety of ice thickness: • • • •

If it’s difficult to measure the thickness of the ice, colour can also be a good clue to ice safety. Clear blue ice is usually the strongest, white opaque or snow ice is half as strong as blue ice. Grey ice is unsafe. The greyness indicates the presence of water.

Before venturing onto the ice, check the Lifesaving Society’s (www.lifesavingsociety.com) guidelines for staying safe, and review guidelines by the Canadian Red Cross (www.redcross.ca) on what to do if you get into trouble on the ice. When in doubt, be prudent and just stay off the ice.

This information about ice safety can be found on the Ottawa Police web site at www.ottawapolice.ca. Pay the site a visit for information about all kinds of safety issues that could save a life.

Follow @Kitchissippi on Twitter for quick updates about our community, 140 characters at a time. Not on Twitter? See what you’re missing at twitter.com/kitchissippi.

15 cm for walking or skating alone 20 cm for skating parties or games 25 cm for snowmobiles 35 cm for fishing huts

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Development (READ) Group has pressed the city on the need for a new library in our community. READ also believes that the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) board needs to position itself strategically and advocate for quality library services across Ottawa.

A comprehensive long-term capital plan that would fund and initiate a blueprint for library renewals and new construction is now more critical than ever.

This would allow City Council to ensure that there is sufficient long-range and more predictable funding for the library system. Currently, the OPL relies on a complex array of funding sources. And those sources are not always certain.

Libraries are places where everyone – young and old, well-heeled and the socially and physically challenged and all in between – goes. They are places of inspiration and creativity, where reading opens up the world to all and accessible computers bring the worldwide web of information to one’s fingertips.

The Rosemount Library, despite being a priority on the OPL list for years, is now slated to receive a mere facelift to make cosmetic improvements and provide band-aid solutions to a building in its 100th year. That is not acceptable and why READ supports a comprehensive long-term funding strategy for the renewal of existing libraries and the development of new branches.

Next month’s article will discuss the strategies being implemented in other Canadian cities and show how they have successfully built and redeveloped the libraries in their neighbourhoods.

February 15, 2018 15

By Blaine Marchand, R.E.A.D. The City’s budget was very much in the news in November and December of 2017 due to criticism of the Council’s obsession with keeping taxes low at all costs. This debate was partially sparked by projected underspending for snow removal this winter and the lack of funds for infrastructure. The issue was suddenly resolved when an additional $10 million materialized on the day the budget was voted on. But it is more than snow removal that is impacted by an artificially low tax rate. Over the years, it has obstructed the maintenance of public and social services, such as libraries.

Ottawa is touted as a centre of innovation, which fosters creativity and imagination, where people learn and exchange new ideas via modern technology. On paper, the city cites libraries as integral to our vibrant community, the heart of each diverse neighbourhood making up our rapidly growing municipality. Libraries are acknowledged in city documents as hubs for information, as safe and inviting focal points for different cultural groups, as fostering greater tolerance through knowledge and understanding.

Across the city, urban neighbourhoods are intensifying – condos are rising around transit stations, streetscapes are seeing multi-family units replace single family homes.

More people in these areas place greater demand on infrastructure, including their local libraries.

The Rosemount Expansion and

A Highland Avenue home, the work of Architect Alex Diaz of Arthouse Developments is one of two Westboro homes featured on the IODE Annual House and Garden Tour.

Photo courtesy of Arthouse Developments

IODE Annual Home Tour

Westboro Homes on the Tour

By Elanor Brodie IODE Laurentian Chapter’s 57th Annual House and Garden Tour is sure to appeal to people who love house and garden design. This year’s tour features 2 very interesting properties in Westboro, along with four others from across the city.

The first is a wonderful home on Hillcrest Avenue that was originally small but has seen additions made to it over the years. The second homeowners added an extension for a new living room and the current owners added a second story to this extension in 2001, for a master bedroom suite. The old summer kitchen has been incorporated into the house with a side door brickedin with glass, and the kitchen modernized with built-in cabinetry to divide some of the rooms. Windows are custom-made from fir by Lowen Windows of Manitoba with a stained finish. The exterior was completely refinished to replace mismatched brickwork.

Original cedar shingle garage and hencoop were replaced by a garage and garden-shed, designed to harmonize with the house.

Outdoors, the garden features a cowboy statue from Yardley’s, Ottawa.

Owners put in a water feature and they have retained the large trees.

Second is a modern house on a corner lot on Highland Avenue completed in 2015. Architect Alex Diaz of Arthouse Developments and Interior Designer Candice Sutcliffe responded to the desires of the owners – with an airy, open plan house, centred around the kitchen; its clean lines, limited colour palette and “rustic” fixtures expressing their taste.

The patio area is designed for outdoor entertaining and is adjacent to the kitchen. It features a very private outdoor room, sheltered from the elements but open to the pool area. The pool echoes the linear design of the whole house.

The other four other homes across the city include: A charming home in Alta Vista located on a large, treed lot which was designed and built by the owners in 1996. This house is filled with a mixture ranging from antiques and family heirlooms to thrift store purchases and

curb side finds. The result of this eclectic blend is a house that is both interesting and easy to live in. The gardens are large and fairly natural for both ease of care and to attract wildlife.

Two older homes - one in New Edinburgh dating from the 1890s and one in Rockcliffe from the pre-war 1930s building boom both of which feature kitchen renovations and interesting art collections.

And the last home off of Prince of Wales Drive that is a well appointed family home with a Rideau River view and a small indoor pool.

The focus recipient for the funds raised is the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa. IODE Laurentian Chapter is partnering with them to support their Mattress Program which will ensure homeless youth have a safe place to sleep.

Tickets are $35 and will be available as of mid March at retailers across Ottawa and online.

For updated news about our tour please visit our website at laurentian. iode.ca

Ottawa West Golden Knights Prevail

Major Midget “B” team proves consistent winners

Gabriel Kohlruss plays Right Wing for the Ottawa West Golden Knights (not to be confused with the Las Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL) at the level of Major Midget “B”.

The year-2000 cohort for which Gab plays, has won the league championship for the past 8 years running. The Ottawa West Golden Knights are currently ranked #5 in the province and their local standing has them tied for 1st place with the Kanata Blazers. Their current record is 29 wins, 6 losses, 4 ties. Photo courtesy of Steven Chase.

NEWSWEST 16 February 15, 2018

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Kitchissippi Nights

SJAM Trail

“Some of us are looking at the stars.”

Continued from page 14

With a large portion of Kitchissippi Ward bordering on the Ottawa River, our residents have a better chance than many in Ottawa to see what goes on in the skies above us against a relatively dark background.

To take advantage of this opportunity, Newswest has asked local astronomer Mark Narwa, of AMeN_ Observatory, to point out some of the more interesting celestial events that brighten both our nights and our understanding of the space we occupy. The accompanying chart shows noteworthy celestial events occurring between February 15 and the arrival of spring, the Vernal Equinox, March 20. Subsequent columns will deal with relevant events and phenomena as they occur.

volunteers who watch for trouble and maintain peak condition of the trail – Michael Lee, Dave Haney and Peter Edmison – all local men who enjoy the outdoors and who contribute generously to their community by way of the SJAM Trail.

From west to east, the named sectors are: Dominion Station; Westboro Beach; Atlantis Woods, Selby plains, Kitchissippi Woods, Champlain Bridge, Carleton Sector, Champlain Woods, Tunney’s Pasture Extension, Remic Rapids, Parkdale Sector, Onigam Sector, Bayview, and Vimy Avenue. Together, these offer a round trip adventure of an estimated 25 kilometers of groomed trail. Anxious, but not yet free to give full details, Adams mentions at least one other area that is currently being looked at for expansion to serve a densely populated stretch along the trail.

With their harnessed enthusiasm and the support of an outdoorsy and athletic community, groomers Michael, Peter and two Daves, look forward to opening up the joys of winter to anyone with a hankering for snow, nature and a healthy lifestyle.

If you would like more information on military grade skidoos visit: dewengineering.com/products/snowmobile

Sky chart courtesy of M. Narwa

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By Gary Ludington On January 23rd, Planning Committee heard from quite a few residents regarding the NCC’s new proposal for Rochester Park. The agreement between the City and the NCC had no development on the West part of the Park property. What was passed by Committee was at a minimum, a six-storey wall along Richmond Road from the Keg Manor to the back yards of the homes on Fraser Ave. - some-

thing similar to the Ashcroft development blocking the views of the convent.

In essence, we went from having a major green open corridor to the Ottawa River to having a wall blocking our enviable view.

This item went to Council on January 31st where we have no opportunity to speak. But the community could and did send letters and emails to the Mayor and Council asking that the proposal go back to staff so the com-

munity could be engaged in perhaps a planning charrette with the City and the NCC to see if there wasn’t a better solution that was a win/win for all. Council agreed up to a point. The final decision has been deferred so City and NCC staff can meet to see if there is a solution that comes closer to what was presented in 2016. Let’s hope we don’t end up with a wall spoiling the vista we have enjoyed for longer than we can remember.

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By Anna Borris We ten-year-olds were used to being evicted from the house when my mom had what we called a cleaning fit. These attacks happened frequently, and during the latest one, Karen, Judy and I tumbled out into my backyard in search of something to do.

“This winter will never be over,” Judy moaned.

“What should we do?” We were unrecognizable in our hats, hoods, scarves, snow pants and brown galoshes.

The February sky was deep blue and the snow was just sticky enough for some kind of construction.

“I’m going to make a beautiful snow lady”, Karen decided, as she started rolling a giant snowball.

Judy got started on a fort in the corner of the yard using one of my mom’s loaf pans to form bricks.

My plan was to build a beautiful horse complete with saddle and bridle so I could gallop through the sagebrush covered hills chasing the rustlers just like my hero Adam on Bonanza. Adam was much handsomer and so much more mature than his brother, Little Joe. The big snowballs weighed a ton but soon my horse started to take shape. Carefully, I sculpted his head and his saddle, then found a rope in the garage to use as a bridle. After a few finishing touches I climbed on his back. At ten and with little experience in horseback riding, I felt as though I was sitting on a real horse, and looked forward to many happy trail rides together.

Karen’s snow lady was now dressed in a ball gown, complete with train. “There’s a wig in the basement from Halloween.

Should I get it?” I asked her.

“Sure” she giggled, “she needs some hair - or a hat.” I found a

long black wig and a matching black slouch hat in the basement and we fitted them on her head.

“She looks so much better,” Karen said happily.

We went to help Judy with her upscale fort which had a snow couch and two snow chairs. She was busily trying to build windows without the whole thing collapsing. With the combined architectural experience of three tenyear-olds, we managed to finish it

out for my mom”. We tiptoed into the kitchen and each sneaked a chocolate before heading to the basement to dry off and play Clue.

A few days later a warm wind from the south caused some damage to our creations. The window frames in Judy’s fort collapsed which caused the main wall to fall down. Karen’s lovely snow lady had turned into a creepy witch.

Her hat had blown away, and her wig had fallen to one side on her

“My plan was to build a beautiful horse complete with saddle and bridle so I could gallop through the sagebrush covered hills chasing the rustlers just like my hero Adam on Bonanza.” successfully.

“Let’s go in, I’m soaked” Judy said. “Can we put our clothes in the dryer?”

“We don’t have a dryer, we’ll have to hang them up in the basement,” I suggested.

The previous day my dad had walked up to the Laura Secord store at Wellington and Holland, and brought back a two pound box of chocolates for my mom for Valentine’s day. They were passed around once or twice, then we were told to stay out of them.

They were for a treat for the family, but there they were sitting on top of the fridge. “Let’s each have one,” I said. “Karen keep an eye

melted head. It was quite disturbing to see her peering through the kitchen window of our house. My horse’s handsome head had developed a long, pointed, snarly beak, and he suddenly had a serious sway back. Our entire backyard looked like a house of horrors. I found this all very distressing, so I went out and knocked them all over.

On the bright side though, spring clothes, chocolate Easter rabbits, eggs and chickens and rubber boots started to appear in the stores, cheering us up and turning our minds toward a new season.

FEBRUARY 16 - PD DAY PROGRAM (GAMES, LEGO AND CRAFTS)!

Children age 4-12 are welcome to join us at the Carlingwood branch of the Ottawa Public Library for board games, crafts, and Lego during your PD day! Drop-in. For more information go to biblioottawalibrary.ca.

FEBRUARY 22 - SOUTHERN ITALY & SICILY In Sicily visit Greek and Roman archaeological sites, smoking Mount Etna and explore charming Taormina. Crossing to the mainland, we will visit Matera, Lecce, Sorrento, Amalfi and Capri. The scenery, history and culture is amazing, but with a different feel from the north. Explore this with Alex Bissett! Happening at the Carlingwood Library on Thursday February 22 at 7 p.m. Registration is required. For more information go to biblioottawalibrary.ca.

FEBRUARY 23 - ARTS NIGHT Arts Night takes place at First Unitarian Church (30 Cleary Ave., off Richmond Road) at 7:30 p.m. You are invited to come and see artists demonstrate or perform their art. This month’s guests include Janice Tait, writer; Ruth Tait, painter; Ruby Jin, pianist.

Admission is $5. For information call 613-7251066.

FEBRUARY 23 & 24 – ELMDALE PUBLIC SCHOOL BOOKFEST 2018 BookFest, Elmdale’s iconic annual second-hand book sale, is an opportunity to find a great read while supporting a good cause. With more than 25,000 titles there’s something for everyone, all at very low prices (cash only) complete with raffles and a bake sale. BookFest will take place in Elmdale Public School’s gymnasium (49 Iona St.) on Fri., Feb. 23, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sat., Feb. 24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Have a box of books you’d like to donate?

We’d be glad to come and get them. Email Traceylyn at elmdalebookfest@gmail.com. Like and share us on Facebook!

FEBRUARY 26 - CLOUD COMPUTING 101 The “cloud” has become a ubiquitous term in the modern computing vernacular. In a nutshell, cloud computing is merely the practice of using an Internet hosted server to store, manage or process data rather than relying on a local network server or personal computer. Jeff Dubois, Publicity Chair, Ottawa PC Users’ Group, will examine a number of cloud-based practical applications, services and features that may be of interest to the consumer market. Happening at the Carlingwood Library on Monday February 26 at 6 p.m. Registration is required. For more information go to biblioottawalibrary.ca.

FEBRUARY 28 - WHAT PRIVACY MEANS IN THE DIGITAL AGE Contrary to what you may hear and read, privacy is not dead. It has however changed in our digital and

social media age. It affects how we interact with each other as citizens, employees and consumers. Learn about some of the legal dimensions around these issues, and how you can better protect yourself with lawyer Jean Nelson, who holds a number of roles with the Canadian Medical Association including that of Chief Privacy Officer. Come with your questions. This session is part of Ottawa Public Library’s Law at the Library series provided by the Ontario Bar Association. Disclaimer: This session is informational only and does not include legal advice.

Happening at the Carlingwood Library on Wednesday, February 28 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required. For more information go to biblioottawalibrary.ca.

FEBRUARY 28 - FRIENDS OF CHURCHILL EVENT SERIES: TAKE A TRIP TO BOLIVIA Come experience Bolivia through lens and commentary with Erin Courtney, Community Relations Manager, Amica Westboro. Bolivia is home to over 40% if all Earth’s known wildlife. Taking place at the Churchill Seniors Centre (345 Richmond Rd.) from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. No cost; refreshments will be served. For more information and to indicate attendance, please call 613-798-8927.

MARCH 2 - WORLD DAY OF PRAYER World Day of Prayer is an ecumenical prayer service which is held on the first Friday in March world wide and focuses on a certain country. This year the focus is Suriname and the theme is “All God’s Creation is Good.” In our area, the service is being held at St. George’s Catholic Church (415 Piccadilly Ave.) at 7 p.m. on Friday March 2. All are welcome.

MARCH 5 - FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER Thinking about buying a home? This seminar is presented by Susan Sowah, of BuyHerself and Houses&Co, for all first-time homebuyers. Let us walk you through the entire process from beginning to end, sharing valuable tips and straight talk on how to purchase property and what you need to consider for your lifestyle and future plans. Topics include updates on new government regulations, credit scores, mortgages, home buyer incentives, property types, financial and emotional readiness, what you should expect from your Realtor and Mortgage Advisor, and much more as we help make home ownership a reality for you! Happening at the Carlingwood Library on Monday, March 5 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required. For more information go to biblioottawalibrary.ca.

MARCH 10 (AND ONWARD) - URBAN ORGANIC GARDENING SEMINARS The Ottawa chapter of the Canadian Organic Growers is hosting a series of urban organic gardening seminars at the Hintonburg Community Centre (1064 Wellington St W.) Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on March 10, April 14, and May 12. Seed sale to follow at 1:30 p.m. One day

passes are available, which includes three full seminars. Discounts are available with registration for full package passes; nine seminars in all. Student discounts are available too! March topics include: Growing Organic Vegetables; Herbs & Edible Flowers; Container, Small Space, and Labour Saving Urban Garden; Starting Seeds Indoors and Out. For more information and to sign up go to cog.ca.

MARCH 15 - ST PATRICK’S FRIENDSHIP LUNCHEON At the Churchill Seniors Recreation Centre (345 Richmond Rd.) on Thursday March 15 from 11:50 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Featuring the Sue Fay Healy Irish Dancers. Catered sandwiches, salads, desserts, tea or coffee Cost: $12.50 (over 65) or $13.75 (under 65).

Deadline to register is March 6. For more information, please call 613-798-8927.

12:30 p.m. (for beginners) and last Wednesday of every month (non-beginners). Bring your own ukulele. Cost: $2.00 YOUR COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS For up-to-date news on your neighbourhood, stay in touch with your community association. Information about events, traffic changes, development, neighbourhood clubs, volunteer opportunities and board meetings is available from the following Community Association websites.

Champlain Park Community Association champlainpark.org Civic Hospital Neighbourhood Association Chnaottawa.ca

MARCH 21 - AFTERNOON TEA DANCE At the Churchill Seniors Recreation Centre (345 Richmond Rd.) on Wednesday March 21, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Ballroom, line, and latin dance in a social setting on large wood spring floor. No partner required. Cost: $3.75. For more information, please call 613-798-8927.

Friends of Churchill Seniors Centre friendsofchurchill.com

WESTBORO LEGION’S BINGO AND LEAGUES Bingo every Wednesday night at the Westboro Legion. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for Ric’s@480 food service. Bingo games begin at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Join us with your friends, or come and meet new friends. Funds raised are donated back to community organizations. We also have Bid Euchre, Darts, Pool and Sandbag Leagues on a weekly basis starting in the Fall. For more information visit rcl480.com or call 613-725-2778.

Island Park Community Association islandpark.wordpress.com

Westboro Legion’s Saturday and Sunday Pool Free pool from noon to closing upstairs at the Westboro Legion on Saturdays and Sundays.

Everyone is welcome. For more information visit rcl480.com or call 613-725-2778.

TOASTMASTERS Learn confidence and hone your leadership skills.

Above and Beyond Toastmasters will help you get there. We meet every Monday at 7 p.m. except holidays at the Civic campus of The Ottawa Hospital in the Bickell Room on the main floor (across from Tim Hortons). Everyone is welcome. For more information, please see abottawa.toastmastersclubs.org or contact toastmasters.iwona.bm@gmail.com.

CHURCHILL SENIORS CENTRE Drop- in bridge and mahjong at the Churchill Seniors Centre (345 Richmond Rd.) every Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m. Come and play. No partner required in either of these games Cost: $1.75.

For more information, please call 613-798-8927.

Hintonburg Community Association hintonburg.com Hampton-Iona Community Group hamptoniona.wordpress.com

McKellar Park Community Association mckellarparkcommunity.wordpress.com Mechanicsville Community Association facebook.com/MechanicsvilleCA Wellington Village Community Association wvca.ca Westboro Beach Community Association westborobeach.ca Westboro Community Association lovewestboro.wordpress.com

Deadline for submissions:

February 22

editor@kitchissippi.com Please include “Community Calendar” in the subject line of your email.

Drop-in Ukulele at the Churchill Seniors Centre on the first Wednesday of the month from 11:30 a.m. to

February 15, 2018 19

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