The Orleans Star Sept. 17, 2020

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September 17, 2020 • Volume 35, No. 10

Next edition October 1

L’édition de cette semaine à l’intérieur...

Area high school students return to class this week

By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star

Thousands of local high school students will be heading back to class this week on alternating days. FILE PHOTO

Last week, elementary school students returned to class to start the new year. This week it’s the high school students’ turn.

Students from Grade 9 to 12 at both the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and the Ottawa Catholic School Board began the week in separate cohorts.

Half of the students attended class in school on Monday, while the other half remained at home and attended class virtually. The roles were reversed on Thursday.

The resumption of the elementary school year at the two English boards was relatively event-free. That stands in stark contrast to the French Catholic school board which reported cases at five different schools last week, none of which were in Orléans. Four of the cases were students, while one case was a staff member.

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The French public school board also reported a case at De La Salle high school among one of the staff members.

All of the cases were among 13 listed on a province-wide database. The seven other schools with cases are located in Pickering, Oakville, Brampton, Mississauga and Waterloo.

Since there has only been one reported case in all of the schools, the classes continued uninterrupted. For an outbreak to be declared and a cohort suspended, there needs to be more than one reported case in the class. For a school to closed and the students placed in self-quarantine at home there has to be multiple cases confirmed in multiple cohorts or classes.

An outbreak can also be declared if at least one case can be proven to have contracted the virus while at the school, on a school bus or in before- or after- school care.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

COMMUNITY BRIEFS Good Shepherd Knights of Columbus earns international recognition

ORLÉANS – The Knights of Columbus Good Shepherd Council (9005) in Orléans was awarded the distinction of Double Star Council for 2019/2020. The Star Council award is the top honor for local councils given by the international organization of the Knights of Columbus. The Double Star means that a Council went above and beyond the requirements of a Star Council award. A few examples of the projects the Good Shepherd Council took on in the past year include: financial support for the Covid-19 Meals Project under the Ottawa Community Foundation and Life Centre Food Bank; financial support for two bursaries at Lester B. Pearson High School and the Good Shepherd Parish Youth Ministry; and they sponsored one of their members to become the winning Ontario Family of the Year for 2020, chosen from the 55,500 KofC families in the province.

Local teachers launch new board game in support of Ottawa Food Bank ORLÉANS – A group of Ottawa teachers and parents have developed a new board game aimed at families with young kids to play, learn and bond together. Two years in the making, PowerFam makes use of an innovative play-learn format that also helps develop your child’s literacy and enhances social-emotional development of early learners. The game’s space adventure theme is sure to keep young minds engrossed. “Think of the classic twister game, a classroom and Star Trek all rolled into one,” says the game’s developers. Parents can pre-order the game by visiting GoPowerFam.com. A share of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to Ottawa Food Bank.

Former Gloucester Hornet signs with Finnish pro team

ORLÉANS – Miranda Smith has come a long way since her days playing youth soccer at the Hornet’s Nest. After graduating from St. Matthew High School in 2014, she spent a year with the University of Memphis Tigers before returning home to play for the University of Ottawa Gee Gees and helped lead team to the 2018 CIS women’s soccer championship and the 2019 University World Cup championship. With the COVID-19 pandemic in high gear, Miranda was under no illusion that she would be able to play organized soccer this year. To say that she was surprised when a scout called her about an opportunity to play professional soccer in Finland this fall is an understatement.

Faced with a shortage of players due to the coronavirus, TPS Torku offered her a contract and a plane ticket. After arriving in Finland in late August, Miranda had to stay in self quarantine for the prerogative 14-days before joining her new teammates. Since joining the starting roster Miranda has played in two games for the First Division club which currently sits in 10th place with a 1-1-11 record.

2 • September 17, 2020 • Volume 35, No. 10

Kids head back to school with limited bus service Continued from page 1 The province-wide database tracks 4,828 schools and 4,375 child care centres throughout Ontario and is updated with a summary of cases every weekend.

High school students returning to class must wear a mask at all times accept when eating their lunch. They must also practice physical distance when moving through the hallways, or out on the school ground. Exactly how they will get to school is still a work in progress.

Driver shortages result in school bus cancellations

Last week, the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) warned that a drastic shortage of bus drivers will result in the cancellation of as many as 30 yellow bus routes across the city.

They also warned that the number of cancellations may grow as drivers call in sick to avoid possible contact with asymptomatic students on their bus, or they start to develop symptoms themselves.

The result is that parents are left having to check every morning to see if their child’s bus route has been canceled or not. If it is, they must arrange alternate transportation, or keep them home.

Under normal circumstances there are as many as 555 school buses on the road on any one day serving 45 schools across the city. As of last Friday, the OSTA was reporting a shortage of 100 drivers resulting in the cancellation of 30 routes until further notice affecting an estimated 2,360 students.

A list of cancellations can be found at www.ottawaschoolbus.ca. The list is updated daily. As of press time, there were no east end schools on the list, but that may change in the days and weeks ahead.

In the meantime OC Transpo is adding some extra buses to their school routes to help pick up the slack.

All school bus providers have their own COVID-19 protocols which include thoroughly cleaning the bus every morning and evening and making sure that their drivers wear a face mask at all times when when transporting students.

Ottawa Public Health releases COVID-19 screening tool for students

In other news, Ottawa Public Health has released a COVID-19 screening tool for parents of school-age children which can be found at ottawapublichealth.ca.

The purpose of this screening tool is to help parents and guardians make decisions about whether their child can attend school/child care. It is recommended that the screening tool should be completed every day for each individual child.

The gist of the screening tool is to determine if a child is exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms including having the chills, a fever, coughing, unexplained fatigue or even sore muscles.

If they exhibit any one of the 18 symptoms listed, they should stay home and get tested for COVID 19 as soon as possible.

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Cumberland Ward candidates respond to election survey In an effort to provide fair coverage of the municipal by-election in Cumberland Ward, the Orléans Star sent a series of questions to each of the eight candidates in the race. The answers to those questions are being published in the lead-up to the Oct. 5 vote.

Candidate: Mark Scharfe Age: 60 Education: College diploma Occupation: Retired Police officer, farmer # of Children: 3 (ages 26, 28 and 30) Bilingual: English and finished 1 plus level in French 1. How will your past experience make you an effective city councillor?

The police officer is the “gear box” that makes the democracy machine work. The politicians make the rules, but its the police that ensures compliance. The police are also the people who ensure that the common man’s rights are protected under the “Charter of rights and freedoms”. This city council needs a police officer as a councillor to ensure that people, and their ability to make a living, are protected!

I am not a sheep, and will not be pushed around by the mayor. Democracy is governance of the people, by the people, for the people. The councillor is a leadership position. I will only collect one dollar a year to do the job.

2. Please list the extent of your volunteer activities.

• Chair, Ramsayville Community Association.

3. What is your position on whether or not the rural part of the ward should be merged with Osgoode Ward?

I do not think that merging these two rural areas should be merged together, unless the number of councillors is cut in half..

4. Please list your top three priorities should you get elected; and B) Why is the first issue on your list your number one priority and what do you plan to do Mark Scharfe about it?

1) Scrap the stormwater tax on properties that have their own well and/or septic systems.

The municipal act was used to force this tax. The Ontario Drainage Act has always made allowances to ensure the culverts under the roads were paid for out of the general funds. This tax is an abuse of the municipal act, and should never have been forced on properties with their own water and/or sewer systems.

2) Scrap the Green Bin program. This program will go down in history as the worst program ever to be forced on the good citizens of Ottawa, although it looks like the LRT might pass it!

3) Back to weekly garbage pick up, with no limit on the bags. This is a service required for good sanitation in a community, and should never have been put back to pick up every two weeks.

For more information about the candidate, visit Mark Scharfe’s website at www.markscharfe.ca.

www.orleansstar.ca

Candidate: Yvette Ashiri Age: 38 Education: Bachelor Degree in Public Relations Occupation: Chief Administrator for Justice Michel Bastarache # of Children: 2 Bilingual: Yes 1. How will your past experience make you an effective city councillor?

I believe that my strongest personal trait is my empathy. Advocating for positive change and social equity have naturally led me to present my candidacy for city councillor for Cumberland Ward 19. I am compassionate and caring while also being tenacious and resilient.

I walk the talk and do not give up until the job is done. I know how to listen to people’s needs and become their voice to address concerns that matter most to them. I am ready to bring positive change for my ward.

2.

Please list some of your volunteer activities?

• President of the School Council at École Élémentaire Publique des Sentiers; • Montfort Hospital Governance Committee board member; • Collège La Cité board member; • Horizon Ottawa board member; • Junior Chamber International Canada executive vice president; • Canadian Centre for Women’s empowerment collaborator;’ • Unique FM Radio board member; • Vice-president Congolese Community Canada Ottawa-Gatineau.

3. What is your position on whether or not the rural part of the ward should be merged with Osgoode Ward?

I think that the Ottawa Ward Boundary review is an essential activity for the city. It is also critical that the constituents’ voice is heard during the process. With COVID-19, people

have been focusing on adjusting to a new reality and taking care of their loved ones. It is very unfortunate that these conversations have not fully reached the intended population. In the end, I think that the decision to rethink the boundaries should consider having the right balance between population sementation and respecting the history of the community.

4. Please list your top three priorities should you get elected; and Yvette Ashiri B) Why is the first issue on your list your number one priority and what do you plan to do about it?

1) Social equity: we need to invest in family-oriented programs that support our communities during and post-COVID19.

2) Re-boosting the local economy: we need to support employment and creative business opportunities during and post-COVID19.

3) Caring for our environment: we can promote innovative and environmentally friendly projects in our urban and rural areas.

We all agree that having a strong economy is essential to the community. We definitely feel it today with the changes brought by COVID19. Just as essential is having a strong community, that is healthy and thrive in a safe environment. Taking care of the most vulnerable like our youth, women, and our seniors will ensure that they contribute positively to the betterment of our community.

As a united community, we can become more innovative and create great opportunities for the Ward. This is why social equity is my first priority.

For more information about the candidate, visit Yvette Ashiri’s website at www.yvetteashiri.ca.

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September 17, 2020 • Volume 35, No. 10 • 3

Swedish pile on One of the more interesting aspects of covering the COVID-19 global pandemic has been reading the media’s reaction to how Sweden has handled the crisis, especially the media in North America and the American media south of the border in particular – much of which has been picked up and amplified by the great unwashed, ill-informed and willfully ignorant members of North America’s social media community.

Anything written and published on this side of the pond regarding how Sweden has handled the pandemic usually includes the words “disastrous”, “misguided”, “horrible”, “horrific”, “nuts”, “crazy”... well you get the picture.

In actual fact, the Swedish model is no better or worse than many other countries in the world.

One popular fallacy is that Sweden has one of the highest death rates on the planet. The fact is that Sweden has the 13th highest death rate in the world and the seventh highest death rate in Europe behind Spain, Italy, Belgium, Andorra, San Marino and the UK. Another popular point that is often made by detractors of the Swedish model is that the country’s death rate is much higher than neighbouring countries Denmark, Finland and Norway, which is true, but so is Canada’s death rate which is currently 24.86 per 100,000 pop.: Denmark’s is 10.85; Finland’s is 6.11 and Norway’s is 4.99. By comparison, Sweden’s death rate is 57.41 per 100,000 pop. The difference is that Denmark, Finland and Sweden all had strict lockdowns with mandatory face mask requirements.

Which brings me to another fallacy – that Sweden failed to introduce any COVID-19 precautions. Again, not true. Sweden limited gatherings to no more than 50 people from the outset. Restaurants, bars and cafés have to enforce a one-metre physical distancing requirement with zero tolerance for over-crowding. In general, Swedish residents must maintain a two-metre physical distancing requirement. The biggest difference between Sweden and most other countries in the world is that face masks were never made mandatory.

According to the statistics for the month of August, Sweden had twice as many new COVID-19 cases as Canada, but the death rates were statistically identical. But here’s the kicker: according to a survey conducted by the World Health Organization, Sweden’s compliance rate for face masks is just six per cent, while Canada’s compliance rate is 76 per cent. So how is it possible that our death rates are nearly identical?

Could it have possibly have anything to do with the fact that physical distancing plays a much greater role in limiting the transmission of the novel coronavirus than face masks?

Of course, that type of radical thinking runs contrary to the conventional wisdom being promoted by health officials and in the media here in North America which may account for all the Sweden bashing going on.

Just sayin’.

– Fred Sherwin, editor

Fredrick C. Sherwin, Editor & Publisher fsherwin@orleansstar.ca The Orléans Star is a bi-weekly publication distributed to 44,000 residences in Blackburn Hamlet, Orléans and Navan. The newspaper is locally owned and operated by Sherwin Publishing Inc., 745 Farmbrook Cres., Orléans, ON. Inquiries and delivery issues should be sent to info@orleansstar.ca.

4 • September 17, 2020 • Volume 35, No. 10

Let’s join together to celebrate Jour des franco-ontariens et franco-ontariennes Over the last two weeks, I was glad to see so many young minds return to school. I know these continue to be challenging times for parents, families and teachers, and so I hope it has gone smoothly for all students here in Orléans – especially those attending school for the first time. I wish them an interesting and insightful school year!

As you may know, the government will resume on Sept. 23.

Our government has stood firm in its commitment to support Canadians throughout the COVID-19.

Canada is now slowly and safely restarting our economy, but the fight is still far from over. It will take a long time for our economy to recover from this pandemic, and we must embrace bold new solutions to the challenges that COVID-19 has presented.

That’s why the government will present, in the Speech from the Throne, its vision for the future with a plan to build a stronger, fairer, and more resilient Canada where our communities are healthier, safer, and can withstand the challenges of tomorrow.

As our government recently launched the second phase of the New Horizon for Seniors Program, I strongly encourage those eligible organizations in Orléans to apply for funding through this fund which provides support for community-based projects assisting to the well-being and quality of life of our seniors. This program is looking for projects that

support initiatives such as senior’s connectivity, learning and social network. The deadline to apply is Oct. 20 and you can learn more on the application process by visiting Canada.ca.

I heard of so many residents and organizations doing amazing volunteer work during this pandemic. They have been committed to our community by making positive impacts on our lives.

It is so important to recognize their contribution. If you know of any exceptional individual or organization that has shown remarkable dedication this year, please feel free to nominate them for the Canada’s Volunteer Awards.

Celebrations might be a bit different this year, but it is important that we highlight our French heritage nonetheless as bilingualism is a pillar of our Orléans community. On Sept. 25, we are celebrating the contribution of Francophone and Francophile communities in celebrating Ontario’s culture, patrimony, and French language along with the 45th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag.

I want to personally wish a happy Jour des FrancoOntariens et des Franco-Ontariennes to all Francophones and Francophiles in Orléans.

As always, if you need any assistance my staff and I are always available to help. Simply call 613-8341800 or e-mail marie-france.lalonde@parl.gc.ca.

My unforgettable experience as a weekend WWOOFer A couple of weekends ago, I paid a visit to an alpaca farm located halfway between Brighton and Colborne at the invitation of a dear friend of mine.

The idea was to deliver a few blankets and towels for the animals and spend a couple of days “down on the farm” It turned out to be a life-changing experience.

Old Mill Alpacas is owned by Toronto transplant Amy Kung-Oliver.

Amy is one of the toughest, most amazing women I have ever met. Twice divorced, her second husband embezzled a large sum of money after moving on to the farm that Amy already owned, putting the business in deep financial peril. When she discovered the extent of the damage done, she kicked the guy out and with the limited funds she had left, focused all of her attention on keeping the farm going.

To say that it has not been easy is an understatement. She suffered a torn meniscus months ago, but can’t take the time off to allow it to properly heal because of the demands of running the farm by herself. She also has a bad back.

A former jewelry designer, Amy has had to sell most of her collection to help pay the bills. The revenue to cover operating costs is generated through a combination of guided tours, alpaca walks, and the sale of alpaca wool and knitted items like sweaters, mitts.

Amy is also dependent on a small group of volunteers who help with the daily chores and lead visitors on the guided tours and alpaca walks. She is also a member of WWOOF Canada.

WWOOF stands for WorldWide Oppor-

Up Front Fred Sherwin tunities on Organic Farms and the people who take advantage of those opportunities are known as WWOOFers.

WWOOF was founded in 1971 in the UK and is one of the world’s first voluntourism and ecotourism organizations. WWOOF now exists in 132 countries (and growing) around the world including Canada which has been a part of the WWOOF movement since 1985.

WWOOFers volunteer their time working on member farms in exchange for room and board. The time spent working on the farm is decided between the farm’s owner and the WWOOFer. Some farms require a minimum commitment of one week, however, there are lots of weekend WWOOFers.

Once registered with the organization, WWOOFers can work on any member farm in the world. There are 656 farms currently registered with WWOOF Canada, including 14 farms in the National Capital Region.

When I arrived at Old Mill Alpacas, I met Darrell Pinto, who had just been laid off by a financial firm on Bay Street. He heard about WWOOFing through a friend and decided to check it out.

When he was looking for a farm, Darrell had several parameters – it had to be within

two hours of the GTA and he wanted to avoid a situation where he might be working with migrant farm workers, or at least his wife wanted him to avoid a situation where he might be working with migrant farm workers due to her own fears about COVID-19 and reports that the virus was prevalent among migrant workers.

During my time on the farm I was Darrell’s right-hand farmhand. I helped feed the alpacas every morning which included making sure they had plenty of hay and their water buckets were full. I also helped clean up all the alpaca droppings and let me tell you, 84 alpacas can produce a lot of doo-doo.

In fact, an alpaca’s day consists of eating, pooing, eating, pooing and eating some more, occasionally interrupted by having to go on a walk with a visiting tourist. Actually only the boys get to go on the walks, the girls get to chill all day in the pasture.

The highlight of each day, besides spending time with Amy – who is one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever been blessed to meet in my life – was running the alpacas to their assigned field every morning and back to the barn every night. It was hard work, but it was also tremendously rewarding work.

My only regret is that we never got to witness a birth.

Three alpaca crias were born in the week before we arrived, including

one the day before we arrived, and a fourth one was born four days after we left.

True fact – alpacas only give birth when they are good and ready and they never give birth in inclement weather. Alpaca gestation can take 11 to 12 months, but some mothers can carry their babies for as long as an extra month until they are ready to give birth.

Alpacas are wonderful animals. They are tremendously curious and they each have their own distinct personality.

To find out more about Old Mill Alpacas you can visit their website at oldmillalpacas. wordpress.com or their Facebook page at facebook.com/OldMillAlpacas.

The farm is located on Hwy. 2, halfway between Brighton and Colborne, about five minutes off the 401. (The Colborne exit is located at the famous Big Apple.)

The next time your heading to Toronto, why not call ahead and book a tour, or walk one of the alpacas. They take all the proper COVID-19 precautions and I’m sure Amy would love to see you. As for WWOOFing you can visit the WWOOF Canada website at wwoof.ca to learn more.

Yours truly with two of my new alpaca friends (above) and my new lifelong friend, Amy Kung (right). PHOTOS COURTESY OF PICSELLS INTERNATIONAL

September 17, 2020 • Volume 35, No. 10 • 5

Caronavirus assessment site COVID impact on City budget now open at RCGT Stadium will require tough decisions At the Sept. 9 city council meeting, we information shared shows that we are not received some great updates. I was very out of the woods yet. We have to continue to happy to see the patio season extended until be diligent at practicing physical distancing, the end of December wearing our masks and with the extension of the limiting our social circles relaxed regulations and to protect those most waived fees. This will vulnerable and to keep greatly help support our the spread at a minimum. local businesses as the We also received an weather gets colder. update on the new autoBeacon Hill-Cyrville Ward 11 Dr. Etches touched on matic speed enforcement the recent COVID data maps and used the cameras. There were a whopping 10,771 opportunity to discuss my concerns with the tickets issued between July 13 and July 31. data that has been coming out and its full The latter serves as a good reminder to folks accuracy. that the posted speeds are not suggestions...

I am very happy to see that the data will be but the law. broken down to 103 neighbourhood zones Good news as well for east-enders! A rather than being shared between 23 wards, drive-thru COVID-19 testing centre has with the help of Ottawa Neighbourhood opened at the RCGT Stadium (formerly Study; this narrows down our results and Lynx Stadium) on Coventry Road. gives a more accurate portrayal of COVID The site runs by appointment only. You cases. You can look forward to this new data can book an appointment by visiting Ottawa being released in about two weeks.

PublicHealth.ca if you need to get tested.

The data will be refreshed monthly and we This is only a start to having testing available hope to eventually see it refreshed weekly. to east end residents, the Ottawa Hospital is Dr. Etches also presented an update on the still looking to create a permanent east end current COVID situation in the capital. The testing facility in the near future.

Tim Tierney

DEMENTIA CAN BE CHALLENGING. LET’S TALK ABOUT IT.

It should come as no surprise that million and represents 64.9% of Ottawa’s COVID-19 has had a significant impact on projected fiscal shortfall of $192 million. the City’s finances.

The City is managing to address the An unprecedented remaining balance through combination of revenue additional measures such losses and increased asfreezing discretionary operating costs has the spending in all departCity projecting a $192 ments, deferring capital million deficit by the end projects, and the balance of 2020. being covered by Ottawa’s Innes Ward 2 To close this deficit reserve funds. gap, the City will receive financial support Council will be getting a final report in from the Ontario and Federal Governments, October, which will cover the City’s overall reduce operating expenses, leverage reserve financial status to year-end in advance of the funds and adjust capital spending to maintain development of the 2021 budget. services and respond to evolving community As I said, no one knows how COVID will needs. While these one-time solutions address continue to play out, including possible future Ottawa’s deficit this year, they put pressure impacts. However, we do know that we will on City finances in 2021 and beyond. have to replenish the City’s reserve funds and In August, the Federal-Provincial Safe that hard decisions will have to be made on Restart Agreement was introduced to support balancing the City’s budget. local municipalities. This funding has two It is important that my council colleagues phases, with two streams – one focused on and I are prepared to make the difficult supporting transit systems, the other stream choices between needs and wants to ensure focused on city operations. The combined we stick to a three per cent tax increase and funding allocated to the City of Ottawa to protect our residents from further financial date under the two streams totals over $124 strain during the ongoing pandemic.

Laura Dudas

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6 • September 17, 2020 • Volume 35, No. 10

East end sees 35 new COVID cases between Aug. 24 and Sept. 7

By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star According to the latest data released by Ottawa Public Health, the east end registered 35 new COVID-19 cases between Aug. 23 and Sept. 7.

Broken down by ward, there were 18 new cases in Orléans Ward, nine new cases in Innes Ward and eight new cases in Cumberland Ward. That brings the total number of cases in the three east end wards to 267 since the pandemic began.

What the latest data shows is that east end residents are not immune to the coronavirus and there remains a real need to continue to practice the three key measures to prevent its spread – maintain physical distancing of at least two metres; wear a face mask inside public spaces or whenever physical distancing is not possible; and wash your hands on a regular basis.

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has begun to release data on the number of new cases on a ward-by-ward basis every two weeks.

Although OPH is releasing the total number of cases in each ward, they are not providing a break down on how many family units make up the number of cases. For instance, the nine new cases in Innes Ward

could be contained in two or three families.

In future reports, OPH plans to break the data down to neighbourhood zones in each ward to give an even more accurate reporting of where the cases are.

Overall, Ottawa saw 87 new cases in the seven day period between Sept. 4 and Sept.

11. That’s down considerably from the 147 new cases in the seven day period between Aug. 28 and Sept. 4. Even more promising is the fact that there has only been one COVIDrelated death in Ottawa since Aug. 20, and by last Friday there were only 12 cases being treated in hospital of which two were being treated in intensive care.

Another good sign is that the positivity rate among those people who have been tested still remains under one per cent at 0.8 per cent.

OPH is currently conducting an average of 1,400 tests per day at it’s four facilities, which now include the RCGT Stadium on Coventry Road. A large number of the people showing up for testing are not exhibiting any symptoms which is not necessarily a good thing, according to Ottawa’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Vera Etches.

“We may have more testing happening than is even needed, given that asymptomatic

Ottawa Public health recently opened a fourth COVID-19 testing centre at RCGT Stadium on Conventry Road. POSTMEDIA PHOTO testing is not always that useful,” says Dr. Etches. “We want to make sure that people who have symptoms, and are close contacts, are prioritized.”

That type of messaging only adds further fuel to the debate over the highly controversial issue that is COVID-19 testing.

During the city council meeting last Wednesday, a number of city councillors

pressured Dr. Etches and Ottawa Public Health to continue to ramp up testing rather than dissuade people from being tested who don’t have symptoms. Those same councillors are being pressured by their constituents to provide testing for students returning to school, school bus drives, teachers and caregivers.

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DINING OUT

Exciting new restaurant now open in Cumberland Village

By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star When Chef Michel Gaumond told friends that he planned to open a new restaurant in the middle of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, they thought he might have gone a little cuckoo. Au contraire. He was just merely presented with an opportunity he just couldn’t pass up.

The former executive chef at St. Martha’s Brasserie Orléans, was stuck between a rock and a once in a lifetime opportunity to have his own place. St. Martha’s had already been closed indefinitely due to the pandemic and there was no way to tell when it would reopen or even if it would reopen. (St. Martha’s only just reopened with limited seating.)

It was during this period of uncertainty that Gaumond was approached by the owner of the Ferguson House in Cumberland Village to open a restaurant in the property formerly occupied by Ze Kitchen (20172019) and the Heritage Ristaurante (20072010). Coincidentally, Chef Gaumond worked at the Heritage Ristaurante as line cook, so when he was approached to start his own place it was an opportunity to come full circle. And what chef doesn’t dream of owning his own restaurant. So together with his business partner Ben Jean from Hidden Valley Farms in Hammond, Chef Gaumond has opened Maker Feed Co. Gaumond’s philosophy is simple – make delicious comfort food using locally grown product. His farm to table concept earned him kudos from discerning diners at St. Martha’s and judging by my recent visit to Maker Feed Co. it should prove to be a huge success in Cumberland Village.

The menu is simple but varied enough to please most palates.

The appetizers consist of Pork Belly and Scallops served on a pea purée drizzled

with a soy maple sauce, or Bruschetta made with roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic and charred onions served over fresh baked garlic cheese toast topped with fresh chopped basil.

Your choice of salads consist of a Caesar made with smoked pork belly and croutons and topped with shaved parmesan, or the House Salad topped with goat cheese.

Besides the Soup of the Day, you can also order Chef Gaumond’s unique take on the classic French Onion soup as a appetizer. It’s made with three different types of onions in duck stock and topped with crostini and bubbling cheese. It’s was the perfect appetizer for what was to come.

There are four main courses on the menu. The first is Coq au Vin consisting of a braised chicken leg made in a rich red wine broth with wild mushrooms and charred pearl onions and served with a potato dauphinoise and seasonal vegetables.

The fish course consists of a blackened Tapia filet, baked and then served on crispy saffron rice with a succatash and finished with a compound butter.

Or you can order a pound of PEI mussels which are served with fresh backed bread and hand-cut fries. The sauce varies from day to day.

Lastly, the pasta dish consists of Tagliatelle tossed in a light wine and butter sauce with cherry tomatoes, lemon and burnt leeks and finished with fresh herbs and shaved paremsan.

After giving it a great deal of thought I ordered the Coq au Vin which matched perfectly with the French Onion soup.

Besides the main menu, Maker Feed Co. also serves a classic fish and chips every Friday, or you can opt for the house special which changes from week to week depending on what Chef Gaumond has at his disposal.

The Maker Feed Co. is located in the Ferguson House heritage building at 2607 Old Montreal Rd. in Cumberland Village (above).

It is owned and operated by Chef Michel Gaumond (right). STAFF PHOTOS Last weekend, it was a lamb lollipops served on the bone with confit potatoes, and wild mushrooms in a pool of pistachio yogurt.

A quick contest of rock, paper, scissors determined that my dining partner would be the one to enjoy the perfectly cooked lamb which they thankfully shared with the gracious loser.

At first I was going to write that I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food, but then I remembered who created it.

Chef Gaumond knows his stuff. He knows his flavour profiles and he knows how to combine quality ingredients to produce a truly memorable dining experience.

Makers Feed Co. is located at 1609 Old Montreal Road. They are open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday and brunch only between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

(Editor’s note: As of press time the restaurant is still waiting to receive it’s liquor license from the LLBO, but don’t let that deter you from enjoying an excellent evening out at the Maker Feed Co.)

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September 17, 2020 • Volume 35, No. 10 • 9

Ottawa TFC unveils fall/winter ‘Return to Play’ soccer program

By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star The Ottawa TFC soccer club has unveiled its Return to Play protocol that will govern its 2020-2021 recreational and comeptitive indoor programs.

Like many other minor sports programs in Ottawa, the Ottawa TFC soccer club has been working with city and provincial health officials to ensure kids can return to play the sports they love in a safe and healthy environment. The administration and coaching staff at Ottawa TFC have developed a comprehensive set of protocols to achieve that goal.

Top among the protocols is the need for social distancing and limiting play to 3-on-3 for the U9 to U18 girls and boys recreational soccer program.

The 3-on-3 recreational program will held at the Superdome indoor soccer facility at the Hornet’s Nest. All divisions will play two 20 minute games between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Saturday mornings. The first session will run from Nov. 21 to Dec. 19. The second session will run from Jan. 9 to Feb. 20.

All players must sanitize their hands immediately upon entering the dome and during scheduled breaks; clearly label their water bottles; complete a COVID assessment questionnaire before each game and practice session; avoid all nonessential contact including shaking hands and high-fiving etc.; and avoid the use of public toilets unless absolutely necessary.

Parents will be banned from attending all practices and games unless they volunteer to be a sanitation marshal, or an on-field game leader.

Coaches have their own set of protocols which govern any interaction with parents and players including the need for an online pre-activity orientation on the Return to Play safety protocols. They must also ensure physical distancing during training drills and on the sidelines during games; appoint a sanitation marshal to attend all games and practice sessions whose job it will be to help ensure proper sanitation and hygiene protocols are followed; ensure that no heading, chest or hand contact with the ball is permitted including throw-ins; and ensure that all equipment and surfaces, including counters, door handles, benches, tables, etc. are cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis.

Registration is being held on an ongoing basis at ottawatfc.com.

Ottawa TFC will also be running their competitive and academy programs throughout the fall and winter starting on Oct. 5.

The first part of the season will be run at Millennium Park until mid-November, weather permitting, after which the training sessions and games will be moved indoors at either the Louis-Riel Dome, or the University of Ottawa Dome.

The U9/10 competitive outdoor season will consist of one weekly on-field training session and one weekend game. After they move indoors, a 45-minute virtual training session will be added to the program.

The U9/10 academy program and the U11/12 competitive and academy programs will include one additional on-field training session per week.

The U13 to U18 competitive program will consist of two training sessions and a weekend 7-on-7 game at Millennium Park until mid-November, followed by two training sessions and one weekend 7-on-7 game in either the Louis-Riel Dome or the University of Ottawa Dome from midNovember until early March.

Extra sessions are also available in the competitive and academy programs for goalkeeping; technical training; morning training and virtual in-home training.

The Virtual Academy is a full four-corner training program that works on technical, physical, tactical, and social/mental development for athletes isolated at home, or would like to do some extra training. Players work live with their team or training group under the guidance of an Ottawa TFC coach through a full workout.

The players can interact and see each other training, see exercises demoed on video or by the coach who leads them through the workout. The coaches will correct the player’s form if necessary, and at times the players will lead one another through predetermined exercises overseen by the coach.

The Virtual Academy is open to all players from U8 to U18.

Last, but by no means least, Ottawa TFC will be offering a men’s competitive program and a men’s and women’s recreation program this fall and winter.

The men’s and women’s recreational program will consist of a 7-on-7 format played every Friday night at the Louis-Riel Dome.

The fall season will run from October to January and the winter season will run from February to May.

www.orleansstar.ca 10 • September 17, 2020 • Volume 35, No. 10

The Ottawa TFC soccer club is now accepting registrations for its fall/winter ‘Return to Play’ program. FILE PHOTO The men’s competitive league is open to men born in 2003 or later. The 7-on-7 program will run for 15 weeks from November to the end of February with a two week break at Christmas and consist of one game

per week.

To find out more about the Ottawa TFC soccer club, the club’s various fall and winter programs and their Return to Play protocols visit ottawatfc.com.

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By hiring a professional to regularly maintain your furnace and humidifier, both units will be able to operate at maximum effciency and you will be able to avoid any problems that often occur when a home’s furnace is neglected.

“It’s the one appliance you can’t do without,” says Jerry Lemay, who has been installing and maintaining furnaces in the east end for over 44 years.

With the Farmer’s Almanac predicting a chillier than normal winter, now is the time to have your furnace checked out to prevent any potential problems from popping up this winter.

Anyone who has experienced having their furnace malfunction in the dead of winter due to improper maintenance, or no maintenance at all, very seldom make the same mistake twice.

With his wealth of experience, Lemay can pinpoint problems repairmen with far less experience may not which could mean the difference between merely repairing your furnace or having to replace it entirely.

Although he is a sales rep for the Keeprite line of furnaces, Lemay can repair any make and model including gas furnaces, oil furnaces, propane furnaces, combination wood and electric furnaces, and combination wood and oil furnaces, which is why he’s earned the nickname “Dr. Furnace”.

“I’ve gained a reputation for being the repairman of last resort,” explains Lemay. “A lot of people call me for a second opinion, or when they can’t seem to get the right answer from anyone else. Obviously I would prefer it if they called me first. A lot of people who I helped in the past are regular customers now.”

It’s important to note that contracting J.G. Lemay Heating and Air Conditioning to maintain your furnace will not effect your existing warranty.

Besides furnaces, Lemay also repairs and maintains hot water tanks, hunidifiers, thermostats, and heat recovery ventilation systems, not to mention gas BBQ hook-ups, kitchen fan installation, and dryer hook-ups and intallation.

Lemay warns against signing contracts offered by door-to-door salesmen who are often nothing more than con artists.

Jerry Lemay has been in the home heating and air conditioning business for more than 44 years. FRED SHERWIN PHOTO “No reputable furnace sales person or maintenance guy is going to walk around with a clipboard. Stay away from those guys,” says Lemay.

For quality work you can trust, it’s best to go with someone who has the type of

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www.issuu.com/orleansstar September 17, 2020 • Volume 35, No. 10 • 11

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S H O P, T O U R A N D B U Y O N L I N E 12 • September 17, 2020 • Volume 35, No. 10