I am pleased to once again host my annual Carleton Family Barbecue.
This year’s event will take place Sat., Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Richmond Fairgrounds. Firefighters from Richmond will be manning the grill and cooking up hamburgers and hot dogs, while we will also be serving up cobs of corn, vegetable spring rolls, veggies and dip, ice cream, and more.
The most entertaining and multi-talented man in all of Carleton, Dr. Kaboom, will be joining us. We will also have face painting, and entertainment and activities that will be announced closer to the date.
I also want to emphasize that this is a non-partisan, non-political event. This is an event to celebrate Carleton, and to celebrate our best summer in years.
If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact my office through my web-
site contact form at www. goldiempp.ca/contact.
I hope to see you there!
The Capital Fair is underway at Rideau
One of the great things about being the MPP for Carleton is that our riding hosts three amazing fairs every year.
The Richmond Fair and the Metcalfe Fair are well known throughout Eastern Ontario, but the entire fall fair season kicks off with a big one right here in the Carleton riding.
The Capital Fair is taking place at the Rideau Carleton Raceway. While many people think the fair started to replace the old Central Canada Exhibition or Ot-
tawa Ex, the Capital Fair is actually the old Gloucester Fair.
In 1999, the Gloucester Agricultural Society moved the Gloucester Fair to the Rideau Carleton Raceway. They changed the name to the Capital Fair in 2014. In taking on a new 10-day format in August, the fair moved to introduce its expanded program to the region by implementing an introductory free gate admission program. The results were wildly successful as in 2017 the fair attracted more than 255,000 guests.
With all of the restrictions from COVID-19 now behind us, we hope to see the biggest and best Capital Fair ever!
The Ontario government is investing up to $1,045,000 over three years through the Women’s Economic
Security Program to support Connecture Canada’s entrepreneurship program in Mississauga, which supports women from Francophone, Black, immigrant and racialized communities to gain the knowledge and experience they need to start a hair-braiding business
This funding is part of the government’s investment of up to $26.7 million over three years in 25 local programs across the province that provide career training opportunities for women, helping them gain the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to find a job, start a business and achieve financial independence.
The Women’s Economic Security Program offers training in four streams: the skilled trades, entrepreneurship, information technology, and general employment. To help remove barriers to participating, the training programs also
include additional supports such as providing meals throughout the training day, transportation to and from training, and support finding child care.
Through the program, women, including those who have experienced or are at risk of intimate partner violence, can also access wraparound supports, including referrals to mental health and well-being supports, counselling, housing, and legal support.
Women interested in the program can visit Ontario. ca/women.
This investment is part of Ontario’s four-year action plan to prevent and address gender-based violence. In addition to the province’s $15 million investment this year in the Women’s Economic Security Program, Ontario is providing up to another $11.7 million through the bilateral agreement with the federal government on the National
Action Plan to End Genderbased Violence.
Quick Facts
- Organizations funded under the Women’s Economic Security Program deliver employment, preemployment, pre-apprenticeship, and entrepreneurship training to low-income women. The 25 training programs are delivered through partnerships between women-centred organizations, educational institutions, and businesses.
- Since its inception in 2018, the Women’s Economic Security Program has helped more than 2,600 women secure employment, become entrepreneurs, or pursue further training and education. This includes helping 1,298 women start small businesses and 237 get jobs in the skilled trades.
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Ontario Reaches Tentative Agreement with Principals and Vice-Principals
Ontario has reached a tentative agreement with the associations representing school boards and the associations representing principals and vice-principals on the employment terms and conditions for principals and vice-principals in publicly funded schools.
The memorandum of settlement is between the Ontario government, the associations representing principals and vice-principals (Ontario Principals’ Council, Catholic Principals’ Council of Ontario and Association des directions et directions adjointes des écoles francoontariennes) and the four associations representing school boards (Ontario Public School Boards’ As-
sociation, Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association, Association francoontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques and Association des conseils scolaires des écoles publiques de l’Ontario). The term of the agreement is four years, applying from 2023.
Ontario’s commitment to stability in the classroom ensures that students benefit from the government’s back-to-basics agenda, which is focused on what matters most: boosting reading, writing and math skills in Ontario schools to prepare students for the careers of tomorrow.
- There are approximately 8,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) principals and vice-principals across Ontario, and most
are members of one of three voluntary associations.
- Principals and viceprincipals in Ontario are not unionized.
- Over the next several weeks, all parties will be undergoing their separate approval processes with respect to the tentative settlement.
- Ontario has successfully reached central agreements with all 9 of its education labour partners, namely teacher federations and education workers.
Marketing Initiative Bears Fruit for Ontario’s Tender Fruit Growers
The Government of Ontario is investing up to $1.6 million over four years to support Ontario Tender Fruit Growers in purchasing display bins branded with the Foodland Ontario logo. This will help con-
sumers identify seasonal, locally grown tender fruits when shopping in grocery stores.
Display bins branded with the Foodland Ontario logo increase instore product visibility and secure shelf space during peak season to create demand and support for Ontario grown fruit. This investment will help customers easily identify locally grown and in-season items such as peaches, nectarines, cherries, plums, apricots, fresh table grapes and pears.
This initiative will help achieve the Grow Ontario Strategy goal of increasing consumption of food locally grown, raised and produced by 30 per cent.
- The tender fruit farmgate value for fresh market and processing sales ac-
counted for more than $85 million in 2023.
- The $1.6 million invested by the Ontario government represents 50 per cent of the total costs for this project. The remaining 50 per cent is paid for by the Ontario Tender Fruit Growers. This funding demonstrates the partnership between industry and the Ontario government that helps the province’s growers remain competitive in the marketplace.
- The Ontario agriculture and food sector supports more than 871,883 jobs in Ontario and contributed more than $50.7 billion to the province’s economy in 2023.
Inspiration for the week
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”
- Maya Angelou
Office Notice:
My office is open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. If you require assistance on any matter, please contact me at any time. My staff and I will be happy to assist. Even if it’s not a provincial issue, I’ll make sure to connect you with the proper office.
Goldie Your voice at Queen’s Park
- Foodland Ontario is a consumer marketing program by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness that has been informing Ontario consumers about the availability of locally grown foods since 1977. Visit Foodland Ontario’s Availability Guide to find out what is seasonally available in Ontario.
While Capital Pride has a mandate of being inclusive, the local Jewish community will not be supporting or participating in this year’s event.
A pro-Palestinian political stance by Capital Pride has irked many community leaders and politicians, as well as the Jewish community.
On August 6, Capital Pride Ottawa issued a statement confirming its solidarity with Palestine.
“Following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the world watched in horror as the full extent of the atrocities committed against civilians were uncovered’” the statement reads. “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the acts of terrorism committed that day. By the same token, we cannot stay silent in the face of Israel’s endless and brutal campaign in Gaza and mounting violence in the West Bank, where innocent Palestinians—many of whom have friends, families and loved ones in our communities—are being slaughtered, dehumanized and dispossessed of their land in flagrant violation of international law. The situation is so dire that the International Court of Justice expressed grave concerns with the state of the war in Gaza, stating that there is a plausible risk of genocide.
Capital Pride goes on to accuse Irael of ‘pinkwashing’, which critics call Israel’s attempt to link itself to the LGBTQ+ community as a counterpart to the Palestinian identity of being violently homophobic.
“Part of the growing Islamophobic sentiment we are witnessing is fuelled by the pinkwashing of the war in Gaza and racist notions that all Palestinians are homophobic and transphobic,” reads the statement. “By portraying itself as a protector of the rights of queer and trans
people in the Middle East, Israel seeks to draw attention away from its abhorrent human rights abuses against Palestinians. We refuse to be complicit in this violence. Indeed, to withhold our solidarity from Palestinians in the name of upholding 2SLGBTQIA+ rights betrays the promise of liberation that guides our work. We join our voice to the calls for greater protection of civilians and reject any attempts to use a devastating conflict as a pretext to advance hate.”
The Ottawa Jewish Federation made an announcement Aug. 14 that they were withdrawing from this year’s Capital Pride Parade.
“Given Capital Pride’s refusal to adjust its stance, and the significant harm this position poses to the safety of the Jewish community, the Jewish Federation of Ottawa and our community partners have made the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from this year’s Pride parade,” read their statement. “This choice was not made lightly, but we cannot in good conscience support and event that marginalizes Jewish 2SLGBTQ+ individuals
and the broader Jewish community. This choice also does not align with Capital Pride’s advertised mission: respecting the full diversity of the 2SDLGBTQ+ community.
“By disregarding our concerns and inviting this year’s Pride event to become a protest against Israel, Capital Pride has chosen a divisive position that further marginalizes Jews, who are victimized by more hate crimes than any other group in Canada. Anti-Israel protests have repeatedly targeted Jewish communities with threats and violence across Canada, including here in Ottawa.”
On Thurs., Aug. 15, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe announced that he will not be attending this year’s Pride Parade because of the divisive stance taken by the organizers.
“Ottawa is a kind and welcoming city where everyone should feel included,” stated Sutcliffe in a post on X. “I’m disappointed that despite conversations with the Jewish community, the board of Capital Pride has chosen to stand behind its original statement that caused significant hurt
and distress for many members of the Jewish community. This decision by the board, days before the start of Pride, has unfortunately created an atmosphere where many now do not feel welcome to participate. Pride has always been and should continue to be a celebration of diversity and inclusion where no one feels excluded for who they are. I encourage the board of Capital Pride to take steps to ensure no one feels excluded this year.
“It’s important to continue to support the 2LGBTQ+ community and defend the values of equity and inclusion that the Pride movement has always stood for. I will be attending Pride activities in the days ahead but unless there is a change in approach, I will not be participating in events organized by Capital Pride this year.”
Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod, who represented Carleton from 2006-2018 before the Nepean-Carleton riding was split, was among those who immediately criticized Capital Pride after its statement. MacLeod called the Pride position antisemitic.
“As a supporter of both
supports Palestine during the war in the Middle East,” wrote Senack in his Ottawa Citizen piece. “How an LGBTQ2S+ organization can support a country that’s killed people for living as their authentic selves is beyond me.”
Senack pointed out that in Palestine, being in a same-sex relationship is illegal and can come with a prison sentence of up to 10 years. He pointed out that in October, 2022, Ahmad Abu Murkhiyeh, a 25-year-old gay Palestinian native, was found decapitated with a severed head near his family’s home because of his homosexuality.
In 1988, Israel became the only country in the Middle East to decriminalize homosexuality.
@JewishOttawa and @ FierteCapPride, I am heart sick to see Pride distract from its support for a safe space for LGBTQ++ with a focus instead on the Israel- Hamas/ Houthi/ Hezbollah/ Iran conflict,” MacLeod posted on the X platform. “Israel is the only functioning democracy in the Middle East. It is also the only safe space in that region for the LGBTQ++. This decision is antisemitic and it will prevent Ottawa Jews who are LGBTQ++ from feeling safe at Pride. I truly hope they reconsider this ill-considered proposal.”
Critics of the Capital Pride statement say that it will make Jewish members of Ottawa’s LGTBQ+ community unwelcome and targeted at the August 25 Capital Pride parade.
Charlie Senack, a reporter for the Manotick Messenger and a member of the LGTBQ+ community, penned an opinion piece for the Ottawa Citizen on the topic.
“Pride is supposed to be a celebration of all, regardless of your race, sexual orientation or background. Yet Capital Pride decided to go against the rules of logic when it announced this week that it
“You would never see the sights of rainbow flags, sparkles and drag queens across the border in Palestine,” Senack wrote in the Citizen. “There, samesex relations are still illegal, and men face up to 10 years in prison if they are caught. That does not exactly match Capital Pride’s mission of ‘respecting the full diversity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.’”
Senack said in the Citizen piece that he will not be attending this year’s event.
“As a proud queer person, I’m disappointed and angered by Capital Pride’s decision to publicly take a stance toward protecting one marginalized group and not another, in a volatile conflict that has detrimental effects to both parties,” Senack wrote.
“I no longer feel safe attending, nor do I want to support, a cause that is creating a further divide in an already polarized world. I also think of my Jewish friends who I know feel sidelined and discriminated against in a war they did not create. I’ll be celebrating my rights on the sidelines this year.”
The Ottawa Carleton Plowmen’s Association (OCPA) Plowing Match is set for August 23-24, at Ferme Chrétien located at 2808 Dunning Road, Sarsfield.
On Friday, Aug. 23, there will be an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. with the VIP Plowing Competition commencing at 11 a.m. followed by a light lunch and awards ceremony.
On Saturday, Aug. 24, rain or shine, the OCPA Plowing Match starts at 10 a.m., with competitors from across the region vying for a spot to move on
to the next level of plowing perfection using both modern and vintage tractors, as well as horses.
Award presentations will be in the field at 4 p.m.
The day will also showcase an antique tractor display. All are welcome, and admission and parking are free.
Plowers must compete at local matches to be eligible to plow at the International Plowing Match (IPM) and Rural Expo in Kawartha Lakes, Lindsay, Ontario, October 1 – 5, 2024, which is celebrating the 106th anniversary of
the IPM.
Ferme Chrétien is owned by Natalie Chrétien and Christian Baumgartner and their children (Clodine, Tomas, and Emile) and William Baumgartner with his partner Marguerite Hébert and their children (Julia and Roman). The family farm has a milking herd of 150 Holstein and Brown Swiss cows on 700 acres where they also raise 100 laying hens for farm gate egg sales along with sweet corn and a few other vegetables. They are also developing an on-farm cheese making plant.
The Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse (SACA) Unit charged a man following an investigation into sexual assaults that occurred at Ottawa-based programs and schools since 2019. The incidents involved a male victim under the age of 18.
Rayon Finnikin, 37, has been charged with sexual assault, voyeurism, sexual exploitation, and telecommunication with a person under the age of 18 for a specific criminal offence.
Finnikin has worked in both of the city’s English language school boards. During the 2023-24 school year, he was an occasional teacher at Sacred Heart Catholic High School.
Before becoming a teacher, Finnikin, who
grew up neat Montego Bay, Jamaica and grew up in poverty and violdence before coming to Canada as a refugee, worked as a guidance services assistant with the OttawaCarleton District School Board (OCDSB), where
he worked full-time while studying Law and minoring in Psychology at Carleton. Investigators believe there could be other victims.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Ottawa Police Service Sexual
Assault and Child Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 5944. Tips may also be sent electronically to SACA@ottawapolice.ca. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800222-8477(TIPS).
The City of Ottawa is encouraging residents to provide input to Budget 2025.
You can let the city know what budget priorities matter to you by visiting the Engage Ottawa Draft Budget 2025 page at engage.ottawa.ca to complete a short poll. The poll is open until Friday, September 13 and the results will be posted on the Engage Ottawa website.
Residents can also provide feedback and ask questions related to Draft Budget 2025 through social media (using #OttBudget), 3-1-1, local Councillors and feedback tools on the Engage Ottawa website.
Residents can share their budget priorities by completing the Engage Ottawa Draft Budget 2025 poll through Sept. 13.
From September through November, ouncillor-led budget consultations take
Once the poll closes, there will be other opportunities to get involved with Draft Budget 2025, including through Councillor-led consultations, social media, your local Councillor and feedback tools on the Engage Ottawa website.
place to receive input from residents. Exact dates for consultations will be communicated by Councillors, posted on ottawa.ca and social media.
On Wed., Nov. 13, Draft Budget 2025 will be tabled at Ottawa City Council.
From Wednesday, November 13 to Monday, December 9, residents can submit questions to city staff through Engage Ottawa and register to make public delegations to the various standing committees.
On Wed., Dec. 11, Draft Budget 2025will becon-
sidered for adoption at Ottawa City Council.
Every year, the City of Ottawa produces a municipal budget. One of the City’s most important documents, the budget is the blueprint that defines how money is received (revenue) and spent (expenses). There are two main components to the draft budget:
- The operating budget funds City programs and services that residents rely on every day
- The capital budget
helps grow our city by paying for new infrastructure and assets under the City’s control and the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure and assets
The draft budget is broken down by Standing Committee, department and service area as described in the Table of City Services and Standing Committee reporting structure. With direction from City Council, the budget is drafted and tabled for review by each Committee and adopted by Council. There is also one Commission and three
Boards who make recommendations to Council regarding their draft budgets:
- Transit Commission
- Ottawa Police Services Board
- Ottawa Board of Health
- Ottawa Public Library Board Draft Budget 2025 supports Council’s commitment to fund ongoing operational needs. The draft budget is respectful of taxpayer dollars, continuing to invest prudently in Ottawa’s future to build a sustainable, secure and prosperous city for all.
By EmmanuEllE FauBErt
Canada’s healthcare systems are deteriorating.
Wait times in the country’s emergency rooms have been going up. And waits for specialist treatment are also awfully long.
For those of you who were around to remember the 1980s, how do you explain it to your kids?
Last year, one in two Canadian patients waited over six months between referral from their general practitioner and actually getting their treatment from a specialist.
Access to a family doctor isn’t getting any easier, either. Currently, over 6.5 million of us don’t have access to one. That’s roughly one in six people living in Canada.
The fact is, our healthcare systems are struggling to provide us with the medically required care Canadians need and deserve.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Are you more Canadian than a fifth grader?
With Canada Day approaching next week, it is a good time for us all to reflect on what it means to be Canadian.
Do we take being Canadian for granted?
Of course, those of us who are considered Gen Xers had the hippie movement, pot smoking, freedom, peace, love and the Woodstock album shoved down our throats.
When we look at other countries with universal systems, many perform better than Canada in terms of access and health outcomes.
In an oft-cited ranking of health systems from the Commonwealth Fund, we rank 10th out of 11, ahead of only the United States.
European nations, where universal access is guaranteed, just as it is here, rank higher than us. France is eighth, Germany is fifth, and the Netherlands is second.
One thing these systems all have in common is that they’ve allowed private, nonprofit hospitals to operate as part of the national health system.
Better yet, how do new Canadians feel about being Canadian? Some of us look upon immigrants and refugees as opportunists, not wanting to give but very willing to take. Perhaps, for some people, that is true, but when you attend a celebration for new Canadians, such as the one hosted by NepeanCarleton MP Pierre Poilievre at Mother Teresa High School in Barrhaven last month, you can see the excitement and the thankfulness in the eyes of every new Canadian.
They understand, perhaps better than all of us, what it means to be Canadian.
In France, these account for 14 percent of hospital beds nationwide. In Germany, it’s 28 percent. In the Netherlands, every single hospital bed is in an independently run non-profit facility.
So how can the rest of us have that feeling?
The Conservative government has a solid idea.
Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism and Andrew Cohen, President of the Historica-Dominion Institute, are challenging middle and high school students to take the citizenship test.
A good part of their success is due to the relative autonomy these hospitals enjoy in carrying out their day-to-day operations.
The Canadian Citizenship Challenge, funded in part by CIC and run by the Historica-Dominion Institute, will see students study Discover Canada: the Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship and then take a mock citizenship test.
In Canada, hospitals are primarily funded through what is called block funding. Under this system, every patient is viewed as a cost to the hospital, which is then incentivized to ration care by creating long wait times.
“This will be a fun way for students to learn about Canada and feel proud of our shared history and accomplishments,” said Minister Kenney. “As we learn about our past and the people and events that made Canada what it is today, we become more proud to be Canadian. We are inspired to see how we can defend our rights and live up to our responsibilities and we feel much more strongly how valuable it is to be a citizen of Canada.”
“Our schools need to be training our young people to become the citizens of tomorrow. Citizenship is not only about new Canadians, it’s about all Canadians, young and old,” said Andrew Cohen. “The Canadian Citizenship Challenge will encourage students to learn more about what it means to be Canadian and then put that knowledge to the test.”
So the 1980s was our way of taking pop culture in a new direction.
The 1980s had a distinct, well, everything. There was a definitive 80s look, sound and language. The 1990s had New Kids on the Block, the Spice Girls, grunge music and Seinfeld. The 2000s, or the “zeroties” (should be a word), had Harry Potter, MySpace, Facebook and Lost. The 2010s gave us Netflix. The 2020s gave us a pandemic and what looks like the beginning of World War III.
At the school’s 50th Anniversary Party, Manotick Co-operative Nursery School honoured its longest-serving teacher/volunteer with a memorial garden bench, which will be installed with a plaque in the school’s playground. Left to right, MCNS Director Sandy Erler and June Hodge celebrate June’s 29 years as a supply teacher, teacher and volunteer.
Sometimes it’s best just to say nil
Essentially, each year, the health department assesses how much funding a hospital will need based on the previous year’s activity levels. Once the hospital receives this funding, it must manage the budget carefully throughout the year to ensure it doesn’t run out before the next big cheque arrives.
In European healthcare systems, hospitals are primarily funded through an activity-based funding model, whereby a hospital receives money from the government for every medical act performed.
Starting this summer, the Historica-Dominion Institute will be encouraging more than 5,000 middle and high school teachers to register their classrooms for the Challenge. Each classroom will receive a set of the new citizenship guide, along with specially designed learning activities. The teacher will also receive copies of a mock citizenship exam. Students will take the citizenship exam as a class and the teachers will return the completed exams to the Dominion Institute for grading.
Results will be announced by the Dominion Institute on Flag Day (February 15) each year for the next three years. For more information about the Challenge please visit the Historica-Dominion Institute website at www.historica-dominion.ca.
So why is there still such an obsession with the 1980s? Were the 80s that good? In ways, yes. But in other ways, not really. There was no internet then. There was no DVR or Fibe TV or high speed cable. Nothing was on demand. Instead of subscribing to Netflix we had to venture out to a video rental store and bring home our favourite movies on VHS tapes. Watch out for that fine if you don’t rewind it before returning it.
I’m finding myself at one of those bizarre crossroads where everything I love about sports is about to collide with a large swatch of the population working diligently to grate my nerves. It’s this whole World Cup thing. Don’t you find that people are just a little too into it?
I found myself in line in front of two nouveau soccer fan moms at Your Independent Grocer the other day.
Since every act of care is linked to a direct source of revenue, hospitals are motivated to treat more patients to increase their funding. This system fosters healthy competition between neighbouring hospitals as they strive to attract patients by offering timely, high-quality care.
Rather than allowing politicians and bureaucrats to micromanage healthcare facilities from distant offices in our provincial capitals, we should empower frontline staff by giving them greater local control over our healthcare facilities.
CIC’s multiculturalism grants and contributions program will be investing $525,171 in this 32 month project which promotes civic memory, civic pride and integration.
Allowing independently run non-profit hospitals to play a role in our universal system would achieve just that.
Don’t remember the 80s? Frankie Say Relax! from the other side
wonder about things like how come “underneath” is a word but no one ever says “overneath” when the discussion pulled me back into soccer.
the Choose Life t-shirts), and so many more.
Do you remember joining the Columbia Record House and getting 10 cassettes free and you only had to buy six over the next three years?
Am I the only one who forgot to send the thing saying I didn’t want a cassette one month and ended up with a Boz Skaggs tape?
Do you remember popping open a Jolt Cola at 6:30 a.m. and watching 20 Minute Workout?
Do you remember people saying things like “gnarly”, “rad”, and how about this one, “Gag me with a spoon”?
Do you remember keeping a Rubik’s Cube in the bathroom so that you could frustrate yourself while sitting on the loo?
Do you remember buying the rainbow colour box of 10 floppy disks and thinking you were such a tech savant?
Do you remember going to the arcade with a pocket full of quarters to play PacMan, Asteroids, Galaxian, Jungle King, Donkey Kong or Space Invaders?
Do you remember how frustrating it was when your favourite home made Maxell 90-minute mix tape would get tangled in the cassette recorder and it took forever to delicately pull it out and wind the tape back into the cassette?
News and Editorial: manotickmessenger@gmail.com
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Website: www.manotickmessenger.ca
Staff/Contributors: Kelly Belair, David Brown, Gary Coulombe, Larry Ellis, Skyler Fraser, Goldie Ghamari, Melissa MacIsaac, Jeffrey Morris, Greg Newton, C.J. Rooney, Ralph Tweedie, Leeanne Van der Burgt.
I was kind of in my own little mental world in the checkout line, scanning the tabloid and magazine covers and wondering what Justin Bieber’s first major scandal would be. I was just about to reenter the world after some quality time on Planet Jeff and launch into my weekly way-to-reward-your-customers-bycharging-us-five-cents-per-bag-and-claiming-it’sto-save-the-environment rant when I unexpectedly locked in on the conversation behind me.
So here are the things that stand out to me about what I consider the greatest decade of all time. If you were around, maybe this will bring up some happy memories for you.
By Jeffrey Morris
“Chelsea is learning so much by watching the World Cup,” said the mom wearing Crocs. “We are studying each country before the game. She has really become a fan of Arr-hayne-TEE-na, and she even wants us to go there on our vacation next year. Perhaps we can even go to Brrra-seeel.”
That caught my attention.
Arr-hayne-TEE-na?
Are you kidding me?
The other mom – the one with the Birkenstocks – piped in.
Do you remember all of the hype around the Charles and Di Royal Wedding? If only we could go back in time and bring a VHS copy of Netflix’ The Crown with us.
Do you remember when we all said things we heard on sitcoms and walked around saying things like, “Hey Willie, you kill me!”, or “Watchu talkin’ ‘bout Willis?”, or “Norm!”?
Do you remember getting your first Sony Walkman?
Do you remember Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope? The 1980s kicked off with the greatest Canadian hero of all time.
“I wish some of the stores would carry the vuvuzela horns so that we could bring them to Chelsea’s games,” said the mom who was wearing Crocs.
“Oh, I know,” said the one wearing Birkenstocks.
Emmanuelle B. Faubert is an Economist with the Montreal Economic Institute. © Troy Media
“Zachary has a tournament next weekend and it would have been so in the spirit of the World Cup to have all of us blowing our vuvuzela horns. They lost two-nil and then three-nil. They need all of the support they can get.” Nil? Who says nil? Really.
“Oh, I know,” said the mom wearing Crocs. “The horns are such a beautiful part of the South African culture.”
I wanted to jump in and say something, but I refrained. I couldn’t do it.
“They are a wonderful football nation,” she said. “My husband, of course, wears the azure and cheers for Italia, but Zachary’s favourite team has been MAY-heee-co. They did a school project on MAY-heee-co last year and he has even insisted that we go to out to eat and watch the games when they are playing.”
I bit my tongue.
In an effort to keep my blood pressure down, I looked out the big window at the big parking lot and scoped it out, looking for a puppy or a bird or anything that would pry my mind out of the shackles that these two soccer moms had put me in with their conversation.
A busload of seniors from a nearby retirement home had pulled up and passengers were getting off. I was trying to, in my head, name all of their walkers as an escape.
Unfortunately, they pulled me back in.
“My cousin lives in Australia, and he was devastated when Germany beat them 4-nil,” said the mom wearing Crocs.
Do you remember that window of a couple of years when rugby pants or rugger pants or whatever they called them dominated men’s casual fashion? If you don’t know what they are, picture khakis with a draw string. The Adidas ones even had stripes down the side. Imagine if Adidas made khakis and put three stripes down the side? Sounds dumb. I’d be all over it and buy the first pair.
If you are unfamiliar with the vuvuzela horn, then you have not tuned into CBC over the past two weeks. If you stumble across a World Cup soccer game on CBC, you will hear what sounds like 50,000 bees swarming the field. They are not bees. They are people blowing on cheap, plastic, gimmicky horns. The funny thing about these horns is that they have become what has defined the 2010 World Cup. People who have been following the World Cup and people who have only seen 20 minutes of it in passing have commented on these annoying yet relentless horns. Ironically, while the world has learned to adapt these horns as the one thing they now know about South African culture, the horns aren’t really a part of their everyday lives. South African sports enthusiasts have commented that they had never seen nor heard a vuvuzela horn at a sporting event, and that the South African people find the noise just as annoying as the rest of the world does. Apparently, some now wealthy marketing genius came up with the idea to mass produce and market these horns as a World Cup novelty. The plan worked, and now the rest of the world must endure the shrilling sounds of his quick buck.
At this point, I couldn’t take it anymore. Mount Patience erupted and out came sarcasm lava.
“I saw that match,” I said. “I can’t believe AusTRY-lier looked so insipid against Deutschland.”
The mom with the crocs was not impressed.
The mom with Birkenstock’s wasn’t either, but she did acknowledge me with a response.
“Who is your team?” she quipped, condescendingly. I did the only thing I could do, shouting as loud as I could.
“USA! USA! USA!” They turned their heads in disgust. The next 45 seconds were incredibly silent and awkward.
At that point, it was my turn. The cashier scanned my Diet Coke and V-8 Fusion, and I was all set.
“Would you like plastic bags?”
“Yes please,” I replied.
I had never been so happy to pay five cents for a plastic bag just to get the hell out there.
Do you remember when we were obsessed with music videos? We all mindlessly stared at music videos on MTV. Two years later, we finally got a Canadian channel, MuchMusic. If you were around for that, you will remember the videos for Billie Jean, Thriller, Don’t You Forget About Me, Pride (In the Name of Love), Come on Eileen, Walk Like an Egyptian, What’s Love Got To Do With It, Careless Whisper, Shout, Safety Dance, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Jump (Van Halen, not Kriss Kross), Relax (the song that inspired the Frankie Say Relax t-shirts), Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (the song that inspired
I was just about to drift back into ADD world and
Jeffrey Morris was the 2008 OCNA Columnist of the Year. His book, From the Other Skide, is available at Manotick Office Pro, Barrhaven UPS Store, and Pages in Prescott.
Do you remember spending extra money at the photo lab to get your prints back in an hour instead of a week when you brought your rolls of Fuji or Kodak film in?
Do you remember when everyone wanted to be able to moon walk like Michael Jackson?
Do you remember watching He-Man and the Masters of the universe on Saturday mornings?
Do you remember thinking you were all that and a bag of chips because you were wearing a Swatch around your wrist?
Do you remember who you most identified with when you watched the Breakfast Club?
Do you remember how many times you watched 16 Candles?
Do you remember how your mind was blown when you found out Darth Vader was really Luke Skywalker’s dad?
Do you remember sitting in the theatre on two dollar Tuesdays and watching Highlander, the Terminator, or Alien?
Do you remember cheering when Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux led Team Canada to victory in the Canada Cup?
And most of all, do you remember when we all thought there would be flying cars by 2024?
to the Editor welcome at manotickmessenger@gmail.com
The Editor, I rarely agree with Andy Braid, but I must admit I too was shocked by Premier Doug Fords actions to remove MPP Goldie Gamari from his caucus.
After having done my research on Tommy Robinson and after having watched a couple of long interviews with him, he appears to me to be a very frustrated individual who has been crusading against the injustice of the two-
tiered policing system in the U. K. – a system which tries to tamp down racial tensions by arresting the people who are the victims rather than the perpetrators of much of the crime.
Many times, at great
sacrifice to himself and his family, he has been thrown in jail for protesting what has been happening to his hometown of Luton.
And in answer to Bobby Strawbridge, the reason we should be worried is the
same two-tiered system is happening here in Canada – police taking coffee to the anti-Jewish protesters and allowing illegal occupation of university campuses etc.
Luton is our canary in the coal mine.
Jean Archdeacon
This is not good policing and if it continues, I for see the same kind of riots that are happening in the U K. To spread to Canada.
The Editor, So Messenger reader Bobby Strawbridge feels that Doug Ford did the right thing when he unilaterally removed Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari from the Ontario PC Caucus for having the temerity to have a conversation with someone that the Premier disapproves of.
Perhaps Mr. Strawbridge would have liked living in the former Soviet Union, which also
had an autocratic ruler—Joseph Stalin—who maintained a list of persons deemed “enemies of the state” that members of his government were forbidden to interact with, or even mention
And I suppose a paternalistic government that decides who its democratically-elected female representatives are allowed to talk to appeals to some, but to me it feels like we’re sleepwalking
into fascism--especially when the Premier can deny an MPP’s Charter Rights of Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Association with impunity.
Although I vehemently disagree with our current Premier, as a firm believer in free speech I salute Mr. Strawbridge for his spirited defense of Doug Ford’s appalling actions.
Andy Braid
The Editor,
I read the From the Messenger Archives article for you August 9th issue titled “The Girl without a Name”.
I had totally forgotten the admirable work that
Grace Agostinho of the French Cafe was doing on behalf of orphaned children in Haiti. What I do remember was being at the French Cafe and donating to her very worthwhile cause.
Since COVID, like so many people, I’ve lost track of what happened to a number of businesses during that difficult time. I remember the Cafe closed but I don’t remember the circumstances.
I found myself very emotional after reading the article and would very much like to know more about Grace’s work and the children whose lives she helped change.
Could a follow up article be in the works as I’m sure there are many people like myself who would want to know more and be brought up to date?
Christine Hollink
Ed. Note – Thank you very much for the suggestion. Grace was a heart and soul person in the community and used the French Café to make Manotick – and the world – a better place.
Sisters: April (20), OTHS, UNB Fredericton. Violet (20), Canterbury (vocals), Carleton University. Ivy (22), St. Mark, Algonquin College.
Pets: Two dogs, Ewok and Pixie, and a cat.
tion to be done, it’s more just problem solving, which is what makes me enjoy those classes the most.”
ticipate in it.”
By Leeanne Vander Burgt, President, MVCa
The hill on Beaverwood Road near the Community Centre (Arena) will be transformed into the Allan Haan Soapbox Derby. The carts are ready, and the young participants are eager. The day will begin at 9:00 am with the opening match between Councillor Brown and MPP Ghamari. Then the racing will begin. Bring your folding chair and come cheer them on.
At 11:30 am, the Picnic in the Park begins next door in Centennial Park. There will be a BBQ, corn on the cob and drinks available at old fashioned prices (while quantities last of course). Everyone can enjoy the live music and activities for children and youth. The Picnic will continue until 1:30 pm. If you want to find out more about MVCA, be sure to stop by the Membership table.
At the bottom of the hill, on the basketball courts, cheer on the youth playing in the 3 on 3 tournament. This is co-hosted with Manotick Culture Parks and Recreation Association and Ottawa South Basketball and will run from 1:00 – 5:00 pm.
This fun-filled day is possible thanks to hours of planning by the Derby and Picnic committees and the volunteers who come to help that day.
The draft budget for 2025 will go to City Council in mid-November. Each
year MVCA submits a list of recommended priorities for our community to the Councillor for consideration in the budget process. We are developing that list now and welcome your thoughts. You can contact us any time at president@ manotickvca.org or send your input to your City Councillor.
When it comes to next year’s budget there is an additional option for sharing your opinions. On the City’s Engage Ottawa website, there is a poll that all Ottawa residents can complete to rank the importance of a range of city services. “Rural affairs” is listed as one. It is unfortunate that it is a single blanket option representing a wide range of service needs, but it is an opportunity for rural residents to make it known that rural is a priority among the others listed there.
Remember that while this is a vibrant village, some say has a suburban feel, Manotick is in the designated rural area of the city. Being rural is all not about agriculture. Living in rural Ottawa does affect what city services we receive. The City’s poll provides an opportunity for individuals to help the City evaluate priorities as they consider the budget. https://engage.ottawa.ca/ city-budget-2025
As you know, the City is currently hosting the Rural Summit to hear from rural residents and use the information to identify priorities and recommend actions the City can take
Part-time Work: “Cheerleading and tumbling coach at Kemptville Infinity in Kemptville.)
Name: Melita Wyche
Age: 17
Favourite Subjects: “Math and Chemistry. I enjoy doing labs and prob-
to make improvements in rural Ottawa. The Ward workshops are complete. The “As We Heard It” reports have been released and are available through
School: Osgoode Township High
What is your Greatest Accomplishment? “Earning the title of Student Council President at my school. The process was not easy, but I persevered and made it through, even though there were setbacks along the way. It has also been a very rewarding accomplishment, as I’ve gained so many opportunities, and gotten to network with other youth like myself.”
and I find it very interesting how every culture has unique traditions and subcultures. My favourite place is Norway, because there is such beautiful places all over the country and amazing hiking. The next location I wish to travel to is Iceland, because it’s a very open country, with very kind citizens, and lots to see.”
Career Goals: “After high school I hope to go to university somewhere near the east coast; hopefully in kinesiology. My top choice schools are University of New Brunswick in St. John, and Dalhousie in Halifax.
Why did you get involved in what you do?
engage.ottawa.ca. MVCA also has a link to the reports on our website. The online survey remains open until the end of August on the engage.ottawa. ca site.
“I got involved in Student Council because I saw it as an opportunity to make
After that, I hope to pursue a career in either athletic therapy, or education.”
Activities/Interests:
After suffering numerous concussions, Melita Wyche turned to coaching.
PHILL POTTER PHOTO
More information about local events and updates on issues in the community are available to MVCA Members through our newsletter. Details about Membership are available on our website manotickvca.org
by Phill Potter
nis Wyche
Fri., August 23 – Riverwalk Community Block Party & BBQ Fundraiser.
lem solving. Since the concepts are not broad, and there isn’t much interpretation to be done, it’s more just problem solving, which is what makes me enjoy those classes the most.”
• Ottawa Futsal Club entering their 29th season indoor soccer. Youth boys & girls, women, men & coed. Players / teams wanted. All skill levels. League starts October ends April 2020. Please go online at www.futsalottawa.com. Early bird ends September 21st
Sisters: April (20), OTHS, UNB Fredericton. Violet (20), Canterbury (vocals), Carleton University. Ivy (22), St. Mark, Algonquin College.
Join us on Friday, August 23rd, from 6:00 to 9:30 pm for the Riverwalk Community Block Party & BBQ Fundraiser. Enjoy fun, music, and support a great cause.
• Old Time Fiddle Music & Dance - East Osgoode Greely Assoc, First Friday of each month, invites & welcome all Musicians, Dancers & Listeners. Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Drive, Greely. For additional info call 613 489-2697.
The Chesterfields will be performing live, bringing their energetic tunes to lower Artemis Circle. Their performance will feature rock, pop, and classic hits, sure to get everyone on their feet!
Pets: Two dogs, Ewok and Pixie, and a cat.
• Ottawa Newcomers Club - For women who have recently moved to this area; (and those who have experienced a significant life change), and would like to meet new people of similar interests by joining our many group activities. More information at: ottawanewcomersclub.ca or by contacting newcomersclubottawa@gmail.com.
The highlight is our BBQ fundraiser, supporting the Rural Ottawa South Support Services (ROSSS) charity. Enjoy delicious food, connect with neighbors, and contribute to a vital local cause.
Part-time Work: “Cheerleading and tumbling coach at Kemptville Infinity in Kemptville.)
• Thursday Fun Night for adults and children. An optional supper at 5:45 pm. Indoor soccer/games, crafts, or nursery for ages 0-11. Parenting course, Alpha course, or Growing in Faith/Hearing God course for adults, 6:30 - 7:30 pm. To try it out contact, discipleship@trinitybiblechurch.ca
Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a night of fantastic music, great food, and community spirit. Let’s make this an evening to remember while making a positive impact.
Save the date, spread the word, and join us on August 23rd. For details, call 343-558-5304 or email arlen.bartsch@gmail.com. We can’t wait to see you there!
Favourite Subjects: “Math and Chemistry. I enjoy doing labs and prob-
These cards accepted Monday-Friday: 9am-8pm Saturday: 9am-5pm Sunday: 10am-4pm Paul’s Pharmacy 990 River Road (across from Tim Hortons) 613-692-0015
Sat., August 24 – Music at the Farm
What is your Greatest Accomplishment? “Earning the title of Student Council President at my school. The process was not easy, but I persevered and made it through, even though there were setbacks along the way. It has also been a very rewarding accomplishment, as I’ve gained so many opportunities, and gotten to network with other youth like myself.”
Rural Ottawa Woodlands presents Music at the Farm Sat., Aug. 24 from 2-4:30 p.m. at Heather Haven Farm, 6790 Rideau Valley Drive South, Kars. Admission (cash only) is $10 or $215 for family. Experience an afternoon of eclectic music from local musicians, tasty home-baked treats and door prizes. Proceeds go to Rural Woodlands Ottawa, a volunteer group dedicated to preserving healthy woodlands in a diverse landscape with woodlots, wetlands, hedgerows and natural open areas.
Transferring a prescription is easy to do
“Both inside and outside of school, I enjoy participating in several different sports. These include soccer, futsal, volleyball, coed volleyball, and touch football. I also enjoy traveling and learning about different locations and cultures. I’ve travelled to many places and I find it very interesting how every culture has unique traditions and subcultures. My favourite place is Norway, because there is such beautiful places all over the country and amazing hiking. The next location I wish to travel to is Iceland, because it’s a very open country, with very kind citizens, and lots to see.”
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up until 10 am. Fries for Charity will also be on the grounds once again along with Celtic Brotherhood selling hamburgers, chicken burgers, etc.
• Friday Night Country Music & Dance Club The Greely Legion the fourth Friday of each month. Bring along an instrument to play, or come in to sing, listen and dance. Admission is FREE. Greely Legion, 8021 Mitch Owens Road, ON. Information: 613-822-1451 or 613-826-6128.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, most community events have been postposed or cancelled. For updates in the community, please visit the Manotick Messenger Facebook page and the RichmondHub.ca website.
• Tuesday Dance Party The Greely Legion hosts live music on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Bring along an instrument to play, or come in to sing, listen and dance. Admission is FREE. Greely Legion, 8021 Mitch Owens Road, ON. Information: 613-822-1451 or 613826-6128.
Why did you get involved in what you do?
For Your Home Renovations ~ Western Red Cedar ~ Where
613-489-3735
Sat. Sept. 7 – Carleton Family BBQ at Richmond Fairgrounds, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari. The Richmond Firefighters will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs, while there will also be corn on the cob, vegetable spring rolls, veggies and dip, ice cream and more. There will be activities for the kids and entertainment by Dr. Kaboom. This is a non-political, non-partisan event. Food is available while supplies last.
Thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors who make these events possible www.pharmasave.com
Career Goals: “After high school I hope to go to university somewhere near the east coast; hopefully in kinesiology. My top choice schools are University of New Brunswick in St. John, and Dalhousie in Halifax. After that, I hope to pursue a career in either athletic therapy, or education.”
The Richmond Legacy Community Pavilion Friends & Family Bottle Drive is on from now until Sept. 7. Drop off any time at 6118 Perth Street beside park in recycle bins by shipping containers at the back of property, or contact April Milroy at aprildawncox@icloud. com. For more information visit richmondlegacy.ca.
After suffering numerous concussions, Melita Wyche turned to coaching.
“I got involved in Student Council because I saw it as an opportunity to make a difference in my school, and to get a different perspective on all aspects of the school. I was a cheerleader for 10 years, but I could no longer continue due to concussions, so I turned to coaching. It has given me an opportunity to continue in the sport, even though I can no longer participate in it.”
STEVENS CREEK SHUTTER CO
PHILL POTTER PHOTO
Progressive Euchre Tournament - First Saturday of the month at the Manotick Legion - Register at 12:30 pm; play at 1 pm. For more information, contact danspitzig@gmail.com.
North Gower (right at the lights) Monday-Friday 7:30 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 7:30 am-1:00 pm
SHADES SHUTTERS
DR & A mo P r E e RY
613-706-1250 stevenscreekshutterco.ca
SHADES SHUTTERS DRAPERY & more Free shop-at-home service
We have temporarily suspended operations due to COVID19
613-706-1250
For free advertising for your not-for-profit community events email editor@prescottjournal.com www.perkinslumber.ca
Youth of Manotick Association is a registered not-for-profit organization offering safe, social, inclusive programs and activities for youth in our community. Friday nights Pre-Teen Program for youth in Grades 4-6 6:30 - 8:00 pm / Youth Drop-In for youth age 12-17 7:309:00 pm. See the website for more information https://www.yoma.ca
Sun., August 25 – The 11th annual Allan Haan Soap Box Derby will take place on Beaverwood Road in Manotick. Bring your own kart and experience the thrill of the hill. If you don’t have a cart, they may be able to make one available to you. To register visit manotickvca.org.
Sun., August 25 – Manotick Community Picnic in the Park MVCA’s Picnic in the Park begins at 11:30 am on the day of the Derby. It can be found in Centennial Park which is located beside the Manotick Community Centre at 5572 Dr. Leach Drive. In the park there will be activities for children and youth, live music and a barbecue lunch. Please note that the food is available while supplies last.
• Ottawa Futsal Club entering their 29th season indoor soccer. Youth boys & girls, women, men & coed. Players / teams wanted. All skill levels. League starts October ends April 2020. Please go online at www.futsalottawa.com. Early bird ends September 21st
STAY SAFE & SHOP LOCAL MANOTICK
stevenscreekshutterco.ca
The Manotick and Area Centre for Arts & Wellness (MACAW) focuses on intergenerational connections for seniors through arts and wellness. This includes a multitude of activities such as Tai Chi, yoga, art, music, and dance classes as well as community dances. Their popular concert series focuses on our local singers and musicians. For more info go to https://www.manotickmacaw.com
• Old Time Fiddle Music & Dance - East Osgoode Greely Assoc, First Friday of each month, invites & welcome all Musicians, Dancers & Listeners. Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Drive, Greely. For additional info call 613 489-2697.
• Friday the fourth play, or Greely 613-822-1451
Sun., August 25 – Greely Car and Light Truck Show
The Car & Light Truck show is being held on August 25th at the Greely Legiojn, 8021 Mitch Owens Road. It runs from 9 am to 2 pm. There will be prizes for those that enter their vehicles. The cost is $10 per carload and there will be a free Breakfast for the first 200 people
• Ottawa Newcomers Club - For women who have recently moved to this area; (and those who have experienced a significant life change), and would like to meet new people of similar interests by joining our many group activities. More information at: ottawanewcomersclub.ca or by contacting newcomersclubottawa@gmail.com.
River Road (across from Tim Hortons) 613-692-0015
Transferring a prescription is easy to do
cards accepted Monday-Friday: 9am-8pm
9am-5pm
10am-4pm
www.pharmasave.com
• Tuesday the 1st pm. Bring listen and Mitch Owens 826-6128.
The Ottawa Police Service now has something to combat the ongoing street racing and auto theft problems.
The City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) welcomed presented the new provincially-funded H135 police helicopter at a special event at the Rockcliffe Airport July 30.
“As the Mayor of Ottawa, I am grateful to the Ontario Government for investing in the safety of our residents and communities,” said Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. “Ottawa’s population has exceeded one million and is spread across urban, suburban, and expansive rural areas. This dedicated police helicopter will transform our
From firefighters to fairs, volunteers are essential in rural Ottawa
By DaviD Brown riDeau-Jock councillor
Much of life in rural Ottawa is fueled by the power of volunteerism. I have seen firsthand how dedicated rural volunteers are and I am grateful to all those who commit themselves to making our communities better for all. Afterall, there are many services that are offered and delivered in rural Ottawa with the help of volunteers.
Rural volunteer firefighters operate on a casual basis, often while working full-time jobs – representing 40% of the Ottawa Fire Service – and respond to emergencies across 80% of Ottawa’s landmass. For decades, people from across the region participate in and enjoy Ottawa’s historic rural fairs, which are all made possible with the help of volunteers. Many rural food banks which serve large catchment areas are run entirely
David Brown, Councillor , Ward 21
by volunteers. Rural community centres and reception halls that host lots of programming and private events are organized by the help of volunteers – many of whom are part of the local community association. The list could go on.
To everyone who is reading this that volunteers in our communities, I want to thank you for all your hard work. To everyone else, please give thanks to these volunteers the next time you see them. I am very proud to represent a part of Ottawa where people support each other in more ways than one. It is always special to see the cohesion and passion of our community members. Keep up the great work, Ward 21!
ability to help combat crime across Ottawa’s vast area. From downtown streets to the rural communities with over 1,000 farms and 26 unique villages, our helicopter will provide crucial aerial support to deter vehicle theft and other crimes.”
The police helicopter will be used to keep Ottawa roadways safe from organized auto theft, street racing and impaired driving. It will also be used for general frontline patrol, serious offences (e.g. active shooter incident) and missing persons searches.
“We are deeply grateful to the province for this generous donation and to the Solicitor General for their unwavering support,” said Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs. “This helicopter is a game-changer for our operational capabilities to support search and rescue operations. Whether it’s a
major event downtown or an emergency in a suburban area, we will be able to get there faster thanks to the strong partnership we have with the OPP.”
The helicopter’s maintenance will be under a contract and paid for by the Province. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will provide both the pilots and
ground crew and there will be OPS Tactical Flight Officers paid for and trained by the OPP. The helicopter will be able to assist other police jurisdictions within eastern Ontario with major incidents.
“Our government is making critical investments to ensure Ontario’s police services have the tools and
resources they need to keep their communities safe,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “This police helicopter will be critical to helping Ottawa Police and the city of Ottawa crack down on auto thefts, carjackings and street racing while improving response times to address other serious crimes.”
5567 Manotick Main Street, Manotick, Ontario, K4M 1A5
x
We welcome all, who with God’s help, work to build a better world. Rev. Paul Whynacht Sunday Worship at 10 am Office hours are: Wed 9a.m.-4:30p.m. Thurs-Fri 1p.m.-4:30p.m. admin@manotickunitedchurch.com www.manotickunited.com 613-692-4576
1138 Bridge Street, Manotick
–Serving South Barrhaven, riverSide South and Manotick–
Sunday Services
Holy Eucharist at 8:15 & 10 a.m.
“A Christian community joyfully serving & growing in God’s love” (Elevator Access Provided)
The Catholic Communities of St. John the Evangelist
2540 Stagecoach Road, Osgoode and St. Brigid 2015 River Road, Manotick Pastor: Rev. Michael Wright
ST. JOHN: MASS TIME Saturdays 4 p.m., Sundays 9 a.m. ST. BRIGID: MASS TIME Sundays 10:30 a.m. Telephone: (613) 821-0761 Email: stbrigid.stjohn@gmail.com Office Hours: Tuesday–Thursday 9am–3pm Friday. 9am-12pm
ST. LEONARD ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
5332 Long Island Road, Manotick
Church Office 613-692-2082 Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 9a.m.-2p.m. The Reverend John Holgate e-mail office@stjames-manotick.ca Web site: www.stjames-manotick.ca
Pastor: Rev. GeRaRd Plant
Mass tiMes
Saturday 4:30p.m., Sunday 9a.m. 11a.m Weekdays Wed., Thu. 9a.m., Fri. 9:30a.m.
Office: 692-4254 www.stleonardsparish.ca
Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
EMAIL: office@stleonardsparish.ca
By Melissa Macisaac RuRal Ottawa sOuth suppORt seRvices
Last year, our inaugural Afternoon Tea event was a resounding success, charming attendees with an afternoon of refined indulgence and delightful fun. This year, we’re thrilled to bring back this highly anticipated event, promising an even more elevated and elegant experience.
On Sunday, September 22nd, from 1-3 p.m., we invite you to join us at the Orchardview Wedding and Events Centre for an afternoon that captures the essence of a classic High Tea.
Picture yourself stepping into a world of sophistication and grace, reminiscent of a highend tearoom in downtown Ottawa. As you enter the beautiful venue, you’ll be greeted by the soft strains of live music, setting the tone for an afternoon of elegance
ROSSS News
Melissa MacIsaac
and enjoyment. The ambiance will transport you to a time and place where afternoon tea is not just a meal, but an event—a time to connect, converse, and savor the finer things in life.
Our Afternoon Tea will feature a delectable array of treats, delicate finger sandwiches, and homemade scones accompanied by clotted cream and preserves.
This event is about more than just food; it’s about community. As you sip on your tea and enjoy the culinary delights, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a variety of engaging activities. Try your luck at our raffles or browse our silent auction, both of which will
feature of unique items generously donated by local businesses and artisans. With a few door prizes throughout the afternoon, there will be plenty of chances to take home a special memento from this extraordinary day.
We encourage all attendees to embrace the spirit of the event by donning their most elegant attire, complete with a fancy hat. Whether you prefer a classic widebrimmed hat or a more modern fascinator, your fashionable flair will add to the overall atmosphere of sophistication and fun. The Afternoon Tea is not just a gathering; it’s an occasion to dress up, step out, and celebrate community together. Beyond the elegance and enjoyment, this event holds a deeper purpose. Our goal is to bring the community together in a meaningful way, raising both funds and awareness to support the
needs of rural seniors and adults with disabilities. In many of our communities, these individuals face unique challenges, often living in isolation and lacking access to essential services and support. By attending the Afternoon Tea, you are not only treating yourself to a lovely day out but also making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Tickets for this unique experience are priced at just $35 each, offering incredible value for an afternoon of high-class food, entertainment and community spirit. To secure your spot, visit our website at www.rosss. ca or stop by our office at 1096 Bridge Street, Manotick. With limited seating available, we encourage you to purchase your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
We look forward to welcoming you to an afternoon of elegance, enjoyment, and enrich-
ment. Join us for the Second Annual Afternoon Tea, where every sip of tea and every bite of cake brings us one step closer to a stronger, more connected community. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be a part of something truly special—we hope to see you there!
A colourful mural was recently unveiled in the Osgoode Village Park. The new mural, painted by seven of the area’s youth, provides a fun visual backdrop for both the Osgoode skate park and the community’s outdoor rink.
The mural was undertaken as a collaboration
By Ralph Tweedie, ManoTick kiwanis cluB
Summer is traditionally a relaxed period on the Kiwanis calendar. In June through August, we don’t have formal meetings. Once a month we meet for a BBQ at a member’s home. In July the board doesn’t meet and there is no newsletter. After Dickinson Days we take a well-earned rest.
But we never really stop! Every Tuesday Manotick Kiwanis members take a two-hour shift at the OLG Bingoland South Centre. This is our major fund raiser. Once each month during the summer we participate in the Farmer’s Market at Dickinson Square.
In June we donated $1,000 of the money raised at the Dickinson Days BBQ to the Granny Squares for Warmth group. This is a group of women in Barrhaven who create and donate hand-made blankets in the Ottawa area. In addition to blankets, members have also made and donated shawls, hats and baby wear to those in need. They also have donated their gifts to communities in northern Canada. A local Barrhaven lawyer donates her time to deliver their baby blankets up north.
Through the Share Community Program, we were able to donate $2,000 to a family to properly vaccin-
Ralph
ate their daughter enabling her to work in a veterinary clinic.
Members of our club celebrated July 1st at Millenium Park in Orleans BBQing food for the public.
This year the Key Club International Convention was held July 10th to July 14th in Atlanta, Georgia. We provided $1,500 to help cover the expenses for Anya Watson to attend. Anya is the Lieutenant Governor for Ottawa area Key Clubs. August always has a few cherished annual events.
On Monday, August 14th, we celebrated a special CAN-AM interclub meeting. For 60 years our clubs have been gathering for an annual summer BBQ. This year we presented the Norwood New York Club a plaque to commemorate this achievement.
The annual Capital Fair Special Needs Day was August 15th. This event hosts over 1,500 physically and mentally delayed children and their families for a private party the day before it opens to the public. Volunteers help the children on and off the
rides and help feed everyone a hot lunch. There is live entertainment and an ice cream dessert. While our active participation was not required this year, we remained on standby to ensure enough volunteers.
On August 25th, we will participate in the 12th Annal Allan Haan Soapbox Derby and the MVCA Picnic in the Park. The sponsorship of this event is a partnership of the Manotick Legion and the MVCA. Since its inception Kiwanis members have been happy to volunteer for many of the duties required to help run the Derby. This typically includes cart inspection at the start of the race, manning many of the barricades along the track, and the timing and recording of results at the finish line. Our goal is for everyone to have a great time.
In preparation for the new school year, the Staples School Supply Drive for Kiwanis has begun. Every year, from late August to mid-September, Staples customers can choose to donate with their purchase. In Ontario this donation is allocated to local Kiwanis Clubs. Kiwanis uses this money to provide needed supplies to local schools. The goal is to eliminate barriers to learning for all students.
Finally, planning for our fall fund raisers has begun.
The Christmas Trees and Christmas Cakes have been ordered. Due to 3 consecutive very dry summers, our allotment of Christmas trees has been cut back by a few hundred. We may sellout early this year! We always sell out early of the shortbread cookies from Scotland. This year we have ordered more to meet the demand.
If you want to make new friends while improving your community, we can show you how. Our next meeting is on September 10th at the Manotick Legion. Meet and greet is 6:00 PM and dinner is
served at 6:30.
If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Mulvihill by phone (613-692-5346) or email
(ddmulvi@gmail.com) or Gary Coulombe by phone (613-462-4030) or email (garyhcoulombe@gmail. com).
RuRal Youth Spotlight BY Youth of Manotick aSSociation
We would like to take a moment to thank everyone who was involved with the Chairs for Charity event this year that raised more than $6000 for YOMA. Manotick Home Hardware created and managed the event. YOMA was honoured to be named the recipient of the proceeds again this year.
The chairs were purchased by residents, businesses and churches, who sought the talent who transformed them into one-of-a-kind works of art which were then put into an online auction in July.
Thank you to Adam, Kim and Emily at Manotick Home Hardware, 692 Coffee & Bar, Black Forest Tattoo Company, Enchanted Chamber, Ken Gordon Holdings, Great Can-
adian Dollar Store, Manotick BIA, Manotick Health Club, Mansfield’s Shoes, North Station Provisions, Rebel Petal, St James Anglican Church, Shannon from Salvaged, The Wright Team-Royal LePage Realty for sponsoring chairs. Additional thanks to Manotick Art Association and the other artists who volunteered their time to paint the chairs.
And special thanks to everyone who bid on the chairs. Congratulations to the winners.
The funds will be used to continue to offer safe, inclusive programs and activities for rural youth, to help train our staff to assist and direct youth to services when needed and to support families with our free parent and caregiver support group.
It is hard to believe that it
is time for students to return to school. For many youth it is a time they look forward to. For others, it can be negatively stressful and trigger anxiety. It is natural for there to be some nervousness when school starts. Some youth are affected by it more than others. Some stress can be positive and have motivating effects. For others stress and anxiety can become detrimental. In those instances, anxiety and stress can manifest in youth in all forms from “not feeling right” to sleeplessness, crankiness, loss of appetite or physical symptoms like headaches and stomach aches. Understanding this is an important start for family and friends to allow them to be a positive support to youth. There are many resources available for parents to help. Patience, understanding, helping youth become resilient
and finding ways for them to manage stress are common themes. It is equally important to ask for help when necessary. One resource we like is parentinginottawa.ca which is made available by Ottawa Public Health. There are links there for information, resources and to other agencies that can assist.
And remember that at YOMA we make time to talk about stress management with the participants and offer activities to foster resilience. Sometimes simply being at YOMA has helped some youth. There is also the free monthly parent and caregiver support group that we offer in partnership with PLEO.
For more information about YOMA, see our website yoma.ca , sign up for our e-newsletter or follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram
The chair auction in support of YOMA raised more than $6,000.
BY cJ RooneY
For the next number of editions of Rideau’s Rearview, we are going to explore what you may find in a heritage home pantry, and different methods of food preservation, as we get to the end of summer and into autumn.
This week, we will be examining a method of preservation for green beans, called Leather Britches. This method involves the longterm storage of green beans without the need for canning equipment. This method is particularly useful if you have only a small quantity of
Rideau’s Rearview
CJ Rooney
green beans harvested at one time, as you can add to it as you harvest more.
Once you have your beans picked, you take and thread them by the tip onto a string. (Similar to making Christmas popcorn garland, but you only thread the tip of the bean.) Repeat until all your beans are strung. Hang the string vertically near a woodstove, or in a warm,
dry place. Rotate the beans horizontally on the string, so that they are spread out from each other, to allow air movement. Once the beans are sufficiently dry (after a few weeks) you can remove them from the string, and store in a container. To use the beans, soak overnight (or as long ahead as possible) to rehydrate. Boil beans in the water you soaked them in, to ensure you get all the nutrients.
So, if you visited the home of your friends or family members around this time of year as the beans are being picked, you may notice some decorative garland, not of the usual pop-
corn and cranberries, but of green beans, getting ready to be enjoyed year long. At least, that’s what you’d see if you took a glance in Rideau’s Rearview.
UPCOMING HERITAGE EVENTS: Milling Demonstration @ Watson’s Mill (Sundays 1-3pm)
(SUBMISSIONS WELCOME: If you have anything you’d like to see covered in this column, or have information you think may be of interest, call 692-4036.
the Park
Sunday August 25
Centennial Park and Beaverwood Road
Picnic runs from 11:30am - 1:30pm
The carts are ready and the hill on Beaverwood Road will be lined with cheering fans as Manotick gets ready to host the annual Allan Haan Soap Box Derby.
The MVCA named the event after longtime Manotick community volunteer and philanthropist Allan Haan two years ago. Haan first brought the idea forward in 2011 during his regular coffee group at the French Café, a popular spot in the Manotick Mews.
“At first, people just looked at me like I was crazy,” Haan said. “They didn’t really know about soap box derbies, and how
kids get into it and their parents get into it. I talked about it for a while and then presented the idea to the Manotick Village Community Association.”
The first soap box derby was an overwhelming success. Kids started building their carts with their fathers and then decorated them.
Some came from throughout Eastern Ontario and Quebec to participate in the event.
The community turned out to cheer the kids on There were even celebrity drivers, and the most memorable moment in Manotick soap box history involved a man who hopes to become Can-
ada’s next prime minister.
“That is one moment everyone still seems to talk about,” said Haan. “Pierre (Poilievre) was racing, and he couldn’t stop his cart. He turned into the parking lot at the bottom of the hill and crashed into the shed. Fortunately he wasn’t hurt.”
Through the years, the MVCA had instructions available on how to build a cart and what the specifications are. Manotick Home
Hardware has been a headquarters through the years for supplies for building carts.
“I think building the carts is just as fun as race day,” Haan said. “It is really rewarding to see the kids with their carts and the decorating they have done.”
While the Allan Haan Soap Box Derby is quickly
approaching, Haan said there is still room for some last minute entries.
“We have six carts for kids to use if they did not build their own carts,” he said. “We still have room for more racers.”
For anyone wishing to register for the soap box derby, please visit manotickvca.org/soapboxderby.
From the rideau Valley ConserVation authority
Chapman Mills Conservation Area on Prince of Wales Drive just north of Manotick has long been home to a colony of fairies, who make their tiny homes in tree stumps along the trail. Brightly-coloured doors beckon to visitors, although the fairies themselves are rarely seen.
This summer, regulars may have noticed the trail’s fairy doors have undergone some renovations, with many new doors sprouting up sporting lucky ladybugs on their thresholds.
“It’s nice to have that bit of whimsy around,” said the anonymous carver, adding that the COVID-19 pandemic really highlighted the need for joyful additions to public spaces. “It’s wonderful to see the kids having something fun to discover as they go along the trail.”
She said hearing from kids and seeing how it sparks their imagination is better than any payment for her work.
“The stories the little ones come up with are just incredible, and so creative,” she said. “It’s really important.”
The award-winning carver uses locally found cottonwood bark for most of her work, usually from the Britannia area. She lets it dry for about six months before its ready to carve. It takes a full day to make a fairy door
But the fairies didn’t work alone; they contracted an anonymous human carver for help. This carver lives in Barrhaven and has been making whimsical fairy homes for her tiny clients for more than 20 years. She said it brings her joy to help the fairies and to watch Chapman’s youngest visitors delight in finding all the doors.
from start to finish.
She got permission from the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority to install the fairy doors, with the understanding that she wouldn’t put them in live trees. She hopes the public will respect the fairies’ homes and leave them where they are.
“This is for everyone to enjoy, and I hope it puts a smile on faces.”
Chapman Mills Conservation Area is located on the west bank of the Rideau River on Prince of Wales Drive between Winding Way and Lodge Road. It consists mainly of natural river shoreline, wetlands and flood plain areas that are unique in the City of Ottawa.
Visitors can enjoy a covered picnic shelter, scenic lookouts, walkways and boardwalks that lead pedestrians on a 1.5 km stroll through some sensitive and beautiful habitats. Inter-
pretive signs along the way tell the site’s environmental story. At the trail’s north end visitors can also enjoy an accessible dock for launching canoes, kayaks and other paddlecrafts, as well as a viewing platform. The south end has a shoreline entrance for paddlecrafts. Parking is located off Winding Way.
The land for Chapman Mills Conservation Areas was a gift to the people of the Rideau Valley from the South Nepean Development Corporation, along with additional land ceded from Parks Canada. Minto
The South Carleton Royal Canadian Legion Branch 641 in Manotick held a special ceremony Monday to honour the anniversary of the Dieppe Raid.
Several Legion members and residents of the community attended the event.
According to the Canadian Encyclopedia website, Canada’s role in the Dieppe Raid was significant during the Second World War. On August 19, 1942, Canadian forces participated in Operation Jubilee, an amphibious assault on the French port of Dieppe. The goal was to take Dieppe from German forces, but the raid did not go as planned. Over 900 Canadians were killed, 2,460
wounded, and 1,946 captured in the failed operation.
On Monday, Carleton MP and leader of the Conservative Party of Canada Pierre Poilievre released a statement regarding Dieppe. Poilievre has close ties with the Manotick Legion, as he was the one who led the campaign for funding and rallied the community to get the local Legion rebuilt after a fire destroyed the building 20 years ago.
“On the night of August 18, 1942, the people of the occupied French port of Dieppe went to bed – unaware that their town would soon be synonymous with Canadian sacrifice and courage,” Poilievre’s statement began.
“In the early hours of August 19, the Allies launched a daring raid into northern France. The 2nd Canadian Infantry Division made up most of that landing force and would bear the brunt of the casualties that day.
“Over 900 Canadians were killed at Dieppe or died of injuries sustained in battle. Nearly 2,000 of our troops were taken prisoner and subjected to unimaginable conditions in Nazi captivity.
“The story of Dieppe is one of incredible loss, but also one of incredible courage. We are inspired by heroes like John Weir Foote, an ordinary chaplain with the Royal Hamilton Light
Infantry who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his extraordinary service aiding his wounded comrades under heavy fire.
“Today, we remember the bravery of Canadians like Padre Foote. We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of freedom, and those who were imprisoned for years behind Nazi barbed wire.
“We remember that the forces of darkness did not have the last word. Drawing on the lessons learned at Dieppe, brave Canadians would return to Normandy less than two years later –this time as victorious liberators.
“Lest we forget.”
The Richmond Legacy Community Association Inc’s grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting of the Richmond Legacy Pavilion on September 8, 2024 at 1 p.m. at the Richmond Fairground. All persons attending are requested to be seated in the Pavilion by 12: 50 p.m.
The purpose of the ceremony is to formally open the pavilion for use by public and private entities and to thank all those who made the project a success.
The ceremony will be preceded by a closed 11:30 a.m. reception for project partners including representatives from the provincial government and the City of Ottawa and other dignitaries as well as special guests and project volunteers. The ribbon cutting ceremony will be followed by the viewing of a pavilion video sponsored by 602Filmworks and a special performance by Richmond’s own Doug and Pam Champagne Band. Attendees may then blend into Richmond’s Family Day celebrations which commences at 1:30 p.m. and is sponsored by the Richmond Village Association.
The Pavilion stems from the Village’s highly successful 200th Anniversary Celebrations which were held throughout 2018. With surplus funds from the celebrations, grants from several sources especially the Federal Economic
Development Agency for Southern Ontario and The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group as well as exceptional support by national and local businesses and villagers, the pavilion has become a reality. The volunteers who organized the 200th
your fencing and decking needs!
celebrations, envisioned the pavilion and made it happen will showcase the facility to the villagers of Richmond during the ceremony.
A key project partner in the venture has been the Richmond Agricultural
Society, a non-profit entity, which not only matched the surplus 200th funds but also provided a site for it. The Richmond Agricultural Society will also undertake the pavilion’s maintenance and management on
behalf of the people of Richmond as it does the rest of the Fairground’s infrastructure. Requests to reserve use of the Richmond Legacy Pavilion can be made at richmondfair@ sympatico.ca.
Ottawa Student Transportation (OSTA) has responded to the 2023-24 review conducted by Deloitte at the Ministry of Education’s request.
“At OSTA, our foremost commitment is to ensure that students have safe, reliable, and efficient transportation to and from school,” said interim General Manager and CAO Cindy Owens. “We recognize the concerns raised by parents and guardians following last year’s challenges, and OSTA is dedicated to implementing meaningful changes to address these issues.”
Owens, a former Ottawa Catholic School Board principal, served as the Interim General Manager last year, replacing former OSTA GM Vicky Kyriaco. Earlier this year, OSTA hired Joel Le-
mieux, a former OC Transpo transit operations control centre manager, as their new GM. Lemieux departed OSTA with no reason provided to the public or media, prompting OSTA to put Owens back in for a second term as interim GM.
The 2023-24 school bus year began in turmoil for the families of approximately 7,500 students, as there was a shortage of bus drivers. Complicating the problem in the rural west end, including Richmond, North Gower and Manotick and the surrounding area, was that only nine of the 10 operating companies renewed their contract. The company that did not served rural South Carleton.
Many families were left in a situation where one parent had to stay home or could
not work in order to get their children to and from school.
Because of the situation, the Ontario Ministry of Education ordered a third party review of OSTA’s situation. The review was conducted by Deloitte.
After a thorough review of Deloitte’s recommendations, OSTA has taken the following actions:
- OSTA has accepted all recommendations related to management practices, contract management, and procurement. These steps will enhance the overall efficiency and reliability of OSTA’s services.
- In terms of cost-saving measures, OSTA has agreed to all recommendations except for one regarding the harmonization of school calendars, which falls under
the jurisdiction of the school boards.
- OSTA has also reviewed the transportation-related recommendations. While most apply to OSTA, recommendations TP-6 and TP-7 extend beyond their mandate.
Concerning the cost-saving recommendation to review school start times (bell times), any changes exceeding 10 minutes require school board approval. Should any adjustments be considered, OSTA will ensure that parents and guardians are consulted well in advance. Importantly, no bell time changes will be implemented in the upcom-
ing school year.
“The full Deloitte Transportation Consortium Review is available on OSTA’s website. We have already begun implementing many of the recommended changes and will continue our efforts to provide transportation services for the new school year. We appreciate your continued trust and patience as we work to improve our services,” concluded Owens.
From the Archives
From the mAnotick messenger
August 24, 2014
The milling season at Watson’s Mill has drawn to an early conclusion.
Watson’s Mill has recently entered a contract with a masonry company to undergo important repairs to the Watson’s Mill flume, which is the water tank and channel between the dam and the mill, and the foundation on the river side.
Construction equipment started to arrive at the Mill last week and the in-water set up started on Monday.
“The project is anticipated to go at least until Thanksgiving weekend, most likely
to the end of October,” said Watson’s Mill General Manager Isabelle Geoffrion.
“The project must and will be done by the end of October.
Evidently, because these are repairs to our milling equipment, we will not be milling during that time.”
During the construction time, Watson’s Mill will remain safely open to the public and the schedule of events will continue as planned.
Arrangements have been made to ensure safe storage of the flour off-site, and so Watson’s Mill stone-milled whole wheat flour will continue to be available for sale, even though there is currently no milling going on.
“Depending on the weather at the end of the project (very late October-early November), we might be able to squeeze in another milling, to refresh and augment
our flour stock,” said Geoffrion. “However, we will not know this until the end of
the project. Should anyone have questions or concerns to share, they should be directed me at manager@watsonsmill.com or by phone at 613-692-6455.”
Saturday September 14, 2024 Manotick Main Street. From 2 pm to 7 pm
By Kelly Belair
ManoticK Bia coluMn, Special to the MeSSenger
While there typically has been a car show held at as part of the Taste of Manotick festivities, this year there will be a new show that will honour the late Micheal Elmer Shay aka Mikey or Shay who was a well known and loved member of the Manotick Community.
The show will be produced by Hannah Hempinstall, a cherished friend and co-worker of Mike’s. Mikey or Shay was known for his fine mechanic skills at Manotick’s Garage where he worked for both former owner Sonny Eve and current owner Tom Hilliard for over 18 years.
A little more about Mike Shay:
Mike was known for having a special way with classic cars, nobody could fix them quite like he could.
When he wasn’t at the shop working on keeping the vehicles of Manotick safe, you could often find him at Giant Tiger, buying his gummy bears, cigarettes and probably some socks. If he wasn’t there, he would have been sitting on the bench outside of the CIBC, striking up a friendly chat with a stranger, or picking up his newspaper at the Manotick Office Pro. Occasionally, you could find him at the Black Dog enjoying a steak dinner. If he was at home, he was tinkering with something.
Hannah had the privilege of working alongside and learning from Mikey since she started working
at Tom Garage in 2016. He always went out of his way to spend extra time teaching Hannah in the shop. He was the first person she called at 5 o’clock in the morning when the email came in that she had obtained her Red Seal (mechanic’s) Certification. “I think he was somehow prouder than me,” Hannah says. Mike and Hannah had an instant bond from the beginning, resulting in a friendship that planted roots both in and out of the shop.
In April of 2023 at age 66, Mike was taken from us far too soon, leaving a massive hole in our community and hearts. He was our colleague, mentor and dear friend.
Two things you should know about Mike: He was the kind of person who would give the shirt off his own back to anyone who needed it, even if he needed it more.
He loved his Christmas tree with his whole heart, he left it up all year around.
Last holiday season, to honour and celebrate the kind, lively spirit of Mikey, Hannah created The Shay Way, a charitable endeavour, and an umbrella name for many projects; all causes that would be near and dear to his heart.
The first event was Mittens from Mikey: An ongoing collection of winter woollies and other essentials that were donated to The Ottawa Mission just in time for Christmas.
During the summer season, it only makes sense to continue to hon-
our his spirit by hosting the (first annual) Shay Way Memorial Car Show.
Taste of Manotick was an event always enjoyed by Mike.
For that reason and so many more Hannah is so excited to be able to make him a part of this event by bringing together a community of what he lived and breathed: Cars. (Or trucks, or bikes. Or tractors.) Anything with an engine. Mike did not discriminate. All are welcome.) This car show is another charitable event, in support of The Ottawa Mission and the Manotick Food Cupboard. Mike had the biggest heart and was always lending a helping hand to those who needed it most, that’s Hannah’s goal is here too.
No registration fee required. Instead, we are asking for a donation to the Mittens from Mikey campaign. Give what you can and come as you are. We are doing this car show 100% Mikey style.
The star of the show will be a blue 1968 Cougar, a vehicle that Mike built from the ground up.
Owner of the gorgeous car is Mike’s longtime friend, Doug Watson. Doug purchased this car when he was 15 years old, trading his brother a stereo for it. Mike and Doug lived near each other right here in Manotick years ago, leading them to work on cars together at the old Petro Canada. At 16, Doug handed over his pride and joy to be built and taken care of by Mikey.
continues on page 21
Golfers from across Canada, including two local golfers, will be competing at Carleton Golf and Yacht Club this week in the 2024 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship. The field of 156 male golfers, aged 25 and older, includes 11 competitors from the United States. There are eight Ottawa golfers competing in the event which runs from August 19-23.
The Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship is a 72-hole stroke play event, with a 36-hole cut to the low 70 players and ties happening after the second round. The championship also includes an inter-provincial team competition that will take place over the first
two rounds of play. A MidMaster division for players 40 and older will also run as part of the tournament.
“We are extremely excited to be hosting the 2024 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur, presented by BDO at Carleton Golf and Yacht Club. The host club organizing committee has been working tirelessly to make sure this event is a success for players, family members, volunteers, and everyone involved,” said Golf Canada’s Tournament Director, Daniel Suppa. “We appreciate the support and look forward to hosting the elite group of golfers at one of the Ottawa region’s premier golf courses.”
Manotick area competi-
tors include Jared Coyle from Carleton Golf and Yacht Club and Chris Collins from Rideau View Golf
Club. The field also includes golfers from Greensmere Golf and Country Club, Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club,
Eagle Creek Golf Club, Falcon Ridge Golf Club and Hylands Golf Club.
“Hosting the Canadian Men’s Mid-Am Championships at Carleton Golf and Yacht Club is a dream come true. It’s not just about the tournament; it’s about celebrating the spirit of golf, camaraderie, and sportsmanship. From showcasing our beautiful course to welcoming talented players from all over Canada, this event is a true symbol of the passion and countless hours of dedication to the game of golf,” said Tyler Fitzgerald, Director of Golf at Carleton Golf and Yacht Club.
In addition to the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur title, the 2024 champion
will receive direct exemptions into the 2024 U.S Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship and 2025 Canadian Men’s Amateur & MidAmateur Championships.
Joseph Deraney of Belden, Miss. won the 2023 Championship, following rounds of 72-69-69-68 for a total score of 10-under (278), enroute to claiming the national title. Deraney will not be competing in Manotick.
The competition kicks off on Tuesday, August 20 and wraps up on Friday, August 23, with an awards ceremony mid-afternoon. Carleton Golf and Yacht Club is located just south of Manotick on the Rideau River.
taste continues from page 20
Fast forward 40+ years later, they ended up rebuilding this car together, again. After many months of work, Mike passed away just before the car was road ready. Mike’s ashes were transported to his funeral by Doug in the Cougar in May of 2023.
That car was so beautifully built by Mike, it truly is one of a kind.
Don’t miss catching a glimpse of this car at the
Shay Way Memorial Car Show in Mews of Manotick on Saturday, September 14th.
Bring a monetary do-
nation, mittens, socks or a nonperishable food item and help us fill the car with donations to the Ottawa Mission and the
Manotick Food Cupboard. To register or for more information please visit www.manotickvillage. com/tasteofmanotick
The summer of 2024 has been one of the best ever for Ottawa South United regarding successes in competitions.
The Manotick-based youth soccer club won both a national and a global championship to add to the already epic trophy case in their new facility at George Nelms Park on Mitch Owens Road.
Earlier this year, an OSU girls team comprised of Danica Menard, Ava Blinn , Cindy Yang , Felicia Hanisch, Mia Ugarte, Naomi Lofthouse and Coach David Fox travelled to London, England to represent Canada at the Gatorade 5v5 Global tournament. The OSU team was one of two teams from Ontario invited to the event
The OSU team defeated Colombia 4-0 and Brazil 1-0, and then beat Colombia again in the gold medal game by a score of 3-2.
In addition to the victory, the team was also invited to attend the 2024 EUFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium.
The OSU U15 boys added to the club’s successes last week as they travelled to Edmonton and won the Canadian Player Development Program (PDP) championship tournament.
OSU opened the tournament up with a 5-0 win over the Calgary Villains, and cruised to the finals where they blanked AS Blainville 2-0.
The previous week, the OSU U15 girls won the On-
Though compromising has its place, some things are simply non-negotiable. Your health and relationships, for example, are areas where settling is simply unacceptable. Consequently, you take even the slightest hearing loss seriously.
Why? Because you have read the studies, you know
Though compromising has its place, some things are simply nonnegotiable. Your health and relationships, the two elements that go hand-in-hand in hearing healthcare, are areas where settling is simply unacceptable.
untreated or improperly treated hearing loss not only has a negative impact on precious relationships, it is also linked to health concerns such as cognitive decline and depression. You also know that hearing is highly individualized, and so you want a solution tailored to you and your needs, not a one-size-fits-all or promoof-the-month program. You therefore seek a clinic where the assessments are detailed and done by an Audiologist, where your selection is unlimited, and where the flexibility is maximized.
You take even the slightest hearing loss seriously because you have read the studies, you know untreated or improperly treated hearing loss not only has a negative impact on precious relationships, it is linked to health concerns such as cognitive decline and depression. And, you also know hearing is highly individualized, and so you want a solution tailored to you and your needs, not a one-size-fits-all or promoof-the-month program. The right solution cannot be pre-determined. To be successful, you will want the assessments to be detailed and done by an Audiologist, you will want the selection unlimited, and the flexibility maximized.
The good news is that with nearly a dozen manufacturers, there are numerous product lines offering thousands of solutions, so with some detailed consideration of all the options, finding what’s best for you is possible. The key is to consult a clinician that can prescribe based on your unique needs and wants rather than be limited by the owner’s pre-determined product portfolio.
Offering just that is Hearing Freedom, a locally owned, grown, and operated clinic. Their customized intervention approach is unfortunately rare in today’s market, where retail settings, larger clinics and manufacturer owned chains have limited the patient’s options to a single or few manufacturers.
The unique and refreshing approach that sets Hearing Freedom apart from other providers was established over 20 years ago when Rosanne McNamee, Doctor of Audiology, decided to do it her way. After interviewing for employment at many local clinics, she was disheartened to discover that the focus was always on sales targets and the company’s affiliation to certain manufacturers. “That was not my idea of
proper hearing health care,” says McNamee. “I came into this profession to improve my patients’ quality of life. To do so I need to consider everything available for each and every patient. I must do so with their particular needs and wants in mind – not my employer’s. Compromising on hearing healthcare is not an option for me. Every single patient deserves the best, and that “best” is different from one person to the next. What works for one will not work for another. Blanket solutions just don’t cut it.”
And so, she decided to set up her own business, doing it her way and putting patients first.
Though hard to find in today’s market, the good news is that Hearing Freedom offers just that. Unlike retail settings, larger clinics and manufacturer owned chains, at Hearing Freedom nothing is pre-determined, everything is customized. Your options are not limited to a single or few manufacturers. To the contrary, your Audiologist will study the numerous product lines available in the market to find the one that best suits you. You will not be unknowingly compromising.
At Hearing Freedom, there are no predetermined products or plans. Each and every patient’s intervention plan is as unique as they are. The experience begins with a thorough assessment which is followed by a detailed needs assessment, giving proper foundation. All options, amplification or otherwise, are then discussed. “We devote all the time necessary to ensure our patients’ hearing needs are met.” explains McNamee, “We offer demos as well as a 90-day trial period on purchased hearing aids. These options give patients the confidence that they have chosen the right solution for them, their lifestyle and hearing needs.” With a focus on rehabilitation and continued support, a 5 year service plan is included with your purchase to ensure regular hearing check-ups and ongoing hearing aid care.
be when a newly graduated Audiologist was looking for employment in Ottawa and became disheartened by the interviews’ constant focus on timelines, sales targets and preferred Manufacturers. “I came into this profession to improve my patients’ quality of life” says McNamee. “To do so I need to assess thoroughly and consider everything available for each and every patient. I must do so with their particular needs and wants in mind – not my employer’s. Every single patient deserves the best, and that “best” is different from one person to the next. Hurried assessments and limited product offerings is sacrificing a patient’s potential success for better profit margins – not my idea of proper hearing health care.” And so, she decided to set up her own business, doing it her way and putting patients first.
In addition, there are no Hearing Instrument Practitioners or Hearing Instrument Specialists at Hearing Freedom. Rather, patients are seen by fully bilingual Registered Audiologists. With Masters and Doctorate-level University degrees, Audiologists are the most qualified in their field. They service both children and adults, whether they are private pay or third party supported (WCB, VAC, etc).
chased hearing aids. With a focus on rehabilitation and continued support, a 5-year service plan is included with your purchase to ensure regular check-ups and ongoing hearing aid care.”
In addition, there are no Hearing Instrument Practitioners (aka HIS, HIT or HIP) at Hearing Freedom. Rather, patients are seen by Audiologists who have a university degree and are registered to a regulatory body. They are the most qualified in their field, able to service both children and adults, whether they are private pay or third party supported (WCB, VAC, etc).
“Not only is hearing complex, so are today’s hearing aids,” McNamee explains. “Dealing with the most qualified health care professional, in the most independent setting, is crucial to success.” At Hearing Freedom you can be certain that you have chosen the best place to trust with your hearing needs.
This unique and refreshing approach has been setting Hearing Freedom apart for over 20 years. It came to
“Not only is hearing complex, so are today’s hearing aids,” McNamee explains. “Dealing with the most qualified health care professional, in the most independent setting, is crucial to success.” At Hearing Freedom you can be certain that you have chosen the best place to trust with your hearing needs.
So, if you believe in your right to the best, fullest and most customized service available, make sure you book your appointment with Hearing Freedom. You will not regret your short drive to Manotick.
Parking is free. Home visits optional. Wheelchair friendly. For more information visit www.HearingFreedom.com
At Hearing Freedom, each and every patient’s intervention plan is as unique as they are. The experience begins with a thorough hearing and needs assessment, giving proper foundation. All options, amplification or otherwise, are then discussed. “We want to be sure that our patients’ hearing needs are met.” explains McNamee. “To do so we offer demos as well as a 90-day trial period on pur-
So, if you believe in your right to the best, fullest and most customized service available, make sure you book your appointment with Hearing Freedom. You will not regret your short drive to Manotick.
For more information visit www.hearingfreedom.com
