Manotick Messenger February 23, 2023

Study shows Manotick with largest decline in Ottawa property value

A study done by Labrosse Real Estate Group of Ottawa and the surrounding communities in Eastern Ontario has shown that Manotick homes had the largest drop in value in the region in 2022.

Labrosse Real Estate Group ran the study to analyze the data of real estate sales in 2022 to find out which communities gained the most value and which community were the “biggest losers.”

“The study analyzed all of the sales that the Labrosse Real Estate Group made in 2022 in combination with all the sales data found in the MLS real estate database,” stated Nick Labrosse of Labrosse Real Estate Group, which is headquartered in Orleans.

Labrosse Real Estate’s study found that amongst all

the neighbourhoods in the greater Ottawa area, Carp had the most significant increase in average home value. With a mega gain of 15.20% compared to the average of -0.40%. Perth and Carleton Place comes in a close second place with a massive gain of 14.40%. Rockland & Casselman come in third place with an impressive gain of 12.50%.

All these numbers are impressive, considering most areas of Ottawa came near breaking even with an average of -0.40%

Two areas have losses. Among all neighbourhoods in the greater Ottawa area, Manotick had the most significant loss, with a 4.2% decrease in home value. Alexandria has the only other loss, with only a 0.5% loss.

The average sales price in

Manotick for all of 2022 is $1,067,000 compared to the 2021 average sale price of $1,114,000, resulting in a loss of -4.60%.

Results for surrounding villages like Richmond, North Gower, Osgoode and Greely were not included in the results provided by Labrosse. However, Metcalfe was included, and showed a gain in the value of the average home. The average sales price in Metcalfe, for all of 2022 is $932,500 compared to the 2021 average sale price of $889,000, resulting in a gain of 4.90%.

The Messenger reached out to Labrosse for more information on the study and what factors may have led to the poor showing by Manotick, but our emails and phone calls were not returned before press time.

Members of the South Carleton Storm girls volleyball team get ready for a serve against Woodroffe in their National Capital Secondary School Athletic Association senior girls volleyball contest Thurs., Feb. 16. For a complete rundown of high school sports scores and results from the area, see page 15.

MPP Ghamari hosting Farmer Appreciation Breakfast Sat., Feb. 25

Please join me for a Farmer Appreciation Breakfast on Saturday February 25th from 8am-11am at the Richmond Memorial Community Centre, 6095 Perth St, Richmond, ON K0A 2Z0.

I am sure you have seen the yellow signs and bumper stickers in the past: Farmers Feed Cities!

While the Carleton riding has everything from suburban neighbourhoods to our beautiful villages and our vast rural areas, farming remains a cornerstone of our local economy. Few people realize that Ottawa has the largest agricultural economy among all Canadian cities. A large percentage of that agricultural economy is right here in our riding of Carleton.

While technology has changed the workplace environment for business and public sector employees, it

has also brought big changes to farming. Precision agriculture and agri-tech advancements have given local farm operations the tools to grow, expand and compete in the crop, dairy and beef sectors.

You can fit the cities of Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver all within the boundaries of the City of Ottawa. Eighty per cent of our vast city is rural, and Carleton makes up a large portion of that rural area. In fact, the entire GTA can fit within Carleton’s boundaries.

Farmers do feed cities. In Carleton, farmers do a lot

more than that. They are the engine that drives our local economy, and they help define our riding, past, present and future.

The Farmers Appreciation Breakfast is an event to thank our local farmers for their hard work and to their contribution to the Carleton riding, and to the Province of Ontario.

All are welcome to join for a free breakfast!

For more information, contact my office at 613838-4425 or goldie.ghamari@pc.ola.org.

International Women’s Day Breakfast

For the first time in three years, we will be able to celebrate International Women’s Day in Carleton with our annual breakfast.

Marjorie Toner Haan, MPP Goldie Ghamari and Rideau-Jock Councillor David Brown were on hand to help out and meet and greet people at the Manotick Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast during Shiverfest. Ga Ry Coulo M B e P H oTo goldie continues on page 3

goldie continues from page 2

This year, our International Women’s Day Breakfast will take place at Danby’s Roadhouse in Richmond Wed., March 8 from 7:30-9:30 a.m. I am excited to host this celebration of the accomplishments of women of all ages and the roles they play in their families, in the workforce, and in the community.

For more information, contact my office at 613838-4425 or goldie.ghamari@pc.ola.org.

A Great Winter Carnival Season

For close to a month, local villages in Carleton hosted winter carnival celebrations. With the restrictions from COVID-19 lifted, many local residents came out to enjoy the various events for the first time in three years.

Earlier this month, Manotick’s Shiverfest and the North Gower Winter Carnival returned. It was

great to get out to these events and meet people and enjoy in our winter celebrations!

Ontario Connecting More People to Car at Home

As part of Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, Ontario is connecting people to convenient care at home and in their community so more Ontarians can choose to stay in their homes for longer as they age or are able to receive care closer to home. Delivering convenient care at home provides a better experience for people and frees up more space in hospitals, long-term care homes and doctors’ offices.

Last year, the government invested $1 billion to expand the delivery of home and community care services to help more people connect to the care they need in the comfort of their own home. From

more caregiver supports and respite services, bereavement and behavioural programs to assisted living services for people with brain injuries, work is underway to provide faster and more convenient access to the care they need.

The province is also working with Ontario Health Teams and home and community care providers to create new and innovative programs for people wanting to connect to care at home, including more virtual care options and connecting home care services with other care providers such as a family doctor to ensure personal medical records follow people as they move between care providers. These investments will help nearly 700,000 families who rely on home care annually to connect to care more conveniently.

With the help of paramedics, those living with chronic health conditions

can now live at home more independently and avoid regular visits to the hospital waiting room. Ontario’s expanded community paramedicine program is already in place in 55 communities and has connected more than 30,000 people to 24/7 non-emergency support at home. The initiative allows paramedics to use their training and expertise to provide home visits for a range of services, including making sure medication is taken as prescribed, educating people on how to properly manage their chronic conditions and providing assessments and referrals to local community care services, such as home care.

Ontario is also expanding palliative care services by adding 23 new hospice beds to the 500 beds already available across the province to connect Ontarians with comfortable and dignified end-of-life care near their

communities and loved ones. Ensuring Ontarians have a choice about where they spend their final days is an important part of ensuring Ontarians can connect to the care they need throughout their entire life.

With Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the province is making it easier for people and their families to connect to the care they need, whether that’s by expanding access to services in their home or community or giving them the choice to book or take an appointment virtually, to ensure hospital and longterm beds are available when it is needed most.

Quick Facts

• Ontario Health Teams will help guide the expansion and modernization of home and community care.

• Home and community care services support people of all ages who require care in their home, at

school or in the community. Seniors and those experiencing complex medical conditions can often stay in their homes if they have some support.

• The Ontario Caregiver Organization supports caregivers across Ontario with a suite of programs and resources including the 24/7 Ontario Caregiver Helpline 1-833-4162273 (CARE), counselling and peer support groups, webinars, tip sheets and checklists available at www.ontariocaregiver.ca.

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

Manotick Messenger a finalist for three provincial newspaper awards

The Manotick Messenger has been named a finalist for three provincial awards by the Ontario Community Newspaper Association.

The OCNA announced the three finalists in more than 40 categories for their annual provincial awards. Material published between Sept. 2021 and Sept. 2022 was eligible for the awards.

A feature story on the connection between the villages of Manotick and Osgoode and famed gangster Al Capone that was written in October, 2021 is a finalist for the best heritage story in the province. The story, written by Jeff Morris, came to fruition after the demolition of the old Manotick Tea Room. The building’s owner, Chris Napior, approached the Messenger with information on some of the findings below the old Tea Room after its destruction. Not only did Capone have ties to Manotick and a secret distillery in the woods near Manotick Station, but J. Edgar Hoover also developed ties to the Village of Osgoode during his travels to catch the famed mobster.

During prohibition in the United States approximately a century ago, several local distilleries produced whiskey that ended up being controlled by Capone’s men. Morris followed the trail of the production of the whiskey by rail to his hometown of Prescott, where it was then shuttled on midnight runs across the St. Lawrence to Ogdensburg. From there, much of the whiskey was shipped by rail to Detroit and Chicago.

The story also took an unusual turn as the old Tea Room was often frequented by world famous drummer Gene Krupa, a relative of longtime Manotick Tea Room owners Tess Krupa. In addition to being the Rat Pack’s drummer and considered the best drummer in the world in the 1940s and 1950s, Krupa developed the standard drum set used by almost all drummers, and privately taught many of the world’s most famous drummers, including Peter Criss of KISS.

The story is up against pieces written by Ashely Kulp of the Carleton Place/

Almonte Canadian Gazette and Cory Bilyea of the Wingham Advance Times.

Morris is also a finalist as the top feature writer in the province for the story. Other finalists for the award are Diane Johnston of the New Liskeard Temiskaming Speaker and Don Rickers, Carolyn Mullin and Dave Burket of the Voice of Pelham.

The Messenger is up for one other award. Morris is a finalist for the Ontario Columnist of the Year Award for his From the Other Side column. It marks the 14th time since the column made its debut in 2004 that Morris has been in the top three for either the Columnist or Humour Columnist of the Year award for From the Other Side, which regularly appears on page 6 in the Messenger.

Other finalists for the award Jim Poling of the Minden Times and Laurie Weir of the Perth Courier.

Former Messenger employee Nevil Hunt of Ottawa Community Voice Kanata South, is also a finalist for multiple awards.

He is a finalist for best Environment story, best News Story (with Blair Edwards), and best Feature Photo.

Another Messenger alumni up for awards is Mark Newman of Hamilton Mountain News. He is a finalist for best Arts and Entertainment

story, best Feature/News Series, and he earned honourable mention for best Business and Finance Story.

David Shanahan of the North Grenville Times is a finalist for Best Feature/ News Series, while Jennifer Westendorp of the Kempt-

ville Advance earned honourable mention in the same category.

Judges for the awards are veteran journalists from around the country. Winners for each category will be announced by the OCNA in the spring in a virtual ceremony.

Skaters from the Rideau Skating Club performed to open up the annual Manotick Shiverfest winter carnival, which returned for the first time since 2020. For more coverage of the event, see pages 10-11. G R e G Newto N photo.

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to rural Ottawa

Ottawa is massive, in fact, it is the largest municipality in North America at just under 2,800 square kilometers. Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver all fit within Ottawa. Every urban and suburban ward fit our Ward. This fact alone should be eye opening when we discuss service delivery that impacts rural residents.

No matter how you look at, Ottawa is large enough that any policy, regardless of what it is, merits a targeted approach that reflects the real-

Rideau-Jock

Report

David Brown, Councillor , Ward 21

ities of living urban, suburban and rural.

Priorities in Orleans are different than the priorities in the downtown core and certainly different than our priorities in rural Ottawa.

We in rural Ottawa do not

have the same level of access to City services, recreational programming or community infrastructure that urban dwellers do.

One of the challenges that we face through the development of our villages is the lack of parking being included in new developments. If you look at homes built ten, twenty and even thirty years ago and compare them to today, you will notice that not only are the lot sizes much smaller, but driveways and

Rideau-Jock transit usage

Councillor David Brown conducted survey on transit in the Rideau-Jock Ward, and the results are in.

Ward 21 has two primary bus routes that service Manotick, Richmond, Munster and Fallowfield Village.

“Prior to the pandemic,

many residents took advantage of these routes to commute to work,” Brown said when he issued the survey. “However, with many working from home, these last three years have seen extremely low ridership. With federal employees returning to the office

garages are too. Many singlefamily homes can barely fit a car in their garages let alone the driveway forcing many to park their vehicles on the road. This leads to many other problems within these communities.

Service delivery for snowplowing is another major concern, and certainly one I have heard much about given the record snowfall we have had this winter. Regardless of where you live in Ward 21, you need access to a road

to move around. We are fortunate to have a great roads team out here, but for many, if the roads in your community haven’t been plowed in time for you to get out of your house, not much matters until that happens.

Taxpayers want to know that their money is being spent wisely on their priorities. One challenge is the “standard” approach Council uses across all 2,800 square kilometers to ensure every resident has the same level of service. Perhaps

though, providing the same service city-wide is not the best use of tax dollars. Targeting service levels based on rural, urban and suburban merits a review.

The one size fits all approach has failed. It’s time Council and the City admits this and move forward building a city were we recognize that it is ok to be different!

David Brown is Councillor of Ward 21 Ward21@ottawa.ca 613-580-2491

only one-third of what it was pre-pandemic

two to three days a week, OC Transpo anticipates an increase of ridership, but it is yet to be seen whether this increase will make our Ward’s transit system viable long term.”

According to the survey, only 10 per cent of residents find that the 283 or

176 bus serves their needs. Thirty-seven per cent said the routes don’t serve their needs, and 53 per cent do not use either route.

The second question of the survey asked if changing the timing of the route would make it easier to take transit. Forty per

cent said yes it would, 22 per cent said no it wouldn’t, and 37 per cent said they do not plan on using transit.

Forty-two per cent of those responding would be interested in adding a route to Barrhaven, which is where many transit users commute to and use the

park and ride at Fallowfield Station. Fifty-seven per cent said they would still not use transit or have no interest in a Barrhaven route.

Only forty-eight per cent of residents who used transit previously plan on using it again.

February’s thoughts make us think of Hearts and Heritage

February’s thoughts must have something to do with the heart! We know that actions speak louder than words, but we also know that words can be hollow and empty if not spoken from the heart. We assume that others will know that we love them when we do an unexpected

THis week, THIS MONTH

by Larry Ellis

and thoughtful action, prepare a meal or give a gift. These actions are all valuable; however, often they

cannot equal the power of three simple words spoken in earnest. Take the time to tell someone that you love them – whisper in their ear, make a phone call, send a card. If you have email, the ecard is a great way to keep in touch with friends’ miles away – Valentines, birthdays, anniversaries, new

babies and other occasions, many varieties are available and often free. Remember - we don’t always get that second chance to say the things we want.

We can give a “valentine” every day by a friendly smile, a helping hand, a cheerful word or a tender glance. Take the time to

give these friendly signs and the world will soon be brightened by our daily “valentines.”

February is also Heritage month with February 15th designated as Flag Day in Canada. One way to celebrate our heritage might be to look at old photos. Sometimes it’s hard to look

at these old photos without regretting the fact that we didn’t date or identify the people in the pictures. Every time we look at the photos, we get another chance to see the people and places from the past. Take the time to look at some old albums with the purpose of simply enjoying them again.

Braid calls Messenger op-ed column on private health care ‘laughable LETTER TO THE EDITOR

The Editor, It’s always amusing to read the latest ravings from Canada’s right wing on the pages of the Messenger, but last issue’s Op Ed suggesting that “private health insurance would ease Canadians suffering” was so silly

it’s laughable. The author makes a spirited argument in favour of allowing private medical insurance so that the wealthy could buy faster access, thereby taking pressure off of the public system--or so the story goes. The author goes on to breathlessly

inform us that, “currently, only four provinces allow such plans to exist: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador.” Okay, so if the theory has any merit, then those provinces must have the shortest wait times, cor-

rect?

Well, not quite. According to the Fraser Institute, it seems that Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are second and third in Canada for longest wait times at 58.2 and 43.3 weeks respectively. Newfoundland and Saskatch-

ewan are doing marginally better at 32.1 and 30.1, but they are all getting thoroughly trounced by the Province of Ontario, which boasts the shortest wait times in Canada at just 20.3 weeks.

Common sense and logic would seem to sug-

gest that the salvation of our healthcare system does not lie in adopting the policies of jurisdictions delivering poorer outcomes than we’re already experiencing.

Andy Braid Kars

Enthusiastic crowds as cold temperatures put the shiver in Manotick Shiverfest

Manotick Shiverfest photos continues on page 11.

Church Directory

*All churches wheelchair assessable*

ACCESSIBLE

Manotick ..United .Church

5567 Manotick Main Street, Manotick, Ontario, K4M 1A5

We welcome all, who with God’s help, work to build a better world. Sunday Worship at 10 am

Office hours are: Mon, Wed-Fri

admin@manotickunitedchurch.com www.manotickunited.com 613-692-4576

ST. JAMES’ ANGLICAN CHURCH

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)

Church Office 613-692-2082 Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 9-4

The Reverend Kerri Brennan e-mail office@stjames-manotick.ca

Web site: www.stjames-manotick.ca

ST. LEONARD ROMAN CATHOLIC

CHURCH

5332 Long Island Road, Manotick

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

Reese, Matin, Zolia and Morgan sold cookies for the Youth Association of Manotick (YOMA) at the Shiverfest Chili Cook-off.

Family skate night is always a popular Friday night activity during Shiverfest.

The craft table was a busy place Saturday at Kiwanis Hall.

The Rideau Skating Club put on their annual skating show at the Manotick Arena to kick off Shiverfest.

Ken Watson serves up some chili at the annual Shiverfest Chili Cook-off at the Manotick Legion. G R e G Ne W TON p H OTOS

The toboggan hill at the back of Centennial Park is always a popular spot at Shiverfest.

Area magician Chris Pilsworth entertained the crowd at the children’s show following family skate night at Shiverfest. Gre G New To N P h oTo S

Sleigh rides through Manotick Centennial Park are a Shiverfest tradition.

Theresa rober ts and MVCA President Irene Staron served coffee and Timbits during the Shiverfest Friday night skating show.

and dine

What consumers can do to support local farmers

Farming has never been a vocation for individuals looking for easy work. Farmers typically work long hours, braving the elements regardless of how unpleasant the weather may be.

All that hard work ensures individuals who live in rural, urban and suburban communities have constant, readily available access to healthy foods. Such devotion merits support, and thankfully there are many things consumers can do to show their appreciation for local farmers.

• Buy fresh foods at your local farmers market. Farmers markets are many foodies’ favorite places, but they aren’t exclusive to individuals with a passion for food. Everyone needs to eat, so why not eat foods grown locally, which are generally more fresh and appetizing than imported fruits and

vegetables sold at chain grocery stores? Even individuals who don’t typically eat fresh fruit and vegetables can find something delectable at a local farmers market, where anything from homemade tomato sauces to locally raised fresh beef and pork might be on sale.

• Order directly from local farms. Some farmers have embraced the ecommerce revolution and

begun selling the foods they grow to consumers via their own websites. Research local farms and determine if it’s possible to buy directly from them. Farms may offer delivery or pick-up, and consumers can enjoy fresh foods even more knowing that they helped farmers earn higher profits by buying directly from them.

support

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SHOP and dine LOCaL

support continues from page 12

• Check labels before buying in local grocery stores. Packaging labels will indicate where fruits and vegetables came from. When possible, choose items produced by lo-

cal farmers. This may include fruits, vegetables, meat, pork, or even desserts like pies. Locally produced foods often taste more fresh than items sent from overseas or distant

farms, and consumers will feel better knowing they helped to support local farmers.

• Spread the word. Get the word out after a satisfying experience with lo-

cal farms and farmers. Whether it’s buying food from farms or taking advantage of family days that let kids enjoy a day on the farm, sharing positive experiences via social media

or word-of-mouth can be a great way to inspire your neighbors to support local farmers as well.

Consumers can do much to support hardworking local farmers. In

addition to feeling good about supporting their rural neighbors, consumers also might feel good when they sit down and enjoy a meal featuring locally grown, fresh foods.

Junior B Royals win four straight, tied with Casselman for first place

After six months of a gruelling Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League season, it will come down to the last week of the season to decide first place.

The Richmond Royals host the Casselman Vikings in what could ultimately decide who finishes atop the league’s Martin Division standings.

After dropping a 6-5 overtime decision in Casselman Feb. 2, the Royals rebounded with four straight wins. The teams were tied for first place heading into last week of the season.

On Feb. 5, the Royals used strong special teams play to beat the Ottawa Canadians 6-3.

Tyler Hames was given a tripping penalty just 25 seconds into the game, and the Canadians converted on a goal by Max Lacroix. The Royals then went to work and killed off four penalties, including a lengthy five-on-three opportunity for the Canadians.

The Royals killed off the penalties and squeezed in a tying goal as Brendan Lynch scored from Justin Williams and Robbie DiSilvestro.

Alex Lemieux scored an early second period goal for the Canadians to make the score 2-1, but the Royals then had five straight power play opportunities. Christian White and Brandan Lynch scored power play goals, and Dylan Rorwick added a goal just seconds after Ottawa’s Matthew Nolet stepped out of the box.

In the third, DiSilvestro scored from Ryan Sullivan and Shane Sullivan to make the score 5-2. Patrick Larkin scored for the Canadians, but then Dylan Rorwick scored a shorthanded goal for his 33rd of the year to make the score 6-3.

Mavric Welk stopped 27 or 30 shots for the win. Felix Schnell made 51 saves in a los-

ing effort.

On Feb. 9, the Royals headed to the Barbara Ann Scott Arena and beat the Ottawa West Golden Knights 6-2.

After a scoreless first period, the Royals offence came to life with five second period markers. Dylan Rorwick, Tyler Cutts, Gage Bujold, Tyler Cutts and Tyler Hames all scored Richmond goals. Kaleb Ellard scored one for Ottawa West.

In the third, Ryanlee Wadden scored for the Golden Knights to make the score 5-2, and then things got a little bit salty. After Jace Peters of the Golden Knights was called for goaltender interference, his teammate Anthony Tardioli was handed a pair of 10-minute misconducts and a game misconduct.

DiSilvestro scored from Brendan Lynch and Michael Bernier to make the score 6-2 for the Royals.

Ottawa West’s Justin Graham was penalized for a check to the head, and Richmond’s Ryan Sullivan went off for an unsportsmanlike conduct. In the final minute, things boiled over as Michael Bernier of the Royals and Daniil Viscu of the Golden Knights squared off and were both given five and a game for fighting.

Welk stopped 32 shots for the win.

Two nights later, the Royals went on the road to face the Char-Lan Rebels. They won their third straight game, beating the Rebels 3-1.

The Royals struck early as Reid Johnston scored from Cutts and DiSilvestro 25 seconds into the first period. Trent Poitras tied things up for Char-Lan with a goal late in the second.

In the third, DiSilvestro scored the winner at 4:57 from Drew Russett and Tyler Cutts.

Justin Williams scored his fourth of the year with 2:18 left to play from Rorwick and Russett to give the Royals an insurance marker.

Gabe Arrigo stopped 29 or 30 shots and played a key role in the win, as the Royals were outshot in each period.

On Wednesday, Feb. 15, the Golden Knights and the Royals resumed their feud at the Richmond Memorial Community Centre. Although the Royals went into the game looking for a share of first place while the Golden Knights sat in fourth place, the Golden Knights were coming off a 3-2 win over the first place Casselman Vikings. Heading into the game, the Royals were 2-2-1 against the Golden Knights on the year, with each team scoring 20 goals in their five games.

But if fans were expecting a close game, the Royals were having none of it as they scored four first period goals and cruised to a 9-3 victory.

Once again, the Royals got off to a quick start. Ryan Sullivan scored from Tyler Cutts and Shane Sullivan just 48 seconds into the first period. Shane Sullivan then scored from Cutts and Simon Yang, and then added a power play

goal less than two minutes later from Drew Russett and Reid Johnston. Leo Kluchert scored with three minutes left in the period from Robbie DiSilvestro and Brendan Lynch to give the Royals a 4-0 lead.

Kyle Singerland scored early in the second for the Golden Knights to break the shutout, but Lynch got it back for the Royals just 16 seconds later from DiSivestro and Gage Bujold. Giulio Carulli added a Royals goal late in the period from DiSilverstro and Lynch to make the score 6-1 after two.

In the third, Cutts, Rorwick

and Johnston added goals for the Royals while Jack Parker scored twice for the Golden Knights to make the final score

9-3. Mavric Welk made 46 saves in goal for the Royals and was named the game’s first star.

Alan peacefully passed at Meadow Park Nursing Home, London, February 3, 2023 in his 94th year. Predeceased by his 1st wife Marian and 2nd wife Donnalda. Father of Peter (Suzanne) and Eileen (Luigi). Grandfather of Alexander (Jenny), Kristian (Leah), Rebecca, and John. Great Grandfather of Zachary. Brother of Colin (Margery), and twin sister Kathleen (Charles) Hodgkiss. He has many loving Inlaws , Nieces and Nephews.

Alan enjoyed building box kites with his big brother. He joined the RAF as a cadet in 1944, and was stationed in Singapore for 4 years. After the war he returned to the family business in England building fine furniture. He enjoyed playing the saxophone and trumpet and served as a member of several jazz bands and community orchestras. He and his brother started a boat building business in the early 1960s, where they made wooden marine pleasure sailing and small power craft boats. In 1967 the family moved to Manotick, Canada where he became a high school teacher. Uncle Earnie, as he was quietly known to his students, taught them to build boats and then how to sail them. In the early 1990’s he moved to London, Ontario. He also had a beautiful salmon pink summer home on Isles de la Madeleine off the coast of Prince Edward Island. Alan sailed around the world several times on the SS Canberra. His life was long and fulfilled. Cremation has taken place. He will rest in London Ontario at the Forest Lawn Cemetery beside his wife Donnalda with some ashes interred with Marian in Capital Cemetery, Manotick. Special thanks to the staff at Meadow Park Long Term Care.

Alan Earnshaw

Shane Sullivan of the Royals had two goals and two assists in the Royals’ 9-3 win over the Ottawa West Golden Knights at the Richmond Memorial Community Centre Wed., Feb. 15.

What is your child doing this March Break?

So, school’s on break! Time to squeeze in some family fun, get some fresh air on the slopes and race one another on ice. It’s also a great time to make sure your kids have all they need to succeed the remainder of the school year. One of the most important tools for learning in school is often overlooked or forgotten … the child’s hearing ability.

Much like proper vision, adequate hearing is essential to a child’s learning and to their positive school experience. Most children undergo an infant hearing screening shortly after birth, but few undertake the recommended rechecks every five years. This is unfortunate because it is expected that 2-in-3 children will suffer at least one episode of ear problems, and 1-in-6 will have 6 or more episodes. Due to the illusiveness of hearing loss, many go unnoticed. The loss, even if mild or one-sided, makes it difficult for a child to navigate their little world. And even when temporary, the difficulties can have long term impacts because they can lead to frustrations and even-

tual disengagement, needlessly impacting a child’s ability to thrive. In addition to academic struggles, children with hearing loss can also experience trouble socially because communication, which requires both verbal and auditory skills, is vital to social interactions and peer relationships.

Consequently, much like your child has a dentist, they should also have an audiologist. The Audiologist, the only healthcare professional qualified to assess children’s hearing abilities, can confirm your child’s hearing levels every five years as well as whenever there is a shift in attention or behaviour. The good news is that your audiologist is also able to assist your child in overcoming hearing loss if need be. Should your child have permanent hearing loss or a temporary episode of hearing loss, there is no need to suffer in the silence. Technology continually evolves. The hearing aids and cochlear implants for those with permanent hearing loss are better than ever, and now, even those with temporary

hearing loss can get help. No longer do these children have to suffer through weeks of dampened hearing. They can now overcome the temporary hearing loss with the use of

and/or time to clear the congestion.

So, what is your child doing this March Break? …. Skating, skiing, and a session with Hearing Freedom,

Skating, skiing, and a session with Hearing Freedom

an effective, non-invasive product. And, with nothing in the ear canal, this product will not interfere with the treatment plan. It is simply a fantastic way for anyone suffering from either an outer or middle ear infection to regain proper hearing levels as they wait for the medications

where their bilingual Audiologists will be happy to assess your little one’s hearing abilities!

For a comprehensive hearing evaluation, or to learn more about all the exciting new products, make sure to reach out to Hearing Freedom. It will be worth it!