Manotick Messenger February 23, 2024

I hope you can set aside Saturday, February 24th on your calendars for my annual Carleton Farmers Appreciation Breakfast. The event is from 8:30am-10:30am at St. Philip’s Parish Hall, 127 Burke Street in Richmond.

Come on out and enjoy a great breakfast, learn about our local agricultural industry and the importance it has in the Carleton riding, and most importantly, have a great time, see old friends, and make new ones. It is open to the public, free and everyone is welcome!

Here are some facts about farming in Ontario:

Did you know…

- Ontario’s agri-food sector supports more than 750,000 jobs, which is more than 10 per cent of Ontario’s work force.

- Ontario’s agri-food sector also generate more than $47 billion in GDP annually.

- Agriculture and agrifood in Ontario account for approximately 30 per cent of the total GDP generated by the sector throughout Canada.

- There are nearly 50,000 farms in Ontario, more than any other Canadian province.

- There are roughly 3,500 family-run dairy farms found across the province of Ontario.

- More than 1/2 of Canada’s highest quality farmland known as “class one” farmland is in Ontario.

- The average farm in Ontario is 243 acres.

- There is approximately 11.7 million acres of farmland in Ontario.

- Ontario farmers grow

more than 200 different commodities, including over 125 different fruit and vegetable crops are grown on 245,000 acres of farmland in Ontario.

- In 2021, 65 per cent of the food produced in Ontario was consumed within the province.

- Ontario is Canada’s largest producer, processor, and consumer of chicken.

- Approximately 1,100 of Canada’s 2,800 dedicated chicken farmers live in Ontario, producing more than 200 million chickens every year and 325 million kilograms of chicken meat annually.

- In 2020, half of Canada’s mushroom production was in Ontario.

- As of 2021, there were 1,064 pork-producing farms in Ontario supplying both domestic and international markets with a wide variety of pork products.

- The Ontario cattle in-

dustry is home to more than 19,000 beef farmers.

- In 2020, Ontario produced 467,000 gallons of maple syrup across an estimated 391 sugarbushes.

- Ontario farmers grow 63 per cent of our nation’s grain corn on average per year.

- Ontario farms house the most sheep in Canada, with more than 267,000 in the province.

- Ontario’s food and beverage manufacturing sector is the third largest in North America

- Ontario’s greenhouse vegetable sector leads Canada, with a 37.6 per cent share of the nation’s greenhouses.

- As of 2019, Ontario had the greatest number of sod farms in Canada, with 65.

- Ontario’s agriculture sector has the most Christmas tree farms in Canada.

- Ontario’s agriculture industry has the second most beekeepers in Canada, with

2,506 as of 2019.

- More than 1,100 farms sell their produce and goods at farmers markets.

- More than 5,200 farms sell directly to consumers, either at stands or pick-yourown.

- Ontario exports nearly $20 billion in agri-food products annually.

- 17.5% of Ontario farms generate renewable energy, including solar, bioenergy and wind power.

- 31% of farm operators are female.

- Nearly 60% of all Ontario farmers are small farms (less than $100K in revenue).

Year of the Dragon

I want to thank the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa in Richmond and the Buddha’s Light International Association of Ottawa for inviting me to take part in their celebrations for the Chinese New Year on Sun., Feb. 11.

The entire community was invited to this celebration, which featured children and youth from Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa singing, dancing, and drumming to entertain the capacity crowd in the temple.

This year will mark the Year of the Dragon in the 12year cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs.

Since its opening on Franktown Road just west of the village, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa has been a wonderful and generous partner in the community. They open their doors to everyone for events like their Chinese New Year celebration and their annual Veg Run in the summer. They have taken pride in sharing their culture and welcoming people from all religious backgrounds to join them for their events and celebrations.

The Carleton riding has a make-up of rural, suburban, and urban areas. We are a much more diverse riding than people realize or imagine.

We have Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, agnostics, atheists, and non-religious people all living within Carleton. This dynamic is very special, particularly for our children and young people, as it allows all of us to learn about and celebrate different cultures and religions from around the world.

Every single religious and cultural group we have in our riding offers something we can all learn from to become better people. The Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa has become a leader in sharing their love for the planet and love for all creatures at these events.

I was born in the Year of the Ox, and I was able to learn about what that means. People born in the Years of the Ox are known for being diligent and tenacious with a strong sense of responsibility. We are capable of great courage when it is time to step up, especially when no one else will. We are driven to overcome any difficulty.

While the next Year of the Ox will not be until 2033, I am already looking forward to next year’s celebration at Fo Guang Shan as will usher in the Year of the Snake.

Growing Ontario’s Agriculture and Food Export Markets

One of the things I will likely be talking to people about at my Farmers’ Appreciation Breakfast Feb. 24 is the commitment made to help Ontario’s farms and food producers develop new markets.

The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing an additional $6 million in the Grow Ontario Market Initiative to help agri-food businesses and industry organizations expand their sales and grow their markets. The increase brings the total funding for the Initiative through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural

Partnership to $12 million.

The Grow Ontario Market Initiative was launched in 2023 to provide primary producers, food processors and industry organizations with cost-share funding to help them increase sales in domestic and foreign markets through market analysis and planning, new product development and marketing.

In addition to the new funding for the Grow Ontario Market Initiative, the Ontario government has been promoting the province’s agriculture and food products outside our borders, most recently during a successful trade mission to Mexico to promote grain and bakery products.

The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs led a delegation of agri-food businesses and organizations to meet with Mexican government, trade representatives and leading food companies. The meetings provided opportunities to promote the range and quality of Ontario bakery and grain products available to Mexican buyers, and to learn more about companies’ operations and needs.

Sustainable CAP is a fiveyear $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by the provinces and territories.

Quick Facts

- The Grow Ontario Market Initiative is delivered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Application information can be obtained by calling 1-877-424-1300 or visiting their website at www.ontario.ca/page/growontario-market-initiativeguidelines

- Sustainable CAP will help enable the goals out-

lined in Ontario’s Grow Ontario Strategy, which include increasing the production of food by 30 per cent over the next 10 years and growing agriculture and food exports by eight per cent annually.

- Ontario’s agri-food industry contributes $48.8 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the prov-

incial economy (6.4 per cent of total Ontario GDP).

- The Ontario delegation to Mexico included Grain Farmers of Ontario, which represents 28,000 grain farmers: Baxter’s Bakery Inc., DG Global Inc., Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority, King’s Pastry, London Agricultural Commodities

(LAC), and Parrish & Heimbecker.

- In 2022, Ontario-Mexico agri-food two-way trade was $2.8 billion Canadian dollars. Mexico was Ontario’s sixth largest agri-food export market in 2022.

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

goldie continues from page 2

Manotick Messenger a finalist for provincial newspaper awards

The Manotick Messenger is up for a number of provincial newspaper awards.

The Ontario Community Newspaper Association announced the three finalists in more than 50 categories in its 2023 Better Newspaper Awards competition.

Entries were submitted in late 2023, and they were judged by some of the most experienced and reputable journalists in Canada. The top three in each category were announced Feb. 15.

Reporter Charlie Senack is one of the finalists for the Stephen Shaw Reporter of the Year Award. Senack, who writes for the Manotick Messenger and its sister publication, the Barrhaven Independent, was nominated for the award by both local papers as well as by the Kitchissippi Times. Although his nomination is officially listed as with the Kitchissippi Times, this marks the fifth time in the last 15 years that a reporter from the Messenger has been a finalist for the award. Jeff Morris was a winner of the award multiple times.

Most recently, Senack was on the scene for the Messenger covering the

December tragedy near Nichols Island when a group of teenagers fell through the ice and two male high school students lost their lives. That story will be eligible for next year’s OCNA awards.

Other finalists for the Stephen Shaw Award are Mile Balsom of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Local and Jason Stenyk of Cornwall Seaway News.

Senack’s work has been integral for the success of the Messenger in the last few years, as he took on a much larger role with the newspaper while still in journalism school as Morris stepped back from the newspapers to focus on his ongoing cancer treatments.

In the feature writing category, the Messenger and the Barrhaven Independent have two of the three finalist spots. The Messenger’s feature story on Manotick LCBO employee Lynn Roy is one of the stories that was recognized for feature writing. Roy’s story was a heartfelt account of how she helped found a school for children in the Philippines whose families live in the San Pedro dumpsite near Manila. Roy donates her entire paycheck every month to the operation

of the school, and takes a one-month leave of absence each year to travel to the Philippines and work at the school as a volunteer and administrator.

The feature representing the Barrhaven Independent also ran in the Messenger because of the many local ties. Hannah Otto, the older sister of Maddy Otto, shared her memories and feelings in the passing of her younger sister from an inoperable brain tumour. Maddy’s Gala has become a marquee fundraising event that has led the way for the Otto family to raise more than $1 million for Roger Neilson House, the children’s hospice located next to CHEO.

The other finalist for the award is Warren Schlote of the Manitoulin Expositor.

The Best News Series finalists include the coverage of the Ottawa Carleton District School Board’s controversial meetings regarding the use of girls washrooms by boys identifying as girls in the board’s schools.

When Manotick resident Nick Morabito wanted to make a presentation about the concerns he had over his 12-year-old daughter having to share a changeroom with 14-year-old biological males, he was shut down by acting board chair Nili Kalan-Myrth and called transphobic less than a minute into his presentation. Police were called in to control the crowd in both that meeting and the following OCDSB meeting.

Other finalists in that category are the Fort Frances Times and the Uxbridge Cosmos.

The Messenger also received an honourable mention in some categories, which is the equivalent of placing fourth in the province in those particular categories. One of them was for the best editorial. The Messenger’s editorial nominated for the award focused on the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, and how some of the trustees vote for the purpose of padding their political resumes for their next provincial election campaigns rather

than focusing on what the parents in their zone want and need.

There was also an honourable mention for fourth place in the Education Writing category, for the coverage of the OCDSB backpedalling on its decision to not allow a female police officer to attend her daughter’s first grade class career day in uniform. The career day was designed for people who had jobs who helped the community. The board, led by former chair Lyra Evans, voted to ban police in uniforms from schools. Evans, an NDP provincial candidate in the last Ontario election, has been outspoken with her stance on defunding the police, which is in line with NDP policy.

After comments from

Premier Doug Ford and from Ontario Minister of Education Stephen Lecce criticizing the OCDSB for being disrespectful to the police and to the female officer, the board allowed the woman to attend the Grade 1 career day in uniform.

Another honorable mention for fourth place was in the Investigative News Story category, which was an indepth piece on the 10th anniversary of the Barrhaven bus-train crash that killed six people in Sept. 2013. Details of the crash, the investigation that followed and the aftermath of the crash and its impact on the community were included.

Winners for the awards will be announced by the OCNA in the spring.

St. Philip fire in steeple quickly contained by local firefighters

Ottawa Fire services firefighters from the Richmond Fire Station worked quickly and effectively to contain a blaze at St. Philip Church Wed., Feb. 14.

The fire occurred in the steeple at St. Philip Parish and St. Clare Mission Church on Burke Street in Richmond. A 9-1-1- call was made at 9:18 p.m. reporting flames coming from the steeple of the more than 150-year building. Firefighters arrived within three minutes of being dispatched.

Since there are no fire hydrants on the street in that part of Richmond, tanker trucks were used by the firefighters to relay water in from a nearly source.

“Firefighters began a fast attack and began hitting the fire with handlines from the outside,” said Ottawa Fire Services. “Firefighters confirmed there were no occupants inside the Church. The risk of the steeple/Cross collapsing created a hazard on scene for crews. Our crews re-positioned trucks and firefighters away from the collapse zone. The cross

did eventually collapse but no firefighters were injured. Aerial ladders were used to attack the fire and to work from the top using saws to open up areas of the steeple to check for any fire extensions. Firefighters opened up multiple parts of the tin roof to fully expose the interior supports of the steeple which were all heavily charred.”

The fire was declared under control at 11:02 p.m. Firefighters performed salvage operations inside using tarps to protect the church from water damage.

Mass and events at St. Philip will not be disrupted at the church.

“Ironically, yesterday was Ash Wednesday, and an hour earlier we had just been receiving ashes on our foreheads during Mass at the church!” wrote Father Bob Poole the day after the fire.

The noticeable casualty in the village was the neon cross that glows at night, visible in many parts of Richmond.

The St. Philip Catholic Church Steeple caught fire Wed., Feb. 14. S CoT T S T i lborn P h oTo S/oTTaWa Fire Servi C e S fire continues on

MESSENGER EditoRial Not all freezes on food prices benefit consumers

Consumers often assume that price freezes are always in their favour. However, it’s important to recognize that not all price freezes are equal, especially when it comes to products further up the supply chain. Every year, between Nov. 1 and Feb. 1, grocers request suppliers not to increase prices for undisclosed reasons.

Messenger Editorial

This unspoken agreement between grocers and suppliers, which likely started decades ago, may not ultimately benefit consumers. In October, as suppliers renegotiate contracts with grocers, prices are often adjusted, and many increase just before the three-month price freeze.

Are you more Canadian than a fifth grader?

While high food inflation is certainly a concern for consumers, price volatility can be even more detrimental, and that’s exactly what these blackout periods bring to the market. Sudden spikes in food prices can surprise consumers and force them to temporarily abandon certain food categories, often including healthier options, leading to nutritional compromises. Once consumers perceive a food category as financially out of reach, it takes them a while to return.

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?

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.

According to Statistics Canada, over the last 15 years, some of the highest month-tomonth food price increases have occurred either in November or February.

They understand, perhaps better than all of us, what it means to be Canadian.

Coincidentally, these three months, January, February, and November, have experienced the highest month-to-month food price increases in the last 30 years, except for May.

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.

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.

Since these blackout periods are industry-wide, one could argue that this practice could be considered anti-competitive and may lead to price co-ordination among competitors. Although we still don’t know the precise reasons behind past price-fixing scandals, blackout periods may indicate a broader culture of price-fixing in the industry, to the detriment of consumers.

“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.”

There is nothing wrong with your windows from the other side

The phone rang.

It’s never for me.

Ever.

I looked around. No one else was home.

‘Okay,’ I thought. ‘I’ll get this.’

I hit the pause button on the game.

“Hello?”

Silence on the other end for about 10 seconds. Then, a voice obviously somewhere in New Delhi replied.

“Hello?”

I tried again.

“Hello?”

He replied.

“Hello?”

I replied back.

“Hello?”

No wonder tennis is so popular in India.

Finally, the man on the other end spoke.

“I am calling from Windows. Who am I speaking to?”

“Umm, Seechy,” I replied, finally finding a positive use for my imaginary friend who ditched me when I turned five. “Seechy Walnut.”

“Hello Mr. Walnut. How are you today?”

“Um, it’s Colonel Walnut.”

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.

“Ok Colonel Walnut. I am calling from Windows.”

Sometimes it’s best just to say nil

This issue goes beyond blackout periods. Recently, Loblaw informed its suppliers that their fees will increase once again. In the agri-food sector, suppliers must pay grocers to do business with them. Distribution centre charges will rise from 1.17 percent to 1.22 percent, and direct-to-store delivery (DSD) charges will increase from 0.36 percent to 0.38 percent. While these may seem like minor changes to most of us, they can amount to millions of dollars for suppliers.

“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.”

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.

“From me?”

“Yes Colonel Walnut.”

This is getting really good.

“That’s horrible,” I said. “My wife, Diva Walnut, does a lot of shopping online. This will devastate her. Do I need a new computer?”

“No Colonel Walnut,” he replied, confidently and comfortingly. “We have the ability to fix your computer remotely. All you have to do is allow me to have access to your desktop and I can remove the virus.”

Wow, that sounds legitimate.

I decided to ask a question.

“So, um, what happens if I give you access to my computer desktop, and then you put a trojan on my computer? Is that the part where you sell me a program for $200 per year to remove the trojan from my screen?”

“No Colonel Walnut, it is nothing like that.”

“Oh, so then after you have access to my computer and you plant the trojan, and I refuse to pay, is my computer going to be extremely messed up for the rest of my life?”

“No Colonel Walnut, that is not how it works at all.”

Actually, it is.

I knew about this scam, so I decided to have some fun with my new friend.

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.

wonder about things like how come “underneath” is a word but no one ever says “overneath” when the discussion pulled me back into soccer.

“My windows are fine,” I said. “I am looking out into my back yard right now. Do you clean Windows?”

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.

These yearly unilateral increases, imposed by Loblaw, will take effect on Apr. 28 without any dialogue or negotiation. While major multinationals like PepsiCo, Mondelez, Lactalis, Kraft-Heinz, and Kellogg may adjust their prices to offset higher fees from grocers, many smaller Canadian food manufacturers may struggle financially and even exit the industry. This results in higher prices and reduced competition, which is counterproductive for consumers.

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.

To address these issues, we need more discipline and oversight, including the implementation of a mandatory code of conduct to ensure fair practices in the industry.

It’s time to put an end to this insanity.

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.

© Troy Media

News

Advertising and Marketing: garyhcoulombe@gmail.com Website: www.manotickmessenger.ca

Staff/Contributors: Kelly Belair, David Brown, Gary Coulombe, Larry Ellis, Skyler Fraser, Goldie Ghamari, Melissa McIsaac, Jeffrey Morris, Greg Newton, Irene Staron, Ralph Tweedie.

“No Mr. Walnut. I am calling from the company, Windows.”

FROM THE OTHER SIDE

“It’s Colonel Walnut,” I said. “You are calling from the company that makes the windows?”

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.

“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?

“No, Windows, your computer program. I am calling from Windows.”

By Jeffrey Morris

Are you kidding me?

“And then even if I do pay you $200 per year for the rest of my life, you are still going to record every single key I press on my keyboard here and sell the data to some big company who sells data of people’s online habits?”

There was silence on the other end.

“That’s strange,” replied. “Windows is a computer program, not a company. How can you be calling from Windows?”

The other mom – the one with the Birkenstocks – piped in. “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.

“Because I am Colonel Walnut of the Eastern Ontario Special Ops Fraud unit,” I said, thinking that sounded intimidating. “And I will personally track this call using my Level 9 government clearance codes and I will hunt down anyone messing with my laptop like squirrels searching for acorns on a crisp fall afternoon…”

There was still silence on the other end.

“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.

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agri-food analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University.

“Oh, I know,” said the one wearing Birkenstocks. “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.

“We have detected a problem with Windows on your computer.”

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.

“I’m looking out my windows right now into the back yard. It’s a beautiful day, but my windows are a little bit dirty. Do you have someone that can do spring cleaning?”

Silence.

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.

I figured I would engage.

“So, um, are you a big cricket fan?”

“Oh, I know,” said the mom wearing Crocs. “The horns are such a beautiful part of the South African culture.”

He waited for a second.

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.

“Cricket?”

I wanted to jump in and say something, but I refrained. I couldn’t do it.

“Yes,” I replied. “Are you a big fan?”

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.

“My cousin lives in Australia, and he was devastated when Germany beat them 4-nil,” said the mom wearing Crocs.

“Of course,” he said.

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.”

“That’s great,” I said. “The replay of the IndiaPakistan match was on TV here in Canada last night. That must be a pretty big deal there when you guys play Pakistan.”

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. I was just about to drift back into ADD world and

The mom with the crocs was not impressed. The mom with Birkenstock’s wasn’t either, but she did acknowledge me with a response.

“But I am glad I can trust you,” I said. “I would hate to fall victim to a computer scam from some random guy in India.”

“Okay,” he said. “The first thing I need you to do is to turn on your computer and go online.”

“On the line?”

“Yes, go online.”

“You mean I go on the line?”

“Yes.”

“Hold on,” I said. “I need to insert a floppy disk before I turn it on.”

“What kind of computer do you have?”

“Um, let me check,” give me a second. I went downstairs to grab a Diet Coke. I rabbit holed my friend about how much I loved Diet Coke more than Coke Zero.

“What kind of computer do you have?”

“Who is your team?” she quipped, condescendingly.

Suddenly, my friend lit up with excitement.

I did the only thing I could do, shouting as loud as I could.

“USA! USA! USA!”

“It is,” he said excitedly. “Pakistan is our biggest rival. When we play cricket against them, it is very big here.”

They turned their heads in disgust. The next 45 seconds were incredibly silent and awkward.

“Commodore 64,” I replied.

“I have to get into your Windows.”

“Um, this computer is MS-DOS.”

“You mean you don’t have Windows?”

At that point, it was my turn. The cashier scanned my Diet Coke and V-8 Fusion, and I was all set.

I had him. We were one or two exchanges away from being Facebook BFFs.

“Would you like plastic bags?”

But, suddenly, he realized that I was trying to distract him from his scam, er, “job.”

“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.

He told me the shocking news.

“I do, and they are dirty. Can you send someone over?”

He hung up.

A few minutes later, the phone rang again.

“Hello? Hello?”

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.

“We have been receiving error codes from you and we believe there is a virus affecting your computer.”

“Hello. I am calling from the duct cleaning service. Who am I speaking to?”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Reader applauds Nick Morabito for standing up to public school board

The Editor, Congratulations to Nick Morabito for standing up for parents’ concerns about the issue of boys using girls’ bathrooms in schools when a neutral bathroom was available.

What right did Dr. Nili Kaplan-Myrth have to shut him down after one minute with the comment, “his presentation was transphobic”. It’s so easy to label people with words to justify their opinion. We

hear it often from our political opinions. Stop it!

It is our right and our freedom of speech to have our views heard without someone shutting us down with their opinion without any discussion.

Dr. Kaplan-Myrth was disrespectful to parents at this meeting and should not be allowed at future meetings.

Why not try small group discussions with a consensus of all opinions at the

end of these meetings?

Maybe parents should have girls at these meetings to share their views. The world is tough enough for young people. The trustees at these meetings might learn something from them!

Parents – Stand up for rights and concerns. In my day as a parent, we had our own parent meetings and solved our problems with discussion groups with good results.

P. Allen

We can’t bring in more immigrants when they have nowhere to live here

The Editor, The provincial, the municipal and the federal governments have no solution for

the housing shortage. Well I do. Cut the immigration numbers and stop the refu-

gee flow. Wake up as the way things stand, they will only get worse and housing numbers don’t get solved

overnight. It takes years. Why are we being so compassionate for the immigrants? Take care of our own

first.

The governments have neglected the homeless for years, but now we are at a

crisis with all the asylum refugees piling in. This needs to stop.

G. Searl

Reader gives kudos to Messenger, Gwyn Morgan for January 12 editorial

The Editor, Bravo to Gwyn Morgan and the Messenger for the remarkable, accurate and in-

formative Jan. 12 editorial which defines Canada as selfinflicted in the continuing housing, healthcare and eco-

nomic crisis.

They are a reflection of the much larger immediate global problem of too many people

consuming too much of the finite resources of our planet. Politicians, industrialist and others are, as ever,

intent on increasing their power, reputation, respect and legacies through unlimited growth. Worldwide free con-

traceptives and one-child families are unthinkable to them.

David Simpson

Ford should focus on family doctors instead of kindergarten and license plates

The Editor, We’ve often heard Pierre Poilievre say, “everything in Canada is broken,” and while that may sound like a bit of an exaggeration, he actually does have a point. Certainly nothing is more “broken” than the state of healthcare in Ontario, where it was recently

revealed that 2.3 million Ontarians are without a family doctor—a number which is expected to nearly double over the next two years, according to the Ontario Medical Association. That’s 2.3 million Ontarians today without access to frontline healthcare, which constitutes a

healthcare crisis the likes of which we’ve never seen. Interestingly, family doctors are blaming their desire to leave the profession on the excess paperwork imposed by the gatekeepers in the Ford government.

Meanwhile, what is our MPP for Carleton, Goldie Ghamari, focused on?

Well, apparently her government has introduced a new, “back to basics” Kindergarten Curriculum, according to her most recent column in the Messenger. Talk about fiddling while Rome burns! Oh, and if you’re not particularly impressed with their wonderful new direction

for teaching four-and-fiveyear-olds, Premier Doug is also happy to inform Ontarians that they no longer have to ever think about renewing their license stickers, because that will now become automatic!

So for Ontarians, that’s what life in a “broken” Canada looks like. Thanks

to the Ford government, no longer does anyone have to fear that they’re driving with an expired license sticker, but instead they now have to fear succumbing to an undiagnosed cancer.

That is the opposite of progress.

Andy Braid

Misguided conspiracy theory exposes Liberal and NDP ignorant perception of Giant Tiger

The Editor, I’m not sure if Nepean backbencher MP Chandra Arya and other Liberal MPs are looking over their shoulders more and more as time ticks toward the next election, but they should be.

It’s not because of anything Arya has or has not done since being elected to represent his riding nine years ago.

It has more to do with Arya getting elected while perched high on the crest of the Trudeau wave of popularity, and now

Trudeau and his political ally Jagmeet Singh are hanging MPs like Arya out to dry in the wind.

The deal breaker for me happened last week when Singh and Trudeau attacked MP Scott Reid because his family owns Giant Tiger.

Apparently, all grocers are evil, at least if you listen to the ruling federal government and the messages they have been feeding the Toronto Star, the CBC, and any other little socialist beaks in the nest reaching up for

some worms from their momma bird.

Team Trudeau is in serious back pedal mode, and if this is the latest scandal or ethical faux pas they are trying to pin on Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives, well that was a slapshot that whiffed and missed the puck completely.

The Reid family is not the Weston family. Loblaw is a massive grocery chain that has proven that their model for profit comes more from sources other than food than on

gouging struggling families. They make money off things like clothing and household items which are also available at their stores.

Giant Tiger, which started as a small family business and has grown to a chain of more than 250 stores nationally, is hardly screwing Canadians. Our family makes a trek to the GT Boutique at least once or twice a month. No one is getting rich off the purchases we and other families are making.

Singh called out Reid on X and tried to turn it into an ethics commissioner scandal, but then it was revealed that it was Reid who disclosed his family ties to GT to the ethics commissioner and then complied with excusing himself from a vote on Singh’s bill to lower grocery prices.

It’s clear that Singh has likely never stepped foot in a Giant Tiger store. It’s also likely that the silver spoon that was in the mouth of our prime minister when he was

born has never touched a microwave ramen noodle, a staple for my kids and for many other area families.

The bottom line is that this has brought attention that with so many Barrhaven and Riverside South people shopping at GT in Manotick, Barrhaven clearly needs a Giant Tiger. With Arya’s business background, maybe he can get a franchise if he loses the next election and goes back into the private sector.

Cindy Ferguson

Name: Melita Wyche

Grade: 12

Age: 17

School: Osgoode Township High

Parents: Heather and Dennis Wyche

FOCUS ON YOUTH

by Phill Potter

Activities/Interests:

by Phill Potter

Grade: 12

Parents: Heather and Dennis Wyche

Bringing events to our community is large part of MVCA’s focus. But without a dedicated volunteer prepared to take the lead in organizing our events, the Allan Haan Manotick Soap Box Derby is at risk of not taking place in 2024. With the successful completion of Shiverfest, our VP Events Theresa Roberts will be retiring from the MVCA Board at the end of May after seven dedicated years serving our community with passion and energy. Who will take her place? If you are an MVCA member who would like to see our events continue, we want to hear from you. Not a member? We invite you to join! Go to https://www.manotickvca.org/. In the coming weeks we’ll be reaching out through social media and our website, calling on interested parties who want to get more involved in their community.

Last year’s derby participants are telling us they’re already starting to plan for this year’s event. If you want to be part of bringing the derby back to Manotick in 2024, please write us at president@manotickvca. org .

Shiverfest 2024 Poll

What were your experiences of Shiverfest 2024? We invite you to submit your comments, suggestions and feedback to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VQFZ3FV

Kindergarten Registration

If your child was born in 2020 it is time to register for the 2024/2025 school year. For the Ottawa Catholic School Board Simply complete the online registration form found on their website. If you have questions, please email their Admissions Team at admissions@ ocsb.ca, and they will be happy to help. For more information go to https://www.ocsb.ca/ourschools/register/. OCSB also offers virtual 3D tours of their Kindergarten classrooms. To view go to their website https:// www.ocsb.ca/. For Ottawa Carleton District School Board registrations visit their website.

If you need any help you can always email the Admissions Department at boundaries@ ocdsb.ca or give them a call at 613-596-8731. Both school

VILLAGE VOICE

by Irene Staron, President, Manotick Village and Community Association (MVCA)

boards are offering Kindergarten Information Nights. Check out the in-person sessions for both the OSCB and OCDSB on their websites to help you decide which school is the best fit for you and your child.

Age Friendly Housing Survey

The Council on Aging of Ottawa (COA) wants to hear from you! Older adults are the fastest-growing age demographic in Ottawa. Many older adults live on fixed incomes and will need to consider changing health, accessibility and housing needs as they age. Your feedback will help them understand the housing needs of older adults aged 50+ living in Ottawa and will help shape policies, partnerships and advocacy actions being developed by the COA over the next year. If you are 50 years of age or older, to take the survey go to https://forms.office. com/Pages/ResponsePage. aspx?id=sdof1BV-_Uy1-nI A5U3ra4BM3hSZa_1HrJc 9DgvD4E1URE9HU0tHV kdJTUhVNlpHV1BNODc5 ME1DMi4u&wdLOR=cF4 52224A-FB59-4998-A326B17E8D6B6535. This survey will take about 15 minutes to complete and is open until March 2024.

Manotick Watermain Project Update & Road Closures

In mid-November 2023, the City of Ottawa began pre-construction work on Long Island in advance of the construction of the new water mains as part of the Manotick Watermain Link (Phase 2) project. Residents in the proposed areas of work have received a notice to advise the community of the planned park closures required to complete the work. More information about this project can be found at ottawa.ca/manotickphase2. Closures include full closure of Barney McCarney Landing planned for Feb-

Sisters: April (20), OTHS, UNB Fredericton. Violet (20), Canterbury (vocals), Carleton University. Ivy (22), St. Mark, Algonquin College.

Sisters: April (20), OTHS, UNB Fredericton. Violet (20), Canterbury (vocals), Carleton University. Ivy (22), St. Mark, Algonquin College.

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.”

ruary 12 and partial closure of Hilltop Park east side planned for April 2024. For further information about this project, please contact the City Project Manager Julie Lyons, P.Eng. Senior Engineer, Infrastructure Projects, City of Ottawa, Tel.: 613-580-2424, ext. 13343, julie.lyons@ottawa.ca.

Pets: Two dogs, Ewok and Pixie, and a cat.

Pets: Two dogs, Ewok and Pixie, and a cat.

Part-time Work: “Cheerleading and tumbling coach at Kemptville Infinity in Kemptville.)

Part-time Work: “Cheerleading and tumbling coach at Kemptville Infinity in Kemptville.)

Volunteer Firefighters Recruitment Campaign

Favourite Subjects: “Math and Chemistry. I enjoy doing labs and prob-

Ottawa Fire has initiated its annual recruit campaign for

Favourite Subjects: “Math and Chemistry. I enjoy doing labs and prob-

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.”

“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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

Allan Haan Manotick Soap Box Derby in question for 2024

Volunteer Firefighters which runs to March 31st. Keep your eyes on their social media for more updates and details on upcoming Open Houses. https://www.facebook.com/ ottfireincendie. Firefighting isn’t all about fighting fires, it also includes public education and getting involved with community events. For more information on what it takes to be an Ottawa Volunteer Firefighter and to apply, please visit https://ottawa.ca/

Why did you get involved in what you do?

“I got involved in Student Council because I saw it as an opportunity to make

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.”

en/health-and-public-safety/ ottawa-fire-services/jobs-ottawa-fire-services/volunteerfirefighter-recruitment

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.”

Solid Waste Engagement

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.”

After suffering numerous concussions, Melita Wyche turned to coaching.

Why did you get involved in what you do?

PHILL POTTER PHOTO

From February 7th to March 7th, Ottawa residents are invited to share their thoughts on the City’s draft Solid Waste Master Plan. This will likely be the last engagement opportunity before Council consideration in June. Some of the waste disposal solutions out-

“I got involved in Student Council because I saw it as an opportunity to make

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.”

lined in the draft plan include options for waste-to-energy incineration and mixed waste processing, which would be big changes to the current way that we dispose of garbage: landfills. Your engagement in this survey is important ahead of Council consideration of the final staff recommendations, and if you want to participate in the survey, go to https:// engage.ottawa.ca/solid-wastemaster-plan?tool=survey_ tool#tool_tab

After suffering numerous concussions, Melita Wyche turned to coaching.

PHILL POTTER PHOTO

Community Calendar

Manotick Family Skate Night - Every Sunday 4-6pm until the end of February, the Manotick Culture, Parks, & Recreation Association is hosting family-friendly skates (weather permitting) at Centennial Park. For regular updates go to https://www. facebook.com/events/3649349838680239?ref=newsfeed

• 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

• 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.

chanted Garden Gala in May 2024

Tickets are on sale now. For more information and to purchase tickets go to https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/chic-time-in-the-tickpresents-an-enchanted-garden-gala-tickets-718834522407

• 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.

Save the date! Friday, May 10, 6 pm-11 pm - Chick Time in the Tic presents a Night in an Enchanted Garden Gala at the Manotick Curling Centre, 5519 South River Drive. The longawaited return of a popular fundraising event for our community through the Manotick Culture, Parks and Recreation Association (MCPRA). $95 /person - buffet dinner & dancing. Great night out for the ladies! For tickets and more information go to www.mcpra.org. Tickets sell out quickly - buy yours today!

• 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

• 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

• 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.

NEW! Buddy Check Coffee -10am - Manotick Legion at 5550 Ann St. Everyone welcome! Now running every second Wednesday of every month. For more information contact: Terry Hunter at peilighthorse@hotmail.com

Progressive Euchre Tournament - First Saturday of the month at the Legion- Register at 12:30 pm; play at 1 pm. For more information, contact: danspitzig@gmail.com

Chic Time in the Tick Returns with The En-

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 7:30 - 9:00 pm. See the website for more information https://www.yoma.ca

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

The Manotick and Area Centre for Arts & Wellness 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

• 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

Ottawa Public Library - Manotick Branch

SHADES SHUTTERS DRAPERY

STEVENS CREEK SHUTTER CO

The Manotick Library has many activities for children and adults, including an Adult French Conversation Group, Family Literacy Day on January 27th, and story and craft programs. To discover all the events happening at the Manotick branch go to https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/

& more

Free shop-at-home service

613-706-1250

stevenscreekshutterco.ca

• Friday the fourth play, Greely 613-822-1451

• Tuesday the 1st pm. listen Mitch 826-6128.

Changing urban attitudes toward rural Ottawa is challenging

By DaviD Brown, riDeau-Jock councillor

Almost 18 months ago, I was elected to represent my urban colleagues and public servants as to the different needs of a rural resident.

Rideau-Jock Report

David Brown, Councillor , Ward 21

Residents who have lived in the village of Ashton for 30 years have different issues, ideas, and expectations than new residents 40

Our communities have much more in common with the smaller townships around us than we do with urban Ottawa. We don’t

complishing these priorities requires a recognition that, for rural Ottawa to be successful, we must tailor how the City delivers the

meeting that will be held in November with the goal of presenting our ideas to City Council in December. Once the dates for our workshop meeting and the rural summit are finalized, I will share them with the

For example, infrastructure is always a major

in order to meet our needs.

The second challenge is balancing the needs of our growing villages while maintaining the sense of community that exists.

richmond, On K0a 2z0, (613) 407-1687 (613) 859-1687

lawnandorderottawa.ca

Any ideas that you have can be emailed directly to ruralsummit@ottawa.ca or

*All churches wheelchair accessible*

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

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

ST. BRIGID: MASS TIME

Saturdays 4 p.m., Sundays 9 a.m.

Sundays 10:30 a.m.

Telephone: (613) 821-0761 Email: stbrigid.stjohn@gmail.com

Office Hours: Tuesday–Thursday 9am–3pm Friday. 9am-12pm

“A

(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

5332

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

Manotck Kiwanis Club makes $10k donation to Kemptville District Hospital

By Ralph Tweedie ManoTick kiwanis cluB

Are you aware how convenient the Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) is? The KDH catchment area runs from the St. Lawrence River to parts of Barrhaven. Manotick is just 22 minutes from KDH. It’s closer than the Ottawa General campus, about the same time to the Civic, and a little farther than the Queensway Carleton but with less traffic problems and possibly quicker access to emergency services. In fact, the Manotick area is the 3rd largest user of emergency services at KDH.

KDH has been a community hospital since 1960, the same year the Kiwanis Club of Manotick was chartered. For some of the nurses it’s a family affair. Their mothers were nurses at the KDH before them. Over the years, KDH developed many clinics to deal with specific health problems, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Plastic surgery and Derma-

Kiwanis News

Ralph Tweedie

tology. Regional programs have grown to include Total Joint Replacement, specialist clinical programs, outpatient surgery, etc. The most recent is the Heart Stress Test Clinic which opened 1 ½ years ago. They also provide an expanding list of education and wellness programs for the community. The KDH is an integrated health services organization focused on meeting the diverse needs of the community.

They do have an urgent need however. The Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As the shortage of family physicians for primary care becomes more acute, communities turn to hospital ERs and clinics for basic medical needs and referrals. As a result, the problems presented to an ER de-

partment can be much more complex than in the past and often multiple issues are in play.

The requirement is for swift, accurate and detailed analysis of the health issues. The solution: computed topography scans (CT scans). CT scans are much more accurate than x-rays and have revolutionized how doctors approach cases. They are particularly useful in emergency situations where time is of the essence.

Currently, if a patient at the KDH requires a CT scan he is taken to an Ottawa hospital ER. This ties up ambulances which can be urgently required elsewhere as well as reducing the time advantage. A modern ER cannot function efficiently and as effectively without a CT scanner.

The KDH has taken steps to acquire a CT scanner. Funds have been secured to build the needed infrastructure and construction is scheduled to begin in March, 2024. The KDH Foundation has launched

The Crossroads Campaign to raise $2.2 million dollars to acquire a CT Scanner. It has already collected over $800,000.

In the past 20 years the Kiwanis Club of Manotick has donated a total of $4,600 to the KDH. This year we are very proud to announce

a donation of $10,000 to The Crossroads Campaign. KDH has made a $250,000 down payment and the scanner is on order.

We are not alone in our local support of the Kemptville hospital. Half of all donors to the hospital are from outside Kemptville. Of

those, more than 60% are from Manotick, Osgoode, and the surrounding area, surely proof of how important this hospital is to our community health. For more information, or to make a donation go to www.kdhfoundation.ca or call 613 408 0086.

From left to right, Robert Lauder, LG of Division 13, Dean Usher and Margret Norenberg from the KDF Foundation, and Gary Coulombe, co-president of Manotick Kiwanis.

Lent is now being observed by many Christian churches

Lent is the religious season observed in the early spring by Christian churches. It begins on Ash Wednesday, 40 days before Easter, excluding Sundays, and ends on Easter Sunday. The term Lent comes from the old English word lencten, which meant springtime. The word used in church liturgy is Quadragesima. Lent is part of the regular church year of Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant churches. Many churches hold special services or meetings during the Lenten season.

Many Christians observe Lent by fasting, performing penance, abstaining from certain everyday pleasures and

fOCUS ON YOUTH

by Phill Potter

making special donations. The season originated as one of spiritual preparation for Easter in remembrance of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it also symbolized the mourning of the Church. The length of time for observing Lent varied through the ages. For many years, it was considered a 36-day period of fast, and during the AD 800s, four days were added, making 40.

This was done as a reminder of the 40 days Christ fasted in the wilderness.

The colors most often used in Easter decorations – white, yellow, or gold, and the delicate shades of green and purple – are the colors of springtime, too. They are the colors of new leaves and grass, spring flowers, flowering shrubs and trees. White stands for purity, light, and joy; we see it in the Easter candles and in the fragrant Easter lily. Yellow stands for sunlight and radiance; green stands for nature and for hope of eternal life. Purple is a royal color too, and in the language of religious symbols, it stands for mourning.

fire continues from page 5

“The good news is that no-one was injured, the church was empty and locked up after the 7 p.m. Mass had ended. Also, the early raising of the alarm by someone passing by the church who noticed the fire breaking out, and the prompt action on the part of the fire crews, meant that the fire damage was contained to the bell tower. Unfortunately, the neon cross on the top of the tower fell down, and other debris had to be cleared from the tower as a result of the fire, but the main body of the church was undamaged apart from some water falling down onto the balcony and into the lobby from the tower,”

Poole said.

While an official cause of the fire is under investigation, Poole suspects it was caused by a wiring malfunction.

“At the moment, we are concentrating on cleaning up the debris from the blaze,” said Poole. “My thanks to the Knights for volunteering their service to help with the cleanup, and to all those who reached out to express their loving concern and promise of prayers and offers of help. Thanks also to St Philip School for the offer of the use of their premises for our liturgies. Also, to the ministers of the Richmond ministerial group for reaching out to us.

“We are intending to resume full services in the church very soon, once we are able. But for now, because of the remaining moisture in the church, and the smell of smoke, we will be holding the Stations of the Cross this Friday, and the Saturday evening and Sunday morning Masses in the church hall, and probably the Monday evening Mass as well. Going forward, it looks as if the usual rhythm of the Lenten season will be able to proceed normally in the church itself. For now, entrance into the hall for Mass this weekend will be through the side door of the church and also the doors leading into the annex.”

Manotick Shiverfest brings community together for winter celebration

Above,

The Manotick Curling Club was a busy place with curling demonstrations and lessons.

instructors Art and George teach the basics of curling to Chelsea.

Kris and Mike Schulz enjoyed the chili cook-off at the Manotick Legion.

The Manotick Kiwanis culinary team at the pancake breakfast.

Frosty said hello to all the guests at the pancake breakfast and at the other Shiverfest events.

Eve was among the many happy customers at the Manotick Kiwanis Shiverfest pancake breakfast.

The Manotick Village Community Association served up hot chocolate at the Shiverfest bonfire.

Councillor David Brown was among the many who enjoyed the annual chili cook-off.

Local artist Krysia Kurylowicz was busy painting young faces at Shiverfest.

MPP tells hearing OCDSB school board meetings ‘better than Netflix’

Sometimes there is yelling and screaming.

Sometimes the trustees accuse each other of being racist.

Sometimes a trustee will shut down a parent’s presentation and call him transphobic.

And three times last year, the board had to call in the Ottawa Police to restore order at their public meetings. This, of course, happened after the same board banned the same officers from being at schools while in uniform.

Many parents and other members of the community have discovered the live streaming of the board’s meetings through a link on their website. One of the regular viewers is Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari, who watches the meetings to monitor what is going on with the school board in her riding and throughout Ottawa.

“I tune in to the OCDSB trustee meetings because it’s better than watching a Netflix reality TV show,” Ghamari said during the

Provincial Government’s Pre-Budget Consultation Meeting Held in Ottawa in late January. “It really is. There’s always some sort of drama, there are always some sort of allegations, there are always some sort of accusations.”

The Ottawa Carleton District School Board has been in the news a number of times in the last year. However, rather than being about education or building new schools, the news has been about disruptions and in-fighting at their board meetings, suspensions, lawsuits, and the thousands of families who have had no school bus transportation for their children to get to school. The majority of those students have been in Ghamari’s Carleton riding.

“In speaking with my constituents and people from all across Ottawa, the one message I get is that they have lost confidence in the school board trustees,” Ghamari told the hearing in response

to a presentation made by OCDSB Trustee and Chari Lynn Scott. “That’s why it’s so important for people to pay more atten-

tion to municipal elections. People think ‘it doesn’t impact me’, but for those of you who have children in the public

education system, your school board trustee is one of the most important politicians in your dayto-day lives. They’re the

ones who directly impact the quality of your children’s education.”

meetings continues on page 15

Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari was highly critical of the OCDSB during the Provincial Government’s Pre-Budget Consultation Meeting Held in Ottawa in late January.

meetings continues from page 14

Ghamari was critical of the lack of communication from the OCDSB. Included in that lack of communication is that Zone 10 Trustee, Justine Bell, has been living in Mexico for more than half a year, including several months when she was vice-chair.

Before Ghamari’s questioning of Scott on the issue, the board had never publicly acknowledged that Bell is representing her ward from Mexico. Bell makes no mention of being in Mexico on her website.

“I can only sit back and

imagine if the OCDSB had been more concerned with getting proper updates from Vicky Kyriaco and OSTA, for example, during the summer months, on the plan for how they were going to provide bus routes for students, maybe there wouldn’t have been a fiasco,” Ghamari said. Ghamari, like many parents in the western and rural areas of the Carleton riding, did not know that OSTA had failed to obtain a contract with a school bus transportation company for the area until just days before the start of

school.

“The only way I heard about the school bus cancellations was on the radio prior to the long weekend before the first day of school,” she told Scott at the hearing. “As a provincial MPP that’s how I found out about the thousands of (students affected by) school bus cancellations which heavily impacted my riding. No one bothered to reach out to me. Not you, anyone. For me to get the news about the school board trustees from the radio is a little bit shocking,

it shows the disconnect. Even though I’ve constantly tried reaching out, it’s very frustrating.”

Ghamari ended that part of the hearing by telling Scott that she still wants to work with the board, but added that the board needs to focus on its

priorities.

“I would say the take away here is I am willing to work with you and I’m willing to work with the school board trustees, but what I would like to see is some seriousness, some dedication, maybe not have school trustees in

Mexico for half the year or longer, maybe focus on building schools, maybe have a plan to get those schools built, and maybe focus on re-opening Munster Elementary School and providing a little more quality education to rural schools,” she said.

Annual ROSSS St. Patrick’s Day fundraising trivia night March 13

It’s been mentioned before, ROSSS relies heavily on the support of our community. And while that’s true of our upcoming St. Patrick’s Day Trivia fundraiser, we’re very much looking forward to an opportunity to connect with this community.

Events like these reinforce strength of our community and give us all an opportunity to let loose a little, while raising funds which will al-

ROSSS News

Melissa MacIsaac

low us to continue providing vital programs and services to our community’s most vulnerable seniors and adults with disabilities. We are so deeply grateful for these op-

portunities to connect with this community in such a fun, engaging way.

With all that said, we’re asking you to join us for a lively St. Patrick’s Day Trivia Night on March 13th at the Alfred Taylor Community Centre in North Gower! Tickets are $15, and the evening kicks off at 6:30 with Irish stew, soda bread, and baked goods available for purchase.

Dive into games, a 50/50

SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

Shop Local!

draw, and a silent auction, all in support of vulnerable seniors and adults with disabilities. The trivia, starting at 7, promises a night of laughter and camaraderie for all ages.

We’re thrilled to have City Councillor David Brown as our emcee.

After the success of our Holiday Trivia Night, we recommend securing your tick-

ets early at www.rosss.ca or by visiting our office at 1096 Bridge Street. Don’t miss out on the fun while making a positive impact in your community!

Embracing local flavor: The importance

By Kelly Belair, ManoticK Bia

In the heart of Manotick lies a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of small businesses. From cozy cafes to boutique shops, these enterprises are the lifeblood of our community, enriching our lives in ways both tangible and profound. As we navigate through the ever-changing landscape of commerce, it becomes increasingly crucial to recognize and embrace the importance of supporting these local establishments.

Small businesses are more than just economic entities; they are the em-

Manotick BIA News

Kelly Belair

bodiment of the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels our community’s growth and prosperity. Unlike large corporations, which often operate from a distance, small businesses are deeply rooted in the local landscape. They are owned and operated by our neighbors, friends, and family members, who pour their hearts and souls into their enterprises.

By supporting small

businesses, we are not only investing in the products and services they offer but also in the fabric of our community itself. These businesses create jobs, stimulate economic activity, and contribute to the unique character and charm that make our town a special place to live and visit.

Moreover, small businesses play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of connection and belonging within our community. Unlike faceless corporations, small business owners are accessible and approachable, often forging personal relationships with their custom-

ers. Whether it’s a familiar face behind the counter or a handwritten note of thanks, these gestures of genuine care and appreciation cultivate a sense of camaraderie that transcends mere transactions.

In times of crisis, small businesses serve as pillars of resilience, anchoring our community and providing vital support when we need it most. From weathering economic downturns to navigating the challenges of a global pandemic, small businesses have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to serving our community, adapting their operations to meet evolving needs

and circumstances.

As consumers, we wield tremendous power through our purchasing decisions. By choosing to support small businesses, we are making a conscious choice to invest in the well-being of our community. Every dollar spent at a local business reverberates through the local economy, creating a ripple effect of prosperity that benefits us all.

In a world dominated by impersonal transactions and fleeting interactions, small businesses offer something truly invaluable: a sense of connection, community, and shared purpose. They are

more than just storefronts; they are the heartbeat of our town, pulsating with vitality and vitality. As we navigate the intricate web of commerce, let us remember the importance of supporting small businesses and nurturing the vibrant tapestry that binds us together. Together, let us celebrate and champion the diverse array of small businesses that enrich our lives and embody the essence of our community. By supporting them, we are not only investing in our local economy but also in the collective spirit that makes our town a place we are proud to call home.

Wollastonite: Improving Ag Productivity and Fighting Climate Change

Special to the MeSSenger

Local farmers will be excited to learn about a recently announced business partnership that will be a win-win both for themselves and the planet. Canadian Wollastonite (CW), a mining company based a short distance north of Kingston, has teamed up with UK-based UNDO Carbon to subsidize a lime alternative for spreading on Ontario fields that will help to combat climate change.

The two companies have partnered in a three- year carbon removal demonstration project which is the largest initiative of its kind in North America. Their goal will be to show that Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) is a shovel ready, low cost, geoengineering tool that is a win for both farmers and the planet. ERW captures carbon dioxide by spreading crushed rock on the soil that starts a chemical reaction. The process begins when carbon dioxide is captured by rain and forms carbonic acid. When the acidic rain reacts with wollastonite it releases calcium, magnesium, and silicon into the soil, while storing carbon in the ground water for thousands of years The successes achieved by the Canadian demonstration project will be used to model, calibrate and scale similar ERW programs around the world. For participating farmers, the CWUNDO initiative will create attractive opportunities to save money and realize important

benefits for their crops.

UNDO Carbon, established in 2022, is a global pioneer in the field of carbon removal which is on a mission to permanently remove one billion tons of atmospheric carbon dioxide This will be accomplished through ERW projects both in Canada and various other countries. ERW is designed to accelerate the naturally occurring process of rock weathering by crushing chemically reactive rock into fine silicate powder, thereby exposing more reactive surface area to the elements. ERW is UNDO’s permanent, rapid, and scalable

carbon dioxide removal technology that has the potential to lock away up to four billion tons of carbon dioxide per year. This equates to 40% of global carbon dioxide removal targets. Canadian Wollastonite, located in Seeley’s Bay, was established to develop one of the world’s largest deposits of wollastonite, an environmentally friendly white mineral that has impressive soil enhancing and carbon dioxide sequestering properties. The new joint initiative with UNDO will provide Canadian farmers with crushed wollastonite that can improve crop yields. In

addition to its utility as a natural fertilizer, the wollastonite which is spread on farmers’ fields will make valuable environmental contributions by removing significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

The process jointly developed by CW and UNDO Carbon makes it possible for substantial amounts of carbon to be captured quickly, with carbon dioxide molecules being flushed down through soils and waterways leading to their permanent storage for thousands of years. UNDO Carbon provides the technical expertise that is required to accurately measure and document the amount of carbon dioxide that is being captured.

Wollastonite would customarily be sold to the horticultural market for $50 per ton. However, the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through ERW creates high quality carbon removal credits which are sold on the voluntary carbon market. The revenues that flow from these sales make it possible to subsidize 100% of the cost of the wollastonite itself. The only cost to participating farmers is the trucking cost from the Canadian Wollastonite site in Seeley’s Bay, and the company is presently offering rebates that

will partially offset these costs.

As a result of the way that the CW – UNDO operating model is structured, it offers a compelling economic argument for using wollastonite as a highly effective substitute for lime. The concept has already been enthusiastically embraced by several Ontario farmers, who confirm that the value proposition involved is a powerful one that’s hard to resist.

Exhaustive and rigorous testing of wollastonite has demonstrated that it is a mineral that is ideally suited to agricultural applications. The methodology that has been developed by the two companies has already been shown to demonstrate over 90% carbon efficiency. The plan is to rapidly scale up the rollout of the CW-UNDO partnership, increasing the amount of wollastonite that will be spread on Ontario farms from 10,000 tonnes in 2023 to 100,000 tonnes by the end of 2024. If all goes according to plan, it will result in the removal of one million tonnes of carbon dioxide from Ontario fields over the next seven years.

Wollastonite also has other important advantages that will directly benefit farmers. The mineral contains valuable plant nutrients such as cal-

cium, magnesium, sulfur, and silicon, which has been proven to be particularly effective in terms of improving stress tolerance, enhancing crop quality, and fortifying plants against pests and diseases. As wollastonite breaks down, it releases vital nutrients into soil that are made available to plants and crops. Independent lab-based studies have shown that application of wollastonite to crops can increase dry mass by 177%, plant height by 59%, and dry biomass weight by 90%.

By substituting wollastonite for traditional lime and expensive lime applications, farmers can save both money and eliminate the significant amounts of carbon dioxide that are released when lime is applied. The arrangement between CW and UNDO Carbon has been structured so as to make it simple and easy for farmers to take advantage of what the two companies can offer.

Farmers interested in exploring this opportunity are encouraged to contact Canadian Wollastonite to discuss how they can participate. For more information, please visit the company’s website www.canadianwollastonite.com or call Harris Ivens, Project Manager, at (613) 387-2734 ext. 100.

Fo Guang Shan Temple hosts community in celebration of Chinese New Year

Fo Guang Shan Temple in Richmond hosted a massive celebration Sun., Feb. 11 as they ushered in the Year of the Dragon. Children from the congregation provided music, dancing and drumming to the delight of the packed temple. Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari and Nepean MP Chandra Arya were among the dignitaries invited to the event, while a message was read from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

What is your child doing this March Break?

March Break is around the corner! Time to decide what to do with all the spare time. Perhaps a day on the slopes and some time on a rink? It’s also a great time to make sure your kids have what they need to thrive for the rest of the school year. One of the most important tools for learning 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 a hearing screening shortly after birth, but few undertake the recommended rechecks every five years. This is unfortunate because 2-in-3 children will suffer at least one episode of ear problems, and 1-in-6 will have six 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 leave the child frustrated and disengaged long after the loss has resolved, needlessly impacting their ability to achieve their full potential. 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 children have 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. 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 a product to 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 an effective, non-invasive product worn outside the ear. With nothing in

the ear canal, this product does not interfere with the physician’s treatment plan. It is simply a fantastic way for anyone suffering from either an outer or middle ear infection to regain hearing as they heal.

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

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

CLUES ACROSS

1. River in Tuscany

5. A way to represent

8. Rocker’s guitar

12. Civil Rights group

14. Brew

15. Scratch

16. W. Asian country

18. The Eye Network

19. Clarified butter

20. Part of the Cascade Range

21. Downwind

22. A way to steer

23. Loop

26. Not ingested

30. Swampy coniferous forest

31. Musician

32. Signing

33. Containing iron

34. Part of a theorem or proof

39. Veterans battleground (slang)

42. Of enormous proportions

44. Italian city

46. Come before

47. Balm

49. Undergarments

50. Male parent

51. Ropes

56. Ear part

57. Investment vehicle

58. Dictator

59. Cain and __

60. A type of code

61. Border river along India and Nepal

62. It’s what’s for dinner

63. Consume

64. Christian __, designers

CLUES DOWN

1. Cuckoos

2. Skin issue

3. City in central Japan

4. Sorrels

5. Twinned diamond

6. Canadian province

7. Monetary units

8. Head honcho

9. Goddess of wisdom

10. Part of a play

11. Get rid of

13. Applicant

17. Bowling alleys have many

24. Explosive

25. “The Say Hey Kid”

26. Ultrahigh frequency

27. No (Scottish)

28. Make a mistake

29. Credit card term

35. Keyboard key

36. Woman (French)

37. In the middle of

38. Score perfectly

40. Coat a metal with an oxide coat

41. Deadly disease

42. A place to dock a boat (abbr.)

43. Belch

44. Member of U.S. Navy

45. “In __”: separate from others

47. Examine extensively

48. Adjust

49. Tattle

52. Actor Pitt

53. Gulls

54. Within

55. Exceptionally talented performer

Fred Giese

90 passed away on January 20, 2024. Lived in Manotick for 35 years. Was a mason who spealized in chimneys. All of his work was in Manotick. Will be missed by his children; Joann, Jacquie, Stephen, Kim and Susan. Grandchildren; Heather, Bryan, Mark, Bryan and Zoey. Also his beautiful and supportive wife Jean Brock. Donations to head injury association

Norenius, Lt Col Johan Erik, CD, BA

Erik passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, surrounded by love, in his 92nd year. Born in Toronto, Erik graduated from high school in Manotick ON. After a short stint with the Royal Bank of Canada, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1953, where he trained as a navigator and flew CF-100’s with 425 All Weather Squadron in RCAF Station St Hubert near Montreal and CF-101’s in RCAF Station Bagotville QC., Erik served ground tours as Fighter Controller in RCAF Stations St Sylvestre QC and Holberg BC, as commanding officer at Canadian Forces Station Sioux Lookout, and held various staff positions in Air Defence Command HQ, National Defence Headquarters, NORAD Headquarters in Colorado and on the directing staff at Canadian Forces Command and Staff College in Toronto, retiring in 1980 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Moving to Port Hope the same year, he assumed the Bursar position with Trinity College School, retiring fifteen years later. In 1995 he founded Sage Information Services to provide benchmark services to the nation’s top independent schools within the Canadian Association of Independent Schools, before ending that role in 2010.

Erik volunteered as a board member on the Port Hope Friends of Music, the Port Hope Chamber of Commerce and acted as Chair of the Art Gallery of Northumberland and the Capitol Theatre Foundation in Port Hope. Erik and his wife of 65 years, Una Mae (nee Ashley), were charter members of the Probus Club of Port Hope and District. Erik volunteered as a hockey and soft ball coach for his kids’ teams and was instrumental in establishing the Pike’s Peak President’s Day Hockey Tournament in Colorado Springs in 1978, which continues to this day.

Erik’s partner in these adventures was his wife, Una, a teacher whom he met in St. Hubert and with whom he found a kindred spirit, always up for a game of badminton, camping, skiing, dancing, travel and other fun. Erik and Una travelled and RV’d in every province in Canada and every continental state in the United States. Internationally they visited Mexico, several Caribbean islands, England, Scotland and Wales, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, East and West Germany, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Russia and South Africa.

These are the facts of Erik’s life, but they do not tell you why his family and friends mourn his loss. We will miss his grin and the gleam in his eye when he instigated a friendly debate, his sense of adventure and love of family, nature, reading, learning and sports. Erik always looked younger than his chronological age, which we attribute to the fact that he was always young at heart.

Erik leaves daughter Kristine van der Pas-Norenius (Mark van der Pas) of Kingston, daughter Katherine of Toronto, son Peter Nils (Donna Wong) of Toronto, brother Noel Harbeson Norenius, grandchildren Erika van der Pas (Mario Pejic), Niklas Anders Norenius and Tessa Halle Norenius, great granddaughter Mila Pejic and companion Jean Archdeacon.

Erik was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Una Mae.