Manotick Messenger January 10, 2025 by J Morris

Experience the Hearing Freedom Difference

ServiceOntario has resources needed for new and expecting parents

By Goldie Ghamari mPP for Carleton

Happy New Year to everyone in the Carleton riding!

We have closed the book on a year that was very eventful locally, provincially and nationally. We are all waiting anxiously to see what 2025 brings for us!

One of the things I like to do when the new year begins is look at some of the “end of year” new items that the media comes up with to share. This is the perfect time of year for these soft, human interest pieces as much of the political world throughout Canada is shut down for a couple of weeks.

One of the first pieces like this that grabbed my attention was the list of the top baby names in 2024 for boys and girls

born in the province.

Sadly, Goldie was once again left off the top 10 list for girls names, but there is always next year!

The top 10 boys in Ontario for 2024 are:

1. Noah 2. Liam 3. Theodore 4. Oliver 5. Jack 6. Lucas 7. Benjamin 8. William 9. Leo

10. Henry

This is the fifth straight year that Noah is the most popular boys name in the province. Henry, which was 10th, was the only name on the list that did

not appear on the 2023 list.

The top girls names in Ontario for 2024 are:

1. Olivia 2. Charlotte 3. Amelia 4. Emma 5. Sophia 6. Mia

7. Sofia 8. Ava 9. Mila

10. Isla

This is the 15th straight year that Olivia is the top girl name in Ontario. Since we are in year-end reflection mode, here is something to put the Olivia name streak into perspective.

The last time a list was released without Olivia as the top girls name in Ontario, Meet the Parents: Little Fockers was the top movie at the box office, and Tik Tok by Ke$ha was the number one song on the Billboard charts.

Even though Olivia wasn’t the most popular girls name in Ontario 15 years ago – Olivia was number two behind Emma – Olivia has been the top baby girl name in Canada since 2008.

Registering a Birth in Ontario

While on the topic of baby names, one of the topics we get asked a lot about in our constituency office is the process of registering a birth, and applying for birth certificates and OHIP cards.

Registering a birth in Ontario is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow the necessary steps to ensure everything is done correctly. Here’s a step-bystep guide:

You will need to fill out two forms: the Statement of Live Birth form (completed by parents)

and the Notice of Live Birth form (completed by qualified medical staff). These forms are available at hospitals, birthing centers, and ServiceOntario locations.

Fill out the Statement of Live Birth form with the baby’s date of birth, name, and parental information (names, dates of birth, and places of birth).

The Notice of Live Birth form will be completed by the medical staff who delivered the baby.

Submit the completed forms to ServiceOntario.

You can do this online through the 5-in-1 Newborn Bundle if the baby is born in Ontario, under 12 months old, and the birth hasn’t been registered before. Alternatively, you can mail the forms to the Office of the Registrar General.

When registering the birth, you can also apply

for a birth certificate for your child. This can be done through the same 5-in-1 Newborn Bundle. You can also apply for your child’s SIN at the same time as registering the birth.

Registering the birth allows you to apply for Canada child benefits, including Ontario-specific child benefits.

You can also request a referral for an education savings plan for your child.

There are also some important things parents will need to know:

The birth must be registered within 30 days of the baby’s birth. If you miss this deadline, you can still register the birth within 12 months, but the process will be longer and may incur a fee.

O-Train Lines 2 and 4

The City of Ottawa will open O-Train Lines 2 and 4 for weekday passenger service opened on Monday, January 6.

Lines 2 and 4 are part of the O-Train South Extension that will extend Ottawa’s rail network from Bayview Station to Limebank Station in Riverside South and will include a link to the Ottawa International Airport on O-Train Line 4. This is a significant expansion of OC Transpo’s transit system and will greatly enhance connectivity in the south of the city.

Lines 2 and 4 will open in three phases to ensure reliable service, allow customers to become familiar

with the new system, and provide time for additional staff training.

Phase one, which started Monday, has Lines 2 and 4 operating five days a week, Monday through Friday, for a minimum of two weeks. In phase two, service will expand to six days a week, Monday through Saturday, and will run for a minimum of two weeks. In the third and final phase, service will expand to seven days a week.

Existing bus service will continue to run alongside Lines 2 and 4, providing parallel bus service options for customers. This parallel service, which includes B2 buses (formerly known

weekday service

as Line 2 buses), and Route 97 and Route 99 will be available for customers every day of the week.

Line 2 will provide service approximately every 12 minutes during weekdays and take 35 minutes to travel the 19 kilometres from Bayview Station to Limebank Station. The Line 2 extension features 11 stations and three Park & Ride lots at Greenboro, Leitrim and Bowesville stations. Stadler FLIRT diesel trains will operate along the track and can carry up to 420 passengers comfortably. Alstom LINT diesel trains, coupled together to match the capacity of the Stadler

FLIRTs, can also operate on Line 2.

Line 4 will provide service to the Ottawa International Airport with a connection to Line 2 at South Keys Station and a station at Uplands Drive, conveniently located near the EY Centre. Line 4 will provide service every 12 minutes and take approximately seven minutes to travel between Airport and South Keys stations. Line 4 will be served by Alstom LINT diesel trains which previously operated successfully along Line 2 for several years. Each train will be able to carry up to 260 passengers comfortably.

goldie continues from page 2

If you are moving, use your new mailing address when registering the birth. If you move unexpectedly after registering, contact ServiceOntario immediately.

Ensure you have all necessary documents and information before starting the registration process. This includes the baby’s date of birth, name, parental information, name of the hospital or birthing center, name of the person who delivered the baby, baby’s weight, and length of pregnancy in weeks.

If you need assistance or have questions, ServiceOntario provides support and can be contacted via phone or in person.

Inspiration for the week

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

Nelson Mandela 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

Mayor says rural wards will get more attention from city in 2025

By Manotick Messenger staff

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe says the tone was set for a positive 2025 at the November Rural Summit.

In an interview with the Manotick Messenger, Sutcliffe said the summit and the commitment to have future rural summits are essential in fostering a strong relationship between the city and its rural communities and residents.

Sutcliffe was the only mayoral candidate who extensively campaigned in rural Ottawa during the last election campaign.

“Going back to the 2022 election campaign, I heard from members of the rural community about their needs and concerns and about the fact that they wanted to make

sure that we did not use a one-size-fits all approach to the decisions we made as a city,” Sutcliffe said. “It’s very easy for people who spend most of their time in downtown Ottawa to overlook how vast and diverse our community is.”

Ottawa’s first Rural Summit was held 17 years earlier. It was a reaction to the growing movement to see the rural wards separate from the city to form Carleton County. Plans for further Rural Summits never came to fruition.

Sutcliffe and his staff pushed aggressively and worked with the city’s rural councillors to make the 2024 event a reality.

“I was really pleased to see the Rural Summit move forward,” he said. “I think we are taking steps to demonstrate

that we will make rural decisions for rural communities and rural residents and that we will have resources in place of the city, and individuals who are looking out for the rural community in the decision-making process.”

One example of how the city’s one-size-fitsall policies don’t work in the rural communities was the botched traffic circle on Perth Street in Richmond at the entrance to the Fox Run community. The traffic circle was built to city specs, but when a farm vehicle got stuck in the circle because it was too narrow, a do-over was necessary.

Rideau-Jock Councillor David Brown reference the circle when speaking at the Rural Summit, and Sutcliffe said the traffic circle has

been referenced several times regarding one-sizefits-all discussions.

“That was a big outcome of the Rural Summit and I feel like we’re making progress on that,” Sutcliffe said. “I’ve heard good feedback from rural residents on that, so I think 2024 was a big step forward in our quest to make sure that our rural communities are supported.”

One of the issues discussed at the Rural Summit was to ensure that rural Ottawa did not have to compete with city wards for infrastructure dollars. For the Mayor, balance was the key to planning for 2025.

“I think it’s all about balance balanced approach,” Sutcliffe said. “We have a huge city and we have rural communities that have their own

needs and their own way of life that they want to preserve. We have very vibrant suburban communities like Barrhaven that are unique in character, and we have to protect their needs and support their growth. And then we have the centre of the city, and we’ve got a different set of challenges there.”

The 2025 budget identifies a number of road and infrastructure projects for the rural wards, including several road repairs and ditch improvements.

“That’s an example of one big thing in the budget as we doubled the resources for ditches,” Sutcliffe said. “In 2025, that’s a big step forward that reflects that needs of the rural community. We’ve invested much more significantly in rural roads

in repairing and resurfacing roads because that’s one of our big challenges in the community.”

Another issue for local residents impacts both rural and suburban residents. Many local residents who drive to Barrhaven or Riverside South to catch public transportation have been frustrated by inconsistent and unreliable transit services.

OC Transpo bus service has been less than reliable, with many buses running late or not showing up at all. That has been problematic for the thousands of federal government workers who have been working from home have been mandated back to their downtown offices three days per week.

rural continues on page 5

rural continues from page 4

In the summer, Sutcliffe initiated his “Fairness for Ottawa” campaign. The campaign involved an ask to the federal and provincial governments for $140 million for transit over three years. OC Transpo is projecting a $120 million funding shortfall in 2025, $131 million in 2026, $145 million in 2027 and deficits of $150 million in 2028 and 2029.

The province has agreed to put up money if the federal government does. But with the uncertain future of the Trudeau government and a potential election coming sooner rather than later, it will be difficult for the city to get a firm commitment for funding.

During the city’s budget debate, much of the discussion was about the cost of the OC Transpo service and how much to raise fares. The cost of single fare rides rose to $4, more than any other city in the country.

However, Sutcliffe said that OC Transpo is not the most expensive service in Canada once other factors are considered.

“One of the things I learned this year is that when we talk about our single ride adult fare and compare that to other cities, it’s the wrong comparison,” he explained.

“It’s the wrong data point. Our single ride fees might be a little higher than other communities, but the average user of OC Transpo is paying less than $2.50 per ride. When you look at the seniors discounts, the youth discounts, the student discounts, and when you look at the bus pass fairs that we charge, they are much lower than the user costs in other cities. If you actually look at what people are paying to use public transit in Ottawa, they are paying less than other communities. If you look at the one data point of buying one ticket to ride the

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bus, one time it might be a little higher than some communities, but the average fare that people are paying is much lower.”

Much of the OC Transpo debate centered on how much of the service would be paid by users, and how much by taxpayers.

“We constantly have to manage the cost of the system and how much of that burden is borne by taxpayers versus how much of that burden is borne by the users of OC Transpo,” Sutcliffe said. Ten to 15 years ago, council set an objective of having the users pay 55 per cent of the cost. They’re actually paying close to 35 per cent of the costs right now, and that doesn’t seem to be changing anytime in the near future. So even if the fares are not as low as some people would like them to be, there’s a greater burden being placed on taxpayers than

on users of OC Transpo.”

The draft budget proposed raising senior passes by 120 per cent and eliminating monthly youth passes. After strong resistance, the proposal was amended to have a $9 increase and to not get rid of the monthly youth passes.

The Mayor concluded his conversation with the Manotick Messenger by saying that because of Ottawa’s vast geography, it’s challenges are unique. Ottawa has more square kilometers than the cities of Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary combined.

“I often compare Ottawa to being like a small province that you know there is not it’s not homogeneous, it’s not uniform,” he said. “It’s a very diverse communities and we have to balance all of the needs of the community. We have to invest at the same time as we’re protecting affordability for residents

and not increasing taxes too much. That’s the balanced approach that I’ve been trying to bring.”

PHARMACY

A: A strain is an injury that occurs to a muscle while a sprain is an injury that occurs to a ligament. Symptoms usually include swelling and pain at the affected area. With proper care these injuries should resolve within 2 weeks. Utilizing ice therapy in the first two days can help reduce swelling then heat therapy can be used locally to relieve pain. Topical and oral medications are also available over the counter to help reduce swelling and pain. Your pharmacist can help you pick which therapy is most appropriate for you.

Pharmacist

MESSENGER EditoRial

Canada Post must adapt or die

By Doug FirBy

When friends in older neighbourhoods remind me they still have daily mail delivery, it always stops me in my tracks. In an era where Christmas greetings are animated e-cards, Amazon trucks bring “free” deliveries, and my T4 slips and bank statements land seamlessly in my inbox, Canada Post feels like a relic from another time. Yet millions of Canadians still rely on its daily snail mail delivery – a service costing the Crown corporation billions and driving it towards an inevitable reckoning.

OPINION

Are you more Canadian than a fifth grader?

My favourite thing to do as we turn the page on a new year is to look at what the word of the year is.

Will the brain rot of 2024 carry over into this year? from the other side

Oxford University Press declared ‘Brain Rot’ as their Word of the Year for 2024. They had 37,000 people take part in a public vote, which was combined with Oxford’s language data.

Our COmmunity

In 2023, Canada Post reported losses of $748 million, with an additional $490 million deficit for the first half of 2024. Since 2018, cumulative losses have surpassed $3 billion. Earlier this year, the corporation warned that without borrowing another $1 billion and refinancing $500 million in current debt, it will run out of cash by early 2025.

With Canada Day approaching next week, it is a good time for us all to reflect on what it means to be Canadian.

According to Statistics Canada, the market share for parcel delivery has dropped from 62 per cent in 2019 to just 29 per cent by 2023. Letter mail has also declined sharply, with annual volumes falling from 5.5 billion in 2006 to 2.2 billion in 2023.

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.

Canada Post management recognizes the need for change and has proposed a dramatic shift in its operations. This includes transforming the organization into a seven-day-a-week parcel delivery service with competitive pricing and reducing the frequency of letter mail delivery. The Crown corporation has also suggested expanding the use of community mailboxes in urban areas.

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

So how can the rest of us have that feeling?

The Conservative government has a solid idea.

Other words on the shortlist were demure, dynamic pricing, lore, romantasy and slop.

According to Oxford, ‘brain rot’ gained new prominence this year as a term used to capture concerns about the impact of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content, especially on social media. The term increased in usage frequency by 230% between 2023 and 2024.

The first recorded use of ‘brain rot’ was found in 1854 in Henry David Thoreau’s book Walden, which reports his experiences of living a simple lifestyle in the natural world.

mained a little hard to pin down),” explained Collins. “And though it started life as the title of an album by pop singer Charli XCX, it has clearly captured something of the spirit of the age, one that goes beyond a potentially short-lived but exuberant ‘brat summer’. Channelling self-acceptance as well as rebelliousness, it’s a fitting word for 2024, a year when hedonism and anxiety have combined to form an intoxicating brew.”

Brainrot is the Collins runner-up, though it’s interesting to note that the Collins dictionary has brain rot as one word while Oxford separates it into two words.

As I write this I’m on Team Oxford, solely because Microsoft Word puts the squiggly red line under brainrot as one word.

Even taking the time to explain that to you will give us both brain rot.

Unsurprisingly, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) opposes these changes.

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.

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.

Rural and remote communities, which rely heavily on postal services, are at particular risk from reduced operations. Unlike urban areas, where alternative delivery services are readily available, rural residents have fewer options. Monthly cheques and essential mail are still lifelines for many in these regions. In 2022, Statistics Canada reported that over 20 per cent of rural Canadians still rely on mail delivery for essential services.

“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.”

Sometimes it’s best just to say nil

I’m finding myself at one of those bizarre crossroads where everything I love about sports is about to collide with a large swatch of the population working diligently to grate my nerves. It’s this whole World Cup thing. Don’t you find that people are just a little too into it?

The term has taken on new significance in the digital age, especially over the past 12 months. Initially gaining traction on social media platform—particularly on TikTok among Gen Z and Gen Alpha communities— ’brain rot’ is now seeing more widespread use, such as in mainstream journalism, amidst societal concerns about the negative impact of overconsuming online content.

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

Romantasy also made their list. It continues the popularity of fusion words, as it combines romance and fantasy to create a new genre of books. The romantasy category had always been split between romance and fantasy. But, as Collins explains, “it’s a surprise it’s taken so long to come up with the label… the label’s been around for a little while – but it’s really only recently that it’s started to shift serious units in the publishing world.

The question remains: can management and CUPW find a compromise? The union’s current position leaves little room for flexibility, and management’s push for drastic reforms reflects the urgency of the financial crisis.

“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.

For Canadians, the postal service remains a critical link in the fabric of the country, especially for those in remote areas. However, the days of daily home delivery in urban neighbourhoods are numbered. The challenge now is to strike a balance between preserving essential services and adapting to the realities of a digital, on-demand world.

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.

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.

FROM THE OTHER SIDE

Canada Post must change – or face disappearing altogether. The stakes are high, and the time for action is now.

Doug Firby is an award-winning editorial writer with over four decades of experience working for newspapers, magazines and online publications in Ontario and western Canada. Previously, he served as Editorial Page Editor at the Calgary Herald.

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Website: www.manotickmessenger.ca

Staff/Contributors: Kelly Belair, David Brown, Gary Coulombe, Larry Ellis, Skyler Fraser, Goldie Ghamari, Melissa MacIsaac, Jeffrey Morris, Greg Newton, C.J. Rooney, Ralph Tweedie, Leeanne Van der Burgt.

I found myself in line in front of two nouveau soccer fan moms at Your Independent Grocer the other day. 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.

“I find it fascinating that the term ‘brain rot’ has been adopted by Gen Z and Gen Alpha, those communities largely responsible for the use and creation of the digital content the term refers to,” Casper Grathwohl, President of Oxford Languages, said.

By Jeffrey Morris

Arr-hayne-TEE-na?

Are you kidding me?

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

Dictionary.com had demure as their word of the year. The word went viral after being used in a post by TikToker Jools Lebron. Between January and August, the word saw a 1200 per cent increase in digital web usage.

“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.

“They are a wonderful football nation,” she said. “My husband, of course, wears the azure and cheers for Italia, but Zachary’s favourite team has been MAY-heee-co. They did a school project on MAY-heee-co last year and he has even insisted that we go to out to eat and watch the games when they are playing.”

I bit my tongue.

While it may have been used out of context, it stuck.

“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.

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

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

If you are unfamiliar with the vuvuzela horn, then you have not tuned into CBC over the past two weeks. If you stumble across a World Cup soccer game on CBC, you will hear what sounds like 50,000 bees swarming the field. They are not bees. They are people blowing on cheap, plastic, gimmicky horns. The funny thing about these horns is that they have become what has defined the 2010 World Cup. People who have been following the World Cup and people who have only seen 20 minutes of it in passing have commented on these annoying yet relentless horns. Ironically, while the world has learned to adapt these horns as the one thing they now know about South African culture, the horns aren’t really a part of their everyday lives. South African sports enthusiasts have commented that they had never seen nor heard a vuvuzela horn at a sporting event, and that the South African people find the noise just as annoying as the rest of the world does. Apparently, some now wealthy marketing genius came up with the idea to mass produce and market these horns as a World Cup novelty. The plan worked, and now the rest of the world must endure the shrilling sounds of his quick buck. I was just about to drift back into ADD world and

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.

“Though the term demure has traditionally been used to describe those who are reserved, quiet, or modest, a new usage has spread through social media — one used to describe refined and sophisticated appearance or behavior in various contexts, such as at work or on a plane,” explains Dictionary.com. “This increased focus on public appearance and behavior comes at a time when employees are increasingly returning to offices after hybrid remote work following the pandemic.”

A busload of seniors from a nearby retirement home had pulled up and passengers were getting off. I was trying to, in my head, name all of their walkers as an escape.

Unfortunately, they pulled me back in.

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

At this point, I couldn’t take it anymore. Mount Patience erupted and out came sarcasm lava.

“I saw that match,” I said. “I can’t believe AusTRY-lier looked so insipid against Deutschland.”

The mom with the crocs was not impressed.

The mom with Birkenstock’s wasn’t either, but she did acknowledge me with a response.

Delulu is a made up word that made the Collins shortlist. It describes one’s utterly mistaken or unreasonable expectations. We’re pretty sure we could come up with a hundred or so examples of President Trump being delulu, starting with us becoming his 51st state.

Era is a popular one, as it has been increasingly used to describe a period of time in one’s life. For example, whose kids out there can talk about the pandemic and say they were in their Tik Tok era?

Rawdogging was another one that gained popularity this year. Rawdogging is the undertaking of undertaking in an activity without preparation, support, or proper equipment.

Looksmaxxing is the attempt to maximize the attractiveness of one’s appearance. I think we are all guilty of that from time to time.

Anti-tourism is a total Gen Z thing that is the opposition to anything to do with largescale tourism.

Collins Dictionary, meanwhile, went in a different direction with their world of the year.

“Who is your team?” she quipped, condescendingly. I did the only thing I could do, shouting as loud as I could.

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

Inspired by the title of a pop album by British singer-songwriter Charli XCX, “brat” exploded in the mainstream lexicon in 2024.

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

“Would you like plastic bags?”

“Yes please,” I replied. I had never been so happy to pay five cents for a plastic bag just to get the hell out there.

“Brat is different things to different people; a spiky attitude, a garish aesthetic, even a campaign slogan (the phrase “Kamala IS Brat” proved snappy enough to go politically viral, even as its meaning re-

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.

Supermajority made the Collins shortlist. It’s a government word, and the polls are indicating that Pierre Poilievre will have a supermajority if we have an election soon. If Justin Trudeau doesn’t see his Prime Minister era coming to an end, he is either spending too much time looksmaxxing or he is 100 P delulu.

Yapping, meanwhile, is the act of talking at length about inconsequential matters. I wonder if this column is considered yapping?

Maybe it would be if you read it our loud.

Page 6, Manotick Messenger, Wednesday, June

Messenger Editorial

Bev McRae photo

Richmond and Carleton 4-H Clubs receive funding from Farm Credit Canada

The Carleton and Richmond 4-H Clubs are among the recipients of the 2024 FCC 4-H Club Fund.

4-H Canada and Farm Credit Canada (FCC) are pleased to provide the FCC 4-H Club Fund on an annual basis to support shared priorities, growth, and increased engagement of the 4-H movement in Canada. These funds are

available to all 4-H clubs, districts, and regions across Canada.

“FCC has been an outstanding supporter and partner of the 4-H program for many years,” said 4-H Canada Interim CEO, Hugh Maynard. “The FCC 4-H Club Fund supports volunteers across the country as they continue to build the next generation of leaders in

a fun, safe, and inclusive environment. We are grateful to FCC for its continued support.”

The support from the Club Fund can go towards volunteer capacity building, promotion, advertising of the 4-H movement, eliminating barriers to entry, developing existing programs, covering the costs associated with local events, supporting

volunteers, or purchasing various resource materials. Together with FCC, we are supporting the development of responsible, caring, and contributing youth leaders across Canada. $100,000 is available in grants of up to $500 per club, district, or region across Canada. Funding requests are encouraged but not limited to focusing on one of the follow-

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

ing strategic priorities: growth, inclusion, or volunteer capacity building.

In 2024, a total of 51 clubs in Ontario received grants of up to $500. Since its creation in 2013, the FCC 4-H Club Fund has contributed over $1 million in funding and supported more than 2,100 4-H clubs across Canada.

“FCC is proud to support 4-H Canada and

its programs, including through the FCC 4-H Club Fund,” said Justine Hendricks, FCC president and CEO. “4-H Canada exemplifies the character, hard work, and innovation that drives the success of Canada’s agriculture industry. We are grateful for the work 4-H does in providing exceptional programming to support the next generation of producers.”

Simmering venom and anger in our community is disconcerning

The Editor, Well, where do I begin?

The simmering venom and anger within some of our community is more than a little disconcerting and really is quite sad. While it might be championed by a few as defending ‘freedom’ and parental choice it really is just a thin veil for intolerance and bigotry

I reread my previous letter and not once did I question a parent’s choice or a right to not embrace diversity. What I HAD raised was an objection to a crude insinuation that drag performers did so for nefarious reasons. Interestingly the postulation regarding where such real threats statistically lie was simply ignored with a tirade on parenting rights.

I will say I had more than a wry smile at the thought of a skate clad hockey coach bedazzled in a sequined bodice and flamboyant wig teaching drills but that is obviously absurd (and inherently unsafe, and impractical, how could you wear a helmet?).

That historical exposure is used to explain a fanatical argument bereft of facts is similarly flawed. My wry smile turned to a chuckle at the scandalous, nay horrifying name of the performer. Imagine a play on words and a double entendre, how 60s & 70s and not, as would be portrayed, an insidious liberal subjugation of conservative

views in the 2020s. Oh the joys of selective memory. Children’s TV and light entertainment from my childhood was awash with such cross generational smile raising names; Captain Pugwash, Carry On movies and even James Bond (Ms Galore, Ms Goodhead or Ms Warmflash to name but a few) all got in on the act.

I’ll have to admit that I simply drifted off when “woke mind virus” was raised, what utter tosh. As for a desire to be the 51st state, what a bar to hold Canada up to! The border is only 40 miles or so south, that’s close enough for most but hey, knock yourself out, I’m sure our world will be a better place.

Yours aye, Bobby Strawbridge Editor’s Note – Can we all just make a New Year’s Resolution to quit talking about and writing about cross dressers in Manotick?

School: Osgoode Township High Grade: 12

School: Osgoode Township

YOUTH by Phill Potter

by Phill Potter

Grade: 12

Parents: Heather and Dennis Wyche

The Village Voice

From manoTick Village & communiTy associaTion

Happy New Year! We hope everyone had a peaceful and memorable holiday season.

Shiverfest 2025 –

Save the Date

Every year MVCA hosts Shiverfest to bring some fun and warmth to the community during winter. This year’s event will be on February 6, 7 and 8. Details will continue to be added to our website as they are confirmed. If you would like to register to compete in the popular Chili Cook Off, registration is open now.

Let’s Talk Ice Safety

It is winter and with it comes the love of outdoor sports and activities, some of them on ice. Jennifer Murphy, MVCA Board Director of Wellness and Accessibility has compiled the following safety tips.

“If you go on the ice, prepare to go through it.”

Along with this warning, the Canadian Red Cross advises people using skis and snowshoes to know how to remove them without looking and using only one hand. Ice fishermen should not wear seatbelts and should have their vehicle windows open when driving onto the ice. And flotation snowmobile suits are best to use if snowmobiling across the ice.

Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) gives similar advice, that “no ice is safe ice”, and provides practical informa-

tion you need if you fall through the ice or if you see someone else in that situation. In January 2024 they released two videos providing self-rescue tips provided by its well-trained Ice Rescue Technicians. The videos can be accessed as follows: pic.twitter.com/ KQQEIYLXZM; and pic. twitter.com/3UIRpWTQtq

The Lifesaving Society of Canada gives ten tips for safety on the ice. They suggest always using designated ice surfaces, and actively supervising children playing on or near ice.

Children who are not within arm’s reach have ventured too far. They should wear a life jacket or PFD or a thermal protection buoyant suit. They recommend staying off river ice because currents can quickly change ice thickness overnight or between different parts of the river. One should stop using the ice once spring thaws begin. Even if ice measures the appropriate thickness (minimum 10 cm or 4 inches for walking or skating alone), thawing and refreezing during spring weakens the ice vertically. The ice can no longer be trusted. One should never go on the ice alone, travel on ice at night, or consume alcohol. They suggest always wearing a life jacket over your snow suit. They recommend having safety equipment with you, including an ice pick, ice staff, rope, and a small safety kit in your pocket which should include a lighter, waterproof matches, magnesium fire starter,

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

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

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.”

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

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

pocketknife, compass, whistle, and a cell phone. If you are driving on ice, open your windows, unlock your doors, ensure your seat belts are unfastened, and turn on your lights to allow you to quickly escape from your vehicle should it go through the ice.

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

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

Finally, recommenda-

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

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.”

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.”

leader 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.”

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.”

“Math and Chemistry. I enjoy doing labs and prob-

Ottawa Fire Services says no ice is safe ice on the Rideau or Jock

tions for ice thickness are to stay off ice that is 7cm or less; 10cm is sufficient for ice fishing, walking, or cross-country skiing; 13 to 18cm is enough for one snowmobile or ATV; 20 to 30 cm is adequate for one car or group of people; and 30 to 38cm should be thick enough for one medium

Why did you get involved in what you do?

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

Jan. 12 – Junior B Hockey Sun., Jan. 12, 1:20 p.m., Perth Blue Wings at Richmond Royals at the Richmond Memorial Community Centre.

• 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

Jan. 19 – Junior B Hockey Sun., Jan. 19, 1:20 p.m., Smiths Falls Bears at Richmond Royals at the Richmond Memorial Community Centre.

Due

• 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.

Jan. 22 – Junior B Hockey Wed., Jan. 22, 8:20 p.m., Athens Aeros at Richmond Royals at the Richmond Memorial Community Centre.

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.”

truck. Let’s always remember, “If you go on the ice, prepare to go through it.”

A printable Tip Sheet on this topic is available on our website.

After suffering numerous concussions, Melita Wyche turned to coaching.

More information about local events and updates on issues in the community are available to MVCA

PHILL POTTER PHOTO

Why did you get involved in what you do?

Members through our newsletter. Details about Membership can be found on our website. manotickvca.org

We welcome all residents to contact us any time with questions, comments or suggestions. Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram

Community Calendar

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

• 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.

After suffering numerous concussions, Melita Wyche turned to coaching.

PHILL POTTER PHOTO

Club exhibition, kids magic show, pancake breakfast, curling, snow shoe races, the popular Manotick Chili Cook-off, and more! More details to follow in upcoming weeks.

• 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.

Community Calendar

• 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

Jan. 25 – Senior A Hockey Sat., Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m., North Dundas Rockets at Manotick Mariners at the Manotick Community Centre Mike O’Neil Arena.

YOMA

to the COVID-19 Pandemic, most community events have been postposed or cancelled. For updates in the community, please visit the Manotick Messenger Facebook page and the RichmondHub.ca website.

Jan. 26 – Junior B Hockey Sun., Jan. 26, 1:20 p.m., Arnprior Packers at Richmond Royals at the Richmond Memorial Community Centre.

Youth of Manotick Association is a registered not-forprofit 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

• 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.

MACAW

These cards accepted Monday-Friday: 9am-8pm Saturday: 9am-5pm Sunday: 10am-4pm Paul’s Pharmacy 990 River Road (across from Tim Hortons) 613-692-0015 Transferring a prescription is easy to do

Feb. 1 – Senior A Hockey Sat., Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m., Pontiac Senior Comets at Manotick Mariners at the Manotick Community Centre Mike O’Neil Arena.

Feb. 6-8 – Manotick Shiverfest

Thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors who make these events possible www.pharmasave.com

Manotick’s annual winter festival gets underway Thurs., Feb. 6 and runs through Sat., Feb. 8. Highlights include an outdoor bonfire at the arena, sleigh rides, a rideau Skating

Transferring a prescription is easy to do

The Manotick and Area Centre for Arts & Wellness (MACAW) focuses on intergenerational connections for seniors through arts and wellness. This includes a multitude of activities such as Tai Chi, yoga, art, music, and dance classes as well as community dances. Their popular concert series focuses on our local singers and musicians. For more info go to https://www.manotickmacaw.com

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

STEVENS CREEK SHUTTER CO

OPL

SHADES SHUTTERS DRAPERY & more Free shop-at-home service

stevenscreekshutterco.ca

Ottawa Public Library - The Manotick Library has many activities for children and adults, including an Adult French Conversation Group and story and craft programs. To discover all the events happening at the Manotick branch go to https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/

613-706-1250

stevenscreekshutterco.ca

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

Councillor’s New Year’s Resolution includes better service to residents

By DaviD Brown riDeau-Jock councillor

As we enter 2025, I have two New Years Resolutions: first, I am resolved to make sure to write the correct year on all my documents and correspondence. It will be a challenge, but I think it is doable.

Second, and more seriously, I am resolved to provide even better service to residents who need assistance navigating City services. Making sure that everyone who reaches out promptly gets a call, email, or message back with an offer to assist as best we can is at the core of my promise to our communities as your Councillor. Another part of how I see my job is to provide residents with information proactively and on a wide range of important topics so that the City is more transparent and accountable to the public.

Lately, my office has received a number of requests from residents

Rideau-Jock Report

David Brown, Councillor , Ward 21

regarding snow clearing and winter road maintenance. To that end, I wanted to provide a bit of background on how the geographically massive entity that is the City of Ottawa keeps its transportation network maintained during the winter. City-wide, our transportation network is vast. If you laid out the entire length of the transportation network maintained by City plows every winter whether event, they would stretch nearly 15,000km. That’s a similar distance as driving from Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia to Juneau Alaska… and back… in a snowplow.

To maintain that length of network, the City has nearly 600 pieces of equipment in service. During a storm

event, they are operated around the clock to ensure that the priority network of arterial roads, sidewalks, and wintermaintained paths are as clear as possible. The standards that the City sets for maintaining our transportation network are based on meeting or exceeding the standards that the province sets.

To help ensure fairness, the City does residential beats in an alternating order. This means that if your street was among the last streets served during a storm one week, it would be among the first served during the next event. This means that no street in Ottawa is always last and no street is always first.

In most cases when residents reach out to

my office, they want to know: where the heck is the plow? The answer is: it’s on the way! During a storm, residents are asked not to call 3-1-1 with requests for service; the City tracks each and every part of the network to ensure that every street is plowed.

When a storm is happening, all the City’s available resources are deployed. Residential roads and lanes are often among the last parts of the network to be maintained because provincial regulations dictate that the City must prioritize higher traffic roads. Once the snow stops falling, resources are redeployed to residential roads, lanes, and lowertraffic rural side roads.

The City’s standard is to clear residential

roads within 16 hours from when the snow stops falling except in the circumstance of an exceptionally bad winter weather event. Once a winter weather event has passed, should you become aware of an issue on the city-maintained transportation network, submit a service request by calling 3-1-1 or on the City’s website. Similarly, if the plow went by and caused

damage to your lawn on property, make sure to file that request with 3-1-1. The City corrects damages caused by City plows in the spring.

If you are having regular issues with plowing on your street or have general feedback for how the City can do a better job maintaining roads, sidewalks, and paths, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at ward21@ottawa.ca.

Financial statements, SRED claims

Corporate and Personal tax returns, T4s, T5s Day to day bookkeeping, Payroll, HST filing

Church Directory

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. 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

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)

The Catholic Communities of St.

2540 Stagecoach Road, Osgoode and St. Brigid 2015 River Road, Manotick Pastor: Presiding ST. JOHN: MASS TIME Saturdays 4 p.m., Sundays 9 a.m. ST. BRIGID: MASS TIME Sundays 10:30 a.m. Telephone: (613) 821-0761 Email: stbrigid.stjohn@gmail.com Office Hours: Tuesday–Thursday 9am–3pm Friday. 9am-12pm

ST. LEONARD ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Church Office 613-692-2082 Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 9a.m.-2p.m. The Reverend John Holgate e-mail office@stjames-manotick.ca Web site: www.stjames-manotick.ca

5332 Long Island Road, Manotick

Pastor: Rev. John oRban

Mass tiMes

Saturday 4:30p.m., Sunday 9a.m. 11a.m Weekdays Wed., Thu. 9a.m., Fri. 9:30a.m.

Office: 692-4254 www.stleonardparish.ca

Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. EMAIL: office@stleonardparish.ca

You can help build a more dynamic community by volunteering

By Ralph Tweedie ManoTick kiwanis cluB

In the new year, why not make new friends and help build a more dynamic community. Join the many “Friends of Kiwanis”. It would be great if more of us could commit to being a Kiwanis member, but it’s not necessary to be a member to volunteer.

“Friends of Kiwanis” is the term we use for non-Kiwanis members who help us by volunteering at our events. Volunteering is not just about giving your time; it is proactively creating the community you want to live in. It’s about creating the community you want your children to grow up in. And for Kiwanians, it’s about having fun and making new friends while doing so.

We sponsor and staff many events throughout the year. This takes many volunteer hours. We believe in actively giving

Kiwanis News Ralph Tweedie

of our time and resources to help improve our community. However, we don’t always have enough members available to staff all positions. At those times we could not do it without you. We need help!

Volunteering can have benefits for you personally. It gives you the chance to meet new people and reinforce your feeling of being a part of your community. Research suggests that the happiness many volunteers feel is related in part to an increased sense of purpose and self-confidence. Volunteering can enhance your physical health as well. An overall sense of well being can have positive effects on physical health.

As the new year begins, we have plenty of opportunity. The first is the Pancake Breakfast at Shiverfest. Every month we run bingos at two local Senior’s residences. This is a great opportunity for non-members to help. Twice a year we host a street cleanup day in Manotick, the more help we get the better. Approximately five times a year we sponsor an AKtion Club meeting for disabled adults. Volunteers help serve the meal and pickup. We also provide the entertainment, often a game of Bingo with prizes.

Signature events such as the Kiwanis Ottawa Music Festival and the Dickinson Days weekend require a huge amount of manpower. Opportunities include tasks such as manning barriers, helping setup vendors or helping with the catch and release derby for youngsters. Every fall we need help to sell Christmas trees and cakes. We need volunteers

to help man the barricades for the Santa parade of Lights.

We do have regular volunteers, and for that we are very grateful. Our Key

Clubs, the Boy Scouts and the Legion Cadets step up where possible, but many tasks require an adult for security purposes.

We have fun and make new friends while strengthening our community. We believe that every contribution, big or small, supports that mission. Can you help?

The Kiwanis Club has many “friends” who help out by volunteering at local events.

Use it up: Great Depression-era resourcefulness - Part 1

Rideau’s ReaRview

By CJ Rooney

As we mentioned a few editions ago, over the next few weeks we will be exploring the Great Depression-Era mantra “Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

The first part of that is the “Use it up” portion. This meant nothing went to waste. NOTHING. Feed scraps were saved for stock and broth, and after that

Rideau’s Rearview

CJ Rooney

they were fed to chickens and hogs. Bacon grease and meat drippings were used for baking, seasoning cast iron pans, and as a replacement for butter and lard if you couldn’t afford to buy it, or didn’t make it yourself. Cloth sacks from

flour and sugar were reused to make tea towels, pillowslips, serviettes, curtains, tablecloths and even undergarments.

Longtime Ottawa Valley columnist Mary Cook often speaks of having underwear that her mother had made out of flour sacks which, despite many rounds of boiling and bleaching still bore the words “Pride of the Valley” on the seat.

My great-grandmother always went to the store to

get Robin Hood flour “by the bag”, meaning in the cloth sacks, even when the option for paper packaging had arrived on the shelves. If you were going to pay for the product, may as well buy the one that gives you something extra in return.

I have taken up my greatgrandmother’s habit of saving paper grocery bags and envelopes, and cutting them up for use as note paper, it makes a handy addition to the kitchen drawer, or by

the telephone.

In an era of wastefulness (and increasing garbage limits), we would do well to use everything available to us. Not only does it help reduce waste to the landfill, it reduces strain on the pocketbook. Pay mind to what you are discarding, the next time you are on the way to the trash bin. Think about other uses for that item before you discard it…you never know, your neighbours may just

be doing the same. At least, that’s what you’d see if you took a glance in Rideau’s Rearview. (We want to hear from you if you have Depression-era stories. Call 613-692-4036 or emial rideauretro@gmail.com)

UPCOMING HERITAGE EVENTS: Jan 15th 2025 7PMRTHS ‘Bring & Brag’/ AGM @ Township Hall (Client Centre – North Gower)

Card skimming fraud involving illegitimate taxis continues to be a problem

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) and Bylaw and Regulatory Services (BLRS) are advising the public to remain vigilant about taxi scams operating in the city.

In these scams, an individual may ask for assistance in paying a taxi fare by debit or credit card, as the driver will not accept cash.

In at least one case, the vehicle bore a roof

sign and taxi plate stolen from a legitimate taxi licenced only to operate in Toronto.

When engaging with a taxicab, it is important to be able to determine whether it is legitimate.

OPS and BLRS are reminding the public that all licenced taxicabs in Ottawa have:

- a taxi plate with the City of Ottawa logo located on the right side

of the rear bumper. This plate is either blue with white lettering or white with green letters

- a roof sign indicating the taxi company and plate number

- an identification number on both sides of the vehicle

- a taximeter with a City of Ottawa seal

Taxi drivers must also have a driver identifica-

tion card with their photo and driver number.

Only the following taxi companies are licenced to operate in the City of Ottawa:

- Blue Line Taxi Co. Ltd.

- Capital Taxi

- West-Way Taxi

- Executive Cabs

The OPS Fraud Unit provides these safety tips:

Don’t accept to pay

with your debit or credit card for someone else’s transaction even if you are offered monetary compensation, equivalent or superior to the original transaction amount.

When making purchases, protect your PIN.

Do not share your PIN with anyone.

Choose a PIN that is not easy to guess – avoid birthdays and phone numbers, etc.

Keep a close watch on your incoming bank and credit card statements. For more tips, click here.

Reports of fraud can be made by calling the Police Reporting Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 7300 or online.

Unlicenced taxicabs should be reported to By-law and Regulatory Services by calling 3-11.

ROSSS delivers holiday magic thanks to amazing community partners

By Kelly Dumas RuRal Ottawa sOuth suppORt seRvices

The holidays are a time for joy, togetherness, and a little bit of magic—and this year, the ROSSS team was thrilled to deliver all three to seniors and adults with disabilities in rural Ottawa South. With the incredible support of Manotick Place Retirement Community and Home In-

stead’s Be a Santa to a Senior Program, we were able to spread smiles, comfort, and cheer to those who needed it most.

Once again this year, Manotick Place Retirement Community generously donated 100 Christ-

mas meals and Home

Instead’s Be a Santa to a Senior Program made the season even brighter by donating thoughtful and generous gifts.

Together with our dedicated staff, their family members, and an amazing team of volunteers, ROSSS delivered these meals and gifts to homes across the communities we serve. Every delivery was a moment

to connect, share holiday cheer, and remind our clients that they are not alone during this special time of year.

At ROSSS, we believe that kindness and care are the true spirit of the holidays. This year, with the help of our generous community partners, we were able to bring that spirit to life for the seniors and adults with disabilities we proudly serve.

ROSSS volunteers delivered joy, togetherness and a little bit of magic to seniors and adults with disabilities in rural Ottawa South.

ROSSS News

Kelly Dumas

BY Youth of Manotick aSSociation (YoMa)

Happy New Year

We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. We look forward to another exciting year at YOMA supporting youth in our community.

The Benefits of Vision Boards

The darker and colder winter days of winter can be challenging for some youth. Not everyone enjoys outdoor activities this time of year. Then there is the shift of energy after the holidays. There is the excitement and busyness

beforehand and then the quiet downtime afterward before school resumes. Some youth find it hard to get back into their routine.

One idea to bust up the doldrums is for families to take some time to make vision boards for the year. It is a fun activity away from screens, it fosters goal setting and introspection and perpetuates forward thinking. Some find it motivational.

If you are unfamiliar, a vision board is some form of visual representation of goals. They are often done on poster board and photos, images and text to illustrate

goals for the year.

Here are a couple of other versions you might try that we found through 518 ElevatED

1. Create a Timeline

Draw a long line across the whole paper. On one end you can go back a year or as far as you like and make the other end the day you are creating this. Mark on the timeline significant events, both good and bad, that were important to or had an impact on you. Make it fun with colours and different styles of writing.

Then turn the page over and draw a line across the whole paper. This is the year ahead. No need to be too specific about when but add marks to it for hopes and goals for what the year might hold.

2. Draw Yourself as a Tree

Draw a tree with roots and lots of branches and leaves. On the roots,

write a strength, skill or good habit on as many roots as you can. On the leaves write everything you might want to improve or learn Decorate and personalize it.

Parent Support Group is at a New Location

Our Support Group moved to Lume Club on Tighe Street. This is for

parents and caregivers of youth who may be experiencing stress or anxiety, depression or struggling with addiction. YOMA and PLEO have partnered to offer this support group on the third Thursday of each month. You do not need to register. Just come to Lume Club at 6:30 on the third Thursday. Someone will greet you

and show you where to go. Feel free to contact us at YOMA or contact PLEO if you have any questions. You can reach us any time at youth. of.manotick@gmail.com

For more information about YOMA, see our website yoma.ca , sign up for our e-newsletter or follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

RuRal Youth Spotlight

2024 People who made a difference: Milroy, Green and Wammes create a legacy for generations at farigrounds

It was an unseasonably cold and blustery day in September, but it was no match for the feeling of warmth and community as the ribbon was cut and the Richmond Legacy Pavilion was officially opened.

The pavilion was the result of years of hard work by the Richmond Legacy Pavilion Committee, who were previously the Richmond 200th Anniversary Committee that organized the celebrations for the 200th anniversary of the village in 2018.

While the 200th committee transitioned to the pavilion project, there were obstacles they encountered. COVID-19 not only shut everything down, but it triggered a shortage of materials in the construction industry. It also brought with it levels of inflation not seen in generations.

Pavilion co-chairs Cydney Green and Maryan Wammes took on the pavilion project, and both worked tirelessly alongside their team of volunteers for six years to make the vision of the pavilion a reality. They also got a lot of support in the way of donations from the business community and from individuals.

Both fought back tears as they thanked their families for their patience and support, and each other for their hard work and deepened friendship through the project.

“In my view, Cydney and Maryan treated in-

stances like these just as speed bumps,” said Keith Eddy, the emcee of the event. “They just continued to nurture the project, and the people around them.”

Cydney Green thanked the community for their tremendous support.

“The Legacy Pavilion would have never happened if it wasn’t for the financial and in-kind support of the many businesses, the community services and the people that are here – the residents of Richmond,” Green said.

Green also thanked “the many volunteers who have spent countless hours assisting us when needed over the past six years.”

She referenced the more than 15 events held as fundraisers by the committee, including barn dances, yard sales, New Year’s Eve galas, and the “hugely successful travelling outhouse caper of Richmond. “And we aren’t done yet!” she said.

The management of the pavilion is now in the hands of the Richmond Agricultural Society.

“We ask that you embrace the facility with pride and enthusiasm, whether it is to reflect on the quiet space to reflect on the many plaques on display around the interior, or attend the upcoming concerts in the pavilion, perhaps a place for a wedding or a retirement party, and we hope seasonal farmers markets

and art shows,” Green said.

Maryan Wammes also thanked the community, the Richmond Agricultural Society, committee members and volunteers involved in the product.

“Family, old friends, local businesses, and ac-

quaintances have been rock stars every step of the way,” said Wammes. “We are leaving behind a legacy that will long serve to inspire our successors to make Richmond a better place, from us to you.”

Project manager Joe

Milroy was also thanked for his tireless work on the pavilion. He designed the building and oversaw the construction, being at the site daily since the sod turning a year ago. Following the ribbon cutting, local musicians Doug and Pam Champagne performed, providing the pavilion with its first taste of live entertainment.

Last month we shared that our church seeks to be an inclusive, vibrant, multigenerational faith community that supports people at every stage of their spiritual journey. Beautiful words but how do we live that? I first walked into Manotick United in January 2011 after deciding I needed to find a new church. I felt seen, accepted, and loved from the first moment I walked in. We continue to meet people who still have this experience here. That being said, we continue to work on how we can better help everyone know divine love regardless of age, heritage, gender, sexuality, economic situation, beliefs, and everything that makes each of us unique.

Joe Milroy, Cydney Green and Maryan Wammes cut the ribbon to officially open the Richmond Legacy Pavilion.

It was a project that Mike O’Neill of the Manotick Culture, Parks and Recreation Association called “a collective effort” as the community celebrated the opening of the David Arntfield Recreation Area with a celebration July 4.

Located in the northeast corner of Centennial Park in Manotick, the David Arntfield Recreation Area is

the gateway into this park.

Once complete, the new park will become a significant gathering place for the community.

Construction of the David Arntfield Recreation Area began in 2020 and was divided into two phases.

The first phase included a seasonal outdoor rink with lighting, basketball courts, and tree planting. The

second phase included the new skateboard park and pump track.

In 2020, the northeast corner of Centennial Park was commemoratively named in memory of David Arntfield, a dedicated community volunteer and talented fundraiser supporting both local and regional initiatives.

“A heartfelt thank you to

the Manotick Culture, Parks and Recreation Association, our Provincial and Federal partners, and all the dedicated contributors within our community who made this vision a reality,” said Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.

“This incredible new space stands as a tribute to your efforts and honours the memory of David Arntfield, a remarkable member for the community and an avid

sports fan.”

Anne Robinson of the MCPRA thanked the “get your hands dirty” people who played a role in creating the recreation area.

She also thanked the team of garden stewards, which included students from Manotick Public School and St. Leonard, YOMA, and the Arntfield family and friends.

Robinson also thanked

a number of contributors to the project. They included the Tomlinson Foundation, the Kiwanis Club of Manotick, the MCPRA, Olga and Bob Simpson, and the Manotick Village Community Association.

“And special thanks to the many additional individuals and organizations that also donated to the project in the memory of David Arntfield,” she said.

Dr. Philip Mwimanzi 613-692-6500

Dr.Harold Bobier 613-692-4432

Dr. Jolieann Joseph 613-692-4432

Bobier (613(692-4432 Dr. Jolieann Joseph (613)692-4432 Dr.Donald Young (613)692-4432

Dr.Donald Young 613-692-4432

Dr.Thomas Proulx 613-692-4432

Dr.Thomas Proulx (613)692-4432

Mike O’Neill and Anne Robinson unveil the David Arntfield Recreation Area.

2024 People who made a difference Larry Ellis will be remembered for his smile, and his love for the community

By Manotick Messenger staff

Manotick said goodbye to one of its most beloved citizens as a large crowd turned out to Manotick United Church to pay respects to local historian and Manotick Messenger columnist Larry Ellis.

“Larry lived in our village for more than 70 years,” said Rev. Paul Whynacht of Manotick United Church. “And in that time he became one of the beloved treasures in our community, our churches, and in our hearts.”

Ellis passed away peacefully at home Sat., June 8. He was 93 years old.

The first thing people noticed about him, Rev Whynacht said, was his smile.

“His whole face and even his whole body shone with a joy that he felt when he smiled at someone,” Rev. Whynacht said.

“That open and honest and genuine smile showed up

every time he met someone he liked.

“I think everyone here, and others who couldn’t be here, were amazed at Larry’s authenticity,” Rev. Whynacht added. “He was open, sincere, loving, and he gave to the people and the world around him. How could anyone with an open heart not fall in love with him.

“He’s been the heartbeat of our community for decades, and he will live on in our hearts.”

The Rev. Mark McLennan, who is married to Larry Ellis’s daughter Susan, spoke about becoming part of the Ellis family and Larry’s son-in-law.

Rev. McLennan also talked about Larry’s love for Gwen, not only all their lives but particularly in her last five years when she was in poor health.

“His life was long, and full, and meaningful,” he said. “There’s a Larrysized hole in our family and in this community today.”

Manotick Messenger

longtime editor Jeff Morris spoke of Ellis’s contributions to the community, both as a historian and a volunteer.

“The history that he provided us with is his gift to us,” Morris said. “But his legacy – his true legacy that we will all remember

him by – was how he made all of us feel. Don’t you think of Larry and wonder ‘how I could be more like him’, and to have some of what he had that made him so happy and enthusiastic and great to be around and giving to the community he loved?”

Larry Ellis was a historian, columnist, volunteer and author who was well-known throughout South Carleton.