Manotick Messenger October 4, 2024 by J Morris

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Perfect weather, big crowds as Richmond Fair marks 180 years

After a summer that will be remembered for rain and bad weather, the first weekend of the fall provided the best weekend of the year for the 180th Richmond Fair.

All four days of the fair were perfect, from the opening ceremonies Thursday to the wrap up of the festivities Sunday. Attendance was at its highest level since before the COVID-19 pandemic, which is now well in the past for fair participants and visitors.

On Thursday, the fair kicked off with the opening ceremonies held in the new Richmond Legacy pavilion.

Councillor and former Richmond Fair executive member David Brown began the opening ceremonies by introducing the fair’s board members in attendance: First VicePresident Doug Seabrook, Second Vice-President Jo-

hanna Kavanaugh, Homecraft President Cathy Craig, General Manager Ron McRostie, Treasurer Matt Covey, Bookkeeper Eleanor Kelly, and President Dave Seabrook.

Dave Seabrook thanked the board members, volunteers and sponsors for continuing to keep the fair strong. He also acknowledged the other fairs in Eastern Ontario and thanked them for the help they gave in preparing for the Richmond Fair. Delegates from fairs in Shawville, Almonte, Spencerville, South Mountain, Metcalfe, the Capital Fair (Gloucester), Arnprior, Beachburg, Cobden, Vankleek Hill, and Russell were among those in attendance.

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe was on hand, saying that he had visited the Richmond Fair numerous times in the past as a journalist and broadcaster.

“David introduced me to a few minutes ago as his boss,” Sutcliffe said of Brown. “That’s not really true. That’s not the way it works. But most days it feels more like David is my boss, because he represents (Rideau-Jock residents) so well and does such a great job as your councillor. He’s very passionate and follows up with the issues to his community all the time, so you are very lucky to have David representative.”

Sutcliffe thanked all of the people who have been part of the fair and its tradition through the years.

“We’re so lucky in Ottawa to have this wonderful tradition in our community to have these fairs,” Sutcliffe added.

The Richmond Village Association had a colourful float in the annual Richmond Fair Parade Sat., Sept. 21. For more photos of the fair and parade, see pages 20-21.

“The Richmond Fair is the oldest at 180 years. It adds so much to our city and we are so grateful for everything you do in the rural communities of the city.”

Sutcliffe added that he and Brown frequently discuss the importance of the rural communities within the City of Ottawa.

“David is not my boss and I’m not his boss, but all of you are our bosses,”

he said.

At the opening, it was announced that Sutcliffe was the winner of the chocolate chip baking contest. He was quick to admit that his wife, ginny, made the cookies and all he did was taste them.

“I entered the contest under both of our names,” Sutcliffe said. “And in keeping with the theme, she’s my boss.” Sutcliffe and Brown also represented Ottawa in the Richmond Fair Parade.

Richmond Fair was great, we are now looking forward to the Metcalfe Fair

B y G oldie G hamari, m PP for C arleton

It was another beautiful day and a beautiful weekend as the 180th Richmond Fair took place.

The fair and Saturday’s parade have always been among my favourite events in the Carleton riding.

The fair is a wonderful time of the year for families to get out and celebrate rural life in Carleton.

We hope to see you at the Metcalfe Fair Oct. 3-6.

Governments Strengthening the Sustainability and Productivity of Ontario Farms

The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing an additional $9 million in the Ontario

Agricultural Sustainability Initiative through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership to help farmers enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of their farms. Funding will be used to help with the adoption of new technologies and best management practices to support soil health, water quality, and energy efficiency while increasing on-farm productivity.

The initiative will also help Ontario farmers improve the long-term environmental resilience of their farms. Farmers will be able to submit up to two applications to the

program, depending on their needs, with successful recipients receiving up to $90,000 depending on the project category.

The Agricultural Stewardship Initiative is being delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA).

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s 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% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by the provinces and territories.

Information about how to apply for funding and project eligibility under the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative can be found on the OSCIA website. Ontario farmers can submit applications from October 16-29, 2024.

A verified, complete, fourth edition Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) will be required to be eligible for funding. Information on how to complete the EFP is available through OSCIA.

Ontario Expanding Access to Palliative Care

The Ontario government is adding up to 84 new adult hospice beds across the province. This expansion will bring the total number of publicly funded hospice beds across Ontario to 768.

As part of Ontario’s

2024 budget, the provincial government is investing up to $19.75 million in capital funding to build 84 new adult hospice beds and 12 new pediatric hospice beds. Existing hospice residences or other applicants who wish to develop or expand new hospice beds can reach out to their local Ontario Health Region for details.

Through this process, Ontario is also looking for applicants with longer term expansion opportunities to meet the future needs of Ontario’s growing communities. Since 2018, Ontario has invested over $26.5 million to add 153 new hospice beds, bringing the total to 768, giving more families the option of high quality and dignified end-of-life care.

Ten new pediatric hos-

pice beds have already been added for Keaton’s House – Paul Paletta Children’s Hospice, the first pediatric hospice in Hamilton, and two new pediatric hospice beds at Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice located at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO).

Through the Ontario government’s Your Health plan, the province is making it easier and faster for people of all ages to connect to the care they need, where and when they need it. This includes investing up to $147.4 million over three years to expand access to palliative care services, including increasing funding by 45 per cent for all hospice beds across the province.

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Quick Facts

- The Expression of Interest is now open for four weeks and will close at 5 p.m. on October 18, 2024. A standardized evaluation will be undertaken, including consideration of capacity in relation to demand for hospice beds.

- Existing hospice residences or other interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to their Ontario Health Region for additional application details.

- Once these 84 new beds are open, the province will provide an additional $15.9 million in operational funding per year.

- Palliative care, which includes end-of-life care, can begin as early as the diagnosis of a serious illness and focuses on improving the quality of each individual’s life. This integrated form of care ensures people can access the supports they need when facing illness, death, grief, and/or bereavement.

- The Ontario Palliative Care Network (OPCN), led by Ontario Health, is a partnership of health service providers (including hospices, long-term care homes, hospitals and others), community and social support service organizations, health system planners, Ontario Health Teams, and patient and family/care partner advisors, formed to develop a coordinated, standardized approach to palliative care.

Ontario Enhancing Tools to Help People Prepare for Respiratory Illness Season

The Ontario government is reminding everyone to stay safe this respiratory illness season and prevent unnecessary visits to the hospital by staying up to date on vaccinations. To protect against serious illness throughout the upcoming respiratory illness season, it is recommended everyone get their flu and COVID-19 shots as soon as they become available to them.

Starting in early October, flu shots will be available for the most vulnerable and high priority populations, including hospitalized individuals, hospital staff, and residents and staff in long-term care homes, followed by those in retirement homes and other congregate settings and individuals 65 years and older. Free flu shots for the general public aged six months and older will be available starting October 28, 2024, at doctor and nurse practitioner offices, participating pharmacies and some public health units. To learn more about the flu shot this fall, visit Ontario.ca/flu.

It is safe and convenient to receive both the COVID-19 and flu shots at the same time, reducing the need for multiple visits to a doctor, nurse practitioner or local pharmacy. Ontario expects to receive

shipments of the updated COVID-19 vaccine from the federal government by early October following approval by Health Canada. Initial doses will be prioritized for higher risk populations and more details will be provided once doses are distributed to Ontario.

Beginning in October, families with infants and high-risk children up to 24 months old, will now have access to the new RSV immunization, Beyfortus, through the recently expanded publicly funded RSV prevention program. Families can access the Beyfortus immunization through their health care provider, as well as within hospital settings for infants born during the 2024/25 respiratory illness season. Pregnant women also have the option of receiving a single dose of Abrysvo, to provide protection for their infant from birth to six months. The RSV prevention program has also expanded this fall to include all retirement home residents. For more details on the RSV program, visit Ontario.ca/rsv.

Vaccines in Ontario’s routine immunization schedule are provided free of charge if you meet the eligibility criteria. If you are unsure about which immunizations you or your family have received or are eligible for, talk to your health care provider or public health unit.

Through Your Health:

A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government is providing people with the tools they need early to connect to the care they need to keep themselves, and their loved ones safe and healthy.

Quick Facts

- As recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), individuals should receive the most recent formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine in the fall as it is expected to provide a better immune response against currently circulating COVID-19 strains. Full details on COVID-19 vaccination this fall will be available by visiting Ontario.ca/ COVID-19.

- The risk of severe outcomes from RSV infection is highest among infants under six months of age and children under 24 months of age with chronic conditions such as chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, compromised immune systems, or neuromuscular disorders.

- All Ontarians should stay up to date on their immunizations, especially children. Talk to a health care provider or public health unit if you are unsure if your child has missed routine immunizations or if you are unsure about which immunizations they have received.

- Vaccines in Ontario’s routine immunization

schedule are provided free of charge if you meet the eligibility criteria.

- Visit Health811 online or call 811 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007 toll free) for health advice and information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Inspiration for the week

“I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than the things I haven’t done.”

- Lucille Ball

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.

Park

A Monthly Moment with Manotick United Church (MUC)

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. 5567 Main Street PO Box 459 Manotick K4M 1A5 www.manotickunitedchurch.com Sunday Service at 10 am – All Are Welcome

Goldie Your voice at Queen’s

Ford Mustang linked to 2021 Leo Santostefano murder investigation

The Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit is seeking assistance in identifying a person of interest in the 2021 homicide of 40-year-old Leo Santostefano.

On June 4, 2024, patrol officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop with a black Ford Mustang in the area of Greenbank Road and Hunt Club Road. As officers approached the vehicle to further investigate, the vehicle fled by u-turning and proceeding east on Hunt Club Road. The vehicle was later located abandoned.

As a result of forensic examination of the vehicle, the driver or occupant is linked to the unsolved homicide that occurred in the overnight hours of March 6-7, 2021.

The person of interest is described as a black male, between 6’0” (183 cm) and 6’5” (196 cm), with a large build. He was seen wearing a black and white tracksuit, black shoes and what appears to be designer glasses.

On Sunday, March 7 at approximately 9 a.m., a man’s body was discovered by a passerby on the snowmobile trail off Dobson Road in Richmond. Police blocked off McBean Street at Ottawa Street, south of South Carleton High School, while investigators worked the scene.

Police identified the

Thanks to assistance from the public, the Homicide Unit is seeking further help in identifying a person of interest linked to the Ford Mustang and possibly the murder of Leo Santostefano.

victim as 40-year-old Leo Santostefano of Gloucester.

At the time, Ottawa Police told the Manotick Messenger/RichmondHub that they were searching for a 2008 silver four-door Nissan Altima with fresh damage, scratches on the rear left side of the bumper, and part of the muffler missing. The Ontario license plate was CKZC 717. The vehicle has since been recovered.

The first information about the black mustang was released to the media after the June 4, 2024 traffic stop incident.

Ivana Santostefano, the victim’s mother, told CBC that her son was a gentle soul. She also said she had last seen him the day before his body was recovered. She said she

Leo Santostefano was described as well-liked and personable.

Facebook P h oto

saw him when he left for the store that morning, and she knew something was wrong when she didn’t hear from him again.

She added that she and her family felt “something was wrong,” according to her CBC interview. “He was just a wonderful guy,” she said. “The gentlest soul you’d ever meet.”

Santostefano was

Police released photos of a person of interest.

known by many in the local recreational soccer and hockey communities.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the person in the pictures or information relating to who may have been driving the vehicle

on June 4th, 2024, is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit 613-2361222, extension 5493. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) or at crimestoppers.ca.

Manotick Minto Dream Home grand prize in annual CHEO lottery

The 2024 CHEO Dream of a Lifetime Lottery was officially launched today, featuring more than $5 million in prizes including a beautifully decorated Minto Dream Home, trips to toprated destinations, vehicles and more. The annual lottery is one of the biggest fundraisers to support CHEO’s historic campaign to transform pediatric healthcare.

“Every ticket purchased in the Dream of a Lifetime Lottery means more support for the children and families in our community,” says Steve Read, President and CEO, CHEO Foundation.

The grand prize package is valued at over $3.3 million and includes a Dream Home built by Minto Communities, designed and decorated by Minto’s Karen van der

Velden and Tanner Vine of Tanner Vine Interiors. Named

The Oasis, the home offers a calming and minimalist aesthetic, infused with raw textures and natural materials.

The 5,097 square-foot Minto Dream Home is located at 845 Companion Crescent in the Mahogany community of Manotick.

The public is invited to visit Tuesdays to Fridays between noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The grand prize winner will also receive $100,000 in cash, a 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 4MATIC courtesy of Star Motors of Ottawa, house cleaning for a year from ATC Cleaning, legal services from Mann Lawyers LLP, moving services from Adam’s Moving, $5,000 in groceries from Farm Boy and a $5,000

W.O. Stinson and Son Ltd. gas card.

Other exciting prizes!

50/50 draw: Also returning this year is the popular 50/50 Draw. Last year’s lucky winner took home over $1.2 million. Tickets for the 50/50 Cash Draw are available at a cost of one for $10, five for $25 or 15 for $50.

The Early Bird Prize will offer $250,000 to the lucky recipient who purchases their tickets by Friday, November 15.

Cars, trips, gift cards and so much more up for grabs!

Tickets can be ordered online at www. dreamofalifetime.ca and by calling (613) 722-KIDS (5437) or 1-877-562-5437.

CHEO Dream of a

Lifetime Lottery tickets are $100 each or three for $250. Bundle and save with the following options: - five lottery tickets plus 15

50/50 tickets for $500; - three lottery tickets plus 15 50/50 tickets for $300; - one lottery ticket plus 15 50/50 tickets for $150.

Proceeds will help CHEO continually address the evolving health needs of young patients in our community.

The Minto Dream Home in the CHEO Dream of a lifetime Lottery is in Manotick’s Mahogony Community.

High youth unemployment needs our full attention

The school year has begun, and many young people are likely making some hard financial decisions right now. Youth unemployment hit 14.2 percent in July – the highest rate seen since September 2012 outside the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021.

OPINION PAGE

The youth employment rate has been worsening for a year, dropping by four percentage points since last summer. Among full-time students, the decline was even larger – almost seven percentage points. This represents a loss of 112,000 jobs among students in just a year.

What you cannot bet on at Future Hard Rock Casino

While the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission has reigned in control of gambling and online betting, we have decided to let you know the things that you CAN’T wager on at Future Hard Rock Casino on Albion Road.

You cannot bet on the overunder for how many months behind the Ottawa LRT Phase 2 expansion will be completed.

Our COmmunity

A very large group of young workers are bearing the brunt of the economic slowdown caused by high interest rates, competing for a limited number of openings not only among themselves but with older, more experienced workers as well.

Are you more Canadian than a fifth grader?

Given strong population growth, especially among young people, the labour market is simply not growing fast enough to absorb new entrants.

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?

Young people have just come through the huge disruptions associated with the pandemic and are now facing sky-high rents, tuition and food costs.

from the other side

ernments shortchanged the City of Ottawa by hundreds of millions of dollars, sending the city into a financial tailspin.

You cannot bet on how many landowners and property owners will be pissed off at the RVCA when the next round of wetlands declarations is announced.

You cannot bet on the number of trash bags thrown in the ditch along Borrisokane Road or Second Line Road in October by area residents who do not want to pay the $3 tag cost for going over the city’s three-bag trash limit, which goes into effect Oct. 1.

You cannot bet on the exact shade of black according to the Adobe photoshop colour wheel that will be on the next photos that surface of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wearing black face.

You cannot bet on the over-under on how long you will wait the next time you go to the Queensway-Carleton Hospital or when you take your child to CHEO.

The inflation rate may be easing this summer, but the lines at food banks haven’t. Food banks and community pantries are now permanent fixtures on campuses across the country, serving students with no money left after covering rent and tuition.

Better yet, how do new Canadians feel about being Canadian? Some of us look upon immigrants and refugees as opportunists, not wanting to give but very willing to take. Perhaps, for some people, that is true, but when you attend a celebration for new Canadians, such as the one hosted by NepeanCarleton MP Pierre Poilievre at Mother Teresa High School in Barrhaven last month, you can see the excitement and the thankfulness in the eyes of every new Canadian.

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

The situation of international students is particularly acute. These students come to Canada on the hook for a massive tuition bill (typically more than four times higher than the equivalent Canadian student) only to find that the cost of living is much higher than they expected. As a result, many are living in appalling conditions.

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.

You cannot bet on how many antisemitic posts on the X platform that any executives from Ontario’s labour unions will post, and then delete claiming they did not intend to be antisemitic.

You cannot bet on how many times the Ottawa Police Service will be called in to restore order after angry mobs show up at Ottawa-Carleton District School Board meetings during the 2024-25 school year.

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.

You cannot bet on how many truckers will show up for the next freedom convoy.

You cannot bet on how many Timbits Pierre Poilievre will bring to the truckers during the duration of the next convoy.

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.

The depth of this generational crisis is staggering. Compared to previous generations, young adults are facing a future of lower earnings and more employment precarity, further burdened with high levels of debt.

Sometimes it’s best just to say nil

You cannot bet on how many months behind the OCDSB will be when they attempt to manage the construction of their next school once they receive funding.

You cannot bet on where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be hunkered down during the next convoy. That means that if he is hunkered down in India, you cannot create a parlay bet combining him being in India and what ridiculous outfit drawing public ridicule he will be wearing.

“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.”

Young people’s experience in the summer of 2024 clearly demonstrates that governments, post-secondary institutions, and employers need to do much more – not only to make education more affordable but to tackle the surge in youth unemployment and the growing divide between good jobs and bad jobs.

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?

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

You cannot bet on how many school bus routes will be cancelled by OSTA each and every day.

“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.”

In our economic system, there are winners and losers. At this moment, the economic elites are throwing young people under the bus, collateral damage in efforts to rein in inflation and reassert neoliberal economic orthodoxy that delivers extraordinary wealth to the rich.

The systemic underfunding of post-secondary institutions has compounded this difficult situation as schools have turned to international students to fill funding shortfalls – opening the door to precarity and abuse.

Starting this summer, the Historica-Dominion Institute will be encouraging more than 5,000 middle and high school teachers to register their classrooms for the Challenge. Each classroom will receive a set of the new citizenship guide, along with specially designed learning activities. The teacher will also receive copies of a mock citizenship exam. Students will take the citizenship exam as a class and the teachers will return the completed exams to the Dominion Institute for grading.

Results will be announced by the Dominion Institute on Flag Day (February 15) each year for the next three years. For more information about the Challenge please visit the Historica-Dominion Institute website at www.historica-dominion.ca.

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

Make no mistake. As the baby boom generation retires, Canada will need to rely on the next generation of workers – those who were born here and the many we welcome from abroad. This is precisely the time we need to invest in young people and their futures.

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. Arr-hayne-TEE-na?

Are you kidding me?

By Jeffrey Morris

You cannot bet on how many months behind construction will be on the proposed new downtown arena, though there may be some bookies willing to take some sweet action on that bet if the OCDSB and the consortium responsible for building the LRT are collaborating on this project.

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

“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.

Katherine Scott is a senior researcher with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

“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.

Should the park and ride school bus ride model be used to shuttle Sens fans to the impossible-to-get-to LeBreton Flats area, you cannot bet on how many of these buses will be cancelled if OSTA is in charge of this plan.

“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.

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.

And if OSTA is in charge of the Sens’ park and ride plan, you cannot bet on how many of their bus drivers will quit on a game-to-game basis.

“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.

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.

You cannot bet on how many times in a day Carleton MP and Conversative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre will say “carbon tax election.” However, with beer, coolers and wine now available at corner stores, there is an opportunity for a “Pierre said carbon tax election drinking game.”

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

You cannot bet on the possibility of proPalestinian protestors blocking the routes into Ottawa’s downtown, thus negating any chance of the truckers from the convoy getting into downtown Ottawa.

You cannot bet on how many restaurant owners in downtown Ottawa will want to pee in the soup of any of the PSAC leaders responsible for telling its employees to boycott downtown businesses.

You cannot bet on how much money Governor General Mary Simon will spend on clothing for her next major official trip.

You cannot bet on how many times federal government employees will not get paid because of problems with the Phoenix Pay System.

You cannot bet on how deep the next sinkhole on Rideau Street will be.

You cannot bet on what the percentage of votes influenced by Chinese government interference will be in the upcoming federal and provincial elections.

You cannot bet on how many acres of greenbelt land will be used for development for the remainder of Premier Doug Ford’s political term.

News

Editorial: manotickmessenger@gmail.com

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 MacIsaac, Jeffrey Morris, Greg Newton, C.J. Rooney, Ralph Tweedie, Leeanne Van der Burgt.

tario. Letters

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.

senger is

You cannot get any sweet action on an Ottawa LRT parlay bet that includes a sink hole, a derailment and trains not running due to extreme cold weather.

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

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

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

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

“Would you like plastic bags?”

You cannot bet on what costume Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will wear on his next trip to India, or whether it is more offensive than embarrassing, or vice-versa.

“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.

You cannot bet on the over-under on the percentage that homeowners’ taxes will increase due to Mayor Mark Sutcliffe’s claim that the federal and provincial gov-

I was just about to drift back into ADD world and

Jeffrey Morris was the 2008 OCNA Columnist of the Year. His book, From the Other Skide, is available at Manotick Office Pro, Barrhaven UPS Store, and Pages in Prescott.

You can’t bet on how many more letters, numbers and symbols will be added to 2SLGBTQIA+ between now and calendar year end 2025. OLG doesn’t even know who is in charge of adding letters and symbols.

And finally, you cannot bet on how many complaints we will receive because of this column.

If you gamble, please pay responsibly. For help and support with gambling issues, please visit playsmart.ca.

Page 6, Manotick Messenger, Wednesday, June

Bev McRae photo

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Reader says it’s time to “drag” people into the New World

The Editor,

We really are proud that Manotick is diverse, inclusive and welcomed a Drag show for the second year at the Taste of Manotick. We loved watching kids and adults alike singing and dancing along!

Singing and dancing is child friendly. Maybe not if you are you are Amish or if your social compass

has not entered even the 20th century. Dance is physical activity that activates the brain and motor skills. Its an expression of individuality which is very healthy for children and adults.

What performers wear has been questioned by each generation, some resisting changing social norms more then others.

Drag performers fully embrace the skills, glamour and trends most current in our best and leading edge entertainers, well done!

Regarding Mr Moribito’s comments in his Letter to the Editor that “Drag is of a sexual nature” and involves “provocative dancing”. Drag and dancing are no more sexual or provocative in nature

than many other performances. Look at most popular music videos. It may stir up or disturb feelings in some people but that is something that only a professional may be qualified to help them navigate. The reality is it is not uncommon for dancing and performances to be considered provocative to a very small few, most-

ly sharing a narrow view of the world or a closed mind. Where would the world be if Elvis and his hips had been censored?

In the end, these are legitimate performers and guess what? If you don’t want to see a drag show, don’t go to one. I know lots of people who find clowns creepy. It does not mean they would protest a clown show. They would not attend. The right to choose is one of the best parts of our society. I welcome a Manotick that like to sing and dance. I welcome all who move in mind, body and spirit with the evolving social dynamic. Well done Manotick BIA!

Theo VanderBurgt (he/him)

CBC and Canada Post examples of the failure of our crown corporations

The Editor,

We really are proud that MLike many other residents in the area, I have been following what Carleton MP and Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre has had to say about a number of things.

There are those who will always dislike and distrust him simply because he is Conservative. There are others who will hang onto every word he

says because he is Conservative.

Neither side can remove their blinders and really understand some of the things he is calling for.

I was surprised and almost offended when he announced he wanted to pull funding from the CBC. But as time has gone on, I find myself agreeing with him more and more on this.

The CBC has served its purpose as a national public broadcaster. Now, it is

anything but. It is an organization led by the highly overpaid at the very top, directing and discarding the minions while they cry underfunding and give themselves lavish bonuses.

Perhaps it was needed in northern remote areas as their only source of broadcasting. Now, with the internet reaching most of these far-reaching outlets, is CBC needed?

We are also learning that Canada Post is in the

same predicament.

If Canada Post and the CBC were private companies instead of governmentfunded institutions for elite executives to foster complacency, they would have figured out a business model.

Why are we seeing giant Amazon shipping warehouses being built in Barrhaven and on Boundary Road instead of Canada Post shipping warehouses?

Why are our email addresses provided and serviced by Rogers, Bell, Yahoo or Google? Don’t you think that since we are pouring so much taxpayers money into these crown corporations that maybe our email addresses should be some forms of our names @canadapost or our names @cbc? It would never happen. Those things would have required vision, entrepreneurship and a thirst for a

competitive edge. Furthermore, I honestly can’t remember the last time I watched a program on CBC television or sent a piece of mail through the post office other than the odd thing I sold on eBay. Canada Post and CBC have neither. Unless they change their ways, they don’t deserve our funding, nor do they deserve the right to have us as customers.

Cindy Ferguson

From the manotick Village & community association

Taste of Manotick

Thank you everyone who came by the MVCA booth at Taste of Manotick. We loved chatting with residents and visitors out enjoying the day. The Manotick BIA and our amazing local businesses created an energized and engaging afternoon. Local bands kept us dancing and the diverse list of performances at the second stage added to the fun. The Shay Way Memorial Car Show was a special way to remember Mike Shay and support the Manotick Food Cupboard and the Ottawa Mission. The entire day was a notable success. Our thanks to all involved.

Speed Camera Coming Soon

The speed camera installation has begun on Bridge Street near Manotick Public School. It should be up and operational in a few weeks. A reminder that much of Bridge Street is a Community Safety Zone with a speed limit of 40 km/hr.

Adjusting to postsummer traffic

Summer is over. Everyone is back at work and in school so there are more vehicles on the roads again. It is that time of year to sip on a favourite pumpkin flavoured beverage, plan our time on the roads differently and be patient. We talk a lot about trucks here in Manotick but the collisions we have heard about the past few weeks have sole-

The MessengerFOCUS ON YOUTH

Being OTHS Student Council President a rewarding experience

Name: Melita Wyche

Age: 17

School: Osgoode Township High

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Name: Melita Wyche

Grade: 12

Age: 17

Parents: Heather and Dennis Wyche

The MessengerFOCUS ON YOUTH

Activities/Interests:

Being OTHS Student Council President a rewarding

ly involved motorists in their personal vehicles. If you witness a traffic incident you can file a report online with Ottawa Police online. You do not have to have every detail to file a report.

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

by Phill Potter

School: Osgoode Township High

Grade: 12

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.”

Garbage, New ThreeItem Limit

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

Parents: Heather and Dennis Wyche

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

Favourite Subjects:

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

FOCUS ON YOUTH

by Phill Potter

On September 30 the new three-item garbage limit came into effect. If you have not familiarized yourself with the new program yet, you can find the details on the City of Ottawa website. For anyone who may have concerns about extra garbage

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.

due to home healthcare, diaper and incontinence waste and the three-item limit, you can register for a Special Considerations Program through the City’s website or call 311

What is your Greatest Accomplishment? “Earning the title of Student Council President at my school. The process was not easy, but I persevered and made it through, even though there were setbacks along the way. It has also been a very rewarding accomplishment, as I’ve gained so many opportunities, and gotten to network with other youth like myself.”

Rural Summit – Save the Date

“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.”

Activities/Interests:

pens next. The event is on Saturday, November 2 at Sir Robert Borden High School on Greenbank Road. You can register online through Engage Ottawa. We will post the link on the MVCA website as well.

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.”

Local events and activities

Why did you get involved in what you do?

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

Earlier this year there was an online survey and in-person workshops in the rural Wards as part of the 2024 Rural Summit. The next step is an opportunity for everyone to come together, hear about the work done so far and collaborate on what hap-

have a page under Events called “In the Community” where we post dates of upcoming events. This is free. If you have something coming up that you would like added, please contact us with details at info@manotickvca.org

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

After suffering numerous concussions, Melita Wyche turned to coaching.

PHILL POTTER PHOTO

4-H Flower Bulb Fundraiser

• 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

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

For anyone who is interested in adding some spring colour to their 2025 gardens. The Richmond 4-H club is doing a flower bulb fundraiser. These flower bulbs will be available for October 2024 so they can be planted and will bloom in the spring of 2025. They are available for pick up during October on a designated evening at the Richmond Dining Hall (date to be determined).

MVCA’s mandate involves advocacy on issues important to the community, events and communication. Part of the communication piece is helping residents find out what is happening here. On our website we

More information about local events and updates on issues in the community are available to MVCA Members through our newsletter. Details about Membership are available on our website at manotickvca.org

Community Calendar

Oct. 7 – Euchre in Manotick

Why did you get involved in what you do?

• 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.

This is a great way to support a local community group and enjoy the results for many years to come. The order form is at: https://forms.gle/KZumhnQZ3kFrZ3A98

• 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.

Oct. 2 – Richmond Village Association Public Meeting

The Richmond Village Association (RVA) will be holding a public meeting to share with the Richmond Community the results of the “Community Needs and Priorities” Survey” completed by the RVA June 2024. Doors Open to the Public at 6:45pm. Meeting will begin at 7:00pm. Coffee, Tea and Refreshments Provided.

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

Oct. 3 – Mahjong at the Library

Thursday, October 3, 2024, 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m., Manotick Branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Join fellow mahjong players for a friendly game in a congenial environment. Drop-in program, no registration required.

www.pharmasave.com

Oct. 5 – Senior A Hockey

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

• 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

Sat., Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m., Manotick Arena. Eastern Ontario Super Hockey League. Pontiac Comets and Manotick Mariners.

Oct. 6 – Junior B Hockey

Sun., Oct. 6, 1:20 p.m., Embrun Panthers at Richmond Royals at the Richmond Memorial Community Centre.

Pharmacy 990 River Road (across from Tim Hortons) 613-692-0015

Transferring a prescription is easy to do

These cards accepted Monday-Friday: 9am-8pm Saturday: 9am-5pm Sunday: 10am-4pm

After suffering numerous concussions, Melita Wyche turned to coaching.

Oct. 8 – Bid Euchre

PHILL POTTER PHOTO

“I got involved in Student Council because I saw it as an opportunity to make a difference in my school, and to get a different perspective on all aspects of the school. I was a cheerleader for 10 years, but I could no longer continue due to concussions, so I turned to coaching. It has given me an opportunity to continue in the sport, even though I can no longer participate in it.”

• 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.

BID Euchre will take place Tuesday, October 8, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 6:30pm and playing starts at 7:00pm.

• 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.

Oct. 10 – Discussions with David Thursday, October 10, 2024, 8:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.Client Services Buliding, 2155 Roger Stevens Drive in North Gower. Rideau-Jock Councillor David Brown will be spending time in the community to give residents a chance to meet in-person to ask questions, share comments or just chat.

Oct. 13 – Junior B Hockey Sun., Oct. 13, 1:20 p.m., Ottawa Jr. Canadians at Richmond Royals at the Richmond Memorial Community Centre.

stevenscreekshutterco.ca

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

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

Transit deficit remains the city’s biggest budgetary problem

By DaviD Brown riDeau-Jock councillor

Every year, from September to December, Ottawa City Council and senior staff members are fully engaged in drafting and ultimately passing the annual municipal budget for the upcoming year. Councillors, including myself, are now neck-deep in “budget season.”

It should come as no surprise to those reading this that the cost of living across our country is high and that is one

Rideau-Jock Report

David Brown, Councillor , Ward 21

of the reasons why I have repeatedly committed to keeping taxes as low as possible while maintaining the City’s core services. My commitment remains unchanged this year.

My team and I have been hard at work to identify inefficiencies in the City of Ottawa

Committees

Ottawa’s committees on Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services and Environment and Climate Change have approved an updated Idling Control Bylaw. The by-law aims to reduce vehicle idling and the resulting harmful emissions that contribute to climate change and air pollution.

The maximum idling time would be reduced from three minutes to one minute per hour, in line with best practices from Natural Resources Canada and other Ontario municipalities such as Toronto, Kingston and Burlington. When it is colder than zero degrees Celsius or warmer than 27 degrees Celsius, the maximum idling time would be five minutes per hour.

Additionally, the Committees directed staff to install signs along high-traffic corridors throughout the city, encouraging drivers to reduce unnecessary idling. If every Ottawa driver reduced daily idling in their personal vehicle by two minutes, it

budget as an organization. I have had multiple meetings over the last month with the mayor and various senior leadership staff where I proposed hundreds of millions of dollars in prospective savings and efficiencies to keep costs low for residents.

My intentions were made clear: I will continue to work to keep taxes low and cannot support a budget that does not focus on enhancing core services and seek to build on $153 Million in savings that we have already found.

As I have mentioned in my previous articles, the deficit faced by OC Transpo amounts to $125 Million next year. The transit deficit remains the biggest budgetary problem for the City of Ottawa. Through my advocacy for finding efficiencies, I proposed that we recalibrate the transit funding model to be a 50-50 fare-to-levy ratio rather than the current 32-68 ratio that punishes taxpayers. This would mean that transit service in Ottawa would be funded half by fares and half by taxpayers because I believe

that transit riders should pay their fair share for the transit services that they receive.

While this may be an unpopular opinion for some, after having spoken to many residents, I cannot in good conscience ask them to continue pay transit taxes while there are only two bus routes that serve the entirety of Ward 21.

I will continue to focus on ensuring that Ward 21’s local priorities are advanced in next year’s budget and through the upcoming Rural Summit

in November. This includes money for roads, upgraded intersection traffic infrastructure, and securing funding to fix traffic issues, such as trucks in Manotick and chronic speeding.

As we progress through the budget process, I look forward to providing updates and, hopefully, positive news in the weeks to come. From now until Christmas, my focus will be on a budget that strikes a balance between the priorities and needs of residents from Ward 21 and across Ottawa.

approve new by-law to reduce vehicle idling

would decrease carbon dioxide emissions by about 31.2 million kilograms a year. That’s the equivalent of removing 6,780 vehicles from Ottawa roads, and saving about $20 million in fuel costs per year.

The by-law would offer exemptions when idling is necessary for health, safety and proper vehicle function, such as when powering mobile workshops, maintaining temperature for medical reasons, and assisting emergency services. Public transit vehicles would be exempt from the by-law, but other City vehicles would be subject to its requirements. The new rules would come into effect on January 1, 2025.

After the joint meeting, the Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee convened separately to consider updates to the City’s Licensing By-law for private snow plow contractors. The Committee approved the recommendations of the Snow Plow Contractor Licensing

Review,(link is external) which aims to address concerns related to public safety, accessibility, consumer protection and property damage.

The City would prohibit unauthorized snow dumping on private property or in accessible parking spaces.

Snow dumped on roads and sidewalks or in accessible parking spaces would need to be cleaned up within four hours. Private snow plows would be required to display accessible signage and annual validation stickers on their license plates. Contractors

would be able to use metal driveway markers to identify their serviced driveway and would be responsible for replacing broken markers and cleaning any debris. The minimum liability coverage required for private snow plow contractors would increase from $1 million to $2 million. The cost to administer and enforce the new provisions for private snow plowing would be fully funded by annual licensing fees, which would increase by $18 per contractor and by $18 per vehicle.

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. John the Evangelist

2540 Stagecoach Road, Osgoode and St. Brigid 2015 River Road, Manotick

Pastor: Rev. Michael Wright

ST. JOHN: MASS TIME

Saturdays 4 p.m., Sundays 9 a.m. ST. BRIGID: MASS TIME Sundays 10:30 a.m. Telephone: (613) 821-0761 Email: stbrigid.stjohn@gmail.com Office Hours: Tuesday–Thursday 9am–3pm Friday. 9am-12pm

ST. LEONARD ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

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

Manotick Legion marks a defining moment in Canadian history

It is often referred to as “the Forgotten Battle.”

Last month, the Royal Canadian Legion South Carleton Branch in Manotick hosted a presentation on what is known as Medak Pocket 93.

According to Bryan Mack of the Legion, the event was held to “help us to remember the courage and success of our soldiers at one of Canada’s largest battles since the Korean War. Medak Pocket has often been called the forgotten battle - as a consequence of Canada’s failure to even recognize their achievement, for a term of almost ten years. We will seek to remember the battle and foster remembrance among members of this Branch and the community.”

Operation Medak Pocket, also known as Operation Pocket-93, was a significant military engagement during the Croatian War of Independence. This operation, which took place from September 9 to 17, 1993, involved the Croatian Army and United Nations peacekeepers, including a notable

contingent from Canada. The operation is remembered for its intense combat, strategic implications, and the bravery displayed by Canadian forces.

The Croatian War of Independence began in 1991, following Croatia’s declaration of independence from Yugoslavia. The conflict was marked by ethnic tensions between Croats and Serbs, leading to widespread violence and territorial disputes. The Medak Pocket, a salient near the town of Gospić in south-central Croatia, was under the control of the self-proclaimed Republic of Serbian Krajina (RSK). This area became a focal point of conflict due to its strategic importance and the presence of both Croatian and Serb forces.

Operation Medak Pocket was launched by the Croatian Army with the objective of expelling Serb forces from the region. The operation quickly escalated into a confrontation with United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) peacekeepers, including Canadian

troops from the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.

The Canadian peacekeepers were tasked with enforcing a ceasefire agreement and preventing further hostilities. As they advanced into the Medak Pocket, they encountered fierce resistance from Croatian forces.

For over 15 hours, the Canadians endured heavy artillery and small arms fire, marking one of the most intense combat experiences for Canadian troops since the Korean War.

Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the Canadian troops managed to hold their ground and even-

tually forced the Croatian forces to withdraw. This successful defense not only preserved the integrity of the UN-protected zone but also prevented further escalation of the conflict. The bravery and resilience of the Canadian soldiers were widely recognized, earning them praise from both the

UN and the international community.

The legacy of Medak Pocket continues to inspire and inform Canada’s approach to peacekeeping and military engagements around the world.

(With research from Wikipedia and the Canadian Encyclopedia)

The Manotick Legion hosted a presentation on Medak Pocket 93, known in Canada as “the Forgotten Battle.”

ROSSS sees the importance of social dining for healthy aging

By Kelly Dumas, ROsss exec. DiR

Eating with others plays a vital role in healthy aging, influencing both physical and mental well-being. That’s why ROSSS offers numerous opportunities for seniors to come together and share meals in a welcoming and supportive environment. These gatherings provide not just nourishment but also an essential sense of community for seniors throughout rural Ottawa South.

Social isolation and loneliness are common challenges for many older adults, especially those living in rural areas. ROSSS’ dining programs aim to combat these feelings by fostering social interaction. Sharing a meal with others gives seniors the chance to engage in meaningful conversations, build friendships, and form emotional connections, all of which are proven to reduce the risk of depression and anxiety. Beyond the physical act of eating, the

social experience can bring a renewed sense of belonging, helping to enhance overall quality of life. In addition to addressing emotional well-being, social dining helps maintain mental sharpness. Engaging in conversation during meals stimulates cognitive activity, which is key to preserving mental acuity and delaying cognitive decline. For many seniors, the mental and social engagement that comes from dining with others is as beneficial as the meal itself.

The dining programs provided by ROSSS are not just about gathering social-

ly—they ensure that seniors in rural Ottawa South have access to healthy, well-balanced diets. ROSSS’ dining programs are designed to meet nutritional needs while also creating a lively, welcoming atmosphere where seniors can connect with one another. This combination of good food and good company contributes significantly to the overall well-being of those who participate.

ROSSS offers a variety of dining programs across rural Ottawa South. Richmond Diners takes place on the first Wednesday of each month at St. John the Baptist Anglican Church. The Manotick Breakfast is hosted on the second Monday of each month at the Manotick Legion, while the Metcalfe Breakfast occurs on the third Friday at the Lions Den. Lastly, the Osgoode Diners meets on the fourth Friday of each month at the Osgoode Legion. For those who enjoy a change of scenery, Connections Lunches are held at various

For seniors who want to engage with others in their community while enjoying a delicious

dining programs provide the perfect opportunity.

local restaurants, offering seniors a chance to dine out while remaining connected to their community.

These social dining programs offer a variety of entertainment and lively conversation, making each meal a memorable experi-

ence. For seniors who want to engage with others in their community while enjoying a delicious meal, ROSSS’ dining programs provide the perfect opportunity.

To learn more about ROSSS’ social dining op-

tions, including the Richmond Diners, Manotick and Metcalfe Breakfasts, Osgoode Diners, and Connections Lunches, please contact Lyn Rorke by phone at 613-692-4697 ext. 224 or by email at lyn.rorke@ rosss.ca.

Kelly Dumas

meal, ROSSS’

From Our Archives: Local men honoured by Ukrainian National Guard

From the manotick messenger

september 18, 2014

It was perhaps the unlikeliest of ceremonies that you would expect to see in the quaint and peaceful village of Manotick.

Gary Chayko, a Manotick attorney, and Arthur Andersen, a Greely consultant, were decorated by the Ukrainian National Guard for their efforts in bringing potential suppliers of defensive weapons to the beleaguered nation.

Arthur Andersen Defence Consulting, Inc. facilitated a visit between the Ukrainian delegation and 39 Canadian companies in Ottawa last week. The Ukrainian National Guard is looking for sellers who can fill their want list of helicopters, armoured vehicles, anti-tank weapons and other military equipment.

Despite a Sept. 5, 2014 ceasefire, clashes have continued in eastern Ukraine in and around the city of Donetsk between the Ukrainian National Guard and pro-Russian rebels. Russia denied sending troops to aid the rebels, as had been alleged by NATO and the Ukrainian government. An estimated 2,600 people lost their lives over the last five months. On Sunday, despite a ceasefire, six more were killed and 15 were injured. Shelling continued Monday

at the government-held airport in Donetsk.

About 1,300 troops from 15 NATO countries have begun training in western Ukraine, near Lviv, a city on the Polish-Ukrainian border.

Chayko, acting as the spokesman for Arthur Andersen, Inc., said that the delegation that came to Ottawa last week was looking for defence weapons.

“Ukraine National Guard is looking to expand,” Chayko said. “There are 30,000 members right now. Their system is different than ours, as the National Guard looks after both military and national policing responsibilities. They are on the front lines. They are also bound to protect Ukraine’s five nuclear stations.”

Ukraine is looking to increase the size of the National Guard by 10 per cent immediately, with the goal of doubling it in size in the upcoming years.

According to Chayko, Arthur Andersen Defence Consulting has assisted Ukraine in the past.

“We renewed the relationship last year, prior to the conflict arising,” he said.

The company does not supply arms to countries like Ukraine. Instead, it acts as a consulting firm that will help source the equipment that is needed.

“We do not directly supply any equipment,” said Chayko. “We assist countries in purchasing very good equipment for the very best prices. We access equipment around the world.”

The company is a certified NATO supplier.

While the company sources out equipment and matches sellers with buyers, there are also restrictions. Ukraine, for example, is not a NATO member country. There are other countries that are not approved to purchase certain weaponry.

One of the challenges for the company in Ukraine conflict is that many countries do not want to jeopardize their relationship with Russia by selling arms to or providing aid to Ukraine.

“We have the outspoken support of Canada and NATO to supply equipment to Ukraine by way of sale,” Chayko said. “But there are some countries that will not supply to Ukraine because

they do not want to damage their relationship with Russia.”

Chayko cited Italy as an example of a country that would not participate in arms sales to Ukraine.

Canadian equipment, however, is intriguing to Ukraine, who wants to arm its National Guard with western equipment and technology. While Canada has an outstanding reputation based on its military personnel, Chayko says Canada’s technology is second to none.

“One thing that people do not realize is that we have some spectacular equipment,” Chayko said. “It has withstood the tests in Afghanistan. The reports coming back were that the Canadians were the best

equipped country in Afghanistan. Some of the things our guys were carrying really impressed people around the world.”

Arthur Andersen Defence Consulting was eager to become involved with Ukraine in their quest for growth and upgrade. Chayko says the company saw it as an opportunity for Canadian firms.

“We brought the delegation from Ukraine in and introduced them to a large number of Canadian companies,” Chayko said. “Our role will be to assist them, and give our views on what they should or should not purchase. We would arrange the financing and controlling, and provide logistical support. It’s prudent and fair that Canadian companies get a shot at contributing our equipment.”

While Arthur Andersen is involved in bringing multiple parties to the table, Chayko said that the Canadian Government has the final say in whether or not a sale can be made.

“The Government of Canada views these deals as business transactions between Ukraine and Canadian industry,” Chayko said. “They will decide what items can be sold, and what the restrictions are on equipment. It’s all a choice of the Government as to what that country can buy.”

Ottawa West-Nepean MP and Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird was also involved in discussions and meetings.

G A Ry CO U lO m be ph OtO archives continues on page 13

Gary Chayko, left, and Arthur Andersen, middle, were honoured by the Ukrainian National Guard. Arthur Andersen Defence Consulting, Inc., brought the delegation from Ukraine to Canada to connect them with sellers of military equipment that can be used in their conflict as they defend themselves from attacks made by pro-Russian rebels. With Chayko and Andersen are Valerii Komolov, Dmitri Stefanik and Oleg Kardinal.

The community loses an icon and a hero as Eldon Healey passes away

By Ralph Tweedie ManoTick kiwanis cluB

Manotick has lost an icon. Eldon Healey passed peacefully at home on August 26th at 90 years of age. He led a life of dedication to his family, his community and to his country.

Ed’s sense of duty was evident at an early age. After the tragic loss of his brother, followed soon by his father, he became the sole supporter of his mother and sister. He laboured in the tobacco fields of Tilsonburg while finishing high school.

His friends describe him as unassuming, and in particular, very low key about his career. Ed spent 33 years in the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Forces. Starting as a cadet, he retired as Chief of Engineering and Maintenance in the rank of Rear-Admiral.

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Prime Minister Stephen Harper recently committed $4 million to support Ukraine’s military, as well as NATO initiatives in the Baltics. Canada had earlier contributed $5 million in what experts call non-lethal aid, which includes sleeping bags, first aid kits, and body armour. In addition, Canada will spend $1 million to improve Ukrainian military command and control, communications systems and computers. Prime Minister Harper also announced that $3 million will be provided to three NATO Centres of Excellence, which are located in the Baltic region.

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said

Kiwanis News

Ralph Tweedie

His colleagues characterize him as having the finest qualities of an officer and a gentleman and as achieving very effective results from his leadership style. He was most proud of his work as project manager on the Canadian Patrol Frigates program. The patrol frigates he championed are still in service to this day and are a backbone of our country’s defense. His dedication to the Navy didn’t restrain him from being a pillar in his community. Ed was involved with numerous institutes and charities. For twenty years he served on

last week it is up to each alliance country to decide whether or not to provide military equipment to Ukraine.

Before the delegation returned to Ukraine Thursday, Chayko and Andersen were honoured on Wednesday in Manotick. Valerii Komolov, Dmitri Stefanik and Oleg Kardinal presented them with the honour. For Chayko, it was an emotional moment.

Chayko’s family emigrated from Ukraine to Canada in 1884. In more than a century, he was the first member of his family to return there.

“To get decorated by the country of your heritage is extremely exciting,” he said. “It humbles you in a way you

the board of the Bytown Brigantine Charity. They provide leadership training programs. The Foundation’s primary focus is to provide youth with the opportunity to reach new heights through adventure and character-building experiences while sailing tall ships. During his time thousands of youth benefitted from the inspiration of his example and his leadership of the organization.

Ed went on to be an Assistant Deputy Minister in the Department of National Defense. He was active in NATO’s International Armaments cooperation field as Canada’s National Armaments Director. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of Defense Construction Canada Limited. Ed managed approval of over twenty Major Crown Projects and approximately

can’t describe.”

Chayko said that his family had found documents that earlier after arriving in Canada, their family name had been changed. Originally, their surname was Chaika.

“We don’t know how or why it was changed,” he said. “Maybe somewhere along the line someone pronounced it or filled out a form incorrectly.”

Regardless of the change in his family’s name, the honour inspired and validated Chayko and Andersen for their efforts.

“It made us both feel like we have done something,” said Chayko. “Our efforts have been noted. This work was not just for commercial

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12,000 staff in North America and Europe. In 1983 he was appointed to the Order of Military Merit in the grade of Commander.

Ed was a humble man. He rarely talked about his professional life. He did love to tell stories and had a great sense of humour. For the 1st annual variety show at Miller Seniors Apartments, he gave a “witty” account of his oversea travels. He was scheduled to be the Master of Ceremonies for the next variety show. He also organized their Men’s Group.

He had been a Manotick Kiwanian 50 years ago, and when he returned to live in Manotick, he rejoined the club. In fact, he is a Kiwanis Club of Ottawa Past President. We were regaled at one dinner meeting last March with a humorous presentation of his adventures in what he

profit – we did something for Ukraine. They wanted to show their appreciation.”

The next step for Andersen and Chayko is to go back to Ukraine to meet with the

called the “gap year”. He was a well-respected member of our club, and he will be missed.

He was unfailingly kind and respectful. He was also exceedingly patient.

Perhaps his daughter Anne sums it up best “My father went on to have an illustrious career, but he was always consistently kind, formidable, generous, respectful and patient. He was also my hero.”

National Guard. At that time, they will determine their military equipment needs, find what is available, and then get moving. Chayko said that he does not expect a quick resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.

“We’re also doing work in other countries,” Chayko said. “But this one will take time.”

Eldon Healey will be remembered for being kind, respectful and patient.

Canadian Thanksgiving pre-dates American Thanksgiving by almost 50 years

Thanksgiving in Canada is a time-honored tradition that brings families and communities together to celebrate the harvest and give thanks for the blessings of the past year. While it shares some similarities with American Thanksgiving, Canadian Thanksgiving has its own unique history and traditions that set it apart.

Early Beginnings

The origins of Thanksgiving in Canada can be traced back to the early European settlers and Indigenous peoples. Long before the arrival of Europeans, Indigenous peoples in Canada held ceremonies to give thanks for the harvest and the bounty of the land. These ceremonies often included feasting, dancing, and other rituals to express gratitude for the successful harvest and the sustenance it provided.

The first recorded European Thanksgiving

in Canada took place in 1578, when English explorer Martin Frobisher and his crew held a ceremony to give thanks for their safe arrival in the New World. They celebrated with a meal of salt beef, biscuits, and mushy peas, and held a communion service to express their gratitude. This event is considered the first Thanksgiving celebration in North America, predating the American Thanksgiving by several decades.

Evolution of the Holiday Thanksgiving in Canada continued to evolve over the centuries. In 1606, French settlers under Samuel de Champlain held feasts of thanksgiving with the local Mi’kmaq people in what is now Nova Scotia. These feasts, known as the “Order of Good Cheer,” were held to boost the morale of the settlers and to prevent

scurvy during the harsh winter months.

The tradition of Thanksgiving as a harvest festival was further solidified in the 18th century, when Loyalists who fled the American Revolution brought their Thanksgiving customs to Canada. These customs included the celebration of the harvest with a feast, which often featured turkey, squash, and pumpkin.

Official Recognition

Thanksgiving became an official holiday in Canada in 1879, when it was declared a national holiday to be celebrated on November 6th. The date of the holiday changed several times over the years, but in 1957, it was officially proclaimed to be held on the second Monday in October. This date was chosen to align with the end of the harvest season and to avoid conflicting with Remembrance Day

in November.

Traditions and Celebrations

Today, Thanksgiving in Canada is celebrated with a variety of traditions that

reflect the country’s diverse cultural heritage. The centerpiece of the celebration is the Thanksgiving meal, which typically includes roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Families and friends gather to share this meal and to give thanks for the blessings of the past year.

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In addition to the meal, many Canadians take advantage of the long weekend to spend time outdoors, enjoying the beautiful fall foliage and participating in activities such as hiking, apple picking, and visiting pumpkin patches. Some communities also hold parades and festivals to mark the occasion.

Differences from American Thanksgiving

Canadian Thanksgiving has roots in both Indigenous harvest celebrations and European traditions of giving thanks for safe voyages and successful settlements.

ings of the past year. Its unique history and traditions set it apart from American Thanksgiving, while also highlighting the shared values of gratitude and community.

in their own distinct way.

Whether through a festive meal, outdoor activities, or community events, Canadians continue to honor this special holiday

1: Canada’s History 2: The Canadian Encyclopedia 3: The Canadian Encyclopedia 4: The Canadian Encyclopedia 5: The Canadian Encyclopedia 6: Prepare for Canada : Almanac : The Canadian Encyclopedia : The Canadian Encyclopedia

While Canadian and American Thanksgivings share some similarities, there are several key differences between the two holidays. One of the most notable differences is the date of the celebration. Canadian Thanksgiving is held on the second Monday in October, while American Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November.

The historical origins of the two holidays also differ. American Thanksgiving is often traced back to the Pilgrims’ celebration of their first successful harvest in 1621, which was attended by the Wampanoag people. In contrast,

Another difference is the emphasis on the harvest. While both holidays celebrate the harvest, Canadian Thanksgiving is more closely tied to the end of the harvest season, reflecting the earlier timing of the holiday. This is also why Canadian Thanksgiving is often associated with the vibrant fall colors and the bounty of the autumn harvest.

Uniquely Canadian

Thanksgiving in Canada is a rich and meaningful tradition that brings people together to celebrate the harvest and to give thanks for the bless-

Monday-Friday : 8:30am - 6:00pm Saturday: 8:00am-5:00pm

Packed arena watches Manotick Mariners win inaugural game

It was the kind of Saturday night that Manotick has not seen in more than a generation.

The Manotick Mike O’Neil Arena was sold right out, and the community celebrated the return of Senior A hockey with a tailgate party and live band.

Once the puck dropped, the Manotick Mariners, the new entry in the Eastern Ontario Super Hockey League,

did the rest.

The Mariners, a relocated franchise from Cornwall that has undergone a facelift on and off the ice, defeated the South Grenville Rangers 7-4 in their first of 10 home games in the 2024-25 EOSHL regular season.

Fittingly, Manotick native Liam Dennison, who turned pro late last season as he joined the Utah Grizzlies after his NCAA hockey

career at Merrimack College ended, scored the first goal in Mariners history, drawing a loud ovation from the packed home crowd.

Dennison has never been a goal scorer in his hockey career. A classic stay-athome defender who can move the puck, Dennison scored only four goals in five college seasons.

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SEP- 19,20,21,22 SEP- 26,27,28,29,30

4,5,6

11,12,13,14

- 15,16,17

- 26,27,28

- 1,2,3

- 8,9,10,11

The beer was flowing before the Manotick Mariners home opener.

The Manotick Mariners mob Liam Dennison against then boards after he scored the first goal in the team’s history.

A band played for the large crowd at the tailgate party in the Centennial Park Pavilion before the Manotick Mariners Senior A home opener. Gre G New To N P h oTo S

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Ryley Egan and Samuel Tremblay drew assists.

In the second period, Ryan Lough, another Manotick native, scored the second goal in Mariners history.

Lough played junior hockey in the powerful Notre Dame Hounds program in Saskatchewan that produced Rod Brind’Amour, Wendel Clark, Curtis Joeph, Vincent Le-

cavalier, Brad Richards and countless other NHL players over the years. He played college hockey at St. Lawrence and then played professionally in Australia and in the ECHL with the Manchester Monarchs and Orlando Solar Bears before joining the EOSHL.

Alexander Grenier scored one for the Rangers to make

the score 2-1, but then the Mariners scored three goals in a span of just over two minutes to make the score 5-1.

Brett McKenzie, who played in the AHL and ECHL over the last four seasons, scored first. Then Brett Gustavsen, a former Ottawa 67 and Carleton Raven scored. The third goal in the stretch came off the stick of Sean

Murphy, an Ottawa native and EOSHL veteran who played in the CJHL and also played internationally for the Jamaican national team.

Zachary Lefebvre got one back for the Rangers with two seconds left in the period, and then Brandon Gilmour scored twice to pull South Grenville to within a goal at 5-4.

With 7:24 left to play, Gustavsen set up Ryan Lough for his second of the game, and then Gustavsen iced the win with an empty net goal from Dennison and Jonathan Desbiens to make the final 7-4.

Gustavsen, with two goals and two assists, was the game’s first star while Denni-

son was the second star. Gilmour was the third star.

Manotick goalie Berk Berkeliev made 40 saves for the win.

The next home game for the Mariners is Sat., Oct. 5, when they host the Pontiac Comets. Face-off is at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, visit manotickmariners.com.

Manotick goalie Berk Berkeliev gets some help from his D on a shot from Rangers forward Broydon Stufko.

South Grenville Rangers goalie Jordan Provost can’t handle this shot fired by Mariners captain Ryan Lough that gave Manotick a 2-0 lead.

RONA Manotick celebrates its grand opening with board-cutting ceremony

The new RONA store on Bankfield Road held its official opening on Thurs., Sept. 19.

RONA inc., one of Canada’s leading home improvement retailers operating and servicing some 425 corporate and affiliated stores, joined dealer owners Joe Reid, Ryan Austin and Pat Butler to celebrate the grand opening of their new store RONA Manotick.

Leaders from RONA’s Dealers Support Team along with partners and store employees attended the traditional board cutting event.

Also on hand were Rideau-Jock Councillor David Brown and Manotick Village Community Association president Leeanne Vanderburgt.

“Manotick was missing a centre like ours to meet the needs of the local community and to help bring construction and renovation projects to life. The town has growth plans, and it was clear for us that the strength of the RONA brand, along with the company’s offering and services, especially in terms of retail, lumber and building materials, would help us bring about our vision for our store,” said Ryan Austin, dealer owner, RONA Manotick.

RONA Manotick is the first renovation centre to open in the city and has a 14,000 sq. ft. sales area offering a complete selection of lumber, building materials,

paint, plumbing, kitchen and bathroom cabinets, appliances, hardware, and seasonal products to meet the construction and renovation needs of the local community. The opening of this store has created 15 new jobs in the region.

“Right now, our customers are about 50 per cent retail customers and 50 percent contractors,” said Austin. “In time, we expect that number will grow to 70-30, with 70 per cent being contract-

ors.”

RONA is strategically positioned on Rideau Valley Drive west of Manotick near Prince of Wales Drive in what was originally the McNeil Motors building. It had also been the location for Dan Murphy Ford, before that dealership moved to Barrhaven and became Barrhaven Ford. The building had also been the home of Camptown RV.

With the construction growth in Manotick,

the southern end of Barrhaven, Richmond and Greely, the RONA Manotick store is in an ideal location. It is only five minutes from both Richmond and the Half Moon Bay/Stonebridge communities.

“The location is perfect,” Austin said, who added that the store is feeling a need in the area. “We did have to do some renovations in the building and knock down some walls that were not load bearing, but it went well and we are very

happy with it. Our customers like the layout of the store as well.

RONA Manotick is also the first RONA affiliated store in the province of Ontario to display the new visual identity designed specifically for RONA stores owned by independent dealers. The interior and exterior signage has been modernized to highlight the entrepreneurship, unique history, and community spirit which characterize RONA affiliated dealers.

“It’s amazing to see

entrepreneurs like Joe, Ryan and Pat, with an objective to improve their town’s services and offering. I’m confident that their store will be a great added value for the local community, and I’m very happy that they chose RONA to help them achieve their business goals,” mentioned Alain Ménard, Senior Vice-President, RONA Affiliated Dealers at RONA inc.

The new RONA store has created 15 new jobs in the area.

SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

Manotick RONA held its official board cutting Sept. 19.

From left to right are Roy Austn, Doug Young, Adam Leclerc, Ryan Austin, Catherine Taylor, and Scott Wilson.

Heritage Pantry Series: Buttermilk Biscuits

By CJ R ooney

Biscuits were a staple in most households in days past. They were an easy way to get filled up, and also a way to make use of buttermilk. (A by-product of the buttermaking process.)

Most often, they were made ‘by feel’ without any real recipe at all. You had to know what the dough should feel like, and work from there. We’ll go over such a ‘recipe’ below.

Start by filling a large container with flour. Or, if you have a flour crib, (a large wooden cradlelike container in which flour was stored), you can use that. Wash your hands thoroughly. Create a ‘well’

Rideau’s Rearview

in the middle of the flour, by making an indent with your hand, about the size of your fist. Pour buttermilk into the well. (If you don’t have buttermilk, you can sour ordinary milk by adding 2 Tbsp vinegar/ lemon juice and mixing in a cup before adding to flour.)

Add a sprinkle of sugar, and a shake or two of salt. Add butter or lard, using 2 pieces ‘the size of an egg’. Using your hand, work the lard unto the milk mixture until lard is not clumped.

To mix dough, pull flour in from the sides, to the middle of the well one handful at a time. Work liquids and flour together with one hand, squeezing wet mixture between fingers and adding more flour from edges as needed. Do not overwork, mix only until all milk has been absorbed, and dough is not sticky. (Dough should only use as much flour as is needed, not the whole pail.)

Turn out dough onto floured surface, and flatten to ½” thick. Cut biscuits with a round biscuit cutter, or a floured drinking glass. Place onto greased baking tray or cast-iron skillet. Bake at 450°F for 10 minutes, or until gold-

en brown. For extra moist biscuits, brush melted butter on top halfway through cooking time. For best results, enjoy warm with homemade jam and a glass of cold milk.

If you come to most kitchens around mealtime, chances are you’d find a quick batch of biscuits being prepared...after all, the best way to get the extra gravy off your plate is to ‘sop it up’! (Maybe we’ll cover that in another edition, for those unfamiliar with that fine art!) At least, that’s what you’d see if you took a glance in Rideau’s Rearview.

UPCOMING HERITAGE EVENTS:

-Harvest Festival @

Dickinson Square (Sun Oct. 13 11-2pm)

-Milling Demonstration @ Watson’s Mill (Sundays 1-3pm)

(SUBMISSIONS

WELCOME: If you have anything you’d like to see covered in this column, or have information you think may be of interest, call 692-4036.)

A perfect weekend as Richmond Fair celebrates 180 years

It was a weekend for the ages as rural South Ottawa, as well as many visitors from the city and suburbs, made their way to Richmond for the annual Richmond Fair. Established in 1844, the Richmond Fair is the largest fair in the City of Ottawa.

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Heat seekers

Hot sauce enthusiasts visited the Shaw Centre on September 14 for 4th annual Heating Up The Capital Hot Sauce Expo. Over 40 hot sauce vendors were at the expo showcasing their goods. There was lots of entertainment for the attendees to go with their hot sauce sampling. From pepper eating contest, spicy sausage eating challenge, One Chunk Challenge, Extreme Chili Alliance Belt Match, learn about growing peppers, to a Erik Begg putting one of his own hot sauces in his eye! The exhibition was organized by Angela and Hiaco of Haico hot sauces from Barrhaven. Skyl E r Fr A SE r P H OTOS

Yes! The influenza virus can undergo changes throughout the year, so to keep our immunity up to date it is important to get a flu shot every year. Individuals 6 months of age and older are eligible to receive a flu shot this year in Ontario. A new COVID-19 booster shot is also available this fall, and targets the COVID-19 variant that is currently circulating. It is recommended for individuals 6 months of age and older 6 months after last COVID-19 booster shot or COVID-19 infection. Your pharmacist or doctor can provide further details and information on the following vaccines..

Westpointe Retirement Community holds Grand Opening Soiree

Westpointe Retirement Community held their Grand Opening Soiree Wednesday September

18that their Maravista location in Barrhaven. Shawn Bauder (Regional Director Of Marketing) said, “for

the Community Businesses to attend, we specifically want to engage our community partners to engage

and learn ways to be involved in the community.” Councilloir David Hill was in attendance.

Picture from left to right are Shawn Bauder (Regional Director of Marketing), Josh Dubovie (Marketing Manager Westpointe) and Daniel Leduc Marketing/Communications Council On Aging Ottawa).

In the other picture are Josh Dubovie (Marketing Manager Westpointe), David Hill (West Barrhaven Councillor), and Lynda Clingen (General Manager).

HOtO

Manotick