Greely 1601, Manotick, Edwards, Metcalfe 1602, Kenmore 1607, Osgoode 1603, 1605, 1606, Kenmore 1607, Vernon 1604
News from Councillor Doug Thompson
Ward 20 - Osgoode
January/February/March/April 2008

POLITICAL NEWS

Proposed Changes to Parking Regulations

The Budget proposal to increase parking rates and to extend the hours of paid parking will be reviewed by the Transportation Committee. The Committee will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, February 6th. At the meeting I will be requesting that we revert to the existing hours where there is no charge after 7:00 pm., and no charge on Sunday.

Rural Summit ll

A great turnout last Tuesday evening at the Public Consultation Meeting on Rural Summit ll. Thanks for your comments and interest in our Community. Please mark Saturday, April 5th on your calendar and plan to attend Rural Summit ll.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Special Olympic Winter Games in Metcalfe

Jean Traynor and I are working together to bring the first ever Special Olympic Winter Games to Metcalfe on Saturday, February 16th. The games will be held on the Metcalfe Fairgrounds with the Lions Den being used as a staging area for the Special Olympic athletes. The main events will be cross-country skiing, snowshoe competition, triathlon racing and skating, and are planning a dog sled demonstration race. Any one interested in volunteering can call Jean at 613-821-1493 or our office at 613-580-2490.

The Metcalfe Anglican church will be holding their annual pancake supper on Tuesday, February 5th, 5:00 - 7:00 pm at the Church Hall in Metcalfe. Come out, bring $5.00 and you will be assured of a great dining experience.

SHADOW RIDGE NEIGHORHOOD WATCH MEETING

There will be a Neighborhood Watch meeting for the Shadow Ridge area on February the 27th; 7:30 at the Greely Community Center. If you are interested please attend or email finniss@ottawapolice.ca to register.

OSGOODE TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM 2008 EVENTS

February

Feb. 5th - Annual General meeting at Museum, 7:30pm. Nominations for board members and elections of new directors. All are welcome to attend the evolution of our Maple Leaf flag.
Feb. 16 - Heritage Day happening with a workshop on traditional basket making at the OTHS museum in Vernon.
Feb.19th - Heritage Day celebrations with displays and events presented by the local Heritage Community.

March

March 4th - Regular monthly meeting at museum, 7:30pm. All are encouraged to attend!
March 8th and 15th. Make your new hat just in time for Easter. The OTHS Museum will be presenting a felt-hat making workshop at the museum in Vernon. Contact the museum for registration and details
March 10 to 15th - Spring Break program with activities for children featuring heritage crafts and stories. Come out and have some fun! Workshops will be presented on three days during the week with activities yet to be planned. Contact the museum for details.
March 22nd - The OTHS Museum is holding an Easter Bonnet Fashion show and contest to judge the best-felt-hat. Prizes for the winners.
March 28th - 29th, Gene-O-Rama at Ben Franklin Place

April

April 1st - Regular monthly meeting at museum, 7:30pm. All are welcome! No charge for admission, donations are greatly appreciated
April 12th - Spring Tea & Art show, featuring the work of local artists and crafter at the museum in Vernon. Events begin at 1:00pm so don't be late! Come and support the work of your local artist and perhaps find some art to decorate your home. If you have artwork you would like to display please contact the OTHS Museum and leave your information.

For further information please contact: Osgoode Township Historical Society and Museum 613 -821-4062

BUS SERVICE TO DOWN TOWN

Keith Tierney provides comfortable, daily bus service from Osgoode Village and locations along the way to the Transit way. Call Keith at 613-821-1006

SOCIAL EVENTS & COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

GREELY GARDNERS GROUP MEETING

Thursday, at the Greely Community Centre -- "Growing fruit and vegetables in your garden," talk by John Vandenberg of Rideau Pines Farm. Admission free to members, $2 for non-members, includes refreshments. For information call 613-821-1847.

OSGOODE LADIES SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION(recreation league)

Early registration on, at the Osgoode legion 7 - 9:00pm ($70). Late registration at Osgoode Foodland March 29th 10am-12pm ($90). League is Wednesday nights starting in May. Sign up as a team or individually. For information please call Jaime Hodges 613-826-6614 or email Sue Gilchrist at osgoodeladiessoftball@hotmail.com

Here is some important information about O-YA in Osgoode Village

JUNIOR YOUTH

Ages 7-12 ONLY
Monday - Friday, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Cost: Free!

SENIOR YOUTH

Ages 13-18
Tuesday to Thursday, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Friday, 6:30pm - 11:00pm
Saturday, 5:00pm - 11:00pm
Cost: Free!

SPECIAL NEEDS YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS

Sunday, 2:00 - 5:00pm
Cost: Free!

Does your son/daughter need their Community Involvement volunteer hours? Call us! For details visit: www.edu.gov.on.ca/extra/eng/ppm/124a.html

For information on these and other programs please call the centre at 613-826-0726. We are located at 5479 Osgoode Main St., Osgoode ON KOA 2W0. Visit our website at www.o-ya.ca

METCALFE HOME DAY CARE

We are now accepting enrolment in our Parents as Teachers program. Marlene Shepherd, a certified PAT educator, will share proven neuroscience research, conduct activities with the parents and child that will enhance all areas of development. Families with children 0-6 years may call the office to enrol for weekly, bi-weekly or monthly visits.

RURAL FAMILY CONNECTIONS - Live and Learn Resource Centre

PUBLIC HEALTH NOTICES

LISTEN TO THE WHISPERS

Come learn the facts about ovarian cancer, the signs and symptoms, and the risk factors for ovarian cancer. There is a very high survival rate when ovarian cancer is detected and treated in the early stages. All the presentations are free of charge.

There are several community presentations to choose from:

Loblaws (Montreal Road)

The Montreal Rd Loblaws is at 100 McArthur Rd (at the Vanier Parkway). When you are traveling North on the Vanier Parkway - McArthur is one street before Montreal Rd. The phone number for this Loblaws is 613-744-0705 if you need further directions.

" February 7 (7-8 pm)
" March 18 (10-11 am)
" April 10 (7-8pm)

Loblaws (Merivale Road)

The Merivale Rd Loblaws is at 1360 Merivale Rd (at Baseline Rd). This Loblaws is found in the bottom part of the wedge formed by Baseline, Merivale and Clyde. The phone number for this Loblaws is 613-226-6001 if you need further directions.

- Feb 14 (10-11 am)
- March 18 (7-8 pm)
- April 17 (10-11 am)

If you would like the National Ovarian Cancer Association to come speak with the members of your organization or at your workplace, please contact me. Barbara.O'brien-litten@Ottawa.ca

Ottawa 55+ Short Story Contest

The City of Ottawa's 11th annual 55 + Short Story Contest invites submissions of original, unpublished short stories or memoirs, 2000 words or less, by Ottawa residents 55 years or older. Eight finalists will be named to the 2008 Winners Circle, sharing recognition and prize money of $400. Contest winners will be recognized at An Afternoon of Reading.

One of the winning stories will be selected for publication in the spring issue of Forever Young. Though contestants may submit multiple entries, they will be eligible to win only one prize.

An entry fee of $5 per story is applicable. Deadline for submissions is March 15, 2008. For full contest details, pick up a brochure at any City of Ottawa Client Service Centre, or call the Heron Seniors' Centre at 613-247-4802. ext.1, or 613-580-2450

OSGOODE RECREATION SCHEDULE

Complete winter programs are now available for registration. Guides are available at the Client Services Centre, view programs on line at www.ottawa.ca. For more information on programs contact 613-580-2424 ext 30325. To register, the following methods are available.

ONLINE:: Direct your browser to www.ottawa.ca and click on 'On-Line service, Then the '123GO' Register logo to view programs and to sign up for a course. Please have your credit card number and expiry date ready (Visa/MasterCard). You will need your Family PIN, Client Barcode and Course Barcode(s).
TOUCH TONE TELEPHONE:: At 613-580-2588, please have your credit card number and expiry date ready (Visa/MasterCard). You will need your Family PIN, Individual Number and Course Barcode(s).
IN PERSON:: Visit a Recreation Facility identified on Page 4 and 5 of the Recreation Guide or any Client Service Centre (Metcalfe CSC -Tuesdays ONLY or North Gower CSC - Thursdays ONLY) prior to the start of any course that has a program code. Payments accepted by cash, cheque (made payable to the City of Ottawa), debit or credit card (Visa/MasterCard).

COMMUNITY POLICING NEWS

There have been several thefts from vehicles in the Metcalfe area over the last few weekends. All vehicles that were entered were unlocked. Money, CDs and ownerships were stolen. Please lock your vehicles if you leave them outside overnight.

On the February 21st. At the Greely Community Centre there will be a Drug Awareness Presentation from several organizations including the Police. I believe the time is 7:00pm but will verify before the event.

On the February 27th I will be holding a Neighborhood Watch meeting for the SHADOW RIDGE area at the Greely Community Center. If interested please attend or email me at finnissj@ottawapolice.ca.

Let's continue to report and make those calls.

9-1-1 Crime in progress/ life threatening
230-6211 Dispatcher all other emergencies
236-1222 X 7300 Call Center to report vandalism, theft from vehicles.
236-1222 X 3700 Leitrim Information Desk
613-236-1222 X 3787 Cst. Jennifer Finniss / finnissj@ottawapolice.ca

Greely 1601, Manotick, Edwards, Metcalfe 1602, Kenmore 1607, Osgoode 1603, 1605, 1606, Kenmore 1607, Vernon 1604 News from Councillor Doug Thompson Ward 20 - Osgoode January/February/March/April 2008