Support a Local Kids' Charity Through United Way

Tomorrow is the United Way "Blitz Day" at my office.  I always donate but it was only a year ago that I realized I could direct some or all of my donation to a local child-related charity.  I'm not suggesting that you only donate to local charities - clearly there is a broad need for donations across the board and in many ways the United Way is in the best position to choose the beneficiaries.  But if you want to donate something locally, perhaps even an extra amount that you wouldn't have donated otherwise, and if you want to do it on a regular, relatively pain-free basis, then the United Way is a great option.

The following local organizations are listed as registered charities and therefore possible candidates for your selection through the United Way.  I may have missed some.  Feel free to let me know.

• Baobab Tree Drum Dance Community
• Canadian Mothercraft of Ottawa-Carleton
• Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities
• Dovercourt Recreation Association
• Ottawa School of Speech and Drama
• St. Vincent de Paul Stores (Ottawa) Incorporated
• Westboro Nursery School

For a complete list of Canadian registered charities see http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/chrts-gvng/lstngs/menu-eng.html.  For more information about The United Way, see http://www.unitedwayottawa.ca/.

Your Children Can't Vote. Are You Voting for Them?

Children can't vote.  And yet they are the ones who in many ways stand to gain or lose as a result of elections.

For me and many other parents I know, the issues are not that critical.  We strive to ensure that our children have good food, exercise and a good education.  We work on changing things from good to better to best.

But for some it's not nearly as simple.  Some are working to give their children just the basics and on improving their situation from bad to a bit better.

For some children it's worse and everytime I read a story of child neglect or abuse, I cringe.  These children are working only at having a life that's tolerable.  And in some cases, no one, not even their parents, is helping them.

The Canadian Paediatric Society http://www.cps.ca/english/index.htm publishes a document called "Are We Doing Enough: A Status Report on Canadian Public Policy and Child and Youth Health http://www.cps.ca/English/Advocacy/StatusReport.htm.  It is a document that they refer voters to in any election as something to consider when voting.  They also ask for others to advocate on their behalf and on behalf of children.  I guess that's what I'm trying to do through this blog post.

The following are a series of statements made in the Report.  They focus readers on what Canadian and provincial governments are doing and where we are in terms of how we look after our children (and I use the term "our" collectively).

• While parents and caregivers play a critical role in their children's healthy growth and development, governments must support their efforts with public policy that safeguards and enhances the health and safety of Canada's youngest residents.
• It is estimated that 14%of children and youth under 20 years old - 1.1 million young Canadians - suffer from mental health conditions that affect their daily lives.  Children of low-income families are especially at risk...What's worse, three out of every four chuildren and youth who need specialized treatment services do not receive them.
• Internationally, Canada ranks 12th out of 21 OECD countries on child well-being, well behind all the Scandinavian countries, where child poverty rates are less than 5%.
• Health disparities among Canadian children and youth are primarily linked to differences in family socioeconomic status. 
• Poor children are at greater risk of low birth weight...and poor physical and emotional health as they get older.  They tend to have more behavioural issues and achieve lower levels of education, further increasing their chances of lifelong poverty as adults.
• Access to quality child care is not equally available to all families. A Montreal-based survey showed that children four to five years of age who were in low-quality centres were significantly more likely to come from lower socioeconomic status families.
• The Canadian Paediatric Society believes that early learning and child care must be universal, affordable, accessible and of high-quality.
• The CPS calls upon all levels of government to set targets and timetables, and to engage in widespread social and political collaboration to significantly reduce child and youth poverty.

I encourage you to read the entire document. 

The Good Old Hockey Game.....

If you've joined the WEHL (http://www.wehl.on.ca/) then hockey clinics are probably starting for you this week and in fact the league posted a notice yesterday that it is full, though it does have a waiting list if you're still interested.

If you haven't registered your child for hockey yet (who's thinking of hockey this early in the year right?) then consider another great neighbourhood option:

Fisher Park Skating and Hockey

If you're testing the waters or just want slightly less of a time commitment, then Fisher Park Communtiy Centre offers some great options - learn to skate, power skate and indoor hockey (as well as outdoor hockey in the winter session).  Details of the specific programs are below (though always double check with them - I'd hate to steer you wrong).  Registration for fall programming starts on Tuesday, September 13th and registration for winter programming starts on November 14th.  Programs themselves start the week of October 10th. 

For more detail, stop by the Community Centre at 250 Holland Avenue (in the school) where you can pick up a pamphlet or call them at 798-8945. They do not have a web site.  Some of their programs fill up quickly so you should be there when registration opens to ensure a spot.


Learn to Skate for 3-12 year olds on Saturdays from 12-12:50 and 1-1:50 at Tom Brown Arena starting October 15th;

Power Skate for 8-14 year olds on Saturdays from 1:00-1:50 at Tom Brown Arena starting October 15th;


Indoor Hockey for 5-8 year olds from 6:6:50 and for 8-11 year olds from 7-7:50 on Tuesdays starting October 11th at McNab Arena, 180 Percy at Gladstone;

Outdoor Hockey will be offered in the winter session (when there's ice!)

Do you know Claude Regnier?

The name may not ring any bells.  But if you live in this neighbourhood, if you go to Dovercourt, or if you or your kids like skateboarding, maybe it should.

Earlier this summer I became curious about why Dovercourt always hosts the Canadian Slalom Skateboarding Championships.  I was also investigating Dovercourt's skateboard camps.  When I asked about scheduling, I was told that it all depended on when "Claude" was available because all camps "were taught by Claude Regnier".  So, who's Claude?

Claude at one time had an indoor skateboard park near the corner of Roosevelt and Richmond Road.  At that time he met John Rapp, the Executive Director of Dovercourt and the two have been in partnership ever since.  But Claude is more than just a camp organizer, he was the Canadian National Slalom Skateboard Champion and a champion of the sport of downhill skateboarding for years.  Now in his 50's he still rides and rides well.  He has more skateboarding titles and high level finishes then you would ever imagine.

Together with Mary-Beth Lavoie Claude's Executive Co-Chair of the World Slalom Skateboard Championships coming to Ottawa this weekend, August 19-21.  He's a Master course setter and a past president of the International Slalom Skateboard Association.  Not too shabby.  And to top it all off, he is also one of three key figures in the documentary film "Highway Gospel" that premiered in Toronto this spring and that is showing this Friday night at the Ottawa International Film Festival http://www.oiff.ca/.

Claude is also a down to earth guy who's a pleasure to speak with.  When I met him he was building stairs for the ramps outside Dovercourt for the next day's competition.  He took time out to talk even though he was clearly busy.  His passion for what he does and his belief in the sport - and the people who do it - was obvious.

Maybe it's time you met Claude......

The hill on Dovercourt Ave. at Denbury will be used for the tight slalom event on Friday, August 19th, 2011.  Practice runs are scheduled to start at 9:30 and races at 11:00 am.

For information about the Championships see http://worldslalomskateboarding.com/
For Claude's official bio see http://worldslalomskateboarding.com/about/claude-regnier/
For his partner Mary-Beth Lavoie's bio see http://worldslalomskateboarding.com/about/mary-beth-lavoie/
Reviews of the film, as well as YouTube trailer from the Toronto HotDocs Festival can be found on the internet at, for example, http://torontoist.com/2011/04/hot_docs_highway_gospel.php

Lac Philippe (Gatineau Park) - "And The Livin' Is Easy..."

I'm updating this post from last year because, with City beaches closed periodically, this is the perfect nearby beach to get you out and feeling Summer!  It's in Gatineau Park, is about a 45 minute drive, and is a lovely alternative when the e-coli levels are high in town!
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We beat the crowds, had the best parking spot and were home before the heat of the day got us down.  I really enjoy Lac Philippe with the kids....though I do avoid the crowds - here's how....along with directions, service details and other practical tips to make your day a real treat.

For me, Lac Philippe is best in the morning (eg. arrival by 9:00 am), in the evening (arrival around 5:30) or during the week.  At those times it's neither super hot nor super busy.  Days that are partly cloudy or have lower temperatures are also great.  And, particularly if you time it right, this is a beautiful beach (or beaches).   There is always someone for the kids to play with, they never find the water too cold (even if I do) and staff / lifeguards are friendly and helpful.

SERVICES AND COSTS

A car day pass is $10 and a season pass is $70. Somewhat inconveniently (and new this year) the season pass can not be purchased at the entrance to Lac Phillippe, but only at the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre at 33 Scott Road in Chelsea.  It is worth getting an all season pass if you think you will visit several times.The season pass covers access to all beaches (there are 5) as well as Mackenzie King Estate. The Estate requires a pass from mid-May till mid-October whereas passes are only needed for the beaches between mid-June and mid-September. 

If you want to stay overnight the cost is $37 plus an $8.50 reservation fee. If you call for reservations and they're all full don't worry too much. Especially if you live in Ottawa (close enough to go home if you have no luck) try driving up around 2:00 when campground staff know of no-shows.  There are also group camping sites at Gatineau Park for $250 a night or $125 for non-profit groups.

Beaches are lifeguarded from 10 to 6 pm, mid-June through Labour Day.  Breton beach, the one that we usually stop at, is large with a sandy beach and plenty of nearby shade, picnic tables and barbeques.  There are (what a treat!) brand new bathrooms and change areas as of last year.

A short walk past Breton beach (take the path) is a canoe, kayak and paddle boat rental spot.  They have a reasonable number of boats, are open from 9: am to 8:00 pm daily and line-ups are usually manageable.  Rates begin at $16 for 1.5 hrs, $20 for 2 hrs, $28 for 3 hrs and so on up to $60 for a 24 hour period.  Life jackets are included in the rental price.  (Note: these rates are actually from last year.  If they've changed please let me know!)

WASHROOMS

Best of all, last year the NCC installed brand new bathrooms and change rooms! They are much nicer than the previous ones and include family washrooms, separate change rooms, baby change tables, flushable toilets and plumbed sinks as well as electric hand dryers. Taking a picture seemed strange and possibly something that could get me in trouble with Park security (!) - you will have to go and see them for yourself!

CLEANLINESS

The NCC tests water quality every two weeks and any beach closures can be found at: http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/bins/ncc_web_content_page.asp?cid=16297-16299-90645&lang=1.  Parent beach is currently closed for the season because of the huge rains near the end of June that led to high water levels.  Otherwise the beaches at Lac Phillippe are very infrequently closed in my experience.

The beach is cleaned once a week, usually on Thursday I'm told.  And poop is scooped daily (thank you!)  There is a "clapper" for want of a better word, to keep away the seagulls but do clean up food waste quickly and place it in the bear proof bins.

DIRECTIONS

To get there from west Ottawa cross the river using the Portage bridge and continue on to the ramp for highway 5.  Take highway 5 to the very end and turn left on the 105 north.  You'll pass an IGA, a SAQ, the Great Canadian Bungee site and Jean Burger (keep it in mind if you need a bite to eat later - it includes play structures in the back).  Just past the highway to Wakefield (where you'll also find a Subway and a Giant Tiger) the two lane 105 will temporarily turn into a divided highway.  That's where you turn left following the Gatineau Park signs.  . 

Turn left into Gatineau Park just after you pass La Patate et le Pizza a Carlo on your right.  You'll see the sign and the road with the 1958 covered bridge but it can still be easy to miss.  If you pass the Desjardins bank on your left, you've passed it (but see tip below!)

PRACTICAL TIPS

A big reminder - you need CASH to pay for your park pass.  No credit, no debit.  Fortunately there is a bank machine at the Desjardins Bank just past the entrance to the park.

The other big reminder - you do have to bring your own food.  There are no food outlets at the park (though there is an epicerie near the entrance as well as the various food outlets mentioned above that you passed on the drive).  This is, after all, a camping experience. And I love watching the families who have the wonderful food rather than my usual repertoire of peanut butter sandwiches!

You will find water fountains and several Pepsi machines that sell soft drinks, water, aquafina and gatorade but that is it.  (If you really need change for the machines check with the boat rental shop).) 

HAVE FUN AND BE WATER SAFE!

Shakespeare in the Park (Clare Gardens and Hintonburg)

Have you considered exposing your children to Shakespeare? It’s often a bit daunting for parents to take their children to more "serious” theatre, but this summer there are a number of performances in our neighbourhood parks that can change that. I think it is a great opportunity for slightly older children to get a sense of live theatre, depending of course on levels of interest / maturity. And face it, parks are open areas, you can always leave if you need to, and the price is right – a recommended $10 per person when the hat is passed.  So take a stroll past and see if it catches your child"s (and your) fancy!

“A Company of Fools” will be presenting “Antony and Cleopatra” at Clare Gardens Park (off Clare Avenue, between Kirkwood and Churchill) on Tuesday, July 19th, and at Hintonburg Park, just south of Wellington Avenue off Fairmont (by St. François d’Assise Church) on July 29th and 30th. They do plenty of elementary school workshops so they do know children though the shows are not specifically designed for children.

The Company describes themselves as “Ottawa’s longest running independent professional Shakespeare company: our mandate is to produce innovative, entertaining and accessible shows based on the works of William Shakespeare.”  Sounds good to me.

More information about A Company of Fools can be found at http://fools.ca/wordpress1/.

Summer Calendar of Fun Family Stuff!

Tuesday, July 12 - Fairytale Splash at the Westboro (Dovercourt) wading pool; 11-2;  Favorite storybooks will apparently come to life.....can't wait to see what that means.

Hintonburg Summer Movie Nights   Saturday, July 16th; Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules at 7 pm and Gulliver's Travels at 9 pm.  Movies are shown courtesy of the Hintonburg Community Association in partnership with the Hintonburg Community Centre.  Films are shown at the Community Centre with the 7 o'clock showing inside and the 9 o'clock showing outside.  Admission is free with refreshments at reasonable rates.  See http://www.hintonburg.com/ for more details.

The Hintonburg Centennial 5k with a 1k for kids will be held again this year on July 17th. For more information see http://hintonburg.com/run11.html. Children under 3 can race for free in either the 5 or the 1K though donations to youth programming offered in the community by the Hintonburg Economic Development Committee are encouraged. And yes, parents can run the course with their children. Just don’t get left behind......

Monday, July 18th - ok, I missed posting the first two but....the third in a series of Mom and Tot groups will be hosted by All Saints United Church and Carlington Community Health Centre on July 18th from 9:30-11:00 http://www.westborobeach.org/home/specialmomsandtotsprogram

Tuesday July 19th - "Girls on the Move" at Roy Duncan Park, 295 Churchill Avenue from 5-6:30 , a free program for girls aged 9-13 to get out and get active.  Runs for 6 weeks (started July 11) and hosted by Carlington Community Health Centre.  Snacks provided.

The Wiggles "Big Birthday"- July 26th, 6:30 pm - at Scotiabank Place; http://www.scotiabankplace.com/.  They put on a good show - if you have little kids you should go!

Thursday, July 28th - the famous Bubble Bath Brunch at McKellar Park wading pool.  Bring a tub toy, bring a blanket and picnic lunch and enjoy the bubbles in the pool.  Perfect for preschoolers.

Ice Cream Festival - August 7th at the Canadian Agricultural Museum

Puppets Up! In Almonte, Ontario this is another total favorite of mine (oh, I mean the kids). August 6-7, 2011 http://www.puppetsup.ca/.  They’re still in the planning phase but keep checking out their website. Their photo gallery should get you inspired!

Friday, August 12th - I think this one is new but I could be wrong.  "Christmas in the Summer" will be an evening of games, carols and Christmas (!?) activities from 6:30-8:00 pm.

Saturday, August 13th - Ottawa Kids Triathlon, Duathlon at Westboro Beach- http://www.ottawakidstri.ca/;

Saturday, August 13th - Hintonburg Summer Movie Night with Toy Story III at 7 pm and Ferris Bueller's Day off at 9 pm at the Community Centre.  I'd take the kids for the first but not the second!

Sunday, August 28th - the annual dog swim at Westboro (Dovercourt) wading pool; bring your kids AND the dog, or just the kids if you don't have a dog becuase it's just fun to watch. 5-6 pm