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Wknd RoundUp: Canada D-Eh!

Posted on June 26, 2014 | Leave a comment

It’s the sort-of long weekend folks. I expect most people will take a 4day weekend and roll straight from Friday through Canada Day on Tuesday and well done on you!

HypnoticEvent of the weekend!! Saturday Jazz fest only has the mind-blowing horn blowing Hypnotic Brass Ensemble 

First up: there are FOUR more days of Ottawa Fringe Festival  in the hood headquartered at Arts Court. The choice is expansive with many excellent shows selling out. I can’t recommend it more and am personally gutted to see the end in sight – but there is still time for more PHEW. I’ve had countless hours of entertainment this year and will miss the explosion of international and local talent as well as the free concerts and conviviality of the Waller Park beer tent when it wraps. If you do nothing else this weekend take a trip to the Fringe.

The Ottawa Jazz Festival continues their eclectic class act til 30June. Catch a show then take in the Late Night Jamming sessions at The Albion Rooms starting at 10:30PM.

Thursday evening: Sandy Hill Heritage Study from 6-8:30PM at the Sandy Hill Community Centre 250 Somerset St E.  Free entrance 5-8 at the National Gallery & the Byward Night Market is open for all your fresh produce shopping needs til 9PM.

Thursday night: Claude Munson host the open mic at Cafe Nostalgica. Free concert 9PM at Waller Park in the Ottawa Fringe Beer tent including Crissi Cochrane & Three Little Birds. Over at Ottawa’s only Jail/Bar Mugshots 75 Nicholas St  its all going off til 2AM withs Rehab Pizza Party w/ Cadence Weapon & Silkken Laumann.

Friday – still time for Fringe or check out the line up for great tunes alongside top brews with The Dirty Sheep, Sounds of Stories, Tales from the BackSeat and Novalatte all at the local Lunenburg Pub on Waller St.

Beautiful Saturday grab your bike and catch a brew and the sunset at 8LocksFlat on the Canal just off Colonel By side bike path. Best sunsets in Ottawa.

Saturday it’s the Arts Court favourite Art Battle Regional Ottawa Finals at the Ottawa Convention Centre (55 Colonel By Drive). Paint Brush at the ready, 20mins on the clock, you decide who wins! Starts at 7PM

Event of the weekend!! If you’ve never seen the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble then rush over to the Confederation Park for 10:30PM Saturday night to be properly enthralled. The 8-piece hailing from Chicago will not disappoint. It’s made up of the 8 sons of Jazz Trumpeter Phil Cochran and with only horns and a drum-set it will set your night on fire guaranteed. First time I saw these guys was an impromptu street gig on Portobello Market in 2009 – so word to the wise they frequently set up busker style (of course Ottawa City might fine them!) to get the vibe of the City.

 

Saturday night final chance to get your Fringe on and don’t miss the closing free night of concerts on the Downtown Rideau Stage in Waller Park featuring Ottawa favourite Silkken Laumann at 10PM.

For Sunday through Tuesday we recommend checking out OttawaStart for all the Canada Day festivities.

 

 

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Eye Spy: The Rideau-Vanier Race in the News

Posted on June 26, 2014 | 2 comments

A strong article in LeDroit on candidate Catherine Fortin-LeFaivre turning up the heat in our Ward and a short piece in L’Express regarding Marc Aubin’s  candidacy in Rideau-Vanier. Let’s get informed on all Candidates and may strong, visionary betterment for the Ward prevail!

 

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Eye Spy: Universal Challenges for Phoebe Rose

Posted on June 24, 2014 | 1 comment

Last week Jonathan and Jenny Hoffman-Doull, following an agonising 18-day wait, were notified that the deemed “experimental” treatment required to treat Phoebe Rose’s aggressive form of childhood leukaemia would not be covered by OHIP.

To quote Phoebe’s tireless mom Jenny “What makes this even more frustrating is that treatment is supposed to open at SickKids in 1-2 months… and,  OHIP will cover it because it is at SickKids.”

phoeberose slidesPhoebe Rose is the brave and beautiful 3.5year old living over the River and across the road from Ward 12. She has battled cancer since the age of 9 weeks putting her tiny body through much to advance the chances of those afflicted by this monster. Phoebe  deserves better from our Universal Health Care system. We must cease to compare ourselves to south of the border and hold up our own health-care to like-for-like universal systems in France, the UK, Netherlands and more. It is only through relevant  comparison that we will recognise real models for improvement and demand better health care.

Sandy Hill Seen hopes to reach out to it’s readership for any fundraising events as the family assesses it’s next steps which will likely include travel to St Jude’s in Tennessee for treatment. Together by caring for our friends, our neighbours and acquaintances we make our immediate world a better place.

Related Post: Do You Know Phoebe Rose?

Please visit Jenny Doull’s beautifully written website PhoebeRoseRocks for the full details of this latest challenge faced by Phoebe and her family.

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Eye Spy: Marc Aubin enters the Rideau-Vanier Race

Posted on June 24, 2014 | Leave a comment

After much speculation Monday marked the day that Marc Aubin officially threw his hat in the ring as challenger for the Councillor seat in Ward 12 Rideau-Vanier.

Aubin websiteAubin brings with him a wealth of local advocacy experience as the former President of the Lowertown Community Association and the former Chair of the King Edward Avenue TaskForce.  Marc is born and bred in the Ward from a family that has lived locally for several generations.  We look forward to learning more about Aubin’s vision from his recently launched campaign website .

Ward 12 is shaping up with strong voices bringing much needed vision and advocacy – bring it!

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Wknd Roundup: Fire up your Fun

Posted on June 19, 2014 | Leave a comment

It’s here and it’s in your neighbourhood. The Ottawa Fringe Festival opens Thursday evening with most venues in and around Sandy Hill from the Arts Court headquarters through St Alban’s on King Eddy. As well as a cavalcade of new shows there is also Free Programming with concerts on the Downtown Rideau stage in Waller Park,  the Courtyard for lounging and local fave Albion Rooms is getting in on the fun with 8 dishes for 8$ each from 8PM-Midnight exclusively for Fringe go’ers.

FringeAs championed by Jian Gomeshi Fringe showcases some of our countries greatest artistic talents, the shows are plentiful and the prices are knock-down cheap – support the artists, support local and get your 10days of Fringe on!

Though with the free concerts, great eats and tremendous shows you’re schedule will be packed for the next 10days there is always time for more right?

Love jazz then check out all the great events going on at the Ottawa Jazz Festival on from 20-30June. Our favourite aspect is the unpredictable Late Night Jamming sessions and we are thrilled that this year they’ve relocated The Albion Rooms. Pop in around 10:30PM and be amazed.

The World Cup rages on and this afternoon is England vs Uruguay. No better place to watch it that at Our England House head-quartered at The Lunenburg Pub on Waller St.  3PM

Thursday night 6PM at Patro – 40 Cobourg St – a public meeting to discuss cycling infrastructure on St Patrick St. The Mayor issued a letter yesterday via Citizens for Safe Cycling proposing that cyclist accept “Super Sharrows”, sidewalk riding and a 3 block (between Cobourg & Beausoleil) ped-cycling mini-path as a solution. We hope this mish-mash “solution” is challenged and attendees advocate for a true solution. We suggest slowing traffic speeds, thus enabling narrowing of car-lanes and addition of permanent protected bike lanes.

Grab your swim kits kids, local Sandy Hill wading pools open this Friday! UPDATE: City website is out of date and Patro wading pool is NOT OPEN Both the brand spanking new pool by the Patro – 40 Cobourg – and the pool in Strathcona Park open June 20th whereas July 2nd is the date for the pool by the Sandy Hill Community Centre.  Happy splashing!

Having advocated for cycling infrastructure on Thursday reward yourself with a Bike Rave and a party at Bank St’s beguiling Glow Fair.

Yep it’s Ottawa’ 1st Bike Rave Friday night 7:30PM starting at 200 Lees Bike Coop.  The bike rave is a critical mass-style group ride with portable music that includes dance party stops and ends at the Bank Street GlowFair Party. Costumes and glow sticks are highly encouraged.

Summer Solstice 8locksSaturday from 7PM it is the Summer Solstice Cycle Soiree at 8 Locks Flat (191 Colonel By – the beach resto along the canal between Corktown Bridge and Laurier St). In conjunction with Citizens for Safe Cycling there are prizes every 15mins and a free gift for all cyclists at 8:55PM.  Thanks for supporting cycling through the cold depths of winter 8Locks and thanks for having the best licensed bike-friendly sunset views in Ottawa!

 

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Eye-Spy: Do You Know Phoebe Rose?

Posted on June 17, 2014 | 3 comments

Phoebe Rose Hoffman-Doull is a 3.5 year old beautiful blond bundle of energy living just over the river from Sandy Hill in Overbrook.  She has an almost 6 year old sister called Mae, strong loving parents Jenny & Jonathan, cousins down the street and Grandparents Liza & Robin in Vanier. Phoebe Rose also has a rare form of childhood leukaemia having first been diagnosed at only 9 weeks old.

For her entire life Phoebe Rose and her family have been forced to battle for her survival. The struggles this family faced are unimaginable and yet they have relentlessly advocated for their daughter’s good health with grace and dignity.

Phoebe Rose & Mae - courtesy Jenny Hoffman-Doull http://phoeberoserocks.blogspot.ca/

Phoebe Rose & Mae – courtesy Jenny Hoffman-Doull http://phoeberoserocks.blogspot.ca/

Phoebe Rose relapsed this month; she and her family who have worked tirelessly to help other kids with cancer are facing their monster again for the 3rd time.

The family is sitting on a knife-edge as we write this waiting to hear whether OHIP will approve her latest treatment deemed “experimental” in Ontario.  The family have now been waiting 15 days.

As Phoebe’s mother Jenny wrote “In the twelve days that we have waited, the disease in Phoebe’s bone marrow has grown and now takes up 50% of this precious and valuable space. ”

Please consider writing to your MP or Premier (or tweet @kathleen_Wynne)  about Phobe Rose. This is acute and aggressive cancer and time is not a luxury afforded. Or, if you can help please go to the online-auction on Facebook to lighten the massive financial burden of the family.

Jenny Doull-Hoffman writes eloquently and passionately – spare a moment to visit her blog: PhoebeRoseRocks and get to know your neighbour.

 

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Eye Spy: Meet the Challenger in Rideau-Vanier Tonight

Posted on June 17, 2014 | Leave a comment

We’re mad for politics and have no doubts about the fantastic potential of Rideau-Vanier. This Ward should be a crown jewel amongst Ottawa neighbourhoods given it’s historic significance, it’s creative, diverse edge and it’s proximity to absolutely everything.

CFL Launch FlyerCouncil elections are this fall and we urge all Ward 12 residents and businesses to get out and meet the Candidates. An informed decision is the best decision.  Let’s meet and greet the Challengers & Incumbent to find out who is going to activate & best champion the potential in our Ward. Let’s looks for committed vision and pragmatism to make improvements now.

Tonight, in the Byward Market, Catherine Fortin-LeFaivre is launching her campaign.  Fortin-LeFaivre has worked extensively in the back rooms of Federal politics and tells us she is committed to taking her experience and acting locally in the community’s best interest.

Come out to meet Catherine and tell her what’s important to you.
5:30-7:30
Peter Devine’s 73 Clarence St in the Byward Market

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Wknd Roundup: Summer Festivals, Footie & Free Fun Reign Down

Posted on June 13, 2014 | Leave a comment

Here comes the weekend roundup where we never let the rain dampen good times.

It’s summertime down at the Byward Market’s Must Kitchen 41 William St where a custom Mojito features every weekend. Looking for an afterwork cocktail? Head over for the refreshing Peach-Mango Mojito today.

world cupIf you’re as crazy as I for the Footie – and looking for a good venue for viewing – give the Lunenburg Pub a try. They promise to air the games, the surrounds are comfortable, the craft beer selection is extensive while the food and prices are both appetising. Spain against Netherland’s today is sure to be a cracker!  I’m going for outsiders the Black Stars (Go Go Ghana) who are in the killer group and probably won’t last long but that’s okay cuz London was my second home. Go En-grrrrr-laannd! Clearly I’ll be actively following the World Cup to the end – join me!

The NCC Gatineau Beaches open this weekend so consider a dip to mark the occasion.

On Friday evening La Petite Mort hosts a vernissage for “Mexican Masks from the Muayes Ogazon Collection 1940-80” 7PM

Fancy a movie in the park? The Sandy Hill Health Centre is hosting a free screening of “Bend it Like Beckham” for Friday Outdoor Movie night at Springhurst Park, Lees Ave, 8:45PM, Free

On Friday and Saturday evening you get a Pay-What-You-Can dance show in Strathcona Park with Machina Nuptialis, from dance troupe Corpus. Strathcona Park 8PM.

Ottawa Explosion Weekend (OXW) opened Thursday night and keeps the grooves coming at various local venues including SAW Gallery, OAG, Mugshots, Ritual, DeKCuf and Ottawa-South’s home of pinballs & perogies House of Targ. There are more bands and shows than we can keep track of and they’re at a great price and the atmosphere at this new-style fest is tremendous so get out and get in to it.  OXW Schedule

Friday & Saturday the Festival Franco-Ontarien, head-quartered in Major Hill’s Park with artists, musicians and Kid-friendly activities it’s a local festival sure to entertain. We’re looking forward le Pique-Nique Africain Saturday noon-4PM & Pierre Lapointe who takes the main stage Saturday evening at 7PM.

Further afield – but lets face it nothing is more than a bike ride away in Summertime Ottawa – Westfest gets underway in Westboro/WelliWest/Hintonburg. This free music fest is forever a crowd pleaser so grab two-wheels and get your fun on folks.

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Wknd RoundUp: Six Guitars, Spring Fair & Open Doors

Posted on June 5, 2014 | Leave a comment

Sizzling days of summer are here and no better way to enjoy them than with a BBQ – of which we’ve got tons going on this weekend.

Thursday 8LocksFlat is partnering with Broadhead Brewing Company to host a Food Pairing evening at “the beach by the canal”. Broadhead’s Master Brewer will join forces with 8LocksFlat’s head chef to expertly match a unique dish to each of Broadhead’s beer to truly highlight the distinct flavours. Great locations, tremendous food, top brews and Ottawa’s best sunset. What’s not to like? 35$ 6PM

Also Thursday is the last chance to see the sold-out at 2013 Fringe show  Six Guitars. This show – now in it’s extended version – was Critic’s Pick at Vancouver and Ottawa Fringe and won Best of Fest Award in Winnipeg, Calgary and Orlando.  Six Guitars Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave. 7:30PM, $15-25

Friday the wonderful St Alban’s Church on the corner of Daly & King Edward Avenue is holding yet another album launch. This time it is Winchester Warm with their latest release “Belle Attente”.  Claude Munson & The Storm Outside are the opening acts. Event kicks off at 8PM

Saturday – it’s our hands-down pick of the weekend, it’s the Sandy Hill Spring Fair @Bettye Hyde! This party is all-day fantastic fun in the heart of the hood at the intersection of Blackburn Ave & Osgoode as the good folk of Bettye Hyde & various locals get their groove on. Amongst BBQs, great eats and kid’s games there is also dance, capoeira, yoga, drumming, a farmer’s market and more. 9:30-15:00

On Saturday and Sunday the City of Ottawa Presents the annual Doors Open event throughout Ottawa where buildings normally closed to the public throw there doors open and invite all comers to have a look!   More than 120 of the historical, cultural, and functionally significant buildings open their doors for the public’s pleasure.  A list of buildings and further information may be found here.

Vanier VelofestIt’s summer, it’s Sunday… lets have a bike party! This week it’s the Vanier VeloFest, with a bike rodeo and give-aways of helmets and shirts to the first 100 participating kids (under 13). They’ll be a BBQ, food and heaps of fun. The Vanier VeloFest is free and held at the Centre Francophone de Vanier, 270 Marier Ave, from 10AM to 1PM.

Also on Sunday from 1-3 at City Hall is the Ideas Forum 2017, whereby residents are invited to submit and discuss their ideas for the circa 2017.

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Eye Spy: Ontario All-Candidates Debate Locally!

Posted on June 2, 2014 | Leave a comment

Wonderful Ward 12 invites residents to hear what the local Ontario Candidates have to say and to join in the discussion on the upcoming June 12 election.

VoteAs such there are not one but two All-Candidates debates this week in Rideau-Vanier. In attendance will be Dave Bagler from the Green Party, incumbent Madeleine Meilleur from the Liberal Party, Martin Forget of the Conservative Party, Herve Ngamby from the NDP’s and Phillip Richard of the Libertarian Party.

First up is Wednesday night’s debate at 7PM, 159 Murray Street in the Market.

Next it’s Thursday 5th June at Centre Communautaire Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre 300, Ave Peres-Blancs in Vanier. Thursday kicks of with a meet and greet at 6:30 and the debate begins at 7PM.

Join your neighbours and ask the questions that are most important to you.

 

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