A local charity group that welcomes and values people with disabilities whetted the appetite of some 40 friends, associates and neighbours invited to a private reception hosted Tuesday by James Wright, a former senior public servant and Canadian high commissioner to the UK, and his wife, Donna Thomson, an advocate for disability rights.

From left, author and disability activist Donna Thomson, who hosted with her husband a reception for Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa, is seen socializing with the organization’s executive director, Brian Tardif, and guest Elizabeth Heatherington on Tuesday, September 15, 2015.

The evening, catered courtesy of Epicuria with Casa-Dea wines, saw guests socialize in a Westboro-area backyard bathed in warm, golden evening light. Later, everyone headed inside to learn more about Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa, a grassroots organization that helps disabled people participate fully in community life.

The reception raised about $5,000 through donations. It was part of an ongoing fundraising campaign, called Appetites for Advocacy, that has members of the public host sponsored benefits for Citizen Advocacy. Fifteen receptions have been hosted since May 2014.

“We are strong believers in the important work that Citizen Advocacy has been doing for over 40 years now,” said Wright, whose oldest child, Nicholas, 27, was born with severe cerebral palsy. Wright is on the board of the organization while his wife is a co-founder of one of its programs, Lifetime Networks, and the author of The Four Walls of My Freedom.

From left, former Canadian ambassador Paul Heinbecker with food and entertaining expert Margaret Dickenson, teacher-librarian Janice O’Neill and her husband, Mark O’Neill, president and CEO of the Canadian Museum of History Corporation, at a private reception held in the Westboro area on Tuesday, September 15, 2015, to raise funds and awareness for Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa, a grassroots organization that helps people with disabilities.

Retired Canadian diplomat and senior civil servant Jim Judd and his wife, Valerie, attended a benefit for Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa, held Tuesday, September 15, 2015, at the private home of James Wright and Donna Thomson.

From left, Senator Jim Munson, a long-time advocate for people with disabilities, with James Wright, a retired diplomat and senior civil servant, on Tuesday, September 15, 2015, during a private reception Wright and his wife hosted for Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa.

From left, university professor Wojtek Michalowski with retired Canadian diplomat Larry Dickenson at a private reception held at a Westboro-area home on Tuesday, September 15, 2015, to raise awareness and funds for Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa, a non-profit organization that helps people with disabilities.

“In the early days, when we first got the diagnosis on Nicholas, we were the same as all the other parents who are all of a sudden confronted with a set of circumstances that you’re not prepared for. Through Lifetime Networks and Citizen Advocacy, you are introduced to a community of friends who have experienced similar challenges and you learn from each other and you support each other.”

Citizen Advocacy integrates members of the disabled community into the wider community, allowing these individuals to feel less vulnerable and isolated. It also helps to ensure that these individuals have a network of support to last a lifetime. “For parents who are getting older, all of a sudden they’re asking themselves the difficult question: ‘What’s going to happen to my disabled son or daughter when I pass away?’, ” said Wright.

Nicholas wasn’t in attendance but everyone’s faces lit up when Wright talked about his son, and how Nicholas, a devoted Ottawa Senators fan, reacted with glee over the arrival earlier that day of the season tickets. “He was bouncing off the walls he was so excited,” Wright said of his son, a 2005 recipient of a Spirit of the Capital youth award.

Attendees included retired high-ranking civil servant and diplomat Jim Judd, along with former Canadian ambassadors Paul Heinbecker, Larry Dickenson, Ferry de Kerckhove, Bruce Jutzi and Wright’s brother, Robert Wright, a former deputy minister and diplomat (he was ambassador to China when Wright was posted to Britain). Senator Jim Munson, who’s been a long-time champion for those with disabilities, was there (he and his wife hosted the inaugural Appetites for Advocacy). So was Brian Tardif, executive director of 30 years.

From left, retired diplomat and senior civil servant Robert Wright, seen with architect Liza Medek and Rick Chapman, is the brother of retired diplomat and senior civil servant James Wright, who hosted with his wife a private reception on Tuesday, September 15, 2015, for Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa.

Sean Moore, founder of Advocacy School, with Pat Palmer at a private reception held Tuesday, September 15, 2015, to raise funds and awareness for Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa, a non-profit organization that helps people with disabilities.

From left, Wojtek Michalowski, a professor at UofO’s Telfer School of Management, with David Mitchell, past president of the Public Policy Forum, Soloway Wright partner Peter Hagen, and Mary Thomson on Tuesday, September 15, 2015, at a private reception hosted for Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa, a grassroots organization that helps people with disabilities.

From left, Martin Parker, a partner at RocheBanyan Inc., and and his colleague, Aline Frenette, with Louise Cote and former diplomat Ferry de Kerckhove at a private reception held Tuesday, September 15, 2015, in the Westboro area to raise funds and awareness for Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

Terry Matthews knows how to throw a great party. The self-made tech icon and all-around fun-loving guy welcomed some 670 guests to his Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata on Wednesday night for the sold-out Lumière Rouge fundraising gala.

Matthews didn’t waste a lot of time at the podium but, with hotel general manager and executive vice president Patrice Basille standing nearby, he urged the crowd “to support the community, get on with it, and have a lot of fun. That’s what I do.”

The sweet sounds of live jazz music filled the red-accented ballroom as attendees sampled 10 different food stations offering very creative cuisine paired with wines. People casually mingled before taking in the grand finale of outdoor fireworks.

On display in the front lobby was a female model dressed in a gown that doubled as a red carpet, so long was the fabric that covered the floor (Matthews later insisted the young woman and her never-ending dress come join the party.)

The hotel’s 13th annual gala, presented in partnership with Matthews’ Wesley Clover Foundation and organized by a hard-working team of folks, was in support of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation (ORCF.)  It’s sharing part of the proceeds with the west-end Queensway Carleton Hospital.

This year saw Brookstreet bring in $105,000 for the ORCF and pass the $1 million mark in funds raised for local charities since Lumière began.

“We’re very grateful to be the recipient,” Linda Eagen, president and CEO of the ORCF, told Around Town at the $150-a-ticket event. She described the gala as a “unique” evening with “a charm all of its own.”

“There’s a different kind of energy and it fits who we are, because, as a foundation, we’re trying to energize the community into action,” said Eagen. She was referring in part to the successful coaching services the foundation has brought to Ottawa to assist people, without cost, through their cancer journey. “It takes people who are of a different mindset to take the first steps in supporting a new initiative like that, and Terry Matthews has been an innovator and outside-the-box thinker.”

Once again, guests had the chance to buy a luxury golf trip to Matthews’ Celtic Manor in Wales. Ottawa personality and live auctioneer “Stuntman” Stu Schwartz also fetched generous bids for the 100-level Wesley Clover hockey suite at a Senators versus Canadiens game, a stay at the Grand Isle Resort & Spa in Great Exuma, Bahamas, and a six-course chef’s table for 10 at Brookstreet’s Perspective’s Restaurant.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

You gotta love a guy who brings his mom as his date. Maestro Alexander Shelley and Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang took to the red carpet at the National Arts Centre on Saturday with the women who’ve been there for them from the start, Hilary Shelley and Zhou Xiulan.

It was a special night, as it marked the first NAC Gala for Shelley, the brand new British-born music director of the National Arts Centre Orchestra. And, what a wonderful and warm response he got; this year’s gala netted just over $1 million. That’s a record high in gala proceeds for the NAC’s National Youth and Education Trust, which supports the artistic development of young Canadians.

Concert pianist Lang Lang on stage with maestro Alexander Shelley and the National Arts Centre Orchestra during the NAC Gala, held Saturday, September 19, 2015, in support of the NAC National Youth and Education Trust.

Come concert time, Shelley and Lang’s star power shone with talent and charisma on the stage. Joining them and the NAC Orchestra was violin prodigy Timothy Chooi performing to a sold-out crowd that included Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, former prime minister Jean Chrétien and Victor Dodig, president and CEO of presenting sponsor CIBC.

Support for this year’s gala was overwhelmingly strong, despite the current tough economic climate, said gala chair Gary Zed, senior partner with EY. What helped, he added, was having a new guy like Shelley coming on scene. “It’s a new beginning,” he told Around Town. “I think he’s going to energize the whole NAC. I really, really, truly believe that.”
On stage, NAC Foundation CEO Jayne Watson announced a total of $875,000, but that net amount soon rose to seven figures following an additional donation of $103,000 from Edmonton philanthropist Dianne Kipnes and a lucrative late-night dinner auction led by British High Commissioner Howard Drake. It brought in $21,500. Zed threw in another $5,000 to tip the total over the million-dollar mark.

Bidders wanting a night on the town could buy dinner at the NAC’s Le Café with NAC box seats for the upcoming Broadway show, The Wizard of Oz. Also included was a night at the Château Laurier plus a bonus three-night stay in New York City at the luxury Lowell Hotel.

More than 500 guests dined on the Southam Hall main stage as part of the NAC Gala held at the National Arts Centre on Saturday, September 19, 2015.

For deep-pocket spenders, there was a one-of-a-kind trip for two to London. It included the flight, a stay at a five-star hotel and tickets to a Royal Philharmonic Orchestra concert conducted by Shelley. Oh, but there’s more. The top bidder also dines with Shelley, does lunch with Canada’s High Commissioner to the UK, Gordon Campbell, has brekkie at the private members Arts Club, and gets toured around The National Gallery. Bidding started at $10,000.

Gala organizers went with an Asian decor theme in honour of Lang’s Chinese heritage. At the exclusive post-concert dinner, held for a crowd of 500-plus on the Southam Hall main stage, guests got their own personalized fortune cookies. Confucius say: you will be supporting the arts for a long time.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

British-born maestro Alexander Shelley, the new music director of the NAC Orchestra, on the red carpet with his mom, Hilary Shelley, after arriving to the NAC Gala on Saturday, September 19, 2015.

The National Arts Centre Orchestra’s new music director, Alexander Shelley, is flanked by his mother, Hilary Shelley, left, and NAC Foundation CEO Jayne Watson at the NAC Gala held Saturday, September 19, 2015.

Harley Finkelstein, chief platform officer at Shopify, with his wife, Lindsay, at the NAC Gala held on Saturday, September 19, 2015.

Retired Lt-Gen. Andrew Leslie, the Liberal party candidate in the federal riding of Orléans, was seen mingling with Supreme Court of Canada Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin and her husband, Frank McArdle, left, at the NAC Gala held Saturday, September 19, 2015.

Young violinist Timothy Chooi performs at the NAC Gala held at the National Arts Centre on Saturday, September 19, 2015, in support of the NAC’s National Youth and Education Trust.

From left, Bonnie Buhler and NAC Foundation CEO Jayne Watson on stage during the NAC Gala held at the National Arts Centre on Saturday, September 19, 2015.

Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang arrived on the red carpet with his mom, Zhou Xiulan, before performing that night on stage with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, as part of the NAC Gala held Saturday, September 19, 2015.

From left, gala committee chair Gary Zed with Gill Drake and her husband, British High Commissioner Howard Drake, who volunteered as charity auctioneer during the dinner portion of the evening at NAC Gala, held Saturday, September 19, 2015.

Paul Wells, political editor at Maclean’s, at the NAC Gala on Saturday, September 19, 2015, with his soon-to-be wife Lisa Samson, managing partner of StrategyCorp Ottawa (they’re getting married after the election).

Peter Herrndorf, president and CEO of the National Arts Centre, with his wife, Eva Czigler, at the 19th annual NAC Gala held at the National Arts Centre on Saturday, September 19, 2015, to raise funds for the NAC National Youth and Education Trust.

Superstar pianist Lang Lang with his mother, Zhou Xiulan, and NAC Orchestra music director and maestro Alexander Shelley with his mom, Hilary Shelley, on the red carpet at the NAC Gala held Saturday, September 19, 2015.

From left, Micki Mizrahi and her husband Sam Mizrahi, president of Toronto-based Mizrahi Developments, with Janice Fobert and her husband, Ted Fobert, founding partner of FoTenn, Ottawa’s prominent planning and urban design consulting firm, at the NAC Gala on Saturday, September 19, 2015.

Michael Mrak from Mark Motors of Ottawa and Shirley Kouri arrive to the National Arts Centre on Saturday, September 19, 2015, for the NAC Gala starring Alexander Shelley and Lang Lang.

Blair Dickerson, a vice president with the global mining group Rio Tinto, and prominent Ottawa restaurateur Ion Aimers at the NAC Gala held at the National Arts Centre on Saturday, September 19, 2015.

From left, Bob Chiarelli, Liberal MPP for Ottawa West-Nepean, with Mayor Jim Watson and German Ambassador Werner Wnendt at the post-concert reception during the NAC Gala held Saturday, September 19, 2015.

From left, gala committee chair Gary Zed with Wende Cartwright and his brother, former New Brunswick MP Paul Zed, at the NAC Gala held Saturday, September 19, 2015.

Gail Asper, chair of the NAC Foundation board, arrived with Moe Levy to the NAC Gala held Saturday, September 19, 2015, in support of the NAC National Youth and Education Trust.

From left, Stefani Truant and Melynda Szabototh, both of whom have behind-the-scene jobs with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, at this year’s NAC Gala starring Alexander Shelley and Lang Lang on Saturday, September 19, 2015.

This year’s NAC Gala, starring Alexander Shelley and Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang at the National Arts Centre on September 19, 2015, celebrated Lang’s Asian heritage through its party decor.

This year’s NAC Gala starring Alexander Shelley and Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang and held at the National Arts Centre on September 19, 2015, celebrated Lang’s Asian heritage through its party decor.

Entrepreneur-turned-philanthropist John Buhler and his wife, Bonnie Buhler, from Winnipeg, were the partons of this year’s NAC Gala starring Alexander Shelley and Lang Lang at the National Arts Centre on Saturday, September 19, 2015.

NAC Gala committee chair Gary Zed, senior partner at EY, arrived with his daughter Olivia and his partner, Arlie Koyman, to this year’s gala, held Saturday, September 19, 2015, in support of the NAC’s National Youth and Education Trust.

Former prime minister Jean Chrétien and his wife, Aline, arrive to the National Arts Centre on Saturday, September 19, 2015, for the annual NAC Gala in benefit of the NAC’s National Youth and Education Trust.

Concert pianist Lang Lang and his mother, Zhou Xiulan, and NAC Orchestra music director Alexander Shelley and his mom, Hilary Shelley, walked the red carpet for the NAC Gala held Saturday, September 19, 2015.

Victor Dodig, president and CEO of returning presenting sponsor CIBC, with his wife, Maureen, at the NAC Gala held Saturday, September 19, 2015, in support of the NAC National Youth and Education Trust.

Gordon Southam, whose late father Hamilton Southam is credited for founding the National Arts Centre, arrived with his wife, Sehrab Grewal Southam, to the annual NAC Gala starring Alexander Shelley and Lang Lang, held Saturday, September 19, 2015.

From left, Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhaohui on Saturday, September 19, 2015, in conversation at the NAC Gala pre-concert reception with the stars of the show: Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang and NAC Orchestra music director and maestro Alexander Shelley.

German Ambassador Werner Wnendt was out on the town Wednesday to do the official tapping of the keg at an Oktoberfest-themed benefit that netted $81,972 for the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

“This is the first time I’m doing this in Canada, I must tell you,” the diplomat revealed before tapping the keg like a champ and letting the beer flow at the Bier Markt pub on Sparks Street. Next week, he’s headed to the world-famous Oktoberfest in Munich, where he will be experiencing the real deal.

The inaugural event was organized by a committee led by Steve Gallant, a first vice president, branch manager and investment advisor with CIBC Wood Gundy, and Tony Rhodes, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Rhodes & Company. Gallant is the guy who came up with the original idea for Ringside for Youth, a wildly popular benefit held each year to help disadvantaged kids.

More than 200 guests of the sold-out, $250-a-ticket event (with a $125 tax receipt) spent the night eating, drinking and socializing inside the music-filled pub and on the outdoor patio. The beer of choice was Paulaner, served in heavy glass steins and enjoyed with such traditional Bavarian hits as schnitzel sliders, bacon spaetzle, suckling pig, ribs and strudel.

The night included a $5,000 knock-out draw and – hold onto your lederhosen – the chance to bid on a five-course feast for 10 at Bier Markt, a private dinner for 14 hosted by the German ambassador, and a dozen tickets for 200-level suites to a couple of Sens games.

Grant Cobb, senior vice president with Cara Operations, which operates Bier Markt and numerous restaurant chains in Canada, was there. So was the venue’s general manager, Peter Chase. Supporters also included Mark Bonneau and Peter O’Leary from the Ottawa Senators business operations, Shannon Gorman from Telus, Gary Zed from EY, Milan Topolovec from TK Financial Group, and Kent Browne as MC and auctioneer.

Emond Harnden lawyer Jacques Emond, chair of the board for the Heart Institute Foundation attended, as did its president and CEO, Jim Orban. He told everyone how “vitally important” fundraisers like Capital Oktoberfest are in raising awareness and funds for the Heart Institute “that will benefit patient care, not just this year and next year, but going into the future.”

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

Don’t starting pouring the concrete just yet but Dave Smith’s dream to build a new 30-bed residential treatment facility in rural west-end Ottawa to help young people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction is gaining support, from all the right people.

More than $100,000 was raised Thursday for the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre Foundation at a sold-out, $250-a-ticket party presented by luxury hotel and condo developer Mastercraft Starwood at its new SoHo Champagne project in Little Italy.

Its president, Bruce Greenberg, attended, as did his business partners Michael Wekerle of Dragons’ Den fame, hotelier Henry Wu, reality TV star and chef Paul Wahlberg (he owns the Walhburgers restaurant at Toronto’s Soho Metropolitan with his famous bros, Donnie and Mark), and Ottawa architect Roderick Lahey.

Greenberg said he’s always had a soft spot for Smith. The successful developer may call Hogtown home now but Greenberg grew up in Ottawa and, while a student at Hillcrest High, often ate smoked-meat sandwiches at Smith’s popular restaurant, Nate’s Deli. He was at the party with his family, including his father, company founder John Greenberg.

“Life has been very good to us and we are very honoured and privileged to be able to help Dave,” Greenberg told the room.

The $5-million Dave’s Dream campaign aims to consolidate all of the treatment centre’s operations at one site and to expand its addiction treatment supports and services. It received a ringing endorsement at the party from Mayor Jim Watson. “If anyone in the City of Ottawa can do it, it’s Dave Smith, an amazing community builder,” said Watson.

The mayor didn’t miss a beat when Wekerle interrupted him on stage and asked whether he could join on as assistant mayor. Watson offered him the night shift. “I like this guy,” Wekerle enthused. “I’ll take it.”

Guests mingled under the large outdoor party tent where, later, Wekerle and his rock band could be heard playing Led Zeppelin. Partygoers also ventured inside SoHo to explore the main all-marble lobby and nearby lounge areas.

The evening attracted a crowd of about 300 event sponsors and supporters of the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre. For more than two decades, it’s helped thousands of troubled youth and their families in Eastern Ontario.

“We know treatment works and recovery is possible because we witness it every single day,” DSYTC executive director Mike Beauchesne told attendees. “But the fact is, the need is beyond our current capacity; the challenges are tremendous. That’s why we need your help.”

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

If there had been a toast made Saturday at the National Arts Centre to the cast and crew of Opera Lyra’s The Barber of Seville, it might have gone something like this: “Shears to you”.

Pembroke native and baritone Joshua Hopkins, who plays the endearingly meddlesome hairstylist Figaro in Rossini’s comic opera, attended the opening night party with his fellow stars of the show.

The mood was celebratory as the company’s general director, John Peter “Jeep” Jeffries, commended the cast for its hard work in promoting and mounting an innovative production that’s “exuberant, charming, romantic and very funny”.

“After 38 years in the opera business, I think I can say without fear of contradiction that this evening’s performance of The Barber of Seville is equal to or better than any given regional opera company’s anywhere in North America in the past year,” said Jeffries, eliciting applause and shouts of “bravo!” from the gathering of opera fans, diplomats and donors.

The opening night party for Opera Lyra Ottawa’s The Barber of Seville, held Saturday, September 26, 2015, at the National Arts Centre, gave opera fans such as Christina Cameron the opportunity to talk with the singers, including Pembroke-native baritone Joshua Hopkins (Figaro).

Well-known arts patrons Barbara McInnes and Glenn McInnes were among the guests spotted at the opening night party for Opera Lyra Ottawa’s The Barber of Seville held at the National Arts Centre on Saturday, September 26, 2015.

No public mention was made of the personal tragedy that struck Hopkins just days before opening night. His sister, Natalie Warmerdam, was among the three women found murdered in Eastern Ontario last Tuesday.

Many in attendance did quietly admire the performer, however, for his courage in continuing on with the show.

“Joshua is a total professional,” Daniel Way, who plays a background stage role in the opera, told Around Town. “As difficult as it was for him to perform, he did it to honour his sister, and he was terrific tonight … We are very fortunate to have him for this production.”

The opening night party for Opera Lyra Ottawa’s The Barber of Seville, held Saturday, September 26, 2015, at the National Arts Centre, brought out such behind-the-scene talent as principal repetiteur Judith Ginsburg and chorus master Laurence Ewashko.

From left, bass-baritone Giles Tomkins shows off his unique facial hair for his role as Don Basilio in Opera Lyra’s Ottawa’s The Barber of Seville, while hanging out with Toronto agent Kathy Domoney and orchestra conductor Giuseppe Pietraroia at the opening night party at the National Arts Centre on Saturday, September 26, 2015.

Baritone Joshua Hopkins (Figaro) is flanked by his wife, Zoe Tarshis, left and his fellow cast member, Marion Newman (Rosina) at the opening night party on Saturday, September 26, 2015, for Opera Lyra Ottawa’s The Barber of Seville.

Spotted at the opening night party of Opera Lyra Ottawa’s The Barber Seville, at the National Arts Centre on Saturday, September 26, 2015, were Matthew MacDonald and his son, Liam Kennedy-MacDonald, 13, who play background actors in Opera Lyra Ottawa’s The Barber of Sevillle, joined by wife/mom Allison Kennedy, who has sung in past productions with the Opera Lyra Chorus.

From left, Opera Lyra Ottawa board member HÈlËne Giroux with Florence Ferrari and Philippe Huberdeau, both with the French Embassy in Ottawa, at the opening night party for The Barber of Seville at the National Arts Centre on Saturday, September 26, 2015.

From left, Marc Stevens, general manager of the National Arts Centre Orchestra with Alyson Shipman and Christopher Deacon, managing director of the NAC Orchestra, at the opening night party for The Barber of Seville, held at the NAC on Saturday, September 26, 2015.

From left, Irma Sachs and Susannah Dalfen, both long-time Opera Lyra Ottawa supporters, were at the opening night party for The Barber of Seville at the National Arts Centre on Saturday, September 26, 2015.

From left, John Peter “Jeep” Jeffries, general director of Opera Lyra Ottawa, with board member Gilles LeVasseur and board chair Victor Rabinovitch at the opening night of The Barber of Seville at the National Arts Centre on Saturday, September 26, 2015.

Ottawa-based soprano Maghan McPhee and fellow cast member Benjamin Covey, of Mallorytown, at the opening night party for Opera Lyra Ottawa’s The Barber of Seville held at the National Arts Centre on Saturday, September 26, 2015.

Former Globe and Mail columnist Hugh Winsor in conversation with First Nations Canadian mezzo-soprano Marion Newman at the opening night party for Opera Lyra Ottawa’s The Barber of Seville at the National Arts Centre on Saturday, September 26, 2015.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

Related

• Music Review: Joshua Hopkins delivers a Figaro for the books despite personal tragedy

On Feb. 6, 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada struck down Canada’s assisted suicide law, opening the door to assisted death (Carter v. Canada).

This is an incredibly complex topic, one fraught with moral and ethical issues.

Canadians have been sold the theory that euthanasia can freely end one’s life at the time and place of their choosing. This theory assumes that euthanasia will be voluntary and that the decision and the act is controlled by the person who dies by euthanasia.

The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (EPC) contends that the theory of legal euthanasia and its practice are very different. Since euthanasia, by definition, means that the physician will cause the death of the patient, therefore misuse of the law resulting in a person’s death would normally be understood to be homicide.

Euthanasia in practice

 A study published in March 2015 concerning end-of-life practices in 2013 in Belgium found that 4.6 per cent of all deaths were euthanasia. The same study also found that 1.7 per cent of all deaths were hastened without explicit request. This means that approximately 1000 people were intentionally killed without request in 2013. The data indicates deaths that were hastened without request were more likely to occur when a patient was in a hospital and incompetent to make medical decisions.

How did this occur?

The guidelines in Belgium and the Netherlands require the physician who causes death by euthanasia to report the euthanasia after the patient has died. Since the doctor who approves the death is the same doctor who submits the report, and since there is no third-party oversight of the law, therefore the system has been designed to “cover up” misuse of the law.

The same misuse of the law will likely occur in Canada. The proposed Quebec euthanasia guidelines also require the physician who lethally injects the patient to submit the report to the government. The Quebec system also provides no third-party oversight of the law, while enabling physicians to cover up misuse of the law when directly killing a patient.

The announcement that Quebec doctors will be sent euthanasia kits with step-by-step instructions is also rife with possible misuse of the law. The physician will receive the euthanasia kit, containing a double dose of lethal drugs. These kits will be used to lethally inject patients without third-party oversight of the use of the kit. Once again, reporting of the death will be done, after the death, by the doctor who lethally injects the patient.

The data in the Belgian study on end-of-life practices in 2013 also uncovered that almost half of the assisted deaths were not reported. The data in the study suggests that when the euthanasia death may not have followed the guidelines of the law, that Belgian physicians failed to report it.

Further to that, in January 2014, Dr. Mark Cosyns admitted in an article published in a leading Belgian newspaper that he does not report the euthanasia deaths that he does. Dr. Cosyns has not been penalized for his indiscretion.

The theory that euthanasia will always be voluntary

The Quebec government recently announced that doctors would need to falsify death certificates when the patient died by euthanasia. This is an affront to medical ethics, transparency and accountability.

When euthanasia becomes legal, doctors are given power to cause the death of their patients. Life and death decisions should require the highest level of oversight and transparency.

What about patients who not terminally ill but living with psychological conditions such as mental illness, depression or loneliness?

In 2013, euthanasia for psychiatric reasons in the Netherlands tripled and euthanasia for dementia more than doubled.

The data from a study — published in July — concerning 100 requests for euthanasia for psychiatric reasons in Belgium indicated that: 58 people were depressed, 50 had a personality disorder, 13 had post-traumatic stress disorder, 12 were autistic, 11 had anxiety disorder and 10 had an eating disorder. The 100 requests for euthanasia resulted in 48 people with psychiatric conditions being approved for euthanasia.

The proposed Quebec euthanasia guidelines and the Supreme Court of Canada decision allow for euthanasia for psychological suffering, a term that they did not define.

The practice of euthanasia is very different than euthanasia in theory.

In reality, legalizing euthanasia gives doctors the right, in law, to cause the death of their patients. The decision to lethally inject a patient is made by two doctors without third-party oversight and the doctor is required to report their decision after the patient has died.

The concept that euthanasia is about individual choice and autonomy is only a theory.

In other jurisdictions there is proof that the law is misused, that lives are ended without request, that the reporting procedure is intentionally ignored, and that euthanasia is regularly ending the lives of people who are depressed and/or incompetent.

In theory euthanasia appears to offer freedom; in reality, legalizing euthanasia is not safe.

This story was provided by the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition for commercial purposes. The Ottawa Citizen had no involvement in the creation of this content.

With or without booze, guests were seeing double as they flocked to Von’s Bistro on Sunday to check out Philip Craig’s new portrait show, attended by many of the folks whose faces now grace the walls of the popular Glebe restaurant.

For the past four years, Craig has been plugging away on his project, often waking up early, staying up late and stealing spare time from his weekends in order to complete it. He chose a good mix of people, from famous politicians to friendly neighbourhood faces to customers of Von’s.

Carleton University journalism professor Christopher Dornan, at Von’s Bistro on Sunday, September 27, 2015, is one of the 150 local faces featured in a portrait show created by Ottawa artist Philip Craig to raise funds for four Ottawa charities.

Community builder Joseph Cull, seen at Von’s Bistro on Sunday, September 27, 2015, is among the 150 Ottawa faces featured in Philip Craig’s unique portrait show to raise money for four local charities.

His goal: to give back to the community by raising money for charity. The Jaimie Anderson Parliamentary Internship, the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre, the Ottawa Art Gallery and Friends of HIPPY Ottawa will all benefit from his project.

From left, Ottawa artist Philip Craig with well-known community builder Dave Smith at a gala evening held at Von’s Bistro on Sunday, September 27, 2015, to celebrate the completion of a large-scale portrait installation created by Craig to raise funds for four local charities, including the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre.

This is not the first time Craig has embraced such an ambitious challenge; five years ago he painted 60 paintings for 60 buyers and raised $60,000 for charity.

In his brief remarks, the prominent artist thanked those who’ve helped him, including his wife Diane Craig, Von’s owner Caren von Merveldt , and all of the “cannon fodder” who now make up his art installation of 150 portraits.

From left, Diane Craig with Von’s Bistro owner Caren von Merveldt and Craig’s husband, well-known artist Philip Craig, on Sunday, September 27, 2015, at a gala evening to celebrate the completion of Craig’s ambitious portrait project to raise funds for four local charities.

The paintings don’t come with a price tag, nor is there an obligation to buy. Instead, interested purchasers can decide how much money they can afford or what their “face value” might be. It will likely take a few weeks until Craig knows how much is raised but the response from Sunday night alone left him “extremely pleased.”

Among the attendees in the packed crowd was John Manley, a former federal Liberal cabinet minister who now heads the Canadian Council of Chief Executives. As a resident of the Glebe and a regular at Von’s, he’s enjoyed coming to the bistro over the past couple of years and seeing the paintings pop up on the walls.

John Manley, whose portrait hangs high up on the wall behind him, attended a gala evening held at Von’s Bistro in the Glebe on Sunday, September 27, 2015, to celebrate the completion of Philip Craig’s unique portrait show benefitting four local charities.

“I think Philip is very gifted,” said Manley, whose own portrait can be seen hanging high, by the bar. “I’m pretty flattered that he actually did one of me.”

Manley said he “absolutely” planned on buying his portrait. “I don’t think anybody else will, so I’d better,” he joked. “I’m really happy [with it] because I think it looks way better than I do.”

Also seen were Mayor Jim Watson, philanthropist Dave Smith, Maureen Boyd and Wendy Bryans from Friends of HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Pre-School Youngsters), Ottawa Art Gallery board chair Lawson Hunter and Craig’s good friend Bruce Anderson.

From left, Bruce Anderson, co-chair of the Jaimie Anderson Parliamentary Internship, with his brother, Rick Anderson, father of the late Jaimie Anderson, at a gala evening held at Von’s Bistro on Sunday, September 27, 2015, for a charity gala evening featuring portraits by Ottawa artist Philip Craig.

Anderson is co-chair of the Jaimie Anderson Parliamentary Internship. It was created in honour of his niece, a former parliamentary intern with a bright future ahead of her. Unfortunately, in 2010, at age 23, she lost her life to a rare cancer. His brother and Jaimie’s father, Rick Anderson, president of i2 Ideas and Issues Advertising, was also out supporting the cause.

Standing next to their portraits are Paul Hunter, president and CEO of ProSlide Technology, and Wendy Bryans, joined by her fellow Friends of HIPPY Ottawa founding member, Maureen Boyd, at a gala evening held Sunday, September 27, 2015, at Von’s Bistro to celebrate the completion of Ottawa artist Philip Craig’s unique portrait installation for charity.

The installation remains on display at Von’s and moves over to the Ottawa Art Gallery Annex at City Hall from Oct. 13 to 16.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

Nobody wanted to stand in the way of kids and their cake, so speeches were kept short at the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa’s joyous celebration of its newly renovated clubhouse in Vanier.

Donors, volunteers, staff and youth came together Wednesday at the revamped facility on McArthur Avenue. It now bears the name of the late Don McGahan, a popular high school principal who valued academics but also appreciated that kids gain leadership and life skills through sports, creative arts and other recreational activities.

From top left, Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward Coun. Tobi Nussbaum, BGC executive director Colleen Mooney, Mayor Jim Watson, BGC board chair Graham Macmillan and Rideau-Vanier Ward Counc. Mathieu Fleury, got help from a happy group of kids during the City of Ottawa’s presentation of a framed certificate at the grand re-opening of the Don McGahan Clubhouse in Vanier on Wednesday, September 30, 2015.

The $2.8-million rejuvenation project included the leadership of Gary Zed, Graham Macmillan and Sean Lundy. Board chair Macmillan’s passion and dedication to the club has led to its multi-hued foyer being named in his honour.

From left, Boys and Girls Club (BGC) board chair Graham Macmillan with Mike McGahan, CEO of CLV, BGC executive director Colleen Mooney and board member Gary Zed, senior partner with EY, at the grand re-opening celebration of the Don McGahan Clubhouse in Vanier.

Donor Michael Potter was there, and took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The project also got support from the municipal and provincial governments, and from such local businesses as Capital Taxi. As well, Lundy of Lundy Construction earned himself the title of Most Valuable Player for his role in getting the project finished on time and on budget.

Key donor Michael Potter helped with the ribbon cutting ceremony at the grand re-opening celebration of the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa’s Don McGahan Clubhouse, held Wednesday, September 30, 2015, in Vanier.

From left, Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa board treasurer and veteran business executive Mark Groper with fellow board members Stephen Beckta, owner of the Beckta, Gezellig and Play restaurants, and Sean Lundy, CEO of Lundy Construction, at the non-profit organization’s Don McGahan Clubhouse in Vanier for its grand re-opening party .

Up from T.O. was Jays Care Foundation executive director Robert Witchel. He toted along enough Toronto Blue Jays baseball caps to give out to the crowd of excitable kids.

Hailey Ouellette helps a reluctant Junior Ignace smile for the camera with Robert Witchel, executive director of the Jays Care Foundation, which provided Toronto Blue Jays caps for all the kids at the grand re-opening ceremony of the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa’s Don McGahan Clubhouse in Vanier.

The biggest donation to the campaign was the $1.5 million made by the McGahan Family Trust and CLV Group. The real estate business is headed by Mike McGahan, described by Zed as “a humble guy who doesn’t seek glory, doesn’t seek attention, yet sets an important example of genuine community-builder leadership.”

From left, CLV CEO Mike McGahan with Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa executive director Colleen Mooney, and McGahan’s brother, Dave McGahan, also with CLV, at the grand re-opening of the Vanier clubhouse, named after their late father, long-time high school principal Don McGahan.

McGahan told the room how honoured and humbled he and his family were to be associated with the Boys and Girls Club. “On behalf of our family, we couldn’t be prouder,” he said while describing how the organization’s values match those held by his late father.

The Vanier location of the Boys and Girls Club has seen tremendous growth and demand in recent years and currently has more than 900 children and youth coming through its doors.

The 45-year-old building had been tired and dumpy before getting: a new roof, fire alarm system, hydro upgrade, new HVAC system, relocated and expanded kitchen and food preparation areas, relocated and upgraded washroom facilities and the creation of an indoor sports field in place of the pool. A short video of its transformation was played for the crowd, accompanied by the folksy tune Home, by Phillip Phillips.

The ceremony offered plenty of smile-inducing moments involving the kids, seated cross-legged on the floor near the podium. When it was Mayor Jim Watson‘s turn to talk, he let the children know he’d caught wind that there was to be cake, and then asked which they’d prefer next: the cake or his long speech.

From left, Rideau-Vanier Ward Councillor Mathieu Fleury with his partner, Lai Hoang, and Mayor Jim Watson on Wednesday, September 30, 2015, for the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa’s grand re-opening of the Don McGahan Clubhouse in Vanier.

Their response was a resounding “Cake!”

“A long speech, that’s great,” replied the mayor, pretending he’d misheard.

“No, cake!” they shouted back even louder.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

—

CORRECTION: This story has been updated from a previous version to reflect the leadership role of Sean Lundy in the project.

The year-long celebrations of St. Patrick’s Home and its 150 years in Ottawa enjoyed a special wrap-up party filled with festive Irish music, food and drink at the official residence of the Irish ambassador on Thursday.

Ambassador Ray Bassett and his wife, Patricia, co-hosted with successful Irish-born Ottawa businessman Pat Kelly, and his wife, Laurie, a benefit party called Shamrocks & Shenanigans.

Irish Ambassador Ray Bassett makes a toast with a pint of Guinness, of course, at a benefit evening held at his official residence in Rockcliffe Park on Thursday, October 1, 2015, in support of the St. Patrick’s Home and its 150 years in the community.

From left, Christine Dewar with her mom, Laurie Kelly, and Jennifer Poland at the Shamrocks & Shenanigans benefit for the St. Patrick’s Home of Ottawa Foundation, held at the official residence of the Irish ambassador on Thursday, October 1, 2015.

Renaissance woman Pat Marshall resurrected her role as Mother McGinty, from the bygone Bytown days of canal building. She welcomed arriving guests at the door with her usual exuberant charm while volunteer Aydin Suatac was the mischievous-making leprechaun.

Inside, with the Guinness and whiskey flowing, more than 200 attendees helped themselves to such dishes as Irish lamb meatballs, P.E.I. oysters, pheasant blueberry sausages and a selection of cheeses, including Dubliner-aged cheddar. The stately home in Rockcliffe Park was also filled with live Irish songs, fiddle playing and step dancing.

The evening raised $58,000 for St. Patrick’s Home, a 288-bed long-term care residence located on Riverside Drive. It has a long and proud history as one of the oldest homes for the aged in Ontario. It was founded in 1865 by the Grey Sisters to help the orphaned and elderly.

On hand was Ruth Catana, executive director of the St. Patrick’s Home Foundation. Also seen were Ottawa lawyer Larry Kelly, Glebe grocer Jim McKeen, Royal LePage Team Realty owner Kent Browne and Ottawa artist Katerina Mertikas, who donated one of her paintings to help the cause. Also on the auction block was a seven-night trip for two to the Emerald Isle.

Ruth Catana, executive director of the St. Patrick’s Home of Ottawa Foundation, with her husband, Renzo Catana, at the Shamrocks & Shenanigans benefit held at the official residence of the Irish ambassador on Thursday, October 1, 2015.

From left, lawyer Larry Kelly, who prevoiusly led a major St Patrick’s Home capital campaign, and Kevin Pidgeon, chief operating officer of Nautical Lands Group, spiced up their attire with a green beaded necklace handed out to guests at the Shamrocks & Shenanigans benefit for the St. Patrick’s Home of Ottawa Foundation on Thursday, October 1, 2015, at the Irish ambassador’s residence. (Caroline Phillips / Ottawa Citizen)

The evening was hosted by CTV’s Michael O’Byrne. The room raised a glass in memory of his former colleague, legendary broadcaster, community leader and St. Pat’s supporter Max Keeping, 73. He passed away that day after a long battle with cancer but, Around Town was told, his vivacious spirit could still felt dancing the night away to the Dan Dunlop Band.

From left, Linda Uniac, Mike Robinson, Mary Browne and Kent Browne, with Royal LePage Team Realty, were out supporting the St. Patrick’s Home of Ottawa Foundation at its benefit held at the official residence of the Irish ambassador on Thursday, October 1, 2015.

Pat Marshall played the role of Mother McGinty as she greeted guests, including Larry Kelly and his wife, Lourdes, to the Shamrocks & Shenanigans evening held in support of the St. Patrick’s Home of Ottawa on Thursday, October 1, 2015, at the official residence of the Irish ambassador.

Ruth Catana, executive director of the St. Patrick’s Home of Ottawa Foundation, with her husband, Renzo Catana, at the Shamrocks & Shenanigans benefit held at the official residence of the Irish ambassador on Thursday, October 1, 2015.

From left, Marley Mullan and Michaela Mullan, both fiddlers and stepdancers, along with their sister, pianist Molly Mullan, performed at the Shamrocks & Shenanigans benefit for the St. Patrick’s Home of Ottawa Foundation, held at the official residence of the Irish ambassador on Thursday, October 1, 2015.

Aydin Suatac in a very frame-worthy pose at the Shamrocks & Shenanigans evening held Thursday, October 1, 2015, at the Irish ambassador’s official residence in Rockcliffe Park in support of the St. Patrick’s Home of Ottawa Foundation.

Well-known Ottawa painter Katerina Mertikas donated one of her works, Enjoying a Walk in Autumn, for live auction to help raise funds for the St. Patrick’s Home of Ottawa Foundation at its Shamrocks &Shenanigans party held at the official residence of the Irish ambassador on Thursday, October 1, 2015.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

Members of the Elmwood School family from past and present spent an evening with Canadian literary icon Margaret Atwood at a gala dinner to celebrate the elite all-girls private school’s centennial anniversary, held Saturday in the Grand Hall of the Canadian Museum of History.

Atwood, considered one of our country’s finest writers, participated in a Q&A with Elmwood alumna Catherine Clark. She’s probably best known as the daughter of former PM Joe Clark but is also an experienced broadcaster, writer and public speaker and now head of her own communications company.

Atwood, who was born in Ottawa and whose latest novel The Heart Goes Last was published in September, spoke with Clark about the influence of her childhood on her writing, encouraging girls to take intellectual risks, and why failure is an important part of learning.

On hand was the school’s current and 11th headmistress, Cheryl Boughton, to welcome the 325 dinner guests and lead them in a toast to Elmwood, founded in 1915 by Theodora Philpot in an old farmhouse with only four students. “The building may have been humble and the pupils few but the education ambitions of our first headmistress were high,” said Boughton while speaking about a school that’s now 350 girls strong and located in upscale Rockcliffe Park.

Serving as MC was broadcaster, entrepreneur and Citizen columnist Mark Sutcliffe, whose step-daughter is a student of Elmwood. He opened his remarks by poking fun at a subject that’s been dominating news headlines for the past nine weeks. “So, 100 years. How about that? To put that in perspective, Elmwood opened just a couple of weeks before the current federal election campaign. Or, maybe it just feels that way.”

On a more serious note, Sutcliffe pointed out that women couldn’t yet vote at the time of Elmwood’s founding. “Certainly, a lot has changed over the last 100 years but one thing that has been constant has been the great education that girls at Elmwood have been receiving, by sending them out in the world to become leaders in their time and to make a difference in their communities.”

Spotted in the crowd was the school’s board chair, Mike Greenley, along with such recognizable Elmwood parents as political talk show host and Maclean’s columnist Evan Solomon. Among the special guests singled out was Norma Davies. She’s been on the school’s board for 50 years and is the daughter of Canada’s first female senator, Cairine Wilson, who attended Elmwood.

carolyn001@sympatico.ca

From left, gala guests Louise Malhotra and Shawn Malhotra with Elmwood School parents Elizabeth Howe and Derek Howe, a partner with Windmill Development Group, at the all-girls private school’s centennial anniversary gala held at the Canadian Museum of History on Saturday, October 3, 2015.

From left, Tara-Leigh Cancino Brouillette and her partner, Jeff Mierins, owner of Star Motors, with Amanda Jackson at the centennial gala dinner for Elmwood School, held Saturday, October 3, 2015, at the Canadian Museum of History.

From left, Elmwood School parent and board chair Mike Greenley with fellow board member Peter Hudson, parent Dan Carruthers, and board vice chair Dan Goldberg at the all-girls private school’s centennial anniversary gala, held at the Canadian Museum of History on Saturday, October 3, 2015.

Elmwood School parent Mark Sutcliffe served as MC at the all-girls private school’s centennial anniversary dinner, held at the Canadian Museum of History on Saturday, Ocotober 3, 2015.

From left, Dan Carruthers with Elmwood School board member Jacqueline Palumbo-Sugunasiri and her husband, Shalin Sugunasiri, and Denise Carruthers, also a member of the Elmwood School board, at the all-girls private school’s centennial anniversary gala, held Saturday, October 3, 2015.

From left, Safa Siddiqui, Emily Wright and Elmwood School head girl Brooke Mierins were among the students who attended the private girls school’s centennial anniversary gala held Saturday, October 3, 2015, at the Canadian Museum of History.

From left, Maureen McTeer with her daughter, Catherine Clark, and Mary Husted, visiting from Wales, and Clark’s husband, Chad Schella, at the Elmwood School’s centennial anniversary gala held at the Canadian Museum of History on Saturday, October 3, 2015.

Ottawa writer, broadcaster and entrepreneur Mark Sutcliffe and his wife, Ginny, were among the Elmwood School parents to attend the centennial anniversary gala for the all-girls school, held Saturday, October 3, 2015, at the Canadian Museum of History.

Elmwood School parents Catherine McLaughlin and her husband, Terry McLaughlin, president of Terlin Construction, were among the 325 attendees of the centennial anniversary gala for the all-girls school, held Saturday, October 3, 2015, at the Canadian Museum of History.

Some 325 attendees dined in the Grand Hall of the Canadian Museum of History on Saturday, October 3, 2015, in celebration of the centennial anniversary of Elmwood School, an elite girls school located in Rockcliffe Park.

From left, Ottawa journalist Evan Solomon and his wife, Tammy Quinn, with Ottawa lawyer Michael Crystal at Elmwood School’s centennial anniversary gala for the all-girls school, held Saturday, October 3, 2015, at the Canadian Museum of History.

From the Elmwood School graduating class of 1995 were, from left, Catherine Clark, Susie Herbert, Dena Purvis, Sarah Mayes and Vanessa Brandt-Rousseau, at the all-girls private school’s centennial anniversary gala, held at the Canadian Museum of History on Saturday, October 3, 2015.

From left, Elmwood School mom Whitney Fox with Reba Wilson and her mother, high-end real estate agent Marilyn Wilson, at the all-girls private school’s centennial anniversary gala, held at the Canadian Museum of History on Saturday, October 3, 2015.

Elmwood School parents Christine Murray and Scott Murray at the all-girls school’s centennial gala held at the Canadian Museum of History on Saturday, October 3, 2015.

From left, community broadcaster Sarah Onyango (Elmwood School graduating class of 1984) catches up with former classmate Cynthia (Hughes) Berryman, who now lives in Birmingham, Alabama, during the all-girls private school’s centennial anniversary gala held at the Canadian Museum of History on Saturday, October 3, 2015.

Elmwood School parents James Baxter, editor and publisher of iPolitics, and Sarah Baxter, were among the 325 attendees of the private girls school’s centennial anniversary gala, held Saturday, October 3, 2015, at the Canadian Museum of History.

There’s a chill in the air, a touch of frost and the leaves are dressed in their finest autumn shades of red and orange. That means it’s time to get out and enjoy the beauty of the season at the National Capital Commission’s (NCC) Fall Rhapsody in Gatineau Park — event-filled weekends that have been charming visitors for the past 30 years. Fall Rhapsody events are the result of collaboration between the NCC and the municipalities of Chelsea and Pontiac, and the communities of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and Pikwàkanagàn.

Events to make you fall for autumn — Weekends until Oct. 12

Fall Rhapsody in Gatineau Park has something for everyone. Marvel at the brilliant fall colours that surround you, while you enjoy a host of free activities at various locations throughout the park. Get a literal taste of the harvest with samples of farm-fresh foods, watch animal demonstrations, admire creative works by talented local artisans, work up an appetite with a hike in the fresh air and satisfy it with a fall picnic in the park. You’ll also have an opportunity to chat with the park’s knowledgeable nature interpreters and learn what makes the leaves change colour in the fall.

Get ready for adventure and discovery. From October 10-12, at Luskville Falls, check out the wares of local merchants at the Pontiac Country Fair and have fun learning nature lore at the interpretation kiosk.

Shuttle Service

New this year, a free shuttle service will mean easier access to Gatineau Park lookouts. Catch the shuttle at Camp Fortune, and choose the perfect spot for a picnic or a hike from three stops along the route. A pilot project initiated by the NCC in collaboration with Camp Fortune and the Société de transport de l’Outaouais, the shuttle is available on Fall Rhapsody weekends between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The NCC’s priority for this exceptional 36,131-hectare conservation park is to encourage discovery and access that respect the park’s environment and ecosystems, and minimize the impact of recreational activities.

Note: Due to the shuttle service, the southbound lane of Fortune Lake Parkway (heading toward Champlain Lookout) will be closed to all regular traffic (including cyclists) between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day.

For more information visit www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places-to-visit/gatineau-park/fall-rhapsody.

A dozen of the best spots to take in the beauty of autumn:

Are campsites and covered bridges your style?

1. Stay over for the night and camp in a four-season tent, or rent a canoe and admire the colourful reflections on Philippe Lake.
2. Take a walk or a bike ride on Cross Loop Road, check out the covered bridge and snap some shots in beautiful Meech Creek Valley.
3. Weeks of fall fun and festivities make it the perfect time to plan a family trip to Chelsea.

A weekend of family fun

4. Fire up the barbecue after a game of Frisbee at Philippe Lake, or take a stroll on Breton Beach.
5. Bike the three-kilometre “Short Loops in the Park” route in the north section of the Gatineau Parkway to admire the fall colours.
6. Hike to Luskville Falls and discover countless varieties of trees dressed in their fall finery, as the route climbs to the top of the falls.

Fall in love with the peace and tranquility

7. Canoe and camp with that special someone at La Pêche Lake or read the afternoon away under a canopy of colourful leaves.
8. Savour a gourmet meal and relax in an elegant, historical setting at the Wakefield Mill’s inn and spa.
9. Revel in the romantic atmosphere of the Mackenzie King Estate, visit the museums and cottages, and take afternoon tea on the veranda overlooking the gardens.

High-adrenaline weekends

10. Ride the 20-km northern sector mountain bike loop and celebrate your achievement with a picnic on Philippe Lake’s Breton Beach.
11. Hike to Lusk Cave along a trail covered with a canopy of colourful, mature trees.
12. Stoke your energy with Sunday brunch at Camp Fortune, then glide through the aerial park and zip lines or ride the chairlift for a breathtaking view at the top.

This story was produced by the Ottawa Citizen’s advertising department on behalf of the National Capital Commission for commercial purposes. The Citizen’s editorial department had no involvement in the creation of this content.

Star Motors is living up to its name, having drafted one of the biggest stars in Ottawa to be celebrity spokesperson for the local Mercedes-Benz dealership.

Ottawa Senators captain Erik Karlsson made a special appearance at the National Arts Centre on Monday night in his new role with Star Motors. He joined a crowd of classical music lovers at a post-concert event for the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra.

Lynn Laberge sneaks in a kiss while posing with Ottawa Senators captain and Star Motors of Ottawa spokesperson Erik Karlsson and her good sport of a husband, Yves Laberge, general manager of the Mercedes-Benz dealership, at an Ottawa Symphony Orchestra post-concert reception, held at the National Arts Centre on Monday, October 5, 2015.

Karlsson, who owns a Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG sedan and bought a top-of-the-line Mercedes SUV for his girlfriend, was publicly introduced to the crowd by Star Motors general manager Yves Laberge. He treated 200 customers of the dealership to the Italian-themed concert and to the Fanfare fundraising reception hosted afterward by Italian Ambassador Gian Lorenzo Cornado.

Guest performer and gifted violinist Kerson Leong, 18, was seen chatting with reception host Italian Ambassador Gian Lorenzo Cornado at the post-concert Fanfare reception for the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra’s opening season concert, held at the National Arts Centre on October 5, 2015.

“We are so proud that Erik Karlsson has agreed to become the celebrity spokesperson for Star Motors of Ottawa because it’s such a natural fit,” Laberge told Around Town. “Erik is a leader as the captain of the Ottawa Senators, and Star Motors of Ottawa holds a leadership role in the luxury automotive market. As well, both are very involved in the community.”

Ottawa Symphony Orchestra maestro David Currie with his grandsons Curtis, 12, and Marcus, seven, who had the rare opportunity to meet Ottawa Senators captain Erik Karlsson, new spokesperson for Star Motors of Ottawa, at the orchestra’s post-concert Fanfare reception held at the National Arts Centre on Monday, October 5, 2015.

Guests had the rare opportunity to meet the Sens captain, who was very friendly and courteous with everyone. Maestro David Currie, long-time music director of the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, and his sweet grandsons, Curtis and Marcus Payant, were photographed alongside Karlsson. So was the concert’s gifted guest performer, 18-year-old violinist Kerson Leong.

Guest performer and gifted violinist Kerson Leong with his proud parents, Tu Mach and Kin-Wai Leong, at the post-concert Fanfare party for the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra’s opening season concert, held at the National Arts Centre on October 5, 2015.

Star on the stage, violinist Kerson Leong, with star on the ice, Ottawa Senators captain Erik Karlsson, pose together at the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra’s post-concert Fanfare reception held at the National Arts Centre on Monday, October 5, 2015.

Ninety-year-old Edith Orton, who’s been teaching piano for more than 70 years, linked arms with the handsome Swede as she and OSO honourary board member Allison Dingle smiled for the camera.

From left, long-time piano teacher Edith Orton and Ottawa Symphony Orchestra honorary board member Allison Dingle with Ottawa Senators captain Erik Karlsson at the post-concert reception for the orchestra’s opening season concert, held at the National Arts Centre on Monday, October 5, 2015.

“Every lady in the room didn’t want to miss this chance,” remarked Snookie Lomow, the OSO’s always-cheerful volunteer chair of special events.

Guests David Wake and his wife, Leslie, with Snookie Lomow, chair of special events for the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, at the post-concert Fanfare fundraising reception held at the National Arts Centre.

Spotted at the party were businesswoman Marina Kun, owner of Kun Shoulder Rest, OSO board president Martha Hynna and Canadian Tulips Festival chairman and entrepreneur David Luxton. He was seen earlier buying up – as well as generously giving away — tickets for a draw for a pair of business-class flights to Italy, courtesy of Air Canada.

From left, Martha Hynna, president of the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra board, with Canadian Tulip Festival executive director Laura Brown Breetvelt and chairman David Luxton at a post-concert reception for the orchestra’s opening season concert.

Austrian Ambassador Arno Riedel and his wife, Loretta Loria-Riedel, were among the 300 guests at the post-concert reception for the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra following its opening season concert at the National Arts Centre on Monday, October 5, 2015.

From left, Kerry Mortimer with Anca Sirbu, manager of business development with Air Canada, which donated a pair of business-class airline tickets to be raffled off at the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra’s season opening concert.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

Secretary to the Governor General Stephen Wallace opened up the doors to his official residence Wednesday to help a charitable organization that provides compassionate care and comfort to the dying and their families.

Some 120 supporters of Hospice Care Ottawa were invited to venture inside the historic Rideau Cottage, located on the grounds of Rideau Hall. There to greet them was Wallace, joined by executive director Lisa Sullivan and Homes for the Holidays 2015 honorary chairs Andrea Laurin and her husband, Dennis Laurin, owner of Laurin General Contractors (it played a key role in the Lansdowne redevelopment and is now working on the four-storey parking garage in the Glebe.)

From right, Homes for the Holidays 2015 honorary chairs Dennis Laurin and Andrea Laurin greet arriving guests alongside Secretary to the Governor General Stephen Wallace and Hospice Care Ottawa executive director Lisa Sullivan to the launch event at Rideau Cottage on Wednesday, October 7, 2015.

Tickling the ivories was the delightful Evelyn Greenberg. “I’ve always wanted to be a lounge pianist,” she said playfully at her keyboard. Before the party was over, Greenberg had partygoers — including her sister, former Ottawa mayor Jackie Holzman — singing along to the music. Holzman co-chaired with Gail Joynt the $200-a-ticket event in support of the planned expansion of the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice in Kanata. The evening also launched Hospice Care’s signature fundraiser, Homes for the Holidays, taking place Nov. 13 to 15.

Evelyn Greenberg got the crowd, including famous sister Jackie Holzman, to sing along as she played piano at the launch event for Hospice Care Ottawa’s Homes for the Holidays, held Wednesday, October 7, 2015, at Rideau Cottage, official residence of the Secretary to the Governor General.

Among the participating homeowners present at the reception were Lynda and Jim Lennox of Crystal Beach and Rockcliffe Park residents Michel Lucas and Donna Wishart. Wishart’s mother passed away two years ago while in palliative care at a hospice in Kelowna, B.C. “This is a way to ‘pay it forward’,” explained Wishart of why she’s volunteering her home for the popular house tour benefit.

Lynda Lennox and her husband, Jim Lennox, who have agreed to open up their stunning Crystal Bay home for the Homes for the Holidays tour, attended the launch event for Hospice Care Ottawa, held Wednesday, October 7, 2015, at the historic Rideau Cottage on the grounds of Rideau Hall.

Michel Lucas and Donna Wishart, who have agreed to open up their beautiful Rockcliffe Park home for the upcoming Homes for the Holidays tour, attended the launch event for Hospice Care Ottawa, held Wednesday, October 7, 2015, at the historic Rideau Cottage on the grounds of Rideau Hall.

The Thyme & Again-catered event was the perfect follow-up to last year’s posh penthouse party at 700 Sussex. The stately residence was decorated with flowers from Scrim’s Florist and with artworks for sale, to support the cause, by John Eaton, Jerry Grey, David W. Jones, Kenneth Lochhead and Michael Sproule.

Jerry Grey stands alongside one of her paintings with fellow artist David W. Jones at Hospice Care Ottawa’s launch event for Homes for the Holidays 2015, held at the historic Rideau Cottage on Wednesday, October 7, 2015.

This painting, called Watershed by Michael Sproule, was among the artwork on sale in support of Hospice Care Ottawa at its launch event for Homes for the Holidays, held Wednesday, October 7, 2015, at Rideau Cottage, the official residence of the Secretary to the Governor General.

Guests could also bid on such silent auction items as: two nights at the incredible Fogo Island Inn off the coast of Newfoundland, a multi-course dinner prepared by Farm Boy executive chef Josh Drache, a Chinese banquet for 12 hosted by Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhaohui and a weekend getaway, via a Mercedes rental car, to Fairmont Le Château Montebello.

Last year’s Homes for the Holidays brought in $232,000 for Hospice Care Ottawa, an organization that needs to raise each year almost $2 million, or about 55 per cent of its operating budget. It currently manages 19 beds and provides end-of-life and palliative care, services and programs at no cost to Ottawa residents. “The last place people want to die is in the hospital,” said Holzman. “They would prefer to die at home. But, not everybody can die in their own home, and that’s the purpose of a hospice.”

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

What began as a spark of interest held by a committed and community-minded group of women has turned into an unquenchable flame of philanthropy. No more bad fire metaphors, I promise, lest the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office comes knocking at one of our city’s finest restaurant establishments, Beckta Dining and Wine.

That’s where a group of some 50 women gathered Thursday night to celebrate and to promote awareness of Spark, a new United Way-led all-female giving initiative headed by Jane Bachynski, a litigation lawyer at Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG) and a long-time supporter of United Way. They’re striving to reduce isolation, build strong communities and engage residents living in priority-identified Ottawa neighbourhoods.

Jane Bachynski, chair of the United Way Ottawa-led Spark Women’s Giving Initiative, addresses guests at a cocktail reception held at Beckta Dining & Wine on Thursday, October 15, 2015, to promote the group’s nine community action grants to help priority neighbourhoods in Ottawa.

The 17-member grassroots group has had “a great year” since it was launched last November at Cube Gallery, Bachynski said at the cocktail reception, co-sponsored by her law firm and Accenture business management consultants. “When you think of the word ‘spark’, it’s the beginning of something much bigger than itself, and Spark has really become that over the past year.”

Present was United Way 2015-16 campaign co-chair Danya Vered (newly married, I might add). The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree; Vered, a consultant with StrategyCorp., is the daughter of the late Arnie Vered, a tireless community builder, and the granddaughter of prominent philanthropist Sara Vered, who attended with family.

From left, Sara Vered with family friend Dara (Prehogan) Gottlieb, Vered’s daughter-in-law, Liz Vered, and granddaughters Ariel and Danya, the latter of whom is this year’s United Way campaign co-chair, at Beckta Dining & Wine on Thursday, October 15, 2015,

The members of Spark have so far invested in nine community projects across the city, giving out almost $24,000 toward such initiatives as: a cultural festival, a women’s skill-building workshop, a community garden, a recycled art project, and sports and fitness opportunities for young Arabic and Middle Eastern girls with specific cultural needs.

The room also heard from guest speakers Halima Abdisamed and Carissa Davis about a west-end social housing community, Morrison Gardens, that’s getting better access to healthy and affordable food through a Spark community action grant.

From left, guest speakers Halima Abdisamed and Carissa Davis, seen at Beckta Dining & Wine on Thursday, October 15, 2015, talked about how Morrison Gardens community housing residents are using a community action grant from the United Way-led Spark Women’s Giving Initiative to better access fresh and healthy food.

Spark is ready to put out its second call for proposals to invest another $20,000 in projects supporting women and young women in priority neighbourhoods.

carolyn001@sympatico.ca

With butterflies bopping around in their stomachs, eight Ottawa residents faced many people’s worst public nightmare: performing before hundreds in a ballroom dance competition. At least they knew what they were in for.

Friday night’s fifth and final Tamarack Dancing with Easter Seals All-Stars gala dinner drew eight celebrity contestants from the past four years back to the Shaw Centre for one last pointed-toe kick at the big mirror ball trophy.
It was former TV personality-turned-real estate agent Kurt Stoodley who found redemption that night, winning first place with Fred Astaire Dance Studio partner Denise Allen for their expressive and wildly playful swing dance. CTV Morning Live co-host Jeff Hopper, back on his feet after being bed-ridden with walking pneumonia, won the Judge’s Choice award with his partner, Melissa Krulick, co-franchisee of the Fred Astaire Ottawa dance studio. Debbie Trenholm, president of Savvy Company, proved it really is All About That Bass by landing People’s Choice with dance partner Alis Goddard. They fox trotted to the Meghan Trainor pop song.
This year’s judging panel consisted of former celebrity dance champs Lianne Laing (CTV Morning Live) and Liza Mrak (Mark Motors) and former celebrity dancer Shawn Simpson (TSN 1200).
The returning crew of suspender-wearing, sequin-donning media stars, business leaders and politicians also included: Free Form Fitness co-founder and CEO Jean-Luc Boissonneault, former Miss Canada winner Lynsey Bennett, Ottawa city councillor Mathieu Fleury , Majic Morning Show co-host Trisha Owens and, also from Majic 100, music director and announcer Candace Drover. When asked how she was feeling immediately following her tango performance, she gave an honest reply: “I feel like Jell-O.”
Mary Taggart, editor-in-chief of Ottawa At Home magazine, was back to host the $150-a-ticket evening, which raised roughly $80,000 for Easter Seals, a charitable organization that provides assistance to children and youth with physical disabilities.
carolyn001@sympatico.ca

Former Miss Canada winner Lynsey Bennett added some Latin flair to the evening by dancing the cha cha with Fred Astaire Dance Studio partner Chris Drumm at the Tamarack Dancing With Easter Seals All-Stars gala dinner, held at the Shaw Centre on Friday, October 16, 2015.

Rideau-Vanier Ward Coun. Mathieu Fleury, who competed in the celebrity dance contest, had his own cheering section at the Tamarack Dancing With Easter Seals All-Stars gala dinner held at the Shaw Centre on Friday, October 16, 2015.

From left, the dance judges at the Tamarack Dancing With Easter Seals All-Stars gala dinner, held at the Shaw Centre on Friday, October 16, 2015, consisted of 2013 event champion Lianne Laing, a co-host on CTV Morning Live, with 2014 celebrity dancer Shawn Simpson from TSN radio and 2014 event champion Liza Mrak from Mark Motors.

Rideau-Vanier Ward Coun. Mathieu Fleury and his Fred Astaire Dance Studio partner Kathryn Warren fox trotted to a sentimental favourite, Randy Newman’s You’ve Got a Friend in Me, at the Tamarack Dancing With Easter Seals All-Stars gala dinner held at the Shaw Centre on Friday, October 16, 2015.

Rideau-Vanier Ward Coun. Mathieu Fleury and his Fred Astaire Dance Studio partner Kathryn Warren fox trotted to a sentimental favourite, Randy Newman’s You’ve Got a Friend in Me, at the Tamarack Dancing With Easter Seals All-Stars gala dinner held at the Shaw Centre on Friday, October 16, 2015.

Fred Astaire Ottawa Dance Studio co-franchisee Melissa Krulick showed off her six-pack abs dancing the cha cha with CTV Morning Live host Jeff Hopper at the Tamarack Dancing With Easter Seals All-Stars gala dinner held at the Shaw Centre on Friday, October 16, 2015.

Radio and TV personality Trisha Owens (Majic 100, CTV Ottawa), and her Fred Astaire Dance Studio partner Jonathan Norton closed off the dance competition with a fun swing dance during the Tamarack Dancing With Easter Seals All-Stars gala dinner, held at the Shaw Centre on Friday, October 16, 2015.

Jean-Luc Boissonneault, co-founder and CEO of Free Form Fitness, and his Fred Astaire Dance Studio partner Samantha Glenney showed off their fancy footwork performing the tango at the Tamarack Dancing With Easter Seals All-Stars gala dinner held at the Shaw Centre on Friday, October 16, 2015.

Fred Astaire Ottawa Dance Studio co-franchisee Melissa Krulick showed off her six-pack abs dancing the cha cha with CTV Morning Live co-host Jeff Hopper at the Tamarack Dancing With Easter Seals All-Stars gala dinner held at the Shaw Centre on Friday, October 16, 2015.

Candace Drover, music director and announcer at MAJIC 100, performed a sexy tango with Fred Astaire Dance Studio partner Jonathan Norton at the Tamarack Dancing With Easter Seals All-Stars gala dinner held at the Shaw Centre on Friday, October 16, 2015.

Radio and TV personality Trisha Owens (Majic 100, CTV Ottawa), and her Fred Astaire Dance Studio partner Jonathan Norton closed off the dance competition with a fun swing dance during the Tamarack Dancing With Easter Seals All-Stars gala dinner, held at the Shaw Centre on Friday, October 16, 2015.

Mary Taggart, editor-in-chief of Ottawa At Home magazine, was back to host the fifth annual Tamarack Dancing With Easter Seals All-Stars gala dinner, held at the Shaw Centre on Friday, October 16, 2015.

Debbie Trenholm, president of Savvy Company, proved it really is All About That Bass as she gave a little bum wiggle during her fox trot to the hit Meghan Trainor pop song with her dance partner, Alis Goddard, at the Tamarack Dancing With Easter Seals All-Stars gala dinner held at the Shaw Centre on Friday, October 16, 2015.

Former TV personality Kurt Stoodley was named this year’s 2015 Easter Seals Dancing with the Stars champ, with Fred Astaire Dance Studio partner Denise Allen, following their playful swing dance at this year’s gala dinner, held Friday, October 16, 2015, at the Shaw Centre.

Alexis Ashworth was a skeptic; she didn’t see what the fuss was all about over charity galas when she first took over the helm at Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa early last year. But, as the non-profit housing organization prepared to celebrate its 10th anniversary of Steel Toes & Stilettos at the Canadian War Museum on Saturday night, the chief executive said she’s come around.

“It’s so much more than a fundraiser,” said Ashworth. “It sounds so cheesy but it’s more of a community-raiser. It’s more about sharing what we’re doing with our sponsors and our donors. It’s really special that our homeowners and our sponsors and our donors and our volunteers all get together.”
The sold-out event drew a crowd of 400 to the museum’s LeBreton Gallery, where there were far more stilettos than steel toes in sight among the gala goers. The crowd dined on a main course of Kichesippi beer-braised boneless beef short rib, catered by The Westin hotel, while seated beneath a fighter jet and a backdrop of towering tanks, trucks and artillery. Attendees included the RedBlacks’ charismatic quarterback, Henry Burris, and his wife, Nicole. Also seen were Habitat for Humanity board chair Ken Merkley, marketing manager of Merkley Supply, and BMO Private Banking’s Richard Lauzon, who’s on the Habitat GO board and gala committee. Volunteering for her second night in a row at a charity event was CTV Morning Live co-host Lianne Laing. She was the emcee.
Later in the evening, Derick Fage from Rogers TV sold off such auction items as a VIP dinner for eight to be prepared by The Westin Ottawa’s executive chef Kenton Leier, an East Coast Kitchen Party with Green Door Restaurant head chef Nathan Armstrong, a pair of round-trip tickets from Air Canada to any of its destinations and two gold memberships to the new eQuinelle Golf Club in Kemptville.
Habitat GO works with community partners, donors and volunteers to build safe, decent and affordable homes to help break the cycle of poverty. The homes are sold with an interest-free mortgage to selected partner families.
This year, Habitat GO is building five homes in Orléans and Overbrook that will serve five families, with a combined 11 children. Its number of builds to date is approaching 52.
carolyn001@sympatico.ca

Susan Ritchie grabs a selfie of herself with a Mountie — Sgt. Ron Rose — at Habitat for Humanity’s Steel Toes and Stilettoes Gala, held at the Canadian War Museum on Saturday, October 17, 2015.

Habitat for Humanity partner family Samantha Bildwin-Slota and Peter Slota, seen at the Steel Toes & Stilettos gala dinner at the Canadian War Museum on Saturday, October 17, 2015, are moving, with their two young children, into a new Habitat build located in Orleans.

From left, Habitat for Humanity Great Ottawa board member Kevin Barwin, founding partner of Clariti Group, with Susan Ritchie and fellow board member Gord Erskine, partner at Erskine Dredge & Associates Architects, at the 10th anniversary of the Steel Toes & Stilettos gala, held at the Canadian War Museum on Saturday, October 17, 2015.

RedBlacks quarterback Henry Burris and his wife, Nicole, were back for their second year at the Steel Toes & Stilettos gala for Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa, held Saturday, October 17, 2015, at the Canadian War Museum.

Some 400 guests of the Habitat for Humanity’s Steel Toes and Stilettos gala dinner, held at the Canadian War Museum on Saturday, October 17, 2015, dined beneath this Voodoo Fighter Jet.

From left, Mandy Gosewich, owner of fashion accessories store Stunning, with her good friend Ann Rickenbacker, director of catering at The Westin Ottawa, at Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa’s 10th anniversary of Steel Toes and Stilettos, a charity gala dinner held at the Canadian War Museum on Saturday, October 17, 2015.

Gala emcee Lianne Laing with her husband, Tony Harris, at Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa’s Steel Toes and Stilettoes gala dinner, held at the Canadian War Museum on Saturday, October 17, 2015.

From left, Dennis Laurin, owner of Laurin General Contractor, with his wife, Andrea, and Beata Kuchciak and Stewart Watson, senior construction manager at Trinity Development Group, at Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa’s Steel Toes and Stilettos gala, held at the Canadian War Museum on Saturday, October 17, 2015.

From left, Brian Levitan and Cheryl Kardish-Levitan, captain of an all-women team that helped to build a Habitat home for a low-income family, in conversation with TV personality Derick Fage and his wife, Monika Palitza-Fage, at Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa’s Steel Toes and Stilettos gala, held Saturday, October 17, 2015, at the Canadian War Museum.

Alexis Ashworth, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa, with board member and gala committee member Richard Lauzon, BMO Private Banking, at the 10th anniversary of the Steel Toes and Stilettos charity gala dinner, held Saturday, October 17, 2015, at the Canadian War Museum.

From right, Habitat for Humanity board chair Ken Merkley with his wife, Jill, their daughter, Lauren Merkley, and her husband, Frank Zito, at the non-profit housing organization’s Steel Toes and Stilettos gala, held at the Canadian War Museum on Saturday, October 17, 2015.

From left, Arlie Koyman with Les Rechan and Meredithe Rechan and Gary Zed of Ernst & Young, at Habitat for Humanity’s Steel Toes and Stilettos gala dinner held at the Canadian War Museum on Saturday, October 17, 2015.

From left, Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa board member Roberto Campagna, president of Roca Homes, with his wife, Valerie, and fellow board member Chris Jerome, Ernst & Young, with his wife, Amanda, at the 10th anniversary of the Steel Toes & Stilettos gala, held Saturday, October 17, 2015, at the Canadian War Museum.

From left, Monica Singhal (Richcraft Homes) with Sarah Grand, Valerie Campagna, Alex Taggart and Angela Singhal (Richcraft Homes) at Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa’s Steel Toes and Stilettoes gala evening, held at the Canadian War Museum on Saturday, October 17, 2015.

The scientific world of medical research, usually stuck in a sterile work environment, got to spend a memorable evening Tuesday surrounded by ornate tapestries, sculptures and other decorative furnishings found inside the finest Art Deco building around, the Embassy of France. Ambassador Nicolas Chapuis and his wife were there to greet some 145 guests to their resplendent residence on Sussex Drive for a cocktail reception held for sponsors of The Ottawa Hospital’s upcoming signature gala.

From left, Telesat president and CEO Dan Goldberg with French Ambassador Nicolas Chapuis and his wife, Sylvie Camia, and Tina Sarellas, regional president at Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), at a reception held at the Embassy of France for sponsors of The Ottawa Hospital’s signature gala.

The embassy is located next to an even more famous residence, 24 Sussex, soon to be subjected to heavy moving-van traffic. Its neighbours also include historic Earnscliffe, official residence of British High Commissioner Howard Drake and his wife, Gill. They were at the party, having played host to their share of cocktail receptions for the hospital.

From left, Steve West, chair of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation board, with Gill Drake and her husband, British High Commissioner Howard Drake, at a cocktail reception held at the French embassy on Tuesday, October 20, 2015, for sponsors of The Ottawa Hospital Gala.

Senior research scientist Dr. Michel Chrétien was in attendance, as was his brother, Jean Chrétien (both wearing their Order of Canada pins). The former prime minister is counsel at global law firm Dentons, as is Greg Kane, past chair of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation Board.

From left, Dentons LLP counsel Greg Kane, co-chair of The Ottawa Hospital Gala, with Aline Chrètien, Whitney Fox, co-chair of The Ottawa Hospital Gala, and former Liberal prime minister Jean Chrètien, also counsel with Dentons, at the hospital’s pre-gala cocktail reception held at the French embassy on Tuesday, October 20, 2015.

Former Liberal prime minister Jean Chrètien with Mayor Jim Watson and Chrètien’s brother, senior medical research scientist Dr. Michel Chrètien, at a cocktail reception held Tuesday, October 20, 2015, at the French embassy for sponsors of The Ottawa Hospital Gala.

Kane is also co-chairing the gala with Whitney Fox. Her other half is Dan Goldberg, president and CEO of Telesat. It sponsored the reception with Royal Bank of Canada, represented by regional president Tina Sarellas.

Dr. Duncan Stewart, vice president of research at The Ottawa Hospital, spoke in the grand salon about some of the ground-breaking work being done in Ottawa with stem-cell research and cancer-fighting viruses. He briefly touched on a new viral therapy targeting pancreatic cancer, one of the most serious and difficult cancers to treat. This medical advance and others will be celebrated at the sold-out black-tie gala happening Saturday, November 21 at The Westin hotel. More than 650 people are expected to attend.

Mitel chief financial officer Steve Spooner, a board member with The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, with Dr. Duncan Stewart, vice president of research at The Ottawa Hospital, and Donna Spooner, at a reception held at the French embassy on Tuesday, October 20, 2015, for sponsors of The Ottawa Hospital’s upcoming gala.

Also in the crowd were The Ottawa Hospital Foundation’s board chair, Steve West, Mayor Jim Watson and such real estate developers as Minto Group CEO Michael Waters and Claridge Homes president and CEO Bill Malhotra. Well-known project manager Graham Bird attended. So did Subhas ‘Sam’ Bhargava and his wife, Uttra Bhargava. They’re among the Ottawa folks and businesses being honoured for their generosity, two nights before the hospital gala, at the annual Ottawa Philanthropy Awards dinner.

From left, Michael Waters, CEO of The Minto Group, with his wife, Sarah, and Tim Kluke, president and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, at a reception held at the French embassy on Tuesday, October 20, 2015, for sponsors for The Ottawa Hospital’s upcoming signature gala.

From left, Bill Malhotra, president and founder of Claridge Homes, with Cynthia Bird and her husband, Graham Bird, president of GBA development and project management firm, at the French embassy on Tuesday, October 20, 2015, for a cocktail reception with sponsors of the The Ottawa Hospital Gala.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

The ballroom at the Hellenic Meeting and Reception Centre was filled with steadfast courage and remarkable grace Wednesday as transplant recipients, donors and their families came together to share inspirational stories and to celebrate kidney transplant research.

The evening also recognized the contributions made by two physicians in their distinguished careers as nephrologists. Honoured was the late Dr. Gerald (Jerry) Posen, of Ottawa, who passed away this past June, and Dr. John Dossetor, who led the team that performed the first successful kidney transplant in Canada, in 1958 at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal.

From left, Dr. Kevin Burns, director of the Kidney Research Centre, with Dr. John Dossetor, recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award, and Nola Johnson, donor of Canada’s first successful kidney transplant, at the Kidney Foundation’s Transplant Celebration dinner held at the Hellenic Meeting and Reception Centre on Wednesday, October 21, 2015.

At the dinner was the donor, Nola Johnson, who now lives in Ottawa. She was only 15 when she gave one of her kidneys to her twin sister, Moira Johnson. Moira passed away in her 40s in 1987 (it was breast cancer that got her in the end).

Well-known spiritual leader Rabbi Reuven Bulka, board chair of the Trillium Gift of Life Network, emceed the benefit dinner for the Kidney Foundation. The 300 attendees included high-profile organ donor advocate Hélène Campbell; Ronnie Gavsie, president and CEO of the Trillium Gift of Life Network; Paulina Mirsky, executive director of the Bertram Loeb Organ-Tissue Donation Institute; and Dr. Kevin Burns, director of the Kidney Research Centre.

From left, Bruce Hill, senior development manager for the Ontario Chapter of the Kidney Foundation, with double-lung transplant recipient Hélène Campbell and Carryl Potter, who donated one of his kidneys to his daughter, at the foundation’s Transplant Celebration benefit dinner held Wednesday, October 21, 2015, at the Hellenic Meeting and Reception Centre.

While more than 1,500 kidney transplant operations have taken place in Ottawa since 1966, three-quarters of the 4,500 Canadians waiting for an organ transplant are in need of a kidney.

Co-chairing the dinner was Phil Downey and his son, Sean, a sales representative with gold sponsor Royal LePage Gale Real Estate. Two years ago, Sean gave one of his kidneys to his father. Downey had been diagnosed eight years prior with kidney failure and had required years of daily dialysis.

From left, Sean Downey, a sales representative with Royal LePage Gale Real Estate, donated a kidney to Phil Downey, his father and his co-chair for the Kidney Foundation Transplant Celebration held Wednesday, October 21, 2015, at the Hellenic Meeting and Reception Centre.

The father and son had always been tight but Sean’s selfless act brought them even closer. It also changed the father’s mind, for the better, about Canada’s health care system. There’s none other like it, he said. “Once they find out you’re truly sick, they look after you like nobody else in the world,” said Downey.

As well, the transplant experience reinforced a belief he’d already held: to help others. “We know that the greatest gift to the world that you can give is giving. You have to give back.”

From left, Sarah Conway, Patricia Treusch and Lise Kingsbury volunteered on the organizing committee for the Kidney Transplant Celebration dinner held at the Hellenic Meeting and Reception Centre on Wednesday, October 21, 2015.

From left, Rabbi Reuven Bulka with Ronnie Gavsie, president and CEO of the Trillium Gift of Life Network, and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Dr. John Dossetor at the Kidney Foundation Transplant Celebration dinner held at the Hellenic Meeting and Reception Centre on Wednesday, October 21, 2015.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

In recognition of the play that just opened at the National Arts Centre, this week’s column shall be renamed The Adventures of a White Girl in Search of a Good Party.

My quest brought me to the NAC Fountain Room late Friday for a lively reception, complete with drumming, dancing and singing, to celebrate The Adventures of a Black Girl in Search of God and its arrival to the NAC. It’s a profoundly moving and beautifully told story that NAC English Theatre artistic director Jillian Keiley had longed to bring to the national stage.

“I just love this show so much,” she told everyone.

Ottawa actor and cast member Paul Rainville with Jillian Keiley, artistic director of English Theatre at the National Arts Centre, and Canadian singer and actress Jackie Richardson on Friday, October 23, 2015, at the opening night party for The Adventures of a Black Girl in Search of God.

Her colleague, managing director Nathan Medd, led the enthusiastic crowd in a toast to the NAC’s co-production with Montreal-based Centaur Theatre Company and in association with Black Theatre Workshop. Its artistic director, Quincy Armorer, is also part of the main cast. “It’s the single most significant project I have ever worked on in my entire career,” he said at the podium.

Mingling in the large crowd were Canadian director and Governor General’s Award-winning playwright Djanet Sears and such veteran performing artists as Jackie Richardson and New Glasgow, N.S.-native Walter Borden, decked out in medals he’s received to recognize his contributions to arts and culture.

The large group of gifted performers, who sing, dance and chant throughout the play, created a joyous yet powerful moment when they fêted one of their castmates at the party with the chorus from Stevie Wonder’s Happy Birthday. It’s actually a tribute song about civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.

carolyn001@sympatico.ca