Still on a high from meeting U2 frontman Bono that day, 19-year-old Olivia Zed’s hot streak continued as she helped host a benefit that raised big bucks for a new female-empowerment initiative with a catchy name, Bootcamp for Brains.

Zed co-chaired Monday night’s event with Jayne Watson, CEO of the National Arts Centre Foundation, at The Waverley restaurant and bar on Elgin Street.

The evening raised nearly $100,000 and attracted more than 100 supporters and sponsors. The gavel-toting auctioneer, Ryan Watson, sold off such desirable items as a luxury suite to the upcoming, so very sold-out Taylor Swift concert, a Koyman Galleries painting by Ottawa artist Philip Craig and VIP tickets to a Blue Jays game.

Bootcamp for Brains is a unique skills-building program that’s bringing 100 girls, ages 15 to 17, from across Canada to Ottawa next July to build future leaders. The two weeks of intense training will take place at Ashbury College, a prestigious private school in Rockcliffe Park, and will provide full or partial scholarships to half the participants.

The initiative is being launched by G(irls)20, a Canadian-based globally active charity started in 2010 by founder and CEO Farah Mohamed (she formerly worked on The Hill for senior politicians, such as former Liberal cabinet minister Anne McLellan.)

The room heard how the global social enterprise has been lobbying the G20 to get more women in the labor force in order to increase global growth and reduce poverty and inequality. As well, its cultivating a new generation of female leaders through its summit meetings with delegates from around the world.

It was the Mexico City summit in 2012 that first ignited the spark in Zed. She was there as a 16-year-old volunteer. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree — she’s the daughter of Lisa Zed and Gary Zed, a big wheel in town who shares his time and money with countless charitable causes.

“I got to witness first-hand the impact the program had on the young women who went through it,” Zed, who is bright and articulate, told Around Town. “I think I was just so inspired by how passionate they were about the cause.”
For example, she said, one delegate from Indonesia returned home to create a mobile library, using an old school bus, in order to visit rural slums to teach children how to read.

The Ashbury College graduate is now a third-year student at McGill University, studying international development. She’s working this summer for G(irls)20, primarily doing research and communications work.

Hours earlier, Zed was rubbing shoulders with Bono, in Ottawa to meet with our country’s political leaders. The celebrity humanitarian activist also participated in a round table discussion at the NAC with heads of Canada’s international development organizations. Zed got in on that meeting, as the representative for G(irls)20, and had the honour of sitting next to one of the biggest names in rock music – not that he behaved as such.

“It didn’t really feel like there was a megastar in the room,” said Zed. “He was such a smart and engaging person. You could just tell that he cared about the issues.”

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

Generous supporters of two entirely different causes — helping cancer survivors and boosting the performing arts – came together Wednesday for a very special evening that raised $200,000 for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and National Arts Centre Foundation.

The Up Close and Unplugged benefit was founded by former Newbridge senior executive Peter Charbonneau, who sits on both the NAC Foundation audit committee and the cancer foundation’s Cancer Champions Cabinet. He was back to co-chair the successful event, now in its 11th year, with fellow cancer survivor Stephen Greenberg, president of Osgoode Properties.

Event co-chair Peter Charbonneau, far right, and his wife Joan, far left, crammed into the enclosed photo booth with family members for a group shot at the Up Close and Unplugged dinner and concert, held at the National Arts Centre on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, to raise funds for the NAC and Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.

From left, event co-chair Stephen Greenberg, president of Osgoode Properties, with BMO district vice president Janet Peddigrew, Wayne MacKinnon of Libertas tobacco treatment and event co-chair Peter Charbonneau, in the suggested 1920s attire, at the Up Close and Unplugged dinner and concert held at the National Arts Centre on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, in support of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and NAC Foundation.

Some 161 attendees gathered for a cocktail reception on the NAC’s scenic and elegantly decorated rooftop terrace, followed by a gourmet dinner with wine and then a private concert with Montreal jazz sensation Nikki Yanofsky.

From left, Roxanne Anderson and Janet McKeage were among the 161 guests to dine on the rooftop terrace of the National Arts Centre on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, as part of the Up Close and Unplugged benefit for the NAC and Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation, featuring musical guest Nikki Yanofsky.

Attendees got into the jazzy spirit of the 1920s-themed evening by wearing two-tone Oxford shoes, fedoras, flapper dresses and sequined headwear. Charbonneau resembled an old-fashioned newspaper boy with his bow tie, checkered vest and adorable flat cap while Dr. Bella Mehta best captured the retro glam look with her vintage updo.

From left, Harvey Slack with Peter Bennett, Bev Anderson and Dan Greenberg, owner of Ferguslea Properties Ltd., at the Up Close and Unplugged dinner and concert, held at the National Arts Centre on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 in support of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and the NAC.

Dr. Hartley Stern, head of the Canadian Medical Protective Association, with the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation’s president and CEO, Linda Eagen, at the Up Close and Unplugged dinner and concert for the foundation and the National Arts Centre Foundation, held at the NAC on Wednesday, June 17, 2015.

For sure, the $1,250-a-ticket event, even with a $1,000 tax receipt, is not for the strapped-for-cash crowd. But, as Charbonneau explained, many of the Up Close and Unplugged supporters are used to making charitable donations to causes they care about (some amounts have been known to top seven and eight figures).

From left, Amanda Nicolini with Louise Malhotra, co-founder of the Malhotra Family Foundation, attended the Up Close and Unplugged fundraiser for the National Arts Centre Foundation and Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation, held at the NAC on Wednesday, June 17, 2015.

Steve Spooner, chief financial officer for Mitel, with his wife, Donna, at the Up Close and Unplugged dinner and concert benefit for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and the National Arts Centre, held Wednesday, June 17, 2015, at the NAC.

Here’s another shot of Steve Spooner with his wife, Donna, with a focus on their spiffy footwear to go with the suggested 1920s dress code for the Up Close and Unplugged dinner and concert held at the National Arts Centre on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, in support of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and the NAC.

Among those in the crowd were well-known philanthropist and Sens fan Dan Greenberg, Dr. Hartley Stern, Malhotra Family Foundation co-founder Louise Malhotra, Mitel chief financial officer Steve Spooner, Trinity Development Foundation manager Mariette MacIsaac, Jeff York, CEO of the Farm Boy fresh food chain, and Michael Mrak from Mark Motors.

Also spotted were Peter Herrndorf, president and CEO of the NAC, along with the chief executive of its foundation, Jayne Watson, and Linda Eagen, president and CEO of the cancer foundation.

David Martin and Lynda Palombo, guests of Arnon Corporation, attended the Up Close and Unplugged dinner and concert held at the National Arts Centre on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, in support of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and NAC.

Jeffrey York, CEO of the Farm Boy stores, with his wife, Joanne, in their 1920s attire for the Up Close and Unplugged dinner and concert, held at the National Arts Centre on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, to raise funds for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and NAC.

From left, University of Ottawa Heart Institute president and CEO Dr. Thierry Mesana and his wife, Marie-Christine, were guests of BMO Wealth Management vice president Robert Fallenbuchl, with his wife, Dagmara, at the Up Close and Unplugged dinner and concert for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and National Arts Centre Foundation, held at the NAC on Wednesday, June 17, 2015.

From left, Dominique Charbonneau and Kristina Boyce adhered to the suggested dress code with their 1920s-styled attire at the Up Close and Unplugged benefit for the National Arts Centre Foundation and Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation, held at the NAC on Wednesday, June 17, 2015.

Fred Seller, a founding partner of BrazeauSeller LLP and member of the Cancer Champions Cabinet, and his wife, Stacey, looked sharp in their 1920s attire for the Up Close and Unplugged benefit held Wednesday, June 17, 2015, at the NAC for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and National Arts Centre.

Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation board vice-chair Gregory Sanders, a tax lawyer with Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall, and his wife, Tani, attended the Up Close and Unplugged dinner and concert at the National Arts Centre on Wednesday, June 17, 2017, in support of the cancer foundation and the NAC.

From left, Mariette MacIsaac, manager of the Trinity Development Foundation, with her good friend Jennifer Conley at the Up Close and Unplugged dinner and concert for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and National Arts Centre, held at the NAC on Wednesday, June 17, 2015.

Jayne Watson, CEO of the National Arts Centre Foundation, with her husband, Peter Froislie, at the Up Close and Unplugged dinner and concert held for the NAC and Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation on Wednesday, June 17, 2015.

From left, Peter Herrndorf, president and CEO of the National Arts Centre, with Peter Charbonneau, co-chair and founder of the Up Close and Unplugged dinner and concert for the NAC Foundation and the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation, held at the NAC on Wednesday, June 17, 2015.

Canadian jazz-pop singer Nikki Yanofsky was the musical guest at this year’s Up Close and Unplugged benefit for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and National Arts Centre Foundation, held at the NAC on Wednesday, June 17, 2015. (Vanessa Dewson)

Canadian jazz-pop singer Nikki Yanofsky was the musical guest at this year’s Up Close and Unplugged benefit for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and National Arts Centre Foundation, held at the NAC on Wednesday, June 17, 2015. (Vanessa Dewson)

Alex Charbonneau and his fiancee, Kathryn Chalklin, attended the Up Close and Unplugged fundraiser held Wednesday, June 17, 2015, at the NAC for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and the National Arts Centre.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

With giant red umbrellas suspended upside down from the ceiling, it was as if the packed crowd of 600 was dining under a strawberry moon, in keeping with the theme of this year’s Igniting the Spirit Gala held Thursday for the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health.

It was a sold-out night, which speaks to the good work Wabano has been doing in Ottawa. The non-profit, community-based health care centre, located in the heart of the city, provides holistic, culturally-relevant programs and services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. Each year, it serves more than 10,000 from Ottawa’s aboriginal population, helping everyone from young moms to children and youth to seniors.

The cultural entertainment at the Wabano Centre’s Igniting the Spirit Gala, held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre on Thursday, June 18, 2015, included hoop dancing by three-time world champion Dallas Arcand.

The cultural entertainment at the Wabano Centre’s Igniting the Spirit Gala, held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre on Thursday, June 18, 2015, included hoop dancing by three-time world champion Dallas Arcand.

“Wabano’s work is critical for Ottawa but it’s a role model and a beacon for communities right across the country,” said CBC Radio host and emcee Shelagh Rogers in her opening remarks.

CBC Radio host Shelagh Rogers welcomes attendees to the Igniting the Spirit Gala held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre on Thursday, June 18, 2015, in support of the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health.

From left, Shelagh Rogers on stage with John Rogers and Mary Walsh during the Igniting the Spirit Gala for the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre on Thursday, June 18, 2015.

The evening was co-chaired by businesswoman Barbara Farber from the Leikin Group Inc. and Ottawa Police Chief Charles Bordeleau and saw well-known Canadian comedian and actor Mary Walsh take a hands-on approach in her role as honorary chair. She drew a legion of wallet-opening fans during the cocktail reception as she peddled raffle tickets for the chance to win a stone sculpture by Métis artist Leo Lanois.

From left, Claudette Commanda, from the Algonquin First Nation, with Jeff Westeinde, Windmill Development Group, and Barbara Farber, co-chair of the Igniting the Spirit Gala held Thursday, June 18, 2015, at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre for the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health.

As well, the evening featured Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau, wife of federal Liberal leader Justin Trudeau, as guest speaker. A canoe paddle, signed by her hubby, was among the items auctioned off that night. It sold for $1,100.

From left, guest speaker Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau, wife of federal Liberal leader Justin Trudeau, with honorary gala chair Mary Walsh at this year’s Igniting the Spirit Gala for the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre on Thursday, June 18, 2015.

Also on the charity auction block were First Air plane tickets, a sculpture by artist David General, a Pat Flesher Furs jacket, four first-class Via Rail tickets to Halifax, a group dinner catered by Tulips & Maple and Jubilee Fine Jewellers bling.

The cultural performances, including high-energy and mesmerizing aboriginal hoop dancing by world champions Dallas Arcand and Lisa Odjig, were a hit with the crowd.

Dallas Arcand plays a traditional native flute for attendees of the Igniting the Spirit Gala for the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, held Thursday, June 18, 205, at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre.

On hand was Wabano’s executive director, Allison Fisher, who sees the centre as being “a good partner” in this city. “We do our part,” she told Around Town. “You know, so many of our cities have so many problems but I think this city is one city where we have a chance of really believing we can all be together, as one.”

Attendees included former Rideau Hall resident Gerda Hnatyshyn, prominent philanthropist Shirley Greenberg, Liberal MP Mauril Bélanger, Liberal MPP Bob Chiarelli, Rideau-Vanier Coun. Mathieu Fleury and federal Liberal candidate Catherine McKenna, who’s going up against Paul Dewar in this fall’s election.

From left, Sandy McDonald, regional manager for Bell Community Affairs, with Janice Barresi, executive director of the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa Foundation, at the Igniting the Spirit Gala held at the Ottawa Conference Centre on Thursday, June 18, 2015, in support of the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health.

From left, Dr. Andre Lalonde, strategic communications consultant Mona Fortier and Rideau-Vanier Coun. Mathieu Fleury at the Igniting the Spirit Gala for the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, held at the Ottawa Conference Centre on Thursday, June 18, 2015.

Ottawa West-Nepean Liberal MPP and Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli and his partner, Randi Hansen, attended this year’s Igniting the Spirit Gala for the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, held Thursday, June 18, 2015, at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre.

From left, John Jarvis, ADGA Group of Companies, and his son, Connor, attended the Wabano Centre’s Igniting the Spirit Gala held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre on Thursday, June 18, 2015.

From left, Diane Fontaine with Allison Fisher, executive director of the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, and Alain-Michel Sekula, outgoing chair of the board at Montfort Hospital, at the Igniting the Spirit Gala held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre on Thursday, June 18, 2015.

From left, Catherine McKenna, federal Liberal candidate for Ottawa Centre, with guest speaker Sophie GrÈgoire-Trudeau, at the Igniting the Spirit Gala for the Wabano Centre, held Thursday, June 18, 2015, at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre.

Gerda Hnatyshyn, wife of former Governor General Ray Hnatyshyn, and Ottawa-Vanier Liberal MP Mauril BÈlanger attended the Igniting the Spirit Gala for the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre on Thursday, June 18, 2015.

Honorary chair Mary Walsh did a great job selling raffle tickets to the public, including Henry Storgaard and his wife, Hanna, to win a stone carving by Metis artist Leo Lanois at the Igniting the Spirit Gala for the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, held Thursday, June 18, 2015 at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre.

Long-time Wabano Centre supporter and former Liberal MPP Richard Patten and his wife, Penny, attended this year’s Igniting the Spirit Gala held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre on Thursday, June 18, 2015.

Community dancers gave a stunning performance at the Igniting the Spirit Gala for the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, held Thursday, June 18, 2015, at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre.

A paddle signed by federal Liberal leader Justin Trudeau was among the auction items sold off at the Igniting the Spirit Gala for the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre on Thursday, June 18, 2015.

The cultural entertainment at the Wabano Centre’s Igniting the Spirit Gala, held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre on Thursday, June 18, 2015, included high-energy dancing by community members.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

A collection of tough guys and femme fatales crossed dark and shadowy paths Saturday night but not for sinister reasons. They were among the 500-plus attendees of the film noir-themed Bash Noir charity benefit held in one of Ottawa’s best kept secret venues, the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park.
Inside the unassuming century-old structure were stylish lounge areas and cocktail bars and striking chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings, all added just for the party. “As you can tell, it’s not very horticulture-ish,” quipped Margaret Armour, fundraising co-ordinator for the Snowsuit Fund. Nope, not a blue ribbon-pig or giant squash in sight.
This year’s third annual bash kept the evening fresh by not only moving to a cool location but by also successfully pulling off a novel theme — film noir, minus the unhappy ending.
The evening, presented by Trinity Development Group, raised money and awareness for the Snowsuit Fund, a non-profit organization that distributes more than 16,000 new snowsuits to underprivileged families each year. Winter wear may be the furthest thing from everyone’s mind right now but the bash is meant to attract a new generation of supporters, and to complement the organization’s signature gala, held in November.
The place filled up quickly with young and attractive partygoers, many of whom adhered to the upscale dress code of black and red.
The crowd was entertained throughout the evening with such unique acts as a colourful stilt puppeteer and an equally engaging (as well as flirtatious) wind-up doll performing artist. There were DJ-spun tunes. Film noir clips played silently on a giant screen. Visual artists created works of art to be auctioned off. Guests paid a visit to the cosmetic, perfume and chocolate booths. There was also an entirely new way to serve champagne — from a metal tiered skirt worn by a model.
On hand was event chair Andrea Gaunt, a board member with the Snowsuit Fund, joined by such fellow board members as chair Lianne Laing (CTV Morning Live), vice chair Taryn Gunnlaugson (BMO Harris Private Banking), Dean Usher (CIBC Wood Gundy) and the creative genius, event planner Tami Varma.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

From left, event chair Andrea Gaunt with fellow Snowsuit Fund board members Taryn Gunnlaugson and Dean Usher at the fun, stylish and hip Bash Noir soirée held Saturday, June 20, 2015, at Lansdowne Park’s Horticulture Building.

From left, Scott Porter with event chair Andrea Gaunt, Taryn Gunnlaugson, Tami Varma and Dean Usher at the film noir-inspired Bash Noir held Saturday, June 20, 2015, at Lansdowne Park’s Horticulture Building.

Crohn’s and colitis, two chronic and complicated diseases that often get benched — from public conversation – were positioned at the centre of a charity golf tournament with honorary chair and Ottawa Senators player Kyle Turris at the Rideau View Golf Club in Manotick on Monday.

The 25-year-old professional athlete spent the day with about 100 golfers at the 4th Annual Guts & Glory Golf Classic, followed by a dinner full of ribbing and banter. Nepean native Darren Pang, former goalie with the Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa 67’s, was the evening’s ebullient emcee.

Attendees of the benefit for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada included Ottawa Senators player Marc Methot, former Sens and Ottawa 67’s player Brad Shaw and several Ottawa gastroenterologists, such as Drs. Richmond Sy and Nav Saloojee.

Organizers figure they made about $80,000, before expenses.

Turris’ connection to the cause is through Pang. When Turris was just a 19-year-old rookie with the Phoenix Coyotes (drafted by Wayne Gretzky himself), he lived for six months with and became close with “Panger”, then a TV analyst for the team, and his family.

“They mean a lot to me,” Turris told the dinner crowd. “They played a big role in me becoming who I am today.”

The young athlete also made a lasting impression on the Pangs, particularly for his love of Lynn Pang’s cheesecake. ““My kids love cheesecake — love cheesecake. Love it! Do you think my wife makes cheesecake now that Kyle’s gone? Where’s the chee — no, Kyle’s gone,” quipped Pang, now a hockey media personality with the St. Louis Blues.

The room heard how Pang’s sister, Sherry Pang, of Dunrobin, has lived for 36 years with Crohn’s, and with all the surgeries, bowel obstructions and hospital stays that come with it. This past March, the mother of two had planned surgery to remove an area of diseased bowel.

“It did not go as planned,” her 15-year-old son, Jake Bryson, a member of the Ontario Provincial Golf Team, told the room.

His mom ended up spending seven weeks, or 49 days, in hospital. “Everybody was asking when my mom was going to get out of the hospital … Eventually, our answer became ‘Someday’,” said Bryson, who gave his mom a big hug immediately after his speech.

The event was chaired by volunteer Diane Matheson. In 2012, her son, Gordon Matheson, who’s now a young associate at sponsor PwC, was keynote speaker. That was also the first year Turris, as a new player with the Sens, attended. He was moved by the young man’s story of living with Crohn’s while also playing competitive hockey. Turris decided to lend his name to the cause, to help raise awareness for two conditions that affect about 233,000 Canadians.

“I didn’t really have an understanding of how Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis worked,” Turris told Around Town. “If I didn’t know about it, I was sure there were lots of other people who didn’t know about it.”
Fans had the chance to bid on a Sens jersey autographed by Turris and to have lunch with him at Fratelli.

As an expression of gratitude, organizers presented a chair to the honorary chair, donated by the Best Adirondack Chair Company. It was a wee-sized thing for Turris and Julie Turris’ nine-month-old son, Beckett.

carolyn001@ottawacitizen.com

The scenario — a group of guys in a pub during after-work hours — doesn’t present itself as particularly noteworthy until you examine the common cause bringing the friendly blokes together: quiet and unassuming philanthropy.

The grassroots group calls itself 100 Men Who Care Ottawa, and while it’s yet to hit the three-digit membership mark, it’s only a matter of time until it does.

The community group runs on the keep-it-simple principle that doesn’t involve fanfare or fireworks. The men come together for quarterly meetings that are over and done within an hour (excluding time for mixing) They randomly choose three local, registered charities and invite representatives to attend their meetings to briefly present their cause. After a good listen, each man gives $100 to the charity of his choice, in return for a tax receipt.

From left, Mark Snedden (supervisor, Ottawa-Carleton Lifeskills) with Mayor Jim Watson and Sean Hanck at a 100 Men Who Care Ottawa meeting, held Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at the Heart & Crown pub on Preston Street.

Keep in mind, Ottawa doesn’t have a monopoly on caring men — the model exists in cities around North America. Our women are just as compassionate, too, having created 100 Women Who Care Ottawa. The groups are run solely by volunteers who facilitate the giving process.

“I think it’s a very noble gesture,” Mayor Jim Watson told Around Town at the men’s most recent meeting, held Tuesday at their watering hole of choice, the Heart and Crown on Preston Street.

Watson dropped in to thank organizers for bringing the initiative here. The Ottawa group was co-founded last year by Brian Boucher, Sean Smith, Rob Montgomery, Jack Noppé and Ottawa Citizen arts editor-at-large Peter Simpson (his wife, editor and writer Jennifer Campbell, is on the steering committee for 100 Women Who Care).

From left, Tony Sottile (board chairman, Ottawa Construction Association) with Craig Bater (partner, Augustine Bater Binks LLP) and John DeVries (president and GM, Ottawa Construction Association) at the Heart and Crown pub on Tuesday, June 23, 2015, as part of the 100 Men Who Care Ottawa group of men who are giving back to their community.

Having such a group in the nation’s capital is a good fit for Ottawa, said Boucher, vice president of operations for Lee Valley Tools and a native of Bathurst, NB. “There are good people in Ottawa; people who care. But, we’re busy,” he explained. “You get talking to friends and they say, ‘Well, I’d like to donate to some charities but I don’t know who I should donate to’.”

This process, he continued, allows donors to connect directly with the charities. “You know where your money is going and you get to meet with like-minded people who care.”

Among the men to jump on board is Patrick McGarry, funeral director and COO of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry. He took to the cause as soon as he learned about it. “It looked like a simple way [of giving],” he told Around Town. “I just loved the idea.”

From left, Brian Boucher, a co-founder of 100 Men Who Care Ottawa, with Mayor Jim Watson and committee member Patrick McGarry at the Heart & Crown pub on Preston Street on Tuesday, June 23, 2015.

Also appealing, he added, is the diverse group of men and the interesting mix of charities.

On Tuesday, the group raised roughly $4,000 for Makonsag Aboriginal Head Start, the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre, and Serenity Renewal for Families.

100 Men in Ottawa is holding its next meeting at the pub on Sept. 22. For more information, check its website at http://www.100menwhocareottawa.com. Persons of the female persuasion can find out more about 100 Women Who Care at www.100womenwhocareottawa.com.

From left, Peter Tilley (executive director, The Ottawa Mission) and Scott Kirby (Kirby & Masson Insurance), at the Heart and Crown pub on Tuesday, June 23, 2015, as part of the 100 Men Who Care Ottawa group of men who are giving back to their community.

From left, corporate coach Bill Caswell with Patrick McGarry (Hulse, Playfair & McGarry) and John Cosentino (GM, The Albert At Bay Suite Hotel, Best Western Plus Victoria Park Suites) at a gathering of 100 Men Who Care Ottawa, held Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at the Heart & Crown pub on Preston Street.

carolyn001@sympatico.ca

By: Brian McCullough

I am about to step back in time and walk among the touchstones of British North America’s fractious, sometimes bloody struggle for colonial self-governance.

The year is 1837, and ahead of me lies a rutted track littered with the weapons of rebellion, the sticks and stones of civil unrest, and eventually the ink-stained instruments of compromise, consensus and union – the relics that mark Canada’s road to Confederation on July 1, 1867. The basic story is a familar one, but there is a more nuanced narrative I know I have been missing.

My guide will be Canadian Museum of History historian Dr. Jean-François Lozier, curator of 1867 – Rebellion and Confederation, a comprehensive and exquisitely presented exhibition that covers the period of our pre-Confederation history from 1837 to 1867. Like a modern-day coureur de bois, Dr. Lozier will lead me on an incredible journey of discovery as he interprets the artifacts he has laid out along the exhibition’s 30-year road of Rebellion, responsible government, and Confederation.

“There is a rather long, winding history leading up to Confederation,” Dr. Lozier tells me. “You have to understand the Rebellions of 1837-1838 to understand responsible government in 1848, and so on. There is a definite progression.”

The Rebellions pitted colonial reformers who were seeking the right to manage their own affairs against staunch constitutionalists determined to maintain the status quo in British North America. It was a collision of ideals, and things turned out badly for the disorganized and poorly armed rebel reformers. Nearly 1,500 would be arrested, and 250 deported to Australia and Bermuda. For 50 others, a date with the gallows would be their final reward.

Dr. Lozier directs me to a display of small portraits and souvenir boxes made by prisoners awaiting trial in Upper Canada. You can almost sense the profound feelings of injustice the men who created these beautiful mementoes must have felt. The Rebellions may have failed, Dr. Lozier says, but the determination of the reformers to continue their struggle for responsible government despite the failure was a “decisive moment in Canadian history that remains relatively unknown.”

From this cauldron of open conflict would come the political changes that would set British North America on its path to responsible government, Confederation, and the Canada we know today. Not all of it would be smooth sailing, of course. The exhibition includes a pair of broken cobblestones that were flung at Lord Elgin, governor general of the Province of Canada, during riots by anglophone mobs just days after the Parliament in Montréal was burned to the ground in April 1849.

“The narrative is that the middle of the 19th Century was a period of great change for the British North American colonies,” says Dr. Lozier. “It was a society on the move, a society of immigrants, with changing demographics, and changing identities and senses of self.”

One thing that many people tend to forget, he says, is that the delegates who attended the Charlottetown, Québec and London conferences that brought us closer to nationhood did not always know each other well. There were significant internal tensions. Fortunately, these men of law and politics were also great socializers.

Enter the ladies.

“The conferences were political events where issues were debated,” Dr. Lozier says, “but there was a parallel process of socializing – dancing and picnicking together with their wives and daughters. This socialization in the presence of women greatly facilitated the process of dreaming together for the men we remember as the Fathers of Confederation. It is good to remember there were also mothers and daughters of Confederation.”

The exhibition features the diaries of two such women, one of whom was twenty-something Mercy Ann Coles who accompanied her mother and father, former Prince Edward Island premier George Coles, from Charlottetown to the Québec City Conference in October 1864. In her diary she carefully recorded the events and social activities surrounding the great conference that established, among many other things, the groundwork for today’s parliamentary House of Commons and Senate.

Next to Mercy Ann’s diary is the inkstand that was presented to the man who presided over the Québec Conference, Étinne-Paschal Taché, premier of the Province of Canada. Dr. Lozier says he searched far and wide for this particular artifact, only to finally track it down at the Library of Parliament just across the Ottawa river from his museum office in Gatineau.

Simply finding enough suitable interpretive display items for the exhibition was difficult, he adds, because the Fathers of Confederation, for all their wisdom, didn’t bother preserving as many artifacts as people might expect. “That’s the nature of the job. It’s very much detective work, trying to piece together a puzzle where most of the pieces are missing, making informed guesses to fill in the blanks, seeing how the pieces that are there fit together, and trying to make sense of a broader picture.”

One of the most evocative pieces in the exhibition is the tiny jacket of six-year-old Irish immigrant Patrick Quinn who was orphaned shortly after he arrived in 1847. He would be adopted and go on to become a priest, but the fact that he was here in British North America at all speaks volumes to Dr. Lozier in the context of the exhibition.

“The road to Confederation was not only walked by John A. Macdonald and George-Étinne Cartier, but by people of all ages and different cultural backgrounds who lived through this period and who witnessed and were part of these changes.”

From a curatorial standpoint alone Jean-François Lozier has scored a brilliant triumph in his first major exhibition with 1867 – Rebellion and Confederation. The more than 200 artifacts and documents he has assembled speak to our Canadian historical narrative in a way that is both instructive and evocative. They are a “mystical connection to the past,” he says.

“This exhibition was an opportunity to highlight Confederation as the creation of a new country, a union of formerly divided British North American colonies, but it was also an opportunity to tell visitors about the road to responsible government,” says Dr. Lozier. “An important point of the exhibition is that we got to Confederation through responsible government. These two fundamental milestones are what made us who we are.”

The creation of this marvellous exhibition involved a core group of museum staff – “geniuses,” Dr. Lozier calls them – who were clearly in an inspired mood when they put their creative talents together to showcase this important period of Canadian history for the public. Under the imaginative and sometimes whimsical direction of exhibition designer Chantal Baril, graphic designer Stéphane Breton, and creative developer Dominique Savard, 1867 – Rebellion and Confederation is rich with sound and colour, and the displays are a delight to the eye. Canada’s rocky road to Confederation has never looked so inviting.

Although photography inside the exhibition is not permitted, the Canadian Museum of History has produced an excellent, 124-page souvenir catalogue that is available in English and French from the museum’s gift shop (and online) for only $9.95. In addition to being a beautiful keepsake, the catalogue is a great resource for teachers looking to find interesting angles on the story of Canada’s route to Confederation for their students.

While the souvenir catalogue is the next best thing to actually being there, beginning in 2016 a travelling version of the exhibition will be available for shipment to other parts of the country. Called 1867 – 30 Years in the Making, this mini-exhibition will make a perfect bridging resource to the massive sesquicentennial exhibition the museum is mounting for Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017.

What else you should know –

1867 – Rebellion and Confederation runs at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau until January 4, 2016. Admission fees include access to the popular Children’s Museum on site, and the museum also offers Free Admission on Thursdays from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., as well as on Canada Day (July 1) and Remembrance Day (November 11).

In the lead-up to Canada Day the museum is featuring exhibitions on the Canadian flag at age 50, and on the late Terry Fox, a national inspiration who remains the youngest Canadian ever to be honoured as a Companion of the Order of Canada.

From June 12 to July 26 the Canadian Museum of History is also presenting Magna Carta – Law, Liberty and Legacy to showcase two key documents that laid the foundation for many fundamental principles of modern democratic life. On exhibition are an original copy of the Magna Carta issued by King Edward I in 1300, and the final version of the Charter of the Forest from the same year.

If something closer to the dawn of Western culture itself appeals, The Greeks – Agamemnon to Alexander the Great offers an unparalleled chronicle of 5,000 years of Hellenic history. More than 500 priceless artifacts will be on display until October 12.

All in all, the summer of 2015 stands to be a great time to visit the Canadian Museum of History. To find out more about the museum’s exhibitions and programs, and to plan your visit to this beautiful museum on the Ottawa River, go to www.historymuseum.ca.

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

Nary a guest was seen leaving empty-handed from the Art for Autism sale held Sunday afternoon inside the home of Dr. Len Chumak from Centrepointe Orthodontics and his wife, former high school teacher-turned law student Maria Chumak.

The Chumaks, who have a young son with autism, live in a new urban infill development in Whitehaven, off Woodroffe Avenue.

A total of 103 pieces of art work — ranging from paintings to jewelry to sculptures and priced from $25 to $2,500 — were donated by emerging and established artists, and art collectors, to help raise funds for QuickStart, a charitable organization that provides early intervention services to young children with autism. There were also paintings for sale done by children on the autism spectrum.

Adele Dignard-Dickie and her husband, Dr. Sean Dickie, seen admiring artwork created by children on the autism spectrum, were among the supporters of an art sale hosted by their neighbours on Sunday, June 28, 2015, to raise funds for QuickStart.

On hand was QuickStart founder and president Suzanne Jacobson, a grandmother of two boys with autism. She expressed her gratitude to the Chumaks for letting them invade their home for a third year. “It is invasive,” she continued. “We were here for five or six hours yesterday, setting up.”

Last year, Art for Autism turned into a poolside backyard benefit, raising $13,000, but Sunday’s rainy weather confined it to an indoor event this time around. The wall-to-wall art show filled every room and hallway and occupied every couch, chair and small table on the ground floor.

“I’m happy to do it again, if we can manage it,” Maria told Around Town. “We’re wondering if this venue is getting too small.”

Among those spotted at the art sale were Ottawa artist Katherine Jeans, who donated one of her orchid paintings to the show, and speech language pathologist and QuickStart board member Cindy Harrison, who picked up several new pieces of art.

The private home of Dr. Len and Maria Chumak was filled with 103 pieces of art donated by emerging and established artists, as well as art collectors, for sale on Sunday, June 28, 2015, to raise funds for QuickStart, a charitable organization that provides early intervention to young children with autism.

The private home of Dr. Len and Maria Chumak was filled with 103 pieces of art donated by emerging and established artists, as well as art collectors, for sale on Sunday, June 28, 2015, to raise funds for QuickStart, a charitable organization that provides early intervention to young children with autism.

From left, Suzanne Jacobson, president of QuickStart – Early Intervention for Autism, with hosts Maria Chumak and Ottawa orthodontist Len Chumak and visual artist Katherine Jeans at the Art for Autism benefit held Sunday, June 28, 2015 at the Chumaks’ home in the Whitehaven neighbourhood off Woodroffe Avenue.

Ysaac Lopez and his wife, Lisa, were seen leaving the Chumaks’ Whitehaven home on Sunday, June 28, 2015, with armloads of art, including a pirate piece for their grandson, purchased at the Art for Autism benefit for QuickStart, a charitable organization that helps young children with autism.

From left, Shannon MacDonald and Cassandra Tonon, seen checking out a landscape by Ottawa artist David Casey, attended the Art for Autism benefit held at a private home on Sunday, June 28, 2015, for QuickStart, a charitable organization that provides early intervention autism services.

carolyn001@sympatico.ca

There’s a lot of celebration planned for Canada Day 2015, rain or shine. Here’s what’s happening.

DOWNTOWN EVENTS

Parliament Hill

9 a.m. Flag-raising ceremony

9:30 a.m. Changing the Guard

10 a.m. Carillon concert

12 p.m. Noon show

• Featuring speeches from dignitaries, a flypast by Vintage Wings, Canada’s Snowbirds, and CF-18s.
• Entertainment by Magic!, Kiesza, Marc Dupré, Gord Bamford, Jonas and the Massive Attraction, Francesco Yates, Andee, The Jerry Cans, The Bishop Grandin Marching Ghosts, and Cassidy Mann, who will sing the Royal Anthem and the National Anthem.

2-5 p.m. Swing dancing (on East Lawn), A Flock of Flyers (West Lawn), and the Ottawa Stilt Union Colour Guard Clowns celebration (both lawns).

7:30 p.m. Evening show: Entertainment by Kiesza, Karim Ouellet, Magic!, Marc Dupré, Gord Bamford, Jonas and the Massive Attraction, Francesco Yates, and Cassidy Mann.

10 p.m. Fireworks

Major’s Hill Park

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• The Franklin Expedition: HMS Erebus Revealed is an exhibit of one of Sir John Franklin’s expedition vessels used in search of a Northwest Passage and it includes artifacts recovered from the Erebus wreck site in April 2015.
• Take part in various activities, such as commemorating the 200th anniversary of Sir John A. Macdonald’s birthday, trivia challenges, photo exhibits, face painting, and many more.
• Participate in dance, fitness, and cooking demonstrations all afternoon.

12 p.m. CBC Songwriters Circle featuring Shad, Caracol, David Myles, Christa Couture, and Jeremy Fisher.

2:30 p.m. Rhythmic Gymnastics: a demonstration and workshop for all ages.

3:30 p.m. Zumba with GoodLife Fitness.

7 p.m. Evening concert: Caracol, Shad, DJ Memetic, and Electro Videogirl.

Jacques Cartier Park

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Various family-oriented activities such as face painting, inflatable games, various sports, kite making workshops, LEGO and Nintendo.

10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Percu-time with festive cadences of Brazil’s Carnaval.

11 a.m. Burletta at 4 Times: A show for the whole family on the main stage, they will delight you with their gentle lampoons, parodies, and outrageousness.

12 p.m. – 3 p.m. Dame de Coeur theatre’s Giant Puppet Workshop. Learn about creating and operating large puppets.

1 p.m. Mysteric: Canada’s two-time magic champion Éric Leclerc on the main stage.

3 p.m. Michel Lauzière, known as the man of many talents, on the main stage.

7 p.m. Evening show: David Myles, Brigitte Boisjoli, and DJ Sly.

National Arts Centre

10 a.m. Unisong Massed Choir: more than 300 choristers from across Canada. Seating is limited and first-come first-served.

11 a.m.

• Architecture and National Identity Exhibition (NAC foyer)
• Public lecture about the Architecture and National Identity Exhibition (4th Stage)
• Kids Corner until 4 p.m., including crafts, colouring, face painting (Le Salon)
• Lunch: BBQ (Freiman Lane) and Canadian themed lunch buffet (Le Café)

11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Breakdance with Culture Shock (Terrace)

12 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. Two performances by the Mackenzie Rhythm Section (Lobby Stage)

1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Loyal Kigabiro Burundi Sacred Drums (Freiman Lane)

3 p.m. À la carte dinner service (Le Café)

2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. NAC Orchestra with host and performer Florence K, conductor Alain Trudel, and Unisong (Southam Hall)

Related

• Canada Day road closures
• What's open, what's closed on Canada Day
• What to do this week: From great gigs to full moon yoga and what's open for brunch on Canada Day
• Stubbies, sausages and beer ice cream for Dominion Day
• What to Eat: Ice pops of patriotism

OTHER VENUES

TD Ottawa Jazz Festival

Confederation Park:

2 p.m. TD Jazz Youth Summit (Canadian artists)

4 p.m. The Canadian Forces Quintet (Ottawa)

6 p.m. The Heavyweights Brass Band (Toronto)

Marion Dewar Plaza:

1 p.m. Jill Zmud (Ottawa)

3 p.m. Brianna Gosse (St. John’s)

5 p.m. Zaki Ibrahim (Vancouver)

National Gallery of Canada

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Free admission to the collection. Programs include an informal conversation about an artwork and creative activities at the family Artissimo kiosk.

Free admission at these museums: Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Canadian War Museum, Canadian Museum of Nature, Royal Canadian Mint, Canada Agriculture Museum.

AWAY FROM DOWNTOWN

Mackenzie-King Estate

12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy cake, live music, games for kids and many other activities at the restored Mackenzie King Estate in Gatineau Park.

Kanata

Walter Baker Park, Terry Fox Drive

9 a.m. Free fitness activities, fun for the kids, and all-day entertainment, starting with a free yoga session by the Wishingtree Yoga Centre

8:30 p.m. JUNO Award-winning Brett Kissel concert

10 p.m. Fireworks

Barrhaven

Clarke Fields, Strandherd Drive

11 a.m. Day-long free kids zone, cultural and musical entertainment, and food vendors

11:15 a.m. 2015 Pan-American and Para-Pan-American Games torch relay

5:30 p.m. Music by Blackwell, Leah Daniels, and Famous Live Band

10 p.m. Fireworks

Navan

Navan Fairgrounds

11 a.m. Free day-long fun, kids activities, magic show, water ball game, and food

1:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Main stage entertainment including Silent T, Domenic’s Academy of Music, Victoria Powell, Chris Kesner, L’un dit, and The Myers Brothers (Delta Blues)

10:05 p.m. Fireworks

Osgoode

Osgoode Community Centre

2 p.m. BBQ, free children’s activities, live entertainment and a race until the evening

5 p.m. Parade starting from Osgoode Main Street at Nixon Drive, including floats, horses, local groups, and more! Children 8-12 years old are also encouraged to participate in the Foodland Bicycle Decorating Contest

10 p.m. Fireworks

ESSENTIALS

Transportation: Due to street closures and parking restrictions, public transportation is the way to go. OC Transpo offers free transit all day long and after the fireworks, but peak period routes will not be running. STO offers free transit after 10 p.m. Visit octranspo.com and sto.ca for more information. A free shuttle bus runs across Alexandra bridge between Major’s Hill Park and Jacques-Cartier Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lost children: Look for a giant sign with a teddy bear on it. People are encouraged to register their children when they arrive on site, as well as take a photo of their kids before heading out. Also agree on a meet up place beforehand.

First aid, washrooms: Available at Parliament Hill, Major’s Hill Park, and Jacques-Cartier Park

MORE INFORMATION

• Go to canadaday.gc.ca or visit the information booths (on Canada Day only) at and across from Parliament Hill, Major’s Hill Park, and Jacques-Cartier Park
• For information on access to Canada Day official sites for people with limited mobility, contact the info kiosk at 1-844-878-8333

Related

• Canada Day road closures
• What's open, what's closed on Canada Day
• What to do this week: From great gigs to full moon yoga and what's open for brunch on Canada Day
• Stubbies, sausages and beer ice cream for Dominion Day
• What to Eat: Ice pops of patriotism

Everyone was flying high (aircraft not required) at the big party that Vintage Wings of Canada founder and former high tech executive Mike Potter hosted Tuesday in his private backyard paradise with 275 of his closest friends, Rockcliffe Park neighbours, colleagues and supporters.

Retired astronaut and national hero Chris Hadfield was seen mixing with fans, having spent his day participating in the second annual Hadfield Youth Summit that Vintage Wings hosted at the Gatineau airport, involving more than 600 kids from various organizations.

“It didn’t rain on us; everything went exactly according to plan. I think it was a great success,” a relieved Potter told his guests.

Partygoers heard first-hand from a 13-year-old boy about how the summit was a day of inspiration and hope for youth. The kids watched exciting flying demonstrations and got to meet Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Maryse Carmichael, a female trailblazer from the Snowbirds, former prime minister Jean Chrétien, and Hadfield, the first Canadian to walk in space.

“It was a very joyful day,” Hadfield told the crowd before describing his own positive experience of sharing ideas with the youth about their future.

“To me the most unfair question you can ask a child is: ‘So, what do you want to be when you grow up?’. It’s like saying, ‘What do you want for dinner?’ when no one handed you a menu. They don’t know all the choices yet, and yet there’s this adult expectation and pressure for them to make choices with their lives.

“To have time with that many kids, to talk about some of … the magnificent opportunities that exist for them, choices that they can make, and how they can deliberately turn themselves into something that otherwise they might not have been — to me, that is really my personal measure of a very successful day.”

At the party, Hadfield made a musical appearance on the poolside stage with the folk trio Trent Severn. He sang and played guitar to the classic ballad Somewhere Over the Rainbow and the gospel song I’ll Fly Away. He was joined by his brother, Dave Hadfield, on guitar and vocals, and fellow pilot Joe Cosmano on banjo.

Among the who’s who of guests were our mayor, Jim Watson, and former parliamentary sergeant-at-arms Kevin Vickers, now Canada’s ambassador to Ireland, Carleton University president Roseann O’Reilly Runte, and former high tech CEO Jozef Straus.

Also present were Chris Hadfield’s parents, Roger and Eleanor Hadfield, from Milton, Ont. The mother of five and grandmother of 11 shared with Around Town her secret to parenting: “The only thing I would never put up with is temper tantrums. Ever. They learned very quickly that accomplished nothing, except maybe a sore butt.”

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

U.S. Ambassador Bruce Heyman and his wife, Vicki, invited 3,500 or so of their closest friends over to their official residence in Rockcliffe Park on Saturday to help them celebrate the Fourth of July in patriotic party style.

Guests arrived in the late afternoon donning their best “festive fourth” red, white and blue (without looking like an American flag). The sprawling property was decked out with giant party tents, stars and stripes, summer treats and a wide array of shiny antique cars that attracted the attention and admiration of many. The old automobiles were part of this year’s Motor City Rising theme to celebrate the spirit of Detroit and the state of Michigan.

From left, Liza Heyman and her sister Caroline (with her boyfriend, Zak Rudzki), Gillian Frackelton, Vicki Heyman and U.S. Ambassador Bruce Heyman at the embassy’s annual Fourth of July party held at the ambassador’s official residence in Rockcliffe Park on Saturday, July 4, 2015.

The annual Fourth of July party hosted by the U.S. Embassy on Saturday, July 4, 2015, at Lornado in Rockcliffe Park featured a wide array of vintage cars, as part of this year’s Motor City Rising theme.

The Heymans welcomed a long line of guests before taking to the podium to welcome everyone to Lornado for the embassy’s Independence Day bash, calling Canada “our best friend and neighbour”. It was the second year the outgoing couple has played host to one of the biggest parties of the summer in Ottawa, and the embassy lucked out once again with perfect weather for its outdoor shindig.

Guests included Foreign Affairs Minister Rob Nicholson, former prime minister Joe Clark, and Mayor Jim Watson, to name a few.

From left, Chad Schella with his wife, CPAC host Catherine Clark, and her parents, Maureen McTeer and former prime minister Joe Clark, at the U.S. Embassy’s annual Fourth of July party held at the ambassador’s official residence, Lornado, in Rockcliffe Park on Saturday, July 4, 2015.

“Canada is simply a breathtakingly beautiful place to live,” Heyman told the crowd, speaking against a backdrop of Motown vinyl records and album covers. “This first year in Canada has been one of the most memorable years of our lives. We feel so honoured to call Ottawa and Canada our home.”

The ambassador was joined on stage by his wife and two of their three adult children, Liza and Caroline. Vicki shared some of the highlights of her time in Ottawa and Canada thus far, from the Canada Day fireworks to hiking in the Gatineau Hills, to dipping her hand in the Arctic waters. “Words, really, cannot describe the memories and friendships that Bruce and I have made and forged,” Vicki told the crowd. “Every day has been unique and, yes, every day has been really special.”

Jonas Langille and Karine Lessard arrived in their best “festive fourth” attire for the annual Fourth of July bash hosted by the U.S. Embassy in Rockcliffe Park on Saturday, July 4, 2015.

Retired RCMP Sgt. Garth Hampson sang both national anthems at the U.S. Embassy’s Fourth of July celebration held at the official residence of the U.S. ambassador in Rockcliffe Park on Saturday, July 4, 2015.

The program began with the presentation of the colours by U.S. Marine Security Guards and the singing of both national anthems by retired RCMP Sgt. Garth Hampson. A student percussion group, called Offbeat, from Glebe Collegiate Institute, performed. It was followed by the Toronto-based band The Digs. It kept the crowd happy and hopping until it was time to go home.

On the dance floor, the Heymans got their grove on and were seen pumping their arms into the air to the Motown hit, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. The fun was infectious, because it wasn’t long until Italian Ambassador Gian Lorenzo Cornado, one of many diplomats in attendance, was seen dancing with Vicki, arms linked at the elbows as they spun around with big smiles on their faces.

Related

• On Independence Day, ambassador addresses Russia and U.S.-Canada relations

From left, J. Serge Sasseville, a senior V-P with Quebecor, and FranÁois Dell Aniello at the Motor City Rising-themed Fourth of July party held in Rockcliffe Park at the official residence of the U.S. ambassador on Saturday, July 4, 2015.

Guests wait patiently in the receiving line to be greeted by U.S. Ambassador Bruce Heyman and his wife, Vicki, at the annual Fourth of July party that they hosted at their official residence, Lornado, in Rockcliffe Park on Saturday, July 4, 2015.

U.S. Ambassador Bruce Heyman, with his wife, Vicki, on the dance floor.

Rosemary Thompson, director of communications for the National Arts Centre, shows off her “festive fourth” red footwear with communications consultant Louisa Taylor at the annual Fourth of July party hosted by the U.S. ambassador and his wife at their official residence in Rockcliffe.

The Fourth of July program began with the presentation of the colours by U.S. Marine Security Guards.

From left, Danielle McGee with her husband, David Gourlay, president of the Ottawa Champions Baseball Club, Royal Canadian Navy Lt-Cmdr. Kelly Williamson and her husband, Conservative MP John Williamson (New Brunswick), and Christine Taylor with her husband, Bay Ward Councillor Mark Taylor, at the annual Fourth of July party held at the official residence of the U.S. ambassador on Saturday, July 4, 2015.

Members of the percussion group Offbeat from Glebe Collegiate Institute performed at the annual Fourth of July party held at the official residence of the U.S. ambassador.

From left, Candice Bergen, Minister of State for Social Development, with Tim Barber, principal at Bluesky Strategy Group, and his wife, Nathalie Gauthier, at the annual Fourth of July party .

From left, Gillian Frackelton, special assistant to Vicki Heyman, with Chrystal Lotz and Bailey Reid, in their best “festive fourth” attire for the annual Fourth of July party that U.S. Ambassador Bruce Heyman and his wife, Vicki, hosted at their official residence on Saturday, July 4, 2015.

Well-known Ottawa lawyer Jacques Shore with his wife, Dr. Donna Shore, and their eldest daughter, Emily, at the Motor Car Rising-themed Fourth of July party hosted by the U.S. ambassador and his wife.

A wide array of antique cars, on display as part of the Motor City Rising-theme, were a hit with the crowd.

Nicole Loreto, V-P of communications for the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, with her daughter, Dominique Souris, on the dance floor.

From left, Tracy Dohanue, manager of philanthropy at the CHEO Foundation, Shelley Page, Kerry Mortimer and Ottawa Citizen Style magazine editor Janet Wilson had a good time on the dance floor at the U.S. Embassy’s annual Fourth of July party.

From left, Nancy Faraday-Smith, advisor at Privy Council Office, Border Implementation Team, and Lisa Setlakwe, at the annual Fourth of July party hosted by the U.S. Embassy in Rockcliffe Park on Saturday, July 4, 2015.

Ronald Cohen, former national chair of the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council, with his wife, Wendy, on the dance floor at the annual Fourth of July party.

Laura Brown Breetvelt and entrepreneur David Luxton dressed for the Motor City Rising theme of this year’s Fourth of July party held at the official residence of the U.S. ambassador.

From left, Dennis Recto with Alex Munter, president and CEO of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (in his red, white and blue) at the annual Fourth of July party.

The Toronto-based motown band, The Digs, kept guests dancing.

Foreign Affairs Rob Nicholson briefly addresses the crowd on stage with, from left, Vicki Heyman, wife Arlene Nicholson, and U.S. Ambassador Bruce Heyman at the embassy’s annual 4th of July party, held at the ambassador’s official residence, Lornado, in Rockcliffe Park, on Saturday, July 4, 2015.

Lornado, the official residence of the U.S. ambassador, was decorated in red, white and blue for the Independence Day party.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

Ottawa Senators head coach and pizza cook for the day Dave Cameron was holding up just fine Sunday against the high temperatures coming from the fiery oven at Fiazza Fresh Fired in the Byward Market.

He and his wife, Kelly, volunteered at the pizza shop on Murray Street to help owners David Sugarman and Steve Lesh raise money for the Ottawa Rotary Home.

Ottawa Senators head coach Dave Cameron and his wife, Kelly, spent the day volunteering at the Fiazzo Fresh Fired pizza shop in the ByWard Market on Sunday, July 5, 2015, to help raise money for the Ottawa Rotary Home.

Ottawa Senators head coach Dave Cameron was tending to the pizzas at a fundraiser for the Ottawa Rotary Home, held Sunday, July 5, 2015, at Fiazza Fresh Fired on Murray Street in the ByWard Market.

Ottawa Senators head coach Dave Cameron poses for a photo with 10-year-old twins Logan Reid, left, and Braden, while helping out Sunday, July 5, 2015 at Fiazza Fresh Fired as part of a fundraiser for the Ottawa Rotary Home.

“I’m used to heat in my profession,” Cameron joked while taking a break from sliding fresh pizzas into the hot oven.

His other half was working the pizza assembly line, and getting a crash course on how to prepare pizza dough.

It was an entirely positive experience for the Camerons, who both enjoyed working behind the service counter during the busy lunch rush.

“It’s a chance to give a little bit back to the community that’s been real supportive,” Cameron explained. “It’s nice to step outside your comfort zone. I call this experience ‘the real world’.
“It’s nice to get in and mingle with people and talk stuff other than hockey.”

Josh Eckert gives Kelly Cameron, wife of Ottawa Senators head coach Dave Cameron, a crash course in preparing pizza dough during a fundraiser for the Ottawa Rotary Home held at Fiazza Fresh Fired in the ByWard Market on Sunday, July 5, 2015.

Kelly Cameron, wife of Ottawa Senators head coach Dave Cameron, worked the pizza assembly line at Fiazza Fresh Fired in the ByWard Market on Sunday, July 5, 2015, as part of a fundraiser for the Ottawa Rotary Home.

Fiazza Fresh Fired staff member James Townley spent his afternoon alongside Ottawa Senators head coach Dave Cameron, who volunteered at the ByWard Market pizza shop on Sunday, June 5, 2015, to help raise money for the Ottawa Rotary Home.

Fiazza was donating up to $5,000 in sales that day to the Rotary Home, plus matching all cash donations. The Rotary Home provides short-term respite to parents of children with physical disabilities to keep families strong and healthy. It’s planning to use the funds raised Sunday for a respite program geared toward young adults living at home.

It was Sugarman’s connection to Kelly, through her job as a yoga instructor, that led to the Camerons spending their Sunday afternoon volunteering for charity. The way Sugarman recalls it: “We said, ‘Do you think it would be something that you would feel comfortable doing?’ They were like, ‘What, eat pizza? Hang out with people? We’re down’.”

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

It was really so thoughtful of our fine feathered friends to provide musical accompaniment to the 20th Annual Garden Party for Opera Lyra Ottawa, held Wednesday in Gatineau at the official residence of Italian Ambassador Gian Lorenzo Cornado and his wife, Martine Cornado.

From left, John Peter Jeffries, general director of Opera Lyra Opera, and Italian Ambassador Gian Lorenzo Cornado and his wife, Martine Cornado, greeted guests to the 20th Annual Garden Party held at the ambassador’s official residence in Gatineau on Wednesday, July 8, 2015.

Cardinal birds in the nearby trees tweeted (and not in a social media kind of way) during the short but brilliant concert starring tenor Sean Clark from Toronto, baritone Benjamin Covey from nearby Mallorytown and soprano Sasha Djihanian from Montreal, with Ottawa’s Jean Desmarais on piano.

Tenor Sean Clark and soprano Sasha Djihanian sing a popular duet from La traviata at the 20th Annual Garden Party for Opera Lyra Ottawa, held Wednesday, July 8, 2015, in Gatineau at the official residence of the Italian ambassaodor.

From left, baritone Benjamin Covey and tenor Sean Clark sing from the opera La Boheme at the 20th Annual Garden Party for Opera Lyra Ottawa held in Gatineau at the official residence of the Italian ambassador on Wednesday, July 8, 2015.

With the birds singing, the sun shining, the flowers blooming and a sold-out crowd of 420 in the mood for a party, it was a splendid evening well worth waiting an extra day for. The outdoor event had been slated for Tuesday but pushed back due to rain.

“If you showed up last night for the garden party you would have heard sparkling performances from such works as Handel’s Water Music and the Raindrop Prelude by Chopin,” joked MC and CBC Radio Ottawa newscaster Laurence Wall.

Laurence Wall, newscaster with CBC Radio in Ottawa, was back to host the 20th Annual Garden Party for Opera Lyra, held Wednesday, July 8, 2015, in Gatineau at the official residence of the Italian ambassador.

The beautiful backyard benefit, which netted $24,000, once again featured a roaming fashion show presented by Earlene Hobin, owner of Earlene’s House of Fashion. Attendees included Supreme Court Justice Michael Moldaver, Opera Lyra board chair Victor Rabinovitch and notable Ottawa philanthropist Shirley Greenberg.

From left, Victor Rabinovitch, chair of the board for Opera Lyra Ottawa, with Riky Moldaver and her husband, Supreme Court of Canada Justice Michael Moldaver, at the official residence of the Italian ambassador on Wednesday, July 8, 2015, for the 20th Annual Garden Party.

From left, prominent Ottawa philanthropist Shirley Greenberg was seen in the audience with well-known visual artist Jerry Grey at the start of the musical program for the 20th Annual Garden Party for Opera Lyra Ottawa, held at the official residence of the Italian ambassador on Wednesday, July 8, 2015.

Earlene Hobin, owner of Earlene’s House of Fashion, was seen surrounded by volunteer models in her annual fashion show presented at the garden party for Opera Lyra Ottawa at the official residence of the Italian ambassador on Wednesday, July 8, 2015.

Guests got to meet the opera company’s new artistic director, Timothy Vernon from Victoria, B.C. He was proudly introduced by Opera Lyra general director John Peter Jeffries as “one of the most charming and intelligent people that it’s been my pleasure to know”.

Timothy Vernon, the new artistic director of Opera Lyra Ottawa, addressed the crowd in three different languages at the 20th Annual Garden Party in support of Ottawa’s professional opera company, held Wednesday, July 8, 2015, at the official residence of the Italian ambassador.

The multilingual maestro dazzled the audience with his French and Italian while also addressing Opera Lyra’s need to build a stronger professional opera company in the nation’s capital. It’s been plagued by financial woes in recent years. “Yes, there were problems,” he said candidly. “There’s no covering that up. There were problems. Who doesn’t have problems? Show me an arts organization in this country that hasn’t had problems. We’ve all had problems.

“The solutions are what count.”

He spoke with optimism and confidence about the opera company’s future but also cautioned that such progress will take time. “Every young conductor learns very early in his life that what he holds is not a magic wand,” said Vernon, a leading figure in Canada’s operatic scene and a member of the Order of Canada.

“But, I’m sure together with energy, with focus, with concentration, with commitment, with development, we can make something thrilling and indeed stunning.”

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

By Peter McGrath

On Feb. 6, 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada struck down Canada’s assisted suicide law, opening the door to physician-assisted suicide. This is an incredibly complex topic, one fraught with moral and ethical issues. Peter McGrath, a Counsel in the Department of Justice, gives his opinion from the perspective of a Canadian with a disability:

There are valid points to both sides of the debate on Canada’s euthanasia legislation. Steven Fletcher — a Member of Parliament from Winnipeg with a disability — is the most visible proponent of physician-assisted suicide in Canada. Some would argue his position has merit. Many people with disabilities live in fear of not being able to control the end of their lives. Poorly funded palliative care combined with the possible inability to make one’s wishes clear has led to many people living painful lives.

The occasional media horror story has magnified those fears tenfold. But isn’t the answer to fix the system, rather to provide people with a lethal end? Isn’t the answer to think beyond causing death and provide all of us — including people with disabilities — with dignified lives?

People with disabilities live far from inclusive lives in Canadian society. With low levels of education and employment, inadequate housing and transportation services, and even a medical system that is not designed to handle our needs, people with disabilities have a long way to go to be considered equal members of our society.

The new euthanasia legislation is intended to provide some level of control over ending our lives, yet it’s sad that we’ve achieved equality in death before we’ve achieved equality in life. In Canada, like much of the world, people with disabilities do not have sufficient access to education, transportation, housing, medical care, employment, or recreation and leisure activities.

First and foremost, what Canadians with disabilities seek is an end to inequality and an end to the lack of access to the basic quality of life enjoyed by average Canadians.

The positioning of people with diabilities in euthanasia legislation is somewhat off-putting. It is as if to say we define people with disabilities as suffering, and now they can have the option to end their life. People with disabilities are as much or more interested in their rights to life, because being disabled means living with a disability; it doesn’t necessarily mean dying with a disease.

All too frequently, people with disabilities can recount a time when a well-intended medical professional said to their parents that the disabled life of this baby or injured child would be one of suffering and perhaps not worth living. In effect, we have provided those children with disibilities the means to die before they have the means to live.

Physically and/or developmentally Canadians with disibilities remain a marginalized segment of Canadian society. Our interests lie far more in rights to leading productive lives of equality, rather than achievement in ending of life options.

For more information on this topic visit www.epcc.ca.

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

Thousands of Ottawa-area children are attending summer camp for the first time, enjoying recreational opportunities right in their own neighbourhood, learning to skate, and participating in no-fee competitive sports leagues, all thanks to programs established by the Ottawa Senators Foundation.

The Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and its Foundation are well known throughout the community for helping to create and fund Roger’s House, as well as for raising tens of millions of dollars for charitable organizations.

About four years ago, the Foundation’s board of directors changed their core strategy to focus on projects involving social recreation, education, and physical and mental wellness. “Focusing on fewer projects with a larger level of impact helps us make a measurable difference in the community,” said Danielle Robinson, president and CEO of the Ottawa Senators Foundation. “The decision to put an emphasis on social recreation was an easy one. Most kids are not getting their 60 minutes of daily exercise, while one in five children can’t afford to play sports. Getting kids active after school, on weekends and during the summer months is critically important to their future success.”

To that end, the Foundation established the SENS Campership program, which has enabled more than 1,500 children and youth, aged four to 17, to attend residential or day camps this summer. The program is designed to give children from low-income families recreational and skill development opportunities, increase campers’ self-confidence and personal development, boost their physical activity and nutritional awareness while building teamwork, leadership and fair play skills.

As part of the SENS Campership program, Foundation and Club staff visit camp locations to give campers a taste of the Ottawa Senators with a special SENS Day at camp. Hockey activities include the chance to shoot pucks, a mini ball hockey tournament, a visit from Sens’ mascot Sparty, campers having their picture taken with Sens’ player cut-outs to take home as a memory from camp, and receiving keepsakes from the hockey club and Foundation to take home with them.

“Many of the kids tell us that Sens Day is the highlight of their week at camp,” said Robinson.

Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators Foundation is continuing their SENS RINK initiative to build rinks throughout the city and beyond, giving children and families access to year-round activities including hockey, skating, ball hockey, basketball and lacrosse, in addition to community activities of all kinds. This program enables hundreds of kids and families to have a place in their own community to get active, establish healthy routines and provide access to programs and activities that would otherwise be out of reach.

“The feedback we’ve received about the SENS RINK program has been extremely positive,” said Robinson. “People tell us the rinks have become a gathering place for children, youth and parents, who are meeting new people within their community. The facilities are well maintained by community volunteers and have helped transform the areas where they are located.”

In partnership with the Club, the Foundation has committed to building 20 rinks. Two have been built in Ottawa so far, one is currently under construction in Gatineau, and there are plans to build the next rink in the Overbrook area, possibly with shovels in the ground as early as this fall. Once construction starts, it usually takes eight to 10 weeks to complete a rink.

Two other programs highlight the Foundation’s commitment to the community: I Love to Skate with program partners Canadian Tire Jumpstart and the City of Ottawa to teach children how to skate right in their own community. Last year, nearly 600 children in 30 neighbourhoods received skates and helmets, and were given six weeks of skating instruction on outdoor rinks. At the end of the program, the children were transported to the Canadian Tire Centre for a celebratory party, where they were able to skate on the same ice as their hockey heroes.

The Sens Sports and Leadership League, delivered by the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, features Ottawa’s only no-fee, year round competitive athletic league, including ball hockey, basketball, soccer and a walking program. Free transportation is provided for participants to and from games, and participants receive uniforms and the opportunity to play as part of a team. Annually, this program enables 1,500 player games.

Roger’s House remains an important legacy of the Foundation, which will continue to work with community groups to raise funds to assist with ongoing operational costs of the home.

For more information about the work the Ottawa Senators Foundation does in our community, visit www.sensfoundation.com.

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

In the spring of 1999, the Wild Wing story took flight in a small town near Lake Simcoe, with the launch of a restaurant specializing in chicken wings. Just 16 years later, Wild Wing has become one of the fastest growing family restaurants in Canada, with 85 franchises across the country.

Wild Wing restaurants hearken back to the days of the Wild West, dressed up as old-time saloons with pine covered floors, walls covered in chicken wire and, in a nod to modern times, big-screen TV’s on the walls and video jukeboxes playing lively tunes.

What sets Wild Wing apart from other restaurants is the 101 varieties of chicken wings they serve. Everyone has an opinion of what makes a wing the best; Wild Wing tries to be the best by using the freshest quality food available, and that means sourcing Canadian-raised chickens, which make for plumper, meatier and juicier wings compared to those Brazilian ones served at most other restaurants.

In 2005, while on business in Barrie, Ont., Ottawa resident Martin Winges decided to bring this new brand of restaurant to the Ottawa area. “I just couldn’t let the idea go,” said Winges. “The concept was great. We had nothing like it in Ottawa. Our restaurants were boring and the exciting brands were staying away.” A year later, Martin opened the area’s first Wild Wing restaurant, which has since been joined by three others in the city. Ottawa’s original restaurant was the first Wild Wing franchise outside the Lake Simcoe area and the first east of Peterborough. Next year will make Wild Wing’s 10th anniversary in Ottawa.

Wings, of course, are the go-to menu item at Wild Wing restaurants. While traditional flavours such as barbecue and honey garlic are the most popular types, there are 99 other varieties to entice hungry customers, ranging from the normal (teriyaki) to the bizarre (raspberry + golden mustard). For those who would like to know how hot and spicy their wings will be, the Wild Wing menu grades all 101 varieties on a “heatmeter,” ranging from 1 (no heat) to 6 (on fire).

“There is a type of wing for everybody,” said Winges. “If you like wings, you’ll love Wild Wings.” With over 22.5 million wings sold last year, they must be doing something right.

But Wild Wing is more than just wings: A broad selection of great food is available, including appetizers, salads, wraps, tacos, burgers and their famous Wild fries. A nice selection of beers, wines and desserts will complement any meal.

“People are coming here for more than the wings,” said Winges. “They stay for sports on our big-screen TV’s and for great times with friends. We strive to create a welcoming atmosphere that keeps our clients coming back.” All Wild Wing restaurants are locally owned, operated and staffed by people who take pride in supporting their communities. Never forgetting their grassroots origins, Wild Wing franchise owners and staff create an atmosphere that customers continually enjoy.

Wild Wing restaurants throughout Canada are busy getting many new initiatives ready for what will be a re-launch of sorts this October, when they will be introducing new menu items and service ideas. “Without saying too much, we are looking forward to our re-launch and are sure that our customers will have a completely positive reaction to the new Wild Wing experience,” said Winges. “We are setting the bar very high.”

There are four Wild Wing locations in Ottawa: 1430 Prince of Wales Dr. near Hog’s Back, 1265 Donald St. in Ottawa East, 3712 Innes Rd. in Orléans and 700 Eagleson Rd. in Kanata. For more information visit http://www.wildwingrestaurants.com. For information about Wild Wing franchise opportunities contact Martin Winges: wildwingottawa@rogers.com.

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

By Taylor Hyatt:

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

This is an incredibly complex topic, one fraught with moral and ethical issues. This interview with Taylor Hyatt, a Carleton University student, gives her opinion from the perspective of a Canadian with a disability.

Tell us about your disability.

My disability defines my life. I was born three months prematurely, and as a result I have spastic diplegia cerebral palsy. I use a walker or electric wheelchair for mobility.

Do you feel that you are treated differently are a result of your disability?

Growing up, I was treated quite differently. I lived the first 19 years of my life in a small town, with many of the same people in my class every year. I stood out socially in the worst way. Normal teenage recklessness never really appealed to me. I’ve always been a bit of a bookworm and I take academics very seriously. I would rather be found with my nose in a Jodi Picoult novel than out at a party. On top of that, school accommodations and the general inaccessibility of my area meant that I had to maintain closer relationships with the adults in my life — physical therapists, teachers, and my family. One of the most prominent examples: I can’t drive, and public transit in my area left a lot to be desired. Nobody wants their mom chauffeuring them to the mall if they’re a day older than 16. I’m grateful that I was able to get the help I needed, but my circumstances didn’t do me any favours. In a nutshell, most of my peers had no idea what to do with me.

How have things changed for you over the past years?

Moving to Ottawa (which I now consider my hometown) for university was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I am now surrounded by a much larger and more diverse group of people in a city that is better equipped to serve residents with disabilities. I found my place quite quickly… sometimes I’m still amazed at the difference between my life now and what it used to be. Right now, I’m in my last year of a linguistics degree at Carleton University — one of the most accessible schools in Canada. I’m living in an accessible residence room with full-time attendant care provided through the school and I’m on a waiting list for an accessible apartment

What are your thoughts on the current Canadian euthanasia debate?

Carter v. Canada has definitely put the issue back on Canadians’ minds. The ruling on Feb. 6 went beyond what assisted suicide supporters claimed to be hoping to accomplish. The requirement for someone seeking assisted suicide — besides reaching the age of majority — is that they have a “grievous and irremediable” illness or disability causing “enduring and intolerable” suffering. There are no limitations restricting the practice to those with terminal illnesses, contrary to what many Canadians expected, and no definition of suffering. As well, the one-year timeline for new legislation proposed by the Supreme Court has been shortened significantly by the federal election.

Does giving doctors the right in law to intentionally cause death negatively affect people with disabilities?

Yes. What concerns me most is the potential shift in the way our society views disability. Right now, I’m a capable and independent young woman of 23. The mobility gear I use fits into the typical understanding of disability. Even though we have a long way to go to ensure a truly accessible society, seeing a walker or wheelchair user is not a rare event. Yet there still seems to be a feeling of unease. There is a subtle difference between being grateful for your physical abilities and assuming that life with a disability is unbearable. I’ve never encountered anyone who has explicitly said, “Boy, I’m glad I’m not in your position” but attitudes imply it. By the time I am 43, 63, or even 83, I wonder if that will have changed. Especially for progressive conditions that can affect mobility, I can see a doctor advising someone, like me, that it would be better not to live than to experience some of what I have.

Is the Supreme Court decision which states that laws prohibiting assisted death discriminate against people with disabilities a false idea?

Absolutely. I see a double standard here. Mental health campaigns have become more visible than ever, and rightly so. I would argue that the court decision, rather than the law it struck down, is discriminatory.

Why is assisted suicide — “death with dignity,” some say — called a positive development for people with disabilities when there is no effort to help us live with dignity? I wish the law prohibiting assisted suicide had remained untouched. Now, I suppose the best I can hope for is a strong and diverse group of people to speak out against euthanasia, along with more time to clear up these misconceptions.

My city and country are far from being perfectly accessible, but I need to acknowledge the progress we’ve made. The Supreme Court decision only takes us backwards.

For more information on this topic visit www.epcc.ca.

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

After so many years of walking past the Chinese embassy, National Arts Centre Orchestra principal clarinettist Kimball Sykes finally got to see what the Lowertown building looks like on the inside. He was not alone.
The invitation came as a real treat, much like Sykes’ performance there on Tuesday night with 18-year-old cellist Bryan Cheng and his pianist sister, Silvie Cheng, 24. They played in a hall adorned with red Chinese lanterns and fancy chandeliers to a sold-out crowd of nearly 200 in support of music education for young people.

Hosting the event was Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhaohui and his wife, Jiang Yili. The ambassador sat in the front row alongside the likes of Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, Susan Gregson, assistant deputy minister of Asia Pacific with the Department of Foreign Affairs, and Friends of the NAC Orchestra board president Robert Lafleur.

Lafleur told the room how “super, super excited” Friends of the NAC Orchestra was when it first learned the Chinese embassy had agreed to host the $100- to $125-a-ticket benefit concert, which included a cocktail reception and buffet dinner.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between our two countries and the second anniversary of the NAC Orchestra’s ambitious tour of China. “More important for … Friends of the National Arts Centre Orchestra is, I think, the fact that China dedicates massive energies to the music education of young people,” added Lafleur. “That is also the mission of Friends of the National Arts Centre Orchestra.”

The Cheng siblings, who are from Ottawa and of Chinese heritage, were their usual charming selves during and after the concert. The talented pair took a moment to personally thank the Friends of the NAC Orchestra for its support over the years.

Silvie is now performing and teaching in New York, where she recently finished her master’s degree in piano performance at the Manhattan School of Music, while her bro, a recent graduate of Lisgar Collegiate Institute, is heading off to the Berlin University of the Arts to study cello. Let’s hope he left room in his suitcase for all his snazzy socks, particularly the pair he donned last night.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

Between starting families, building careers and paying loans, you can’t expect the so-called Millennial Generation to be the driving force behind philanthropy at such a critical point in their lives.

At the same time, many young Ottawa Jews are recognizing it’s now up to them to get involved on some level if they want their community to survive and thrive over the long haul. That’s why this year’s annual campaign kickoff for the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, held Wednesday with a crowd of 450 at Centrepointe Theatre, saw the active participation of the 31-member Ben Gurion Society (BGS). The local donor recognition program and networking forum is new to Ottawa and aimed at the under-45 set.

“We know that if it’s not us, who will it be?” BGS member Stacy Goldstein told Around Town at the top donor reception. “If we don’t step up now and get our feet wet, both on the donor level and also on the leadership level, then who’s going to 10 or 15 years down the line?”

The half marathon-running mom of two young kids holds down two jobs, as a chiropractor and as director of youth and family programming at Congregation Machzikei Hadas (gosh, she’s so busy she makes Sheryl Sandberg look like a slacker). Goldstein co-chaired the kickoff, called L’dor V’dor: From Generation to Generation, with Tamara Fathi.

Members of the BGS feel rooted to Ottawa, said Goldstein, and are keen to support the JFO and its drive to raise funds for its Jewish schools, youth groups and camps, long-term care home, community centre and service agencies. Each member gives at least $1,000 toward the federation’s annual campaign.

Spotted at the donor reception was Doug Feasby, vice president of top sponsor TD Bank, along with campaign co-chairs Sharon Appotive and Jeffrey Miller, a partner at local accounting firm GGFL. Exuding all-around nice guy vibes was keynote speaker Marc Kielburger, co-founder of We Day, Free the Children and Me to We. He was joined by such other youthful speakers as Jew in the City blogger Allison Josephs and crazy-haired comedian Jon Steinberg.

Last year, the annual campaign raised about $4.4 million for the JFO and its 24 beneficiary agencies.

From left, event co-chair Stacy Goldstein from the Ben Gurion Society with popular blogger Allison Josephs, comedian Jon Steinberg and humanitarian Marc Kielburger at the kickoff for the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s annual campaign, held at the Centrepointe Theatre on Wednesday, September 9, 2015.

Jonathan Malino, left, and his wife, Susannah Dalfen, chatted with keynote speaker Marc Kielburger at the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s annual campaign kickoff held at Centrepointe Theatre on Wednesday, September 9, 2015.

Campaign co-chairs Jeffrey Miller and Sharon Appotive with the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s president and CEO, Andrea Freedman, at the annual campaign kickoff held at Centrepointe Theatre on Wednesday, September 9, 2015.

Husband and wife Aaron and Erin Smith, members of the philanthropic Ben Gurion Society, at the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s annual campaign kickoff, held at Centrepointe Theatre on Wednesday, September 9, 2015.

Liz Vered arrived with, from left, daughters Ali, Ariel and Danya to the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s annual campaign kickoff, held at Centrepointe Theatre on Wednesday, September 9, 2015.

From left, Ottawa dentist Harris Prehogan with his pediatrician wife, Ilana Prehogan, and his parents, Avalee Prehogan and Ron Prehogan, law partner at BrazeauSeller, at the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s annual campaign kickoff, held Wednesday, September 9, 2015, at Centrepointe Theatre.

From left, Gail Victor with her husband, Ottawa lawyer Stephen Victor, and Elissa Iny at the kickoff for the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s annual campaign, held at Centrepointe Theatre on Wednesday, September 9, 2015.

Len Farber and his wife, Barbara Farber, arrived with their new daughter-in-law, Leah Farber, to the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s annual campaign kickoff held at Centrepointe Centre on Wednesday, September 9, 2015.

Neil and Gillian Presner, members of the philanthropic Ben Gurion Society, were part of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s annual campaign kickoff, held at Centrepointe Theatre on Wednesday, September 9, 2015.

Michael Polowin and his wife Melanie Polowin, both law partners at Gowlings, were at the top donors reception for the annual campaign kickoff for the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, held at Centrepointe Theatre on Wednesday, September 9, 2015.

carolyn001@sympatico.ca

Doctors responded to a different kind of emergency Saturday by following this action plan: kicking up their heels and having some fun with the Joel Plaskett Emergency band at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine’s third annual gala, Abracadabra: A Night of Magic and Medicine, held at The Westin Ottawa.

This year’s theme, Portal Through Time, celebrated the medical school’s 70th anniversary.

The distinguished Huguette Labelle, who served for 18 years as chancellor of the university, was among the 365 attendees of the gala. It once again stayed true to its winning formula of presenting an evening blessed by short speeches but big on excellent food and entertainment. A mix of roving jugglers, contortionists and magicians amused guests in the fully decorated ballroom before Nova Scotian rocker Joel Plaskett and his band took to the stage.

Huguette Labelle, formerly the chancellor of the University of Ottawa for 18 years, stands with headlining artist and Canadian rock musician Joel Plaskett and the university’s president, Allan Rock, at the Faculty of Medicine’s third annual gala, Abracadabra: A Night of Magic and Medicine, held Saturday, September 12, 2015, at The Westin Ottawa.

On hand to welcome everyone were Dr. Jacques Bradwejn, dean of the Faculty of Medicine, and the university’s president, Allan Rock.

From left, Dr. Jacques Bradwejn, dean of the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Medicine, university president Allan Rock, former long-time chancellor Huguette Labelle, Canadian musician Joel Plaskett and Louis de Melo, V-P of external relations, in the photo booth during the faculty’s third annual gala, Abracadabra: A Night of Magic and Medicine, held Saturday, September 12, 2015, at The Westin Ottawa.

“We’re so proud of our Faculty of Medicine,” said Rock, speaking in both official languages. “The University of Ottawa is making progress here in Canada and throughout the world and being recognized as an important research university. One of the main drivers of that success is our Faculty of Medicine. That’s the truth.”

From left, Ottawa philanthropists Sam and Uttra Bhargava pose with performer Angela McIlroy-Wagar, Dallas Reinke, performer Kirby Myers, and Dr. David Park at University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine’s Abracadabra: A Night of Magic and Medicine, held Saturday, September 12, 2015, at The Westin.

Dr. Phil Wells, chair and chief of medicine at the University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital, with his wife, Laura Hope, at the faculty of medicine’s third annual gala, Abracadabra: A Night of Magic and Medicine, held Saturday, September 12, 2015, at The Westin Ottawa.

From left, Dr. Simon Hatcher, vice chair of research for the Department of Psychiatry in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa, with Julie Kathleen Campbell and Drs. Raj Bhatla and Katharine Gillis at the faculty’s third annual gala, Abracadabra: A Night of Magic and Medicine, held Saturday, September 12, 2015, at The Westin Ottawa.

Algonquin College president Cheryl Jensen attended the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine Gala, held Saturday, September 12, 2015, at The Westin Ottawa with the college foundation’s new executive director, Amy Desjardins.

From left, Dr. Jacques Bradwejn, dean of the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Medicine, with Canadian rocker Joel Plaskett and university president Allan Rock (and circus artists Kirby Myers, left, and Angela McIlroy-Wagar) at the faculty’s Abracadabra: A Night of Magic and Medicine gala, held Saturday, September 12, 2015, at The Westin Ottawa.

Allan Rock, president of the University of Ottawa, very briefly gives hula hooping the old college try after borrowing the prop from one of the circus performers at the Faculty of Medicine’s third annual gala, Abracadabra: A Night of Magic and Medicine, held Saturday, September 12, 2015, at The Westin

Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Joel Plaskett and his band, The Emergency, headlined the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine’s third annual gala held Saturday, September 12, 2015, at The Westin Ottawa.

From left, Dr. David Park with fellow sharp dressers Jack Uppal and Sanjay Shah, ExecHealth Inc., at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine’s third annual gala, held Saturday, September 12, 2015, at The Westin Ottawa.

Korean Ambassador Daeshik Jo and his wife, Eunyoung Park, were amused by the contortionist who joined them at their table during the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine’s third annual gala, Abracadabra: A Night of Magic and Medicine, held at the The Westin Ottawa.

Westin Ottawa staff member Brydon Boyer uses liquid nitrogen to make frozen party drinks for the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine’s magic-themed gala, held at the hotel on Saturday, September 12, 2015.

From left, Drs. Claudine Michaud, Bella Mehta, Barb Power, Jessica Dy and Chuck Su were among the physicians to attend the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine’s third annual gala, Abracadabra: A Night of Magic and Medicine, held Saturday, September 12, 2015, at The Westin Ottawa.

Gary Lacey and and his wife, Kornelia Eisfeld-Lacey, enjoyed a romantic dance together during a slow song performed by Canadian artist Joel Plaskett and his band at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine’s third annual gala, held at The Westin Ottawa on Saturday, September 12, 2015.

The University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine brought Joel Plaskett and his band, The Emergency, to perform at its third annual gala, Abracadabra: A Night of Magic and Medicine, held Saturday, September 12, 2015, at The Westin Ottawa.

From left, CHEO’s Dr. David Mack with Brenda Runge and Dr. Joe Reisman, also from CHEO, and Ruth Mack at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine’s third annual gala, Abracadabra: A Night of Magic and Medicine, held Saturday, September 12, 2015, at The Westin Ottawa.

From left, Dr. Ed Spilg and his wife Roanna with Dr. Rob Beanlands and his wife, Dr. Genevieve Moineau, at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine’s third annual gala, held Saturday, September 12, 2015, at The Westin Ottawa.

carolyn001@sympatico.ca