CJRO News November 16 to November 22, 2020
Hello, bonjour, and welcome, to CJRO News on Carlsbad-Vars Radio, CJRO, 107.7 and 107.9 in Carlsbad Springs, Vars, Edwards, parts of Ottawa and Russell, and online, at CJROradio.com.
I’m Candice Vetter.
First, we have some very good and long-awaited news. The Canadian Radio and Television Commission, the CRTC, has approved the addition of another transmitter, which will broadcast from Embrun. We will be able to be heard in Russell Township on 107.7 FM, but not until Spring of 2021. We here at the station will be very busy in the coming months, arranging partners and setting up the additional transmitter and studio. We hope to be on air in Russell Township next June. More details to come!
In more self-promotional news, CJRO Radio now has a Twitter account. CJRO Radio serves south-east rural Ottawa in Cumberland Ward both online and on FM radio, and will soon serve Russell Township, too. Our Twitter handle is cjroradio and our first tweet is our interview with Jasmine Bhimani, discussing the City of Ottawa Ward Boundary and the impact in Cumberland Ward.
A special meeting will be held on November 19th at 7 p.m. regarding the future of St-Laurent Church in Carlsbad Springs. It is indicated that the question of closing the Parish would not come from the diocese but from the administrator of the Parish, Monsignor Daniel Berniquer.
Before the pandemic, there were around sixty celebrants there. During the pandemic there are about thirty participants at Sunday mass.
Jacques Charron, a parishioner and member of the Knights of Columbus, reported that Monsignor Daniel said the meeting will be an official consultation with parishioners, leaders of committees, and the clergy, to decide if the church will stay open.
Parishioners and members of the Knights of Columbus have expressed concern. One parishioner said, “The Catholic Diocese of Ottawa must understand that by closing several small parishes these decisions often affect the hearts of Catholic communities, moving away from residents and the population one parish at a time.”
I do not have details of the meeting, or whether it is in person or online, so if you are concerned contact the Monsignor to find out how to attend.
Christmas is fast approaching and although this year is different, the Carlsbad Springs Optimist Club is keeping the magic of Christmas in the community.
Children up to age 10 can submit a photo or drawing of their families showing some Christmas Spirit. Whether it’s crazy outfits or hats or a family Christmas tradition, the Optimists want their Facebook page full of what’s important this holiday season – Family.
Submit your photo or drawing to cluboptimistecarlsbadsprings@rogers.com no later than Sunday,November 29th. Include the child’s name, age and civic address in the email so Santa Claus and his helpers can deliver a gift the weekend of December 12th and 13th.
If you wish to participate but not have your submission posted on Facebook, put that in your email.
The Carlsbad Springs Optimist Club has announced a partnership with Mr. Mageau’s Tree Farm. Jean Mageau has been selling Christmas trees and wreaths for many years at 4843 Anderson Road. This year he will donate five dollars to the club for each wreath sold. Funds will be used to continue children’s programming. Print the coupon from the Optimists’ website and present it when you buy a wreath.
In even more news from the club, it has recognized Maureen Mackie for her community work. She started the Youth Night in 2019, which became a huge success, and was very resourceful in finding equipment, snacks and parents’ cooperation.
Mackie has also worked in the kitchen during the carnival for many years and is the part-time maintenance worker for the Carlsbad Springs Community Center.
To see a photo of Mackie with her award go to carlsbadsprings.ca.
Finally, we can’t have news without COVID news. Two new assessment centres are open in downtown Ottawa, at the National Arts Centre parking garage and at McNabb Community Centre. However the drive-thru centre on Coventry Road has closed. As the situation constantly evolves check ottawapublichealth.ca before heading out. Most centres now require appointments.
Do you have news that matters to our area? Do you have an experience you’d like to share? Do you have a story about how COVID has affected you? If yes, I’d like to hear it. Contact me by emailing newsCJRO@gmail.com.
CJRO – Last on the dial, first for local news.