Shiverfest Returns to Manotick Feb. 2-3
By Irene Staron, MVCA President
Community spirit came out ablaze for Manotick’s Holiday Decorating Contest. Twenty seven home and business owners entered and on a rainy December 17 evening six judges, Councillor Brown, Kelly Belair (MBIA), Debbie Mulvihill, (Kiwanis), Wendy Eberwein (MCPRA), Irene Staron (MVCA) and a senior representing ROSSS ventured out to select the winners. Our thanks to ROSSS for providing a volunteer judge, van and driver, and our congratulations to the winners!
In the Business categories First place went to the Mill Tavern, Second Place to Allure Hair & Medi Spa, Third Place to Manotick Place Retirement Community. Rebel Petal and Royal Lepage Team Realty each received Honourable Mention, and The Mill Tavern earned both the People’s Choice and Kid’s Choice Awards.
In the Home/Residential Categories, Di-Anne and Tony Sekeres won the Traditional Category while Honourable Mention was awarded to Maxine Whelan and family. In the WOW category, our winner was Anu Emery and family, with Jim Amadio and family being awarded both Honourable Mention and Kid’s Choice Award. Our People’s Choice award went to Matti & Rebecca at 5443 Riverside Dr.
All winners were notified by phone and awards delivered in person, allowing us to hear stories of homeowners’ inspiration. Di-Anne Sekeres of 5579 Pettapiece Cr., well known for her ‘Old Christmas themed’ life sized figures, shared that she was considering not decorating this year having lost her neighbour and dear friend the month before. Urged by her husband, Di-Anne was inspired to add a ‘galaxy of stars’ creating a memorable display in tribute.
The Whelan’s of 1250 Potter Dr. lined their entire property with what appeared to be miniature Christmas trees. A long-standing member of the Manotick Horticultural Society and MVCA, Maxine confided that they weren’t trees at all, but tomato cages wrapped in lights with every tree on its own extension cord. Innovation abounds in Manotick! The judges viewed many homes which hadn’t been entered but should have been. We encourage all to join our contest in 2024 – there are many more winners out there we look forward to recognizing!
Mark Your Calendar – MVCA Shiverfest Returns February 2 & 3, 2024
Winter festivities continue as the MVCA plans to bring you another fun-filled Shiverfest the weekend of February 2nd and 3rd. Activities include a pancake breakfast hosted by Kiwanis in the Manotick Arena, horse-drawn sleigh rides in Centennial Park, a magic show and face-painting for the kiddies, our annual Chili Cook-Off, Beer Tasting, and YOMA Bake Sale at the Legion, and Trivia Night at the Mill Tavern to name a few. Love photography? Enter our ‘Chilling Moments’ photography contest. Interested in volunteering? Write us at info@manotickvca.org and we’ll connect you with the right people to help you. Full details and schedule of events are posted on https://www.manotickvca.org/shiverfest and on social media (FaceBook & Instagram). Shiverfest postcards with full schedule can be picked up at local businesses. Ask for yours today!
Winter Safety
In light of the recent Rideau River fatality, we are reminded to exercise caution near our waterways, especially in winter. To help us stay safe around cold water and ice, please see the following:
https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/news/winter-safety-tips-for-all-your-activities.aspx
https://www.redcross.ca/blog/2019/12/ice-safety-know-when-it-s-safe-to-play
https://www.lifesavingsociety.com/water-safety/cold-water-and-ice.aspx
Volunteer Drivers Needed!
ROSSS (Rural Ottawa South Support Services) is looking for volunteer drivers. This can be an especially rewarding way to share your time in support of this important local service provider. If you are interested, contact them at 613-692-4697 or at https://rosss.ca/. ROSSS provides services, support and social programs for older adults, seniors and adults with disabilities in rural south Ottawa.
Watson’s Mill Used Book Store
Watson’s Mill Used Bookstore is now closed until Spring 2024. Thank you to the community for all your support. The bookstore operates with only donations and volunteers, and proceeds go directly towards sustaining the store, funding building maintenance, programs, and day-to-day operations at Watson’s Mill and Dickinson House.
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Manotick Legion -5550 Ann Street. Branch 314 Manotick Legion has its doors open to ALL residents, offering a great line-up of events – you don’t have to be a member to attend!
Historic Movie Night – January 17 – 7 pm to 9:30 pm – Free screening for all of the movie Casablanca (1942). Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Berman Includes additional wartime features like 1940s cartoons, film short – Canadian War Savings Certificates, a preview of coming attractions, a singalong, public service announcements. All are invited to a night of cinematic enchantment as your host Terry Hunter will help transport you back to the golden age of Hollywood and into a world where love and duty collide in a narrative that has withstood the test of time!
Robbie Burns Dinner and Dance – January 27 – 6:00 pm to 12 am
All are invited to mark your calendar for an evening of Scottish Music and Dance to celebrate a Robbie Burns Dinner and Dance featuring Highland Dancers and Pipers. COST $30.00 per person. Live Band: “Arc of Fire”. Cocktails from 5:30 to 6:30 pm, Dinner at 6:30 pm, live Band from 8:30 pm until 12:00 am
An authentic Scottish menu of Corned Beef, Haggis, Neeps and Tatties. Advance Ticket Purchase Only
To register, please phone 613 692-3243.
NEW! Buddy Check Coffee -10am – Starting January 10, veterans, serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP and Allied Forces are welcome to attend the first Buddy Check Coffee. This will be a bi-monthly event every second Wednesday of every month beginning January 10. You do not need to be a Legion Member to attend. For more information contact: Terry Hunter at peilighthorse@hotmail.com
Progressive Euchre Tournament – First Saturday of the month at the Legion- Register at 12:30 pm; play at 1 pm. For more information, contact: danspitzig@gmail.com
Chic Time in the Tick Returns with The Enchanted Garden Gala in May 2024
Tickets are on sale now. For more information and to purchase tickets go to https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/chic-time-in-the-tick-presents-an-enchanted-garden-gala-tickets-718834522407
Youth of Manotick Association is a registered not-for profit organization offering safe, social, inclusive programs and activities for youth in our community. Friday nights Pre-Teen Program for youth in Grades 4-6 6:30 – 8:00 pm / Youth Drop-In for youth age 12-17 7:30 – 9:00 pm. See the website for more information https://www.yoma.ca
The Manotick and Area Centre for Arts & Wellness focuses on intergenerational connections for seniors through arts and wellness. This includes a multitude of activities such as Tai Chi, yoga, art, music, and dance classes as well as community dances. Their popular concert series focusses on our local singers and musicians. For more info go to https://www.manotickmacaw.com.
