When it comes to Christmas, the Fairmont Château Laurier sets the bar so high that even Santa’s sleigh on delivery night appears low altitude, by comparison.

On Monday, the hotel kicked off its annual Trees of Hope fundraiser for CHEO with its always-popular lighting ceremony and auction. Hundreds of invited guests dropped into the bustling ballroom to admire the 34 trees, all sponsored by local businesses and decorated that afternoon.

Fairmont Château Laurier’s Trees of Hope for CHEO, which enjoyed its festive kick off on Monday, November 28, 2016, with its tree lighting and silent auction, continues throughout the holiday season to allow the visiting public to vote on their favourite tree and make a donation to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.

The crowd was also there to bid on 228 silent auction items. The donations included a generous selection of two-night stays in Fairmont hotels around Canada and the United States (including Maui), original artworks, Rideau Centre gift cards galore and tonnes of toys.

Alex Munter, CEO of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, was joined by magazine publisher Mary Taggart (who was also representing top sponsor Tamarack Homes) and their fellow volunteer judges in choosing the trees that best captured this year’s themes of Good and Gold and Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

From left, the Sicotte Guilbault Legal Services team, consisting of lawyers Karen Ergus, Marie-Helene Godbout, Jessica Houle, Karen Pelletier and Emilie Leblanc-Lacasse, won the judges’ pick in the Planes, Trains and Automobiles category at the Fairmont Château Laurier’s Trees of Hope for CHEO lighting ceremony and silent auction, held Monday, November 28, 2016.

In the former category, District Realty won with their Paris-themed tree adorned with champagne flutes and masquerade masks while the legal team from Sicotte Guilbault captured the judges’ hearts with its vintage-styled tree topped with an aviator Santa.
The trees are to remain on display throughout the holiday season in the hotel’s public spaces. Everyone is encouraged to come vote on their favourite while making a donation to CHEO.

From left, the District Realty team, consisting of Elaine Carroll, Debra Hertz, Lydia Almuete, Julia Chan-Carpentier and Bo Cheng were the judges’ choice in the Good and Gold cateogry with their Paris-themed tree, seen on display with 33 other trees at the Fairmont Château Laurier’s Trees of Hope for CHEO lighting ceremony and silent auction, held Monday, November 28, 2016.

Attendees included Château Laurier general manager Claude Sauvé and the indomitable Deneen Perrin. She’s the hotel’s director of public relations and main organizer of the festive benefit. She anticipates this year’s Trees of Hope will end up raising $95,000 for CHEO.

From left, Jacqueline Belsito, vice president of philanthropy for the CHEO Foundation, with Fairmont Château Laurier public relations director Deneen Perrin, Deborah Sauvé and her husband, Claude Sauvé, general manager of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, at the hotel’s annual Trees of Hope benefit in support of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, held Monday, November 28, 2016.

What makes the evening so special, Perrin noted, is the presence of families. It’s one of the few parties on the social circuit that also welcomes children (and then proceeds to spoil them with an array of delicious desserts). Seen with their young kids in tow were Peter Nicholson from WCPD Foundation and Richcraft’s Monica Singhal and Kevin Yemm, who were highest bidders on the donated family ski pass to Mont Ste. Marie.

Monica Singhal and Kevin Yemm from Richcraft Group of Companies brought along their three children, Dhara, Maya and Chet, to the Trees of Hope for CHEO lighting ceremony and silent auction, held at the Fairmont Château Laurier on Monday, November 28, 2016.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

The Ottawa Art Gallery thought the public announcement of its generous donation of $1.5 million from prominent businessman and philanthropist John Ruddy was sure to be the city’s highlight of the week. That is, until the Redblacks football team — co-owned by Ruddy — brought home the first Grey Cup in 40 years.

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• Ottawa Art Gallery receives $1.5M donation for expansion project

“What a game, what a result,” said Lawson Hunter, counsel at Stikeman Elliott LLP and chair of both the gallery’s board of directors and its capital campaign.

Lawson Hunter is joined on stage by his fellow capital campaign committee members, from left, Susan Wood, Tom Houston, Rebecca Baker, Rachel Baxter, Richard Roth, Barbara Uteck, Janet Yale and Alexandra Badzak for the announcement made at the OAG on Tuesday, November 29, 2016, of a major donation of $1.5 million to the Ottawa Art Gallery, which has surpassed its capital campaign target by reaching $5.1 million.

Hunter was speaking to a gathering of gallery donors, supporters and artists at Tuesday’s announcement of the OAG’s largest private donation, made by Ruddy and his wife, Jennifer, from their Trinity Development Foundation.

The gallery has been working tirelessly to create a bigger and better space for itself. In September 2015, it launched its capital campaign, Art Now-L’art ici, to raise $3.5 million toward its modern new building, currently under construction next door and slated to open in 2017. The campaign has surpassed its target by reaching $5.1 million – an announcement that drew loud applause and cheers from the crowd.

“I think it’s about time that our community has space to house its collection in a building that we can all be proud of, and I’m proud to have helped in my little way to make that possible,” Ruddy, who’s also executive chairman of Trinity Development Group and a key player in the Lansdowne Park revitalization, said in his brief remarks.

Hunter became acquainted with Ruddy when the gallery was in talks some seven years ago to possibly re-locate to Lansdowne. The more he dealt with Ruddy, the more impressed he became with the businessman. “In some ways, he truly is the Renaissance man of Ottawa,” said Hunter, while referring to Ruddy’s financial contributions to education, health care, sports, and the arts in this city. “He’s a visionary, he’s creative, he’s a builder. I have to say, he’s an absolute pleasure to deal with,” said Hunter.

Present for the announcement were Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, Mayor Jim Watson, city councillors Tim Tierney and Diane Deans, Lawson’s fellow campaign committee members, and the OAG’s director and CEO, Alexandra Badzak.

From left, Supreme Court of Canada Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin with her husband, Frank McArdle, and Ottawa Art Gallery board member and capital campaign committee member Barbara Uteck at the OAG on Tuesday, November 29, 2016, for the announcement of a $1.5-million donation by John and Jennifer Ruddy from the Trinity Development Foundation.

The new gallery at 50 Mackenzie King Bridge will expand to more than 80,000 square feet. It will house a 250-seat multipurpose and multidisciplinary screening space that will be home to the Canadian Film Institute, a changing exhibition gallery, a permanent collection gallery, a studio for workshops, a café, a gallery shop and new dedicated gallery space for the Firestone Collection of Canadian Art and its more than 1,600 works (most of it is hidden away in storage due to a lack of space).

The project also includes a private sector mixed-use residential complex consisting of Arthaus condos by DevMcGill and a boutique hotel by Group Germain Hotels.

Ottawa artist Danny Hussey and his partner Bridget Thompson at the Ottawa Art Gallery on Tuesday, November 29, 2016, for the announcement of a $1.5-million donation from John and Jennifer Ruddy and their Trinity Development Foundation toward the gallery’s capital campaign.

As for that incredible Grey Cup victory, Ruddy shared with everyone how anxious he felt watching Sunday’s game, with its suspense-filled overtime. “I thought I was going to have a heart attack about four or five times,” he recalled.

It’s a good thing he had iconic football player Russ Jackson, along with his wife, Lois, watching it with him that night. Jackson reminded Ruddy, in true Yogi Berra fashion, that it’s not over until it’s over.

In other words, there’s still hope for the underdog. And just as the Redblacks proved it, so has the Ottawa Art Gallery.

carolyn001@sympatico.ca

It was a good idea to remind folks from Scotiabank they were “richer than you think” during their live auction bidding at the bank’s 18th annual charity event for United Way Ottawa, held at the new Craft Beer Market at Lansdowne.

There as special host was retired Ottawa Senators defenceman Chris Phillips, honorary co-chair with his wife Erin of the Hopes Rising campaign for mental health at the Queensway Carleton Hospital. He’s of no relation to Scotiabank branch manager Jason Phillips, who co-organized Wednesday’s event with Shawna Blanchard from Scotia Wealth Management.

From left, Chris Phillips, retired defenceman with the Ottawa Senators, and event co-organizer and Scotiabank branch manager Jason Phillips (no relation) at Scotiabank’s 18th Annual United Way Charity Event, held Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at Craft Beer Market Lansdowne. 

From left, Scotia Wealth Management vice-president Geoff Moore and Scotiabank district vice president Frank Bilodeau with host Chris Phillips, retired defenceman with the Ottawa Senators, and co-organizer Shawna Blanchard, also with Scotia Wealth Management, at Craft Beer Market Lansdowne on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, for the bank’s 18th Annual United Way Charity Event.

The 250-plus attendees included United Way Ottawa president and CEO Michael Allen, Mayor Jim Watson and Ottawa Senators president Cyril Leeder, seen chatting with Kinaxis president and CEO John Sicard. Noon anchor Michael O’Byrne from CTV Ottawa News auctioned off an Erik Karlsson-signed jersey and an autographed and framed Guy Lafleur game stick.

From left, Cyril Leeder, president of the Ottawa Senators, with John Sicard, president and CEO of Kinaxis, with Steffanie Bilodeau and her husband, Scotiabank district vice president Frank Bilodeau, at the bank’s 18th Annual United Way Charity Event, held at Craft Beer Market Lansdowne on Wednesday, November 30, 2016.

On hand was Scotiabank district V-P Frank Bilodeau. He’s past board chair with United Way Ottawa and is co-chairing its campaign to raise $15.2 million. The bank employees have a long history with United Way, having raised $1.7 million for the non-profit agency over the years. “We honestly feel from the top of the organization down that United Way is in the best position to ensure that your donation has the greatest impact on this city,” he told Around Town.

From left, live auctioneer Michael O’Byrne, from CTV Ottawa News, with United Way president and CEO Michael Allen at Craft Beer Market Lansdowne on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, for Scotiabank’s 18th Annual United Way Charity Event.

From left, KPMG accountant Geoff Gross (counting down the hours until he can shave off his Movember) with Scotiabank’s Sarah Jackson and retired Scotiabank executive Dennis Jackson at Craft Beer Market Lansdowne on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, for the bank’s 18th Annual United Way Charity Event.

Jenn Graves, resource development officer at Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa, with Scotiabank district vice president Frank Bilodeau at the bank’s 18th Annual United Way Charity Event held at Craft Beer Market Lansdowne on Wednesday, November 30, 2016.

Lawyer Lawrence Greenspon from Greenspon, Brown & Associates with his wife, Angela Lariviere, at Craft Beer Market Lansdowne on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, for the 18th Annual United Way Charity Event.

Adam Kane, Ginger Robinson and Kelly Dixon from Scotia Wealth Management at Scotiabank’s 18th Annual United Way Charity Event, held Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at Craft Beer Market Lansdowne.

Community leader Chris Phillips, retired long-time defenceman for the Ottawa Senators, welcomes supporters of Scotiabank’s 18th Annual United Way Charity Event, held Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at Craft Beer Market Lansdowne.

carolyn001@sympatico.ca

If not for Lawrence Hill’s volunteer work with Crossroads International, The Book of Negroes might never have materialized. The same goes for his most recent novel, The Illegal.

“It’s been life-changing for me,” the award-winning writer said of his Crossroads experience during an intimate evening he hosted Thursday in support of the Canadian grassroots development organization. Crossroads works to reduce poverty and increase women’s rights in some of the poorest countries.

Award-winning Canadian novelist Lawrence Hill was at the Canadian Museum of History on Thursday, December 1, 2016, to speak at a Crossroads International event to advance women’s right in Africa. 

The $100-a-ticket event, sponsored by EY and held at the Canadian Museum of History, saw proceeds go to Crossroads’ Aminata Fund established by Hill and his wife Miranda to advance the leadership and economic empowerment of women and girls in Africa.

The crowd of 125 heard how Hill began his volunteer work in West Africa in 1979, while studying economics at university. He’s gone back three more times as a volunteer with Crossroads and serves as its honorary patron.

From left, Lissa Heringer, Liz Heaney, Sandra Goldberg, Janet Bradley and Sandra Ashe at An Intimate Evening with Lawrence Hill, held at the Canadian Museum of History on Thursday, December 1, 2016, in support of Crossroads International.

“I’ve had such a long and beautiful connection with Crossroads,” he told the room. “Sometimes when I speak to high school and university students about their lives I try to drill home the point that, although it’s natural and normal to worry about your marks or getting a job …I do try and encourage them to think about a life of volunteerism, as well,” said Hill. “I believe you’d be hard-pressed to find an ordinary Canadian who’s gone off to do volunteer work … and has come back disappointed.

“Most people that I’ve met … have felt immensely enriched.”

From left, Peter Riehm with his sister, Crossroads International volunteer Janet Riehm, and her husband, Salim Silim, at An Intimate Evening with Lawrence Hill, held at the Canadian Museum of History on Thursday, December 1, 2016, in support of Crossroads International.

In speaking about his Crossroads mentoring role in Africa, Hill shared a shocking story relayed to him by girls in Swaziland of being sexually assaulted on their way to school, and then disciplined at school for arriving late.

The author also read a snippet from The Illegal and spoke briefly about his next novel, based on the African-American soldiers who came up from the Deep South to build the Alaska Highway in Northern Canada during the Second World War.

Hill, an Order of Canada recipient and winner of The Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize and Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, was affable, humble and approachable.

Lawrence Hill signs a copy of his book Any Known Blood for Athena Quitevis at a fundraising evening featuring the award-winning Canadian author in support of Crossroads International, held Thursday, December 1, 2016 at the Canadian Museum of History.

At the start of his talk, he recalled the first time he spoke publicly as an author. It was 1992 in Halifax. Four people showed up, including the event organizer, the book seller and him. “There was one fan in the audience who bought a book, and that doubled my annual sales,” he joked.

Crossroads International executive director Carine Guidicelli at An Intimate Evening with Lawrence Hill, held at the Canadian Museum of History on Thursday, December 1, 2016, in support of Crossroads International.

From left, award-winning Canadian novelist Lawrence Hill with Gary Zed from presenting sponsor EY, at the Canadian Museum of History on Thursday, December 1, 2016, at a Crossroads International benefit to advance women’s right in Africa.

From left, Tanya Trevors and Deborah Gomes-Schultz, arriving with their copies of The Illegal, to An Intimate Evening with Lawrence Hill, held at the Canadian Museum of History on Thursday, December 1, 2016, in support of Crossroads International.

From left, Jean Michel Laurin, vice president and director of the Ottawa office of Octane Strategies with iPolitics founder and publisher James Baxter at An Intimate Evening with Lawrence Hill, held at the Canadian Museum of History on Thursday, December 1, 2016, in support of Crossroads International.

Award-winning Canadian novelist Lawrence Hill was at the Canadian Museum of History on Thursday, December 1, 2016, to speak at a Crossroads International event to advance women’s right in Africa.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

Brian Mulroney was in town Tuesday to receive the highest civilian honour bestowed by France at a decoration ceremony held at its embassy and attended by a distinguished crowd, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The former Conservative prime minister received the insignia of Commander of the National Order of the Legion of Honour from Ambassador Nicolas Chapuis at a gathering conducted mostly in French. Trudeau did not deliver a speech but was heard saying “It’s an honour to be here” while participating in a toast.

Former prime minister Brian Mulroney was presented with the insignia of Commander of the National Order of the Legion of Honour — the highest decoration in France — at the Embassy of France on Tuesday, December 6, 2016.

French Ambasador Nicolas Chapuis and his wife, Sylvie Camia, at the Embassy of France of Tuesday, December 6, 2016, for the induction of former prime minister Brian Mulroney into the French Legion of Honour.

Attendees included Mulroney’s wife, Mila (seen adjusting her husband’s medal to perfection after the ceremony), and two of their four children, Caroline and Mark.

Mark Mulroney and his wife Vanessa at the Embassy of France on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, for the induction ceremony of his father, former prime minister Brian Mulroney, into the French Legion of Honour.

Also spotted were: interim Conservative Party leader and Official Opposition leader Rona Ambrose, Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin and her colleague, Suzanne Côté, and former Algonquin College president Kent MacDonald. He’s now head of St. Francis Xavier (StFX) University, where Mulroney did his undergrad and where he recently returned for the announcement of the new $60-million Brian Mulroney Institute of Government and Mulroney Hall.

Former prime minister Brian Mulroney was presented by French Ambassador Nicolas Chapuis the insignia of Commander of the National Order of the Legion of Honour at the Embassy of France on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 while guests, including prime minister Justin Trudeau, applaud.

Conservative justice critic Rob Nicholson (and a member of Brian Mulroney’s government in the 1980s), Arlene Nicholson and Mila Mulroney at the Embassy of France on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, for Brian Mulroney’s induction into the French Legion of Honour.

From left, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ian Shugart with National Gallery of Canada Foundation board chair Thomas d’Aquino, Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin and German Ambassador Werner Wnendt at the Embassy of France on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, for the induction of former prime minister Brian Mulroney into the French Legion of Honour.

The Legion of Honour recognizes the former prime minister’s dedication to the development of France-Canada relations and his international promotion of La Francophonie.

“I had wanted the Francophonie to reflect the reality of Canada’s much valued and much admired official bilingualism status created by prime minister Pierre Trudeau, the distinguished father of our present prime minister, and I wanted because of that to allow the rich French-speaking dimension of our country’s unique personality to flourish on the international scene,” said Mulroney. “I am delighted to say tonight that that is precisely what happened.”

Interim Conservative Party leader and Official Opposition leader Rona Ambrose with Brian Mulroney, Parry Sound-Muskoka MP and Official Opposition Public Safety critic Tony Clement, and Niagara Falls MP and Official Opposition Justice critic Rob Nicholson at the Embassy of France on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, for Mulroney’s induction into the French Legion of Honour.

Mulroney also accepted his medal with good grace and humour while reminding the room of his humble roots. “I would like to believe that President Hollande of France may have thought about Canada’s unique and rich bilingual and multicultural character when he bestowed an honour, created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, to a descendant of Irish immigrants, born in Baie-Comeau, Quebec, on the far north shore of the St. Lawrence River.

“I would like to believe that,” he said, although the incredulity in his voice got everyone chuckling.

“I’d like to believe that, but I’m also realistic enough to appreciate that Napoleon himself, if he came back to earth tonight, might be somewhat surprised at what’s going on here. He might even be startled to see what has been done in his name.
“Sir, wherever you are, I thank you.”

Supreme Court Justice Suzanne Côté and her husband, Gérald Tremblay, a law partner at McCarthy Tétrault, were at the Embassy of France on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, for former prime minister Brian Mulroney’s induction into the French Legion of Honour.

From left, Serge Sasseville, senior vice president of corporate and institutional affairs at Quebecor Media with Senator Serge Joyal, a former cabinet minister in the Pierre Trudeau government, at the Embassy of France on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, for the induction of former prime minister Brian Mulroney into the French Legion of Honour.

From left, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Mila Mulroney and former prime minister Brian Mulroney listen as French Ambassador Nicolas Chapuis speaks at the Embassy of France on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, prior to the induction of Mulroney into the French Legion of Honour.

From left, St. Francis Xavier University president Kent MacDonald (also former president of Algonquin College), with Algonquin College board member Mark Sutcliffe at the Embassy of France on Tuesday, Demcember 6, 2016, for former prime minister Brian Mulroney’s induction into the French Legion of Honour.

From left, Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin with Vanessa Mulroney and Caroline Mulroney Lapham at the Embassy of France on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, for the induction of former prime minister Brian Mulroney into the French Legion of Honour.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

There’s no better party for perking up a crowd of early risers than Christmas Cheer, an annual breakfast that brings hundreds of folks together to raise big bucks for those Ottawa charities helping to feed and provide extra support to disadvantaged families and residents over the holiday season.

The 26th annual event saw between 800 and 900 people share a meal together at The Westin Ottawa on Friday while raising roughly $120,000. On hand was the hotel’s general manager, Ross Meredith. He’s also a member of the Christmas Cheer Foundation. The volunteer board is chaired by Welch LLP partner Jim McConnery, who was on stage for the ceremonial cheque presentations made by Mierins Automotive Group, Scotiabank and Telus.

From left, Christmas Cheer Foundation chair Jim McConnery, partner with Welch LLP, with fellow board member Ross Meredith, general manager of The Westin Ottawa, at the hotel on Friday, December 9, 2016, for the annual charity breakfast.

CTV Ottawa’s Leanne Cusack was back to host the event with her colleague Michael O’Byrne. He deserves kudos — not only for singing a holiday tune on stage but also for doing so at the ungodly hour of 7 a.m.

Leanne Cusack with her colleague from CTV Ottawa News at Noon, Michael O’Byrne, at the annual Christmas Cheer charity breakfast held at The Westin Ottawa on Friday, December 9, 2016. 

Helping to dish out the hot meal were such well-known faces as Mayor Jim Watson and Police Chief Charles Bordeleau, along with Michael Maidment from the Ottawa Food Bank and Cindy Smith from the Caring and Sharing Exchange.
Red poinsettias on every breakfast table added a striking presence to the ballroom, which was bathed in festive hues.

From left, Coun. Mathieu Fleury (Rideau-Vanier) and Ottawa Food Bank executive director Michael Maidment helped serve breakfast to hundreds of attendees of the annual Christmas Cheer charity breakfast, held at The Westin Ottawa on Friday, December 9, 2016.

From left, Dave Smith and Mayor Jim Watson volunteered at the Christmas Cheer charity breakfast, held at The Westin Ottawa on Friday, December 9, 2016.

Cindy Smith, executive director of the Caring and Sharing Exchange, was hard at work during the Christmas Cheer charity breakfast held at The Westin Ottawa on Friday, December 9, 2016.

There was also holiday music and singing, raffle prizes and a coin-flipping heads and tail fundraising contest led by Meredith. For $20, participants predicted the coin toss outcome by placing their hands on their head or backside. If they were wrong, they were swiftly eliminated. If they guessed correctly, they continued to play until only one person remained. The winner ended up being Laurie Mack, who won a $500 Rideau Centre gift card and three-night stay at a Westin hotel in Florida.

And then there were two. Laurie Mack, left, a guest of Michael Prittie from Mandeville Private Client Inc., reacts with surprise upon learning she’s the prize winner in the coin-toss fundraising contest held during the Christmas Cheer charity breakfast, held Friday, December 9, 2016.

Ottawa Police Chief Charles Bordeleau and Cheryl Jensen, president of Algonquin College, were volunteer servers at the Christmas Cheer charity breakfast, held at The Westin Ottawa on Friday, December 9, 2016.

From left, Staff Sgt. Julie Vaillant with Const. Jenna McElravy and Deputy Chief Jill Skinner of the Ottawa Police Service, whose members helped to sell raffle tickets at the annual Christmas Cheer charity breakfast held at The Westin Ottawa on Friday, December 9, 2016.

The Christmas Cheer charity breakfast, held Friday, December 9, 2016 at The Westin Ottawa, included a prize-winning game of heads and tails that eliminated contestants by the simple toss of a coin.

Ottawa high school students got the crowd in a festive mood with their singing during the annual Christmas Cheer breakfast held at The Westin Ottawa on Friday, December 9, 2016.

Carolyn0012@sympatico.ca

The Ottawa River has been such a continuing source of inspiration for many of the landscapes painted by David Lidbetter over the years that the local artist wanted to use his talents to give back to Ottawa Riverkeeper, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the river from waste and pollution.

From left, artist David Lidbetter at the opening of his new exhibition, Silent Spaces, with Wall Space Gallery director Patricia Barr and Patrick Nadeau and Meredith Brown from the show’s beneficiary charity, Ottawa Riverkeeper, on Thursday, December 8, 2016.

He donated for silent auction a pair of river-themed artworks from his new exhibition, Silent Spaces, which enjoyed its opening Thursday at Wall Space Gallery in Westboro. Both paintings sold, with Scotia Wealth Management director David Cork purchasing one of them: Sundown at Lemieux Island (anybody fortunate enough to attend last spring’s Riverkeeper Gala will have fond memories of that small island in the middle of the Ottawa River).

From left, PR professional Shelley Mullins with Jenni Tipper and David Cork from Scotia Wealth Management at Wall Space Gallery on Thursday, December 8, 2016, for the opening of Aylmer, Que. artist David Lidbetter’s new Silent Spaces exhibition, of which two paintings were sold — one to Cork — in support of the non-profit organization Ottawa Riverkeeper.

Lidbetter not only paints the river but also lives along its shore, in Aylmer, Que., and enjoys swimming, canoeing and fishing in its waters. “It’s a big part of who I am,” he told Around Town at the vernissage.

Present from the non-profit organization were its executive director, Patrick Nadeau, and Meredith Brown, who holds the title of Riverkeeper.

Local artist David Lidbetter is flanked by a pair of artworks that he donated for silent auction in support of Ottawa Riverkeeper during a vernissage held Thursday, December 8, 2016, for his new art show, Silent Spaces, at Wall Space Gallery in Westboro.

Local artist David Lidbetter of Aylmer, Que. opened his new solo exhibition, Silent Spaces, at Wall Space Gallery on Thursday, December 8, 2016.

Coincidentally, the vernissage took place on the artist’s birthday. Gallery director Patricia Barr surprised him with some candle-lit dessert courtesy of The Cupcake Lounge.

Wall Space Gallery in Westboro didn’t let the opening of artist David Lidbetter’s new show, Silent Spaces, take place without surprising him on his birthday with some candle-lit dessert, courtesy of The Cupcake Lounge.

Wall Space Gallery hosted a vernissage on Thursday, December 8, 2016, to celebrate the opening of Alymer, Que. artist David Lidbetter’s solo exhibition, called Silent Spaces.

Ottawa labour lawyer David Yazbeck with his wife, Louisa Fenner, at Wall Space Gallery on Thursday, December 8, 2016, for the opening of Silent Spaces, a new art exhibition by Alymer artist David Lidbetter.

Carolyn001@sympatico.ca

Time is running out but you can still skate through your Christmas shopping list at Bayshore.

The west-end shopping mall hosted a launch party Tuesday for its third-floor Crystal Hall holiday space, complete with indoor synthetic ice skating rink. All the money raised from skate rentals, along with coat check and gift wrapping services, is being donated to the fundraising arm of the Ottawa Senators hockey club.

Female fashion plates from local modelling agency Angie’s AMTI were on hand Tuesday, December 13, 2016, for the launch party of Bayshore Shopping Centre’s holiday headquarters, Crystal Hall, which features an indoor skating rink in support of the Ottawa Senators Foundation.

The DJ-ed soirée saw a stylish group of guests mingle in the mall’s new lounge area over food and cocktails while a lone figure skater took to the new rink, adored with winter wonderland inspiration and gorgeous models from Angie’s AMTI. The skating area will remain at the mall throughout the holiday season and into February.

From left, Steve Wilson, co-owner of Escape Manor, with fellow entrepreneurs Melanie Lafreniere and Sonny Juane of ZaZaZoo at Bayshore Shopping Centre during its launch party held Tuesday, December 13, 2016, for its Crystal Hall and indoor skating rink benefiting the Ottawa Senators Foundation.

“Every year they up their game,” Brad Weir, director of communications and community programs at the Ottawa Senators Foundation, told Around Town of Bayshore’s ongoing support of the foundation, a charitable organization that helps kids and youth get better access to sports, after-school programs, education opportunities and physical and mental health services.

From left, Bayshore Shopping Centre property manager Justin Markey with the Caitlin Rideway and Brad Weir from the Ottawa Senators Foundation on Tuesday, December 13, 2016, for the launch party of the mall’s holiday headquarters, Crystal Hall, which features an indoor skating rink in support of the foundation.

Angie Sakla-Seymour and her husband Lou Seymour from their modeling agency, Angie’s AMTI, were on hand Tuesday, December 13, 2016, for the launch party of Bayshore Shopping Centre’s holiday headquarters, Crystal Hall, which features an indoor skating rink in support of the Ottawa Senators Foundation.

From left, Katrina Turnbull, host of Capital Style Files, with lifestyle blogger Dominique Baker and Julie Lan on Tuesday, December 13, 2016, for the launch party of Bayshore Shopping Centre’s holiday headquarters, Crystal Hall, which features an indoor skating rink in support of the Ottawa Senators Foundation.

Female fashion plates from local modelling agency Angie’s AMTI added some sparkle to the launch party on Tuesday, December 13, 2016, of Bayshore Shopping Centre’s holiday headquarters, Crystal Hall, which features an indoor skating rink in support of the Ottawa Senators Foundation. 

MJ Naim Brown and her husband, Mac Brown, along with their daughter, Mathilda-Jolie, 10, dropped into Bayshore Shopping Centre’s launch party held Tuesday, December 13, 2016, to celebrate its Crystal Hall, which features an indoor skating rink in support of the Ottawa Senators Foundation.

Female fashion plates from local modelling agency Angie’s AMTI were on hand Tuesday, December 13, 2016, for the launch party of Bayshore Shopping Centre’s holiday headquarters, Crystal Hall, which features an indoor skating rink in support of the Ottawa Senators Foundation.

In past years, the mall has offered valet parking, coat check and gift wrapping to help raise money. With this season’s Crystal Hall, Bayshore has not only positioned itself as a destination shopping centre, said Weir, but has also demonstrated its ongoing charitable commitment. “They equally want to give back to this neighbourhood and community,” said Weir. “I’ve got to hand it to them.”

carolyn001@sympatico.ca

There could very well be one less teen begging for a new iPhone this holiday season now that 15-year-old Chloe O’Malley already got the perfect gift: a role in the National Arts Centre’s production of A Christmas Carol. It stars the beloved Andy Jones as Scrooge and is directed by Jillian Keiley, the artistic director of the NAC’s English Theatre.

“It’s the best thing I could have asked for,” the well-rounded student of Lisgar Collegiate Institute told Around Town during Friday’s opening night party. “I can’t believe I’m here. It’s awesome.”

O’Malley is a veteran of the NAC stage but not as an actor; she’s danced in such productions as The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. A Christmas Carol marks her first foray into theatre.

It’s been a thrill, she said, to work alongside the cast and to be mentored by Jones. “I’ve learned so much from him,” said O’Malley, who’s had previous acting success in television.

Other local youth with roles in the classic holiday pick-me-up include Sébastien Cimpaye, Max Dillabough, Ry Prior, Clara Silcoff and second-generation thespian Louis Brault, 13. His dad is well-known Ottawa actor and playwright Pierre Brault. “It was deeply moving just to be able to sit in the audience and watch my son up there, and with just a tinge of jealousy,” said Brault, who’s also a stand-up comic.

As well, the cast includes Ottawa actors Emily Pearlman, Chris Ralph and Kristina Watt, along with Lili Connor and Charles Douglas, who grew up in Ottawa.

A Christmas Carol continues at the NAC until Dec. 31.

carolyn001@sympatico.ca

Remember when you look down at your not-so-beloved Brussels sprouts this Christmas that not every family is lucky enough to enjoy such a holiday feast.

This year’s demand for festive food hampers is up by 23 per cent, leaving the Christmas Exchange Program with a waiting list of 3,000. More than half of the people in need of assistance are children and seniors.

On Wednesday morning, more than 200 volunteers donned their Santa hats and best ugly Christmas sweaters before heading to the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne. There, while upbeat music filled the room, corporate partners and community leaders filled hampers with food.

From left, Caring and Sharing Exchange executive director Cindy Smith with Ottawa MP Catherine McKenna at the Hamper Packing Day held at the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne on Wednesday, December 21, 2016, in support of the nonprofit’s Christmas Exchange Program to provide food hampers to individuals and families in need.

The annual Hamper Packing Day gives people a tangible way to help, explained Cindy Smith, executive director of the Caring and Sharing Exchange nonprofit that runs the food hamper and gift voucher program. Even more meaningful, she added, is when volunteers deliver the hampers and get to meet the people receiving them.

Helpers included Ottawa MP Catherine McKenna, Ottawa MPPs John Fraser and Yasir Naqvi, and Mayor Jim Watson with city councillors Jean Cloutier, Keith Egli and Mark Taylor.

From left, Mayor Jim Watson and city councillors Mark Taylor (Bay Ward) and Keith Egli (Knoxdale-Merivale Ward) were among the community leaders to volunteer at the Hamper Packing Day, held at the Horticulture Building on Wednesday, December 21, 2016, in order to fill 500 food hampers for individuals and families in need this Christmas.

The program has a special place in the heart of Paul Lalonde, who recruited his darling wee daughters to help out. Lalonde, a law partner at Emond Harnden, is also the board president of the Caring and Sharing Exchange. He recalled how his grandmother, as a single mom of four in the 1950s and ’60s, relied on such a program so that her family could enjoy a Christmas dinner together. “My family knows firsthand the difference that we’re all making today,” he told the crowd before it rolled up their sleeves and got to work.