Rosaleen Leslie Dickson

"Learn from the past, plan for the future," is what I always say.
Having done all that learning and planning, I now just deal with today,
at Rideau Place on the River. Click on the following for information about:
* Our children, and theirs * Patrick Meikle's daily "Writing Resources"
* The National Press Club of Canada * Environment * Sing Rounds
* The Canadian Association of Journalists * The Media Club of Ottawa
* The Ottawa Diplomatic Association * Links to good sites & sources
* Pierre Bourque's NEWS WATCH * Preserving Lansdowne Park
* Fast, reliable, expert Mac Service, Patrick Castel, 613-523-3349
* Think like a Knowledge Worker, Bill Sheridan 613-297-7903
* Internet Nostalgia. Remember those early days when ... !
* Second Counsel Services: Intellectual Property management. David French.
Great moments are not only the attainment of goals,
but also the amazing journeys that take us there,
and the people we encounter all along the way.

David Rutherford Dickson
1919 - 1992 Born November 15, 1919,
Westmount, Montreal, Que.
Son of David Wallace Dickson, ot Glasgow and Christina Smart Rutherford of Edinburgh. David was a King's Scout. skier, camper.
Toured Scotland by bicycle.
Played classical piano, attended
McGill University: Commerce,
then worked at Price Waterhouse:

Joined RCAF, February 1941 Married - October 28, 1942
Taught Astral Navigation
with British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, Rivers, Manitoba.
Flt. Lt. Ferry Command, then
RAF Bomber Squadron 214 FMS
Observer Navigator-Bomb-aimer
"'Avenging in the Shadows"

Pathfinder, DamBuster with RAF.
His name
renowned
in Air Force
lore;
He loved
the skies,
but not
the war.

Queen's University BCom.'49
Moved from Kingston to Ottawa.
Canada Revenue Officer.

1953 moved to Shawville, Que.
Est. Pontiac Printshop Ltd.
Published The Equity weekly, also The North Renfrew Times, Deep River, Ont., and The Camp Petawawa Post, and local books, was President of the Pontiac Community Hospital Board, organized Ground Observers, gardened and raised horses.

In 1984 we started researching our ancestors throughout Nova Scotia and Scotland, wintering in Florida. Together we wrote the book, traveled, and went sailing, navigating by the stars, but it all ended far too soon. David died in Ottawa, on Sunday July 5, 1992, surrounded by his entire family. "Loved by all who knew him" is carved on his tombstone.

Rosaleen Diana Leslie Dickson
On July 2, 1921, at the home of my grandparents, James Ward Moir and Annie Price Archibald Moir, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, I was born to their only daughter, Elizabeth Putnam Moir Leslie, Music graduate of Emerson College, Boston, a talented pianist, who later was President of The Canadian Club of New York City, and her husband, Kenneth Leslie, ordained Baptist minister, Governor General's Award winning poet, "The Essential Kenneth Leslie," "God's Red Poet", a political activist, author and editor, musician, also wrote "The Cape Breton Lullaby," , and other songs.
My first school was the Halifax Ladies' College, Nova Scotia, then La Maison Blanche in Paris, France, Maret French School, Washington, D.C. (where I met U.S. Pres. Herbert Hoover at his Easter Egg Hunt for children, on the White House lawn), then Brookside School, and Mount Hebron Jr. High, in Montclair, New Jersey, and Lincoln School of Teachers' College, in New York City. There I met John Langstaff (we later explored folk songs and dancing together, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina). In New York I also learned about Broadway Theatre from family friend, veteran Broadway actor Calvin Thomas, and young Montgomery Clift. When Monty went to Hollywood, I went to Guilford College, North Carolina, to study Psychology & Education, for a BA-1941. (62 yrs later, I did an MJ at Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario. )
In 1941, David Dickson of Montreal, Simpson Edward Spencer of Cincinnatti, and I, toured New England on bicycles, rode up to Montreal, then back to visit the World's Fair in New York. Then I coached basketball at Hillel House Community Center, and later sold housewares at R.H. Macy's, then interned for a year at in Hartford, Connecticut, , Psychiatric Inst. of Living, researched media for Edison Electric Inst. and sold condos in Manhattan.
David and I were married in Montreal, October 28, 1942.
World War Two interfered immeasurably, but "la vie c'était la guerre."
When David joined the RCAF, he studied Navigation and then taught it to airmen from around the world and then flew with Ferry Cammand, and got posted to Britain with the RAF Bomber Command, while I taught High School in N.Y., gave birth July 20 to our first son (now Dr. Ross Dickson) and then I served at the Maple Leaf Canteen for Allied Officers, met Cpt. Douglas Rattray, Merchant Navy U.K., whose tanker "The Sam Spelga" was docked in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and Sir Winston Churchill, who came to the U.S. to persuade the Americans to join the War, which they did, and it eventually ended and David came home.
Life then took us to Montreal where David worked for Price Waterhouse, Granby where he was General Manager of the Dominion Brush Company, Kingston where he got is B.Com at Queens University, Wakefield where we lived in a log cabin while David was an official for Federal Revenue in Ottawa, Ottawa where we found an apartment and we ran the little "Family Gazette" , Shawville where we bought the weekly newspaper, and Florida where we retired, and sailed; each location a whole new adventure and another story. The major one will be about THE EQUITY, Pontiac County's weekly newspaper which I edited and published every Thursday for 35 years. I also did aerial Photography with pilot Fl Lt Iverson Harris in his Cessna, wrote and announced Pontiac news at CKOB, Renfrew, helped organize community radio, CHIP FM, in Fort Coulonge, Que.
Produced Children's TV for Ottawa cable, and CHOV, Pembroke.
In Ottawa, I also wrote for The Hill Times - about Canada's Government and Politics..
Among our close friends at that time were painter Bob Hyndman, Irish singer, song-writer Tommy Makem - talented and lovely artists.
Sunday, March 12, 1961, I started hosting the TV show "Valley Weekly," first "live" show aired by Ernie Bushnell's CJOH TV, Ottawa. With Fred Inglis doing research, My occasional co-hosts were Bill Luxton, Lloyd McQuiggan and Peter Jennings.
In 1973, with Pauline Marois-Blanchette and others, started CFVO, first Québec TV co-op, and was also a director, announcer, news reader and disk-jockey, French & English at radio CHIP FM in Fort Coulonge, Que.
When we first moved to Ottawa, I chaired the Hospital Division of The Ottawa Citizens' Committee on Children and wrote the brief to Dr Mervin Mirsky & Mayor Don Reid about the need for CHEO, established in 1974.
"Cyberspace Trailblazer" feature by Ruth Dempsey in "Aging Horizons"
Presented at the International Statistical Conference, Ottawa.
Wrote "The Meech Lake Monster" - 1989 - ISBN-10: 0-919942-10-5
My sites: Old Folks at Home on the WWW, and New Canadian Books.
"Ask Great Granny" - on-going world-wide Internet phenomenon,
Director: Canadian Assoc. of Journalists, and The National Press Club.
"Cyberqueen" - by Sharon Rockey, in the North Bay Record.
Taught Print Journalism at Ryerson University,Toronto - 1995-96 -
Published "Capital Letter" and Ottawa Independent Writers web site, and judged "Better Newspapers" for Canadian Newspapers Association.
"Need to know," about RLD by Carl Dow in "True North Perspective"
.

"Great Scot!"
We'd rather be sailing . . . "Per ardua ad Astra"
Phone: 613-232-1837
Chat! "Not just another pencil.
Seniors on the Internet"
Carleton MJ thesis

Genealogy and Lore
from the Dickson-Leslie Family History Book, including:
Ahearn, Aikman, Alexander, Archibald,Alrmstong, Bailey, Bashaw, Begbie, Bell, Bent, Bentley, Blair, Boggs, Boutilier, Bowditch, Brown, Bryden, Brydon, Buck, Butler, Church, Douglas, Dugwell, Fraser, Gray, Jost, King, Lawlor, Mason, Moir, Monteith, Parker, Prest, Putnam, Remby, Ross, Rutherford, Sleigh, Smart, Starratt, Wallace, Wentzel, York and other related families.

Our children ~ "Chance favours the prepared mind" ~ Louis Pasteur.

David Ross
Dickson
Perth, Ontario
PhD. Cambridge
"The Hill Times"
Politics and Government
"EMBASSY" - Foreign Policy
Diana Bracegirdle

Jennifer Leslie
Dickson
Perth, Ontario
Law. Ottawa U.
Executive Counseling
Leslie Enterprises
Builds cooperative processes,
businesses, government leaders and organizations.

Elizabeth Putnam
Dickson
Ex. MBA. Harvard
PhD. Rockefeller
Molecular Genetics
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Parkdale Symphony

Marjorie Monteith
Dickson
MA Ed. McGill
H. S. Teacher
Antiques in Canada
*Adventures*
Peter Bayfield

Charles Rutherford Diskson
(with 3rd son Thomas)
New York University and
London School of Economics
United Nations, officer
Iternational Development, Africa
Erica Phipps Child Health

Andrew Moir
Dickson
MBA. Ottawa U.
Printer - Publisher
I D Printing Ltd.
12 "MyFM" Radio
Stations in Ontario
Karen Williamson

On Mother's Day - to the ones I love
Each day they show their love in ways I always knew they could; doing what they do the way I always thought they would.
I didn't need a Mother's Day to make my joy complete, but just the same, they all came through and swept me off my feet!
First, Jennifer sent flowers, to give my day a lift, then Ross came, with Diana, for a visit, with a gift.
Elizabeth came Sunday for a special Lansdowne Brunch, with Marjorie and Peter, Andrew, Karen, the whole bunch!
Having them all at my table, really thrilled me to the bone, then, frosting on the cake, a call from Charles on the phone.
They made the Mother's Day event as perfect as could be. They are the best and I am blessed; they are so good to me!

John Mason Dickson
(July 11 to November 13, 1957)
This child was born but did not stay
To fill his role on earth,
He seemed to hold a secret
From the moment of his birth.
Four magic months we cherished
This precious little son.
Then he returned to heaven;
His short, sweet life was done.
Before he found his place in life
He found his home above
And left an empty cradle here
But kept our endless love.
In cosmic family gatherings,
When we've all gone to rest.
The man John Mason would have been
Will stand among the best.

Our Children's Children
* Ross Dickson and Heather Alberti
Leslie Maria Dickson - '79-05-03
David Alberti Dickson - '81-05-29
* Jennifer Dickson and Peter Cotton
Christina Jane Matthews '64-02-23
Matthew Ross Dickson '65-03-07
* Jennifer Dickson and John Matthews
Tamara Leslie Matthews '68-10-10
Elizabeth Marjorie Matthews '73-02-04
* Marjorie Dickson and Ronald Burke
Kathryn Leslie Burke (Phadnis) '78-12-25
Michael Bruce Burke '80-08015
Daniel Rutherford Burke '83-04-01
* Charles Dickson and Tineke Kuijper
Anne Sophie Kuijper Dickson '93-07-04
Willem Arthur Kuijper Dickson '96-04-02
Kenneth Alex. Kuijper Dickson '99-05-14
* Charles Dickson and. Erica Phipps
Thomas Andrew Phipps Dickson '03-03-29.
Eric Rutherford Phipps Dickson '06-01-02
Audrey Estelle Phipps Dickson '07-07-24
* Andrew Dickson and Karen Williamson
Sarah Diana Dickson Thériault '82-4-14
Kate Moir McGregor Dickson '84-10-28
Emma Rosaleen Wallace Dickson '90-5-16

And the Next Generation
Christa Matthews and Steve Hannah
Isaac Gaelen Matthews-Hanna1998-3-1
Oliver Gabriel Matthews-Hanna 2000-11-16
Matthew Dickson and Nancy Maynard
Caleb Peter Michael Dickson 1993-01-14
Matthew Dickson and Beth Schilling
Benjamin Joseph Solomon Dickson '01-11-2
Satinka Schilling 1995-10-07
Beth's Kelly Margaret Schilling 1997-2-4
Tamara Matthews and Jeff Woods
Elijah Matthew Woods 1994-02-28
Aiden Ross Woods 1996-8-27
Leslie Dickson and Jason Barton
Owen Ross Dickson Barton 2005-07-13
Tessa James Dickson Barton 2009-02-14
Kathryn Burke and Neal Phadnis
Ellora Xaouen Phadnis 2010-05-18
Sarah Dickson and Nick Thériault
Nora Grace Thériault 2012-03-05

Books I have edited and/or co-authored, with brilliant colleagues:

"The Dickson and Leslie Family Histories" ~ with David Dickson.
"Freenet For the Fun of It" ~ with Pierre Bourque.
"HTML - The Basic Book" ~ with Rony Aoun.
"The Mother in Law Book" ~ based on my "Ask Great Granny."
"Avenging in the Shadows" ~ w. Ron James and David Dickson.
"Adventures of a Paper Sleuth" ~ Hugh P. MacMillan.
"A Theatre Near You" ~ Alain Miguelez.
"For the Love of TREES" ~ R. Hinchcliff and R. Popadiouk.
"Once Upon a Story" ~ Ellie Marshall's Glace Bay memoirs.
Wrote and produced: "100 Years of Daring - Day One" starring Ray Stone, for Centenial of Canadian Women's Press Club, now the Media Club.
The 'puter swallowed granny. Honestly it's true! She pressed control and enter and disappeared from view.
We searched through the recycle bin and files of every kind; I even Googled Granny, but nothing did I find.
In desperation, we asked Jeeves our searches to refine. Reply from him was negative, no Granny was 'online.'
So if inside your Inbox, our Granny you should see, please copy, scan and paste her and send her back to me.
(Valerie Waite, Derbyshire, England)

August 1, 2010 , at Andrew and Karen's house in Ottawa.
Standing: Charles, Peter Bayfield, Elizabeth, Jennifer, Andrew, Ross
Seated: Erica, Marjorie, Rosaleen, Karen, Diana, at wedding of Sarah Dickson & Nick Thériault.
"It is a wonderful thing to share this planet with someone who totally gets it!" (Charles)
For David, by his cousin Sir William Lowrie Sleigh (pronounced "slay") of Edinburgh

A gentleman from Canada came knocking on my door. He'd come to visit Edinburgh and study family lore.
Though a Dickson, Sleighs are found upon his family tree but strange to say he didn't call them Sleigh, he called them Slee.
His mother was a Rutherford, whose folks, in days gone by, descended in the lineage from a man called Peter Sligh..
Now, as you know, my own name is William Lowrie Sleigh, as is my son's, my father's and his father's, by the way.
The father of Sir William, who from Lauder town did hie, was Peter Secondus, the seventh child of Peter Sligh.
To add to the dilemma, it pains me here to say, old Peter Primus named his ninth child Wiliam Lowrie Sleigh.
There had been only one with such a name as this until Sir William's pater Peter named him for his uncle Will.
That uncle's granddaughter was David Dickson's mother, which clearly means third cousins we must be to one another.
Confusion reigned when we began unraveling this mess. yet my Canadian cousin cleared it up, I must confess.
But even David Dickson, though he's looked most everywhere, can't find old Peter's ancestors. And this I find most rare.
Because with research through the files of numerous registries, he'd lined up many, many Sleighs, and Slighs, and even Slees!
Along with myriad other names included in his clan. He has them all computered in a tidy master plan.
With Rosaleen, his helpful wife, he's aimed his concentration at chronicling the family for the future generation.
Their search has gone from Canada to Scotland and the States, Tthrough libraries and graveyards, recording names and dates.
For Dicksons, Leslies, Rutherfords, Begbies, Browns and Grays, Archibalds and Aikmans, Masons, Moirs and Sleighs,
Putnams, Smarts and Elliotts, Wallaces and all, the dozens more I'm sorry but I just can not recall.
When the work is finished, I'll take another look, to see the ways they list the Sleighs in the Dickson Family Book. (wls)

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Every day I thank God and David for this awesome family of truly great Canadians.

Thanksgiving Day, 2007, at Charles Dickson's farm in the Pontiac.    (Photo by Elizabeth)
← Marjorie with her granddaughter Ellora Xaouen Phadnis.
Rideau String Quartet ~ playing classical chamber music. →
Peggy Florida, Elizabeth Dickson, Violins, Stans Van Wijk, Cello, and Barbara Jeffrey, Viola. Performing for special occasions; Weddings, Special Music Events, Birthday parties, Anniversaries. Contact. ← Sarah Diana, eldest, daughter of Andrew & Karen Dickson, married Nick Thériault, Aug. 1, 2010
←Michael Burke, eldest son of Marjorie Dickson & Ron Burke, married Lenke Hegedus, March 24, 2012.
Below are distant family members:
Charles and Erica and their children have a farm in Quyon, Quebec, and a house in Ottawa. Last year they lived in New York City. Click to see their children, in Central Park. Dermot McHugh and his wife, Anita - volunteers at Ruaha Secondary School in Iringa, Tanzania. Daughter Mwangaza Ba nurse, Columbia, Maryland, m. Ousmane Ba, airline pilot; 2 children, Baidy Dermot and Melody Guilane. Sons: Oloron Vahid, Ag. Engineer in Lesotho, Southern Africa, (heading up a water catchment management project with his wife Gnilane, and daughter, Tening Anita) and Amani Nabil, , doctorate, Environmental Science and Policy, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina. Ndieme Madelaine McHugh, was born 19 July 2010 to Oloro and Gnilane in the Mediclinic in Bloemfontein, South Africa. They lived in neighboring Lesotho, but went over to South Africa because of the better hospital conditions. Brigid McHugh Wendover is in Louisville, Kentucky, Her daughters are, Dipa Artursdottir, in Toronto with son, Anthony, and Tara Artursdottir , in Lousville, with son, Cameron. Conal McHugh is teaching in Durango, Colorado. Neil McHugh , professor of "African and Middle East History" at Fort Lewis College, Durango, with wife Messel. Sons are Aman (m. Adline) lawyer, Melbourne, Austrsalia, and daughter, Fana, Denver, Colorado.
Stefan Wenk teacher, Sacramento, California. Children: Stefan Alexander Wenk , Bryan Leslie Wenk , Zachery Maxwell Wenk, and Jazlyn, in Davis California. (Dermot, Brigid, Conal, Neil and Stefan are children of my sister, Gloria Leslie McHugh Wenk.
Dr. Priscilla Jamieson, contact with family of her mother, my sister Kathleen, and husband George Latham, Long Island, N.Y,
Dr. Leslie Jean Eaton, daughter of my aunt Emily Leslie Eaton, has been a hugely successful Chiropractor in Kentville, Nova Scotia, since 1951.
Paddling bow, at left above, our 14 year old "voyageur" grandson, Will, eldest of four sons of Charles, with nine other area teens, took part in the Ottawa River Keepers' canoe expedition from Temiscamingue to Ottawa, raising awareness of the importance of the River, and build a network of community stewards. This is the same Will who raised money last year, busking in Ottawa, to help pay for a trip to England, where he played saxaphone in a festival at Stone Henge. Given this spirit, talent, and guts, the world is in good hands. This great photo by Will's sister, Sophie, was first published in THE EQUITY.

A few of my books:: The Mother-in-Law Book Based on "Ask Great Granny" - the on-going computer-mediated phenomenon. Mothers and wives generally learn early to live and let live, for the benefit of the men they care for. But also sprinkled profusely about the population are those who can't manage the generosity of spirit needed for such co-operation. These are the people about whom the tired old "mother in law" jokes are written, and who send letters to advice columnists for help. This book is based on letters from mothers and wives who haven't yet figured out how to manage their delicate relationship. The reader will not agree with all the suggestions made by Great Granny in her replies to letters she receives. They are not intended as directions or rules of procedure, just random ideas to help troubled people think through their own problems. Many alternate solutions come to mind and in thinking through these other ideas, the best for each individual case might be found. Most mature women, and the wives of their sons, are able to achieve good relations for the sake of the man they both love, and all the other family members involved. This book is for those who are still working on it. General Store Publishing House. ISBN#1-897113-30-7 Available from any book store.
Freenet For the Fun of It
Getting connected and making friends on the Internet. A useful book to give friends beginning to get acquainted with freenet. Explains email, newsgroups, gossiping online, and hundreds of places you'll be welcome. Co-author, Pierre Bourque, is Ottawa's most prolific computer columnist His research into the best of the Internet takes you around the world "for the fun of it". Published 1995, useful for beginners.
HTML The Basic Book - Hyper Text Markup Language
for people who would rather Do it than Read about it.
Accents, colour charts, links, blinking features, borders, tables, images and lots more. Co-author, Rony Aoun, is a computer programer. With this primer you can handle your own material on the world wide web. It's spiral bound to lie flat beside your computer for instant reference. . Return to top.

HERE THEY ARE: MY SPECIAL LINKS to special Web sites, by special people. . . . Tell them I sent you.

Antiques in Canada; Looking for great Canadian antique shops? They make it easy. Marjorie & Peter
True North Perspective Archives: different opinions - not reported in all newspapers. Carl Dow
Custom Printers of Renfrew Ltd, and General Store Publishing Company. Andrew Dickson
Living Lightly lifestyle with a positive impact on our environment. David Chernushenko
Simon Teakettle Ink - Training - Commuications - Consulting. Barbara Florio Graham
Writers' Deadline - Ottawa-based information for writers and readers Patrick Meikle
Guerilla- Ottawa Culture at Ground Level - Magazine and Online - Tony Martins
Second Counsel ServicesVeteran Intellectual Property Attorney David J. French
Communication Matters will help you communicate effectively Elaine Kenney
News Weeklies: The Hill Times politics & EMBASSY diplomacy 59 Sparks
Shaddy International Marketing Office Equipment & Lazboy Albert Jabara
Absolute arts Contemporary art portfolios news. Roxanne Brousseau-Félio
Fast, expert, reliable Translation - English into French Anabel Associates
Old Folks at Home on the World Wide Web. An early site, 20 years ago.
Passionate About Life - "Bits and Bites" by Alberte Villeneuve-Sinclair
Quirky Bs "Pop art for the millennium" Shannon Lee Mannion's blog
News Watch - Simply most potent news force online Pierre Bourque
Flora Community Web. Founder and sponsor Russell McOrmond
Some favourite gospel songs; lyrics and music Heavenly Midis
The new Arab & Muslim Writers' Union Albert M. Jabara
AND 20 OTHER USEFUL SOURCES:
Your suggestions - always more than welcome
One Look search to find your words and phrases
World-wide news services: Print, Radio,Television
Editor's Sidebar Find useful resources for all writers
Google Find the most comprehensive of search engines.
The Hammer is an outrageous spoof on what we are doing.
The Weather is today's and a forecast, for here and elsewhere.
Find a new job. What's availale, who they want, where to apply.
Movies in Ottawa tells us what is playing, where, and at what times.
World Press - Clubs and Associations - addresses, phones - Web sites..
Gas Prices, high and low priced gasoline in the Ottawa area, updated daily.
MapQuest - shows you how to get almost anywhere from almost anywhere else.
Quotations- Bartlett's, Columbia - Simpsons. Find quotes by word, phrase, or author.
The Hill Times is the current copy of the Newspaper of Parliament with archived material.
Find MPs & Senators helps you contact them by mail, phone, email or in person at their offices.
CAR POOL whether there's a bus strike or not, car pooling makes sense. These people are looking.
Dictionaries are many, including definitions, translations, or searching all dictionaries . . in one place.
NewsWatch, Pierre Bourque's late breaking headlines and a list of world media, columnists and sources.
Radio and TV puts you in contact with the people who make these things happen, courtesy of Hal Doran.
The Peace Tower Web Site is updated every five minutes, providing much information about weather, etc...
See how much snow is on the ground, which way the wind is blowing the flags. See time on Peace Tower clock.
Find out what's taking place now on Parliament's front lawn, see if the flag is at half mast,"reload" to follow people
   walking on path to the Center Block. If umbrellas are open, you can assume it is raining on Parliament Hill.

          My Interim Solution, with One Caveat
   Life is a perpetual challenge, engaging us all as we age.
   It's full of confusing instructions, with new problems at every stage.
   As soon as we're born we must figure the methods required to get
   Whatever we need from our mother or father, whenever we're hungry, or wet.
   When we grow older our problems grow too, sharing with sisters and brothers.
   Then, going to school, we must learn the new rule about "Getting along with others."
   When we're adult, we think it's all done, with no more big problems to meet.
   'Til we discover how tricky it is, just trying to stay on our feet.
   "Oh well," we tell ourselves, "all this will end. When we grow old, we'll relax."
   Then we are suddenly seventy five. That's when we learn the true facts.
   However you dreamed of your future, it may not turn out that way.
   No day can be taken for granted; each one is like no other day.
   I still have some projects to finish, and many new places to go,
   Several more books to be written, and new folks I still need to know.
   Some of my plans unaccomplished, I still have some poems to pen.
   To get this all done, my only solution is,"Live to a hundred and ten."
   Then, quoting James Joyce, in Ulysses, . . . writing in his fashion,
   I will "pass boldly to that other world, in the full glory of some passion."
   Yes, I will go up to heaven. One caveat only I hold:
   There must be music up there, or I'll stay. right here, and enjoy being old.

   Montgomery Clift       Jack Langstaff     DAVID       Robert Hyndman     Tommy Makem. Then to join David, and others I'll never forget,
I will pass boldly to that other world. But not just yet.

Good Night to my Children Now I lay me down to sleep, counting on tomorrow,
But if I don't awake do not be overcome with sorrow.
Help each other to recall the many happy ways,
That music, love, and laughter, have brightened all our days.
I believe that, though I'm gone, I still will be alive,
Through each of you, what we hold true will forever thrive.
   I gave you all the good advice I thought was worth the giving;
   And here's one more suggestion, to ensure your joy of living.
   Do what I have always tried to do, as you'll recall:
   Be the best you can be. That, and love, will conquer all. (RLD)
One evening, in my teens, I went with some friends to the Paramount Theatre in Manhattan, to hear Frank Sinatra sing. We sat in the front row, center, and as he left the stage, Sinatra smiled at me and tossed me his scarf. It was the only time I saw him, but Sinatra's singing had moved me, and when, a few years later, he was singing "I Did It My Way," it was as though the words were mine. Today, almost a century later, this little space of the Internet which I claim for myself would not be complete without - - - click on it - - - wait for it - - - meet the real Frank Sinatra , singing - - -

I Did it My Way And now, the end is near, and so I face, the final curtain.
My friends, I'll say it clear, I'll state my case, of which I'm certain.
I've lived, a life that's full; I travelled each, and every highway,
And more, much more than this, I did it my way.
Regrets, I've had a few, but then again, too few to mention.
I did, what I should do, and saw it through, without exemption.
I planned each charted course, each careful step along the byway,
And more, much more than this, I did it my way.
Yes there were times, I'm sure you knew, I bit off more than I could chew.
But through it all, when there was doubt, I'd eat it up and spit it out.
I faced it all, and I stood tall, and did it my way.
I have loved. I've laughed and cried. I've had my fill, my share of losing
And now as tears subside, I find it all is so amusing
To think I did all that, and may I say, not in a shy way.
Oh no, oh no, not me; I DID IT MY WAY!.

Songwriters: Shawn C. Carter, Paul Anka, Claude Fran�ois, Giles Thibault -Lyrics � EMI Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., CHRYSALIS MUSIC GROUP

Below is "The Cape Breton Lullaby" a song my father wrote that is heard across Canada, and that our family sings,
and on into the fifth generation." On to the ring of day, flows Mira's stream singing; Cadil Gu La, laddie, la, laddie, sleep the stars away.
Far on Beinn Bhreagh's side wander the lost lambies, Here, there and everywhere, everywhere their troubled mammies
Find them and fold them deep, fold them to sleep, singing; Cadil Gu La, laddie, la, laddie, sleep the moon away.
Daddy is on the bay, he'll keep the pot brewing. Keep all from tumbling down, tumbling down to rack and ruin
Pray, Mary, send him home, safe from the foam singing; Cadil Gu La, laddie, la, laddie, sleep the dark away.

Kenneth Leslie wrote this lullaby, now well known in eastern Canada. It first appeared in print in 1964 in "Songs of Nova Scotia." The melody is adapted from an old Scottish air. The song was first recorded by Catherine MacKinnon on "The Voice of an Angel" Arc A-628.
For a lovely concert version, performed by the Peninsula Women's Chorus, Palo Alto, California. Click Here,
For the inspiring "Ryan's Fancy" recording, with pictures of Cape Breton, Click Here. and then where indicated.
HERE BELOW ARE SOME SPECIAL CANADIAN BOOKS I think you might enjoy -

"The Emperor's New Hydrogen Economy" by Darryl McMahon This book is a great read for the energy conscious person who is concerned with the environment and how ours and future generations will cope with our depleting fossil fuels. At present, McMahon believes that hydrogen is not the answer. He reviews the many ways that hydrogen can be produced.
McMahon points out that although hydrogen is an exceptional environmentally friendly fuel, it's production uses fossil fuels which contribute to global warming. Hydrogen is not viable at present but can be a very clean and efficient 'future fuel' when technology finds ways of manufacturing it using alternative energy sources.
With the world's fossil fuel supply quickly running out, the author uses the latter portion of the book to suggest ways of conserving energy. This section is for everyone who wants to use less energy and save money at the same time. (Review by Peter Bayfield)
Available at Perfect Books, 258 Elgin Street, Ottawa, and at: Chapters.Indigo.ca, BarnesandNoble.com, Amazon.com
"A Good Man's Life" by Wayne Kehl The "good man" is the father of this author, who calls the book fiction although it is entirely true. Knowing this, heightens the drama of the remarkable story of the protagonist, Jack MacDonald, who left the farm as a young lad and engaged in World War 2 which brought him face to face with other young men he had to kill for his own survival. As with that whole generation of young men, his "growing up" included the trauma that leaves permanent psychological scars.
Recognizing and recounting the profound goodness of his father, Kehl favours the reader with a loving assessment of a great Canadian who will be recognized as one of the many whose life-long heroism might otherwise have gone unheralded.
. That's what I love about this book; the author's open and easy way of engaging the reader in every nuance of the character's being - innocent and adventuresome on the farm, unswervingly devoted to duty in the army, brilliant and studiously attentive to the details of turning his post-war life over to the serious work of the business world, and above all, his loving gentleness with children and total commitment to his joyful, everloving, and resourceful wife.
This delightful narrative all comes to life through Wayne Kehl's home-spun prose and honest reporting of his father's remarkable life and times. Readers may recognize their own fathers in that generation of so many "good men," on the same jorurney.

A Good Man's Life by Wayne Kehl, - 215 pgs, Friesen Press, Victoria B.C.- 2010
Also available at Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Chapters, Indigo, Coles; as an ebook at Powells.com.

The "Manyberries" books, by Ron Wood There really is a small town called Manyberries, about an hour south of Medicine Hat, Alberta. Never set foot there myself, but Manyberries is where I am; in spirit. You will be there too, when you delve into one of these books.
Early in my life I became aware of the charm of small towns; where everybody knows your name and all that. Whenever I find myself navigating crowds in the great cities of the world, I hearken back to the less threatening places like Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, Lausane, Switzerland, St.Martin d'Uriage, France, Renfrew, Ontario and then, of course, Shawville, Quebec, where we chose to raise our children. And now it is Manyberries, vicariously through these engaging books by Ron Wood.
After years dealing with the highest level negotiations and intricacies of politics in Ottawa, he draws the reader into Manyberries. This is clearly his higher calling. In so few pages, you are one of them. Parliament seemed more colourful when Ron was in Ottawa, but avid readers and true appreciators of Canadian literature at its best will be happy to see this author stay in Alberta and write on about the town he has made famous. There are hearty laughs and crazy antics, and then there is this:
After Harry Charles passed away, we all decided without discussion, to make sure that his beloved Irene did not spend any days alone. We gave her a little time to grieve and mourn but after that she had visitors every day.
Despite the author's disclaimer, every line in both these books is true. This is how it really is, in Manyberries. (rld)
Meet Ron Wood, filmed at his first Book Launch. The book is available at Smithbooks, 56 Sparks Street, Ph 613-236-0637
And God Created Manyberries (2007) $15.96 ~ All Roads Lead to Manyberries (2010) $16.68 ~ Frontenac House Ltd.
For more good books you may have missed, see my original non-commercial collection of
"New Canadian Books and other good books, witth Amazing Literary Links" on the Flora Communiy Web.

Local Heroes by Iris Winston in Business Week

The National Press Club of Canada Foundation
Fondation du cercle des journalistes du Canada
MEETINGS at the Sheraton Hotel, 150 Albert Street, Ottawa
Tuesday, June 19, 5:45 PM Board of Directors in the Board Room
Wednesday, Sept. 12, 5:30 PM Annual General Meeting in Salon E
Following the AGM, on Wednesday, September 12, 6:30 PM, in the Rideau Room
The 5th Annual Spirit of Canada Gala
Five course Dinner - Entertainment - Speaker.
Reception: 6:30 PM, Dinner at 7. Members $50. Others $75. Reserve
"Commemorative Booklet" will be available. Proceeds for scholarships.
MEMBERS of the National Press Club of Canada are men and women who write, report, record, announce, edit or publish news in newspapers, magazines and books, and on radio, television and film, and those who teach journalism.
PURPOSE is to support press freedom, build excellence in journalism through awards and scholarships, work jointly on events with other press organizations, the ethnic press and the diplomatic community, and to provide a convenient place for members to meet.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP fee of $56.50 includes tax, (Seniors and students $11.10) - renewable on or before April 1 in every calendar year. To join the Club, send your name, home address, email address, and phone numbers, with your cheque made payable to "National Press Club of Canada"- to the treasurer, M. A. Ottum, 1223 Walkley Rd, Ottawa, ON
EXECUTIVE: Hon. Sheila Copps, President, A. Eed Murad, Vice President and Scholarships Committee Chairman, Hon. Laurier Lapierre, Corresponding Secretary, and Al Ottum, Treasurer.
DIRECTORS: Hugh Winsor, Rosaleen Dickson, Bob Diotte, Roxanne Brousseau-Félio, Jack Horowitz, Professor Dwayne Winseck, and Karen Baum. Directors meet on 3rd Tuesday every month except July & August.
Any member may attend any meeting of Directors.
ADVISORS: Dr. Abdulla Nasher, Tom VanDusen, Hon. Jim Munson, Abby Hagyard, Sandra Blaikie, Lucia Harper, Shawn Li, Sue McGarvie, Laura Peck, Diane Schmolka, Sandy Sharkey, Blaik Spratt, and Nanci-Jean Waugh. Counsel: Jeff Langevin, Bd Admin: Kathleen Martin, Web site Phil Gibson.
VALUE ADDED. Serving the news media and allied professions, CNW Group, Flora Community Web, and National Capital Freenet, provide invaluable assistance to the National Press Club.

By their warmth, generosity, and talent, these colleagues live forever.
These and other great journalists have been king-pins of this Club's long history. Norman Frank Pierre Gordon Percy Barbara Peter Dalton Peter Brian

Ali Bill Charles Spencer Russ Dick Larry    George Tom
If their full names have slipped your memory, click on their photos.

A Brief History of the National Press Club of Canada by Rosaleen Dickson The National Press Club of Canada was established in 1928, by Francis Rowse of The Ottawa Journal and Guy Rhoades of The Ottawa Citizen who posted a notice at the Journal, the Citizen, Le Droit and in the Canadian Press office, inviting local editors and reporters to gather at the city police courtroom and discuss finding a special place for fellow journalists to rendezvous and talk shop. Twenty men came to the meeting and organized a small committee to establish a Press Club.
Subsequent meetings took place at the Ottawa House Hotel in Hull, and they held a "First Annual Press Club Ball" at the Chateau Laurier. In 1953, Jack Snow, provided them temporary quarters, rent-free, above his Sparks Street jewelry store, where the Press Club was officially opened by His Excellency the Rt. Hon. Governor General Vincent Massey, and attended by Federal, Provincial and Municipal officials and other dignitaries.
On September 11, 1961, the Province of Ontario granted them a charter as "The National Press Club Canada" and in the following year, His Excellency the Rt. Hon. Governor General Georges P. Vanier presided over the opening ceremonies in the Connaught Restaurant on Elgin Street. Five years later we moved into the" Press Building" across from Parliament Hill.
As was the case with many press clubs at the time, women could not join the Press Club but in May, 1970, the National Press Club of Canada changed this outdated policy, and let the ladies join. The much older "Canadian Women's Press Club" established in 1904, changed its name to "The Media Club" and includes men.
Over the years, the NPC has been the social home for distinguished journalists, the venue of historical events, and as Canada has evolved, so has The Press Club. After several months of renovations in 1990, the Club was reopened by His Excellency the Rt. Hon. Ramon Hnatyshyn.
Membership was broadened to include other communications industries, and our excellent catering facilities were made available to the public for private functions requiring dining rooms, lounges and bars and a full-time office and kitchen staff. This revered Canadian institution became engulfed in irreconcilable financial circumstances, and finally had to declare bankruptcy, wind down, and eventually dissolve into less than a shadow of it's early hopes and expectations.
When we were required to vacate our space in the Press Building, now used for Parliamentary purposes, we moved into the Sheraton, one of Ottawa's most prestigious hotels. While this voluntary action was taking place, a small group of members formed a transition committee to build the current National Ptess Club of Canada Foundation, with the support of the extraordinary goodwill created by the Club's time-honoured role in media, networking, education and promotion of iocal issues of the day.
Many of our former members left the club and continue to gather occasionally in pubs around town, to reminisce about the good old days before they abandoned their Club. Meanwhile, our Canada-wide Scholarships Program, evolves as a valuable Press-conscious initiative. With the support of generous sponsors, we have built a strong program to assist worthy journalism students in the years to come.
The National Press Club of Canada, Foundation has co-sponsored events with the Ottawa Diplomatic Organization, the Media Club of Ottawa, the Canadian Association of Journalists, Carleton University, and other active associates. The intention of the three founding members of the Foundation, Timothy Michael Kane, Ahmad Eed Murad, and Rosaleen Leslie Dickson, was also to support the Press Club's original mission. In 2008, we celebrated the Press Club's 80th anniversary with the ambitious motto: "looking back on a rich history, while keeping a firm eye on the future."
National Press Club information has always been available on this Web site and will remain as long as it lasts.
I urge all who value responsible, ethical journalism, to join the National Press Club and take an active role in its revival. It is written in our Constitution that "any member may attend any meeting of directors," and also that "extra meetings may be called when necessary, by the President, or Vice President, at the request of any Director." Our membership fee is now minimal, and if the press in Canada is part of your life, this Press Club needs you. (Rosaleen Leslie Dickson )

National Press Club of Canada Foundation Constitution
Latest revision: February 1, 2007.
Article I - Name The name of this organization shall be National Press Club of Canada Foundation - Fondation du cercle des journalistes du Canada, . . . . hereinafter referred to as the Foundation
Article II - Purpose The purpose of this organization shall be:
To encourage, promote and improve the quality of journalism in Canada through the following actions: Promote dialogue on media, political, scientific and social issues of the day. Offer educational scholarships for the study of journalism and business communications. Encourage cross-cultural understanding through engagement with ethnic media and foreign embassies and High Commissions. Promote freedom of the press. Deliver educational programs on ethics and integrity. Offer mentors for students of journalism. Promote alternative dispute resolution principles. Recognize leadership in Canadian journalism. And to provide a comfortable, convenient and friendly meeting place for local and visiting journalists.
Article III - Membership Membership in the National Press Club of Canada Foundation, with all its privileges, shall be payable on or before April 1 in every calendar year. Annual membership is $50 plus tax. To join the Club, send name, address, current employer (if any), email, and phone, with cheque for $56.50, payable to "National Press Club of Canada"- to treasurer, Aleth Ottum, 1223 Walkley Rd, Ottawa, ON K1V 6P9, or use PayPal.
The Directors of the Foundation may award Life Memberships to members who have rendered extraordinary service to the Foundation.
Article IV - Officers and Committees Officers The officers of the Foundation shall be a president, a vice-president, a secretary, and a treasurer.
Directors The Directors of the Foundation shall consist of up to 15 persons, comprising the aforementioned officers, plus 11 members, at least one of whom should represent each of the categories of members.
President The president shall preside at all general meetings and Directors meetings, and shall appoint all chairpersons of committees.
Vice-president The vice-president shall act for the president with full powers of the president whenever the president is not able to act. In the absence of both these officers from a meeting, the executive may appoint a chairperson from among its members present.
Secretary The secretary shall keep minutes of all general meetings and Directors' meetings. Such minutes shall be posted in the Foundation premises.
Treasurer: The treasurer shall be the principal financial officer of the Foundation, and chairperson of the finance committee.
Committees: Committees will be recruited from among members. Committee chairs will be appointed from among the Directors. There shall be a small Membership Committee to receive applications for membership, prepare all the information needed if any is omitted, and present the applications to the Directors at the earliest meeting, and notify the new member of his acceptance.
Other Committees: Fund raising , Scholarships, Charles Lynch Awards, Nominating, House, Professional Events, Educational Projects, Multicultural Outreach, Press Freedom Contests, Social and Seasonal Events. Other committees to be added if, as and when needed.
Article V - Meetings The annual general meeting of the Foundation shall be held within two weeks of March 31 at the call of the president or secretary
Permissive Calling of Meeting
The president or secretary may call a general meeting at any time for the transaction of business requiring the action of a general meeting, and shall give notice of not less than 14 days before the convening of such a meeting.
Mandatory Calling of Meeting
The president shall call a general meeting within 14 days of receipt by the secretary of a written request for such a meeting signed by not less than 50 members in good standing. Such written request shall state the reason for calling a meeting, and the meeting shall be held within six week (42 days) of it being called.
All members of the Foundation in good standing shall be eligible to vote at a general meeting.
Quorum
A quorum for transaction of business at any general meeting shall not be fewer than four (4) members present who are qualified to vote at such a meeting.
Directors' Powers
The Directors shall be the governing body of the Foundation and shall have power to enact by-laws for the management of the Foundation's business, consistent with provisions of this constitution. It shall adopt rules for its own procedure and the conduct of members of the Foundation, and shall act as trustees of the Foundation and its property.
Signing Officers
The president and treasurer, and other Directors designated by the president shall sign for withdrawal of funds deposited to the Foundation's account, in accordance with customary banking practice. These "signing officers" shall be authorized by the Directors to execute on behalf of the Foundation under its corporate seal, all necessary deeds, mortgages, leases, contracts, and other documents necessary for the transaction of the Foundation's business.
Executive Director
The Directors shall appoint an executive director who shall be engaged under conditions set by them. The executive director shall assist the officers, the Directors, and the committees of the Foundation as directed by the Directors. The executive director shall supervise all employees of the Foundation, as directed by the Directors, and shall make a report to each regular meeting of the Directors. - The executive director or the secretary upon authorization of the membership committee shall issue to each paid-up member annually a membership card which shall constitute official receipt for a membership fee paid during the year for which it is issued, unless otherwise requested. Such membership card shall serve as a certificate of membership, which must be produced to obtain membership benefits.
Monthly Meetings
The Directors shall meet monthly, at a regular time and place, except during the months of July and August when meetings may be held at the discretion of the president. A quorum of the executive (pres, vpres, sec, treas) for meetings shall be three (3). Extra meetings may be called when necessary, by the President, or Vice President, at the request of any Director. Any member may attend any meeting of directors.
Article VI - Decision Making Process
Rules of Canadian parliamentary procedure shall apply at all meetings.
Article VII - Fees Annual membership fees and charges for Foundation services may be redefined by the Directors in accordance with the powers invested in them by the annual general meeting.
Banking All funds shall be deposited in a chartered Canadian bank, as decided by the Directors. Fiscal Year The fiscal year of the Foundation shall start on the first day of January each year, and shall expire on the last day of December next ensuing.
Auditor An auditor shall be appointed by a majority vote of the qualified members attending the annual general meeting. Through the treasurer, or the executive director, the auditor shall make regular reports to the Directors and to the annual general meeting of the Foundation.
Article VIII - Nominations and Elections
Nominations to the Board will be made by the Nominating Committee to the Board. The nominations will be voted on by the Board and with that approval nominees would be invited to join the Board.
Article IX - General
Every by-law and every repeal, amendment, modification or variation thereof, unless in the meantime confirmed at a general meeting duly called for that purpose, shall have force only until the next annual meeting of the Corporation and in default of confirmation thereat shall from that time cease to have force, and in that case no new by-law or regulation thereof shall have any force until confirmed at a general meeting of the corporation" and Such by-laws, regulations, amendments, modification and variations shall replace, exclude and modify the regulations set out in form 4 in the Schedule to the Companies act, save that in any matters covered by such regulations or amendments, the regulations and provisions of the said form 4 shall apply and be in force, but all such matters which, after the passing of the Corporation's first by-laws and regulations, may be left to be governed by such form 4, may be varied, amended, excluded or modified by any by-laws or regulations.
Article X - Amendments
Any amendment to this constitution shall become effective only when endorsed by a two thirds (2/3) majority of the Board of Directors comprising a quorum at a general meeting consistent with all provisions elsewhere in this constitution. Proposals to amend the constitution must be made available and posted for the information of the Directors at least 30 days before the convening of a general meeting.

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Exerpts from one Press Club member's open letter to those in charge of space in the Parliamentary Precinct, urging the House of Commons to allow all journalists access to the parliamentary press gallery.
Honourable Representatives:
Re: Request for compliance by Canada with the United Nations Human Rights Committee 1999 Views to provide access to the House of Commons parliamentary press gallery services without membership in the private corporation, Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery Inc.
1. When television was introduced in Canada in the early 1950s, TV journalists were denied access to the parliamentary press gallery "because they were not members of the press," according to the clique who runs these publicly funded services provided by the House of Commons for the media.
The Hon. Roland Michener, who was Speaker of the House of Commons at the time, invited the CBC TV reporters to sit in the Speaker's Gallery to report on Parliament. Eventually, after 2 years of wrangling, he was able to persuade the press gallery clique to stop the foolishness and the TV journalists were provided equal access to the House of Commons parliamentary press gallery services and facilities.
2. There is a matter of unfinished business that needs to be concluded properly and in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution Acts 1867 to 1982 that provide for freedom of expression (the right to seek, receive and impart information), equality before the law, freedom of association and, the right to participate in the political process as a Canadian citizen.
The unfinished business . . . pertains, in particular, to UN HRC Case No. 633/1995 finding a violation of freedom of expression by Canada and to provide a remedy.
The Speaker of the House of Commons, the Hon. Peter Milliken, was requested to comply, in particular, with the 1999 Views of the United Nations Human Rights Committee and provide equal access for The National Capital News Canada, established in 1982, to the House of Commons parliamentary press gallery facilities and services without the prior condition (restraint) of membership in a private corporation, the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery Inc.
3. Request to provide fair, equal and full access to the House of Commons parliamentary press gallery facilities and services without further delay. This violation by Canada of the fundamental right of freedom of expression defined as the right to seek, receive and impart information without interference, is deemed of sufficient importance to have been included by the United Nations in Selected Decisions of the Human Rights Committee 633/1995 published by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations, New York and Geneva.
The Speaker of the House of Commons who funds and staffs the publicly funded parliamentary press gallery facilities and services continues to be in violation of Article 19, refusing to provide an Appeal Hearing.
4. Provide remedy before next election
Speaker Milliken is requested to provide fair, equal and full access to the House of Commons parliamentary press gallery facilities and services without further delay and not pass this problem on to his successor and to all future Parliamentarians to restore this right that was illegally revoked without cause and without due process. This Speaker's claim that the ruling of Canada's violation of Article 19 by the United Nations Human Rights Committee as read in 1999 by the then UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs Mary Robinson, before the Annual General Assembly of the United Nations is "not binding on Canada" or that "Parliamentary Privilege" places Canada beyond the Rule of Law, undermines the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
5. Any law (ruling) that overrides a provision of the Canadian Constitution Acts, the supreme law of the land, is of no force or effect. Speaker Milliken was requested (by the undersigned) to correct this infringement of the fundamental right of a Canadian citizen without further delay.
6. The UN, as was The League of Nations, can only be as effective as the good faith of its members to honour commitments. All Canadian Parliamentarians should be leading the way by example respecting the Rule of Law and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for all Canadians, insisting that Canada comply with the 1999 UN Human Rights Committee ruling without further delay.
Thank you for your consideration,
Robert G. Gauthier, Proprietor, The National Capital News Canada - Le journal de la capitale canadienne, 174 Bank St., rpo 71035, Ottawa, Ontario CANADA K2P 2L9
robertggauthier@aol.com 613-276-8788
The National Press Club has no power over what members think, write, or broadcast, but open discussions at regular meetings with experts in matters that are crucial would be of great value. The "power of the press" is not an idle expression. This is why I advocated holding regular meetings of the Executive, Directors and Advisors, and all Members who wish to attend. You can read all about a threat to Jasper Park here. All our members may not agree to take action on these issues, but bringing these matters to open discussion and public debate could be of great value. This is a major reason for having a National Press Club whose Directors and whose Members meet regularly . "Knowledge is strength." (rld)

Earlier local happenings of special interest.
Murray Brewster, Canadian Press Defense reporter, president of the Canadian Association. of Journalists (CAJ) National Capital Chapter has been proclaimed winner of the Ross Munro 2010 Award for defence reporting, CAJ (Ottawa) Past president Bill Curry, Parliament reporter, Globe & Mail, represents Ottawa at CAJ National office, Toronto. CAJ professional press events will include: "The Nature of News Today" and a "Multimedia Workshop".
5th annual National Press Club Iftar Dinner, Thursday, Aug. 26, attended by diplomats, journalists, and religious leaders, heard Professor Shafique Virani, Chairman of Historical Studies at Toronto University, deliver an inspiring, unambiguous and timely speech, fostering understanding between the West and the Muslim world.
Arab and Muslim Writers' Union launched August 30. Pres. Albert Jabara, author, poet, and businessman, urges members: "to be that human eye and human voice through which truth is revealed and falsehood exposed."
Guerilla at Media Club. September 20, Tony Martins, editor and creative director, presented his "Guerilla Magazine" at the National Archives and Library. "Guerilla is a quarterly publication about Ottawa at ground level, online and in print.

Public Première screening of David Chernushenko's thought-provoking, inspirational new film - "POWERFUL" - September 28, at Unitarian Church, Ottawa, including discussion with David Chernushenk.
"Taking action on postsecondary education for Aboriginal Canadians" Roberta Jamieson, President and CEO of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation and Paul Davison, President, CEO, Association of Universities and Colleges, Canada, November 3, at National Press Club Newsmaker Breakfast in the Marriott Hotel.
The Tree Poetry series presented poems of Kenneth Leslie (1892-1974), in the Library Room, Ottawa Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave., Ottawa, on Thursday, evening, November 11. Leslie's poetry was read by three local poets Stephen Brockwell, Peter Richardson, and Zach Wells, whose collection "The Essential Kenneth Leslie" published by Porcupine's Quill, was available. The documentary film "God's Red Poet" by Envision Halifax producer, Chuck Lapp, was also shown. The photo, left,, by John MacDonald, is of Zacharia Wells, author of the collection, talking it over with daughter of the poet, Rosaleen Leslie Dickson.
The National Press Club sponsored "Transforming Ontario's Economy" November. 25, an Infrastructure Forum at Carleton University, with guest sopeaker the Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Ontario Minister of Infrastructures.
"Alternative Dispute Resolution That Works" and "Is Everyone at the Table - Life Lessons in Problem-Solving," by Ernest G. Tannis were launched November. 29, by the National Press Club, at the Dominion Chalmers Hall, with Dave Brown MC, and guest speaker Ottawa Police Chief Vern White (above right), with Patrick Meikle and Rosaleen Dickson. Tannis, local lawyer and peacemaker, seen at left with his wife, and Police Chief White, helped establish REACH and The Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution at St Pauls.
Afghan Ambassador Jawed Ludin. spoke on ."Afghanistan 2011 to 2014: Canada and the transition to Afghan-led security" at the Thursday, December 2, National Press Club Newsmaker Breakfast, introduced by Senator Pamela Wallin.
The McNaughton-Vanier Round-Table, Wednesday, January 19, 2011 about sources of information for government decision-making brought out high-profile scholars and military personnel to discuss how academic support might improve government decision making. "Would we have made the same decisions about Iraq and Afghanistan if we had known then what we know now? Might we have known more if we had engaged a wider academic community in the decision-making process? How will our government make the next big decisions about Sudan, the Arctic, or new terrorist threats?" This excellent event, elicited many thoughtful presentations led by Royal Military College personnel, Lt Gen Andrew Leslie and many others. My summary is: "When any person or group assumes responsibility to make decisions for others, such as when a government passes laws or enforces a course of action, they should avail themselves of, and then make use of, whatever pertinant information is available, from any and all sources." That's my take on the First McNaughton-Vanier Round-Table, looking forward to the Second.