Island Odyssey: Vacation Bible School at CFB Petawawa July 25 to 29

This year Island Odyssey: Vacation Bible school  July to 29 is free. It is from 9 am to 12 noon. 

Come out for a free week of amazing games, interactive lessons and fun music for ages 6 to 12. The theme this year is: Island Odyssey: To the ends of the earth with Jesus Christ.  Island Odyssey invites you to go "To the Ends of the Earth" making the connection between the biblical world and the 21st century, between biblical islands and the  islands in the Caribbean, South Africa, and the South Pacific.   Starting with Paul's evangelistic island encounters, Island Odyssey will teach the good news through Bible story, music, art, foods, crafts, movement, and folklore. Participants will: experience how hearing, seeing and believing are connected, Understand that knowing Jesus influences decision making, realise that a welcoming spirit brings glory to God and be encouraged to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to all the world. 

Each biblical island is paired  with islands in our contemporary worldview: Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad, Robben Island, South Africa, and the Fiji islands. Bible stories are linked with these distinctive  cultures, peoples, and history of these islands.  The outreach emphasis is Haiti, which continues to rebuild in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake. Participants will learn what has been done and how they can continue to help. 

To register please call 613-687-5511 ex. 5434 with your name and email address. You will be sent the registration to fill out and bring with your child the first day of programming.

St. George's chapel is changing again with new chaplains comes a new focus

This summer we said farewell to three chaplain majors: Padre Gerard Vardy who was the Base chaplain, Padre George Scarf who was the senior Protestant chaplain who retired, and Padre Jim Hardwick who was the Brigade chaplain. Padre Vardy has been posted to Wainwright Alberta and Padre Hardwick has been posted to Kingston.
The new Base Chaplain is a Protestant: Padre LtCdr (N) Carol Bateman, who is well known on the base as she has been in various units in the last few years. Her husband Padre Murray Bateman is also a chaplain on the base. As an Anglican chaplain couple they have been active in chapel ministry. Both chaplains have had tours in Afghanistan.
The chaplain responsible for the chapel is Padre Brad Busch, Lutheran who is also part of a padre/clergy couple. His wife Lenora Grauer is also a chaplain on base.  Padre Busch's focus is pastoral.
During the summer the chapel  Sunday activities  are fairly low key as the military are on block leave or moving.
However there is a Vacation Bible school planned for Monday 25th July to Friday 29. It will be run by two chaplain students: one Protestant and one Catholic, as a joint initiative of the two chapels.
Padre Brad Busch is the supervisor, contact him at 613-687-5511 ex. 5433.
Regular Sunday services are still at 10:30 with lemonade as the refreshment afterwards.

What to do when there is no power: go to see Harry Potter

My husband is a Harry Potter fan. He has read all 7 books, which he borrowed from our daughter. I am still not a convert! However I have gone to see most of the movies with him.  Since we were without  power for abut 30 hours we decided to watch the latest Harry Potter  movie. It was well done. I enjoyed the opening scenes which were"black". It was the classic good versus evil theme with Harry surviving at the end only barely. great to see the "next generation"  coming. Is there going to be a sequel?

Part of the fun of going to the movies in a small town is who shows up in the concession line and the surrounding audience. We sat next to people who worked for Atomic Energy of Canada, sat in front of a young couple who attend our church and shared being in the dark stories with members of the military.
In Petawawa the standard beginning is a quick "lecture" from the theatre manager about where the exits are, the washrooms and the recycling containers. The special thanks to the audience for coming is the nightly handstand done by Larry who is retired and must be at least 50!

Now my neighbour has to find out who left their glasses at theatre.. only in a small town would someone facebook a member of an audience about something so specific!

Wicked Wilhelmina reviews the Altos

Wicked Wilhelmina reviews The Altos

by Hilda Young a mourner

One of  my old friends from Manitoba is a member of the Deep River players. She frequently promotes their events by suggesting I buy tickets to see it with a group of friends. The last suggestion resulted in my husband and I attending the Saturday production of The Altos, "like the Sopranos only deeper". It was an enticing hook. On the actual day I wondered how to dress to a murder mystery dinner theatre in an church basement.We arrived just before curtain time and were escorted to our seats at the "Badda  Bango" club table.

 Little did we know that we were now part of the play as " strippers" coming to the wake for the lead character Tony Alto. 

The audience were all guests/ mourners at Tony Alto's wake.  He had died dramatically in a car bombing. The body found in the car could not be identified. The audience is quickly introduced to all the suspects who may have arranged the hit. As it is a mob funeral there is a table at the entrance with guns. The suspects include Tony's mother, Nona, who Tony had threatened to put in a nursing home, Father Flip the family priest, Toffee Alto, Tony's wife, Chris Alto, Tony's nephew and Senior Alto Tony's uncle who is under indictment with monitored movement.  After a few moments of drama “ Tony” comes back to life as a female mourner- all dressed  in black in head to toe. He reveals himself to Dr. Malaise his shrink.. The legitimate question is asked: Who is in the urn?. He answered one of the “girls” from the strip club. Now we become involved in the drama; Dr Malaise asked Tony to introduce her to our table. He quickly names  'double jointed Sue” etc but for those he does know he gives interesting names: “Bronco Bill”, is the new nickname for one of our table mates. I was  'Wicked Wilhelmina” for the evening.  Drama in the room continued as we were seated in front of the sound/ and lights control area; the curtain covering it fell down so the “hoods” had to fix it. We were served Tony's favorite meal: Italian Wedding soup,Caesar salad,Stuffed Manicotti, Gelato with biscotti between scenes. After the main course we were given cards that asked us to help solve the case. Our table guessed all the main characters. Two guessed the real culprit. However as we had a member of the Players sitting with us we did not  have any hints.- she just said two people had it correct.  The last act focused on killing people who were suspect. It was quit dramatic watching innocent people being killed with toy guns with caps-- noise level high. Finally the truth was revealed. It was not the priest who tried to “marry “ the dead- said he  was in experienced- a former member of a rival gang who was in love with Tonys wife.. It was not his mother who could not remember details. It was not his uncle or his nephew.,  The Doctor did it! She could not handle dealing with Tony. 

Over all it was a fun evening. I have a different view of the eidtor of the local paper now..

The Deep River players have lots of energy and a great sense of timing. Looking forward to their next event. 

Exploring the men's washrooms at the Marguerite centre

EXPLORING THE MEN'S WASHROOMS AT THE MARGUERITE CENTRE

by Hilda Young

The Marguerite centre in Pembroke Ontario is a former convent that has been undergone a transformation into a combination retreat centre and long term care holding ward. As the early residents of the building were women there are more female toilets than mens. However in order to obey various regulations and accommodate male guests, a few toilets have been converted, or at the very least have sign on them saying male.

At the OIW writers retreat last week there was a discussion about the general facilities at the centre. One of the men., a retired lawyer, was complaining about the water pressure in the mens shower. As I consider myself a veteran of Marguerite centre facilities ,as I had attended many functions and retreats there, mostly for females I challenged Mel on his complaint. His long time friend Norm says he always complains.. Who do I believe- a lawyer or a quiet unassuming man? Well I felt I had the reputation of the Marguerite centre to uphold! So I challenged Mel to take me to the mens washroom on the third floor, where the sleeping accommodation was arranged according to the sexes, and show me his problem! We took the stairs two at a time to get to the problem area as quickly as possible! Mel made a great production of knocking on the outside door and asking if there was anyone using the facilities..( All the other men in the group were downstairs at the time)

We boldly marched in to check out the facilities. I noted that they were more spartan than the women's as we had three bath tubs with hand held showers in each area. Our bath tub rooms were self contained with doors we could lock! I felt sorry for the poor men who had only one shower with a curtain.. And Mel was right the water pressure was low! So I almost felt sorry for my lawyer friend! I promised to tell Norm that Mel does not always exaggerate!

When we returned to the group I said we had gone to the mens washroom. Mel said it was innocent. The rest of the knowledgeable retreatants said they knew! No secrets- our characters had already been judged by the group! We could not fool anyone!

Dare to Dine- a success- WIN group raised over $2000 for Stephen Lewis foundation

The DARE TO DINE Win event was a lot of  fun. As one of the workers I learnt alot about African food, cooperation and catering! We were fortunate to use the Petawawa  Presbyterian church for our event. Several members of the group attend the church so they "hosted" the event by showing us how to do such   practical tasks as run the dishwasher, set up the tables and chairs and decorate. We were fortunate to have a token male in the kitchen clean up group! The Presbyterian church ladies are used to catering in their basement church hall so the rest of us just followed orders!

Our group hosted about 75 ladies from all over Renfrew county. The menu catered to a  North American palate as we started with appetizers :veggie tray with red pepper dip and fruit  punch.  The main course consisted of beef curry with condiments,  chickpea stew,  chicken stew and basmarti rice. To complete the course there was a green orange salad and deep fried plantain with curry dip.
Dessert was a variety of cakes and fresh fruit.

The noise level was high the entire evening as everyone wanted to talk!
Entertainment consisted of reading from the Grandmother's Necklace, and a slide show of a trip to African- Namibia.  Our  group also knows  how to shop! We provide an enticing market atmosphere as we have jewelry, pashminas, books and a silent  auction to entice the shopper.
      

Jennifer we miss you! The Marriage Enrichment attendees miss our baker!

The Marriage Enrichment course at St. Francis of Assisi  CFB Petawawa chapel continues.
Yesterday we attended the fifth session- Family relationships-past and present. It was a contemplative session as we thought back to our childhood. Bruce talked about his parents and I commented on mine. However we did not reminise about the most important aspect of his mothers love- her  home baking and hand knit or crochet  clothes.  I miss the home baking as it was a special part of the family dynamics. However Clara Hanna died in 2005 and mentally she died in1999 when her husband died.

It made us  appreciate even more the gift of hospitality that Bob and Jennifer Lay had given us the first 4 classes. Both were busy last night so we were hosted by two male padres! One said that "someone" made
the store bought apple strudel and donuts!
Bring back Jennifer!
In all seriousness we appreciate the hospitality and would willingly bring baking for everyone as the social break helps the mood and creates community within the group of attendees.
Yes family relationships matter to any married couple.
In the military the " family" is the local community as they tend to rely on each other.      
 

MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT COURSE WEEK 4- the enticement is the homebaking

Image via WikipediaThe Marriage Enrichment course being held at St. Francis of Assisi  has continued to have good attendance. The formula of food works well! I go anticipating the good home baking of Jennifer Lay, one of the chaplain's wife, who is a leader. This week we were given a fruit flan cheesecake with home made graham cracker- oatmeal base! Last week it was home made fresh cinnamon buns. The week before it was Sex in a Pan! I am surprised that Bob and Jennifer Lay are so svelt! .
The course participants vary for almost newly weds to those of us in the 30 plus range. As we stay in couples there is not much discussion between the groups other than at snack time! We are fortunate in having such generous leaders who donate time to prepare a pleasant atmosphere with small tables lit by tea lights. Our break with home baking and coffee, regular and herbal teas is the highlight of the evening as some of the discussion for the Marriage course can be intense .

we are continuing to follow the  8 week course based on the video and manuals from  www:themarriagecourse.ca.
so far we have focused on Building Strong Fouondations, the Art of Communication, Resolving Conflict and this week The Power of Forgiveness. Next week we will focus on The Impact of Family_ Past and Present..

However I am looking forward to the home baking!
We have had Bob Lay. Shaun Turner and Raachid Khadij  as chaplain support.

WIN WOMEN'S INITIATIVE NETWORK OF RENFREW COUNTY DARE TO DINE EVENT

The Petawawa Grannies will be hosting us with their 'Grandmothers to Grandmothers' fundraising campaign, all proceeds going to the Stephen Lewis Foundation. 

Expect an evening of exotic flavours as the Petawawa Grannies cater an African dinner. The 'Dare to Dine' menu includes Veggies with Red Pepper Dip, Vegetarian African Stew of sweet potatoes and chick peas, Curried Beef, Chicken Stew, Sweet Potato Biscuits and various desserts including fresh fruit, banana coconut, etc.

As the evening is a fundraiser for the Grandmothers' humanitarian work in Africa, there will be items for sale: beautiful handmade Kazuri jewelry, pashminas from the Orient and 'Grandmothers' Necklace' books and cards. There will also be a silent auction and a Chinese auction.

As you shop or browse the African souvenir display, there will be live musical entertainment and also a slide show of scenes from Africa. 

Lunafest part 2: A special variety of short films for 2010=2011

Algonquin college Pembroke,Ontario hosted Lunafest 2010-2011 on Tuesday March 8th International Women's day. This post is the second half of my comments on these films.
Thembi's Diary is very poignant as it is 19 year old Thembi recording an audio diary of her struggle to live with AIDS. The "voice" is Thembi's however the "visual" part of the film is animated.
Mother of Many is also animated. It shows various cultural ways a midwife delivers a baby. Perhaps the most poignant movie is "Irene" aboui a 92 year old grandmother who suffers from Alzheimer's but struggles to keep her independence.   It was filmed n Glasgow UK.
Miracle Lady is another animated short filmed in Jerusalem with subtitles. It is a tale of two women who spend their lives waiting.
The last short film" Love on the line" is animated- two star crossed lovers communicate by  telegraph.

I enjoy the variety of short films i n this Luna fest. It  brings different perspectives to the way women think  All the stories have universal appeal and  all make the audience think

 Looking forward to next year.Plus we were all given Luanbars to sample!

International Women's Day in Renfrew county celebrated by the Women's Sexual Assuatl centre

This year the Women's Sexual Assault centre celebrated International Women's Day over a period of several evenings and afternoons. "Lunafest" Short Films by , for and about Women was shown in Petawawa, Pembroke and will be shown in Killaloe weather dependent. I was fortunate to view the film festival in Pembroke at Algonquin college.  
This year the ten short films featured stories from Toronto,On., San Fernando CA,  Venice CA, PalaoAlto CA, New York, South Africa,  Bristol UK, Glasgow Scotland,  Jerusalem, and Los Angeles.
"The Translator" focuses on a foreign film translator who imagines peoples relationships by thier body language on a subway line. At the end she decides to "dump" her own date as they are not communicating! This is the only short from Canada.I enjoyed recognising the TTC! (Toronto Transit Commission subway line)
"Getting a Grip" featured Fannie Barnes who became became the first woman cable car  operator in January 1998 at 52 . "Touch" tells of two women who connect- one lady is almost a guardian angel as she persuades a lonely woman not to commit suicide. "Tightly Knit" shows how a group of yarn bombers and social knitters keep an ancient craft alive. Top Spin  focuses on a young table tennis champion working towards becoming one of the top players in the world.

Snow snow snow- March lamb or lion?

Image via WikipediaWho likes snow in March? Who likes to get wet? Well March seems to bring a combination of snow and wet as the snow fall for the last 24 hours has been almost as much as for the entire winter or so it seems. It is wet snow-snowball snow that is heavy to lift. However it is beautiful a sit hangs on the trees. 
It was a challenge getting anywhere yesterday as the roads were slushy most of the day. However it was a fun conversation topic. Imagine going under the speed limit in town!  I rarely do that however I drove 60 km in an 80 km zone and still it was slippery. 
Lets imagine snow for the next week and enjoy the mess.It is part of winter and we are tough Canadans.
(hint spring break starts on March 12 so we can pretend that snow does not exist for a week)     

"leading Ladies" by Ken Ludwig- was "a blast" in Deep River

Image by Getty Images via @daylifeI attended the opening night of the Deep River Players production of "Leading Ladies" by  Ken Ludwig and am still smiling. I was originally invited by Karen Shewchuk,one of the directors, and Kristen Glowa, one of the leads. I decided to attend on the spur of the moment and my husband and I are glad we did! The Deep River Players have a core group of actors who always play slapstick comedy well.  Jeremy Whitlock played the leading lady/man Leo Maxine to perfection.Gordon Burton loves to play the fool- the character of Doc was a constant frolic.Phylis Heeney loves to play the "dumb blonde".  Kristen Glowa played Meg to perfection. However Terry Meyers played   Meg's fiance Duncan "stragiht" which must  have been difficult considering how uptight the character is. The other star crossed lover; Jack/ Stephanie was played by Marko Pilic who made such a beautiful woman.He managed to upstage Jeremy Whitelock, with his bright costumes and acting ability. Ian Graham played "Butch", Doc's son who is nervous. Another scene stealer was Nancy Rose who played Florence Snider the millionaire who is on her deathbed. She ruled the roost. I am looking forward to the next  production with this crew.                                                    

The Marriage course is being held at Camp Petawawa- St. Francis of Assis chapel

MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT COURSE JOINT INITIATIVE OF BOTH CHAPELS

The  8 week  Marriage Course will be held at St. Francis of Assisi chapel for 8 Wednesdays starting on Wednesday February 23^rd at  7 pm. Cost is $15 per couple

The Marriage Course is an eight-session course set in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. You will be served with coffee, tea and dessert at a romantic table for two while listening to practical talks that are informative and fun, either presented live or by DVD. http://www.themarriagecourse.ca

It is developed by the same people that made Alpha and it is from a Christian basis but it does not require people make any spiritual commitment. The course will refer to God in one session but for the most part it will focus on communication, conflict resolution, etc.

Contact Padre Bob Lay at  robert.lay@forces.gc.ca or extension 6498 .The Marriage course is a series of seven session designed to help any married couple strengthen their relationship. The course covers : Building Strong Foundation , The Art of Communication, Resolving Conflict, The Power of Forgiveness, The Impact of Family-past and present, Good Sex, Love in Action, and Coping with Times of Separation- an optional session mainly for couples in the armed forces. Since this course is being given at a military chapel the optional session is  important. The course website is  www.themarriagecourse.ca or www.themarriagecourseusa.org.  It was orginally developed at the Holy Trinity Brompton.London U.K. 

The atmosphere at the sessions is romantic. Bob Lay has supports from other chaplains. Jennifer Lay his wife provided the dessert for the first two evenings. As each couple is set at a private table the setting is intimate and confidential  

What's for lunch or how to cook Coucous 10 different ways!

Image via WikipediaSilver Threads seniors group in Petawawa Ontario is fortunate to have members with a  variety of skills. One lady, a former high school teacher, is also a volunteer caterer for the club.Carine McGonegal is a Renfrew County Community Food Advisor . She created a seminar with the theme: What's For lunch? basing on how to use Couscous. The menu is as follows: Moroccan Chickpeas and Couscous, Skillet Pork chops with Sweet Potatoes and Couscous,Mediterranean Lamb Curry Couscous, Lunch Box Peachy Sweet Potato and Couscous. Salads: Couscous Salad, Curried Couscous Salad, Couscous with Currants and Carrots and Cottage Chesse Blend. Dessert was fruity Sweet Couscous.
The preparation area was divided into: one table with the food ingredients; one table with the cooking and preparation items and five tables with recipes and basic information. Twenty "silver thread" members divided up and prepared part of the meal.It was a little harried at times as knives and bowls were used by everyone!  Those who finished preparing their meal dish first helped set up tables for the meal. Twenty four ravenous people listened to their leader as they were encouraged to get dessert first. The dessert was a mixture of three different types of couscous and strawberries. blueberries and bananas. Of course  that was the easy part. The prepared dishes were set out in order with the  name of the  cooks underneath.
The group enjoyed the variety of dishes with couscous so there may be a run on couscous in the stores!
Thank you to Cairine for her hard work preparing the menu, buying the food and supervising the preparation! As a participant I look forward to the next event. 
 

Definition of a "Street walker"

Image via WikipediaIn the vernacular "Street walker" means prostitute. However in Deep River,Ontario, home of AECL research it has another  meaning. I was at a social function recently and saw a lady I know who is part of a walking group. She introduced me to her husband as "one of the street walkers".   Her husband politely said nice to meet you. I went to back to my seat and told the people at my table that I had been called a "Street walker". Some laughed and some looked puzzled. My friends "in the know" said I had been called a prostitute! My husband shrugged it off and said oh just those ladies who walk the streets in Deep River.
Yes the Deep River walking group know they have a reputation and enjoy it! They have named themselves the "Street Walkers" as these well known "pillars of the community:" walk around town three mornings a week and take over the streets as they walk down the centre of the road. Traffic beware- they rule. It is not wise in Deep River to "mess with the street walkers"! ( there may be prostitutes in Deep River but they dare not walk the streets on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday mornings.)   
 

Mewsings at year end and in the new year

Image via WikipediaThis week we have made several trips to Ottawa to visit friends and shop. Today we visited Ikea and purchased blinds for the sun room.  however we also attempted to purchase a 'Mac" computer- will try again online as the items we were interested in were all sold out! We are always in a state of flux as we prefer shopping in person but find the two hour trip to Ottawa just to shop as waste of time often. We did complete our Ikea shopping with a further trip with Jocelyn to get items that just popped out. Ikea is brilliant is having lots of small  items available that tempt the consumer!However we made trips in January to   get "stuff" as we did the Mac computer on line. It was delivered by UPS! I am still learning how to play with it. the macgroup in Ottawa are helpful.Now to invest in more software!  

Two winter holidays : Mexico and the DR part one: Mayan Riveira

Image via WikipediaLast year we went to the Mayan Riviera in January. Since we had a good break we decided to do it again this year- this time to the DR. Last year was a novelty as it was our first experience in an all inclusive resort. We stayed at the Viva Wyndham Maya near to Playa del Carmen. We enjoyed being spoilt and being able to walk out at night in just a short sleeved shirt!  We managed to do some sight seeing between sunbathing and shopping. Our trips to Tulum and Chickenitza were experiences we will never forget.   The trip to Tulum started out on a catamaran.      About 20 people were taken out in the Carribean in rough waters to an area to snorkel.However it was too rough! I embarrassed myself by being scarred of climbing over the edge of the boat when we were transferred to small fishing boats to get to shore. so    two fishermen had to carry me over the top of the catammarn and lower me down into the boat ! We enjoyed the walk up the beach and through the ruins at Tulum.
Our other memorable trip was to Chichen-tza an old Mayan community. We had the educational experience of being on a bus with everyone from Canada but the only two people not from Quebec! Our poor guide had to speak in French and English! We were amused though that the bus showed an educational video from the Canadian musuem of  Civilisation, Chichen-tza is a world renowed site. We also stopped at a cooperative to have lunch an buy souvenirs.On th e way back to the hotel we stopped at Cenote X'keken Yacatan and climbed down into a cavern. An impressive nat ural subterranean formation of turquoise waterlocated  7 km from Valladolid Yucatan. Valladolid is one of the oldest towns in the Yucatan. We returned from our holiday with sun/wind tans and a healthy respect for a different culture.

CBC Ottawa Morning feature about Petawawa: Family Integration

Wow! Petawawa is featured on Ottawa morning two days in a row. The title CFB Petawawa Family Intergration helps the listener prepare for the topic of soldiers and families connecting after being away on deployment for many months. Although I have no direct connection to the military I know many military members and see the stress that the deployment creates for them. I enjoyed listening to Base Commander Lt. Col..Keith Rudderham talk about the effect on pre-schoolers. The comments coming from a man of his rank helps put the situation into context.    
As a civilian it helps me understand when soldiers, teachers and spouses are given the chance to comment about the reality of family dynamics themselves. I appreciate the interview ending on a positive note as the mini baby boom that happens was connected to Amanda Keeping, who is expecting, and who runs a Baby business.
As a spouse of  an AECL employee who lived in Pinawa Manitoba for manly years I also have a connection to one of the families who lost a son in Afghanistan. So the military world connects to the civilian world on many levels.
As a long time member of St. George's chapel I am also aware of the moods of the military families. There is a prayer service on the 4th Wednesday of the month to pray for the military in Afghanistan.  It will continue until all the military have left  Afghanistan.  On Wednesday February 9th three chaplains will talk about their deployment experiences last year. Padre Shaun Turner will talk about  being with the Dart team in Haiti and working in Camp Mirage or Dubai. Padre Ian Easter will talk about Cyrus where the troops go to decompress after Afghanstan. Padre Carol Bateman will talk about her experience in Afghanistan. As a civilian I appreciated learning how the military functions and how the human side of the organisation works. 

Petawawa in the news: Kelsey's restaurant and Neville realty mentioned

CBC’S HAILLIE COTNAM INTERVIEWS MAYOR BOB SWEET, BASE COMMANDER Lt. Col. Keith Rudderham, real estate agent Bart Neville. Kelsey’s manager Kim Clouthier about changes in the community since the troops returned from Afghanistan.

I am a fan of CBC. I like to be up on current events. However I live in an area of the country that is often in the news due to it’s two major employers” CFB Petawawa and AECL.  It is always a challenge to listen to the official version of events as I live a version of the same events as a by stander. My husband  has been employed at AECL for over 30 years so I have heard many stories through the grape vine and seen many official notices about the same events. We have lived in Petawawa since 2001 and seen many changes. We bought our house from a military family. The husband was in Bosnia so the legal documents had to  be fax to Bosnia for his signature! In 10 years Bosnia is now a distant memory for the base.

Bart Neville, one of our neighbours was featured on the interview saying that 80 homes had sold since November when the troops started returning.

Kim Clouthier, manager at Kelsey’s said that 80% of her business is from the military. She also commented on the increased traffic on Petawawa blvd in the last few years. The town has grown since 2005.

Bob Sweet, Mayor of Petawawa, is an upbeat man who has an incredible memory for faces. He also talked about the  growth. I find it a constant challenge to pay attention and be aware of the incredible growth in the community. I am looking forward to more retail stores in Petawawa. If only the news about AECL is as upbeat.