A November to Remember
November is cold, wet, and quite frankly not the most visually appealing outdoorsy month. While the streetscape may be momentarily lacking in beauty and splendor, there are many places to experience it both indoors and outdoors.
On any evening, you can grab a hot coffee or tea (I believe Westboro is famous for the vast selection of options!) and stroll to Winston Square to take in the warmly lit chandelier that features flora and fauna indigenous to Westboro; custom and permanent public artwork by artists Joanna Swim and Adrian Göllner. You can also take in (and maybe even take home!) beautiful artwork that is displayed indoors at Wall Space Gallery (358 Richmond Road).
On November 11, please join us at the cenotaph at Byron Linear Park near Golden Avenue in honouring those who fought bravely for Canadians (and beyond) on Remembrance Day.
âTis the season to plan your festivities for the very busy December ahead. Whether you are hosting parties, dinner, family, friends â you can find what you need in Westboro. Or if you are not in the mood for hosting, there are several restaurants who can accommodate groups of up to even 50 people â great for office parties. Check out our directory of restaurants and stores at WestboroVillage.com
Light up the night in Westboro Village
Get ready to light up the village on December 1, in what promises to be a joyous kick-off to the holiday season. Weâre bringing back some of favourite traditions and starting a brand new one this year!
The Renaissance Carollers will be back this year from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Look for them (although youâre more likely to hear them coming) as they stroll through Westboro Village singing everyoneâs favourite carols.
The annual Westboro tree lighting ceremony will once again be taking place in front of All Saints Westboro. Drop by at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome to help count down to the big light up. Itâs going to be a large tree; a sight to behold! Bundle up and bring the family, then stick around to catch up with friends and neighbours and enjoy some hot cocoa, cider, and good cheer.
New this year, the Westboro Village Christmas Market will showcase some amazing local handmade goods and gifts between noon and 7 p.m. on December 1 and 2. Itâs a fun and easy way to find that perfect gift and get a jump start on holiday shopping. And donât miss the raffle! Itâs a special fundraiser for WaterAid.
The market will be located outdoors at Winston Square, but it may extend even further.
A time to remember
Did you know that the poppy was first adopted as a symbol of remembrance in 1921? Today, itâs an instantly recognizable symbol. Itâs such a small thing, but thereâs so much meaning behind it. Wearing a poppy on our lapel is a way to show our respect and gratitude to those who sacrificed so much for their country.
Donations raised through the sale of poppies go to the Ottawa Poppy Trust Fund, and they make a big difference in our community.
According to the Westboro Legion, poppy funds are held in trust in a bank account separate from the branch general funds and cannot be used for any purpose other than those stipulated. These uses include but are not limited to:
Assisting veterans and their families with the such necessities of life as food and shelter;
Providing comforts to veterans and their widows/widowers when they are hospitalized, in long-term care facilities, and in nursing homes;
Setting up educational bursaries for veteransâ children and/or grandchildren;
Funding medical research and training;
Operating legion service bureau offices that help veterans deal with various bureaucracies.
Legion Branches Westboro 480 and Strathcona 595 are members of the Ottawa Poppy Fund. During the past year (2017-2018) the Ottawa Poppy Fund donated over $67,000 to veterans, cadet corps, youth programs, and community groups.
Some of the organizations that have received funding include the Perley and Rideau Veteranâs Health Centre, Canadian Adaptive SnowSports, Carefor Health & Community Services, Meals on Wheels, and The Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League (veterans in the Caribbean).
At Christmas, gifts were provided to veterans, widows and widowers in the local manors and care facilities. Both branches hosted a dinner for the veterans in their area during the year.
Poppy funds were also used for the Royal Canadian Legion Poster and Literacy contest in November, which promotes remembrance and is open to all youth.
There were six bursaries awarded last year to students pursuing post-secondary educations.
âThank you to everyone who supported us during last yearâs poppy campaign,â says Doug Cody of the Westboro Legion. âWe look forward to your continued support as we strive to assist our veterans, youth and community.â
The next time you see a tray of poppies at a local shop, make a donation, and wear that poppy over your heart. You will feel good knowing you are making a difference.
For more information about the Westboro Legion, please go to rcl480.com.
