Business Buzz

Like the ghost of Christmas past, we’re reminded of our own mortality after shoveling our driveways and walkways alike. It’s the season when the cold brings to the surface the aches and pains of previous injuries, haunting us. If we can keep our focus on the present, we’ll be better situated to tackle past injuries and/or mistakes and make changes to affect future outcomes.

At Anatomy Physiotherapy Clinic, their client-focused approach allows for a collaborative and comprehensive injury recovery program, as well as an injury prevention plan. The clinic’s dedicated professionals help clients get back on their feet with a hands-on methodology that’s one-on-one.

When I spoke to Registered Physiotherapist Andrew Dings, the clinic’s owner/operator, he explained that members of his hand-picked team are chosen for their expertise, professionalism, and friendliness. The home clinic, located at 425 St. Laurent Blvd. in Manor Park, has four physiotherapists, three massage therapists, one kinesiologist, and two fabulous administrative staff members. Andrew has also expanded to offer services in Orleans and also in Stittsville.

“I really enjoy this,” Andrew tells me. “You can always learn more, and in so doing, help more people.”

With over a decade of experience, Andrew continues to learn by teaching and mentoring new physiotherapists, by taking continuing educational certification programs and by encouraging his staff to do the same. The team is highly-educated and Andrew himself has three degrees, two of which are Masters: in Physiotherapy from the University of Ottawa and in Clinical Science (MCISc) in Manipulative Therapy from Western University.

I asked Andrew how the ongoing pandemic had affected their services, and like many other businesses, it’s been a blend of dealing with restrictions and public trepidation.

That being said, pain doesn’t wait for times to change. Instead, Andrew and his team have gone above and beyond mandated restrictions to make their clients feel safe and secure. They continue to monitor the situation day-by-day and have re-shaped how face-to-face appointments take place.

Pain is present in an overwhelming number of people these days. Whether its joint pain, muscle pain, posture pain, or pain associated with stress, Anatomy Physiotherapy Clinic can provide support through their clients’ journey to recovery. The clinic treats over 20 different kinds of pain symptoms and conditions and provides 11 different types of massage therapies.

The clinic now offers virtual care – a tele-rehabilitation service that allows you to make virtual appointments and connect with therapists. For more information on their COVID protocols, contact the clinic anytime by phone, text, or email.

Their website at www.anatomyphysioclinic.com has a well-written blog that brings people into the current conversation with helpful content that’s been created to educate readers on topics such as: why it’s important to stay active; tips for athletes, and ways to improve your health. It’s a great read and good reminder as we set our goals for 2022.

For a more in-depth dive into supportive information, Anatomy Physiotherapy Clinic also offers downloadable E-books on their website. Visit the clinic at 425 St. Laurent Blvd or give them a call to schedule an appointment at 613-680-4477.

Adam and Kelly Weiss are the proud owners of Bibi Middle Eastern Kitchen, the vibrant Beechwood quick-service establishment that opened just weeks before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.  “It’s been a wild ride!” said Adam.

While an incredibly challenging time to start a business, somehow Bibi’s hit the “sweet spot” by filling an unmet need in the neighborhood. The food is delicious – we know that Ottawa loves shawarma! The demand for Bibi’s delicious and healthy take-out grew more pronounced during the long months of restrictions.

Crediting a neighbourhood website for early publicity, one day in 2020 Adam looked out the window on the Putman Avenue sidewalk and saw a line-up. What an affirmation! Kelly and Adam and their staff were in the right place, at the right time, offering what the neighborhood enthusiastically endorsed as the right product.

“BiBi’s comes from the Arabic word ‘habibi’,” says Adam. “Habibi is a term of endearment said between close friends or relatives.” Adam tells me that it ties in the sense of hospitality and caring for all the guests that come into their establishment.

“ BiBi’s encompasses our belief in caring for our guests and having more than just a client versus business relationship,” he says.

The menu offerings are familiar with a few twists – Zaatar fries and popcorn for snacking – slow-roasted chicken instead of cooked on a spit – tabbouleh is made with quinoa in lieu of bulgur.    It’s all bright, juicy, healthy and “more-ish”; as in, it tastes like more! Tempting photos and descriptions can be seen on their website www.eatatbibis.com.

Adam has been in the restaurant business since the age of 18, starting on the bottom rung as a dishwasher. He moved up in the industry through roles as assistant manager, food and beverage at Brookstreet, a stint at Ei8teen as wine director, and most recently as the front-of-house manager at the re-imagined Fairouz on Clarence St. Having studied business early on, and later completed a culinary management program, it was just a matter of time before Adam ventured out on his own.

“Growing up in Orleans, I was eating shawarma from the time I was six,” said Adam, explaining the choice of chef-inspired middle eastern cuisine. Adam’s time at Fairouz clarified for the couple the type of food they wanted for their restaurant.

Bibi’s food is made fresh from fresh ingredients, including 60 pounds of chickpeas soaked every week for hummus and as much as possible, vegetables from local producers. Much of the food production goes to catering for events of all sizes.

Fortunately for Adam, he married Kelly. Kelly is a serial entrepreneur with expertise in digital marketing and event planning. Together they had what it took to build a business that they themselves would want to patronize, for families like themselves.

“We get along really, really well,” laughs Kelly, while holding the couple’s 8-month-old baby boy Harrison. The young family are Manor Park residents and plan on sending Harrison to Manor Park Public School, establishing themselves for the long haul. A second location for Bibi’s is not out of the question someday.

Among the many projects that opening the business entailed, one of them was painting. The modest-sized seating area featured a textured wall which was red when the couple secured the location.

“We did it with a brush. It took two days! We came in after the first day, and it had dried paler than we’d thought and we had missed so many spots, we had to do it all over again!”

The resulting gold is very chic indeed, a touch of luxury which contrasts nicely with the fresh white and blue used elsewhere in the space. This dynamic young couple understands the desire for something familiar with a touch of unexpected – a winning formula for food and décor. Bibi’s is open seven days/week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Joah Bates, with more than 30 years’ experience in Osteopathy, has been practicing in the Manor Park area for many years. He studied and practiced in his native England before moving to the United States. In 1999, he moved to Canada to continue his practice and his post-graduate study of the biodynamic approach to Osteopathy.

His area of expertise, Biodynamic Osteopathy, holds a special place in the range of holistic, hands-on approaches that can help us heal from injury or pain and often help us resolve vague discomforts.

Patients relax profoundly during sessions enabling the body’s own intelligence to take over and initiate a natural healing process. Also, patients gradually learn to be aware of their body, and its alignment and tension. This awareness becomes a useful self-help tool.

The onset of Covid-19 happened as Joah and his family were in the midst of making changes in their lifestyle. After several years of living in Manor Park and for a while in nearby Beacon Hill, in spring 2021 he moved his residence to Hawkesbury, Ont. where the rural community has welcomed them.

“Living in the countryside is fantastic – a win-win all round,” says Joah. “I grew up in the English countryside and wonder what took me so long to move back to that environment.”

He now travels twice weekly to see patients in a home-based clinic in Manor Park East. Its location, in a peaceful and easy-to-reach neighbourhood, could not be better. At his countryside clinic in Hawkesbury, he is able to see new clients and also those who travel from Ottawa and elsewhere.

“The pandemic has forced everyone to adapt and change their lifestyle. Many people now spend more time at home with their families … and schedules have become more flexible,” Joah tells me, as he reflects on the positive changes the pandemic has brought about.

Even though he had to close his practice several times due to COVID restrictions, he focuses on the positive changes and opportunities that have arisen. He pays special attention to what his clients need in order to feel more comfortable, confident, and relaxed while receiving treatments. Another positive change is that he now takes additional time between seeing patients, resulting in a workday with a more natural ebb and flow.

His clients may include people who have suffered injury or are in pain or discomfort. For example, a small misalignment may be painful because it produces pressure on nerves or limits circulation and results in compensations elsewhere in the body. Over time, that misalignment can become a larger problem.

The basic theory is that when the body is in alignment, it tends to heal, and pain disappears. Biodynamic Osteopathy can help resolve such imbalances and can teach awareness to prevent others. Biodynamic Osteopathy treatment centres on relaxation that allows the body to tap into its own resources to naturally align itself and heal. With cranio-sacral therapy, the nervous system subtly balances itself, supporting the improved alignment and the body’s general health.

One to three sessions are often enough to experience improvement with no negative side effects, but every case varies, and there are patients that appreciate periodic therapy treatments. Insurance coverage is available. Treatment sessions are for 50 minutes.

For an appointment or for more information do call Joah at 613-742-0011.

We welcome new advertiser Pedram Zandi, proud owner of CEC Electrical Services Ltd. His company, in business for four years, is expanding thanks to its well-established reputation for quality workmanship and customer service.

As a fully licensed and insured electrical contractor, CEC Electrical Services Ltd. offers residential and commercial services, including service calls for a complete range of electrical trouble shooting and for new electrical wiring and installations.

Eleven years ago, Pedram Zandi, already a master electrician with an engineering degree in electrical power systems, immigrated to Canada as a skilled worker. By 2018, he had completed the requirements for his Ontario Master Electrician’s license and had started his own company.

As a master electrician, Pedram has extensive experience and expertise in working with electrical systems, the interpretation of building codes, safety measures and project management.

For home or business owners planning work that entails more complex configurations or that require proper electrical permits and inspections, the services of a master electrician like Pedram and a licensed electrical contractor like CEC Electrical Services are needed to oversee the work.

“Electrical work is mathematical, demanding and requires hands-on problem-solving skills,” says Pedram. “That’s where the rewards come … using your talents to enjoy what you do.” And that is where the job satisfaction lies for Pedram, who also enjoys playing the violin for both pleasure and for relaxation.

Pedram says, “CEC Electrical Services specializes in providing the highest quality material and workmanship and provides free estimates for all major projects.” He cautions, “I wouldn’t necessarily recommend that homeowners try to troubleshoot electrical problems on their own. Call a licensed electrical contractor if there is an electrical issue, both for your own personal safety and to ensure that your home’s electrical system remains up to code.”

“Whether customers need a small wiring fix or the installation of state-of-the art smart home systems, CEC Electrical can help.” Pedram explains that his company will complete a thorough consultation to help the home or business owner in selecting the scope of the work that fits their overall project plans.

“I look at what I do as helping people, not just operating a business.”

CEC Electrical offers free quotes for major projects and guarantees for all its work. The company’s electrical services for residential and commercial premises include but are not limited to service upgrades to 200 amps; electric vehicle (EV) chargers; hot tubs, saunas, jacuzzies and pool equipment, and the installation of pot lights and light fixtures. It also provides electrical services for basement renovations, kitchen upgrades and wiring for custom-built homes. It provides services to replace aluminum wiring with copper; to install smart switches, plugs, timers, dimmers, and under-cabinet lights; isolated ground plugs for medical equipment as well as the installation of surge protectors, generators, transformers and 600V systems.

Currently, CEC Electrical offers its services in Ottawa and Pedram has an affiliation for Manor Park where his brother Ashkan Zandi owns and operates Time Sharpening – our neighbourhood watch and jewellery repair store, at the Rockcliffe Crossing Plaza on St. Laurent Blvd.

With an eye to the future, Pedram has incorporated his business federally and he is also licensed as a master electrician and FST Class A in both Alberta and British Columbia.

Asked why he went on to qualify in other provinces, Pedram says, “I am following my passion to build my professional company … to serve and to help.”

CEC Electrical is a young business with a mission to offer the highest quality, professional services to all its customers – its vision is the natural consequence of Pedram Zandi’s accumulated life experience of studies, discipline, focus and effort.

To reach CEC Electrical, contact Pedram at 613-709-7087 or visit his website at www.electricalcec.ca.

If you love to travel and have an itch for a unique experience, check out CNH Tours (Cultural and Natural Heritage Tours).  Tour operators and Manor Park residents, Marc Patry and Heather Blenkiron share a passion, as well as a close relationship with the Galapagos community. These highly experienced tour professionals have cultivated close ties after working and living in the Galapagos Islands.

Following their marriage, Marc and Heather moved to the islands and began working for the Charles Darwin Research Station. Heather became the Canadian representative to the islands. Meanwhile Marc served as the UN point man for the Galapagos Conservation.

Together with their associates, CNH Tours brings decades of in-depth experience which sets them apart from any other Galapagos tour operator based in Canada.

Charles Darwin first visited the Galapagos Islands in 1835 and his observations of the multitude of species inspired the theory of evolution we know today. Galapagos is 1,000 km. off the coast of Ecuador and is world renowned for its unique and diverse wildlife.

It’s clear that Marc and Heather’s care for nature and the environment is a big part of CNH Tours as is their desire to inspire people to see the true beauty of travel. Not only do they promote environmental education, but now when you book through them, your trip is carbon neutral through the purchase of carbon offsets. Carbon offsets allow you to compensate for your own carbon emissions by supporting activities that will remove or prevent the release of the equivalent amount of carbon from the atmosphere

If you decide on their signature trip, ‘Active Galapagos on the Samba’, expect to see the area from the vantage point aboard a well-managed and maintained 14-passenger ship, the Samba. Once aboard you will experience the Galapagos Marine Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site where the guides will take you as often as possible on snorkeling adventures to discover the vibrant life under the sea.

In the evening you will delight in stories over great food. On land, you’ll be amongst the finest naturalist guides who will lead you through the sensory experience of the island and encourage you to engage more fully with the environment.

If a cool breeze is what you seek, CNH Tours now offers a 13- or 21-day tour of Antarctica. With the help of Jane Wilson, a 25-year Antarctica research and tourism veteran, this trip will titillate and inspire anyone who seeks adventure in remote destinations.

CNH Tours offers many experiences and much more detail on their website. You’ll even find specialty tours for kids with autism led by an expert who has been supporting children with special needs for more than 30 years.

Starting in 2023, CNH Tours will expand their reach beyond the Galapagos to provide specialized tours to Antarctica, Okavango in Botswana, the Great Bear Rainforest in the Canadian West Coast, and much more.

Since the arrival of COVID-19, CNH Tours, like the broader travel industry, has been hit hard. Currently, proof of vaccinations and negative PCR tests are required for travel.

“December so far has been a great month”, Marc tells me. That being said, with new restrictions in place, small businesses are hard-pressed and need our support the most.

For those of you considering an adventure-style, educational, and memorable trip that you will be speaking of for years to come, look into CNH Tours. You can find them at CNHTours.com.

Welcome to new Chronicle advertiser, Coeur de Pion and its creative designer and owner, Christian Djohossou. Coeur de Pion, an authentic entrepreneurial initiative and brand brings distinctive and quality athleisure and street wear to the marketplace through its online store as well as at various nomadic pop-up events.

Each Coeur de Pion fashion collection is unique and different from any previous collection, varying by inspiration and inherent design. Each begins with a stimulus that drives the creative process into action, leading Christian to collaborate with the best possible production resources in Ottawa and from as far away as West Africa or Europe.

Although he may work with other collaborators, Christian says that Coeur de Pion does not delegate the actual design of the pattern in its collections. “Our design pattern carries a message – its colouring and shape is integral to our brand and that we take a lot of pride in.”

When it comes to fashion, his team believes that there is more than external satisfaction from wearing clothing. As Christian says, “Beauty is a light in the heart – it’s integral to our brand and to the passion we carry within.”

“I would like people to feel that the Coeur de Pion pieces they wear are truly unique,” says Christian. “For instance, our current plaid collection features four assorted designs – each tartan is named for a star in the galaxy; each tells a different story.”

He explains that the model in the Coeur de Pion ad is wearing the Rana pattern – Rana being a star in the equatorial constellation of Eridanus. “I wanted to highlight travelling in this pattern with special attention to coming back home as a good indicator of just how far you have been.”

Fashions are designed for both women and men and include many unisex pieces. Coeur de Pion’s athleisure collection can be worn at home or for more active activities and can always be dressed up.

Optimizing the design is also important as Christian feels “There is osmosis between the clothing and the people who wear them.” Another core value is the awareness of the environmental footprint for their collections and the importance of optimizing the creative process to minimize those footprints.

Coeur de Pion translates to ‘pawn heart’. Christian explains that the philosophy behind the brand name is that “we all carry a bit of vulnerability and that no matter where one starts, taking one step at a time will lead to one’s destination or to reaching one’s goals – that  anyone with determination, courage and passion can accomplish their dream.”

Christian is also known as Le R Premier, a rapper, singer, song writer and music producer. “Music was my first passion, and then clothing caught up,” he explains as he refers to the origin of his creative drive. The music he writes is all about social commentary – about pursuing a dream, pondering his roots, and experiencing the freedom to create and, of course, love –  and communicating with poetry and rhythm.

Christian’s interest in clothing developed early on when he was a teenager living in Benin, West Africa. Immigrating to Canada at 16, he completed his professional education and began following his artistic passions.

Christian sold his first fashion designs in 2014. Growing organically over the next four years, Coeur de Pion held its first pop-up on Rideau St. in downtown Ottawa in the summer of 2018. “That pop-up experience established us,” says Christian. He likes taking part in pop-ups, the most recent being a holiday-themed market for crafters and creators held at Zibi House on the banks of the Ottawa River this past December.

To keep tabs on his next pop-up and to check out his line of casual, comfy athleisure and street wear (and his music), visit his online store at: www.coeurdepion.com.

Our neighbourhood DOWNdog Yoga Studio, established by Jocelyne Campbell, is located at 8 Bedford Cres. in Manor Park. Its graceful vestibule gives way to an ample, warm studio with windows bringing light into the comforting space. All precautions have been taken for students to return to this noble practice. The studio has been fitted with an excellent air filtration system and, following COVID protocols, it is disinfested thoroughly after each class.

This past September, the studio opened slowly, but as the fall’s 10-week session progressed, classes filled to capacity. Jocelyne celebrated her 70th birthday during the lockdown. She was touched and impressed by the vast number of people who reached out to her.

“I was so very thankful to the Manor Park community for all their support, and I realized just how many lives either directly or indirectly the yoga studio had touched,” said Jocelyne.

This was the main motivation for re-opening her studio. The lack of connection during COVID was difficult and the studio offered an important way to reconnect.

Jocelyne became a yoga instructor after a lifetime of teaching. She discovered yoga as a tool to live a more balanced life, to relieve stress and promote well-being. She taught at different venues before remodeling her home and opening her own studio in 2017. The motto of DOWNdog Yoga is “Yoga for Empowerment. For the warrior in you!”

Jocelyne was thrilled to welcome Mike Dynie and Danielle Lyrette as studio instructors when she reopened in September.

The Hatha All-Levels Monday evening class is taught by Mike, who is considered to be one of Ottawa’s top yoga instructors. He keeps students on their toes with creative asanas, humour, and positivity. On Wednesday evening, a Hatha Yoga Flow class, taught by Danielle, offers an easy flow and rhythm as she contributes her own dance experiences.

“It’s nothing like you have experienced before. Danielle has an eclectic style that builds confidence and motivation,” explains Jocelyne.

Wednesday mornings Jocelyne teaches a Gentle Hatha class that eases participants into the stillness, flexibility, and balance of yoga. She invites students to focus on the breath to promote relaxation and openness. Her assistant Jake, an Australian shepherd, oversees her class quietly and brings in the loving wisdom of the downward dog.

Jocelyne adds, “If you are an entrepreneur thinking of starting a business know that you have the power to affect the lives of many people. Whether it be a corner grocery store, a bakery, a flower shop, your presence can make a significant difference in building community feeling.”

“I believe that sense of community in our world today is more important than ever. COVID was really tough and taught us many lessons – the importance of helping and supporting each other being foremost.”

DOWNdog Yoga offers three sessions annually: fall, winter, and spring. Each session has ten classes; students have the option of just paying for the classes they can schedule in a session. Free trial classes are offered for new students and drop-ins.

Plans are in the pipeline for DOWNdog Yoga. Manor Park resident and yoga instructor Roxanne Joly will be using the studio space for healing circles and private yoga instruction in the new year.

As the community continues its support of DOWNdog Yoga, the studio continues to contribute to the community’s well-being and growth. It’s a love-love equation. For more information, visit DOWNdog Yoga’s blog-website at https://downdogyoga.ca.

In July of 2022, Dr. Luc Ducharme will have been practicing dentistry for 27 years. Graduating from the University of Montreal, he began his career under the tutelage of Dr. Walker on Montreal Rd. whose office was located across from the Jean Coutu pharmacy.

Purchasing the practice from his mentor, Dr. Ducharme moved to his first Beechwood Ave. location in 2004, next to the Subway restaurant. Joined by Dr. Olivier Julien, Dr. Ducharme grew the practice in that location for close to 20 years. Their welcome success led to the business outgrowing the location, and, by 2021, it was high time for a move.

If you haven’t had a chance to visit Dr. Ducharme’s new office yet, you may think you are stepping into a chic restaurant, or an art gallery. The corner location on the main floor of The Kavanaugh condominium building is flooded with light and sparkles with clean, modern design.             A dramatic original abstract painting by Ottawa’s Dominik Sokolowski hangs in the waiting area, fully at home in the industrial-inspired space with it’s 14-foot ceilings. The furnishings are spare, and the waiting area offers plenty of room to manoeuvre, welcoming clients who use a walker, wheelchair, or stroller! A retro ‘wink’ in the form of an old Pac-Man arcade machine sets off the foyer.

After looking around for a location to expand into for several years, “…the stars seemed to align…,” says Dr. Ducharme when the former Epic Fitness commercial space became available. Though sorry to see a business fold under pandemic pressures, Dr. Ducharme was thrilled to finally be able to secure a larger location along Beechwood.

“There was no question about leaving the area. I wanted to stay on Beechwood – I love this street!”

Having more space has been a sigh of relief. From six treatment rooms at the former location, the practice now boasts 10, each with opaque, sliding-glass doors. Dr. Ducharme was pleased to show me a galley-style sanitation area where two or more staff can comfortably work putting instruments and dental appliances through a multi-phase sterilization process. The process even involves a digital date/time/employee stamp to facilitate total traceability should any concern later be identified.

His associate, Dr. Julien, can breathe more easily in his very own office, which, while no bigger than his former one, is no longer shared with two other staff!

Luc Ducharme wanted to be a dentist from the age of seven. When one encounters his energy and drive, it’s easy to see how that single-minded desire brought him to where he is today. I would not have wanted to be the parent or teacher who attempted to dissuade him!

His commitment to excellence has led him to offer a wide range of dental care services, including orthodontics, Invisalign, mouthguards, and implants. The practice is able to offer sedation dentistry as an extra reassurance for those anxious about the experience. A full complement of dental assistants and hygienists, receptionists and administration ensure that no detail is overlooked, and there is always room for new patients.

In contemplating the major investment which the business expansion required, he framed his thinking with the question: “What do I want for the next 15 years?”

His answer has been to create a practice and environment which gives rein to his artistic and business development passions along with his dedication to excellence in dental care. We look forward to having Dr. Ducharme, Dr. Julien and all their staff as part of the Beechwood business community for many years to come.

On January 4, the doors opened at a boutique real estate law practice whose latest incarnation has been 90 years in the making. In the tradition of literary, artistic, and business partnerships over the centuries, the seeds for this next-generation legal partnership were planted at a dinner party.

Natalie Guertin and Michèle Poirier are fully bilingual lawyers specializing in real estate law. Natalie earned her law degree in French from the University of Ottawa in 2012 and joined her family’s firm, becoming the fourth generation of Guertin lawyers (but the first female Guertin!) She is proud to recount the history of the family business, latterly led by her father Louis Guertin. Louis had purchased the business from his uncle and father in 1978, who in their turn, had purchased the firm from Louis’ grandfather.

Michèle Poirier’s law degree is from the University of Moncton, where she attended the only exclusively francophone law school in the country to specialize in Common Law. After graduation, Michèle came to Ottawa and looked up a former university roommate. A family dinner invitation ensued, and she soon met Natalie, the roommate’s sister.

As talk turned to work and other commitments, Natalie mentioned that she was looking for a lawyer to replace her when she went on maternity leave two months hence. A mutually beneficial work relationship soon developed, with Michèle and Natalie trading off maternity leaves and having a total of four children over the next four years! (Future lawyers?)

As their children moved beyond infancy and Louis decided to retire, the partnership of Guertin Poirier was born, a family firm re-branded, re-imagined, and re-located for a new era of real estate service.

Guertin Poirier has settled in above the Ministry of Coffee at 16 Beechwood Ave. Natalie and Michèle are thrilled with the location and appeal of their new offices. Zoom, of course, has been a game-changer, allowing them to meet clients from all over the country. The pandemic environment has prompted other changes such as the use of lockboxes on homes for purchasers. Where once couriers zoomed all over town to deliver keys, no matter the weather, purchasers now simply use a code to access the keys to their new digs.

Digital signatures mean that contracts can be signed from different locations, without having to go into an office. If clients wish to come in, there is a parking lot behind the building and ample street parking.

Their approach is collaborative when working together and with other lawyers, agents, and purchasers – “… after all, we all want the same thing!”. Guertin Poirier offers fixed-fee pricing – no matter how complex the particular buying or selling scenario might be, there will be no billing surprises.

As Natalie said, “We do not bill in six-minute increments!”.

Their service has resulted in loyal clients – agents and purchasers – who have been with the family firm for more than 30 years. How has the current real estate market affected their business?

“We have had the busiest December in 30 years,” said Natalie. The ‘exploding’ market has certainly been good for business, though they cannot endorse the foregoing of home inspections that some purchasers have chosen in their zeal to buy.

“There have been some surprises,” said Michèle diplomatically.

Guertin Poirier offers a $100 rebate to first-time homebuyers, and $100 off a will within three months of a home purchase. Natalie and Michèle invite you to meet them to help you achieve your dreams of home ownership!

Louise Hannant is a long-time Manor Park resident, fitness instructor and personal trainer whose delight in movement is inspiring and not a little bit contagious. Beginning as a professional figure skater in her native Sweden, Louise has a rich and varied wellness “toolkit” developed over decades of study and exploration.        She brings a depth and breadth to her teaching not always found in the fitness industry. While still living in Stockholm, she completed a year of pre-med nutrition studies; received an offer to attend law school, and while raising her children in Ottawa earned a degree in philosophy, theology and ethics at St. Paul University. (Light on her feet – yes. Intellectual lightweight – no.)

Her personal training certification is through CanFit Pro, one of the most respected certification bodies in Canada. Louise has taught in our neighbourhoods for decades: at the Manor Park Community Centre; the Lindenlea Community Centre as well as over Zoom for both groups classes and personal training clients. She is pleased to come to your home.

Among her popular classes is “Stay Strong and Stable”, which focusses on balance. In Louise’s words, “It’s really a fall prevention class, but who wants to go a ‘fall prevention class’! Focus on what you want to have happen, not what you want to avoid!”

Louise describes her work thusly. “I am a passionate holistic personal trainer with expertise in general and specific health/fitness concerns. I teach classes of HIIT (High Intensity Interval training), stability ball,     and Fusion’ (a mix of low-impact cardio, weights, yoga, and mindfulness exercises, along with rehabilitation stretch, and flexibility). I use applied kinesiology, food and environmental muscle sensitivity testing, and work specifically with brain and amygdala rewiring using EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) in connection with stress, anxiety and PTSD.”

Her wide-ranging and solidly grounded approach is inviting and accessible. As a teacher she is at ease with twentysomethings, seniors and the wide swath of mid-life people in between, including people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Heart-Brain Coherence is a meditation technique Louise has recently incorporated into her personal practice, and shares with those who are interested.     Through breath, and recalling felt experiences of gratitude, appreciation and love, the heart rate and brain waves are brought into closer alignment. Such alignment increases feelings of wellbeing with a host of measurable effects, such as reducing the secretion of flight/fight hormones that lead to wear and tear on the body, and relationships. Like many meditation techniques, it is deceptively simple and surprisingly powerful.

In the early days of the pandemic, Louise wondered how or if she could adapt her work to the demands of teaching during lockdowns. At one point she said to herself, “That’s it, you’ll be turning 70, time to get out of the tights”. Many of us shared that feeling of “travelling blind”, wondering how we would continue to do the things that were most life-giving for us, at a time when they had become so much more difficult

It would be no exaggeration to say that hundreds of people are deeply grateful that she kept those tights at hand, and continued teaching. Louise welcomes you at 1805 Gaspe Ave., the former Encounters with Canada building – now a Manor Park Community Council site for classes Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays – and at the Lindenlea Community Centre on those same days.

For times and registration information, please visit the Manor Park Community Council website at www.manorpark.ca or the Lindenlea Community Centre website at www.lindenlea.ca.

Manor Park resident, Jennifer Bardwell switched her career as a scientist at the National Research Council to become a culinary wizard and entrepreneur. Several years later, Jennifer has now moved her business, LucieECooking, to its very own brick-and-mortar store located at Unit 2, 5360 Canotek Rd.

LucieECooking has been providing individual portions of frozen dinners and desserts, and fine food for special occasions since 2017. Operating out of a commercial kitchen, Jennifer has prepared and dispatched delicious, prepackaged foods all across Ottawa.

When I met up with Jennifer at her new shop, I couldn’t help but see her glee as she showed me around the spotless commercial kitchen. There were ovens and stoves, blenders, cutting machines and devices I couldn’t even identify. It almost felt laboratorial if it hadn’t smelled so good! You could tell that the meticulous and analytical scientist in her was the perfect marriage for the culinary arts.

In the beginning, Jennifer catered to an older demographic, but after word of mouth spread throughout the city, Jennifer couldn’t contain the interest and demand from a greater audience. Her nutritious home-cooked meals have been a huge success. Now, in her own shop, Jennifer is better able to set her schedule and work tirelessly to bring her creations to your doorstep.

Logical and detailed, Jennifer keeps track of all her recipes on a spreadsheet, where she can seamlessly stage her plan of action in the kitchen. Jennifer considers herself a specialist in family-dinner creations and hosts a long list of culinary delights among her online menu options. There are even some of my personal Canadiana-cuisine classic favourites, and a whole lot more.

At LucieECooking you’ll find an assortment of ready-made frozen dinners, frozen desserts, and private catering options. Just recently Jennifer started offering what she calls, ‘Fresh for Friday’. If you order by Tuesday at midnight, you’ll be able to pick up that Friday’s fresh choice from the shop between 4 to 6:30 p.m. at a reduced introductory price. On her website you can also sign up for Fresh for Friday reminders to be informed of that week’s fresh choice.

Jennifer makes it easy to start eating better by providing meals for people who don’t have the time, energy, or cooking know-how. In addition, she also has vegetarian options to cater to individuals with dietary restrictions and different lifestyle choices.

We are all aware of the dangers behind petroleum-based products such as plastic and how, eventually, they end up in our oceans, landfills, and even our own bodies. That’s why Jennifer offers all her frozen food in reusable Pyrex containers, keeping the delicate environment in mind.

With all the hectic schedules that many of us live our life according to, Jennifer Bardwell has found a solution to effortlessly eat healthier while keeping your precious time in mind.

Join Jennifer at her Open House on Friday, January 28 and Saturday, January 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. With COVID restrictions still only allowing for 10 people indoors at a time, make sure you send her a message online to reserve your spot. To sweeten the deal, there will be free samples of delicious desserts!

To learn more, visit her website at www.lucieecooking.com and be sure to subscribe for updates and contests.

Its scientific name is dicranum scoparium – a species of dicranid moss affectionately called “mood moss” because of its changing appearance in different moisture conditions. Closer to home it is the name of our neighbourhood flower shop Mood Moss Flowers, and it holds a world of endless possibilities.

From bouquets, table arrangements and seasonal ornaments to soaps, candles and potted plants as well as floral arrangements for special occasions, this dynamic, welcoming shop offers a personalized customer experience. A charming store where every inch is full of color and beauty, it all comes together in a space of grace and abundance where you will find whatever pleases your eye.

Eric Cardinal, a graduate of Algonquin College’s Floral Design program, is the sole proprietor and one of the shop’s three florists. For six years after his 1998 graduation, Eric gained experience at various Ottawa flower shops, always thinking about Beechwood Ave.as a good place to start his own business. When the opportunity presented itself in August 2004 at 186 Beechwood Ave., he opened his store.

Florists at Mood Moss include Buffy, also a gradate of Algonquin’s Floral Design program, who has worked there for more than ten years. Keitha complements the team, having joined Mood Moss three years ago. Each florist brings their own particular sense of aesthetic to the mix.

Seasonally vibrant and full of activity,  Eric says Mood Moss has been busy with weddings that did not take place during the pandemic shutdown – now smaller, but many in number.

Mood Moss had just revamped its web presence when it had to shut down in March 2020. Eric turned to social media to promote commercial activity; sales started to grow gradually. Even though he had to work alone within a closed shop, pick up supplies himself and deliver his orders personally or with the help of his family, it was worth it.

It was a process of adapting to new conditions in order to survive. New suppliers had to be found, and things had to be accomplished in a different manner, but in the end, sales continued to grow after the initial complete standstill.

Looking back the effort paid off. The business survived and thrived with the help and support of family and the community. And, as soon as it was possible, the rest of his floral team re-joined him at work.

For Eric, it was comforting to see that “flowers and plants remained a valuable means of communication in difficult times”. Although people could not meet, they could express their appreciation with the help of Mood Moss Flowers.

Through the years the florist shop has kept up with trends and strives to offer exactly what its clients are looking for.

“We’re flexible,” says Eric. “I think people know we are going to try our best to make them happy.” A recent trend is the popularity of houseplants – people enjoy selecting, learning about and caring for them – and Mood Moss offers a great variety.

With the addition of new condos along Beechwood Ave. and growth in the Vanier area, Mood Moss Flowers has seen greater traffic, different interests, needs and tastes. However, Eric acknowledges that it was the close-knit community that kept coming back during the shutdown that rejuvenated his enthusiasm,

“I’m never going to forget those two years and the way people were concerned for local businesses,” Eric explains as he tells me about the long-standing clients that keep coming back every week.

Make sure to visit Mood Moss Flowers. It’s a feast for your senses and you will surely find a welcoming smile and discover an affinity you did not know you had.

Seventeen years ago, St-Laurent Academy launched its enhanced and diversified educational services for students in our community. Once located in the heart of Manor Park, it is now settled at 641 Sladen Ave., just south of the intersection of St. Laurent Blvd. and Montreal Rd.

Offering enriched personal learning from daycare through to high school, St-Laurent Academy continues to grow and works to accommodate all learning styles in both English and French with programs approved by the Ontario Ministry of Education. Its state-of-the-art facilities and educational equipment allow the school to adapt to the constant changes and challenges in education.

In total, the school welcomes approximately 550 students of all ages in small groups of 15 students per class. Students follow an academic pathway designed to flow from one level to the next – from early childhood, on to elementary and high school programs. Andrea Crupi, Assistant School Director, says the academy’s Grade 12 students who have chosen the academic pathway of post-secondary have a 100 percent success rate on their admission acceptance.

The academy’s educational focus optimizes students’ educational experiences and academic successes through a personalized approach.

“We truly do understand that every student is different and learns differently,” says Andrea. “We make an effort to ensure that we meet the student’s needs by enhancing alternative ways of learning.”

In the classroom, St-Laurent Academy provides a personalized approach for its students, enriching the learning process with diverse approaches and opportunities. One essential element of this academic approach (inspired by the Multiple Intelligences Theory) is that each level is designed to bridge to the next.

Every year, teachers start by creating a profile (a diagnosis of sorts) to identify where each student is at for each area of learning. The profile enables teachers to ‘pick up’ the teaching process at the student’s individual level, building a strong base for the acquisition of further knowledge. Once established, teachers and parents meet to keep the family informed of the educational plan for their child and to strengthen collaboration and communication.

“The small size of the class groups, the high quality of teaching and the devoted attention students receive contribute to building a welcoming atmosphere of friendship, joy and fun while learning,” says Andrea.

Colleen Long, Elementary School Principal and Tim Mook Sang, High School Principal, play key roles in leading a culture of excellence in education.

One example of the academy’s successful educational strategy is its environmental science program where a hands-on approach is realized through project-based learning at the Macoun Marsh Outdoor Classroom. Science teacher Michael Lévéille, founder of Biodiversitymatters, an NGO initiative for engaging youth in biodiversity, was instrumental in helping to develop the marsh at Beechwood Cemetery. Each year, students engage in one key biodiversity project which provides valuable opportunities for students to engage, participate, lead, and learn.

Another fundamental aspect of its educational program is the academy’s focus on developing “soft skills” through its character development and social skills classes, which promote an inclusive multicultural community with strong values. Time is devoted to the physical activity of younger students with enriched daily physical education activities (tennis, swimming, yoga, golf, archery, rock climbing, etc.) and an elaborate arts program for every level. It also offers ESL programs.

For those students who for any reason cannot attend in person, St- Laurent Academy has developed an online-learning platform for all students up to Grade 12. A synchronous learning approach, the platform uses video or voice communication to connect with students in real time. Teachers integrate online students to the classroom and continue to offer individualized assistance as classes evolve.

As a community, St-Laurent Academy is geared toward promoting students’ wellbeing, confidence, self-advocacy, independence, communication, and leadership as fundamental skills toward their educational success. For inquiries, please visit: www.st-laurentacademy.com, call: 613-842-8047 or email: admin@st-laurentacademy.com.