The Reader is the quarterly newsletter of People, Words & Change. We welcome stories and articles by our learners. People, Words & Change Heartwood House 202-404 McArthur Ave. Ottawa, ON K1K 1G8 Tel: 613-234-2494 info@pwc-ottawa.ca www.pwc-ottawa.ca Feedback on the manner in which PWC provides its services to people with disabilities, and any other services, is encouraged and appreciated.

Dog Training

Do you have a hard time with your dog? Is

your dog trained? When training a dog it is

best to decide which trainer’s way you want

to follow. Pick training that works best for

you. Then learn the commands and actions

yourself so you can show your dog with

confidence. The dog needs to know that

you’re the leader (master). Always use the

same commands and actions.

When you begin, have the canine follow

through by guiding them with the use of a

healthy treat. Once your dog has mastered a

command, which shouldn’t take long, and

once he or she has performed the command

automatically, then reward with a treat and

love. A well-trained dog is more enjoyable.

-Heather

Now I Can! PWC Learners Write…

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born

in Transkei, South Africa, on July 18,

1918. His father was Henry

Mphakanyiswa of the Tembu tribe.

Mandela himself was educated at the

University of Witwatersrand where he

studied law.

Nelson Mandela made a difference in

many people’s lives in his country and

his community. South Africa had

been colonized by the Dutch and then

the British. By the time Nelson was a

young lawyer, South Africa was an

independent country, but it was

controlled by while settlers. Nelson

was standing up for the rights of the

black people of his country. He fought

with the Afrikaner government until

South Africa became free. Nelson

made a lot of difference because he

saved his country and his people.

Nelson became President of South

Africa.

-Fadumo

Now I Can! PWC Learners Write…

Now I Can! PWC Learners Write…

Now I Can! PWC Learners Write…

My Parents

My mom passed away when I was five. I remember a few things about her from

when I was a little girl. I was in a car accident and my mom took me to the hospital.

Then she got me ice cream. She was such a sweetheart. She had dark hair and was

beautiful to me. My mom’s name was Gracia Cyr.

My dad was a hero because when my mom passed away, there were nine

children left at home. He kept us all together. He was a very strict man, but he always

made sure that we had food on the table. My dad’s name was Jean-Paul Jeanveaux.

I remember when my mom got her hair done. She was so happy. That’s all I can

say about my mom. I can’t remember; I was too young.

I remember every Saturday my dad and I watched a movie together with my

sister, Pierrette, and my brother, Paul. My dad would give us money to buy a snack for

the movie.

He used to put the music on loud on Sunday mornings. He loved to dance and he

loved to cook and as you can see, he loved his children.

-Monique

City of Ottawa

Good day,

I am a mother of four children. I would like to know

where to go to register my daughters in the course for

babysitters. One of my daughters is turning 14 years

old in February 2017 and I heard that she can

supervise my son. I need her to take this course with

my other daughter who will turn 13 in June 2017. They

already help me a lot at home when I need it.

It will help me also to go shopping when I need any

emergency stuff. I would like my daughters to learn

how to look after their younger brother, age 14

months.

I heard about this program from my friend who works

for the community centre. This course is offered on

weekends. I heard it’s a very good program and gives

kids the knowledge to care for their own families in the

future.

I will take them to any location if you can send me the

address. Please let me know if the course will be

offered in the spring.

Thank you in advance.

Sincerely,

Roda

Now I Can! PWC Learners Write…

My Vacation to Edmonton

In 2013, my family and another family went on a vacation to Edmonton during the

summer holidays when the children were off from school. We went to visit our old friends

and family. We stayed with one of our old friends who had been our pastor.

While we were there, the Edmontonians were having a festival called “The Heritage

Festival.” The festival is about different cultures and foods.

There were displays of clothes and crafts from different countries. Dancers performed

in their national costumes. We heard lots of music as we walked around.

We tasted some of the foods. There were foods from Ghana and Guatemala like “buff

loaves,” which are beans and ripe plantain deep fried in oil. There was a dish that looked

like a doughnut with ice cream on it. There was a northern Ghanaian dish called, “TZ,”

which is made from corn, and the soup is made from okra and spinach. There was food

from about 35 countries. I tasted food from Ghana, Eritrea, Nigeria, and Kenya.

We also went to the West Edmonton Mall. It is the biggest mall in the country. The

children enjoyed the rides very much.

The rest of our visit was about fellowshipping and visiting old friends.

We had a really nice time there and the children also enjoyed the vacation very

much.

-Vida

Now I Can! PWC Learners Write…

Now I Can! PWC Learners Write…

My Favourite Food

There are many kinds of food but of all foods my favourite is

pasta. I especially like spaghetti with meatballs. I enjoy it because it’s

so delicious and tasty. The garlic and spices bring out the flavour in

the tomato sauce. Adding meatballs makes the meal even more

delicious and filling. Topping it with shredded cheese and adding

crusty bread makes a full meal. It’s a satisfying meal.

-Carol

Hidden Figures

Two weeks ago, I saw a movie called Hidden Figures, which was an

interesting movie and easy to understand.

It was about three Black women who made history by working with NASA.

However, the people working at NASA didn’t trust these Black women and

what they were doing, because they were racist and the women

understood that these people didn’t want them to work at NASA.

But they did not give up. They worked hard to show they were smart and

experienced. Finally, they became successful women and made history.

-Nura

National Volunteer Week

Computer Corner

YES! YES! YES!

In the PWC Computer Lab you will learn basic computer skills

with support from our fabulous Computer Instructor, Susan,

and our dedicated volunteers. Work at your own speed on

computer skills that you need for your job, to be more

independent, or to keep up with your kids! PWC’s modules

make computer learning fun and practical.

Learn how to:

use a mouse

use a keyboard

create and use an email account with confidence

use the Internet to find information

create a document – such as a letter or a recipe

watch learning videos

use online learning materials

look for work online

fill in online forms

Learners attend once each week (or twice, space permitting).

Tuesdays 12 –2 p.m.

Wednesdays 3 – 5 p.m. or 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Thursdays 12 – 2 p.m. or 2 – 4 p.m.

If interested, please call Dee or Julie at 613-234-2494

Community News!

OC Transpo Unclaimed Items Sale

Saturday, April 29, from 12-2 p.m. Heartwood House, 404 McArthur Ave.

Come on out to Heartwood House on April 29 for loads of bargains! All items that have been unclaimed by OC Transpo riders will be up for sale at incredible prices, ranging from 25¢ to $5. More expensive items will be available through a silent auction. There will be many treasures available —sunglasses, umbrellas, musical instruments, cell phones, laptops, and more! The funds raised will be used to support all the charitable organizations and events runs by Heartwood House.

FREE TAX CLINICS IN OTTAWA FOR LOW INCOME RESIDENTS

CALL 2-1-1 TO FIND A TAX CLINIC NEAR YOU.

Trained volunteers will help you complete your

tax return.

Wordplay with Homophones!

Wordplay with Homophones continued

Wordplay with Homophones - Answer Keys