May 18

St. Clement Academy is having its annual garage sale and fun fair from 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tethered hot air balloon rides will be available from 8 to 9 a.m. for a minimum donation of only $20 per ride. There will be a garage sale as well as games and face painting for children. St. Clement Academy is located at 1151 North River Road, near the Vanier Parkway and the Queensway. For more information, visit www.stclementacademy.ca 

Ongoing

McNabb Community Recreational Centre, 180 Percy St., is holding Chow Qi Gong classes every Tuesday from 9:15-10:45 a.m., and every Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. For more information visit www.ottawachowqigongassociation.com.

Ottawa ACORN offers free tax preparation for low-income families. For this service call 613-746-5999. Ottawa ACORN also offers affordable tax preparation for moderate-income families through its second service, the ACORN Tax Collective. All funds collected go back into these programs to keep them running. For more information call 613-744-7228, visit www.acorncanada.org or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Ottawa Humane Society Auxiliary meets on the first Thursday of each month at the Ottawa Humane Society at 245 West Hunt Club Rd. From time to time, after the business meeting, a speaker will talk about an animal-related topic. For information, call 613 836 1492.

Cycle Salvation is seeking donations of used bicycles to provide training in bike mechanics to people who are economically disadvantaged. Bikes may be dropped off at 473 Bronson Ave., on Tuesdays to Fridays between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. For more information, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 613 288 1454.

Friends of the Farm

Unless stated otherwise, contact information for Friends of the Farm events is 613 230 3276 and This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

May 25        

Take part in a guided tour along the Central Experimental Farm Lilac Walk with the Friends of the Farm Lilac Team at 2 p.m. Discover the many varieties of lilac that the C.E.F. has to offer. Park at the Canadian Agriculture Museum, south of Prince of Wales round-about, follow arrows to Macoun Garden. Donations are gratefully accepted.

June 1

The Fletcher Wildlife Garden Native Plant Sale will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will feature native plants grown in the area that are adapted to local conditions and climate. Volunteers and growers will be available to answer questions and make suggestions. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call 613 730 0714 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

June 8

Guided tours of the Peony Beds will be offered on the Central Experimental Farm from 9 a.m. to noon. Get tips on what would work best in your garden. Donations are welcome.

Take part in a guided tour of the Preston Lilac collection on the Central Experimental Farm beginning at 2 p.m.  Discover the many varieties of lilac that the C.E.F. has to offer.  Donations are welcome.

June 15

Friends of the Farm will hold a workshop on roses and rose pests and diseases, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Heritage Rose Garden. Bring a folding chair.

June 18

A garden party fundraiser for the Ottawa Bach Choir will be held at 290 Coltrin Rd. in Rockcliffe Park, the home of German Ambassador Werner Wnendt, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The choir will perform at the event, which will also feature silent and live auctions. Tickets are $85 each, with a $60 tax receipt provided upon request. Please RSVP by purchasing tickets online at
www.ottawabachchoir.ca or by calling 613 270 1015.

July 12

Take a day trip to Mont Tremblant, spend a few hours in the Pedestrian Village, and visit a garden in Ripon. Call Denise Kennedy, organizer, at 613 230 3276, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Ongoing

The Friends of the Farm are looking for volunteers to work in the Ornamental gardens, Arboretum, Merivale Shelterbelt, Lilacs, and many other gardens at the Central Experimental Farm. Gardening begins in early May. For a volunteer form, please visit http://www.friendsofthefarm.ca/volunteer.htm or call 613 230 3276.