The Ottawa Citizen from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada • 10

A10 The Ottawa Citizen, Sunday, November 5, 1995 SUNDAY BEST Editor 596-8433 The Citizen picks of what to see and do today and this week 1 STORYTELLING LOCALES Ben Babelowsky am ii ill v' iiisi at It. n-t- A down the old school BRUNCH Ever since it changed hands last March, the Ritz HI on Elgin Street has been doing new things. New dishes were introduced first, then a warmer decor was added. And now there's brunch. Served from 11 a.m.

until 2 p.m., Sundays only, the Ritz IHs brunch is in keeping with the restaurant's authentic Italian spirit. There's no maple syrup here and no guilt about it. Eight distinctively different brunch entrees are offered, all between $7 and $8.25. They include Crepes con chevres (crepes stuffed with marinated eggplant and goat's cheese topped with three berry coulis), Uova con salmon affumicato (scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, dill and mushrooms over a croissant with melted fontina cheese) and Ritzoise salad, in which poached salmon, vegetables and fruit make for a successful variant of the traditional Salad nicoise. There's a Calazione a pan-fried cake made with egg white and pro-sciutto drizzling with blueberry chutney and for those who want something "dessert-like," there's the Fritat-ta mela (braised apples with amaretto and cream cheese).

The dishes are as mouth-watering as they are innovative and the Ritz's casual red-and-white-checkered-table-cloth atmosphere disguises the efforts of an attentive, serious chef. Complete the meal with wine, a cup of cappuccino or freshly squeezed orange juice ($2.25 Children are welcome smaller portions are available but large family gatherings of 20 or so may be a problem as the Ritz III is a small, narrow establishment. The Ritz HI is at 274 Elgin St. (at Ma-cLaren) 235-7027. Reservations are not taken.

BARGAINS Fashion-conscious shoppers will be flocking to the Ottawa Hadassah-Wizo Designer Duds sale today to find bargains galore. The annual sale offers quality used clothing and accessories by top designers for the entire family. Everything from coats, suits and evening wear to maternity and children's clothing will be available at bargain basement n'ricps. SgLm i ii FormerWestport school now a For almost 70 years, this solid building on the corner of Rideau and Concession streets in Westport was alive, with the sounds of children's chatter learning "the three Rs." In the late 1960s, when Westport Public School was moved to newer, bigger premises, the building, which dates back to 1899, was sold to the owner of the Goodfel-low Furniture store next door. Don Reid intended to tear in the end, he sold his business instead.

Today, Dale Lyons is the owner of Lyons-Goodfellow Furniture and uses the former school building as a warehouse. If you have a suggestion for a future Sunday Best sketch, send it, with a color photograph, to Locales, Sunday Best, The Citizen, 1101 Baxter Ottawa, K2C 3M4 fr 'ft i warehouse and replace it with a bigger store, but ARTIST A selection of recent paintings by Stittsville artist Wes Williams will be unveiled today at the Main Street Gallery Co-op. The 18 works include landscapes, a couple of florals and one still life. Williams will be on hand this afternoon to chat and answer questions. The exhibition continues until Nov.

19. When and where: Noon to 5, Main Street Gallery Co-op, 1535 Main Stittsville. ANTIQUES Shop for that one-of-a-kind treasure today at an anique show and sale at the St. Elijah Centre. Some 45 dealers from Ontario and Quebec will be selling everything from furniture and jewelry to collectibles and vintage clothing.

Admission is $4, but free for children under 12. When and where: 10 to 5, St. Elijah Centre, 750 Ridgewood opposite Mooney's Bay OUTING Warm clothing a must for visit to Lafleche Caves Spend the afternoon hearing" wonderful stories at the seventh annual Ottawa Storytelling Festival. From 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., two concerts will be held simultaneously one geared for families with young children and the other for families with children over eight years. Storytellers include Celia Lottridge, Louise McDiarmid and-Donna Stewart.

Following the concerts, children will have the opportunity to tell their own stories. Tickets are $2 each, or $5 for a family, at the door. When and where: 1:30 to 3:30, Nepean Civic Square, 101 Centrepointe Dr. CHOIRS Some 24 choirs from Anglican churches all over the valley will gather today at Christ Church Cathedral to sing Choral Evensong for All Saintstide. The 400-voice massed choirs will be conducted by Mathew Larkin of St.

Matthew's Church and Lisette Canton of St. Thomas' Church. The 75-minute service will include Har-wood's Evening Canticles in A flat, anthems by Bach and Schubert as well as congregational hymns. Admission is a free-will offering. When and where: 4:30 p.m., Christ Church Cathedral, Sparks Street near Bronson.

IKEBANA The ancient art of Japanese flower arranging flourishes today at an exhibition at the Museum of Civilization. Members of the Ottawa-Carleton chapter of the Ohara School of Ike-bana have created the 40 displays. Ike-bana is the formal name for arranging: "Ike" means to bring life, "bana" means flower. The distinctive arrangements are constructed using bark, moss, branches and flowers. The exhibit is free with admission to the museum.

Admission to the museum is free from 9 a.m. to noon. After 12 noon, it's $5 for adults, $3.50 for seniors and youth 13 to 17 and $3 for children two to 12. When and where: 9 to 5, Grand Hall, Museum of Civilization, Hull. Dennis Leung.

Citien can volunteer education for development. Secretary: An organization involved In Inter generational learning needs a secretary to take minutes of meetings and prepare other documents. This job would be ideal for a senior. Orleans: Become Involved In your community as a captain of people canvassing for people with physical disabilities. Bookkeeper: A centrally located organization concerned with human rights urgently requires a volunteer bookkeeper.

Also needed are a cartoonist, a membership coordinator and a communications officer. Events: Assistance Is required to organize special events to increase visibility and public knowledge of HIVAIDS Issues. On (he Freenet system, email can be sent to the Volunteer Centre of OttawCarleton; ovw trw Internet, address mall to: fl550Freenet.Carfcton.Ca. Ijol 5 yVlonts ufi P-afleche Caves pe CascaaaC Chelsea rv Old Chet( tions. But it was the introduction of moisture-laden air that brought bacteria and moisture into the motionless world.

Also, vandals spray-painted some of the walls and built firepits. Despite this, today's tour is simply thrilling. After a 15-minute explanation of how the pre-glacial caves were formed, you will head underground. You will see tiny stalactites forming on the walls, but these are only a miniature reminder of the grandeur of those that Dubois discovered. You will climb steep stairs as you proceed from one level of the cave to another, and, no doubt, you will be amazed at the large interior chamber which forms a natural underground gallery At one point during your tour the guide will instruct everyone to turn off the light on his hard hat and you will be plunged into total darkness.

For more information or to make a tour reservation, call (819) 457-4033. By Katharine Fletcher Citizen correspondent Today's excursion introduces you to the Lafleche Caves near Val-des-Monts in West Quebec. The caves are spectacular. Two storeys high in places, they were carved out at least 10 million years ago. How do you outfit yourself for cave exploration? First of all, wear sensible, flat shoes! Comfortable hiking boots or sneakers are a good choice.

Inside, it may be wet or even a bit slippery so wear cozy socks for warmth. It is also always cool. Because you will be outfitted with a hard hat and lamp, you won't be able to wear a toque, but may wish to wear a scarf and gloves. How to get there: The drive will take about 30 minutes from Ottawa. After crossing the Macdonald Carti-er bridge, take Highway 50 east.

Watch for the exit to Highway 307 north, which skirts the rapids of the Gatineau River. Then take Highway ART Join in the 25th anniversary celebrations for Art Lending of Ottawa at the vernissage of a special exhibition organized by the nonprofit group. The works of 36 artists are being exhibited in the foyer of Ottawa City Hall until Nov. 26. The pieces include watercolors, oils, sculpture and mixed media.

When and where: 2 to 5, Ottawa City Hall foyer, lllSussex Dr. 366 east. You'll soon find the sign to the Lafleche Caves. Turn in and proceed along the road. Admission to the caves is $6 for adults and $4 for children 10 and under.

The caves are open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and the guided tour takes about one hour and 15 minutes. The caves have a fascinating history In 1865, hunter Joseph Dubois was tracking a bear that he had shot and wounded. The beast disappeared "into the ground." Dubois followed it, finding a cavern filled with sparkling stalactites and stalagmites.

Eventually, Zephyr Lafleche purchased the property, lending his name to the caves. They were open to tourists for 50 years, but then closed in 1976. They were reopened this year. Over the years, events combined to destroy most of the magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. In the 1950s, for example, a second entrance to the cave was blasted and the explosion shattered some of the interior forma work of Ottawa Carleton at a free workshop, Fathering: Emerging Roles of Men at Home and at Work.

8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.. Simon A. Goldberg Conference Centre, R.H. Coats Building. Tunney's Pasture.

Register by Nov. 6 at 235-7607. FRIDAY Casino: Try your hand at blackjack and wheel games at a casino night to raise money for Christmas charities. 7 p.m.-midnight. Good Shepherd School Gym, 101 Bearbrook Rd.

Antiques: Shop for furniture and collectibles with dealers from Ontario. Quebec and Nova Scotia at The Ashbury Antique Fair. '95. p.m. Friday.

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Ashbury College, 362 Mariposa Ave. Admission 749 5954.

SATURDAY Roast: Attend a dinner to honor and roast Marlon Dewar by the Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade with Bill Luxton as M.C. and entertainment by the Raging Grannies; doors open 6 p.m., Christ Church Cathedral Hall. 420 Sparks St. Tickets $30 or $15 studentsunemployed at 2313076. ANYTIME Needy: Help the Somerset West Community Health Centre with Christmas Caravan.

Adopt a family or senior from the community In need over the holidays, call the Caravan hotline at 238 2322 for Information. Admission and parking are free. When and where: 10 to 5, 111 Colonnade Road North, next to the King's Stag Restaurant. COLLECTABLES If vintage collectables are your passion, you won't want to miss the Christmas Treasure Charity Show. Browse among 56 tables offering dolls, toys, teddies, miniatures and trains.

For a nominal fee, you can discover how valuable your own doll is at an identification clinic with local expert Lynn Chambers. There's also a raffle to win prizes that include two twin-sized quilts and a teddy bear, among others. Admission is $2.50 and children under 12 can get in free. Proceeds from the admission will go to the Youville Centre's scholarship fund. Raffle proceeds will be donated to Friends of Abandoned Pets.

Used snowsuits and children's clothing are welcome and will be donated to the Youville Centre. When and where: 10 to 4, Glebe Community Centre, 460 Gladstone Ave. CALENDAR MONDAY Mental Health: Hear a guest speaker talk about the clubhouse model and how it works at a meeting of the Schizophrenia Self help Group, p.m., Carling-ton Community and Health Services, 900 Merivale Rd. 737-7636. Social: Speak up at a free public meeting entitled Are Welfare Cuts Infringing Civil Liber a panel from the yes and no sides, 8 p.m., Ottawa Carleton Regional Centre, 111 Lisgar council chambers.

Seniors: Learn how to prevent slips, trips and falls that can take away your Independence at a talk with a public health nurse. 1:30 p.m. Owl's Nest. Lincoln Heights Galleria. 2nd floor, Carllng Avenue.

724 4145. Money: Drop in and hear experts on topics such as Inflation, home ownership, women and finunce, and more at the Magic of Money, an evening of learning circles. 5:30 9:30 p.m.. Ottawa Athletic Club. 2525 Lancaster Rd.

Free. Register. 7312000. Family: Hear Marian B.illa talk about keeping the sparkle alive in families through laughter and love, 7 p.m. Feath-erston School.

1801 Featherston Dr. Small admission. 731 3357. TUESDAY Skills: Learn assertiveness skills when dealing with professionals at a free workshop. Talking to People Who Are Supposed to be Helping Us.

1 p.m. Ccntretown Community Health Centre. 340 MacLaren St. Free childcare. SEND YOUR IDEAS Do you have a suggestion for a Sunday Best activity? Each week we'll publish our favorite reader suggestions and send contributors two Citizen ceramic mugs.

(If two or more contribute the same idea we'll draw one name.) Send suggestions 10 days before publication to Sunday Best. The Citizen, 1101 Baxter Box 5020. Ottawa K2C 3M4. Or send a fax to 726-1198. Literary: Enjoy lively discussions of the works of authors at Book Chats at the Nepean Public Library.

These cover Selling Illusions by Neil Bissoondath, 7:309 p.m. today. Central Library. 101 Centrepointe 727-6660; Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, 1011 a.m. Wednesday, Ruth E.

Dickinson Branch, Walter Baker Sports Centre, 100 Malvern 825-3508. WEDNESDAY Fund raiser Attend a silent auction In aid of Interval House and MPI Education Development Fund. p.m.. Ottawa Congress Centre. Tickets for sit-down reception, $29.96 to Nov.

6. 244-5566 or THURSDAY CPR: Practise or learn the lifcsaving technique of cardio pulmonary resuscitation at the Owl's Nest, 9 a.m. noon, Lincoln Heights Galleria, 2nd floor, Carllng Ave. Cost Is $20. Pre register at 724-4145.

Auction: Help raise money for the OtlawaCarleton Police Youth Centre at an auction with over $5,000 worth of items donated by area businesses: viewing 5-7 p.m., auction 7 p.m.. Civic Centre. Lansdowne Park. Tickets $10. 831-1881 or 7837807.

Wartime: Meet wartime authors as they highlight memories of war years at home and abroad at We Remember 50 Years Ago, 7 9 p.m., Nepean Public Library, chamber. 101 Centrepointe Dr. Pre register at 7276660. Fathers: Join the Work and Family Net Here's how you Donate some time to connect with another person In your community. Call the Volunteer Centre of Ottawa-Carleton.

a United Way agency, at 7894876. Skating: Do you enjoy planning special events? If so. why not help a local theatre group seeking an organized, outgoing person to ensure the successful completion of a winter skateathon. Sports: A local sports museum wants a secretaryreceptionist to answer the telephone, register and collect admission from visitors, and sort mall. Knowledge of WordPerfect an asset.

After school: Could you lead games and craft activities for children in the west end? Researcher: This position would be suited to a retired person who has a background In marketing or fundraising. The need is to find Institutional donors for an organization concerned with.