Hospital foundation fundraises for much needed x-ray machine BY AMY HOGUE
PHOTO BY JASON CODE Smiths Falls is truly the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, shown here in this amazing photo taken by Hometown News photographer, Jason Code, on Aug. 11.
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When the Smiths Falls Community Hospital Foundation board members received word of a critical need at the Smiths Falls campus of the Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital, they were up for the challenge. The goal: to raise $400,000 to replace an aging x-ray machine that had reached the end of its lifespan. The only catch is that the funds need to be raised within a very short time period. Foundation chair, Shawn Pankow, explained the hospital approached the board of directors in June with news of the need to replace the x-ray machine, one of the most used pieces of equipment in the hospital. “The hospital indicated it had a $400,000 replacement cost and the need was almost immediate,” Pankow said. “The foundation tries to respond to the most critical needs of the hospital and in this situation we decided we would make it a top priority.” The Smiths Falls Community Hospital Foundation works with the community to raise funds for special-
ized medical equipment and to modernize inpatient and outpatient facilities in Smiths Falls. Fundraising takes place through events, and donations from businesses and members of the community. Smiths Falls Community Hospital Foundation Executive Director, Lise Smith, explained that the foundation really bridges the gap between what the ministry will fund and what the community hospital needs to operate. The hospital foundation is not eligible for grants that other organizations might be able to take advantage of, and are reliant solely on the generosity of donors to fund much needed medical equipment for the community. “The government doesn’t fund the capital equipment that our community needs,” Smith explained, adding that keeping specialized equipment in the hospital “brings the specialists here for the people of the town.” The new x-ray machine will feature updated technology, and Smith described it as being a critical piece of equipment, one that serves every department in the hospital.
LIFESTYLE Sole Sisters gearing up for another successful Run/Walk for Cancer Research on October 18, 2015
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Smith said that to date there has been significant headway made in fundraising but there’s still more work to do. A weeklong campaign at Andress’ Your Independent Grocer as well as private donations helped to raise funds, while a five year pledge of $4,000 a year for a total of $20,000 from the Rotary Club of Smiths Falls has also made an impact. Donations have also come from a combination of Smiths Falls’ businesses and regular donors, and the support is much appreciated. “We’re really lucky… they just step up every time,” Smith said. Donations to the hospital foundation can take place in single payments, or donations over a period of time. Learn more about becoming a donor and supporting the purchase of the x-ray machine by visiting www.sfchfoundation.com or contacting Lise Smith at 613-283-9743 or sfchfoundation@bellnet.ca. “It’s really an appeal to the community,” Pankow said, “This is a vital need for an important piece of equipment that all of us need, or could need in the future.”
CULTURE Turkey Run Flats introduces fall/winter produce baskets
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www.discoversmithsfalls.ca
Community Events SEPT196 Dec. • •2nd ChristFirstAnnual Day ofCommunity School mas Run - Leaving from Coffee Culture, 6:00 p.m. The Barra MacNeils • •Holiday Movie Night- Rise - 9:00pm- The of7:00pm the Guardians Smiths Falls Gallipeau Centre Theatre Civitan Club, 7:00 p.m. • Jewel’s Gently Used Clothing Bag Sale. 18 William St. E. • For The Love of Lustre exhibit at the Heritage Museum from 10:30 • a.m. Santatoat4:30 the p.m. County Fair Mall,
SEPT 9 SEPT 9
Dec. 20
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Dec. 21
SEPT18 Dec. 22 • Kubrick Classics Movie Night
• Tim Horton’s Free Skate, Youth 7:30pm1:00 - 10:00pm Arena, p.m. Smiths Falls Station Theatre
Dec. SEPT23 19 • Holly Days Children Workshop. • Craft Beer Festival Heritage House Museum. 1:00 – 12:00pm - 7:00pm 4:00 p.m. Railway Museum of Eastern • Tim Horton’s Free Skate, Youth Ontario Arena, 1:00 p.m.
SEPT24, 26 25 & 26 Dec. •Tales and Tunes
• Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, 8:00pmDay - 10:15am Boxing :) Station Theatre
jan. 2, 2015
• Santa at the County Fair Mall, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m • Legion Jamboree - Smiths Falls Canadian Legion Branch 95, 1:00 - 6:30 p.m. • Movie & Skate - Smiths Falls Youth Arena, 4:50 - 8:00 p.m.
• Tim Horton’s Free Skate, Youth Arena, 1:00 p.m.
ONGOING jan. 5
• Taoist Tai Chi Open House Week at the Seniors Activity Centre, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
pdg media
*** Be sure to check with the organizers as to whether these weekly events have been changed***
PUBLIC SKATING
Smiths Falls Memorial Community Cetre Mondays - 12-1:30p.m.; Tuesdays - 12-1:30p.m.; Wednesday 121:30p.m.; Thursday - 12-1:30p.m.; Friday 12-1:30p.m.; Saturday 12-1:30p.m.;
Publisher
NEWS Editor
Reporters
photographers:
Patricia Krotki pmkrotki@pdgmedia.ca
Amy Hogue amy@pdgmedia.ca
Amy Hogue Kathy Botham Dianne Pinder-Moss editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Jason Code Kathy Botham
PUBLIC SWIMMING FOR ALL AGES AT THE HUB 361 Queen St. in the Gallipeau Centre
Smiths Falls Police Watch
Mondays - 6-7 p.m.; Tuesdays - 6-7 p.m.; Fridays 6-7 p.m.; Saturdays - 2-3:30 p.m. Cost: Drop In Pricing or Membership Fee apply
Sunday ladies dart league Every Sunday - 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. - RCAFA Hall
MONDAY DUPLICATE BRIDGE Held at the Royal Canadian Legion every Monday evening at 7:00 p.m.
MONDAY BID EUCHRE Held at the Royal Canadian Legion every Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Canadian Room.
TUESDAY NIGHT BINGO Smiths Falls Civitan Hall, Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Bingo starts at 7:00 p.m.
THURSDAY NIGHT BINGO Smiths Falls Legion in the Lancaster Hall, 7:00 p.m.
FRIDAY NIGHT BINGO Rotary Collegiate Hall, 2 Gould St. 7:00 p.m.
WALKING CONCOURSE
Charges follow driving complaint On Aug. 29, 2015, Smiths Falls Police received a driving complaint about a vehicle travelling on Highway 15 into town. The vehicle was stopped, and a result a 43 year-old Kanata woman was arrested and charged with Failing to Provide a Breath Sample. The woman will appear in court in September to answer the charge.
On Aug. 25, 2015 a dispute between two men resulted in a window being smashed on Russell Street East. Smiths Falls Police were called and as a result a 20 year old Smiths Falls man was charged with Mischief under $5000. The man will appear in court on September 21st to answer to the charge.
Theft of gun leads to charges
MIXED DARTS St. New Players welcome.
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Impaired Care and Control
On Aug. 18, 2015 officers were called to a fast food restaurant in Smiths Falls on a report of an intoxicated patron at the drive thru. On arrival, the accused was found to be in an intoxicated state and was arrested for Impaired Care and Domestic dispute leads to charges Control of a motor vehicle. He was returned to the station where breath tests were conducted. On Aug. 27, 2015, Smiths Falls Police responded Based on the readings obtained from the analto a report of a domestic dispute at a local resi- ysis of the breath samples, a 52 year-old Smiths dence. As a result a 28 year-old Smiths Falls’ man Falls’ man stands charged with Impaired Care was arrested and charged with Assault, Uttering Threats, Forcible Confinement, Criminal Harass- and Control of a motor vehicle and Care and ment, Resisting Arrest and a Breach of Probation. Control of a motor vehicle with over 80 mg of The man was held in custody pending a bail hearing. alcohol in his blood. He was released to a future court date on a promise to appear and an undertaking given to an officer in charge. The allegations have not been proven in court. Dispute leads to charges
Smiths Falls Memorial Center open 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. 7 days a week
Every Thursday from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the RCAFA Hall on Abbott
legations have not been proven in court.
On Aug. 23, 2015 Smiths Falls Police were advised of the theft of a handgun from a residence in town. Investigation revealed two young persons were involved in the theft and sale of the firearm. Both face various weapons offences. One youth was released to his parents while the other was held for show cause due to other outstanding charges.
Missed Court On Aug. 19, 2015 a 17 year-old Smiths Falls youth failed to appear in court on a charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest. The youth attended the Smiths Falls Police Station on Aug. 21, 2015 and turned himself in. An additional charge of Fail to Appear in Court was added. The youth was released to a future court date on a Promise to Appear and an Undertaking Given to an Officer in Charge. The al-
Ambulance assist leads to assault charges On Aug. 13, 2015 Smiths Falls Police responded to a call from ambulance services of a male being assaulted in the downtown core. Investigation revealed the male was allegedly harassed by a known male and then assaulted. A 31 year-old Smiths Falls male was arrested and charged with assault causing bodily harm and two breaches of probation. He was held for a show cause hearing.
Dangerous Driving leads to arrest While police were investigating a fire, a vehicle was noted to be driven erratically. Police witnessed the vehicle strike another vehicle and fail to stop. After the driver was flagged down by police investigation revealed he was allegedly impaired by alcohol. A 23 year-old male was arrested at the scene and charged with impaired driving, dangerous driving and failing to stop at an accident. Smiths Falls Police Service urges anyone with further information regarding this incident, or similar incidents, to contact our service at 613283-0357. Information may be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222TIPS (8477).
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community Council Briefs: Committee of the Whole (COW) August 24 Reported and Written by Amy Hogue Bellamy Farms Subdivision Agreement brought to COW, won’t include parkland A request by Mayor Shawn Pankow to have the $30,000 cash-in-lieu of parkland reconsidered for the Bellamy Farms Subdivision wasn’t able to generate support around the council table. Pankow, who had previously raised the issue at a 2013 committee meeting, after the developer asked to pay cash-in-lieu of setting aside a lot on the property for a park area, citing issues with the landscape of the subdivision. At the Aug. 24 Committee of the Whole meeting, Pankow asked if it was worth discussing again, noting he still had concerns about the decision to allow the developer to opt out of providing a park area for the subdivision residents. Pankow pointed to a lack of greenspace in the area and upwards of 1,000 people living in the subdivision as the root of his concern.
Senior Planner, Niki McKernan, provided background for council, explaining that under the Planning Act the municipality has the authority to take a portion of the land in a subdivision or cash-inlieu of land. “In this case the developer argued that due to the configuration of the land, it’s not feasible to take five per cent of the land,” McKernan explained. McKernan said she would need to get a legal opinion as to council’s options for altering the subdivision agreement at this point, but after meeting chair, Councillor Chris Cummings, asked for a consensus around the table, it was clear there was not enough support to make any inquiries. Bill Holzman, who represents the developer for the subdivision, indicated that construction on the subdivision could begin this fall. The agreement will return to a September council meeting for final approval by council.
Sponsorship opportunities in Smiths Falls up for discussion at committee
provided details on how to structure a sponsorship agreement.
A recent visit to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference has brought up the prospect of seeking sponsorship for municipal assets. CAO Malcolm Morris, who attended the AMO conference earlier in August, told council he participated in a three hour seminar on third stream revenue generation, and thought the points raised might be applicable to Smiths Falls.
“It covers what happens when things to right and what happens when things don’t go right.”
Morris explained that first stream revenue refers to property taxes and user fees, second stream refers to grants and transfers from other levels of government, while third stream refers to commercial transactions such as sponsorship for municipal assets. Naming rights for municipal facilities like arenas are popular sponsorship opportunities, Morris explained, noting that sponsoring a room in a facility like the library is also an option. The AMO seminar
Mayor Shawn Pankow seemed intrigued by the concept and asked Morris for more details. “Do you see a need for this?” Pankow asked, “Should we seek sponsorship opportunities or sit back and wait for sponsors to come to us?”
Council says good-bye to student council representatives AMY HOGUE At a committee meeting on Aug. 24, council said goodbye to Smiths Falls’ current student council representatives, Jane Ford and Charles Wang. Ford and Wang have attended council meetings over the last several months, offering their unique perspective on the many decisions council has wrestled with this term. Mayor Shawn Pankow personally offered Wang and Ford a remembrance from
their time on council, and thanked them for their participation. “We truly appreciate the time you’ve committed here,” Pankow said. “You’ve represented youth in the community very well.” Ford thanked council for the experience, adding that she learned a lot about municipal government, while Wang said he hoped council would be able to find more interested students in future years.
Morris said the existing policies would need to be updated before contemplating that kind of arrangement, but that the municipality “needs to be assertive in generating revenue.” Councillor Chris Cummings pointed out that when the arena was built they were able to generate $350,000 in sponsorship revenue for the clock, change rooms etc., and those agreements will soon be coming to an end.
Jane Ford receives a remembrance from their time on council from Mayor Pankow
Take a step back in time at a community foundation gala, old Hollywood style AMY HOGUE The Smiths Falls & Montague Community Foundation (SFMCF) is launching their first fundraising event in style – old Hollywood style. On Oct. 3, 2015, the foundation will host their Take-Off Gala, featuring an old Hollywood Casablanca theme, complete with red carpet and themed beverages. The theme for the event is exciting, but it’s really the venue that will set this event apart from other galas – the event will be held at the Smiths Falls-Montague Airport. As the only property jointly owned by both Smiths Falls & Montague, the airport was a natural choice for the gala. Guests will be invited inside the Classic Wing Hangar, where antique planes will provide a fascinating backdrop for the event. Steering Committee member Tracey Pankow explained that this event is the first step forward for the community foundation in raising the $2 million
dollars required by law, before they will be able to branch off into their own foundation. Currently, the SFMCF is operating as a fund within the Perth & District Community Foundation until they reach the $2 million milestone. “We planned this gala as kind of a take-off for our fund,” Pankow explained. “It’s a great night to get together with friends and network.” Guests will be delighted with the themed decorations, including a red carpet, chaise lounges, and candelabras, all part of the Old Hollywood theme. Musical accompaniment will be period appropriate and guests are encouraged to dress to fit the period, but black tie is optional. A photographer will be on site to capture images of guests circulating among the antique planes. “The old Hollywood theme fits perfectly with the antique planes in the hangar,” Pankow said. “And people love to dress up. Some people are even saying they’re
going to dress up in old Hollywood style, but it’s not a requirement.” Tickets for the event are $100 and a $40 charitable donation tax receipt will be available for each purchase. Only 150 tickets are available for this event, so guests are encouraged not to delay in making their purchase. An hour long networking session will begin at 6 p.m., and each guest will receive a free drink ticket for the evening. Catering will be provided by Magnolia Catering, and hors d’oeuvres will be circulated throughout the night. Tickets can be purchased from the Perth & District Community Foundation or by contacting Tracey Pankow at tracey@pankow.ca. What is a Community Foundation? The first community foundation was established in Canada in 1921, and today there are more than 180 community foundations found in virtually every corner of the country. As one of Canada’s largest grantmakers, communi-
ty foundations contribute more than $154 million to thousands of charities, and hold more than $3 billion in shared assets. A community foundation is typically an independent philanthropic institution serving a specified region that collects donations into a fund from which a percentage of the interest is dispersed to community organizations and charities. Community foundations are supported by donors and seek out contributions from within the community it serves. Because only a percentage of the interest is dispersed, a community foundation fund is self-sustaining. A community foundation is attractive to donors as it allows them to have more control over how their donation is dispersed, and to specify what kinds of organizations they would like to be a recipient. A community foundation is legislated to disperse a minimum of 3.5 per cent of their assets annually.
Charles Wang receives a remembrance from their time on council from Mayor Pankow
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community
The Big Box Store Economy Linda Seccaspina Big box stores come to our small towns and they give much needed jobs to our communities. I was once corrected on my negative stance on the local big box stores and I apologized; I appreciate the employment they give the community and the surrounding area. However, if small local businesses do not have something extra to give the consumer they cannot compete with their lower prices. Most big box stores sell themselves as job creators and small communities buy into it, but ultimately they will do what is good for business and not the community. Of course, the first argument is that they are fulfilling unmet demands in rural areas. But our downtown businesses also have choices and provide employment and tax revenue for our local economy. Did you realize that a profitable downtown core could generate more jobs, and tax revenue than Walmart if local citizens supported it the way it should be? Accompanied by the heritage aesthetics of the local architecture, it could also possibly restore the soul of our communities. Some small towns go out of their way to attract and bankroll creative entrepreneurs who can suddenly begin to make their streets alive again. Local developers soon get in on the action when they see dollars begin to flow. Most interested parties however, quickly realize that if they want the town officials to support their vision, they have to educate them. That means offering them hard numbers on the tax and job benefits of revitalizing our downtown areas.
The numbers they envision can produce a “holy cow” moment among the town’s accountants and powers that be. In revitalizing a downtown core you need to take on a multi-dimensional approach, similar to the way our farmers look at their land when they decided what to plant each year. It’s that simple. Let’s say that a big box store brings in $50,000 in retail and property taxes each year; but if the downtown and surrounding streets are working to its full capability it could bring in just as much in taxes as the big box store pays, and they would employ just as many people. What’s even more surprising is that due to energy use and infrastructure improvements, large-footprint sprawl development patterns can actually cost small towns more money to service than they give back in taxes. The result? Growth that produces deficits simply cannot be overcome with new growth revenue. By investing in our local small-business retail rather than mega-stores, communities could actually boost jobs and their local tax revenues, and spend less on other services. I think it’s time we looked at this idea before we lose the downtown core like other small rural towns. If communities like Almonte and Perth can do it we can too. Food for thought. Linda Seccaspina is an accomplished writer from Carleton Place. Linda has been published in Lanark county’s arts and entertainment newspaper “TheHumm” and Florida’s own “Screamin Mama’s” magazine.
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Discover Communities celebrates first year milestone with Hometown News; unveils plans to expand service area
August 31, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: In October 2014, Discover Communities, and its subsidiary, Discover Smiths Falls, introduced a new local print news media source to the Smiths Falls’ community: Hometown News. Instead of celebrating the passing of this one year milestone with a sigh of relief after having weathered the toughest year of starting a small business, local businesswoman Patricia Krotki has announced that as of Oct. 1, Hometown News will be expanding in to our neighboring community and will feature Perth news. “I’m pleased to announce that Hometown News “Perth Edition” will soon be available in Perth at select locations, delivering a new source for Perth news,” Krotki said, “This will work in conjunction with Discover Perth’s web presence and deliver an alternative perspective on local events in the media.” The first phase of the expansion into Perth will find Hometown News available at select locations throughout the town. The second phase will see the
paper delivered door to door, similar to delivery in Smiths Falls. Up to date news and events will also be found on the Discover Perth website, launching this fall, and shared through social media. Hometown News is part of a larger overall vision for Discover Communities to demonstrate that there is power and numbers, particularly for small businesses. Discover Communities launched Discover Smiths Falls as a Facebook page in April 2013, before launching the website a year later, and then founding the Smiths Falls’ newspaper, Hometown News, in late 2014. In October 2015, Hometown News will be celebrating its one year anniversary, and the printing and distribution of more than 60,000 newspapers delivered within the local community. In 2015, Discover Communities branched out to create Discover Perth, Discover Merrickville, Discover Almonte/ Mississippi Mills, Discover Kemptville, Discover Westport/ Rideau Lakes and Discover Carleton Place. Discover Communities was born from a passion for small communities and concern for the issues they face,
particularly following the closures of many small town businesses across Ontario. “It started out of passion and kind of grew, so for the first six months the drive was simply educating people what the community was about from a different perspective,” Krotki explained. “We needed a way for small businesses to get their name out there.” Today, Discover Smiths Falls attracts roughly 20,000 visits each week, which is a wide potential market for small businesses. Not only as a tool for small businesses, Discover Smiths Falls also promotes the area as a whole. Krotki said she sees that promoting communities to a larger audience will, by extension, lead to more tourism and help expand local businesses’ online presence. The vision of Discover Communities is to see small businesses as one of the many community assets a rural town has to highlight, such as local bakeries, restaurants, small grocers and retail stores. “We want to highlight those businesses within the community because those are the types of assets that draw people to our communities,” Krotki said. The ripple effect Dis-
cover Communities has had on the community has already been felt. The Discover Smiths Falls website is among the top results to come up in online searches, and for many new to or visiting the area, it can be the first point of contact. “The whole purpose of all of this has been as a resource for the small business community and the local community, as a way to market ourselves more fully,” Krotki said. “I’m glad my passions can be part of the change that we see happening here now. I really believe great things are coming and are already happening in our community.” Discover Communities will also be part of a showcase event in October at the Hazeldean Mall in Kanata. The event, presented by Homefront Canada, is an opportunity to showcase small communities and inform urban residents of the advantages and unique experiences to be had less than a 30 minute commute to the city. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 24 at the Hazledean Mall in Kanata, and will feature interactive booths, children’s activities, vendors and live entertainment. Admission is free.
SEPTEMBER 2015
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Development Permit System to streamline application process for Gallipeau Centre AMY HOGUE A Development Permit By-law intended to streamline the development permit sys-
tem for the Gallipeau Centre, at 361 Queen St., is scheduled to return to Committee of the Whole on Sept. 8.
The proposed by-law is a pilot project that outlines six land use designations for the Gallipeau Centre, with
This image provides an overview of the businesses currently operating within the Gallipeau Centre. The Development Permit System By-law will apply to the entirety of the Gallipeau Centre property, encompassing over 350 acres.
specific uses for each Councillor Lorraine Allen questioned if the designation. new by-law would take At a special meeting into account pedestrion Aug. 24, council an linkages to Smiths received information Falls. McKernan reabout the proposed plied that long-term by-law from Senior plans for the property Planner, Niki McKer- would include pedesnan. McKernan reas- trian linkages. sured council that the Development Permit “We need to consider System By-law in only how it’s going to connect to the rest of the intended to streamcommunity,” McKerline any development nan said, “Long-term applications for the there will need to be Gallipeau Centre, and additional infrastrucpredetermine which ture put into connectuses are acceptable for ing the North Campus varying locations on with Lorne Street.” the property. Councillor Dawn “We are not creating a Quinn questioned if subdivision, we are the wastewater system not creating new lots in Smiths Falls can to sell,” McKernan accommodate furassured council. ther development at
the Gallipeau Centre, and was told that it would. McKernan assured Quinn that she is confident that the proposed density of the property won’t exceed the town’s capacity. The Gallipeau Centre Development Permit System is a pilot project to determine if such a system would be appropriate for use throughout the municipality of Smiths Falls. The Gallipeau Centre presents the perfect opportunity to test the by-law due to its wide variety of commercial and residential uses
SEPTEMBER 2015
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community
The face of youth homelessness in Smiths Falls and Lanark County By Dianne Pinder-Moss The face of youth homelessness in Smiths Falls and Lanark County Funding allows Cornerstone Landing Youth Services to expand services across county By Dianne Pinder-Moss Whenever Terrilee Kelford is asked why she is so passionate about youth homelessness, she shares the story of a phone call she received 15 years ago from a counsellor seeking housing for a 16-year-old girl who had been sexually abused and was now homeless. The only housing available for the teenager at that time was in a hotel. “You just cringe,” Kelford said in an interview with the HomeTown News, “to think that a young person who has been traumatized being in a hotel by herself.” With no emergency placements available then in Lanark County for youth between the ages of 16 and 18, she was determined to change the situation. In 2003, she co-founded Transitions Action Coalition, a community coalition to address the lack of services for homeless youth in rural areas. Seven years later when Transitions was becoming inactive, she and two other Transitions’ members joined forces with Cornerstone Landing Emergency Residence. “We regrouped and refocused,” Kelford explained. While the original focus of Cornerstone Landing had been to open a shelter for all ages and genders, a decision was made to focus on youth only. Organizers spent a year exploring other models both from a financial standpoint and those that adopted a rural focused solution to address homelessness. “We eventually concluded it was virtually impossible
to establish an emergency shelter model in a rural area,” noted Kelford, who is vice-chair of the renamed Cornerstone Landing Youth Services. “We also became really determined at focusing on prevention and crisis intervention.” Cornerstone Landing provides support to young people ages 16 to 24 who are homeless or at risk of this becoming a reality. The only criteria, according to Kelford, is that they be in high school, which can include completing the courses needed for a secondary school diploma through T. R. Leger School of Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education. For those who contend that youth homelessness is only a big city problem, the statistics from Cornerstone Landing show otherwise. There have been 62 referrals to the agency since January 2013. Initially based only in Perth, earning $36,000 in funding from the County of Lanark this year has allowed Cornerstone Landing to expand its services countywide and into the Town of Smiths Falls. Local reality At one time this year, Cornerstone was providing support to 19 youth across the county. In the Smiths Falls’ area alone, there have been 11 referrals, four of which were homeless. Because of the social stigma attached to homelessness, Kelford says there is a “hidden” homeless population in small rural areas. “Young people don’t want to be seen sleeping under a bridge so they will do whatever they can to not be seen,” she stated. “That’s why couch surfing is so prevalent. They’re always trying to find somewhere to crash at.” In Smiths Falls, Cornerstone Landing has received
reports of youth sleeping under the bridge, in abandoned buildings, in stairwells of buildings and even under one of the ramps at the skateboard park. While the variables leading to homelessness differ – from the addiction of a family member or the young person him/herself, to domestic violence, parental abandonment, conflict with a step-parent, to mental health issues in the family – there is a consistent theme. And that, Kelford contends, is poverty. “I would argue every young person on social assistance or Ontario Works is at risk of homelessness, as the funding is so inadequate to take care of that,” she said. Cornerstone Landing takes a four-pronged approach to youth homelessness. The ultimate goal, as Kelford points out, is to prevent youth from becoming longterm chronic homeless. Secondly, she says Cornerstone Landing tries to ensure that all the basic needs of those they are supporting are met. That support can take the form of a $200/ month ($50/week) rent supplement, which is paid directly to the landlord, or gift cards to local stores to purchase food and clothing. Cornerstone will also help youth without housing find an apartment. The third priority is to make sure the youth has communicated with someone who can assist in his/ her situation, depending on what the issue is. The final component, and one which Cornerstone Landing is currently building, is the development of connections with other community initiatives and supports. Such a relationship has already been formed with For Pivots Sake, a non-profit organization established by Antique Skate Shop in Ot-
tawa in 2012 “to engage and mentor youth” in the Ottawa area. That has included the collection of used skateboard equipment to be donated to communities across the city in need of recreational opportunities. Through this collaboration, a drop-off was held in Smiths Falls on July 25. There was a “great turnout,” Kelford reported, with 30 boards, most of which were reclaimed or repurposed being distributed by For Pivots Sake. Volunteers from the organization have been returning to the skateboard park every two weeks since then, most recently this past Saturday (Aug. 22), to provide mentoring and informal instruction. Sessions are also planned for Sept. 5 and 19 with possibly another board drop in the fall as well. Nine-tenths of the battle with youth homelessness, Kelford says, is increasing public awareness. She is impressed by the amount of work going on in Lanark County in this regard, as compared to other areas. “There are a lot of agencies concerned,” she said. “Rarely do we get any resistance anymore.” Kelford was pleased with the response received from Smiths Falls Town Council when she and board chair Christine Campbell made a presentation at the Aug. 10 Committee of the Whole meeting. “Town council has been supportive,” she said, adding that she has found Mayor Shawn Pankow to be very supportive whenever she has discussed the issue of youth homelessness with him. Kelford reports that there has been a similar response from other municipalities across the county, “in terms of identifying the issue and supportive solutions.”
Photo by Dianne Pinder-Moss Cornerstone Landing Youth Services has received reports of a youth having slept under one of the ramps at the skateboard park adjacent to the Smiths Falls Community Centre. Board vice-chair Terrilee Kelford showed the site to the HomeTown News on Aug. 18. To date, Cornerstone Landing has had 11 youth referrals from the Smiths Falls area in 2015, four of which were homeless.
The same holds true for support from the community as a whole. As an example, if there is a need for an apartment to be furnished, Kelford says she simply has to send out an email to the “growing informal network of concerned community members” and, within a week, the apartment will be fully furnished with furniture, towels and linens and food. Because Cornerstone Landing is a community-based non-profit, charitable organization, it relies on fundraising for the majority of its funds. Upcoming fundraising events include: 1st Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, Sept. 18 at the Timber Run Golf Course in Lanark. Cost of $100 per golfer includes 18 holes of golf, cart, dinner, prizes and a raffle ticket. There will also be a silent auction. Anyone interested in participating is invited to
call 613-285-9292. All registrants will receive a Nike hat; Fashion show, likely in Smiths Falls. Details, in cluding date and location, have yet to be finalized. The fundraising strategy for Cornerstone Landing for 2015 is to raise $20,000 in each of Smiths Falls, Perth and Carleton Place. The only paid staff at present is a 14 hour/week position, financed through the onetime funding from Lanark County. Otherwise, as Kelford points out, “all of the front line work is done by the members of the board.” “All of the money we raise goes directly to the kids.” For further information on Cornerstone Landing and how to support the organization financially or be a volunteer, visit its website at cornerstonelanding.com. The organization also has a social media presence on Facebook.
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community
OPINION: Howaida Sorur-Roberts
My mother came to visit me here in Merrickville this summer from Cairo, Egypt. She stayed for two months, which was wonderful. On August 5th, my husband, my two kids and I drove her to Ottawa’s MacDonald-Cartier airport. Now, my mother is 87-years old and weighs less than 100 lbs, and while she’s still sharp as a tack with a wicked sense of humour, she’s getting physically frail. So when she’s travelling long distances, she requests a wheelchair because she is in no shape to race from one gate to another a mile apart to catch connecting flights. So when we arrived at the airport and got mom checked in, we asked about the wheelchair and they said ‘yes,’ but could one of us wheel her to her gate because they were short staffed, and couldn’t spare anyone to wheel her. I volunteered, and was given a pass to get me through airport security so that I could accompany mom all the way to the lounge closest to her boarding gate. As a precaution, I left my handbag with my husband and headed in with my mother through security. It was all good, until I went through the metal detector, minus my belt and cell phone, and was told that I had been picked for a random check. Now, I’m a huge proponent of strict airport security. However, I do get
My surface resemblance to nutbars
a bit fed up when I get stopped at every single security checkpoint for a ‘random’ check. Seriously, if this was truly random, then chances are, I would occasionally get missed and some other poor schmuck would be subjected to the search. Not so. I cannot go through ANY airport security in ANY country without being pulled out of the line for a ‘random’ check. Yes, I am brown skinned, visibly physically fit, and yes I do have a Middle Eastern name and my passport though Canadian does say “born in Egypt.” So even though I have been a Canadian for more than 30 years, that’s four strikes against me. This time I wasn’t even traveling. I had no luggage, not even a handbag. All I had were the clothes on my back and a paper pass to allow me to escort my mother in my hand. When the security folk saw that I had no luggage they laughed and contented themselves with checking every surface of my mother’s wheelchair instead. Thing is, I don’t mind the extra security. I just mind being misled. It clearly is not random when every airport security in Canada, Europe or the Middle East pulls me out of the line without fail. Clearly I fit some kind of a profile, maybe more than one. It’s so bad, that my British-Canadian best friend, with whom I travel regularly, now knows not to proceed
through security to our boarding gate, but to find a seat after she’s passed through security and just wait for me to emerge from whatever search I happen to have triggered. I have no criminal record and I’m not affiliated, associated with, nor do I engage with any organization that is religious or political. I belong to Theatre Night in Merrickville and serve on a couple of service boards! My point is that travel of any kind is a constant humiliation that I have to endure with a smile. Humiliation because it’s rare indeed that I only have to endure that very loud peremptory command – “STEP THIS WAY PLEASE.” It’s usually followed by “IN THE CUBICLE PLEASE,” with everyone within earshot turning to look. I realize that it’s not the security staff ’s fault, they’re just doing their job. I don’t really care what people think, but it still stings. So at the end of the day, for me and countless other brown skinned people who are no threat to anyone, ISIS and every other flavour of nutbar out there has won. They have without a doubt ensured that I, and millions of other people like me, no longer have any freedoms or rights by virtue of our surface resemblance to the nutbars.
FINANCIAL MATTER
Through this regular column, I hope to help educate and inform you about the confusing world of financial planning and investing, and perhaps inspire you to take action and create a better financial future for you and your family. This month, we are going to start with a relatively new, but largely misunderstood investment vehicle – the Tax Free Savings Account or TFSA. This initiative received little fanfare when it was announced in the 2008 Federal Budget. While shrewd investors and wise advisors recognized an opportunity, many Canadians regarded this as just another benefit for the wealthy, even though the contribution limits were relatively modest. Starting in 2009, Canadians aged 18 and over would be able to contribute up to $5,000 annually to their TFSA. Although contributions were not tax deductible, all investment income could grow tax free, and could be withdrawn, again, with no taxes payable. Furthermore, unused TFSA room would accumulate and could be carried forward to be used in future years. Amounts withdrawn from a TFSA, including monies invested and growth earned, could be reinvested in future years. Unfortunately, perhaps due to its name, the cautious nature of some investors, or a lack of advice from some financial advisors, too many Canadians have simply been making their annual contributions into a daily interest TFSA for years now. Most of these plans pay the investor an annualized rate of growth of approximately one per cent. Little growth means little tax saved. Little tax saved means little benefit gained by contributing to a TFSA. Many people are not aware that a TFSA can invest in
a variety of investment assets including GICs, stocks, bonds, mutual funds and segregated funds. Perhaps Canadians would have recognized this as more of an investment vehicle had it been labelled Tax Free Savings Plan. After increases in the annual contribution amounts, we all now have $41,000 of accumulated TFSA room. Let’s look at three examples for three different investors contributing $5,000 each to their TFSAs over the past seven years: Investor A followed the advice of her advisor and opened her plan in 2009, simply moving $5,000 from her savings account to a daily interest TFSA each year. At the end of 2015, assuming the one per cent interest she has earned every year, her total investment of $35,000 has grown to $36,068, for a tax free gain of $1,068. Investor B takes a cautious approach but utilizes a conservative investment portfolio recommended by his advisor and has earned an average rate of growth of four per cent annually since 2009. His portfolio has risen to $39,491 for a gain of $4,491 or 462 per cent greater than investor A. Investor C is comfortable with more risk in her portfolio and places a larger portion in equity or stock mutual funds. She has a longer term outlook and is attempting to accumulate more money for her retirement. Her portfolio averages a rate of growth of eight per cent annually and grows to $44,614 for a gain of $9,614 or 844 per cent greater than investor A. Let’s assume each investor continues to invest $5,000 each year for the next decade, meaning they have contributed a total of $85,000 to their TFSA. At the end of ten years, Investor A has accumulated $92,153, for a gain of $7,153. Investor B has a bal-
ance of $118,487 for a gain of $33,487 and Investor C has accumulated $168,751 for a gain of $83,751. Again, all gains are totally tax free at all times. Although RRSPs remain the primary savings tool for people accumulating money for retirement, TFSAs are the ideal investment vehicle for people who will either be in the same tax bracket in retirement as they are in their working life or wish to be able to enjoy their money in retirement without having to share that joy with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Although every circumstance is different, I generally recommend people invest in RRSPs to accumulate the money they will need for their basic income needs in retirement, and utilize TFSAs to create the additional tax-free money they will want to get the most out of life. Most of us hate to overpay for anything, and if that trip of a lifetime is going to cost you $20,000 in retirement, you will likely take it if you can simply take the money out of your TFSA. However, if drawing the money from your RRSP means you need to withdraw $30,000 or more so CRA can get its share of $10,000 plus, most people will just stay home. TFSAs are valuable investment tools, If you have one, congratulations. If it isn’t providing you with a reasonable rate of growth, consider other possibilities. If you have yet to start a TFSA, don’t worry yet. You likely have $41,000 of unused room that is currently increasing at $10,000 annually. Start small if you must but take advantage of the power of long-term compound interest. After all, who doesn’t want something that is tax-free? Shawn Pankow-Certified Financial Planner, Pankow Financial Slutions
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lifestyle Column:
Hey Gardeners....say hello to fall! As summer wanes and the air gets cooler it is a great time to get back out into the garden. There are many fabulous frost hardy fall plants that you can plant to jazz up your tired summer planters. Fall is also the time to get out and plant bulbs to enjoy in your spring garden after a long winter. Fall Plants Fall Mums - These are absolutely the favourite fall plant for most gardeners. There is such a wide range of colours available to suit everyone’s taste. Look for mums that are starting to open but not fully in bloom to ensure longevity. Mums like lots to drink so choose mums that don’t look like they have dried out. Nice green healthy foliage and a mounded shape with strong stems is what a healthy mum should look like. Fall mums look great on their own or mixed with ornamental grasses. How long will they last? Well it depends on how open they are and the weather.
Fall Gardening By Gemmells Garden Centre
Hot sunny days will push mums to open faster than cooler weather, and letting them dry out in between watering tends to stress the plants out, forcing them in to flower.
Millet and Grass These are both fall staples in any planter mix. Millet is a strong upright centrepiece whose broad leaves are similar to corn with a burgundy tinge to them. Thick brown seed heads add dramatic effect. Grasses add a softness and texture to container planters. Pennisetum ‘Red Riding Hood’ is a traditional fall annual grass here at the garden centre beautiful burgundy coloured blades topped with pinkish tufted seed heads that gracefully move in the wind. Also, new from Proven Winners is ‘Vertigo’ grass. This deep burgundy, almost black grass is a bold and dramatic addition to the fall landscape and may be our new favourite. Perennial grasses are always a great choice for fall containers and can easily be transplanted after into the garden for next season.
11 week-old Golden Retriever “Walt”
This week we introduced a new member into our family: a sweet little 11 week-old Golden Retriever. The past week with this newest member has made me think about routines. We are creatures of habit, whether we recognize it or not,
we do have routines and from those routines we have a sense of structure. Have you ever noticed that when a routine changes, how it affects you? This newest addition has caused us to change our routines from when we
Asters – Romantic and whimsical, asters are a stunning plant in fall landscapes or planters. They are a perennial flower covered in small daisy-like flowers that last all through September. The most popular colour of fall asters is purple which look great in combinations with purple kale and lavender mums. White asters almost glow in the garden in the autumn evening. If your garden looks tired in the fall consider adding asters.
Ornamental Cabbage – One of the most cold-hardy of the bunch, Ornamental Cabbage, will last right up until the snow flies. Giant rosettes of frilly leaves in lavender, rose, white, and creamy yellow make this funky fall plant a favourite addition to the garden. The color will intensify in the cold. Plant cabbage on their own or with ornamental grasses and mums for a great fall display. Fall Bulbs Every spring we get lots of gardeners coming in and
asking for spring bulbs, which of course is a little too late! Fall is the time for planting spring bulbs, which are always so welcoming to see after a long cold winter. Tulips and daffodils are the probably most common bulbs to plant of which there are a huge array of colours and bloom times. Be sure to read the packages carefully as bulbs are categorized into early, mid and late blooming. The rule
Column: sleep, exercise, where we leave things in the house, and our social activities so that we are gone no more than three hours. Even the routine of our older dog has been impacted – his walks aren’t as long, he isn’t sleeping cause the little guy constantly wants to play, and he spends his time trying to hide from the 10 pound ball of non-stop energy. Our habits have changed due to the behaviour of this 10 pound fourlegged bundle of fluff, who at 4 a.m. likes to play while we would prefer to sleep. This change to our routines has caused us to be more focused on schedules around the puppy. It dawned on us that in centering everything around the routine of another, we lost focus of how important our own routines were to how we felt physically and mentally. We needed to restore a sense of balance in order to be healthy.
of thumb when planting all bulbs is to plant at twice the depth. This means that you plant them approximately twice as deep as the bulbs height. Therefore large bulbs are planted deeper than small ones. Naturalizing bulbs are also a joyful addition to any garden; muscari, crocus, narcisscus, snowdrops, scilla, chixonodoxa are all great examples of small bulbs that multiply. Squirrels a problem in your garden? Spray your bulbs
with Bobbex (a new deer repellant that works wonders with squirrels as well) let them dry then plant them. Squirrels and deer will also avoid daffodils, alliums, scilla, muscari and hyacinth. With all these choices, why not plant now for spring colour? I promise you won’t regret it! Kelly Heath Retail Manager Gemmell’s Garden Centre
Adjusting to Changes in Your Routine
Routines are important as they enable us to be efficient; you know what you are doing and how to do it well and with little procrastination. Think about the daily routine of how you prepare for work or school. There is a pattern that you follow as you know you need to be out the door by a specific time. What happens when that routine is affected? It may mean not eating breakfast or getting out the door a little later and feeling rushed, which then often causes us to feel like we are spinning our wheels for the rest of the day. It affects us, and not always positively. Some may thrive from a constant state of change; most of us do not. When changes in our routines occur, it is important to acknowledge the feelings; behaviours and emotions that accompany the change. Don’t ignore them as they will just continue to persist.
By Darlene Maclachlan
This week I have acknowledged that with the interruptions in my sleep, that yup, I am tired, cranky and just really needing some down time. I took a Saturday afternoon with my favourite books and just sat, read and slept when I needed to. Quite frankly I had to do this for the sake of my family so I would stop biting their heads off! The point is, understand there has been a change, how it is affecting you and what you need to do to re-establish a routine that you are comfortable with, that gives you a sense of structure. Sometimes changes in routines do not necessarily have a negative impact, they can make us re-evaluate what is important or make us become more efficient. I have realized that my morning yoga practice and run can wait until a little later in the day and it doesn’t have to be at 5 a.m. every day of the
week. It can wait and I still feel great, but now I get to enjoy a few more minutes with my husband over coffee before leaving for work. Ordinarily we would be out the door with coffee in hand for our commute to Ottawa – one too focused on driving and the other too focused on working. So despite being sleep-deprived for the past week this has been a learning experience on how important my routines were to me both physically and emotionally. Once I started to acknowledge which routines were important to me and how to adapt so I could still do them, I started to feel a little more normal. It’s a change, but one of the things about humans is our ability to adapt and I keep telling myself this little guy will grow up.... soon.
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sports
After a long summer, the Bears return to the den
Massage Therapy HRV - Heart Rate Variability Surface Electromygraphy - muscle and tone Thermography - organ and gland control
Smiths Falls NSA Slow Pitch Standings 10-1-0-BDC 8-3-1-Indians-R&R Construction 8-4-0-Jays 5-7-0-Spartans-Bruce Rogers Home Exterior 4-7-1-Hitmen-Bakers Fries Photos by Jason Code August 29, Preseason tilt between Pembroke Lumber Kings and the Smiths Falls Bears, the Bears dropped a 4-3 overtime decision at the Memorial Community Centre.
0-13-0-Titans-Toshack
Many new faces as Junior A Bears prepare for 2015-16 season By Dianne Pinder-Moss While there will be a lot of new faces on the Smiths Falls Bears when the Junior A Hockey team takes to the ice for the 2015-16 season in the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL), Mark Grady is still expecting good things from this year’s roster. “I’m expecting a competitive team,” the coach and general manager told HomeTown News. At least nine players from last year’s lineup have graduated, heading off to college or university or securing full-time employment. In addition, recent trades saw Cole Skinner head to the Aurora Tigers in the OJHL for a player development fee, and Chase Hawley to OJHL team Kingston Voyageurs as part of a deal to acquire forward Corey Caruso. Likewise, the Bears picked up defenceman Johnny Kyte from the Kanata Lasers in the CCHL by trad-
ing Cody Bean and have signed some free agents from preparatory schools in Canada and the U.S. With such a large turnover in players, Grady concedes it could be “a slow start” to the season until some of the new players get acclimatized to the speed of the CCHL. “I like a lot of the players we have brought in,” he says. “Let’s see how good they can be in this league and how quickly.” Grady doesn’t gloss over the fact that this past season, in which the Bears finished seventh in the CCHL standings with 64 points, was a difficult one for the team. “We were fourth overall in the whole league until we lost eight forwards to injuries in one shot,” he noted. That included Neil Doef who suffered a spinal cord injury while playing for Canada East at the World Junior A Challenge in Saskatchewan in December.
Grady is happy to report that Doef will be back with the team this season as a video coach, “which will keep him involved in the game and around the guys.” Doef ’s work ethic and how he has taken on his rehabilitation from the injury and is progressing is “an inspiration to anyone, let alone the hockey team,” the coach and GM said. At the Aug. 16 season ticket drive held at Rob Roy’s Restaurant, Doef was among Bears’ players past and present in attendance, as well as Zack Senyshyn who was drafted 15th overall in the first round of the NHL hockey draft by the Boston Bruins. Grady is not surprised that Senyshyn, who led all 16-year-olds in the CCHL with 22 goals in 57 games when he played for the Bears in 2013-14, got drafted. “Obviously, playing a year as a 16-year-old and the ice time he got
allowed him to step into the OHL [with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds] and be an impact player at 17-years-old,” he said. “He got rewarded for that.” Training camp for the Junior A Bears and its Midget AAA affiliate – 2015 marks the launch of the Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO) Midget AAA League – started on Aug. 21 and continued this past week. Grady anticipated both teams would be picked by Aug. 30, just in time for the annual Labour Day Showcase Classic Sept. 4-7 at the Bell Sensplex in Kanata. All teams in the CCHL participate in this event and this year, with the addition of the HEO Midget AAA League, there will be 24 Midget AAA games played over the four days. The Junior A Bears will play three games at the Showcase Classic with the Midget AAA squad playing twice. “It is heavily scouted by
the NCAA, major junior, and the NHL,” Grady said in stressing the importance of this weekend. After playing three exhibition games on the road, the Junior A Bears were slated to return home on Saturday night (Aug. 29) to the Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre for an exhibition matchup against the Pembroke Lumber Kings. The home opener for the .regular season will see the Bears take on two time CCHL and Fred Page Cup champions, the Carleton Place Canadians, on Friday, Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. While last season was “a step back” for the Bears and there were “extenuating circumstances,” their coach makes it clear that the team has to be “more consistent” this year. “I have to be better,” he stated. “The kids have to be better.” If anything else, Grady says the 2015-16 contingent will
be “a very hard working team.” “Hopefully, hard work brings success,” he said. Billets - The Bears are known for having strong community support both on and off the ice. That has been demonstrated again this year through a recent call the team put off for billets to house 15 out of town players locally. “This is the most they have had to billet in a long time,” says Leanne Klein, who is coordinating billets for the Bears. Six or seven players are billeted on average. While this year is “kind of exceptional” in that regard, according to Klein, so was the response from the community. Ten billet families have come forward – one family is taking three players and two others two . “The community has really stepped up,” Grady said. “We are really grateful.”
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Enter to win the first annual Another successful season of Yes… you “Can”! Food Contest Movies Under the Stars comes to a close processors are invited to enter for a chance to win a 5-hour food-production experience at the Two Rivers Food Hub in Smiths Falls. This includes full access to our inspected fully-equipped commercial kitchens and consulting time with the food hub staff on how to take your product to market.
The Two Rivers Food Hub Media Release August 31, 2015 Calling all Picklers, Canners, Bakers and Value-Added Product Makers …do you make a relish, jam or cookie (or any other value-added local food product) that is the best? Are you ready to see if everyone else agrees? The Two Rivers Food Hub is happy to announce the first annual Yes… you “Can”! Food Contest. The competition closes Friday, September 11, 2015, and winners will be announced as part of the Lanark County Harvest Festival on September 13 at 3pm, at Beckwith Park. Home canners, farmers, and professional food
Compete in any of three categories: ‘sweet preserve’, ‘pickle’ or ‘other’ (‘other’ includes any local food based value-added product including dried, fermented, baked, etc.); one winner will be chosen as the ‘overall winner’, taking home the grand prize. The staff and board members of The Two Rivers Food Hub will carry out judging for the three categories with the ‘Best Overall’ winner being selected and awarded by a panel of Harvest Festival volunteers. Entrants must be from the Counties of Lanark or Leeds Grenville and have a product which incorporates local ingredients, and which they are interested in taking to market. Products must be delivered to one of the following locations no later than 4:00 pm Friday,
September 11, 2015: Two Rivers Food Hub, Gallipeau Centre, Smiths Falls, Lanark County Administration Building on Sunset Blvd. Perth, The Granary, located on Bridge St. Carleton Place “This contest provides a great opportunity for local food makers to expand their current production and share their amazing product with new markets. The Two Rivers Food Hub makes it easier to grow beyond a small, home based business, increase production and introduce your food to a network of consumers that want local products. The demand for local food has never been greater.” comments Marie White, Lanark County Tourism Manager. “We hope to introduce more producers to the equipment and facilities newly offered by the Two Rivers Food Hub”, Bruce Enloe adds, “and encourage local producers to grow and expand in order to meet the demand for local food.”For more information, contact Bruce Enloe, Two Rivers Food Hub General Manager, bruce@tworiversfoodhub.com. For general information, visit http:// tworiversfoodhub.com/
Dianne Pinder-Moss Another successful season of Movies Under the Stars came to a close on Thursday night (Aug. 27) with the showing of the animation movie Home. This is the fifth year the nine week series of free outdoor movies on Thursday evenings in Centennial Park under the Smiths
Falls Water Tower has been organized by Together Smiths Falls, a non-profit community enhancement association, with the support of local sponsors – this week’s being Hunt & Dopson Insurance. Each week, a community partner co-ordinates the pre-show activities with half of the proceeds from the concession stand that
night going to that organization. Thursday night’s community partner was Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County with the pre-show activities including a magic show by Rylan Schwarze of Rynestone – Magic with an Edge, face painting, decorating your own “Alien” hat and a Play Doh Station.
Photo by Dianne Pinder-Moss Josephine Woloshin, a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County, adds the finishing touches to a face painting Alicia Jones of Almonte received. This was the second time this summer the six-year-old and her family had attended Movies Under the Stars.
Fun in the sun at the Rideau Ferry Regatta
Lining up at the beach with MC Hugh Colton
MP Scott Reid and MPP Randy Hillier start to sink nine teams from Beckwith, Kathy Botham Perth, Drummond North The Rideau Ferry Regat- Elmsley, Lanark Highlands, Wolford, ta took place August 14-16. Merrickville There was some serious rac- Tay Valley, Rideau Lakes, ing throughout the week- Smiths Falls and a team of end with boats reaching MPP Randy Hillier and MP high speeds on the water. Scott Reid. On the lighter side of racing, local politicians built These cardboard creations cardboard boats and took began their race at the to the water. There were beach and had to round a
buoy and return to land. Some either sank or swam and a few even made it to shore as dry as they began. The team of Matt Craig and Steve Roberts from Lanark Highlands won first place. Smiths Falls Town Councillor Joe Gallipeau and his daughter Tracey placed second.
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Support the fight against cancer at the Annual Sole Sisters Run/Walk for Cancer Research BY AMY HOGUE Join us at the 3rd Annual Sole Sisters Run/Walk for Cancer Research on October 18, 2015, brought to you by Discover Smiths Falls! The history of the Sole Sisters run is one that is guaranteed to tug at your heart, and an excellent reminder of why fundraisers for cancer research make such a difference in the lives of the people they touch. It isn’t just about raising money, it isn’t just about raising awareness, although it involves both those things. It is also about standing together, united against a common enemy that has, or will, touch everyone’s lives: cancer. A cancer diagnosis for yourself or a loved one is something everyone dreads, but something which reveals how someone responds to adversity. For Sheila Coutts and France Murdoch, that core has proven to be pretty resilient. When Sheila was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2012, both she and longtime friend, France, were in the midst of training for an upcoming half marathon in Niagara Falls. Although both continued to train towards their goal in spite of the diagnosis, they had a setback when they learned that Sheila’s treatment would begin about the same time as the marathon. Not to be discouraged, France planned a sur-
prise half marathon race for her and Sheila, complete with water stations, race bibs, medals and a finish line. Friends and family were recruited to cheer Sheila along the course, and celebrate her success at the finish line. When they started their run, which ran between Perth and Smiths Falls, a 21.1 km distance, Sheila asked France why people were standing around on the road, and was surprised to find they were there to support her and France on their run. Since that first run for Sheila and France, France created the annual Sole Sisters Run/Walk for Cancer research. France explained that she had it in her head the 2012 run between her and Sheila would be a regular run, and thought that “if this works and Sheila still wants to talk to me next year, we’ll do a real run and raise funds for cancer research.” In an interview with Hometown News, Sheila explained that seeing the support from friends and family made a big difference to her, and it’s that same feeling that’s been there every year since the Sole Sisters Run/Walk for Cancer Research started. “It’s the feeling that you’re not alone,” Sheila explained. “You see that other people walk this same walk every day, but we’re still living.” The Sole Sisters run/ walk features a 2 km, 5 km and 10 km course, which France explained
“opens the run to everyone from the novice to the competitive runner.” The race is open to men, women and children, and participants are encouraged to either walk or run the course. Water stations will be available at the start and finish line, and there will be water available throughout the route. For serious competitors, runs will be timed and pacing bunnies will assist in maintaining pace on the course. France admitted that originally, having the timing company and pacing bunnies “wasn’t part of the plan” but that given the Sole Sisters Run/Walk Ambassador, Sheila Coutts (left), and Race Director, France Murtime of the year for the doch, are gearing up for another successful event on October 18, 2015. run it was a good addito both her and Sheila. for the same reasons.” tion that would get more France explained. people participating in Running this event Without research, France Events like the Sole Sispointed out, there will be ters run rely on the comthe event. Competitive comes at a cost; there runners have the oppor- are t-shirts and signs to no cure. tunity to get in one more purchase, and medals for “It’s a homegrown thing, bined efforts of dozens of timed run before winter, each of the participants. we need to do some- people to make it a sucwhile novice and inter- Funds to cover these thing about this,” Shei- cess. Last year’s run saw mediate runners are still expenses come from la stressed., “It’s not approximately 30 volunsponsors and donations so much about raising teers step forward to ofable to participate. In 2013 and 2014, the from businesses within funds, it’s awareness… fer assistance, but more run has been highly suc- the community, which people need to know we cessful, drawing more France said have been need to do more research are needed. Volunteer hours for the run count for all kinds of cancer.” than 100 participants the very supportive. community first year, and increas- Other fundraising events France said that cancer towards ing numbers in the sec- take place throughout is something that’s close hours for high school ond. This year, the run the year. Most recently, to a lot of people’s hearts, students. is expected to draw even a running clinic oper- and has touched a lot of To volunteer, please more participants and ated by Corey Turnbull lives in the community. will feature a new com- on Friday evenings at The run is something contact Race Director, ponent: four water tables Smiths Falls & District which pulls together sur- France Murdoch, at runalong the course will be Collegiate Institute will vivors, those struggling solesisters@gmail.com. dedicated in honour of donate any funds raised with cancer and family To register for the Sole and friends for a com- Sisters run/walk, or for those who continue the to Sole Sisters. Since 2013, the run has mon cause. fight against cancer. more information about “Because we lost a few raised more than $10,000 “Cancer affects everyin funds earmarked for body,” France said, “Ev- the event, please visit friends to cancer, we cancer research, some ery race day morning the their website at www. want to dedicate water solesistersrun.weebly. energy is unbelievable, tables in honour of those thing which France ex who continue to battle,” plained is important because we’re all there com.
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Get down and dirty at Smiths Falls’ first annual Gauntlet Obstacle Challenge BY AMY HOGUE Getting muddy isn’t generally something to get excited about, but Smiths Falls’ first annual Gauntlet Obstacle Challenge will be an exception to the rule. Coming to Smiths Falls on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015, this event promises to be an exciting, physically challenging – and yes, muddy day. Organizers Lise Smith, Smiths Falls Community Hospital Foundation Executive Director; John Maloney, Rideau Winery owner and town councillor; and Richard Peskett, Siloki Centre owner, have been working for
more than six months to get all their ducks in a row for this event. And as a fundraiser for the Smiths Falls Community Hospital Foundation, participants can rest assured their efforts will go to a community cause. “There’s a lot of mud runs in the area and we thought it would be nice to have one out here,” Maloney explained. “Richard (Preskett) said we could do it out at his property, and we decided 100 per cent of the funds raised would go to the Smiths Falls Community Hospital Foundation.” As Smith pointed out, the Gauntlet is about more than raising funds
Creating an obstacle challenge for the Gauntlet is no easy feat for this crew of volunteers.
for hospital equipment. The real purpose of the obstacle challenge is to bring people to the community. “The point is to bring people here,” Smith said, “It brings the opportunity for people to see the town, bring business here…it raises money for hospital equipment of course, but in the long run it’s everybody in this community that will benefit from it.” The obstacle challenge will feature a 5 km and 10 km run that will encompass 16 obstacles in total, including four water obstacles, and a number of walls just waiting to be scaled. Obstacles on the course have been created thanks to Dan Levesque and New Leaf Construction, and are geared to an intermediate level participant. Kits and t-shirts can be picked up at the Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre during registration, beginning at 8:00 a.m., after which a Healey shuttle bus will transport participants to the site at the Siloki Centre. Fees for the event are on a
progressive fee schedule, which means the longer you wait to register, the more you’ll pay. Medals will be available for top male, female and team to finish the event. As an added bonus, registration was recently opened to youth aged 11 to 14 years, who will run the course sometime after noon on the day of the event. Youth will pay $20 to register and must have a waiver signed by parents or guardians. Support from the community has been tremendous, Smith said, pointing to sponsorship and support from Glenview Iron & Metal, who will be donating 100 barrels for the obstacles; the Lions Club; and media sponsors, Rogers Media and Y101, among others. Community groups like the Smiths Falls & District Youth Centre and Rideau Rescue have also stepped up to the plate, and will be on site assisting during the event. “The community at large has really stepped up to make this successful,” Smith said.
Gauntlet Obstacle Challenge organizers Lise Smith, Smiths Falls Community Hospital Foundation Executive Director; Richard Peskett (center), Siloki Centre owner; and John Maloney, Rideau Winery owner and town councillor, take a much needed break from setting up the obstacle challenge that will take place Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015.
The set up for the Gauntlet isn’t cheap – event organizer John Maloney said he expects it will cost approximately $20,000 to create the course and run this year’s event. The course will be used for future years as well, which will lessen future expenses, but both Maloney and Smith acknowledged this year’s cost will be steep. “This year there’s going to be more expense than we had hoped. We’ll make a little bit, but this year is really about launching and organizing and building,” Smith explained.
Maloney pointed out that in comparison to Ottawa’s Tough Mudder, which puts more than $100,000 into their course, the Gauntlet Obstacle Challenge will be a little less strenuous on both participants and the organizer’s pocketbooks. “Tough Mudder’s been going for a while,” Maloney pointed out. “But we’re going to continue to grow.” To register for the Gauntlet Obstacle Challenge, please visit their website at http://smithsfalls.com/ gauntlet/.
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Patient experience focus of Smiths Falls Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic BY AMY HOGUE When dealing with the health of your kids or yourself, it’s important to feel that you’re in good hands with your healthcare provider. Finding a primary health care provider you can connect with can be challenging, particularly in rural areas where there may be a shortage of providers. That is why many patients are turning to the nurse practitioner health care model, like the Smiths Falls Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, and making the resource connections they need to both maintain health and prevent illness. With five nurse practitioners, two nurses, as well as a consulting physician, the Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic has a capacity for 3,200 patients. Currently, their registration sits at approximately 2,000, leaving plenty of room for more growth. Open since 2012, the Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, located on Abbott St., offers a onestop shop for health
care resources, providing care from birth to geriatrics. Offering patients access to a full time social worker and part time dietitian and pharmacist on staff, both of whom are certified as diabetic educators, there is very little the clinic can’t handle in terms of medical care. One of only 25 Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics across Ontario, the clinic brings a holistic approach to health care, with a strong focus on patient experience. At the clinic, non-emergency appointments can be made the same or next day, reducing wait times for patients. “We want to keep our finger on the pulse of what people in the community need,” the clinic’s Administrative Lead, Leeann Brennan, explained, “and we learned that it was access to care.” It’s not only easier access that has resulted in the more than 2000 patients registering at the clinic; clinic patients are encouraged to become involved in their
care and are free to ask questions, and on average, more time is spent with each patient than in a traditional health care model. Registered Nurse, Pat Saunders, attributes the difference in care to being cared for by a registered nurse who will also have the training and mindset associated with nursing, and caring for patients in a hands-on capacity. “People say they feel they’re being involved in their care and listened to,” Brennan said, adding that “it’s important to have a therapeutic relationship with your provider.” According to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Longterm Care, a nurse practitioner is a registered nurse “with additional education and experience to interpret diagnostic tests, communicate diagnoses, prescribe pharmaceuticals and perform specific procedures.” Nurse practitioners are known for patient counselling, health maintenance, treat
Staff from the Smiths Falls Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic stepped out for a quick photo in front of their 52 Abbott St. location. The clinic is currently taking on new patients in need of primary health care. From left to right: Nurse Practitioner, France Murdoch; Interhealth Professional, Simon Wright; Administrative Lead, Leeann Brennan; Registered Nurse, Pat Saunders; Administration Assistant, Melissa LaSalle; and Reception and Medical Secretaries, Sarah Mann and Fran Buttner.
ment for acute or urgent illnesses, and monitoring patients with chronic conditions. They can prescribe, diagnose, order tests and make referrals, but are unable to prescribe narcotics or other controlled substances. Funded by the province, nurse practitioner led clinics are intended to relieve some of the burden from the health care system. Prior to opening the Smiths Falls Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, current Executive Director, Nancy Unsworth, who put together a proposal, hired staff, and developed the
clinic, also researched to determine the need in the community. Brennan noted that research indicated there were between 7,000 and 10,000 orphaned patients within the Lanark Leeds Grenville area. “There’s still a lot of patients out there without primary health care,” Brennan said. If there is a situation requiring treatment beyond the scope of a nurse practitioner, the clinic has access to a consulting physician, Dr. Julia Burden. The consulting physician is available when necessary, but as Brennan explained, she’s only
called on when needed. “Realistically there aren’t a lot of patients who need to be seen by the physician,” Brennan said. “Nurse Practitioners do very well caring for their patients.” The Smiths Falls Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic is currently taking on new patients in need of primary care. For more information or to register with the clinic please visit their website at www. smithsfallsnplc.com or by calling 613-2051025 ext. 5 to reach reception.
Civitan Club’s medical equipment loan program makes a difference in quality of care BY AMY HOGUE A new program available at the Smiths Falls Civitan Club is helping to improve the quality of care for those suffering from illness, or recovering from surgery or injury. The Sam Wilson Memorial Medical Bank, located in a trailer behind the Civitan Club on Hwy 15, opened last fall and has already made a difference
The medical equipment bank is named in honour of Smiths Falls Civitan Club founder, Sam Wilson
for more than 30 members of the community. Civitan Club Treasurer Gib Hodge, who spearheaded the equipment bank, explained there are other Civitan Clubs in the area who are running a similar operation, and he thought it would be a good idea for Smiths Falls. When Civitan Club founder Sam Wilson passed away, he left a sum of money to the Civitan Club, and Hodge said he thought the medical equipment bank was the perfect application for Wilson’s bequest. “I thought ‘why don’t we start a medical bank in his memory?’ I think he’d really like that,” Hodge explained. All items in the medical equipment bank are donated to the Civitan Club. Hodge, who has been a Civitan Club member for 48 years, said he receives donations from individuals in the community after a fami-
ly member has passed away, or from nursing homes. Individuals looking to borrow a piece of equipment need only sign a waiver and can keep the equipment until it’s no longer needed. “It really makes a difference in the quality of care for people who are recovering or are ill,” Hodge explained, adding that it “makes you feel good to help somebody out.” When asked what kind of equipment is on hand in the trailer, Hodge was quick to reply: “everything.” Hodge explained they have hundreds of crutches and dozens of canes available for loan. Other equipment includes bath seats, bath chairs, extended chairs, two-wheel walkers, fourwheel walkers, wheelchairs, automatic chair lifts, collapsible wheelchairs, safety bars, raised toilet seats and more. Susan Richards took advan-
tage of the equipment loan program when her daughter, Kaity Peterson, broke her ankle in March 2015. Richards was planning on going to the Perth Civitan Club to borrow a wheelchair when she heard there was also one in Smiths Falls. She said she was able to get a wheelchair right away, which she returned six weeks later after her daughter had recovered. “It was great being able to get it right here in the community,” Richards said. “It was something she (Kaity) really needed and it gave her a lot more freedom to move around.” The medical loan program takes donations of any medical equipment that’s available. Hodge said they could really use a few more collapsible wheelchairs, but any equipment will be gladly accepted. Hodge said the equipment bank doesn’t purchase new
Civitan Club Treasurer, Gib Hodge, spearheaded the medical equipment loan program, and has accumulated hundreds of donated items in a 53’ trailer behind the Civitan Club. The medical equipment is available for loan to those in need.
equipment, but that funds are spent in repairing existing equipment, and buying parts as needed. To offset some of these costs, an upcoming raffle in memory of Jack Richardson will raise funds for the equipment bank. Up for grabs at the raffle, which will take place on Dec. 4 at the Civitan Club’s
Festival of Trees, is a festival quilt, bench and wreaths. Tickets can be purchased at the Civitan Club or from a Civitan Club member. To donate or borrow medical equipment, please contact the Civitan Club at 613-284-0818 or Gib Hodge directly at 613-2832318.
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THE STAT
53 Victoria Avenu www.sm
GREAT SEPTEMBER EV Kubrick Classics to kick off Station Theatre FilmTWO Nights in September The Smiths Falls Station Theatre opens its Movie Nights 2015-16 Season with two classic Stanley Kubrick films on Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19. The opening night film, 2001—A Space Odyssey—was the run-away winner chosen by patrons in a recent poll. This 1968 classic will be followed on Saturday by a rare screening of Kubrick's famous The Shining (1980), a personal favourite of Robert Fontaine, CBC's “All In A Day” film critic, who selected the film for our enjoyment. As a bonus, Robert will be in attendance to introduce The Shining and host a question and answer session to complete the evening. Listeners to
his show know they are in for a very entertaining evening. 2001: A Space Odyssey, produced and directed by Kubrick (the famous science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke co-wrote the screenplay) follows a voyage to Jupiter with a smart computer called Hal after the discovery of a mysterious black monolith affecting human evolution. Years ahead of its time, the film has been universally cited for its scientifically accurate depiction of space flight and its pioneering special effects. It is regarded by film goers and critics as one of the best movies of all time.
on a Steven King best seller; what they got was a highly original film—starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duval—that has sparked speculation and discussion ever since. It ranks as one the “must see” classics, a thrill for veteran film goers to see again and an opportunity for new generations of viewers to appreciate what all the buzz has been about.
We invite patrons to join us in this exciting weekend film experience—a chance to see two classic films by a master director in a theatre ideal for film-viewing. The Station Theatre has a state When The Shining was of the art 14-foot Panafirst seen by critics, sonic screen that promost expected a stan- duces high definition dard fright fest based picture quality with
‘ Presented by the Smiths Falls Downtown Business Association www.downtownsmithsfalls.ca SHOPPERS DRUGMART COFFEE CULTURE HD OFFICE SUPPLIES SPECIAL GREETINGS FASHION ENVY MODERN THYMES HEALTH & BULK FOODS THE RIDEAU CANDY SHOPPE THE RIDEAU WINERY DAWN’S CLOSET CAFE 7 WEST THE GUILDED MONARCH THE ARTISAN LOFT & KIDZSIGNMENTS
HARMONY GALLERY CENTURY 21 IRON LEGENDS & GRUNTS ‘N’ GIGGLES JEWEL’S GENTLY USED CLOTHING REXALL PHARMA PLUS D & D CRAFTS N TREASURES DUCHESS BOUTIQUE SUGOLD JEWELERS SWISSMISS BRIDAL ARLIE’S BOOKS STRANDS MICHELE’S DOORWAY TO SPLENDOUR
big surround sound. The unique design of the auditorium ensures obstruction-free, comfortable viewing in a climate controlled environment. And to help kick off its new film season, the Station Theatre will be offering a free Reward Card at the ticket wicket. When presented at the time of purchase, the Reward Card will be stamped by the ticket seller. There is no expiration date, and when seven stamps are accumulated for seven purchased tickets, the next film is free. As a special bonus, patrons attending both Kubrick films will get a third Reward Card bonus stamp free—a great start towards a free movie later on. Tickets for the Kubrick Classics are $10 for
KUBRICK CLASSICS FILM WEEKEND
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fe Ca wi
Friday Sept. 18th
Saturday Sept. 19th
Special Guest CBC Film Critic Robert Fontaine will have a Q&A session after the viewing of The Shining
Shows Start @ 7:30 p.m. Admission: Adults $10 / Students $5 (with ID) TICKETS SOLD AT THE DOOR - CASH ONLY
adults, $5 for students atre is located at 53 (with ID), sold for cash Victoria Ave. only at the door. The Submitted by movies start at 7.30 the Smiths Falls PM; the Station TheCommunity Theatre
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The Communities for Veterans Foundation Ride Across Canada stops in Smiths Falls Photos by Dianne Pinder-Moss Smiths Falls was the first stop on the route Thursday (Aug. 27) on day 137 of a 220-day trek Paul Nichols is doing across Canada on horseback accompanied by his wife Terry to raise awareness of the veterans of today and discover their stories, including the challenges they are facing. The Communities for Veterans Foundation
BY AMY HOGUE
Ride Across Canada started in Victoria, B.C. on April 11 and is expected to finish in St. John’s, Nfld in early November. Nichols, a former Calgary Highlander, served with 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Croatia in the former Yugoslavia and was involved in the Battle of Medak Pocket in September 1993, Canada’s largest military action since the Korean
War. To encourage others to share their stories during The Ride Across Canada, veterans are being invited to be guest riders in each of the communities the Nichols visit on their journey. Joining him on Thursday on the trek through Smiths Falls, which included a welcome to the town at the Cenotaph, were Dan Beaulieu, Ray Elliston and Pete Rogers.
Nichols and the guest veteran riders (not seen) form a line across from the Colour Party for Smiths Falls Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95 during the welcoming event at the Cenotaph
Turkey Run Flats introduces fall/winter produce baskets
After celebrating their first successful growing season, Turkey Run Flats Organics has plans in the works to introduce a new fall/winter basket program for 2015. The new program will continue to be available on a weekly basis, with no up -front financial commitment; customers will reserve their basket each week and pay upon pick-up.
The move to extend the growing season into the fall and winter is in response to overwhelmingly positive feedback coupled with an abundance of produce in the field. Turkey Run Flats Organics currently operates with a one-and-ahalf acre field, with the assistance of 11 co-op members, three of whom founder and member, Carol Anne Knapp said dedicate a lot of time to
the field. Knapp attributes their successful growing season to the use of a new method of planting, called no-till gardening. No-till planting means just what it sounds, planting crops without disturbing the ground beneath. Knapp said the field they are planting now was tilled at the beginning of the season, but that’s the last time the soil will be disturbed.
Turkey Run Flats Organics’ local food basket program has been a stunning success for 2015; in fact, founder and member, Carol Anne Knapp recently announced plans to continue offering produce to customers throughout the fall and winter months. (left to right) Turkey Run Flats Organics member, Anne Marie Tremblay, customer, Carolyn Rayfield, and member Carol Anne Knapp pose with one of the baskets of fresh local produce available each week at Modern Thymes Health & Bulk Foods.
Using a heavy mulch cover like woodchips is a component of notill planting; the heavy mulch prevents the soil from becoming compacted, and maintains moisture levels for growing plants. “We’ve learned a lot this season, this method of growing (no-till) is phenomenal, it was new to all of us,” Knapp said, “By the end of this year the whole field will be full of wood chips.” Knapp said she envisions the fall baskets containing a variety of different greens, tomatoes, broccoli, a loaf of locally baked bread, a jar of preserves, squash and potatoes. “We’re going to see how far we can extend the tomato season,” Knapp said, explaining they will be using greenhouses to help extend the growing season even further. “We’re hoping to continue after the snow falls.” Baskets in the summer and fall/winter program can be picked up at Modern Thymes Health & Bulk Foods on Russell St. in Smiths Falls on Saturdays between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., and a small basket costs $15 while a large basket costs $30.
Produce grown by Turkey Run Flats can also be found at Garden Market and at Modern Thymes. For the 2016 growing season, Knapp said Turkey Run Flats Organics will be taking reservations at the end of September. Reservations cost $100, and will guarantee you four large baskets in the first four weeks of the program, after which customers can pick up their baskets on a weekly, pay-as-you-go basis. To reserve your baskets for 2016, or to register for the fall/winter baskets, please visit the Turkey Run Flats facebook page, or call Carol Anne Knapp at 613-663-3020 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., daily. Increasing marketability for mid-sized growers Knapp explained that over the summer she’s learned that growers who are too big for farmer’s markets but too small to market to grocery store chains often fall through the cracks in the local food economy. “What I learned about trying to market smaller amounts of produce is – you can’t,” Knapp said, “You basically have to give it away.”
Knapp has a plan to get together with local landowners who have offered the use of their land to the co-op, and workers who came forward looking for an opportunity to grow produce, and see if she can set up a mutually beneficial relationship. Knapp is hoping to set up growers with land for them to work and then collectively market their produce, enabling them to reach a broader market. Knapp envisions a relationship where Turkey Run Flats offers assistance in teaching growers how to grow produce, until each grower can grow approximately four types of produce very well. “The smart thing would be for everybody to sit down and get together and decide what we’re going to concentrate on,” Knapp said. If 10 people are interested in growing a small variety of products, such as broccoli, with 200 plants each, Knapp said that would create a significant contribution to the local food economy, and allow them to market to larger markets in the area, such as grocery stores.
Photos by Dianne Pinder-Moss Beverley Hitchins and Laura Wells are among 14 Smiths Falls’ area families who played host to students from Ritsumeikan Uji High School in Japan from Aug. 16 to 26. During their 10 days here, the group of more than 60 students who were hosted throughout Lanark County, as well as Ottawa, attended ESL classes at Carleton Place High School (CPHS) and participated in a variety of activities. These included doing a walking tour of Perth; having the opportunity to kayak and paddle as a team in a war canoe at the Carleton Place Canoe Club; learning about First Nations’ culture and making Inukshuks; and visiting Fulton’s Pancake House and Sugar Bush to see how the “tapping” and making of maple syrup is done. On the final night of their stay, a Farewell Ceremony
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Barra MacNeils kick off Ontario tour in Smiths Falls It’s easy to forget that great musicians are also interesting people behind the scenes. This idea was brought home with the Barra MacNeils, who will be kicking off their Ontario tour this fall right here in Smiths Falls at the Gallipeau Centre on Thursday Sept 10. I caught up with Stewart MacNeil (number three in the sibling chronology) on the phone while he was taking a break at Red Cove, Cape Breton, during his 158 km bicycle ride. The band was scheduled to play a gig in Dingwall, Nova Scotia, and MacNeil, who lives more than a 100 km away decided to cycle his way over. He had started the day before, and was planning to cycle the remainder of the distance over Smokey Mountain that day. “It seemed like a good opportunity to do it. You see a lot more on a bike, but I haven’t done this before. The thing about Smokey Mountain is that some of the trail edges are pretty steep,” said MacNeil with a chuckle. It’s a pretty grueling ride for a novice, and at this time of the year with all the tourist traffic, he’ll need to be on his toes as he negotiates those steep edges. “Stewart lives in Syd-
ney mines and like any ‘normal’ musician he, of course, would decide to cycle over the mountains to get there. So he’ll be cycling through Ingonish, Cape Smokey to Dingwall for a gig at The Markland Coastal Beach Cottages,” said Andre Bourgeois, the band’s manager. Once he arrives in Dingwall, he’ll be met by his wife and the rest of the family group for their fourth annual concert at the Markland. “We love having the Barra MacNeils, and their highly entertaining and energetic yet intimate show sells out every year,” the Markland posted on their website. It’s the perfect venue for the Barra MacNeils, who love playing small towns. “They love playing in small towns because they’re from a small community and they enjoy the intimacy of communities like Dingwall or Smiths Falls – small towns are definitely a deliberate choice for the MacNeils, between bigger city venues,” said Bourgeois. With nearly three decades of performances under their belts, the MacNeils have played most of the major venues in Canada, including Toronto’s Massey Hall on more than one occasion. Touted as Canada’s Celtic
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ambassadors, their music is steeped in the musical traditions of Cape Breton with a bit of a twist and a fillip. “They’ll play plenty of high energy instrumentals with both English and Gaelic material, but it’s not fiddle, fiddle, and more fiddle because they are all multi-instrumentalists and play a variety of wind and string instruments,” said Bourgeois. According to MacNeil the upcoming Smiths Falls concert will include music from their entire career and some new compilations featuring the band’s famous family harmonies. From jubilant jigs and toe tapping rhythms, to haunting and tear inducing ballads, the Barra MacNeils promise to deliver a seamless concert of Celtic music, exercising their 27-years of experience in live performances. Tickets for the concert are $30, tax included. Parking is free and there is a canteen and cash bar on site. To purchase tickets by phone, call 613–2051493 or buy tickets directly online through the gallipeaucentretheatre.com or through ticketpro.ca. Submitted by the Gallipeau Centre Theatre
Special Meetings:
September
26th & 27th 6pm, 11am & 7pm Smiths Falls Word of Faith Fellowship 79 McGill St. N Smiths Falls, ON K7A 2K1 613.261.4308 www.wordoffaithfellowship.ca
Always & Forever wedding show
Location: the Gallipeau Centre
361 Queen St., Smiths Falls, ON
Date: Saturday October 24th, 2015 Time: 11 am - 4 pm FREE ADMISSION contact: Jacqui Stanzel 613-656-3591 Barb Willoughby 613-978-0447
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food & drink food for thought Back to School
It’s that time of year again – back to school! Which is almost immediately followed by “what on earth are the kids going to take for their snacks and lunches?!” Insert hair-pulling here. Fear not! We’ve got solutions that address some of the limitations on what our kids can take in their lunches, in particular the need for food items that are nut-free. You’ll see
when they’re rolled up! -baby carrots and celery sticks with ranch dip, hummus or t z a t z i k i -cheese and crackers -use cookie cutters to -cut fun shapes out of tortilla shells, spray lightly with olive oil and bake until golden fun for dipping in salsa or chip dip! -Turkey and mayo, ham and cream cheese, BLT or taco roll-ups using tortilla shells instead of a sandwich
into 4 and pack it up! -Mix eggs, diced onions, bacon & veggies of your choosing, then bake in a greased muffin pan. Voila – a quick and healthy egg muffin snack! -Their favorite soup in a thermos – it’ll stay hot until lunch -Their favorite pasta in their favorite pasta sauce – pack it into a thermos and just like the soup, it’ll still be hot at lunch! …and of course, pieces of fruit are always a great idea!
that tortilla shells are a recurring theme for our kids lunch suggestions – mostly because they’re not sandwich bread and kids love them, especially
And one of our easiest and most-loved : homemade pizza pockets! Use store bought puff pastry, fill with your child’s preferred ingredients, bake as per the instructions for the puff pastry. Let cool and pack -Pizza quesadillas, it up – it’s that easy! layer pepperoni, pizza sauce and some cheese in between 2 Submitted by Amy tortilla shells and cook Rensby of MagnoCatering and in lightly oiled fry- lia ing pan. Let cool, cut Event Creations
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Column: I recently read a Facebook post with a photo of some common, packaged snack foods. These foods are marketed as healthy. The woman proudly captioned the photo “All stocked up on healthy snacks for back to school!” She could have been me, a few years ago. You see, marketers are stealthy. They are vying for our dollars at every turn. Their last concern is our health or the health of our little ones. We need look no further than the obesity and diabetes epidemic in our children to know that this is true. For 50 years, marketers have capitalized on the fact that women are back in the workforce en masse, and that we’re crying for any snippets of time that we can claim. Less time in the kitchen equals
The Healthy Snack Lie
By Vickie Dickson
more time at the rink our bodies cannot recwith your kids. I get it. ognize and therefore cannot use. These adThe thing is, healthy ditives and non-nutridoesn’t have to be ents have been proven time consuming to contribute to poor and it doesn’t have brain function, ADD, to be complicated. and hyper-activity. Many cereal companies Eat Real Food. How about an ap- are now using chemiple with nut butter? cals in their packaging Ants on a log (cel- because they are not ery topped with nut approved for use in the butter and raisins)? food itself. Trust me Hard-boiled eggs? when I say that those chemicals are leechHere are some facts ing into our foods. about those ‘healthy’ snacks that you Omega 6 fats (the bad may be adding to kind) are present in your grocery cart: large doses in packaged foods. These fats Oatmeal To Go contains 19 grams of sug- lead to inflammation, ar/bar! 100% apple which leads to disease juice drink boxes con- in the body. If your tain 10grams of sugar/ child is having a hard concentrating box. Nutrigrain bars time contain 12 grams of in school, struggles sugar/bar. Fruit cups to finish homework contain 13 grams of and assignments, resugar per container. sists bedtime, or is having behavioral isFor reference sake, ev- sues, please considery 4 grams of sugar is er that their brains equal to 1 tsp. of sug- simply cannot funcar. The average child tion on such a diet. is consuming 26 tsp. of sugar before lunch! Leave the packIn addition to sugars, aged foods on the there are many chem- shelf. Eat Real Food. icals and preservatives added to these snack Vickie Dickson is a foods. Things that Holistic Nutritionist
Trainfest a huge success with over 1000 visitors
Trainfest was a big hit August 22 and 23 in Smiths Falls, where more than 1,000 people turned out to experience riding a hand car and exploring the history of the railroad.
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explore spotlight on business:
7 West Café is back in business under new guidance
By Howaida SorourRoberts Sometimes life has a way of giving us a little nudge towards realizing things we want. That’s what happened to Laurie Ann Brennan, when she decided to drop by Dawn’s Closet for a chat. As a result of that serendipitous visit, she has now taken over and re-opened 7 West Café on Russell Street as of mid August. “That day that I dropped by, Dawn [Quinn] introduced me to Cheryl Gulseth, the owner of The Loft who had leased 7 West from Rob Peters, because she and the other tenants at Davidson’s Courtyard wanted the location to stay a café rather than see it put to other uses,” said Brennan. At the time, there was someone else possibly interested in starting up a café, but when that fell through, Gulseth had to turn to plan B. “I phoned Laurie Anne
and told her ‘It’s yours if you want it,’ and she didn’t hesitate for a minute, just jumped right on it,” said Gulseth. This isn’t Brennan’s first time running an eatery: in early 2000 she had a café in Toronto that she ran for three years. Since then she has turned her hand to event planning and catering. “I love feeding people, nurturing people and giving them real and good food,” said Brennan. Apparently she’s doing just that, according to her new customers. “The reason I chose 7 West this week for lunch was to preview it for my children, who have nut allergies,” said Linda Hewson, a local resident. “I was very impressed with their knowledge and awareness of nut allergies and now I wouldn’t hesitate to take my kids there.” In fact, that’s one of Brennan’s goals with her version of 7 West Café.
“I have a focus on dietary restrictions, so I’ve gone with a nut free kitchen to start and will also have gluten free options available although those will likely be packaged to begin, so that they’re Celiac assured,” said Brennan. According to Brennan, this incarnation of 7 West Café will be primarily focused on offering healthy, freshly made lunch fare, and while the menu has not been set yet, Brennan says daily soups and sandwiches are a safe bet right now. “I’m probably going to go the direction of comfort foods and desserts made in-house. So today I made chicken pot pie for example,” said Brennan. The next day, she was serving freshly made potato pancakes along with a variety of fresh sandwiches. “I was there for the first time under the new management this week, although I have been go-
ing to that physical location of years, “ said Jennifer Miller, who works in Smiths Falls. “I had a focaccia pizza, which I understand is going to be a regular feature and it was hot and very tasty,” continued Miller. Overall, food at 7 West is locally sourced as much as possible, and Brennan has chosen to carry a number of beverages that are locally produced, including Harvey Verns sodas, produced in Ottawa by the Kichesippi Beer Company and Culture Kampucha sparkling tea from the Ottawa Food Hub. She carries a lot more beverages of course, and also plans to have a small retail section of locally produced condiments and foods. “I’m not fully set up yet, I’ve still got some features I’m adding that are not quite complete which is why I haven’t announced an opening yet,” said Brennan. For the time being,
of the bovine world. Now, this exercise of moving cattle is not for the faint of heart. A cow on the wrong side of the fence instantly becomes the most obstinate, defiant creature imaginable - not to mention fast! There’s no outrunning ‘Betsy’ when she gets frazzled. Although the waving of arms, the stomping of feet and the shouting of....well, we won’t discuss just ‘what’ may be shouted....is often the most natural response, it’s patience and a calm demeanour that will provide the desired result. Once everything is back as it should be, the offender(s) will undoubtedly look at their captors as if to say, “What is your problem?” Then they’ll give an indignant snort, a flick of the tail and return to their grazing as if nothing ever happened. Perhaps it has never crossed your mind that those peaceful looking creatures you see in the pasture fields could ever cause any trouble at all. Quite the contrary! When they decide to go for a jaunt, they do it up big – often opting for
a trip through a neighbour’s garden, or across a patch of freshly laid sod, sometimes even venturing right onto a well travelled roadway. Thankfully, most of the time, the ordeal ends with no lasting damage done – just some unsightly hoof prints and some (momentarily) frustrated farmers. There is one detail of the story that it is important to notice. The statement at the beginning was,
“the cows are out.” Not, “your cows are out.” You see, it seems to be part of the unspoken code of country living that when there’s wayward livestock, it really doesn’t matter at that moment whose cows they are. The cows are out. The cows need to go back in. It’s that simple. As the saying goes, “good fences make good neighbours,” and that is certainly true. At times like this though, we could
Column: Life on the farm
Shannon Miller
The cows are out! It’s hard to think of any other statement that will get a farmer up and moving more quickly than that one. The news is nearly always delivered by phone, although occasionally it comes from a well-meaning passer-by. Of course, the news inevitably arrives at the LEAST convenient time possible – generally when we are already late for one engagement or another. (That’s Murphy’s Law of Farming #87264). After hastily quizzing the informant on the “Who?”, “Where?” and “When?” of the situation, we spring into action (There’s no point in bothering with “How?” or “Why?” at this stage). The first step is to gather some essentials; fencing wire, pliers and a little treat – perhaps a pail of grain – to bribe the girls back to their rightful place. Not only is the taste irresistible for them, but the rattle of the grain in the pail is enough to make even the most inexperienced cattle herder look like the Pied Piper
Re-opening 7 West Café, Laurie Anne Brennan prepares each meal from scratch on the premises. Focusing on dietary restrictions, hers is a nut free kitchen and she can also accommodate gluten free and celiac customers.
down or take out meals. Brennan is also looking to collaborate with other busiesses to offer special occasion dinners.
“I’m also hoping to eventually do brunches on Saturdays and Sundays, and I’m absolutely open to fundraising events and collaborating with the community,” concludes Brennan
also say, “a flaw in the fence reminds us of what good neighbours we have.” And as everyone
in the farming community would agree, each one of us would gladly return the favour.
the new incarnation of 7 West Café is open for lunch Monday to Saturday, and offers either sit
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explore
Get your draft on at the first annual Starter Company Craft Beer Festival of Eastern Ontario BY AMY HOGUE The Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario (RMEO) and Smiths Falls & District Crime Stoppers have partnered for an event guaranteed to get beer enthusiasts excited – the first annual Craft Beer Festival of Eastern Ontario. On Saturday, Sept. 19, between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m., the Railway Museum will be transformed into a beer tasting extravaganza, featuring local and regional breweries, local food vendors and musical entertainment. The Craft Beer Festival is part of the RMEO’s 30th anniversary this year, and an overall plan to achieve fiscal sustainability over the next five years. The festival will be the second large fundraising event for the museum in 2015, the first being the Orient Express gala dinner which took place in late March. RMEO Executive Director Anne Shropshire, explained that the partnership with Crime Stoppers came about when she learned their organization had lost one of their major fundraisers. Realizing the museum was looking to do more fundraisers but had limited resources, she thought partnering for an event might be a good way of
meeting both organization’s needs. “This is a nice demonstration of collaborative fundraising,” Shropshire said. “It’s really nice because we have so many organizations in town and everyone’s vying for the same fundraising dollar.” The event will feature craft brewers from Perth Brewery, located in Perth; Cartwright Springs Brewery, located in Pakenham; Clocktower Brew Pub, located in Ottawa; Whiprsnapr Brewering Co., located in Nepean; and Highlander Brew Co., located in South River, Ontario. Additional vendors may be added prior to the event. Food vendors will be exclusively from Smiths Falls and will include Magnolia Catering, Fort Hemlock Pub & Eatery and Main St. Bistro Café and Bakery. Shropshire said she was “really excited to have exclusively Smiths Falls’ food vendors,” and that will really showcase the food options available in the town. According to Shropshire, a survey of visitors at the museum’s recent event Trainfest, revealed that the majority of visitors to the museum are coming from Ottawa and Gatineau. This is a good thing
in Shropshire’s opinion, as it brings in others from outside the community. “We have really good places to eat here, so in an indirect way it enhances people’s experience and will highlight some of the assets we have in Smiths Falls,” Shropshire said. “Again, it’s big picture thinking, everybody kind of working together in the community to show off what we have and what we can offer.” A local folk-rock band from Almonte, The Jimmy Tri-Tone Band, will also be on site to provide musical accompaniment throughout the afternoon. Parking will be available at Cornelia Court, and a shuttle bus will escort guests to the event. Shropshire explained that marketing this event will be a little different than marketing a traditional museum event, primarily because the people who are interested in attending craft beer festivals aren’t always going to hear about it from local marketing streams. In addition to traditional newspaper and radio advertising, Shropshire said that social media will also be a big part of the marketing campaign. “We’re going to take a slightly different approach, we’re going to
rely a lot more on social media and blogging,” Shropshire said. “Craft beer is such a unique market, there are a lot of bloggers out there and specialty websites so we’re going to do a really big push through them.” There are several ticket packages available for the Craft Beer Festival: the VIP Package at $30, which includes admission to the festival, a special sampling glass, and 10 beer tickets to use to sample beer; the General Package at $15 (online only) which includes admission to the festival and four beer tickets; and the General Package at $20 (at the gate only) which includes admission to the festival and four beer tickets. As a licensed event, admission is only available to guests over 19 years of age. Tickets can be purchased in advance by visiting http://r me o.org/t hecraft-beer-festival-ofeastern-ontario/ or by contacting the museum at 613-283-5696. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.
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