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Vol. 3 No. 2
YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER - LANARK & NORTH LEEDS
FEBRUARY 2016
Lanark Animal Welfare Society (LAWS)to stop taking in dogs Smiths falls-Sally Smith ‘Drastic’ solution hoped to get shelter back on its feet. The Lanark Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) will not be taking in dogs for the time being as it works get the beleaguered shelter back on its feet. Board members decided at its Jan. 29 meeting to “stop taking in dogs” until it’s “in a better financial situation,” according to LAWS president Kathy Hoyland. “It’s a drastic step,” she said. “But we won’t be around for any animals.” Hoyland says looking after dogs is costly. From June to December, she says cats brought in $51,000 and the cost of looking after them was $41,000. In the same time, dogs brought in $15,000, with a $70,000 in wages to care for them.
“Dogs have a lower revenue and they’re with us longer,” she says. “This is just common sense when you look at the numbers.” On top of staying longer, dogs eat more. Hoyland says one six-monthold dog has been there for five years. She says the rule isn’t necessarily hardand-fast. They’ll accept healthy dogs in dire need of immediate care, like dogs from people entering retirement homes or who are otherwise no longer able to care for their pets. “The cats are flying out of their cages,” Hoyland says. “Our numbers [of cats] are dramatically down.” She says the shelter expects an influx of pregnant cats and their kittens in the spring. The shelter has organized several fundraising events including a performance from Elvis,
Buddy Holly, and Jerry Lee Lewis March 5 at the Gallipeau Centre. Hoyland says if that event is at-capacity, there’s a possibility of making $4,000 for the shelter. The shelter is also selling a van Hoyland calls “infamous,” after it was involved in an August collision. Hoyland says the van needs work but for someone handy with cars and tools, getting a van for a very little money and working on it might be worthwhile. It will either be sold or raffled. Hoyland says she’s also very happy the volunteers seem to be coming back and she says they try to use volunteers “in the daily caring of the animals much as possible.” “We only have $40,000 to play with and we lose $10,000 a month,” to heating, electricity, the old and draughty building, plus other costs, she
Olivia, one of the many dogs who hav found a forever home through LAWS. says. “We need to start putting money aside for a new building.” At the end of March other municipalities, including Tay Valley, Montague, Beckwith, Brockville, will start taking in dogs that might have
otherwise been sent to LAWS. “Other options are available,” Hoyland says, adding as LAWS is one of the only “no kill” shelters around that concept might be compromised. Once this drastic step
has been launched, Hoyland is “guardedly optimistic” that the animal shelter can still be a viable operation with a future. She reiterates that the shelter will “still take cats until we’re back on our feet.”
Local doctor receives support in efforts to bring internationally recognized program to area to help those with PTSD
Perth - Dianne Pinder-Moss
Randy Hillier has seen firsthand how therapeutic it can be for military veterans to share with one another about their experiences. In early 2015, the Member of Provincial Parliament for La-
nark-Frontenac-Lennox & Addington was on a train ride from Toronto with his son Dillon, a Canadian Forces veteran of Afghanistan who had recently returned from fighting the Islamic State group alongside Kurdish Peshmerga forces in Iraq. By coincidence, the
smiths falls Turnout indicates obvious interest in the future of Smiths Falls
man sitting directly across from them on the train was a Canadian who had served in the Iraq war with the U.S. Marines. Another Canadian who had also served with the U.S. Marines in the Gulf War in the early 1990s was seated across the aisle. “We ended up
perth Don McNaughton - The making of a Three Star General
just having a tremendous conversation,” Hiller said in calling the train ride “the most therapeutic three-and-a-half-hours.” Having been “enlightened” by that train trip and having other members of his extended family who have seen military service, as well
as his work with constituents who have family members suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the MPP has become one of a local doctor’s biggest supporters in her efforts to bring the internationally recognized Spiritual Process and Resiliency
Carleton Place What’s new in the Dunlop Business Park
[SPARTA] program to Canada to help military veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD. “I just felt these people had it right,” Hillier said of the program, spearheaded by Dr. Manuela Joannou to start the first Canadian cohort. -continued on page 9
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february 2016 Vol. 2 No. 7
YOUR LOCAL, INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER - SMITHS FALLS
2
July 2015
Page Two
Community Events Smiths Falls Feb. 3
PA Program: Winter for the Birds 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 a.m. Heritage House Museum
Smiths Falls Royal Canadian Legion
Feb. 13 & 20
Tatting Workshop 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Heritage House Museum
Feb. 5
Feb. 14
Feb. 8
Feb. 19
Smiths Falls Bears vs Kanata 7:30 p.m. Smiths Falls Arena Shaking it Up: Salt & Pepper Exhibition 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Heritage House Museum
Feb. 9
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Lombardy Agricultural Hall
Valentine’s Day Supper Social Time 4:30 Dinner at 5:30 Westminster Presbyterian Church Smiths Falls Bears vs Gloucester 7:30 p.m. Smiths Falls Arena
Feb. 20
40 Plus Dinner & Dance Dinner at 7 PM Dance to follow at 8 PM. Smiths Falls Civitan Club
Feb. 9
Feb. 20
Feb. 12 &13
Feb. 21
Feb. 12
Feb. 25
Smiths Falls Bears vs Brockville 7:30 p.m. Smiths Falls Arena Movie Nights presents Suffragette 7:30pm - 9:30pm Smiths Falls Station Theatre Smiths Falls Bears vs Cumberland 7:30 p.m. Smiths Falls Arena
Feb. 13
Swim-A-Thon 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Gallipeau Centre Historical Society Meeting 7 p.m. Heritage House Museum First Aid & CPR Course 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. 52 Abbott Street North
Feb. 26
Smiths Falls Lions Club Pancake Breakfast
Smiths Falls Bears vs Kemptville 7:30 p.m. Smiths Falls Arena
PERTH
Signature Event Day-long event Canlon Farm and Crystal Palace
Feb. 5
Feb. 13
8:00am - 11:00am
Perth Blue Wings vs. Ottawa Canadians 7:39 p.m. Perth & District Community Centre
Friends of the Perth Union Library Book Sale 10 a.m. 3 p.m. 30 Herriott Street
Feb. 9
Perth & District Historical Society Meeting Royal Canadian Legion
Perth & District Historical Society Monthly Meeting 7:30 p.m. St. Paul’s Unite Church
Feb. 12
Perth Blue Wings vs. Athens Aeros 7:39 p.m. Perth & District Community Centre
Feb. 13
Fire & Ice: A Perth 200
CARLET ON PLACE Feb. 1
PSB Meeting 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Carleton Place Council Chambers
Feb. 9
Valentine’s Craft Night 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Carleton Place Library
Feb. 18
Feb. 19
Perth Blue Wings vs. Prescott Flyers 7:30 p.m. Perth & District Community Centre
Feb. 21
Perth Wedding Show 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Feb. 11
Facebook Marketing Workshop 7:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. At Accountapotamous (130 Industrial Avenue) Email catherine@cpchamber.com to register.
Feb. 26
Winter Carnival 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Riverside Park
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Tradional Bakery opening in downtown Smiths Falls this spring Amy Rensby, owner of Magnolia Catering and Event Creations, is excited to announce that downtown Smiths Falls will soon be home to their expansion into a bakery, “c’est tout” Details are being final-
ized, as is a menu, but customers can expect a traditional bakery, offering a variety of breads, buns, baguettes, cakes, cupcakes, pies, cookies and desserts available Monday through Saturday. When Amy opened Magnolia
Catering, it was with a commitment to use local ingredients whenever possible. This commitment will carry over to the bakery and even expand with the use of locally milled flours.
february 2016 Vol. 2 No. 7
YOUR LOCAL, INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER - SMITHS FALLS
3 July 2015
community Habitat for Humanity forms volunteer chapter in Perth Perth-Allison Graham Habitat for Humanity’s Greater Ottawa chapter is bringing the organization to Perth. Dedicated to providing affordable housing for low-income families, Habitat’s mission statement is to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope. The Perth Chapter of Habitat will accomplish this by partnering with Algonquin College, working with second year students who are enrolled in the Construction Carpentry – Advanced Housing program. “Both Algonquin and Habitat support: modest
and affordable housing, cost effective maintenance, and efficiency in owning your own home,” says Chris Hahn, Dean at Algonquin College. We also try to practice sustainability and our values line up; Caring, learning, integrity, and respect.” Algonquin students have built a number of houses in the past, one of which won multiple awards in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon. Algonquin College teamed up with Queen’s and Carleton Universities, as part of Team Ontario to create a collaboration of more than 100 students and faculty. They competed against teams from
Explosion destroys family business
This is all that remains of Law & Orders just near Innisville. The family business was destroyed by an explosion. The cause in not known at this time. Photo Credit - Linda Seccaspina
Carleton place-linda seccaspina
On Monday evening, Feb. 1, a blast was experienced as far as 8 km away from Innisville. Despite many feeling the explosion, no one at first realized that it came from the location of the popular eatery, Law & Orders, owned by Jamie Law. Fire broke out at the site following the explosion, and although there were no reports of casualties, the business was levelled. This morning, Feb. 3, the OPP and Fire department were investigat-
ing what remained at the scene. At the time of publication, the cause of the blast was unknown. Located directly across the street from the Ultramar gas station in Innisville, and only ten minutes from Perth and Carleton Place, Law & Orders was the place to stop for great food. Owner Jamie Law was known far and wide for supporting local events and charities. A Go Fund Me page has been set up to support the family at: www.gofundme.com/ ttmpgh64.
around the world. Teams were able to illustrate their expertise in 10 different categories. Team Ontario placed first in engineering, energy balance, and hot water, second in affordability, fourth in market appeal, and sixth in overall judging. The land for the Perth build has been secured and key members of the committee have been confirmed, with construction to start Fall 2016. Habitat is still looking for volunteers. “There is a place for everyone here. We are looking for people from all walks of life: lawyers, social workers, teachers, maintenance experts, ”
says Alexis Ashworth, CEO of Habitat for Humanity National Capital Region. Above all, the organization is looking for a family to fill the house. Habitat is currently accepting applications. Families may qualify if their total income, before taxes, is between $43,560-$65,313. In addition, applicants must hold Canadian citizenship or be a permanent resident, be willing to contribute 500 volunteer hours to the building of the home and participate in other Habitat projects and activities, be currently living in a situation that does not meet their family needs, un-
Perth - Dianne Pinder-Moss
do to move forward.” “For us to make sure that we are fiscally responsible, we need to figure out where we are at,” he said in a phone interview. “The changes are so that we can operate not just as a charity but as a responsible business.” At a time when the CCS is anticipating a 30 per cent increase nationally in the usage of its services over the next 10 to 15 years as the population ages and the number of new cancer cases rise, fundraising is one of its biggest challenges as donations decline. “The reality is that they are still giving,” Martin stated. “There are just so many charities out there. It is being spread around.” While the reorganization took place on Nov. 1, it only became official Feb. 1 when the new fiscal year began for the CCS. “We want to make sure we are aligned with our year-end,” Martin explained. The Perth and Area Community Office is at the former site of the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Community Office at Unit 201, 105 Dufferin Street, Perth. New office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday and from 1:30 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Staff have been moved around “to make sure the level of service is still the same,” Martin says. He
This years, Advanced Housing Class, at Algonquin College stand in front of the Residential Living Lab that is being built on campus. Photo Credit - Andrew Edmondson
able to obtain or afford a conventional mortgage, and be presently working in steady employment. “It was a learning experience, watching an entire community come together and build a home,
my home . . . It was heart warming,” she said. “I witnessed first hand the efforts and hard work, that went in to helping my family get the chance to own our own home.”
Downsizing by Canadian Cancer Society means reorganization of local community office The last few years have been difficult for the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), according to its Renfrew County community officer. “It’s been a tough few years with charities. We are feeling the crunch like everyone else,” says Roger Martin. That has resulted in changes nationally, provincially and locally for the charity, including the recent reorganization of the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Community Office. For Lanark County, that means that the municipalities bordering the City of Ottawa— Beckwith Township, Town of Carleton Place and Town of Mississippi Mills— are now under the Ottawa office. Most of the remaining municipalities— Town of Perth, Township of Lanark Highlands, Tay Valley Township and Township of Drummond/North Elmsley— are part of the newly formed Perth and Area Community office. Meanwhile, Montague Township is now under the community office in Kingston, as is the Town of Smiths Falls. While the impact of downsizing can be felt across Ontario, Martin who is now also managing the Perth and Area Community Office says the CCS has done “what we need to
wants to assure the public that the many services offered by the CCS will not change. “The change is in the way in which we do business.” He says if there are people who are now under the Kingston or Ottawa offices but feel “more comfortable” calling the Perth office “like they have always done, we will look after the logistics.” “Taking care of their needs is the first priority.” Martin will be working out of the Perth office on a bi-weekly basis, and says he is readily available by email or telephone. Those wishing to reach the Perth and Area Community Office can do by calling 613-267-1058. Services of the CCS can also be accessed by calling toll-free 1-888939-3333 or visiting the charity’s website at www. cancer.ca. In 2016, according to Martin, it’s anticipated more than 30,000 kilometres will be driven by the slightly more than 20 volunteer drivers from the Perth area who provide transportation to cancer treatments through the Wheels of Hope transportation service. They’re among the more than 500 active volunteers involved with the Perth and Area Community Office through Wheels of Hope and other initiatives like the residential campaign, Daffo-
Head shot of Roger Martin
dil Campaign and Pink Ribbon Campaign. As the fight against cancer continues, something that is worthy of note, Martin says, is that the five year cancer survival rate has “dramatically increased” from 25 per cent in the mid1950s to 63 per cent today. Similarly, the five year survival rate for breast cancer has jumped from 48 per cent to 88 per cent. “With the large influx of money that the CCS has put into research, that is paying off,” he noted. In 2015, in Ottawa alone, there were more than 31 different research projects and clinical trials taking place. While the last few months have seen many organizational changes within the CCS, Martin makes it clear that the mission of the charity has remained the same, and that is, he says, “to eradicate cancer and to enhance the quality of life for those living with cancer.”
4
February 2016
community
Obvious interest in the future of Smiths Falls Smiths Falls - Sally Smith About 80 residents turned out Monday night to join in a dialogue on the Town’s strategic plan priorities. Mayor Shawn Pankow first addressed those assembled in the upper room at the Memorial Community Centre and then handed the rest of the presentation over to CMO Malcolm Morris. The goal of the night was to gather feedback on 59 initiatives council members had pulled together over the last ten months. “A lot of input is needed,” Morris said, appealing to the group. “We need clear direction and broad support” and ultimately “a framework to make the decision.” Planning for the ‘strategy’ began last March; in May, the Town hosted a focus group “to which everyone came”, and in June the priorities were presented to the “broader public.” (There are seven priorities which, in total, include 59 initiatives.) In July the initiatives went back to council where priorities were identi-
fied and approved, in November performance measures were put in place and finally, in December, the 2015-2018 strategy was approved for public consultation. Morris pointed out that the priorities are not just to guide the Town of Smiths Falls in a future direction, but also for council and staff. “Every member has to understand their role in the organization.” He commented that not only did council look at goals and objectives, but also at weaknesses and strengths; they pulled together initiatives, performance measures, a way to monitor what was happening and a way to make corrections, if necessary. A strategic plan is important for marketing the Town, Morris added. “We want to be able to leverage partnerships with other governments and tell them what we’re about and where we’re going.” Within the plan are five guiding principles - integrity and honesty, accountability and transparency, citizen-fo-
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Many attended the Strategic Plan Open House at the Memorial Centre Monday night. Photo Credit - Sally Smith
cussed and service-oriented, sustainability, and respectfulness. Each guiding principle has between two and 12 initiatives, and the principles and initiatives all stem from the 10-part vision which will guide the Town through to 2025. Morris commented on several of the 10: making sure that investments are keeping up with needs for the Town, ensuring a healthy community with a good quality of life, enhancing relationships with municipal neighbours, and attending to the growing/aging population. “There is a risk of losing our identity if we
grow too quickly.” And he finished with this thought; at one time branding for Smiths Falls centred around Hersheys and chocolate. “What are we now?” he asked, acknowledging that the answer is an emotional one. The crowd broke apart to visit seven pods around the room, each one headed by a councillor or staff member; each pod addressed one of the seven priorities. For a look at the Strategic Plan, go to http:// smithsfalls.ca/public_ docs/documents/Strategic%20Plan%20Presentation%202015%20-%20 D e cemb er%2014%20 2015.pdf
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“Beckwith Then and Now” a legacy project oficially launched beckwith-dianne pinder-moss Beckwith Public School was a happening place on Sunday afternoon (Jan. 17) as the book “Beckwith Then And Now” was officially launched. A legacy project of Beckwith Township as it celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2016, What makes the 224-page book so special for council, was that it is “a community book. Reeve Richard Kidd said. In fact, there were more than 100 submissions, which included photos, historical stories about life and events in Beckwith and recipes, for which samples of some were available for tasting on Sunday. Among the many in attendance at the book launch were Governor General David Johnston and his wife Sharon who have a residence in the township. Along with those sold on Sunday, copies of the book will also be available for sale at the township office with other locations to be announced on the township website www.twp.beckwith. on.ca. Tay Valley Town-
Governor General David Johnston who wrote a foreword for the book took time to sign some of the copies purchased, including that of HomeTown News writer Linda Seccaspina. Photo Credit - Dianne Pinder-Moss
ship, Drummond North Elmsley Township and the Town of Perth, like Beckwith, will also be marking the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the original Perth Military Settlement this year. Booths showcasing their anniversary celebrations and the digital Historical Mapping Project recently launched for the Perth Military Settlement were among the historical displays set up in the gym. The Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum also promoted an exhibit, which will be opening in May in com-
memoration of Beckwith’s 200th anniversary, on Annie Duff who grew up in Beckwith Township and eventually ended up working for Vogue magazine in New York City. Prior to remarks by Reeve Kidd, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston MP Scott Reid, Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox & Addington MPP Randy Hillier, Lanark County Warden Gail Code and Carleton Place Mayor Louis Antonakos, Alex George entertained on the fiddle, accompanied by his mother Lisa George on the keyboard.
5
February 2016
community
Stalwart Brewing Co. committed to supporting local retailers carleton place-sarah cavanaugh
Hunter S. Thompson once said “Good people drink good beer,” and in the world of Ontario craft breweries, good people make good beer too. A quick tour around the Ontario Craft Brewers’ website reveals the rich history of beer in this province. From the Finkle brother’s opening the province’s first brewery in Bath, in 1793 to the knighting of Sir John Carling by Queen Victoria in 1893 for exemplary public service to Jim Brickman igniting the “Renaissance of craft-brewing,” according to beer historian Oliver Dawson in 1984 with the first craft brewery. It’s easy to see why Ontarians love their brews, and the proof is in the numbers.
Annual beer sales in this province reached 2.5 billion dollars in 2008. Today there are about 130 operating breweries in over 100 Ontario communities. Beyond providing the beer lover a diversity of flavor, these small brewers have created thousands of jobs, invested tens of millions of dollars into Ontario’s economy, an impact of at least 600 million annually , improved the sustainability of the industry and continue to support local food producers and suppliers, according to the Ontario Craft Brewers’ website. That dedication to community can easily be seen right here at home at the Stalwart Brewing Company. Opening late in 2015, the gang at Stalwarts has not hesitated to make an impact,
co-hosting the Carleton Place Chamber of Commerce’s first mixer of 2016 with another new addition to downtown, Petals and Paint. Four partners have been thrilled at the community’s response so far and are happy to have a few regulars already who pop by for a half-pint and a chat at the end of the week. In keeping with the spirit of their Ontario Craft brew forefathers, the Stalwart Brewing Co has already made a commitment to supporting local retailers and creating sustainable partnerships with producers, vendors and beer lovers alike. Their Facebook page highlights shout outs to neighboring breweries and distilleries in Pakenham and Perth. They’ve hinted at future
collaborations with other area food producers to “help raise the agro-tourist/foodie-tourist profile of Carleton Place”. Even our four legged and feathered friends are benefiting from the arrival of this formidable group, as the pigs and chickens at Blue Hen Farm in Clayton now enjoy the brewery’s spent grain, or barley, wheat and rye left over from the brewing process. The Stalwart shop at 10 High Street is open Thursday-Saturday 12 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. You can sample the beer or buy it by the glass or tall can. There are no formal tour schedules yet, but you will find the owners welcoming and happy to answer questions and show you around.
Their first brews, Dr. Feelgood IPA, Big Papa, a Peach and apricot pale ale, and Bad Moon Rye Stout are available right here at home at the Waterfront Gastropub and St. James Gate and at Restaurants and Pubs in Perth, Carp, Ashton and Ottawa. Coming this month, you can experience a rotation of new, local art at the shop beginning
with Lyneth Morgan in February. There is also “Bring Your Own Vinyl” every Sunday where you can bring in your favorite records and enjoy a beer in the company of some great tunes and fellow music lovers. For more information on the brewery or to host a private event or book at tour visit their website at stalwartbrewing.ca
Winter semester starts for Owl Homework Club at Perth Library Perth - submitted
Owls Homework Club has officially launched for the winter semester at the Perth and District Union Public Library. Owls is a homework help and tutoring program that meets after school on Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. at the library from October to May. “We wanted to find a way to expand our literacy efforts”, explained Rachel Warren, Children’s Librarian. “The program
provides a safe and encouraging space for children in grades one to six who need a place to work on their assignments. We have a number of volunteer tutors who are available to answer questions and provide help in any subject area, including French”. Thanks to a Best Start Grant and funding from the Rotary Club of Perth, OWLS Homework Club began in fall 2014. Seventy-eight children were a part of the
program in the 20142015 school year. For more information or to learn about other programs offered by the library, please visit www.perthunionlibrary.ca.
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February 2016
community
The Gilded Monarch celebrates first anniversary
Kilt Run Inspires Outlander gathering to choose Perth
Perth-Terry O`Hearn
Three year old Penny Thomson and her five year old sister Clare enjoying some cake. Photo Credit - Kathy Botham
Smiths Falls - Kathy Botham The Gilded Monarch Home Décor inside Davidson Court celebrated its first anniversary
on Saturday January 30. Friends and family attended to celebrate this milestone with owner Vanessa MacLellan. Mayor Shawn Pan-
kow helped cut the cake alongside Vanessa. Everyone was treated to an array of appetizers prepared by Vanessa’s husband Brian Paquette.
The Town of Perth has again made itself known on the international stage, having been chosen as the site for the “Outlandish Canada” gathering to be held here in 2016. The gathering is meant to celebrate Ronald D. Moore’s “Outlander” television series, which is based on the bestseller book series by Diana Gabaldon, and was inspired by the Perth Kilt Run. The popular show follows the story of a World War II nurse, who travels back in time to 18th century war-torn Scotland. Mayor John Fenik, both a supporter and participant in the Kilt Run, said he was excited to hear about the Outlander gathering, and went on to say that: “The effect that the Perth Kilt Run has had on the Town of Perth is incredible. It has reached out to a wide and enthusiastic group of people, not just locally, but globally.” He stressed the impact has been enormous, both economically, and because it adds so much to the heritage aspect for the town. Heritage Tourism Manager/Curator Karen Rennie reports that Perth Tourism is a partner for the event, which will be known as “Outlandish Canada”. Details of the Perth July 29 to August 1 gathering are currently being worked out with Outlandish Canada organizer Debby Jo Hill, but it has been decided that the Crystal Palace, Last Duel Park, and Codes Mill will be the main venues. Perth’s World Record
Mayor John Fenik is excited about the “Outlandish Canada” event coming to Perth July 29 to August 1. Th e gathering will be a celebration of the television series “Outlander” and was inspired by the Perth Kilt Run Photo Credit -Terry O’Hearn
Kilt Run organizers Terry and Mary Stewart were also thrilled by the news, and noted that: “Since its short existence, the Perth Kilt Run has inspired over 10,000 people to don a kilt and run the streets of Perth.” They Stewarts found it interesting that author Gabaldon decided to set her first historical novel in Scotland, after the image of a young man in a kilt stayed with her from watching a television episode of Dr. Who. Terry Stewart proclaimed: “As Lord Darnley, and on behalf of the Perth Kilt Run - welcome Sassenach!” Outlandish organizer Hill related that on a visit to Scotland in April, 2015, she became aware that a group of like-minded fans who were planning a “Gathering” in May, 2015. “So I registered, and included it in my itinerary of 30 days. While my trip was everything I had hoped for, the Gathering was a life changing event. Over three days we laughed, cried and had an outrageously fun time. I came home feeling so blessed that I could have afforded to attend the Outland-
ish UK.” On the flight home Hill decided she was going to plan an event for Canadian fans. “I started scouting for a venue, and two weeks after returning home I decided to attend the Perth Kilt Run. As I got out of my car I was overwhelmed how much the town of Perth was a ‘little piece of Scotland’. I knew that it was built by Scottish settlers, but after visiting Perth, Scotland, the month prior, I realized just how much the town builders has duplicated their beloved home. I had my venue.” In August, Hill convinced a friend she had met in Scotland to accompany her to Perth, wishing to confirm her first impression. After they sat for a few minutes on a bench in Stewart Park, the friend agreed it was a wonderful place and we should start planning. Outlandish Canada was born, and five months later the venues are booked, the menus are planned and special guests are invited. “Our lips are sealed who the guests are but we won’t disappoint.”
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February 2016
community
column:
Carleton Place Social Notes
carleton place-sarah cavanaugh
Did January find you feeling a little blue? It has long been thought to be the most depressing month of the year, kicking off the New Year with post-holiday blahs, “Blue Monday,” and unresolved resolutions. Days spent grinding your overfed, over-chilled, unmotivated behind back into the normal routine of work and school. All the while trying to meet unrealistic expectations you put on yourself in the name of holiday tradition. I’m going to eat fewer jelly beans and take the stairs. I’ve read that the best way to combat the winter blues is stay active, get outside and be productive. In all those ways, Carleton Place has you covered. I’ve often called our fair little town the busiest town in the valley, and it is no exaggeration. January saw the Chamber of Commerce’s first mixer of 2016 (at Stalwart breweries and Petals & Paint) and the kick off of its 100th year serving the businesses of our community. We saw four outdoor ice rinks open, playgroup return four days a week and the kids go back to school. There were winter parking bans, snow removal and rain storms. Gas and the loonie bobbed and dove and jumped by 20 cents but Apple Cheeks had a Clearance sale, the Granary welcomed a new member to their team, the Library invited us all to “Colour Ourselves Calm,” and Law and Orders introduced the “Valley Dog” to their ample menu. The Learning Expo returned for its third year, to the delight of families and educators alike and Balance Within closed off the month with Kids Yoga and Kirtan to benefit Lanark County Interval House. The Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum opened its new exhibit “Forever Young: Staying Warm in a Carleton Place Winter,” just
in case you needed tips. You can square dance every Monday at St. Mary’s school, play cribbage every Tuesday afternoon at the legion or join the community choir. I haven’t even mentioned all the parks, playgrounds, public skates, cooking classes at Mitchell’s Independent and endless programs at Carambeck. If all the hustle of January wasn’t enough to kick those winter grumps to the curb then stay tuned! February means Groundhogs, Romance and the Circus? Superbowl Sunday is Feb. 7, and if you head down to the Thirsty Moose you can win a Vintage Molson Fridge. On the same day we sadly bid farewell to The Brick but hope to welcome a new restaurant on Bridge Street. Shrove Tuesday is Feb. 9, so please pass the pancakes. February is the month of syrup. Feb. 13 is opening day at Fulton’s and both Fulton’s and Wheelers have special Family day events. Family Day weekend is also Ontario Family fishing weekend in case you always wanted to experience lake life in an ice shack. You can (H)owl for Autism with Paint with Janet at the Owl Café on the Feb. 17. Carnival Day lands on Feb. 20 this year at beautiful Riverside Park. Join Chilly at Circus school, have a hot chili lunch, watch a broomball game, meet a dog sledding team and take in the carnival midway. Issie and the fun folks at Ontario Early Years Centre are bringing back the Gym Jam at Carambeck on Feb. 25 and The Mississippi Mudds open their Winter 2016 season with Beauty and the Beast on Feb. 26. So I’m ready Carleton Place. Are you? And hey, if that most important of the ground-dwelling rodents sees his shadow just pass the chocolate, throw on your coat and come out and enjoy the very busiest town in the valley.
Happy trails for newly formed Beckwith Cross Country Ski Club
It was certainly a family affair for Dana Lewis, her daughter Madilyn and son Spencer as they took part in the Family Cross Country Ski Day on the Goodwood Marsh Nature Trail at Beckwith Park on Jan. 23. Photo Credit - Dianne Pinder-Moss
Beckwith-Dianne Pinder-Moss Cold temperatures didn’t chill the enjoyment of those taking part in the Family Cross Country Ski Day at Beckwith Park Jan. 23. Those who braved the frigid temperatures were all smiles as they glided along the freshly groomed trails during the first official event of the newly formed Beckwith Cross Country Ski Club. “It is a start,” said Ryan James, who sits on the working group for the ski club. “That’s all we need.
I am sure we will build momentum.” The startup of the ski club is in keeping with Beckwith Township’s ongoing efforts “to create a healthy and active community,” according to working group member Reeve Richard Kidd. “This is just another way for council to help promote it,” he told the HomeTown News, “make it something that families can do that doesn’t have to be organized.” The club has groomed approximately five kilometres of trail for the use of cross country ski-
ers. In addition to the Goodwood Marsh Nature Trail, the groomed section includes the trail connecting Beckwith Park and Beckwith Public School. Kidd hopes the school will make use of the groomed trails, and so does Dana Lewis, a RECE at the school and oversees its ski club and competitive team. “The kids are quite excited” to have the trails and will be able to use them “to do some practise on their own,” said Lewis, adding the hope is to have an end of season event there. The sentiment was similarly positive from those who attended the Jan. 23 group ski, followed by a chili potluck lunch in the Beckwith Recreation Complex. A training session for beginners was also part of the day’s program. “It is nice to have a trail close to home,” Cynthia Simon said, putting on her skis and trying out the new trails. James also expressed appreciation at having groomed trails in Beckwith. “Last winter, I was going over near Dunrobin to do some skiing,” he said. “It was good skiing but it is great to have it close to home. Having it close to home makes it
so much easier to get out and do it.” This year, Kidd says the major focus of the cross country ski club will be to make people aware of the groomed trails and to use them. The aim is to “get more people involved and go from there next year.” “We have invested in our trails and want to see if we can get them used year round,” he said. Currently there are 16 kilometres of trails throughout the township and the reeve believes they are being “very well used”. While grooming the Goodwood Marsh Nature Trail over a twoday period recently, he encountered various cross country skiers and snowshoers. Snowmobiling is not permitted on the trails within the park but it is allowed on the Shady and McTavish trail branches. During the spring, summer and fall months, walkers and cyclists use the trail system on a regular basis. While the ski club is being spearheaded by the township, the hope, says Kidd, is that it will be something that the working group takes over and runs itself. They’ll decide a name for the club at a follow-up to the Jan. 23 meeting.
Studio 16 Barbering and Hairstyling a dream in the making for local business man ious small salons in
Philip Beath owner of Studio 16 Barbering and Hairstyling in Smiths Falls. Photo Credit - Sally Smith
Smiths Falls - Sally Smith With 20 years of hairdressing under his belt, it was time for Philip Beath to step out on his own, and the Smiths Falls native did it in style, opening a 450 sq. ft. shop on Main Street in Smiths Falls on Nov. 17. You’ll recognize Stu-
dio 16 Barbering and Hairstyling by the classic small red, white and blue barbershop ‘pole’. According to Wikipedia, a barbershop pole, in medieval times, signified the owner of the shop could perform “surgery as well as tooth extractions.” Don’t expect that from Beath. He’s’ strictly a
“haircut, foils and colouring” man, for both men and women. The 54-year-old says he’s always wanted to do be his own boss and with his experience and a warm, informal personality, he opened for business mid-November. He’d been eyeing the space since August, but took the step with care and planning. There’s one haircut-styling chair, a back room chair for hair-washing and two chairs for waiting customers. The fifth chair at the reception desk pretty much fills the tiny space. Beath went to St. Lawrence College in Brockville to learn his trade. The course, plus 2,000 hours of hands-on work at var-
and around Perth and Smiths Falls, helped him develop confidence and skill in his chosen profession. Haircuts for guys and girls start at $17, he doesn’t give shaves but he does trim beards, and as well as haircuts, foils and colouring, he does highlights and perms. His clientele ranges from the very young to the more senior in the community. Beath smiles thinking about his many loyal, repeat clients, but his door is open to anyone and walk-ins are welcome. In the space of barely one hour last month, three people dropped in to wish him well in his new venture, and one to book an appointment.
February 2016
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lifestyle Coffee with a purpose
carleton place-submitted
The Owl Café and Meeting Place opened its door to the public Dec. 11. Funded initially with fundraised revenue from Y’s Owl Maclure, our strategic objective is to provide employability skills for young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), generate revenue, and increase awareness of ASD. The Owl Café and Meeting Place program is a unique social enterprise located at 135 Bridge Street in Carleton Place. The Owl Café & Meeting Place is the first-of-its-kind customized employment and life skills training program for teens, youth and young adults on the autism spectrum. We believe having a job contributes to a young person’s sense of identity and wellbeing. Employment is an important opportunity for young people to build social skills and networks, gain self-confidence and develop the life skills needed to successfully transition into adulthood. The cafe will offer employment training to young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, provide meeting space for local businesses and community members. Evenings and weekends, we’ll offer a variety of life skills
classes, workshops, and groups to young people with ASD between 14 and 30 years old. The café will provide opportunities to young people with ASD to acquire employment skills and work experience that can transfer to other community-based employment. The local community will enjoy fresh brewed coffee from Equator Coffee, freshbaked treats from Big Rigs Bakery, along with other snacks, soups and sandwiches from the Owl Cafe. The café operates Monday to Saturday. The Owl Cafe & Meeting Place offers professional and creative spaces that are ideal for private meetings, workshops, and presentations. We currently offer two meeting spaces. Meeting Room A is suitable for up to eight people and can be booked day or evenings and Meeting Space B, or the Café Area can be booked for evenings or weekends. These meeting spaces include: -Access to purchase fresh brewed Equator Coffee, Numi Organic Teas, as well as delicious Big Rigs Baked Goods, or sandwiches. -Chart paper, writing utensils, post-its -White board -Wi-Fi -Projector for use
-HDMI to hook up your laptop to a TV (Please request in advance) -Meeting Space A (Eight people) is available for booking 6 days a week during business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) $15 per hour for non-profit organizations, $20 per hour for public. -Meeting Space B (1520 people) is available in after hours, evenings or weekends. $25 per hour for non-profit organizations, $30 per hour for public Please note that cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance. Autism Works Carleton Place is the first-ofits-kind fee for service program for teens, youth and adults with ASD. The Autism Works Carleton Place program will focuses on building skills for life and first steps to employment. Classes are generally offered in the evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. All classes and workshops will be offered at The Owl Café & Meeting Place location. We know Autism. We know Employment. We know individuals with ASD can be highly effective employees who offer unique skills, abilities and strengths that benefit employers and the community.
Column:
Opinion - Darlene MacLachlan
Sweet February; Days becoming a little longer and marked by an emphasis on the heart. One can’t move without being reminded to either move for the sake of your heart health or buy chocolate, flowers or send Valentines to loved ones. Yes, sweet February. The heart is that place within us associated with the emotions of being loved and loving, with our ability to exhibit compassion and benevolence. That place within us that aches when we experience loss and bursts with happiness at life events that bring us joy. The association between the heart and those powerful emotions we associate with it were once thought to be distinct. Emotions were controlled by the brain and the heart was a muscle responsible for keeping us alive. The concept of the heart and emotions being separate has slowly dissipated as more research has shown that your state of mind and the health of
What makes you happy?
your heart are connected. We know about the linkage between lifestyle on the health of your heart; what you eat and drink, family history of heart disease, your activity level, your stress levels, and smoking are known factors for influencing how your ticker functions. But a study conducted by Columbia University over a 10-year period illustrated how positive emotions can prevent heart disease. In essence, happy people have positive attitudes, less stress and make healthier lifestyle choices and subsequently are less likely to experience a cardiovascular emergency. So what makes us happy? Is it the flowers, gifts, chocolates, or Valentines? Maybe just the smile or presence of loved one is sufficient, but that sense of happiness evokes some pretty powerful reactions that influence how the body responds to in positive ways. When we are happy our heart rates are lower which has been linked to reduce incidents of cardiovascular disease.
When we are happy, we are less stressed out, which lowers the levels of stress hormones, affecting blood pressure. When we are happy and have a positive attitude we make better lifestyle choices, affecting longevity. When we are happy, we are less prone to aches, pain and illness-our immune system functions a little stronger. All of these benefits contribute to the health of our hearts, illustrating that happiness and health of our heart are connected. There is the old saying that money can’t buy happiness. It may alleviate financial stress but getting to the root of what makes us happy isn’t at the material level. As we move into the month of the heart, take stock of what makes you happy and embrace these aspects of your life. Where do these aspects fit into your life? Are they relationships? Activities? Events? Embrace and cultivate them. Spend more time doing what makes you happy. Your heart will thank you for it.
February 2016
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lifestyle
Local doctor receives support in efforts to bring internationally recognized program to area to help those with PTSD
Perth - Dianne Pinder-Moss continued from page 1
Dr. Joannou is very much aware of PTSD, both personally and professionally. “I would be lying if I didn’t have cases that profoundly affected me,” she says, adding this is true of any profession “bearing witness to pain and suffering and critical incidents.” On a professional basis, the Perth area family/ emergency physician is familiar with PTSD, both through the counselling she does and her interaction with her colleagues in the emergency department, in addition to first responders like police, firefighters and paramedics. Dr. Joannou thinks of PTSD as “an operational stress injury for professionals.” “I don’t like the idea that it is a disorder or a disease,” she said. “I think it is an injury and it needs to be looked at in a different category.” She says those who care the most are more vulnerable to developing this type of injury. “They really feel each other’s pain and are empathetic,” she remarked. “If we can intervene and help these people and get them back to their service, they are just such a huge asset.” Frustrated with the treatments that were being offered, Dr. Joannou started doing research on possible alternatives. “I felt what was missing was addressing the moral injury, the deep impact to a person’s heart and soul,” she said. When the physician came across an interview with one of the American founders of SPARTA, “it just blew me away.” “I realized they were doing it with great success but not a whole lot of recognition,” she said. Having started off under the name “Save A
Warrior,” it’s a very intensive five-and-a-half-day program using holistic and alternative methods. “It is very experiential,” says Dr. Joannou who spent a week with the main program providers in Malibu in November. “They’re introduced to a lot of different concepts that really ground them and get them to connect to something greater than themselves.” Along with group therapy discussions, SPARTA participants also engage in meditation, horse-assisted counselling and adventure programs like high ropes. “Spending time in nature can really be a spiritual experience for anyone,” the physician commented. “With high ropes, we allow people to feel their fear in a very controlled safe environment.” Likewise, one of the things that interests Dr. Joannou about the horse-assisted counselling component is that it incorporates the Equine Assisted Growth And Learning Association (EAGALA) model, training for which she completed 12 years ago. “I am really excited that it is starting to get some validation and recognition,” she said. Dr. Joannou is also excited that the first Canadian cohort of SPARTA could take place as early as this spring as she has received a commitment from the providers to come here. Currently, they are in Australia doing the first cohort there. Given the invitation for them to go to that country came from the Australian government is, she says, “just a testimonial to the fact it is being regarded as a worthwhile program.” All the logistics have been planned out for the first cohort in Canada, which Tay River Reflections hopes to host using its new aqua facility, which is secluded from the rest of the spa and has
its own parking area. “It’s like its own microcosm,” she said. There are approximately five kilometres of walking trails just outside the door of the aqua facility. She says her dream is to train people to have other facilities across the country. “My vision is that the program could be adapted to any country in the world,” she said. Dr. Joannou would also like to be able to oversee the research as to outcomes analysis. “We would like to have the metrics to show it is a very effective treatment,” she said. She says she’d like to work with the providers in the U.S. “to see if there are some things we need to tweak to give it a Canadian context” and ensure the curriculum meets the needs of Canadian organizations. As an example of how the program could be Canadianized, because the weather is different here than in Malibu, some winter outdoor activities could be added, she suggested. Likewise, while SPARTA operates on a complementary and alternative medicine model in the U.S., Dr. Joannou is a strong proponent for utilizing a medical model here in Canada. That way, she says, if a person requires medication or even medical attention, that care would be available. She says she was very encouraged by the large turnout for a full-day workshop on PTSD at Tay River Reflections on Jan. 13. “It was just testimonial to how important people feel this topic is right now,” she stated. For Perth town councillor Jim Graff who, along with Hillier, were among the attendees that day, the event really “opened my eyes” about PTSD. “First of all, I don’t think society, including myself, is aware of the residual
Dr. Manuela Joannou looks out from the upstairs window of the aqua facility at Tay River Reflections where she hopes to host the first cohort of the SPARTA program. Photo by Dianne Pinder-Moss
effect for first responders in working in an environment that primarily deals with tragic events,” he said in an email. “For policemen and soldiers in the course of their duty, having to take a life or be witness to indescribable horror is cavalier in the movies but not in real life.” Having worked in the U.S. towards the end of the Vietnam War, Graff some of the returning veterans. He remembers how little of any help was available from the Department of Veterans Affairs there “and readjusting to civilian life for them was impossible.” “Personally, I think we have a moral obligation to help these folks regain the quality of life that they lost in the performance of their duty,” he said “The SPARTA program I think will do that from Dr. Joannou’s presentation and a film we saw.” With the progress being made in the understanding of mental health issues, Graff believes it’s “a no brainer that we should get behind physicians like Dr. Joannou and encourage government support for this SPARTA program.” The estimated cost to run a cohort, taking into
account the providers, lodging, food and the horse component, would be $3,000 per person. “If we had $36,000, we could have it happen,” she said. Ideally, Dr. Joannou would like to start off with two cohorts, one for men and one for women. Of course, everything hinges, she says, “on us being able to raise funds.” She’s currently looking at community fundraisers and corporate sponsorships to help fund the program. The physician is appreciative of the support she’s receiving for SPARTA, particularly from Hillier. Calling the MPP “a champion” of the program, she says he has had “great ideas” and “connected us with political people to make it happen.” “This is personal for him,” she stated. “He really cares. I just love that about him.” For his part, Hillier says he has no doubt the SPARTA program will happen and will help out “wherever I can.” “I think it is powerfully needed,” he said in a phone interview. He says for many with PTSD, it is not just a chemical imbalance they are suffering from that can be treated with medication.
“That’s what the SPARTA program recognizes,” Hillier said. “For many people, it is a moral injury.” Based on his own experiences with people, the MPP believes there is a need to do something different in treating PTSD from what is currently being done. “I have felt that what we have been doing in the past has been less than effective,” he stated. “The stats bear it out.” In 2015, alone, 39 first responders and 12 members of the military died from suicide in Canada. Already, in the first month of this year, three more first responders have been added to those numbers. A solemn Dr. Joannou doesn’t mince words when she talks about the sense of urgency she feels about the situation. “I just wish we had this system in place where we could reach out to them a real solution for their suffering,” she said. “It is not a quick fix but it is a support channel to connect into a source that will lead them on the road to healing.” To date, more than 300 people have completed the SPARTA program since it launched in 2012.
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Column:
Opinion-amy rensby The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines comfort food as “food that is satisfying because it is prepared in a simple or traditional way and reminds you of home, family, or friends” I’ve experienced this a number of times recently, through the holidays, enjoying some of our family favorites made by my mom, thanks to an old recipe shared by a customer, and as a result of our Canadian winter, which brings with it a hankering for the soul-satisfying warmth of stick-to-your-ribs dishes like stew. As I was preparing to write this article, I started to wonder, what makes a particular food or dish comfort food? Things that make up my list of comfort foods are different than those that make up my friend’s list of comfort foods, so it clearly wasn’t the food itself. It didn’t take much wondering to figure out it’s actually the memories associated with a food or dish that make it a “comfort food.” In my case, those are things like tea biscuits and croissants that my mom made on Saturday or Sunday mornings, like her spaghetti with meat sauce in the winter; her apple pies in the fall, and my dad’s lasagna. Why? Because each of them is associated with fantastic memories, like smelling the tea biscuits or croissants on the weekends and then sitting together at the table where we slathered them in butter and my
lifestyle
Comfort Food by Amy Rensby
mom’s homemade strawberry or grandmother’s homemade raspberry jam, which then evoked other memories – a family outing to pick fresh strawberries or picking raspberries in my grandmother’s backyard to make that wonderful jam. Decades later, I can still smell that strawberry jam being made in the kitchen. Then there’s the lasagna. My dad will acknowledge that cooking isn’t at the top of his todo list. He tends to leave that to my mom. Except when it comes to lasagna. It’s a labor of love, that lasagna, and an hourslong process. I think it involves 15 or more ingredients and layers upon layers of pasta and cheesy, meaty goodness. For hours, we would anticipate the awesome dinner that was to come; you really can’t rush a good thing. Again, it was enjoyed around the table as a family, usually with toasted garlic bread on a Saturday or Sunday evening. And so, you see, it’s not the food itself that is the comfort. Rather, it is the fond memories we have that are somehow inextricably linked with those foods that are the comfort. The combination of the food and the memories are stories that we tell years or even decades later; memories that are so vivid, you can picture yourself in those moments. For some reason, tea biscuits seem to be a really common comfort food, but they can be a bit tricky, so I’ve included a few of my key tips
column: Am I the only one? Opinion-Carrie Wynne
to keep them light and flaky. 1) Use cold or even frozen butter and use a grater to grate the butter into your dry ingredients. It’s faster and easier than using your hands or a pastry cutter. This is an invaluable tip from Chef Michael Smith’s recipe. 2) Use very cold liquid, usually milk, buttermilk or cream. You’ll always need a little more water than the recipe calls for if using cream. This helps to keep the butter from softening. I have successfully used non-dairy milks although sometimes the amount needs to be adjusted. 3) Don’t manhandle the dough! Follow the instructions. This isn’t bread, so don’t knead. And you don’t want to soften or melt that cold butter. Pat or roll out the dough - you’ll often find the dough is a bit dry and just staying together. That’s ok. That’s what you want. 4) use a biscuit cutter or a sharp knife to cut biscuits; don’t use a glass. Using a glass compresses those beautiful flaky layers and smooshes your dough. No good. You will enjoy dough flavoured hockey pucks if you use a glass. 5) Bake at high heat, 400 degrees F. 6) If it’s hot in your kitchen, stick the dough back in the fridge to let the butter solidify again. Cold butter plus high heat equals little explosions that create air pockets and flaky biscuits. Twenty minutes in the fridge usually does the trick. Enjoy!
Am I the only one who finds it exhausting to stay local, loyal, organic, healthy, and affordable. Groceries are the biggest expense for families and many are struggling to put meals on the table, let alone healthy ones. When I pay $3.49 for romaine lettuce, I still need dressing and a cucumber. An $8 bag of apples is pretty expensive but I want my kids to eat healthy so I buy it. All the sugary and high sodium products are affordable but no parent really wants to feed junk to their kids, do they? The excuse used to be because fuel was so high but oil has been going down for months and groceries are going up so that’s not it. Maple Leaf Foods just laid off 400 em-
ployees. Their Canadian workforce isn’t the only thing shrinking. Look what they did to their packaging? This is corporate greed at its finest. Kellogg’s has been in London, Ontario for 100 years. The CBC headlines were “Plant closing as cereal consumption declines.” What kind of a statement is that? First of all, what family doesn’t buy cereal? The true headline should be, “They found a way to make it cheaper.” It would make sense this cost cutting would keep prices reasonable for the consumer but that’s not the case. pending more and getting less is the new normal. Then you have grocery stores that force you to buy two or three of the same item in order
to get the sale price? This deal or no deal business is wrong. Buy three or more at $2.66 each or less than three for $3.49 each. It feels like we’re being bullied into helping them clean out stock. Sometimes I wonder whether I should buy a new freezer to stockpile it for them too. Don’t penalize me for not wanting stale wraps sitting on my counter because I wanted the sale price. We need your very best price on every item. Perhaps we will buy two but please don’t force me to buy more groceries than I can want, need, or can afford. I will be watching for these signs to change. This is food, not furniture. Signed, Am I the Only One?
Nothing says Happy Valentine's Day like a box of chocolate covered strawberries! Beautifully boxed and we provide a card for you to write your love note on $29.99 + tax for 1 dozen
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February 2016
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lifestyle
Remembering the smell of heaven on earth - Davidson Bakery Smiths Falls-Linda Seccaspina What smells evoke the most positive emotions for you? For most of the world, according to surveys, the scent of fresh baked bread is the answer. I am sure there are days some people still think they can smell the aroma of baked bread creeping around the corner of Russell Street in Smiths Falls. There wasn’t a day in the past that a loaf of bread from Davidson’s Bakery would not somehow become the biggest treat with just a little bit of butter and homemade jam. The Davidson family has been baking bread for more than three generations and initially opened in the 1870s. H.A. Davidson opened the business in what’s now known as Davidson’s Courtyard in 1889. Davidson’s was, at the time, the largest commercial baker in Eastern Ontario and gave local residents a lifetime career.
Smiths Falls - Submitted Dora is a three-yearold Scarlet Macaw. She is healthy, full of energy, and loves to play. Although she is very intelligent and trains easily, Dora is not for a first-time bird owner. Dora came to us from a home that thought they were ready for the
In 1906 his son, Forrest Davidson, took over the business and kept on baking products like his father that weren’t mass-produced, or chemical-filled. Davidson’s Bakery had the most up to date and largest sanitary plant between Toronto and Montreal. In 1914 one of the latest ideas in bread-making was installed in the Smith’s Falls bakery. A novel invention called the moulding machine which actually shaped the loaves of bread became the talk of the town. The process of baking the bread now went from the mixer to the moulder, and the whole thing was done by machinery. Not only did they have night and day shifts, but they also distributed their goods over a 50mile area that went East, West, North and South of Smiths Falls. Davidson’s pastry and puff pastry became popular, and banking on it’s popularity, the company installed the best equipment mon-
challenges of a Scarlet. Unfortunately this was not the case and there were a few challenges. Situations like this arise and are one of the main reasons owners surrender their birds. It was felt that coming to Feathered Haven was in her Dora’s best interest. As part of the adoption process at
ey could buy to make sure it was a continued success. Some may still remember the bread wagons that delivered fresh bread six days a week around Smith’s Falls. One of their most beloved drivers was Mr. Johnson, who also delivered tarts cookies and other bakery sweets. Delivery trucks replaced the horse drawn carriages. A Toledo man, whose father once worked for Davidson’s, has actually restored one of the bread trucks. On occasion, it’s on display on the grounds of Heritage House Museum. The smell of bread baking not only causes most people to experience positive emotions, but it also causes them to act, no matter what year they were born in. That’s why the ghosts of Davidson’s Bakery seem to have stuck around the building. In 2008 Chaps Paranormal Society began an investigation inside the bakery building and
Feathered Haven, potential owners must come and spend time to be educated about bird ownership, different species, needs, as well as help them learn what species would best suited for them. Being prepared to care for and live with an exotic bird is important for successful bird
Photo Credit: Smiths Falls & District Historical Society
in one spot the palms of their hands felt like they were holding ice cubes. The paranormal researchers said it felt like a younger boy was searching for his older brother, and an electronic voice phenomenon captured of a young girl. Locals have also seen a figure in one of the courtyard windows of a man in a fisherman’s sweater who has also been seen wandering in the parking lot. Then there is a girl or a petite woman in a bonnet that has been spotted
ownership. Feathered Haven greatly appreciates all and any donations. If you feel you would like to help out, we are always in need of vegetables and fruit, paper towel, cages, bird toys, old towels or even just some of your time to come and visit with the birds. If you are interested in fostering please contact us to set up an appointment for a visit, interview and to fill out a foster application. We can be reached at 613-2837124
FIND US ONLINE:
CALL: 613.466.0644
LauraJanesPetFood.com
HOURS: Open 7 Days a Week
/LauraJanesPetFood
ADDRESS: 97 Dufferin Street Perth, ON K7H 3A5
in one of the courtyard stores. After all, no matter what life or afterlife you are living in, it’s always better with cookies or, at least, the memory of them. Right now there’s no place in the area where you can get baked goods like the kind they used to make at Davidson’s Bakery. The heritage building at 7 Russell Street West is now known as Davidson’s Courtyard. In 2003 it was transformed into shops that offer a distinctive shopping ex-
perience, blending old and new. Perhaps it’s the memory, and the association of the smell of bread baking that walks hand in hand with pleasant thoughts of our childhood. The Davidson’s Bakery will never be remembered just as a bakery where bread was made. It was a symbol where treasured memories of still warm goodies emerging from the ovens that came with an almost maternal, or paternal in this case, blessing.
February 2016
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lifestyle
Perth Kilt Run on course to setting another world record Perth-Dianne Pinder-Moss While the starting gun for the 2016 Perth Kilt Run doesn’t officially sound until June 25, the event is already on course to setting another registration record. As of midnight Jan. 26 when the “Robbie Burns Day” early bird registration ended, there were 2,885 registered for all the race events, 1,104 more than this time last year. With more than 100 days before registration closes, race director Terry Stewart says he’s optimistic their ambitious goal of 5,000 racers for this year’s event in celebration of Perth’s 200th anniversary can be achieved. “With 180 registered so far in the Kilted Half Marathon and 226 registered for the ‘Royal Mile,’ these two new events are shaping up very nicely with, of course, lots of room to grow.” he said in an email to the HomeTown News, “Together with the 5 Mile race, we have the numbers now to set a new Guinness World Record, a fine legacy to help celebrate the 200th Anniversary.” Officially known as Perth’s World Record Kilt Run, organizers will be making its third and final attempt on June 25 for the largest kilt race. The first year the race
was held in 2010, there were 1,089 finishers to set an Official Guinness World Record, easily surpassing the old record of 250. The event has continued to set records in the ensuing years. Race organizers will be watching registration results for some other communities hoping to surpass Perth’s race record. In particular, the St. Paddy’s race in Raleigh, North Carolina poses some stiff competition with 3,000 currently registered. Along with the Kilted Half Marathon and Royal Mile being new additions to the Perth Kilt Run, the biggest new undertaking by the Perth Running Goats Club is the 200th Drummond-Perth-Tay Kilt Marathon June 26. “The co-ordination and co-operation between all the parties on which this 42-kilometre Athletics Canada certified course traverses is an amazing accomplishment so far,” Stewart said, adding this is the first kilted marathon race in the world. The course for the kilt marathon will see runners start on the Rideau Ferry Bridge and follow the original Settlers Trail through Perth along Christie Lake Road, finishing at the Ecotay Educational Centre on the Upper Scotch Line and Menzies Munro Road in
the restored barns of the former Ritchie farm. Registration for the inaugural event is “really going well,” with 96 people already signed up and the organizers’ dream goal of a maximum of 200 runners “not impossible,” according to Stewart. Stewart says he’s also pleased with the amount of donations runners to the MS Society and the Canadian Cancer Society, the two charities the event supports. Individual donations have already topped $13,000. Taking into account this money and the funds that are generated within the event, the Perth Kilt Run will have raised more than $100,000 for the MS Society over its seven-year history. As in previous years, the Perth Kilt Run will feature some great musical entertainment. This 2016 lineup will include the Mudmen, a Celtic rock band that has performed for the Queen and whose bagpipe tracks by members Rob and Sandy Campbell are featured on the new “Hockey Night in Canada” theme song. Likewise, the Canadian Haggis Hurling will be a “signature event” once again. In January, Perth Town Council approved an exemption to the town’s Alcohol Management
Policy to allow the front portion of Stewart Park to be used for post-race activities on June 25 and for the area to be licensed to enable race participants of legal drinking age “to consume their single alcoholic beverage,” a free small glass of beer provided by the Perth Brewery. There would be no alcohol sold in the park and the race committee would be responsible for fencing the area, obtaining the required liquor licence and providing security. Stewart had appeared before the Jan. 12 Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting as a delegation to seek the exemption as it was felt that the Crystal Palace would not be able to accommodate the increased numbers anticipated for this year. While he was pleased with the motion approved by council, he said last week that, “now that we have permission to proceed, there is no requirement that we do so.” The final decision on whether to make the change will likely depend on two factors. One, as Stewart pointed out, is whether the registration numbers ended up being large enough to justify changing. The other is “whether we can support the additional costs of the Stewart Park setup.” “We really need an-
Skate the Lake 2016 in Portland
Terry Stewart, the race director for the Perth Kilt Run, came dressed appropriately as he appeared as a delegation at the Jan. 12 meeting COW meeting of Perth Town Council. Photo credit - Dianne Pinder-Moss
other couple corporate sponsors,” he said “Staying where we were last year may be less money.” Drawing race participants not only from across Canada and the U.S. but rom as far away as Germany, South Africa and Australia, the Perth Kilt Run has become a major event for the Town of Perth. The positive exposure the run has provided for the community was commented on at the COW meeting. Both Mayor John Fenik and Coun. Jim Boldt made mention of how this internationally known race had put Perth “on the map.” “It is such a great thing for the community,” Boldt said “I support the
Urban Jungle gets the go-ahead
Smiths Falls - Sally Smith
Portland-Kathy Botham
Faces were rosy red from the cold temperature that made the ice just perfect at Skate the Lake at Portland Jan. 23 and 24. Some were so bundled up, their eyes peered through layers of scarves,
hats, headbands, and a snow suit zippered right to the top. Portland was host to the annual Skate the Lake on Jan. 23 and 24. This weekend event had activities for all ages and skill levels. There was races on the oval rink
then later in the day. The same rink was used for a leisurely skate. Ice surfaces were designated for sports like curling, racing and hockey. For some it was their first time on a pair of skates. Other more seasoned
skaters participated in competitions or just enjoyed a day on the ice. A bonfire was a popular destination for many to warm up then head out on the lake again.
efforts to make this thing happen as easily as we can make it for you.” Appreciative of the ongoing support from town council for the Kilt Run, Stewart says the co-operation from the Town has been “perfect from the start.” “We would not have gone this far without the special skills and enthusiasm of each person that has dedicated their time to this project,” he said. “Nor will we get to the end of this event without an even larger volunteer support than ever. We value the effort of this group as a whole. This truly is a community effort.”
Council has given the green light for the first annual Urban Junge Obstacle and Fitness Challenge to take place Aug. 7. Organizers have also been given permission to use both the Smiths Falls logo and the Smiths Falls Fire Department logo. The race is “an obstacle course through town,” says Councillor
John Maloney. Pariticpation is free for those 17 and under, and participants 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.. Money raised will go to Lower Reach Park. Maloney compares it to the Perth Kilt Run. Artist Leah Hicks, is presenting a one-woman show at Harmony Gallery Feb. 20 with 10 per cent of all proceeds going to the race.
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Carleton Place Canadians Player Profile Jordan Larson Birthdate: May 13, 1995 Hometown: Fort Frances, Ontario Height: 5’9” Weight: 191 lbs Shoots: Right Position: Forward Submitted-Daniel Vazzoler This season, 20-year-old Jordan Larson has been given the role of captain for the Carleton Place Canadians. Last season, Larson scored 21 goals and 32 assists for 53 points in 52 games with Carleton Place after starting the 2014-15 season getting one assist in five games with the Pembroke Lumber Kings and Gloucester Rangers. Prior to starting Junior A hockey, Larson honed his skills with the Thunder Bay Kings Minor Midget AAA team. “[The Kings] is a very good organization. It’s very well known,” says
Larson. “I got drafted into the OHL [by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds] out of the Minor Midget program and I went straight into Junior A as a 16-year-old.” Larson describes himself as a two-way player, “but I try to bring more of an offensive game. I like to score goals and bring everything to the table.” So far, Larson has 15
goals and 26 assists for 41 points in 24 games. Even with being out of the lineup for 20 of the Canadians games, he still sits fourth in team scoring and is tied for 14th in league scoring. This season is Larson’s last season of eligibility for Junior A, and has committed to the University of Alabama-Huntsville next year.
“Do It For Doef ” & Hockey Talks Mental Awareness Day in Smiths Falls Smiths Falls-Kathy Botham Twelve teams from the CCHL participated in Hockey Day in Smiths Falls “Do It For Doef ” & Hockey Talks Mental Awareness Day” on Saturday January 30. This daylong event at the
Smiths Falls Community Centre provided information and awareness of spinal cord injuries and mental health issues. Neil Doef who experienced a spinal cord injury in December 2014 has made an amazing recovery was
present throughout the day. The Community Centre was filled with fans from all over Eastern Ontario. Six games with all our CCHL teams was an ideal opportunity for hockey scouts as well.
review:The Carleton Place Canadians Submitted-Daniel Vazzoler With a four-game losing streak to think about, The Carleton Place Canadians stumbled into January bringing the streak over to the start of the 2016 portion of the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) season. The Canadians started the month with back-toback losses to the Cornwall Colts Jan. 7 and the Brockville Braves Jan. 8. The defence was strong in the two games – a 2-1 loss to the Colts and 3-0 loss to the Braves – but the offence couldn’t find a way to put the puck in the net. Offence had been a strength of the Canadians throughout the season, as the team is tied for the league in scoring with the Cumberland Grads with 185 goals in 44 games as of Jan. 17. Canadians head coach Jason Clarke said coaching staff wasn’t concerned with the lack of offence following the two losses. “If we were not getting chances I think the staff
would be concerned,”Clarke said. “but we are so we just need to bear down and start finishing our chances.” His team got the message as they capped off the stretch of three games in four days with a 4-2 win over the Pembroke Lumber Kings Jan. 10. Defence and goaltending helped get the win, with James Edwardson, acquired earlier in the year from Cornwall, stopping 28 of 30 shots for his fifth win during his time with Carleton Place, 11th overall. During the slide, Lucas Batt saw his offensive production decline, but his scoring touch returned for the game against Pembroke with two goals. Carleton Place had to wait until Jan. 15 to see if the win was just a break in the losing or the start of a winning streak when they faced Cumberland in the first home game in 2016 for the Canadians. Offence carried the pace for the Canadians
that day, but problems from earlier in the season returned as defence forced Carleton Place offence to be lethal defeating the Grads 5-4 in overtime. Bryce Van Horn picked up a hat-trick to snap him out of a cold-spell where he went seven games without scoring, but the team knew the defence needed to improve moving forward. “We did a lot of stuff right in the offensive zone and we did a lot of stuff wrong in our D-zone,” said Canadians assistant captain Maxime St. Pierre after the game. It’s not the first time this has been a problem and Clarke has managed it before to lead Carleton Place to the top of the CCHL standings. The team enters the final stretch with 11 games remaining on the schedule in February and March before the Canadians begin the playoffs and try to win three straight Bogart Cups as CCHL playoff champions.
Bruins Alumni game packs the Perth Arena
Kemptville 73s have DIFD on their helmets
Brockville Braves win 5-1 against Kanata
perth - Jason Code More than 600 fans packed the Perth Arena on January 17th to see the Perth Blue Wings take on the Boston Bruins Alumni for some good old hockey. The Blue Wings lost a close one 8-5 against the Bruins all-star lineup which included Ray Bourque, Rick Middleton, Al Lafrate to name just a few. Photos by Jason Code
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H E A LT H Y C H O I C E S Submitted - CMTO
A Registered Massage Therapists is a primary health care provider in Ontario. This means that anyone may visit an RMT of their choice, and a referral or prescription is not required. RMTs treat individuals of all ages, from infants to seniors, and helps alleviate the discomfort associated with every day and occupational stresses, muscular over-use and many chronic pain conditions. Massage therapy can also prove beneficial to a wide range of conditions,
including but not limited to arthritis, the physical symptoms of anxiety and depression, fibromyalgia, headaches, muscle tension and spasm, strains and sprains, whiplash and headaches. Massage therapy can play an important part of your health maintenance plan by reducing or eliminating pain, improving joint mobility, improving circulation, improving lymphatic drainage, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety and reducing muscular tension.
Massage therapists work in diverse settings including multidisciplinary clinics, home-based clinics, spas, hospitals, for sports teams, out of a mobile practice doing home-visits, and many more. Massage therapy is defined as the manipulation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. If you think massage therapy may benefit you, a Massage Therapist will assess your individual needs and condition and determine a treatment plan.
Is Massage Therapy right for me? What is a Registered tered Massage TheraMassage Therapist? pist or Massage Therapist, or the designation Massage therapy is a of RMT or MT. You regulated health pro- can determine if an infession in Ontario dividual is a Registered and massage therapy Massage Therapist by should only be per- entering their name formed by a Registered into the CMTO webMassage Therapist site, CMTO.com. (RMT). A Registered Massage Therapist is an What can I expect at individual who is regis- my first visit? tered with the College of Massage Therapists One the first visit, you of Ontario (CMTO) will complete a confiin accordance with the dential health history Regulated Health Pro- as part of your assessfessions Act and the ment. The RMT will Massage Therapy Act. assess your individual Only members of the needs as well as othCMTO are permitted er factors that may be to use the title Regis- contributing to your
injury or condition. The Registered Massage Therapist will then develop a treatment plan with you, which can be changed at any time. You have no obligation to undergo any part of a treatment and will be reassessed at an appropriate time. The treatment will begin once you have given your informed consent. This involves setting realistic goals for treatment, discussing possible responses to treatment and being informed of alternative care options.
Local business serving community for over 30 years Submitted by CMTO
Fair Trade Items
Beeswax & Soy Candles
Stones & Crystals
Essential Oils
Organic Bodycare
Books, CD's and Oracle Decks and much more! 42 Mill Street, Almonte, Ontario Tel: 613.256.6322
Modern Thymes Health & Bulk Foods has been located in Smiths Falls for over 30 years. For over 15 years, current owners, Dave and Sharon Brown, have been committed to serving the public in an honest, clean and friendly environment. Modern Thymes is also a member of the Canadian Health Food Association, providing us with the most current information on the products and issues that are important to our customers. The store carries bulk foods, supplements and specialty grocery items which include gluten free items like flours, starches, & pas-
ta. Our well-stocked store and diverse selection of products means there is something for everyone! Healthy snacks, spices which are freshly ground, chocolate, beans, flours, bulk baking items, organic products and our expanded line of “bulk herbal teas”. In our health and beauty section, we carry an assortment of soaps, deodorants, lotions and shampoos from different companies as well as carrier oils, NOW essential oils and diffusers. “Local” is important to us and we source products from local companies such as: maple syrup and beeswax candles from Lanark, Laura’s Line
lip balm from Smiths Falls, honey from Portland, emu oil and lotion from Lombardy, buckwheat honey from Bath, humbugs from Westport, eggs from Oxford Mills and Green Beaver products from Hawkesbury. An artisan sour dough bread, Local Loaf, is delivered Thursday and Friday by lunch. We also make our own home-made granola. This past summer we were involved with local producers who sold assorted organic vegetables in the store in addition to being the local “pick up” place for the Miller’s Bay Farm Bountiful Baskets - Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. The
first Monday of each month is customer appreciation day. Spend over $15.00 on bulk, supplements or health & beauty items and receive 10% off . (This does not apply to grocery items or factory packaged foods.) We also have other ongoing promotions for customers who purchase over $100.00 per order and also a frequent buyer card for supplement purchases. We are happy to announce that Vickie Dickson RHN, “Nutrition you Can Live With” will be practicing at Modern Thymes. Vickie will be booking clients in February. Ask at Modern Thymes for more information.
February 2016
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lifestyle
culture Perth Inside Out: Don McNaughton - The making of a three-star General Part 1: Flight Cadet to Canadian Army Staff College, 1952 - 1971 Perth - Terry O’Hearn Although he has every reason to be proud of a remarkable career, Lt.-Gen. (Ret) Donald M. McNaughton, CMM, CD, is reluctant to say much until encouraged by his wife Fran, and the story slowly unfolds of a Perth area boy who flew to the top of his profession with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). McNaughton was born in 1934, and grew up with 9 siblings on the family farm at Prestonvale, in the former township of Drummond. He graduated from Perth & District Collegiate Institute, and joined the RCAF in 1952, earning his pilot’s wings before the age of 20. During his flying career, he amassed more than 6,000 hours in the Harvard Trainer, T-33 Jet, F-86 Sabre Jet, CH-135 Twin Huey helicopter, and several other military aircraft. Although young Don McNaughton only wanted to be the best possible pilot of every aircraft he flew, when he took command of the RCAF on June 12, 1985, he was only the fifth person in Canadian history to hold that position. As he sat recently in his comfortable farmhouse with pilot’s log book in hand, and reflected on his long and storied military career, McNaughton points to the first entry in the log book dated June 5, 1952, shortly after he joined the RCAF at age
18, more than half a century ago. The last entry would come 36 years later to the day - on June 5, 1988. McNaughton started as a Flight Cadet at RCAF Station Centralia, which was a training base located just outside the village of Centralia, near Exeter, Ontario. It became one of the largest training bases in Canada. He soloed on July 14, 1952, in the Harvard trainer, after about 20 hours flying time. After becoming a pilot in 1953, he was immediately selected to instruct North American Treaty Organization (NATO) student pilots at Centralia and Central Flying School, RCAF Trenton. Trenton, with one of the largest inventories of Harvard, had become the largest training centre of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan during the Second World War. It later became the home of No. 1 Flying Instructors’ School, where potential instructors received their training and then went on to instruct other Harvard pilots. Until 1958, the RCAF also trained aircrew from other NATO countries under the NATO Air Training Plan. Over a period of five years instructing at No. 1 Flying Instructors’ School, McNaughton logged 2700 hours in the Harvard Trainer, and another 1200 hours in the T-33 jet, which was the first advanced trainer for the school.
It was during that period as a NATO instructor that McNaughton recalls taking part in the Canadian International Air Show, flying from RCAF Trenton to the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. He flew the Harvard, executing what was then called “synchronization aerobatics”, in company with another pilot who was flying a Chipmunk aircraft. The air show began in 1946 when the National Aeronautical Association of Canada attracted overflow crowds to the show at Downsview Airport. Staged annually thereafter, the air show moved to Exhibition Place in 1949, and became a regular feature of the CNE in 1956. Near the end of the NATO pilot instruction years McNaughton had the opportunity to fly co-pilot in a World War II Lancaster bomber. By that time, most Lancasters had been lost or scrapped, and it is thought there are only two such aircraft still airworthy today. Many World War II Perth aviators were pilots, navigators, or gunners, on the revered Lancaster. Following the pilot instruction era, McNaughton was posted to the F-86 Sabre Operational Training Unit for five years, from 1959 to 1963, at Air Division’s #1 (F) Wing, Marville, France. McNaughton described his time with 439 Squadron as: “probably the best
five years of my career”. He explained that during that era there was an aircraft complement of four wings, each wing comprised of three squadrons, with 25 aircraft in each squadron, for a total of 300 fighters. The Canadair F-86 Sabre, and later the Canadair CF104 Starfighter, formed the backbone of RCAF support to NATO’s air force in Europe during the Cold War. Canada was said to rule the skies over Western Europe during the Cold War, often taking top honours in NATO gunnery competitions. When pressed, McNaughton recalled a frightening moment which occurred during training: “We were doing combat exercise at 40,000 feet, and all of a sudden another aircraft was right there.” The near-collision took place in the Sabre Jet, during close combat simulated air fighting, commonly known as “dog fighting”. In 1963, he was returned to Canada and sent to the Flying Training School at Gimli, Manitoba, where he later became Commanding Officer of the new Tutor Squadron when that aircraft was introduced in 1965 to replace the Harvard, and he remained in command until 1966. McNaughton ex-
plained that the reliable Tutor jet has been used for more than 50 years, partly because of their popularity for training and aerobatics. He added they also have seats sideby-side, so it is easier for the instructor to see the trainee, and thus easier to take over the controls, if necessary. The Canadian Forces Snowbirds (431 Air Demonstration Squadron) use the Tutor to this day for their air shows. In 1966, after 14 years in the cockpit “without any damage to an air-
craft”, he was posted to the Canadian Army Staff College in Kingston. After graduation in 1967, he was employed at Mobile Command Headquarters, St. Hubert, Quebec for two years, and then he returned to Kingston in 1969 as a member of the Directing Staff at the Canadian Land Forces Command and Staff College for another three years. Stay tuned for the next edition, as the story continues about the rise of Don McNaughton to the top of his profession.
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Madcap farce opens the Smiths Falls Station Theatre’s 2016 play season
The Smiths Falls Station Theatre Presents
presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. Feb 2016
by Ken Ludwig
Note: Mild Language
Directed by Jamie Schoular
The Fox On the Fairway takes audiences on a hilarious romp which pulls the rug out from underneath the stuffy denizens of a private country club. Filled with mistaken identities, slamming doors, and over-the-top romantic shenanigans, it’s a furiously paced comedy that recalls the Marx Brothers’ classics. A charmingly madcap adventure about love, life, and man’s eternal love affair with... golf.
Submitted - Smiths Falls Community Theatre A hilarious romp in true farce tradition, The Fox on the Fairway is the lead-off play for the Smiths Falls Community Theatre’s 2016 Play Season. Liaisons, cheating, ridiculous wagers, expensive gifts, sneaking around, champagne, dreams, taking risks, winning at all costs. If you’re thinking this is about love, you’d be wrong. It’s about golf. Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., Fox is written by Ken Ludwig, the same talented playwright who crafted last year’s run-away hit, Leading Ladies. This year’s offering, also directed by Jamie Schoular, is a tribute to the great English farces of the 1930s and ‘40s. It runs from Feb. 19 to Feb. 28. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students and can be purchased at Special Greetings, 8 Russell Street East, at smithsfallstheatre.com, and by phone at 613-283-0300. Matinees start at 2 p.m. and evening performances at 7.30. Ludwig’s comedic masterpiece is built around the desperation of Quail Valley Country Club
needing to win this year’s golf tournament and beat their rival, Crouching Squirrel Country Club, especially as the Quail Valley’s manager, Bingham played by Robert Del Grande, finds his job is at stake. He believes he’s got it “in the hole” this year, but arch-rival Dickie, played by Richard Croteau, has something up his outrageous sweater sleeve. “Filled with mistaken identities, slamming doors, and over-the-top romantic shenanigans; it’s a furiously paced comedy that recalls the Marx Brothers’ classics. A charmingly madcap adventure about love, life, and man’s eternal love affair with golf,” Ludwig says. Patrons are advised to watch for news of other plays in the 2016 Season on our website, smithsfallstheatre.com. Over the rest of the year, audiences will be treated to a delightful mix of comedies and mysteries, capped off in December by another rib-tickling British pantomime. There will be six plays this year’s season. Patrons can still purchase a season ticket in voucher form for the six plays to be presented in 2016. The theatre is offering a “Six-Pack Flex
Pack” for $99. Playgoers can select how they want to use their six vouchers to redeem tickets for any of the 2016 plays. The deal, which is good up to Feb. 28, the last day of The Fox on the Fairway – offers savings of almost 20 per cent compared to the regular adult ticket price. Go to smithsfallstheatre.com for detailed ordering instructions and information on the different ways the “Six-Pack ” can be used throughout the 2016 season. One way to get vouchers without paying the $5 convenience fee for purchase online or by phone is to buy vouchers at a performance of Fox any time from February 19 to 28. When you use your voucher tickets for the February play and save on your theatre going over the rest of the year. We invite everyone to keep in touch with all our up-coming movies— like Suffragette, the stirring story of a working wife and mother whose life is forever changed when she secretly joins Emmeline Pankhurst’s growing suffragette movement in Britain. The movie will be screened Feb. 12 & 13 at 7.30. Tickets are $10 at the door. Go to our website for details.
Jerry Logan, Garry Welsh, Alison Kirkpatrick, Nelson McCulloch, and Krista Duff in a scene from the comedy The Game's Afoot. Photo by Bruce Raby
Feb. 19, 20, 25, 26 & 27 at 7:30 pm Sunday Matinees Feb. 21 & 28 at 2:00 pm • Adult $20 • Student (with ID) $10
Group rates available for 15 or more for same performance - call for details Tickets available at: • Special Greetings, 8 Russell St.E., Smiths Falls (cash only) • smithsfallstheatre.com (Paypal/Visa/Mastercard) • By Phone - 613-283-0300 (Visa/Mastercard) • At the Door - 1/2 hour before performance (cash only) 53 Victoria Avenue Smiths Falls
MOVIE WEEKEND FEB 12 & 13 @ 7:30
SUFFRAGETTE Adults $10 Students $5 Cash Only
The Game’s Afoot is a murderously funny who-dunnit Submitted-C. Lee Bates Perth’s Studio Theatre has chosen another winner for its next play, opening Feb. 4. The Game’s Afoot garnered the 2012 Edgar Award for Best Play from The Mystery Writers of America. It’s one of playwright Ken Ludwig’s most recent scripts, and is distinguished by Ludwig’s witty, fast-paced dialogue and fascinating, believable characters. Director Lucas Tennant says with a small eight-person cast, everyone has their chance to shine in multiple scenes. The central character of The Game’s Afoot is William Gillette, a Broadway actor highly regarded for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. It is December 1936 and Gillette has invited his fellow cast-members to join him and his indomitable mother at his Connecticut castle for a Christmas Eve weekend celebration, as he recovers from a mysterious attempt on his life. As with any good “whodunit,” the plot takes numerous twists and turns after one of the guests is stabbed to death. Gillette, himself, assumes his Holmes persona to try and solve the crime before another guest falls victim to the mystery killer.
Lucas Tennant, like many directors, had his “dream cast” in mind, and was fortunate to land just the actor he wanted for the role of Gillette. Garry Welsh is well-known to Perth audiences for his wonderful performances in such diverse shows as Rabbit Hole and The Full Monty. “Garry and his character, Holmes/William Gillette, both have a dry sense of humour,” says Tennant. “They can throw out a joke and carry on perfectly seriously. Garry practically wears comedy as clothing.” Alison Kirkpatrick, another well-known Studio Theatre actress, teams up with Nelson McCulloch as a newly-married couple who are appearing in “Sherlock Holmes” with Gillette. Tennant describes the two as “the embodiment of a newlywed couple, still very distinct from one another, but in that recognizable ‘honeymoon’ stage of their relationship.” The older actor couple, deftly played by veteran Krista Duff and newcomer Jerry Logan, “have a physical resemblance that shows their years as a couple,” according to Tennant, “including their indifferent behaviour around, for example, issues of jealousy.”
The luminous Mary Ann Majaury takes on the role of the beautiful but evil theatre critic Daria Chase. Tennant notes that Mary Ann and Daria are polar-opposites, but that “Mary Ann has the acting chops to portray the shady critic, who has power but no scruples.” Annette Hutton plays Inspector Goring, a Colombo-type detective, and a female – unexpected in the 30’s but not unusual in a Ludwig play. Lucas says that Annette “had already nailed the complexity of the character in her audition.” And Studio Theatre audiences will be familiar with Barb Guthrie, who plays Martha, Gillette’s mother. “She is exactly right for the part,” says Tennant, who has worked with Barb in previous productions where he was the actor and she was the director. Lucas Tennant is thrilled with his cast, and delighted to be directing a play he describes as a comedy, full of physical gags, one-liners, skits within a play, and vaudeville elements that he intends to shamelessly play up, creating “a theatre world sit-com.” Visit studiotheatreperth.com for details
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Business spotlight on business: Reborn
smiths falls - sally smith Everything deserves a second chance - maybe a third, even a fourth. So says Chris Marshall - father, musician, founder (along with his wife Jessica) of Reborn Upcycled Products. He’s a private man, hard to get an answer from on why he does what he does; his wife says this about him, too. “I do the talking,” she admits, laughing. “He’s very creative.” Working with upcycled material is something Chris, 33, does in his spare time. He indicates with a hand gesture a large table; it’s much larger than a standard dining table and Chris explains it’s made from “old pine from Westport.” The table is five feet across, eight feet long and seats 14. The wood is heavy, thick, dark stained with obvious signs of a previous life on its surface. Chris says it went a long way to seating the 28 they hosted for Christmas dinner. Three children - Annie, 5, Clara, 2, and Ace, 17 months keep he and his wife busy. When he’s not working at Engineering Dynamics in Smiths Falls and Jessica’s not substitute teaching, the two put time and energy into the kids; only then does Chris head out to the garage to work at Reborn products and Jessica tends to the website. The business began as a hobby about five years ago after the two spent two years building their house. Left-over building material just started “appearing as furniture,” Chris grins. All of the tables, stools and cutting boards Chris has designed and made are made from pieces of wood he’s been given or found in dumpsters or around a burning pile - like “old palettes and wood that’s finished its use.”
Calling allCCaStudents! Do you want to be your own Boss? Are you between 15-29 years old Will you be returning to school in the fall of 2016 Chris and Jessica Marshall holding one of thier cutting boards from Reborn Upcycled Products.
He says with certainty “I don’t pay for wood.” He takes what he has found or been given, something that no longer has a life and gives it a second chance. He has been working with wood on and off since high school. Chris grew up in Smith Falls, Jessica in Lombardy and the two were high school sweet hearts. “Pine is a fun wood to work with, the easiest to manipulate, soft,” Chris says, describing the bits and pieces he has stored in his shed. “Oak, ash and maple are heavy; those finished pieces are harder to pick up and move.” And although Chris does make tables (large or small), and stools, perhaps Reborn is best known for its cutting/ cheese boards. Chris laminates strips of wood together looking carefully at the colour and marking in the strips to produce a pleasing package. He recalls an elderly gentleman who saw his boards and brought him scrap pieces of cherry - a hard, red-tinged wood. He made them into cutting boards. Chris’ philosophy is
“people don’t like things to go to waste. They are happier to move along in their lives if they know something is going to be done with the pieces.” Once the boards are sanded, finished and marked with the Reborn brand, Chris applies a homemade polish of “organic coconut oil and local beeswax.” Both he and Jessica agree the Reborn Board Polish is not only good for raw wood but also for raw, chapped skin around kids’ mouths. The organic finish also makes the boards usable for people with nut allergies. Chris says he has done some custom orders but not a lot; he admits, a little sheepishly, he wants to make what he wants to make. At the end of the day, when Chris goes to the garage to work at his hobby, he concedes he would spend a lot more time out there if he could. “I love picking up a battered old piece of wood, putting it through the planer to see what’s under there.” It’s during that time of solitude, and while his hands are busy, his mind turns to writing songs for another position he holds (along with Jessica) as weekly worship leader at the Word of Faith Fellowship Church in Smiths Falls. For more information about Reborn go to https://www.facebook.com/RebornUpcycledProducts/info/?tab=page_info
Find out how you can be part of an Ontario Government program called Summer Company that is ran locally through the Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls/Lanark County) and receive mentorship, training and funding up to $3,000. Apply online at www.ontario.ca/summercompany. Contact the Small Business Advisory Centre at 613-283-7002 ext. 109 or by email at smallbusiness@smallbizcentre.ca for more information.
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tax time Submitted-Steve Bennett Senior Tax Professional H&R Block
A new party leading the government can often mean new and interesting tax changes. Since the Liberals came to power late in the year, there are no sweeping income tax changes for the current year. With that being said, there are certainly a few changes for 2015 and more coming in 2016. Changes by the previous government - There were some income tax changes already implemented by the previous government which will go ahead as planned. The children’s fitness tax credit is now refundable,
Changes under the new Liberal government
allowing low-income parents to take advantage of it. The child care limit has increased by $1,000 per child. As promised when the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) was enhanced in 2015, the amount for children under 18 years of age has been eliminated. Final year for the family tax cut - During the election period, the Liberals vowed to eliminate the family tax cut (FTC) in favour of other tax incentives. The FTC was just implemented in 2014 and allows the families with a child under 18 to save money on federal income tax using an income-splitting mechanism. The FTC is still an eligible claim on the
2015 income tax return, but it is expected to be eliminated for 2016. Federal tax bracket changes for 2016 - The promised income tax reduction for the middle class was instituted at the beginning of 2016. The rate for the second federal tax bracket (from $45,282 to $90,563) was reduced from 22% to 20.5%. To help finance this tax break, a new federal bracket was created for income in excess of $200,000 with a rate of 33%. TFSA limit reduction - In 2015, the annual TFSA limit was increased to $10,000 from $5,500 the year before. For 2016, the limit has been reverted back to $5,500, and
it will continue to be indexed to inflation and rounded to the nearest $500. New Canada Child Benefit - As mentioned, the UCCB was enhanced in 2015. Under the new Liberal government, we will see another big change to family benefits. The Liberals campaigned on replacing the Canada Child Tax Benefit and the UCCB with the new Canada Child Benefit. The Canada Child Benefit will be tax-free and based on household income. The Liberals have advised that they expect 90% of families to receive higher benefits with the proposed change. No formal announcement has been made since the Liber-
als came to power, but, since this was a keystone of their campaign, it seems likely that the new program will be announced in this year’s budget and implemented this July. This article provides only an overview of the regulations in force at the date of publication, and no action should be taken without consulting the detailed legislation or seeking professional advice. Therefore, no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material contained in this bulletin can be accepted by Steve Bennett or H&R Block Canada, Inc.
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the
VALUE
of advice Shawn Pankow CFP.CLU Life Insurance Preserves Your Family’s Financial Security smiths Falls - Shawn Pankow Although life insurance is a fundamental foundation of a financial plan, it is still a topic that many people dread discussing. Yes, it means we need to question our mortality and, if we are to provide sufficient security for our family, we are going to have to pay a premium every month. Neither option sounds very appealing, especially in a world where there are countless other things we would rather spend our money on. Furthermore, most people, especially those with children, have a fairly tight budget, may be carrying more debt than they would like and see life insurance as just another expense they cannot afford. All the more reason to ensure you have sufficient life insurance for your family. We work to provide the essentials to our families. Our income pay the bills, buys the groceries, looks after the mortgage, taxes and utilities and if there is enough left over, also pays for entertainment, sports, vacations and more. Most families are dependent on the earnings of both spouses and it is this dependency on each other, that generates the biggest need for life insurance. If we work to support our loved ones while we are alive, we have a responsibility to ensure
some of that income can continue to our families if we die. The needs are critical when we have dependent children, and still present after the children are raised and spouses continue on; still dependent on two incomes to support the household needs. The needs are even greater if there is a major difference in incomes between spouses, or if one spouse doesn’t or is unable to work. Approximately 80% of Canadians are in debt, and the amounts of debt we are carrying is growing every year. If you are having difficulty paying the bills and managing your household debt today, imagine how difficult it would be if you died tomorrow and your family was left trying to cover all the family’s expenses and loan payments without your income. Life insurance is designed to provide money when it is needed the most. It can cover funeral expenses, pays off mortgages, lines of credit, vehicle loans and credit card balances. Furthermore, it can be used to provide regular monthly income that replaces the earnings lost when someone dies. Insurance needs today are greater than they have ever been. Consider the needs of an average family in our community and understand
how much life insurance would be needed to provide sufficient security for a surviving spouse and children. This “normal” family could have two income earners, one making $50,000 annually and the other $35,000/year. They could live in an average home and have a $200,000 mortgage and another $30,000 in debt between vehicle loans and credit card balances. With two young children whom they hope will someday pursue a post-secondary education, the needs for income replacement after death are critical. In this situation, $250,000 of life insurance would be barely enough to pay off the mortgage, clear the other debts and pay for the funeral. Although this family would now be debt free, they would now be living off one income, from the surviving spouse who is trying to be everything to the children, and at the same time, is struggling to manage the household expenses on their own. In this situation, life insurance could be used to make up for the shortfall in the family’s income. Assuming that shortfall is $2,000/month and that the children are dependent for approximately 20 years, $400,000 of life insurance would be needed to provide adequate income protection. In other words, $400,000, invested at 4%, would
pay an inflation-indexed income of $2,000 monthly for 20 years. Combine that with the immediate need of $250,000, and it is clear these people should own approximately $650,000 in total life insurance. If the income replacement needs are greater, the debt is higher or the surviving spouse needs income support for life, the total insurance needs could be significantly higher. Fortunately, for younger, healthier people, term insurance rates are very
reasonable and most people can acquire a suitable amount of life insurance for less than they may expect. Very few people want to think about their needs for life insurance, and even less want to talk about it. Many assume that they may have enough coverage through their group insurance plan and the creditor insurance they may have on their mortgage. However, these leave a great degree of uncertainty for those that are left behind. Most financial advisors
who are licensed for life insurance are prepared to provide you with an analysis of your needs at no cost. Take advantage of this opportunity and ensure you have sufficient security for your loved ones. No one wants intends to leave their family in a financial crisis if they die; ensuring your family’s financial security is preserved should you pass on is your responsibility. Shawn Pankow is a Certified Financial Planner with Pankow Financial Solutions.
Carleton Place - News from Dunlop Business Park Carleton Place-Sarah Cavanaugh The Ottawa Business Centre (OBC) opened Oct. 15, 2015 and has welcomed numerous dynamic professionals and small businesses. It’s safe to say the centre has hit the ground running. It is a place with a very positive and optimistic energy in the air. As the largest single commercial landlord in Carleton Place, Volundur “Wally” Thor-
bjornsson has always enjoyed working with start-ups and “the positive spirit that surrounds anyone that is willing to take the plunge, even [if] it doesn’t always work,” the endeavor is always beneficial. Thorbjornsson remembers some of his current, larger tenants coming to him years ago looking for a single office or just some good advice on how to start a business and he is happy to have been able to work with them and see
their business continue to grow. “Our economy will depend on those businesses,” he said. “I have looked at many different incubators set ups over the years and always been fascinated by them. In a way I have been running my own for a long time by going the extra mile for those entrepreneurs that come to me and want to start.” By teaming up with Mike Cimilyan and Mark Lovell, Thorbjornsson
became a part of what he calls “the dream team” to run the centre. All three partners offer vast experience, incredible support for new business and of Carleton Place as a whole. The business centre is not only a small business “incubator” but also a common work space which is a fantastic opportunity for professionals and small businesses to share office space and amenities without the overwhelming costs to have pro-
fessional space on their own. Closures - The Brick at 26 Industrial Avenue will close Feb. 7. It has been a landmark at the entrance to Dunlop Park for years and its absence will surely be felt by the entire community. Another sad loss is that of Ferguson Graphics, which closed its doors in December 2015. They were a longtime staple of the Carleton Place business landscape and they will be truly missed. So far
no new tenant has leased these spaces but Thorbjornsson is hopeful that someone will soon. “Empty buildings always paint a negative picture of our local economy,” he said. New To the Park - Valley Granite and Tile will be taking over the Taylor’s flooring building at 140 Industrial Avenue, brining owners Brad and Lisa Occomore entire operation
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New year brings new events to downtown Smiths Falls Smiths Falls - Submitted The Smiths Falls Downtown Business Association (DBA) is freshening up the downtown area with new events, new ideas and a new face for the DBA. “The board of the DBA has been a great group of business owners to work with and I am looking forward to continuing improving the downtown with
them.” said DBA co-ordinator Nicola Thomson. “This year we have added new events to our agenda and will be expanding on existing events, including working with the town to make the already highly successful Healthy Living Festival even bigger and better than ever.” “I am excited about what the DBA has planned this year “ said Trish Krotki, who was
appointed the Chair of the DBA at the first meeting of the year. “We are working on new partnerships and opportunities to work with the town, including our joint venture into better beautification. “ Starting Family Day weekend Feb. 12, a week-long contest to spend money in the downtown, enters customers in a draw to win a family ski pack-
age to Mont Pakenham. Stayed tuned for an Easter Egg hunt through the downtown when a special guest will be making an appearance. Add that to the staples of the downtown, Girls Night Out, Restaurant Week and bigger and better Christmas events, it makes for even more reasons to Shop Local and support your community.
This past year saw the DBA add eight new businesses, substantially increase traffic to their Facebook page and have an attendance of more than 8,000 to the Healthy Living Festival in June. This year should be an exciting year ahead with new business openings already in the works and many new features planned. “We have so many new ideas and projects
we are working on implementing. The board is looking forward to the future of our downtown while we increase our visibility and serve the community. “ Nicola added. For more information and to keep up to date visit www.downtownsmithsfalls.ca Or visit the Facebook Pages: Smiths Falls Downtown Business Association and the Healthy Living Festival.