Vol. 3 No. 3
YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER - LANARK, NORTH LEEDS & GRENVILLE
Perth Council votes to increase size of the BIA board of directors
Perth - Dianne Pinder-Moss
Town council supported an amendment to the Perth Business Improvement Area (BIA) Procedure Bylaw allowing for the size of the BIA board of directors to increase from nine members to between nine and 12. Approval was also given to the appointments of Janet Page and Jane Farrell to the BIA board. With their addition, the board will now have 10 members. Other board members are Councillor Judy Brown, Chair; Krista Mackler, Vice-Chair; Bobbi Fornwald, Treasurer; Michele Murphy, Director; Stacey Campbell, Director; John McKenty, Director; Kirsten Coughler, Director and Rob Richardson, Director. The current boundaries of the BIA are from Harvey Street to North Street going north and south, and from Wilson Street to Drummond Street proceeding east and west. In addition to these changes, a bylaw was approved to establish a BIA Code of Conduct Policy and the section of the Procedure Bylaw on Associate Membership has also been amended. Under the amendment, businesses outside the geographic area of the BIA that fall within Fos-
ter Street and Isabella Street to the north of the BIA, and within Harvey Street and Craig Street to the south of the BIA and within Wilson Street to the west and Drummond Street to the east will be allowed to become associate members for an annual fee of $300, which will be prorated. An associate member must own a registered business with an HST number. Those who purchase associate memberships will be able to attend all BIA Open House events, the AGM, and receive the organization’s monthly newsletter and member emails. As well, they are able to promote their business through the BIA’s social media, be listed on the organization’s website and participate in ongoing events and promotions in the downtown. “They will enjoy all the benefits of a current BIA
member; the only difference will be that they cannot vote when we elect a board every four years at our AGM,” Kari Clarke, co-ordinator of the Perth BIA, stated in an email. Since has already had several businesses join as associate members. At the COW meeting, Brown spoke of the increased interest in the BIA from businesses outside its geographic boundaries “since its rejuvenation in the past year.” As an example of the increased enthusiasm and engagement within the organization, the BIA is has gained momentum on its Facebook page, moving from 260 to 737 likes in a 12-month period, Clarke reported. All motions and bylaws approved at the COW meeting came before the regular meeting of town council on Feb. 23 for final approval.
Newly appointmented members of the Perth BIA Board of Directors - Jane Farrell and Janet Pagel
smiths falls Smiths Falls announces community donation allocations
perth Don McNaughton - The making of a Three Star General
MARCH 2016
“They accompany me to the office most days“
Laura Lowson with two of her dogs; Izzy is on the left and Ralph is on the right
Lowsons bridge troubled LAWS waters Regional-Sally Smith
Why would Laura and Marty Lowson decide to take over the pound services of the Lanark Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) when it closes its doors to canines later this month? There are many reasons but essentially it’s because they love dogs and feel that there is a need for the service that LAWS currently provides. Earlier this year the LAWS board of directors reached the decision to close the animal shelter’s doors to dogs. The change will go into effect on March 31. Kathy Hoyland, president of the LAWS board, called it a drastic step but admitted that the organization might not be around for any animals unless these steps are
taken. She explains that dogs simply eat more and tend to stay longer than other animals, so they are more expensive to look after. The Lowsons, being LAWS board members, know all these facts but say they are going to “give it a year” with the hope that the LAWS doors will open to dogs again at the end of that time. “We’ve done dogs,” Laura says, smiling. “Looking after them isn’t new to us.” The couple has nine dogs of their own, some of which they adopted from LAWS four years ago when parvovirus hit the pound. And, for the past 15 years they have worked as animal control officers in Montague Township. Their plan is to lease the five kennels and turnout kennels of LAWS
Carleton Place The Carleton Place Home Show returns for a fifth year
and run it with a “pay-asyou-use” concept, Marty explains, adding that it’s reasonable and it’s “not going to break anyone.” They have contacted the municipalities of Carleton Place, Mississippi Mills, Rideau Lakes and the surrounding area with the information about the lease. The Lowsons are donating their labour, with perhaps some cross-over help from the LAWS staff. If dogs brought to the pound are in need immediate care for fleas, ticks, matts or overgrown nails the township or municipality bringing in the dog will pay for that. If the dog doesn’t need immediate care, the Lowsons will absorb the costs. Marty says, “It’s a balancing act.” -Continued page 3
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march 2016 Vol. 2 No. 7
YOUR LOCAL, INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER - SMITHS FALLS
2
July 2015
Page Two
Community Events Smiths Falls March 14
Some Bunny Loves You: Card Making Workshop 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Heritage House Museum
March 10
Shamballa Macrame Bracelet Workshop 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Heritage House Museum
March 24
DBA Easter Egg Hunt 11a.m. to 3p.m Downtown Smiths Falls
March 31
Lushes With Brushes Paint Night 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Heritage House Museum
ongoing
March 17
Irish Tea 1 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Heritage House Museum
Get Your Game On: Pokemon Exhibit Monday to Friday: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. Heritage House Museum
March 18
ongoing
March 24
Shaking It Up: Salt & Pepper Exhibit Monday to Friday: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. Heritage House Museum
Colouring a Colourful Spring 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Heritage House Museum
Historical Society Meeting: Canada in Space 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Heritage House Museum
Blood Donor Clinic 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Perth Civitan Club
March 17
Historical Society: Ottawa Valley Railroads Royal Canadian Legion
March 19
Earth Hour 8:30 – 9 :30 p.m.
Publisher
EditoRIAL
photographers:
Reporters:
Email: pmkrotki@pdgmedia.ca
Email: editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Jason Code
April Scott-Clarke Sally Smith Kathy Botham Dianne Pinder-Moss Chris Must Heddy Sorour
PDG Media - Phone: (613) 206-0708 advertising - advertising@pdgmedia.ca
PERTH March 14
pdg media
March 19
200 Voice Choir and Orchestra St. John’s Roman Catholic Church
March 19
Smiths Falls Mayor proclaims March 8th International Woman’s Day
Jubilee Musical Tribute 7:30 p.m. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
March 26
Easter Egg Hunt Stewart Park
CARLET ON PLACE March 3
Feed The Fight 6:30 p.m. Stone Cellar Restaurant
March 12
New to You Sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. St. James Parish Hall
March 23
Blood Donor Clinic 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. St. James Anglican Church
March 23
Casino Night 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. Carleton Place Arena
Would you like to see your community’s events for next month listed here?
Send us an email with the date, time and details of your event by the end of the month and we will include it in our Community Events listings editorial@pdgmedia.ca
smiths falls-howaida sorour
At the regular Smiths Falls council meeting held on March 7 at Town Hall Mayor Shawn Pankow resolved, proclaimed and acclaimed March 8 as International Women's Day in Smiths Falls in recognition of the economic, cultural, political achievements of women. The proclamation also acknowledged that in spite of their many achievements women remain disproportionate victims of gender violence and that International Women's day 2016 is also a call to action for accelerating gender equality. See our Women’s Day feature on pages 18-19.
Correction on Davidson’s Bakery story last issue: Please note that in the story about Davidson’s Bakery last month that it should have read-- Milton Davidson took over the Davidson Bakery in 1906 not Forrest Davidson. We apologize for the error.
march 2016 Vol. 2 No. 7
YOUR LOCAL, INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER - SMITHS FALLS
3 July 2015
community Lowsons bridge troubled LAWS waters - continued Regional-Sally Smith -continued from cover
LAWS will have nothing to do with the dogs that are impounded. The Lowsons organization will be governed by the Pounds Act of Ontario and will be inspected by the province to make sure they are abiding by the rules. The Lowsons are dipping into their own pockets to cover some costs, and one of them will be there each day to
keep an eye on things. Marty already has a computer system set up to track dogs and costs, but they say they’re looking forward to it. “It’s another page in our life,” they say with a laugh. “The public won’t see any difference. The Lowsons will be the pound keepers. They have a lot of experience in this area,” Hoyland explains. In the long run, the two want LAWS to open its doors to dogs again. Hoyland agrees that
would be the long-term goal. The Lowsons are the bridge to make this happen. “It will allow us to get back on track financially,” Hoyland says. But she cautions, “we’re still tightening our belt.” Fundraising will goes a long way to help the final outcome. Here are a few of the planned events: March 13, 10:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.: Doggie wash or nail trim, Smiths Falls Pet Valu. Dogs can get washed or nails clipped for $10; cats are includ-
ed in the nail clipping for $10. If you bring more than two dogs for both a wash and a nail trim, there’s a $5 discount. Cash only. April 17, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Paint Nite, Urban Cowboy Eats, 4456 Limebank Road, Ottawa. Tickets are $45. Register at https://paintnite.com/ events/1051470.html. Tickets are going fast. For further information, contact Laura at 613-812-5609 or Marty at 613-812-8170.
Busting the myth that square dancing is square
Starter Company a great company starts with
mentoring, money and you. Start a company, launch your future. If you’ve got a great idea for a business - and the entrepreneurial drive to see it through Starter Company is here to help you start your company. Up to $5,000 in funding , plus the invaluable guidance of a business mentor. Starter Company is an Ontario program that provides young people with the resources and knowledge they need to start and grow their own business As a Starter Company entrepreneur, you get: . Funding of up to $5000 . One-on-one guidance from the Small Business Enterprise Centre Advisor . Mentoring with a local successful Entrepreneur . Access to business workshops on topics ranging from writing a business plan and budgeting, to executing a marketing campaign Could you be a Starter Company Entrepreneur? You can apply to the Starter Company program if you’re an Ontario resident aged 18 - 29 and not attending school full time. To qualify for funding of up to $5,000, you need to be able to contribute least 25% (in cash or in kind) of the grant amount.
91 Cornelia Street West, Smiths Falls, Ontario K7A 5L3
(613) 283-7002 ext 108/109 cjames@smallbizcentre.ca smallbusiness@smallbizcentre.ca
www.smallbizcentre.ca Some of the 370+ dancers who attended this year’s 27th Annual Half-Way dance at Notre Dame Catholic HS. Photo Credit - Submitted
Submitted by Sheila & George Newton
Submitted by Sheila & George Newton When we were encouraged to try modern square dancing four years ago, we never imagined that it would lead to us actively promoting it. Modern square dancing keeps the social tradition of oldtime square dancing alive. It provides people of all ages an opportunity to have fun, forget their troubles, make new friends, get exercise and feel good about mastering something new in the company of helpful, friendly people who just want to dance. Square dancing is set to modern music and the caller weaves directions for the dancers into the music. These easy-to-follow calls are repeated in each
dance, so a dancer soon learns to respond in a synchronized way with the other dancers in a square. According to a Mayo Clinic study, dancing can burn as many calories as walking, swimming or riding a bicycle. Square dancing, in particular, is a low-impact activity requiring constant movement and quick directional changes, which help keep the body in shape — heart rate increases, muscles strengthen, balance improves and mind-body coordination sharpens. No previous dance experience is necessary. Couples and single people can easily join in. Angels (experienced dancers) are always available to get singles up on the dance floor. The dance season is in two sessions: Sep-
tember to December and then January to April. It takes a full season for new dancers to complete the basic program. Dancers can continue dancing at the basic level after completing the program or move on to the mainstream level followed by almost limitless higher levels. Dancers can seek out square dance clubs around the world while travelling and fit right in because the same English calls are used everywhere. Snowbirds, in particular, find clubs to join in their winter locations. Carleton Place is home to the largest modern square dance club in Eastern Ontario. Mississippi Squares Dance Club is a registered non-profit, volunteer-run organization that was formed in 1986. The 100 plus
members come from a large area surrounding Carleton Place, including Almonte, Arnprior, Lanark, Perth, Smiths Falls, Richmond, Stittsville and all communities in between. The club hosts an annual halfway dance that gives new dancers an opportunity to dance at a multi-club gathering. This year’s annual dance in Carleton Place on January 27 saw more than 370 dancers from 27 Eastern Ontario clubs in attendance. Mississippi Squares is holding an Open House on Tuesday, March 29, 7:30 p.m. at the Brunton Community Hall, 1702 Ninth Line Beckwith, two kilometres south of Carleton Place on Highway 15. Visit the club’s website at www. mississippisquares.ca for more information.
SO YOU THINK SQUARE DANCING IS SQUARE ? THINK AGAIN MODERN SQUARE DANCING IS:. .FOR ALL AGES . . …FOR EXERCISE . . . FOR FUN . . . FOR MAKING FRIENDS . . IT’S GREAT FOR BALANCE, STRENGTH, Mind-body COORDINATION …and . . .
IT’S AFFORDABLE
Come and see for yourself
Mississippi Square Dance Club invites to a:
March 29th Open House with sample lesson. Singles or partners welcome No experience needed Brunton Hall 1702 9th Line Black’s Corners 2km South of Carleton Place
7
15
(Map courtesy of: www.mapmaster.ca) Visit our website: www.mississippisquares.ca
march 2016
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Smiths Falls Council announces community donation allocations Smiths falls - Howaida Sorour
At the Special Committee of the Whole meeting held on March 7 at the Smiths Falls town hall, Councillor Chris Cummings led the proceedings and announced the community donations grants had been decided. Not all the groups got what they wanted, most notably the Railway Museum. The museum’s ask for 2016 was $50,000, however not all the councillors were on board with that amount. In the end the museum was allocated $42,000. “I have no comment,” said Anne Shropshire, Railway Museum curator, “This is something for the board to discuss.” At least one councillor was vehemently against allocating taxpayer dollars to the Railway Museum. “To me $50,000 or $40,000 is beyond the pale of what a community donation should be. We already have a museum that tells the history of this town
— Heritage House, and while I think the Railway Museum does great work, I can’t support their ask,” said Councillor Jay Brennan. Most of the other members of council, however, agreed that the Railway Museum deserved the town’s support and had proven its ability to deliver on its promises. “[The Railway Museum] asked for $50,000 last year and said they would be asking the same again this year, and we agreed to that,” said Councillor Dawn Quinn. “They delivered on everything they said they would deliver on, including the fundraising they said they would complete.” According to Shropshire the museum raised just shy of $90,000 last year between memberships, admission fees, rides and fundraising activities. While all councillors present agreed that the Railway Museum delivered on its promises, various council-
lors allocated different amounts of support to the museum and that’s how the museum ended up with $8,000 less than its original ask. Most of the smaller community donation were also allocated, though like the museum, they didn’t all get the full amount they asked for. “I have a spreadsheet in front of me that shows how much each councillor wanted to donate to specific groups,” said Councillor Cummings. He went on to explain that in some instances the seven council members were unanimously in agreement on donations and those are the groups that got the full asking amount. However there were variances in what some councillors were comfortable with allotting to some groups and in those instances an average was used to calculate the donation amount. In the case that a councillor was not willing to dish any funds to a given group, their zero allocation
A large crowd came out for the special COW meeting tp announce community donations grants. Photo Credit - Howaida Sorour
was excluded from the average, according to Cummings. The community donation amounts announced were as follows: The Smiths Falls Horticultural Society - $800; Smiths Falls Club for Youth - $10,000; Smiths Falls Gordon Pipe Band asked for $4,000 but was allocated $3,000; Lanark County Community Justice Program - $2,000; Rideau Roundtable
asked for $3,000 but was allocated $2,000; Crowns of Life had requested $5,000 but was allocated $3,000; Healthy Living Festival asked for $10,000 but was allocated $7,000; Smiths Falls and District Arts and Culture Council - $2,000; Rolling Thunder $1,500; Big Brothers and Big Sisters - $2,000; Together Smiths Falls - $8,000; and REAL requested $9,000 but was allocat-
ed $5,000. While the Smiths Falls and Perth and District Hospital had made an application for community funding it was the only organization that was not on the list of community grant recipients. At the time or press, the allocations had not been officially passed or approved. “The granting of community donation is subject to approval of the 2016 operating budget,” concluded CAO Malcolm Morris.
Lanark County Community 2016 Carleton PlaceAPRIL home 8-10th, Program launches show returns April CPinARENA75Justice Neelin St. new school initiative FRIDAY Lanark County- Press Release
Carleton Place Sarah Cavanagh
FRIDAY: Not to mention daily
and Children's Fashprizes on every level. ion Show at 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 8 at with home renovation 6:00 p.m. you can get seminars happening the jump on browsing throughout the day. the dynamic vendor Sunday from 11:00 booths and displays. a.m. to 4:00 p.m. check The Country Kick-Off out the free face paintDance featuring the ing and balloon aniBowes Brothers starts mals, and don’t miss at 8:00 p.m. and your your chance to win the ticket into the Home door prize of a $500.00 Show is your admis- gift card to Mitchell's sion to the dance. Independent Grocer. Saturday the fun More attractions starts at 9:00 a.m. and are being listed daily runs until 6:00 p.m. so be sure to stay upwith a pancake break- to-date by visiting the fast from Waterfall Ca- Carleton Place Spring tering ($5.00 per per- Home and Fashion son), the Rock the Arts Show page on FaceSuperhero Showdown book or the town of (No for Place special Puppetadditional Show at 10:30 fees Carleton website a.m., and the Women www.carletonplace.ca. entertainment)
6:00pm - 9:00pm
SATURDAY: 9:00am - 6:00pm
SUNDAY:
11:00am - 4:00pm
Adults- $5.00 Children Under 12 Free
100 Vendors To Inspire!
Over
The Carleton Place Spring Home and Fashion Show returns for the fifth year to the Carleton Place Arena from April 8 to April 10. If home renovations are on your to do list this spring then there’s no better place to get a little inspiration. With over 100 exhibitors on two levels you are sure to find what you are looking for to get started on your next home or garden project. "Each year we work very hard to ensure the vendor line up is exciting and provides something for everyone," says co-organizer Jessica Smith. "This is an event to bring the whole family to, and spend the day with us." Admission is $5.00 for adults and children under 12 are free. Every day the show offers something new and exciting for visitors.
Country Kick-Off Dance
Thefeaturing Lanark CounThe Bowes Brothers ty Community Justice 8:00 pm Program (LCCJP), a - 12:00am registered charity that provides court diverSATURDAY sion services for youth and Pancake adults withinBreakfast: LaUpper Hall nark County and the 9:00am Town of Smiths Falls - 11:00am by means of community justice forums, has United Way Lanark schools and youth centhe Arts” Children’s launched“Rock a new school County and $15,000 tres throughout the serinitiative and has hired 10:00amPuppet Show: 11:00amvice area. Restorative from Law Foundation Andrew Lynch as its of Ontario will allow the methods of conflict community animator LCCJP to serve 13,000 resolution have provto help roll out Improvement the new youths in Lanark Home Seminars Coun- en highly successful in program. ty and Smiths Falls up reducing disciplinary On February 26, the until 2019. The school problems, decreasing LCCJP launched the outreach Women & Children’s Fashion Show reliance on detention project will initiative and with the emphasize the LCCJP’s and suspensions, and 2:00pm assistance of a1:00pmthree- core values of inclusive- improving student atyear, $318,000 Grow ness, learning, respon- titudes, behaviours and SUNDAY grant from the Ontario sibility and community learning outcomes. Free facepainting & balloon Trillium Foundation, If you are interested in leadership and aims to the LCCJP has able to for animals the kids being involved, the LLmake this restorative increase its staff and approach part of school CJP is currently seeking volunteers to allow it to culture. volunteers to train as Enter to with winthe a $500.00 gift work directly team leaders and school Lynch will be card tasked to 40 schoolsMitchell’s and youth Independent with developing and outreach volunteers. centres in the catch- implementing a new More information Grocer ment area. program designed to about the LCCJP and its An additional $20,000 expand the use of re- programs can be found of funding from the storative practices in at www.commjustice.
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Smiths Falls’ resident Mary McCleery is 100 years young Smiths Falls - Dianne Pinder-Moss If you’re as young as you feel, then Mary McCleery is just a teenager. “I feel like this is absolutely impossible,” she told the HomeTown News of recently marking a century of living. “I feel like I am still 14.” As of Feb. 19, the Smiths Falls’ resident is 100 years old or, in her case, 100 years young would be a better moniker as she is still very young at heart. “She is so vibrant,” her granddaughter Kathleen MacLean said in a telephone interview. “Last year, I went for a visit and she was doing the splits.” “I told her to act her age,” she added with a laugh. Mary has certainly lived an active and full life since she entered this world on Feb. 19, 1916. Born in North Sydney, Nova Scotia -- Whitney Pier to be exact -- Mary Winifred Teresa Mullally was one of six children born to Peter and Winifred. Her only sister Kathleen died as an infant. On the day of her baptism, she has been told that the family travelled to the church in a fully decorated white carriage pulled by two white horses. Mary only lived in Sydney for a short time – “I was there when the Halifax explosion took place” on Dec. 6, 1917 – before her father who was a steel melter moved the family to Montreal. “He had to travel wherever the steel company sent him,” she recalled. After a few years in Montreal, the family was on the move once again with Dominion Foundries and Steel Limited (Dofasco), this time to Welland and eventually to Hamilton. Mary remembers the drive to Hamilton on a cold New Year’s Eve. “He (my father) put a blanket over the front of the car so the rad wouldn’t freeze as we drove there,” she stated. Mary grew up during the Great Depression and the “Dirty 30s” where, as she says, “everybody was poor” with her father earning $70/ month. While these were difficult times economically, they were still good
times. “I had a good happy life,” she related. One of things that contributed to Mary’s happiness then and still does is her love of music. “I remember dancing and playing music on a bunch of instruments,” she shared. “I still play the organ.” Another instrument that Mary played for many years was the accordion. “I couldn’t play it anymore because it because it got too heavy for me,” she lamented. Mary loves hymns and church music, in particular, How Great Thou Art. Her favourite song, however, is Danny Boy as she breaks out in singing a few of the lyrics of the popular Irish ballad while being interviewed last week. Along with being a good student of music, Mary excelled scholastically. In fact, she received the General Proficiency of Ontario Award for Grade 12 for her academics. Interestingly, one of her favourite subjects was math. “I can think of a number and tell you the answer even without a pencil…,” she said. “I love numbers.” Not surprisingly, Mary studied to become a Registered Industrial Accountant. Having always enjoyed dancing and taken lessons through Valvasori’s Dancing School in Hamilton, it was through this medium that she met her first husband, William Volterman at a young people’s club. “He was a heavenly dancer,” she stated. “If he didn’t dance with me, I would cry, he was so good.” On June 28, 1939, her dance partner became her husband with the marriage ceremony taking place at Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King in Hamilton. Mary remembers how William, who was a member of the air force at the time, had to get special permission from his commanding officer for the wedding “so he wouldn’t be AWOL.” Holding the rank of sergeant, William served as a fitter during the Second World War. “The planes didn’t go
up unless they said they were fit to go up,” Mary explains of his work. With William being stationed in eastern Canada throughout the war, after the birth of their first daughter Donna in Hamilton in 1940, she lived in Yarmouth and Antigonish, Nova Scotia followed by Quebec. Second daughter Carol was born in Chicoutimi. Along with tending to “my babies” during the war years – son Billy was adopted following the war as an infant in 1950 --, Mary also managed a business her husband operated in Hamilton selling and vulcanizing tires, selling and sharpening scissors, etc. while he was away. William was “always an entrepreneur,” according to Mary. Along with this business, which was eventually purchased by Canadian Tire, they also operated a used furniture store after the war. As well, William had his own photography shop. “I still have one of his cameras,” Mary mentioned, adding that William knew renowned Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh. With her first marriage being annulled in the mid-1960s, Mary reconnected with a childhood playmate – Murray McCleery, also a Second World War veteran who had served in a field hospital across Europe as a medic. “He was the kid next door when we were little kids and we used to play together,” she said. “When I remet him, we got to be good friends again.” That friendship blossomed and the two were married in 1969. Upon his retirement from Procter and Gamble where he had been employed his entire working life, he and Mary moved to eastern Ontario in the mid-1980s to be closer to her daughter Carol MacLean who had moved here a few years earlier. The couple lived in Maitland and Athens before taking up residency in Smiths Falls in 2003. Residents of Broadview Retirement Lodge for a few months, following Murray’s death, Mary moved in with Carol in Smiths Falls with the two having shared a home ever since.
Saying she feels like she is still 14, 100-year-old Mary McCleery works on one of her latest knitting projects.
There, the great great grandmother can be found knitting baby booties and sweater sets, as well as mitts and hats for the Smiths Falls’ site of the Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital and other hospitals. “I have been knitting for 100 years,” she jokes as she works away on her latest project. Mary is also a writer and a poet. “I write about anything that rhymes,” she says as she recites a poem she composed that morning in tribute to Carol. Another thing Mary still likes to do is dance. In fact, she danced a fox trot with her grandsons and others who were in attendance at a birthday party organized in her honour on Feb. 17 at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95 in Smiths Falls. “We all danced with her, what can I say,” says Tony Carboni who serves as the service officer at Branch 95 and was one
of her dance partners. “When the music was done, she wasn’t ready to sit down.” Having recently assisted the widow with a claim form for Veterans Affairs and finding out her age, Carboni was determined that Mary’s 100th birthday would be marked in a special way. “There was no way I was going to let a lady in Smiths Falls reach 100 without doing something, particularly the widow of a World War II veteran,” he stated. With the help of Carol, the party, which saw family members attend from other parts of Ontario such as Beamsville, Grimsby, Stoney Creek and Peterborough, was hosted by Branch 95. Food was provided by the Legion Ladies Auxiliary and Carol. “She is surprisingly youthful and energetic,” says Carboni. “You would not believe she is 100.” Mary is not the only
member of her family noted for their longevity. Her “little brother” Norman is 90 years old and still driving. When asked about the secret to her long life, Mary makes mention of her strong faith, the fact she has “never drank nor smoked” and is living with someone. “She makes me eat properly,” she says of Carol with her favourite food being her daughter’s beef stew. Those who know Mary might also suggest that one of the reasons she has lived so long is because of her sweet temperament. “She is an absolutely lively and lovely, beautiful person,” Carboni stated. “She is always smiling.” Her granddaughter Kathleen MacLean agrees. “She is probably the kindest, most gentlest woman I have ever met in my lifetime,” she said of her beloved “grannie.”
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column:
Carleton Place Social Notes
carleton place-sarah cavanaugh
Winter came with a vengeance to Carleton Place in February. The kids went almost 100 days in class before a snow day, and then a blizzard and ice storm brought five days off in just three weeks. As an ironic twist, the day of the 4th Annual Carleton Place Winter Carnival brought with it 10mm of rain. Luckily Chilly’s Circus juggled on, and hundreds of families from Carleton Place and the National Capital region came out for the fun in what was the most successful carnival yet, despite the weather. With Chilly on his way back to the south pole and our leap day having leapt by, my thoughts now turn to spring. The weather remains as unpredictable as always, yet one thing is certain, spring has sprung in spirit in Carleton Place. March is the month of maple syrup, Irish cheer and bunnies. And let’s not forget March break for all the school-aged kids. So if you’re wondering how to dust off the winter funk and put a little spring in your step, here are a few activities. Spruce up You can’t go wrong with sprucing up your home or sending a little cheer to a neighbour, friend or relative. An amazing seasonal arrangement or gourmet basket from the Floral Boutique, a potted Easter Lily from Reid’s Gardens or a fun Easter basket from Treasures ‘N’ More are sure to set the tone. Maple syrup delights Fulton’s Pancake House and Sugar Bush and Wheelers Maple Syrup Camp and Pancake House are both open for the season and have an array of special March break and Easter weekend activities planned. If that doesn’t quench your maple craving then mark your calendars for the Taste of Maple Tour that runs March 27 until April 5, allowing you to enjoy sophisticated pairings of maple syrup at some of our best local eateries. Bargain sales The auctions and yard sales may still be a month or two away but never fear, the Time and Again New to You sale returns to the St. James Parish Hall on March 12. The
event is in support of the Carleton Place Hospital and is sure to satisfy the winter-weary bargain hunter. March break fun Wondering how to entertain the kids over March break? There is public skating (indoor and outdoor), public swimming, and story time at the library (not to mention a trip to Hogwarts, Crazy Library Bingo, Minecraft dropin, Lego, and a Young Writer’s workshop). Dangerboy, the circus performer, will be at the Carleton Place auditorium on March 17. Tickets can be bought at the library or at the door. There are also March break camps at the Beckwith Recreation complex, Shadow Ridge Equestrian Centre and CP Gymnastics Centre. Fun for adults For the adults, St.Patrick’s Day could find you down at the local Irish pub, St.James, or perhaps at the Ashton Brew Pub for books and beer. Don’t forget to don your best green gear! As well, the 25th Annual St.Patrick’s Day Bonspiel returns to the Carleton Place Curling Club on March 19. March 23 is a day of gains and losses. Start by giving the gift of life at the Blood Donor Clinic at St.James Church and end it winning yourself some amazing prizes at Casino Night at the arena in support of Lanark Community programs. Bunny Run On March 26 we’ll see a furry face hopping along Bridge Street as the annual Bunny Run returns. Lots of treats await the kids as they follow the Easter Bunny to many of our local downtown businesses. Solve a clue, find the right business and collect your treat! Home Show Finally, nothing makes me want to throw open the windows, dig out the bicycles and gardening sheers and start my seedlings like the annual Carleton Place Home Show. It will be held from April 8 to April 10 at the arena. With hundreds of vendors, displays, demos, a spring fashion show, concerts and a puppet show, nothing will get you firing up the lawn mower faster.
Tay Valley and Drummond/North Elmsley pay tribute to farming heritage tay valley - Dianne Pinder-Moss
Robert Campbell is standing on a piece of family history. Rosecamp Farms, in the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley, has been under the Campbell family name since it was first settled in 1816. John Campbell Junior, accompanied by his wife and children, were among those who made the long and treacherous trek across the ocean from Scotland to be part of the Perth Military Settlement, which comprises the Drummond ward of Drummond/ North Elmsley, as well as the Town of Perth, Beckwith Township and parts of Tay Valley Township. They settled on Lot 4, Concession 6 of Drummond – now known as 3069 Drummond Concession 7. For Robert and his daughter Stephanie to be the sixth and seventh generations of the Campbell family to operate the farm at that location is “pretty special,” he said. “I am certainly proud of the heritage for sure. That’s quite a long time – 200 years.” To recognize the contribution of the farming community in the early development of the community, as part of celebrations heralding the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the original Perth Military Settlement, the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley has partnered with Tay Valley Township on a Legacy Farm Program. Under the program, to be eligible for designation as a Legacy Farm, the farm property has to have been in the same family for 200, 150 or 100 years. “We wanted this to be an inclusive project that didn’t just recognize farms that had been 200 years in a family but significant,” explained David Taylor, chair of the Legacy Farm sub-committee for Tay Valley. While it was hoped that funding would be secured to cover the cost of the signs, that didn’t happen. Regardless, Robert Campbell, chair of the Legacy Farm sub-committee for Drummond/ North Elmsley says the
These are the first Legacy Farm signs to be handed out. From left to right: Keith Kerr, Reeve, Tay Valley Township; Gail Code, Lanark County Warden and Deputy Reeve, Drummond/ North Elmsley Township; to Brad Cameron and Lois Cameron, Bonnieview Farms, and to Janet and Robert Campbell, Rosecamp Farms. Submitted photos
response to the program was “very positive.” Most farm property owners that were approached decided to go ahead and purchase the sign. In the end, 86 farm properties have been designated in the two townships – 50 in Tay Valley and 36 in Drummond/North Elmsley. Of that number, 25 per cent received the 200year designation, 35 per cent 150 years and 40 per cent 100 years. “It was a good spread,” Taylor said, noting that they were surprised at how many ended up in the 200-year category. In developing the list of eligible property owners, the committees worked with people in the community. “We had a good idea of who the likely candidates would be,’’ said Taylor. Along with preparing a list of potential designees, committee member Steve Scott “fol-
lowed up directly with many of these people to advise them of the program,” Taylor pointed out. Campbell likewise called the program “very successful” and enjoyed being part of the Legacy Farm sub-committee for Drummond/North Elmsley. The Legacy Farm signs were distributed to the participating property owners in December for installation. In addition, ceremonial certificates will be presented in Drummond/North Elmsley during Heritage Day festivities at the municipal offices at 310 Port Elmsley Rd. on May 28, 2016. In Tay Valley, the certificate presentation will take place on Aug. 20, 2016 as part of the special Settlers Heritage Days component of this year’s Lanark County Plowing Match. Fittingly, this year’s plowing match,
which is slated for Aug. 19 and 20, will be held at the Moodie-Cameron farm at 2677 Scotch Line Rd., the recipient of a 200-year Legacy Farm sign. The objective of the Legacy Farm Program, says Taylor, is “to recognize the early settlers that came 200 years ago and also the connection with the farm sector in the development of the community.” If there are farm property owners in the two townships that were unaware of the program and meet the eligibility criteria, there are still a signs available. Interested property owners are encouraged to contact Tay Valley Township at 613-267-5353 or the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley at 613-267-6500, or visit the municipal websites at www.tayvalleytwp.ca and www.dnetownship.ca, for further information.
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community
Soldier Ride reins in regular programing at LCTRP Regional - Dianne Pinder-Moss
also offered at Victory Farms in Renfrew County.
As a member of the Canadian Armed Forces With the LCTRP not (CAF) for 26 years, having any ongoing Philip S. Palmer knows funding, Soldier Ride all about the imp was the product of discussions begun in 2015 ortance of training.It to create a program was a different type of serving the Canadian training, however, that military. the retired warrant officer saddled up for last The Carleton Place year as he took part in area where the head the Soldier Ride pro- office of the LCTRP is gram. located – the program is under the umbrella Receiving his medical of Lanark Communirelease from the mil- ty Programs, which is itary in 2014, the re- part of Lanark Rentired warrant officer frew Health & Comwas one of six partic- munity Services – has ipants in a 2015 pilot “the largest per capita project, which was a of military families collaboration of the in the country,” proLanark County Thera- gram co-ordinator peutic Riding Program Amy Booth noted in (LCTRP) and the Sol- a presentation at the dier On program of the Feb.2 Committee of CAF. One of the stated the Whole (COW) objectives of Soldier meeting of Perth Town On is to “facilitate, Council. support and integrate resources and oppor- Soldier Ride is aimed tunities for ill and in- at ill/injured members jured military person- of the CAF. nel to fully and actively participate in physical “We are a therapeutic fitness, recreation and riding program,” Booth stated in an email. sport activities.” “Men and women who For Palmer, Soldier have no injury or illRide was a positive ex- ness can take lessons perience. at any number of barns around town. Our pro“Overall, I thought the gram is specifically for training was an excel- those who cannot (for lent success and that various reasons) have ‘equestrian therapy’ a relevant/safe equine should be widely pro- experience elsewhere.” moted to all Veterans/ CF stakeholders,” he All participants must wrote in a reference let- provide a signed medter following the eight ical referral form beweeks of equestrian fore they are allowed training he received to ride. from the LCTRP. The pilot project for Soldier Ride is a new Soldier Ride took place addition to the LCTRP, at Cedar Rock Farm which provides a with registrants from specialized form of Kingston, Belleville, horseback riding (hip- Orleans and Kanata, potherapy) to children as well as one from the and adults with phys- Perth area. Of the eight ical and/or develop- registrants, six – five mental disabilities. males and one female Starting off with 12 – ended up taking part young riders at one lo- in the program. cation in 1985, the program has grown over While the Soldier Ride the past 30 years to 143 lessons are individualriders currently being ized with one-on-one several registered. In 2015, at instruction, Cedar Rock Farm in lessons take place at Perth, 643 lessons were the same time. For intaught to approximate- stance, as instruction ly 89 area residents. is provided on how to This year, the program tack up a horse, three in the northern part to four participants of the county is being will work on this at the moved from Missis- same time. That way, as sippi Mills to Ashland Booth explains, “there Farm in Beckwith is instruction and caTownship. Services are maraderie happening
Philip S. Palmer, one of the participants in the pilot project of Soldier Ride, greets his equine partner Prince. Photo courtesy of Lanark County Therapeutic Riding Program
simultaneously.”
between myself and Prince that will not soon be forgotten.”
“Obviously,” she adds, “we have more than one instructor a time.” The highlight for the retired member of the Palmer’s equine part- CAF was when his ner for Soldier Ride was family came out to a 14-year-old gelding the stables outside of quarter horse named Perth at the end of the “Mary’s Prince.” Along program “to meet the with working with in- horses, watch some structor, Maria Hof- of my newly acquired bauer, on how to safely riding skills, and parcare for and ride the ticipate in their own horse, he also learned, trail ride.” as he mentioned in his letter, that Prince, Like Palmer, Booth felt like all horses, “had a the pilot project was strong personality, sev- “a great success.” So eral ‘quirks,’ and that much so that the theraplenty of patience was peutic riding program required.” is moving forward to offer Soldier Ride as Acknowledging that part of its regular prolearning to ride and gramming in 2016 at care for horses was all three farm sites. A challenging, the expe- grant from the Ontarrience overall was “one io Trillium Foundation of the best experiences will assist with proI had in years,” Palmer gram costs. stated in the reference letter. “When grant money makes its way down to “As a tribute to Amy, us, we will have a huge Maria, and the oth- wish list to discuss er dedicated program but for now, sufficient volunteers and staff, I to say, money will be looked forward to my used for training, supFriday riding lessons plies and badly needed knowing that I would equipment,” she told enjoy myself and be the HomeTown News. well taken care of,” he One request is for largwrote about the eight- er helmets that will fit a week program, which man’s head started in September 2015. “Not only did The LCTRP will be the lessons allow me continuing to partner to grasp the basics of with Soldier On, which ‘horse-craft’ but, most covered the costs of the importantly, it also arena time and lessons created a strong bond for the pilot project of
Soldier Ride.
he couldn’t think of a “more deserving” pro“We offer the Soldier gram to support. Ride to members of the CAF through a co-or- “That is awesome,” dinated effort with me- Booth responded. dia based advertising and the Canadian Sol- Afterwards, she statdier On initiative but ed that the response the responsibility and she has received from delivery of this Equine Perth and other muCompetency Program nicipal councils she is the responsibility of has appeared before the LCTRP,” Booth ex- as a delegation for Soldier Ride has been plained in an email. “very positive and very In addition to making supportive.” Beckwith mention in her Feb. Township Council has 2 presentation that offered to give free adshe was not aware of vertising space in its another program of quarterly newsletter, this type in the La- the Beckwith Beaver, nark-Kingston cor- to promote the proridor, she also stated gram. that equine therapy “is gaining more and In terms of the scheduling for Soldier Ride more momentum.” in 2016, that has yet While the co-ordinator to be finalized. What of the LCTRP came to is known is that four the COW meeting to week sessions will simply inform mem- be offered by request bers of Perth Town starting early this Council “about what spring. Locally, lessons is coming” with Sol- will be offered two to dier Ride, she left the three days a week at session with a com- different time slots at mitment from May- the Perth and Beckor John Fenik that he with stables. Informawas going to make a tion, once available, donation out of the will be posted on the Mayor’s Discretionary website at www.theraFund to the program, peuticriding.ca. later confirming that the donation will be “Needless to say, we in the amount of $500. will do our best to acSpeaking of his own commodate as many experiences with ther- participants as we can apeutic riding in see- with some creative Booth ing teenagers helped scheduling,” through a difficult time stated via email. in their lives, he said
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lifestyle Smiths Falls business woman strives to help women reclaim health and vitality Ad-Vickie Dickson Vickie Dickson has a heart for women. Having recently re-invented herself, she has gone from making sure women look and feel their best on the outside to focusing on the inside, through nutrition and wellness. Two years ago, Vickie found herself approaching mid-life. The kids were leaving the nest and she became restless. Vickie made the decision to walk away from her retail career of 13 years and go back to school to become an RHN (Registered Holistic Nutritionist) While this shocked many of us in her circle, it was easy to see that it was the right move at the right time, for her. Having suffered her own health crisis, Vickie is no stranger to how debilitating it can be to know that there is something wrong with you, to wish that you felt better and to try to function each day at your best, only to always fall short. For about a year, Vickie suffered horrific digestive issues that made it nearly impossible to go anywhere, other than work. Her hormones were going crazy and she wasn’t sleeping. No one seemed able to get to the root of the problem. No one, that is, until she saw a Nutritionist. Working with a Holistic Nutritionist quite literally gave Vickie her life back. She knew that this was the next step in her life’s journey, to help others make real change, through nutrition. She often wonders why nutrition is always the last
Vickie Dickson
thing we look at? She’s working to change this so that other women, who are suffering needlessly, can reclaim their own health and vitality. Vickie offers private nutritional counseling, group programs, workshops, speaking engagements, and body systems analysis testing. Watch for her Sustainable Weight Loss System to be launched later this month. doTerra essential oils are a part of Vickie’s practice as well. She’s experienced first hand the difference that they can make. While not all
©2014 dōTERRA International
of her clients use essential oils, she explains that they can often offer immediate relief of symptoms while someone is working to change their nutrition. Nutrition can be a slow process so it’s helpful to have something to ease the discomfort while you’re making changes. For many
people, this ensures that they “stay the path” and actually realize their health goals, where they otherwise may not have. Curious? Participate in free weekly essential oils classes at Vickie’s office on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-7:30 and Wednesday afternoons from 12:00-1:00. Vickie invites you to schedule a free 20-minute discovery session to see if nutrition counseling is right for you and how you could work together towards your best health. Her office is located inside Modern Thymes Health and Bulk Foods on Russell Street in Smiths Falls. For those out of the local area, Vickie also works via Skype. Until March 31st, take advantage of introductory pricing on a Body Systems Analysis test and follow up session for just $55. After March 31st, the regular price of $80 comes in to effect. There are many other options for working with Vickie. Visit her website at www. vickiedickson.com for details. You can reach Vickie by phone at 613285-9484 and by email at nutrition@vickiedickson.com
Bunny Run hops in to Carleton Place on March 26 By Dianne Pinder-Moss Downtown Carleton Place will be an egg-citing place to be on March 26 as the annual Bunny Run takes place from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Hosted by People First Lanark County (PFLC), the free event is all about having fun as participants follow the Easter Bunny in a search for Easter eggs and other candy. “We encourage people to come,” says event chair Kory Earle who is president of People First Canada and chair of the working group for PFLC. “This is a community event.” The Bunny Run will start at 11 a.m. at the Carleton Place Town Hall with greetings from Deputy Mayor Jerry Flynn. Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston MP Scott Reid will also be in attendance. Following the official proceedings, the Easter Bunny will get things hopping by lead-
ing event participants through the downtown. Clues will be given at the town hall as to the identities of the businesses where Easter treasures can be found. “Some will hand out Easter eggs—some will hand out different kinds of candy,” says Earle. “In the past eight years, people have walked away with a bag of stuff. It is almost like trick or treating.” While the list of businesses for the 2016 Bunny Run has yet to be finalized at the time of press, there were 31 that participated or made donations last year. According to the Earle, the support from the business community has been “phenomenal.” “This event could not go on without them,” he noted. One of the objectives of the Bunny Run is “to promote what Carleton Place has to offer for people who have never been to a local store,” Earle said. The only item partici-
pants in the Bunny Run need to bring with them is a basket or other container to hold the candy. There will be an opportunity throughout the day for people to take photos of their children with the Easter Bunny as well. And whether it rains or shines, the event will go ahead. “One year it really poured and it didn’t stop 100 kids” from coming,” Earle said. Since 2007, more than 1,000 children have participated in the Bunny Run. “It just shows you how it has grown,” he added. For this year’s Bunny Run, organizers are expecting as many as 250 children to come out. “Our hope is the more the merrier,” Earle said. More information on the Bunny Run can be obtained by contacting Earle by phone at 613451-0051 or by email at koryearle@hotmail.com.
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lifestyle
Merrickville Laces up for Heritage Classic Race Merrickville - April Scott-Clarke The scenic village of Merrickville is lacing up to host the Merrickville Heritage Classic Run. The event is in its inaugural year but organizers Steve Templeton and Lori Urquart are hoping that it becomes an annual event. “The idea was developed by a group of runners in the community, to promote running and a healthy lifestyle,” said Templeton. The April 30 event will offer two kilometre, five kilometre and 10 kilometre courses, with the five kilometre and 10 kilometre races being chip timed for runners need-
ing qualifying times for other races. “The two kilometer walk/run is a showcase of the village,” said Templeton, explaining that it’s aimed at families. However, if someone wanted to do the five kilometre run with a stroller, they are more than welcome. Registration for the event is open now and and will close on April 23. Organizers are hoping to get 400 runners and have set prices “as low as possible to enable participation,” said Templeton. Fees range from $25 to $50, depending on which distance you sign up for. Locally-made participant medals will be
handed out to all runners. Gold, silver and bronze medals will be given to the first three men and first three women across the finish line for the five kilometer and 10 kilometer races. “We are hoping to have a successful event and want to encourage people to participate,” said Templeton. Urquhart reminds everyone that they are looking for volunteers for the day of the race, and sponsors to help offset some of the costs. Interested athletes can register online at http:// www.run-merrickville. ca/, volunteers can get more info and sign up online as well.
column: Am I the only one?
Opinion-Carrie Wynne Cell Phones I received an email from my daughter’s Math Teacher. She was using her cell phone in class and struggling in Math. It had been going on for weeks. I appreciated the heads up. I replied, “Did you ask her to leave her phone in her locker?” I thought to myself, isn’t that what lockers are for? Why don’t we tear them all out if you can’t leave valuables in them? I question the effectiveness of a Teacher that can’t take away a cell phone from a student in class. She replied, “I don’t mind if they use their phones while doing their work.” Although I’m sure sticking ear buds in, texting and
doing math problems works okay for the really bright kids, my daughter needs to pay attention in Math. Most teachers and administration have agreed that cell phones are a huge distraction. It sounds like a slippery slope and shouldn’t surprise anyone when engagement goes out the window. What I’ve learned from raising three kids is give them an inch and they’ll take a mile. The ministry didn’t do us any favours. Yes, that’s right. This bright idea came straight from the Province saving tax payers millions of dollars. As if we’ve noticed any difference. The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program is a cost-effective way for school boards to save money on technology. Meanwhile, oral communication is becoming a lost art. We should be fostering communication skills not replacing them with the miracle of modern technology. Surely we can still send our kids to school to listen and learn. They will soon go out into the world and apply for jobs, work with the public, move to a new
city, become post secondary students and make things happen for themselves. How are they going to do all that if they don’t know how to have a conversation? While some schools still have strict phone policies, most don’t and each Teacher has to determine how much phone use goes on in class and regulate it which I’m sure is a big headache. It makes me angry the ministry celebrates a program that clearly, doesn’t seem to be working very well. I have another suggestion for a program, It’s called DKLN. “Disengaged Kids Learn Nothing” The Teachers that don’t have strict cell phone policies are just asking for trouble. My Daughter’s aren’t allowed to use cell phones at dinner and don’t bring them to the table. Whether this Teacher was being cowardly, complacent or both my only thought was, “I’m not there and it’s not my problem.” Signed, Am I the Only One?
Councillor goes to bat for ball field repairs Perth - Dianne pinder-moss The Legion Little League Diamond at Conlon Farm was once rated as the best in Canada by Little League Canada. That, however, is no longer the case. “We had provincial and national championships on this field and it brought prestige and revenue to Perth,” said Perth councillor Jim Graff. “Over the last decade, it has received minimal maintenance and has fallen into, what I call, a state of disrepair.” The councillor went to bat for the ball diamond at the Feb. 23 regular meeting of Perth Town Council, asking if council would agree to reallocate funds that had been deferred for upgrades to the field and repairs to the press box and storage building behind the field backstop. “I thought that the revenue to start repairing the field was approved at our earlier budget deliberations but discovered before [the meeting]
that both the field and the press building funding had been deferred,” he told the HomeTown News in an email following the meeting. The Legion ball diamond is one of five fields owned by the town, with another field being located on private property behind the restaurant adjacent to the Legion field. “Three diamonds are age-related, from T-ball, then Tyke ball and the Legion field, which is for 11 and 12-year-olds,” Graff explained. “The Legion field is very important as it is not only for house league but is the field that will be used when hosting Provincial and National Little League championships, which were held here in the 1990s, and hope to be again in the near future.” The $24,500 deferred in proposed upgrades to the field was to be put towards the replacement of infield grass, building a new pitcher’s mound and repairs to the backstop. The project would also entail replacing all or most of the scoreboard,
as well as the replacement of sand on base paths with a proper baseball granular mix and aeration, and fertilizing and irrigation of the outfield. “The irrigation system is there but hasn’t been used for 10 years, so repairs are required,” Graff confirmed. An additional $13,000 had been deferred for work to the press box and storage building, which according to the councillor, has foundation issues from frost and water problems. “The press box needs to be cleaned and PA system repaired,” he added. If the projects were deferred until the 2017 budget, the Perth & District Little League would miss out on making a bid to host a provincial championship next year as the field “won’t be in shape until 2018,” Graff told council. “I think it is an exceptional circumstance,” he stated, adding that money has not been allocated to baseball as it has been to some other sports.
Shannon Baillon, director of community services for the Town of Perth, mentioned that the town plans to apply for a grant through the Jays Care Foundation of the Toronto Blue Jays for the two projects. The grant funds up to $50,000. “Our intention is to go ahead with that process with the hope we would get some funding,” she said. Perth is in the preliminary stage of the grant application process. The application is due before May 31 and Baillon said that notification would be received within 180 days of applying as to whether the application was successful. If the town is not successful in receiving funding from the Jays Care Foundation, Perth CAO John deRosenroll made mention that he had spoken to treasurer Lang Britchford before the Feb. 23 meeting and, if there are any projects council would like to reconsider as part of the 2016 budget, they could
be discussed during the budget deviation process in August or September. Rick Wilson, president of the Perth & District Little League, cannot stress enough the importance of the upgrades and repairs being undertaken to the ball field. “We can’t hold any tournaments on that field anymore,” he said. “It is just not playable at that calibre.” The condition of the field is such that “they’re so lucky someone hasn’t got hurt on it—it is so bad,” he remarked. Serving Perth, Smiths Falls, Lanark, Westport and surrounding townships, the little league has teams for kids ages four to 18. After dropping down to only 60 players six years ago, the league has seen a resurgence in recent years with 287 players registered in 2015. “The word is getting out this is a good sport to play,” Wilson said. The organization would like to apply to host the provincial tournament for 11-12 years old in 2017.
Graff hopes that, if the necessary funds are received for the upgrades and repairs, the work can be done this fall so the field would be ready for the 2017 season. The councillor believes that bringing the issue before council was the right thing to do. “Perth has a long history in baseball,” he said. “Back in 1936-37, Perth hosted a professional team in the Can Am league, which eventually moved to Cornwall. In 1936, the Perth Royals won the Can Am championship, which is how my father came to Canada. This team is being inducted into the new Perth and District Sports Hall of Fame in May.” Likwise, as he pointed out, Neil Fennell organized the Perth Shootout fastpitch tournament from 1990 to 2001 that drew teams from Australia, U.S. and Scandinavia, “and was attended by thousands of people over the week from all over the States and Canada.”
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OPINICON RESORT
lifestyle
Renovating, winterizing, sprucing; summer only months away
A familiar sight at the Opinicon is the ‘Liars’ Bench’. Four visitors tested it out last summer (l to r) Madison Wright, Sky Loudon, Jaime Guy and Leah Loudon.
Chaffey’s Locks - Sally Smith With little fanfare, but a whole lot of anticipation, Opinicon Resort at Chaffey’s Locks on the Rideau, was given the goahead for long-term redevelopment, November 7, at Township of Rideau Lakes council. Fiona McKean, owner, along with her husband Toby Lütke, sounds cautiously excited. It’s been a whirlwind journey so
far, and this is just the beginning of months of disarray and upheaval before the resort opens for a peaceful summer of 2016. The old buildings were in pretty sad shape, McKean remembers of the Opinicon before they picked up the keys in mid-January. “They needed a lot of work - everywhere! “We needed to deal with the basics, to get
everything working, and then to make it look nice. This was not something planned,” she laughs, as it was just at the beginning of her maternity leave. The two decided to take the summer of 2015 to watch who came to visit, to hear what they wanted and to discuss future plans. Even with those ideas and thoughts under their belts, they then had to integrate them with the rules and
regulations of the Township. McKean called it a “summer of discovery.” Now, with the planning done, and the first phase okayed, McKean says the push is on. Long-term plans are to make the resort into a year-round centre. McKean likes her staff and wants to keep them longer than just through the summer. “We train them well and we give them fair wages, so we don’t want to lose
them after a few short months.” By winterizing some of the facilities, McKean hopes to keep her core staff around for a long time. Right after Thanksgiving renovation started on all 16 cabins i.e. bathrooms and carpeting. And, at the moment, they’re “fine tuning for a new industrial kitchen and structural changes.” Councillors gave approval for the first-phase of the multi-year development of the property in early November. Phase one will include 46 new parking spaces at the entrance and four accessible parking spaces near the main lodge, a new lakeside pool with a covered patio area, improvement of a small children’s playground, conversion of the main lodge to separate dining and beverage areas, and the construction of a pump/utility room and a shed/workshop facility. McKean explains that the “dining-room will stay as it is,” while a pub will be added. Phase two includes a 14-unit, 11,861 square foot four-season accommodation facility. Phase two will be approved separately. As the subject property is designated Villages and Hamlets under the Offi-
cial Plan, the intent of the designation is to provide a mix of local retail, service, social-cultural and residential opportunities for the community while being consistent with the maintenance of the character of the lands. The applicants, Lütke and McKean, were required to submit an Environmental Impact Study; the study has provided proposed mitigation measures and a monitoring program to address any potential negative impacts of the development. The plan also calls for the protection of water quality; existing vegetation within the 30m setback will be maintained. Development of a shoreline naturalization buffer i.e. no disturbance area, is also required. The new owners bought the Opinicon at auction in the fall of 2014 and it was open for business (after being closed for two seasons) in the summer of 2015. Lütke is a co-founder of Shopify, a Canadian commerce company headquartered in Ottawa. “We know what we want,” McKean says firmly. “We’re running as fast as we can and we’ll just have to see how much we can do between now and re-opening.”
When the records stopped spinning in Smiths Falls Smiths Falls Linda seccaspina In May of 1953 work on the construction of the two unit record factory of RCA Victor Company Ltd. began in Smiths Falls. The $750,000 plant was expected to be in operation by the fall. December of 1953 saw 26 presses beginning to turn out phonograph records and the RCA division expected to be in full production by the end of January 1954. The Smiths Falls factory employed up to 125 workers, 75% of which were women. It had the potential to turn out 8,000,000 records for both domestic and export markets yearly. The plant had seven sound booths where testers checked the quality. Approximately, only 2 to 3 per cent of production was rejected. When Elvis died in August 1977, workers remembered being called
to work to produce Elvis records to satisfy the nostalgic rush. They pressed almost a million Elvis records in one month. Additionally, the very first Beatles record ever pressed in North America was done at the Smiths Falls RCA Victor plant in February 1963. It shocked the residents of Renfrew when in 1975 RCA Canada pulled out of the rural Ottawa Valley town, leaving 250 people losing their jobs after working there since 1955. The company reassured the Smiths Falls council and town that it was not closing the Smith’s Falls plant, but it ended up shutting down completely in 1979. Instead of complaints, the Smiths Falls staff marched out of the RCA plant to the tunes of a local piper when the very last shift ended. Lois Mantle was quoted in The Ottawa Citizen saying that they wanted to show the town they had
some spirit left and that they would be good employees for any new industry to come to Smiths Falls. Mantle had worked at the plant for over 17 years, and she and her husband were among the 300 workers to lose their job when it closed in April 1979. The local community expected RCA factories in Montreal and Prescott to close, but not in Smiths Falls. Over 6,000 Canadians were once employed by RCA in 1970, and in 1978 the total had dropped to 2,000. Then Smith Falls’ Mayor Fred Aboud said the closure of RCA was going to be more disastrous to the town than the huge layoffs that had been done at the nickel plant in Sudbury. RCA officials blamed the closing on stiff competition and the lack of automated equipment at the valley location. Then Smiths Falls plant manager, Harry Fisher,
praised the employees for the co-operative spirit they showed during the shutdown period. While Fisher and four others had jobs with a Toronto company that would still produce RCA records, most of the remaining employees were not so fortunate. There was no doubt that when the plant left town, it let many people down. Some still say today they haven’t bought an RCA product since, but most of Smiths Falls rallied together and stood tall for their town, and as the Beatles sang: “But tomorrow will rain, so I will follow the sun.” Smiths Falls Book Launch The official book launch of The Beatles in Canada, The Origins of Beatlemania, by Piers Hemmingsen, will take place at the Smith Falls Community Theatre on March 12. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Get them online at http://
First Picture Disc in the RCA plant from The Record News 1978
www.capitol6000.com–RCA smith falls 1968 pressing plan
smithsfallstheatre.com/ online-tickets-for-beatles, or by calling 613283-0300. Online tickets will not be available the day of.
“Smiths Falls, Ontario, can rightfully claim to be the real birthplace of Beatles records in North America,” writes Hemmingsen.
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lifestyle
Must-know tips for new puppy owners Submitted by Laura Jane Cox
” r e g n i “G
Have you decided that it’s time to add a new member to your family? Is it of the four-legged kind? If so, here are some helpful tips for a smooth transition into puppy parenthood. Crate Training A crate, if used properly, becomes a safe environment for your puppy. When choosing a crate, always consider purchasing the size that will accommodate the puppy once it’s full grown. If you buy one that is puppy size you may not be able to use it long-term. Most crates come with a divider that allows you to make a large crate smaller. As a rule of thumb, if a puppy can sit up, turn around and lie down comfortably they have enough space. If you give them any more “Furry Tales” space than that, they Furry Tales a not- will end up using the for-profit, foster-based crate as a washroom, rescue agency located which defeats the purin Smiths Falls Ontario. Working with a wonderful team, our primary goal is to assist cats (older and middle aged) who have been displaced, abandoned or at high risk of being euthanized in the pound system. Rescuing animals is a never ending cycle and only with an amazing group of supporters can we succeed. One of the ways you can help, is by donating FIND US ONLINE: which can help save a LauraJanesPetFood.com life. /LauraJanesPetFood We rely on donations for funding as the adoption fees do not cover the total cost of vetting for each cat brought through the rescue. No amount is too small, and is greatly appreciated! Visit Furry Tales at www.furry-tales.ca
Pet Rescue of the Month My name is Ginger... I am a 4 yr old neutered female who would really love a forever home. I am a foster cat at the moment, I am very loving and enjoy the company of people big and small actually i really love kids. I don’t like to be held for very long but i love to be near people and will rest beside you for hours or sleep at the foot of your bed at night if you let me. I always use my litter box like a good girl and I use my scratch post every day and not the furniture. I love fresh water from the bathroom sink if you let me. I am not crazy about yucky old dogs but i do like a good game of tag with other cats. I love getting a temptations treats just before bed, I usually only get three but i will happily eat more if you feel inclined.
pose of crate training. As the puppy grows you can move the divider, allowing for more space. Food There is an extensive array of pet food on the market. Kibble, canned, frozen, freeze dried, air dried, the list goes on and on. If you are getting your puppy from a breeder, always ask what they were using or what their suggestions are. It’s a good idea to stick with what they use for the first few weeks to help your puppy settle in. After a month or so, if you want to change the puppy’s food your veterinarian or local pet food store is a good place to get information from. In general, a food free of artificial colours, flavours and additives is an excellent place to start. Treats It’s a good idea to use two different types of treats when training your puppy. A tasty little treat like Zukes Mini Naturals
or Cloudstar Tricky Trainers are great for teaching basics like sit, stay and down. A high value reward like Orijen Freeze Dried Treats or Benny Bully’s work really well for bathroom training and the “come” command. Like food, there is a wide array of treats available and it might take some experimenting to figure out what your puppy responds to best. Toys Toys may seem like an extra indulgence for your puppy but they are essential items to maintain the good relationship between you and your dog. By providing your puppy with the right things to chew on, it is less likely to chew something it shouldn’t, such as your TV remote, eyeglasses or a coffee table. A few suggestions of ideal puppy toys would be Kongs, Nylabones, cotton rope toys, a treat dispensing toy and a stuffing-less squeaky toy.
Socialization Letting your dog play with other dogs is a great way for it to burn excess energy and learn good behaviour. It’s also always entertaining. For its own health and safety, it’s a very good idea to wait until the puppy has had its vaccines before you bring it out to meet other people and their dogs. Puppy school is also a great way to introduce your puppy to other dogs and to teach them to listen in a distracting environment. It’s also a great place for you to learn “doggy language” and how to appropriately meet dogs by yourself and with your puppy. If you have questions about your puppy, your best resources are your veterinarian, breeder, dog trainer and pet store specialist. Laura Jane is the owner of Laura Jane’s Pet Food & Supplies, located in Perth.
CALL: 613.466.0644 HOURS: Open 7 Days a Week ADDRESS: 97 Dufferin Street Perth, ON K7H 3A5
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lifestyle
Second annual charity bonspiel raises $7,500 Smiths falls - chris must
Second annual charity bonspiel raises $7,500 “It’s about accessibility and awareness— and this touches my heart,” an emotional Dan Andress told the crowd at the Homan/ Hogan Charity Open Cash Spiel on Feb. 27, 2016. “We need to do more.” The three-day charity curling bonspiel at the Smiths Falls Curling Club, now in its second year, raised exactly $7,514.82 for Spinal Cord Injury Ontario. The cheque, boosted by proceeds of a silent and live auction, and winning teams donating back their prize money, was presented to Spinal Cord Injury Ontario Regional Services Coordinator Chris Bourne on Sunday, Feb. 28. The cause hits close to home for Andress, a key organizer and sponsor. The bonspiel is named for both Mark Homan, a champion curler whose team is sponsored by Andress, and for Andress’s brotherin-law Marshall Hogan, who sustained a spinal cord injury in an accident several years ago. This year’s bonspiel attracted 22 teams, up from just 16 teams a year ago. As a result, four extra draws were added on the evening of Friday, Feb. 26, with the bonspiel continuing Saturday and Sunday. Six “fun” teams competed Satur-
day morning, with the remaining 16 teams made up of serious competitors. Andress said the idea for the event came about when he and Nick Ritchie, owner of 4 Degrees Brewing Company, were participating in a charity golf tournament. “We thought, wouldn’t it be nice to have something...to break up the winter.” The event sponsors also noted there were few, if any, charitable events in the area in support of spinal cord injury. Raising awareness of the challenges facing people with spinal cord injuries is just as important as raising funds, said Andress. Few local businesses are equipped with wheelchair ramps, he noted. “The curling club was the same,” Andress added. “I said to them (prior to last year’s bonspiel), ‘do you guys have a ramp?’. They built one.” Andress’s association with Ottawa-based curler Mark Homan dates back to 2014, when the Homan rink came to Smiths Falls to compete in the Dominion Tankard, the premier men’s curling event in the province. “They were very approachable,” recalled Andress, adding that he and Ritchie noticed the Homan team didn’t have sponsors. They offered to become sponsors, and “we got shirts embroidered in time for them to wear
them.” Homan said the opportunity to curl in the bonspiel was “awesome.” “It’s all about the cause for spinal cord injury, so it’s great to be able to come out and support that,” he said. One of the highlights of the weekend was the opportunity for competitive teams to bid for the right to play against the Homan rink, with the funds going to Spinal Cord Injury Ontario. The top bidders were the Hailey Armstrong rink, with a bid of $175. One of the 22 teams that signed up for the weekend event called themselves “The Laryngospasms.” Team members Wendy McPhee, Rhonda Donovan, Sheila Lee, and Wanita Andress all work in the operating room at the Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital. They explained that their team name refers to “something you don’t want to see happen in the OR.” “It’s wonderful, it’s fun, and we’re supporting a great cause,” said Wanita about the event. “We want to raise awareness,” added Lee. “It doesn’t cost a lot to put in a ramp.” Focussing awareness on accessibility issues doesn’t just affect people in wheelchairs, Hogan pointed out. The town’s population is aging, and more people are using walkers
From left are Angela Clair of Spinal Cord Injury Ontario, guest of honour Marshall Hogan, and bonspiel organizer and sponsor Dan Andress. Photo Credit-Chris Must
This team of hospital operating room staff (Wendy McPhee, Rhonda Donovan, Sheila Lee, and Wanita Andress) chat with Marshall Hogan at the Homan/Hogan Charity Open Cash Spiel on Saturday, Feb. 27. Photo Credit-Chris Must
and other mobility aids. Representing Spinal Cord Injury Ontario at the bonspiel was Angela Clair, regional services coordinator. Clair said her job is to work one-on-one with individuals with spinal cord injuries to help them rebuild their lives. “It’s one of the
most traumatic events that someone can undergo,” she said. “It impacts not only the individual, but also the family, the community, the employer—everyone.” It can take two or three years to adjust to living with such an injury, but “there’s always a way — when there’s a
will,” Clair added. Key sponsors of the bonspiel included Andress Independent Grocer, 4 Degrees Brewing Company, Canadian Tire, Rob Roy’s Pub, and the Smiths Falls Curling Club, which donated the ice time for the event.
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lifestyle
Carleton Place Canadians Player Profile Maxime St. Pierre
Submitted-Daniel Vazzoler “Injuries can’t slow down first-place Canadians”
Birthdate: April 26, 1996 Hometown: Orleans, ON Height: 6’2” Weight: 222 lbs Shoots: R Position: F Submitted-Daniel Vazzoler The 2015-16 season is Maxime St. Pierre’s third season in the Central Canadian Hockey League and is his first full season with the Carleton Place Canadians after being acquired from the Cumberland Grads. He has been named one of the alternate captains for the Canadians this year. Last year, St. Pierre scored five goals and 10 assists for 15 points over 43 games between Carleton Place and Cumberland. One goal and three assists came in his 18 games with the Canadians in the 2014-15 season. In the playoffs, he scored three goals and
review:The Carleton Place Canadians
six assists for nine points in 15 games. St. Pierre was a member of the Eastern Ontario Wild AAA team growing up before making the jump to junior hockey. “I always played at the highest level possible for my age,” he said. “Going to AAA was a real eye opener. Once I made junior, it was a great stepping stone.” St. Pierre says he
plays a grinding style of hockey. “I just finish my checks every time, play a two-way game – backcheck, fore-check – and do whatever I need to help my team make a win.” Through 54 games in the 2015-16 season St. Pierre has scored 11 goals and added 27 assists for 38 points, which has him tied for sixth in team scoring.
The Carleton Place Canadians haven’t had a full, healthy lineup since early November, but that didn’t affect how they played in February. The Canadians started the month with a fivegame winning streak, going back to their last game in January and finished with a record of 7-2 to help them get back to the top of the Central Canada Hockey League standings. The first two games of February were important games for Carleton Place as, at the time, the Ottawa Jr. Senators, Cumberland Grads and Canadians were close together in the standings. The Canadians got things started with a 2-1 win over Ottawa on Feb. 5, before a 2-0 road victory over the Grads two days later. Colton Point notched back-to-back shutouts with a 3-0 win over the Pembroke Lumber Kings on Feb. 12 to start a weekend with three games in four days. The Canadians
went 2-1 on the weekend with a 4-3 win over the Kemptville 73’s before losing on Family Day to the Smiths Falls Bears, 4-3, on home ice. The injured list got shorter on Feb. 19 as three of the seven players returned to the lineup, which resulted in a 3-2 shootout win on the road against the Hawkesbury Hawks. Connor Merkley, one of the formerly injured got the winning goal. Carleton Place was on the other end of their Feb. 21 game, when they were dealt a 3-2 loss by the Brockville Braves. The Canadians rebounded with a 4-0 win over the last place Gloucester Rangers in a game that looked like it might have gone either way in the first period. The Canadians finished the month with a 4-2 win over Pembroke. Bryce Van Horn was on fire for the Canadians, getting 12 points in the nine games. Nine of those points were goals. Carleton Place is in position to accomplish one of their goals, according to head coach
Jason Clarke, which is head into the playoffs. “You start at the beginning of the year and you just want to be able to give yourself a chance to have home ice advantage,” said Clarke. “Honestly, we don’t talk about wins and losses too much in our organization, it’s more standard of play. Our standard of play has been very, very good…especially on the defensive side of things and we’re starting to get results out of it.” Team captain Jordan Larson said finishing in first place is important for the team. “Having home ice throughout the whole playoffs is something that we want, it’s not easy playing here (in Carleton Place),” he said. Larson said the team would be treating the remaining schedule like playoff games as they get set for a run at their third straight Bogart Cup as playoff champions. The Canadians will finish the regular season with three games on home ice, taking on Hawkesbury between two games against the Kanata Lasers.
New Member Special - Single $990* Couples $1,710* New Member must NOT have been a Member in the past 2 years. Other category pricing available – call for further details.*HST not Included
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18 hole Beautifully Designed Golf Course Pro Shop Driving Range Power Carts Leagues Lessons Clubhouse Great Food Friendly Staff Walk-ons Welcome 551 Hwy. 15, RR #1, Lombardy, ON
613-283-5318 www.lombardglen.com
VENDORS WANTED RETAIL | INFORMATION | FOOD
Saturday, June 18, 2016 If interested, contact Nicola Thomson dba@smithsfalls.ca OR (613) 283-4124 x 1114
Early Bird Deadline—April 15 LIMITED SPACES
For more festival details, visit www.healthysmithsfalls.ca
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lifestyle
H E A LT H Y C H O I C E S
Nutrition:Understanding the Difference between Simple and Complex Carbohydrates
Submitted - Natatia gemmell
There are all kinds of diets that focus on cutting down on carbohydrate intake in order to lose weight and shed fat. Perhaps the most extreme of these is the ketogenic diet (similar to Atkins), which sets a strict limit of around 20-25 carbs per day. Unfortunately, many people who avoid carbs don’t realize that not all carbs are bad. In fact, there are “good” carbs and there are “bad” carbs. What you need to understand is that you need to work on avoiding the bad carbs and replacing
Fair Trade Items
them with the good ones. Simple carbs are those that come primarily from sugars. Some of these occur naturally (such as those found in dairy milk), but the majority of the simple carbs found in our foods come in the form of added sugars, corn syrup, and glucose. These are the types of carbs that you should generally avoid because they consist of the most basic sugars that are the easiest for the body to digest. As a result, they don’t keep you feeling full for very long, which
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can result in increased mostly of fiber rather than sugar. Fiber is calories. much more difficult Here are some exam- for the body to digest ples of foods with high and takes longer to do simple carb content: so, which means that Sodas, concentrate foods that are complex juices, pastries, white carbs tend to keep you rice, white pasta, white feeling fuller for lonbread, white potatoes ger. This is great for and candies. those who are looking to lose weight withThe one exception out feeling like they’re to the idea of simple starving themselves in carbs being bad for the process. Fiber can you is that of fresh also provide a nice enfruit. Fresh fruit, such ergy boost to the body, as strawberries and so foods with commelons, are considered plex carbs make for simple carbs. Howev- great middle-of-theer, they’re all natural day snacks to help you sugars and are still rel- avoid that afternoon atively low in carbo- crash. hydrates, so there’s no problem with eating Here are some examand experimenting ples of foods with high complex carb contents: with fresh fruit daily. beans, quinoa, oats, Complex carbs dif- kamut, brown rice, fer from simple carbs Sweet potatoes, whole primarily in the sense grain or ancient grain that they’re comprised pasta/bread, whole
oats and vegetables. Some studies have also shown that complex carbs can help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Substitute complex carbs for simple carbs in moderation. HOW TO AVOID THE SIMPLE CARBS Even when you understand the difference between simple and complex carbs, making the right food choices isn’t always easy— especially when you consider the fact that nutrition labels don’t differentiate between the two. When you’re shopping at the grocery store, then, how can you be sure to load up your cart with complex carbs as opposed to simple carbs?
It’s actually quite simple! Pay attention to the ingredients and not only the nutrition facts. Foods that are higher in fiber most likely contain complex carbs, whereas those with higher sugar content (or with any “added” sugars) should probably be avoided because they contain simple carbs. Of course, everything is in moderation. From time to time, it’s not the end of the world if you indulge in a food with simple carbs. Just get right back on the wagon, and make complex carbs part of your signature meals. Natatia Gemmell personal trainer nutritionist and owner of Natatia’s on One Fitness
is a and the One
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culture
culture
culture
Perth Inside Out: Don McNaughton - The making of a three-star General Part 2: RAF Air Warfare College to
Don McNaughton is seated second from left at the RCAF General Officer Seminar in 2015.
Perth - Terry O’Hearn The story continues of the rise to the top of the Royal Canadian Air Force by Lt.-Gen. (Ret) Donald M. McNaughton, CMM, CD, who was born and raised in the former Drummond Township, just outside Perth. McNaughton took the CH-136 Kiowa course at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Portage la Prairie, and the CH-135 Twin Huey course at No. 403 Squadron, CFB Gagetown, in 1972, before going to the United Kingdom to attend the Royal Air Force (RAF) Air Warfare College for six months. While at the college he wrote a paper on Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL), and shortly thereafter would have a chance to take the controls of the remarkable “Harrier Jump Jet”. The Harrier belongs to a family of jet fighters capable of vertical/ short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) operations, originally developed by United Kingdom manufacturer Hawker Siddeley in the 1960s, and was deemed the only truly success of that design, even though it was a subsonic aircraft. McNaughton’s chance to fly the Harrier Jet came at some point in 1973, when he took to the skies with a UK instructor, after being given the basics in operating the difficult aircraft. McNaughton was handed over the controls and was able to hover steadily at 200 feet, as his inborn flying skills and past helicopter experience clicked in immediately.
The instructor was heard to wonder aloud how a pilot could get used to the flying complexities of the Harrier so quickly. It should be noted that the instructor must have had extreme confidence in the man with the controls, as already in that decade more than 20 UK Harriers had crashed. Although he enjoyed his time abroad, McNaughton was glad to be posted back to Canada in the summer of 1973, when he took command of 427 Tactical Squadron, Petawawa, during the early days of Tactical Helicopter Squadrons. Aircrew and ground crew were a mix of ex-Army, Navy and Air Force, and the aircraft complement at the time was six Huey and eight Kiowa helicopters. McNaughton recalls that Canadians used the much more powerful Huey model with twin engines, while the envious Americans had the model with a single engine driving two rotors. Promoted to colonel on July 1, 1974, he was posted to Mobile Command Headquarters as deputy Chief of Staff, Operations Support. From August, 1975 to July, 1977, he was Deputy Commander of 10 Tactical Air Group at St. Hubert, Quebec. He spent six months of that tour in Egypt as Deputy Commander of the Canadian Contingent, United Nations Emergency Force Middle East. One of McNaughton’s most vivid memories of the time was the occasion he met His Royal Highness Prince Charles. The Royal Family member visited Montreal for the Olympic Games in
July, 1976, with the rest of his family to watch the Games and to cheer his sister, Princess Anne, who was a member of British equestrian team. McNaughton recalls that Prince Charles had flown to their base at the controls of a Sea King helicopter from a Royal Navy ship. As senior airman on the base at the time, McNaughton hosted the visiting royalty in the Officer’s Mess, where they enjoyed a sandwich and soft drink together. In July, 1977 McNaughton became the base commander of CFB Winnipeg, Manitoba. After one year at Winnipeg, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general and posted to National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ) in Ottawa, where he assumed the appointment of Director General, Air Doctrine and Operations, and served there until 1981 when he returned to10 Tactical Air Group in Montreal as Commander. At that time, there were two CF-5 Squadrons, two Chinook Squadrons, plus several tactical Helicopter Squadrons. After one year in command, McNaughton was promoted to major-general in July, 1982, and posted to Air Command in Winnipeg, Manitoba as Deputy Commander. He served for three years in that position before becoming the Commander of Air Command in 1985. While serving in that position, he was appointed to the Order of Military Merit in the grade of Commander (CMM) in December, 1983.
Don and Fran McNaughton in the living room of their farmhouse, hold a studio portrait taken at the time of retirement from the Royal Canadian Air Force.
In August, 1986, McNaughton was appointed Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD), in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the top Canadian in the NORAD command structure. The creation of NORAD began in August 1, 1957, when an agreement was announced that a new organization would be formed between Canada and the United States. Soviet bombers had extended their range of operations, and also the nuclear Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) weapon had become a reality, along with continued testing of atomic bombs by the Soviets. The new approach to defence for the Cold War was to be an integrated system of defensive measures, installations and systems that would provide early warning and protection to North America in case the Soviet Union attacked. The military capabilities of the Soviet Union had remained a significant concern in the late 1980s, and 1987 turned out to be a peak year for Soviet military aircraft testing around the fringes of North America. While the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989 reduced the nuclear threat, new problems such as drug trafficking and weapons proliferation have recently presented themselves to NORAD commanders. Based in Cheyenne Mountain, outside Colorado Springs, the NORAD facility is usual-
ly referred to as “The Mountain” by locals and military personnel, and surveillance extends to the high Arctic, as well as to other strategic locations around the world. Both Canada and the U.S. are required to commit to any actions taken, and the RCAF and the USAF are effectively placed under a single command, which helps to coordinate any response or action taken on possible threats. Colorado Springs grew from the need of people with tuberculosis, who came seeking its dry climate and fresh mountain air. The town population exploded in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, with patients coming from around the world, and many large facilities were built. “The number of Canadians working as staff at ‘The Mountain’ at the time of my posting was 104, and many stayed after retirement”, McNaughton recalled. He also noted that: “Colorado Springs town people treated us really well.” McNaughton’s NORAD memories include an introduction to the earliest cellular phones. The devices at that time weighed several pounds, and he was required to have one with him at all times. “I was glad in a way when I handed over command to Bob Morton (General Robert W. Morton, CMM, CD). I just said ‘here’s the cell phone Bob’.” Ironically, Morton was a native of nearby Almonte. Retirement came in 1989, after 38 years of service and 20 family moves. The Cold War, to
which McNaughton had contributed so much of his heart and soul, would continue for two more years, as he settled in on a 200 acre farm with his wife Fran, not far from where he grew up. In retirement, he has been active in several volunteer activities, one his favourites being the Kiwanis ‘Terrific Kids’, which is a student-recognition program that promotes character development, self-esteem, and perseverance. He has also participated in various DND and Government studies, and was a member of a Government Task Force on military museums. Military honours since retirement include the position of Honorary President of the RCAF Association, and the first Honorary Colonel of RCAF 427 Squadron. In spite of the fact that it was necessary to keep the focus on his own career, McNaughton is quick to point out that his wife was a big part of what he was able to accomplish. “Fran and I were a team,” he said, “I didn’t make it all by myself. She held up to all those 20 moves.” Don McNaughton has gone about his life with little fanfare, and expecting nothing in the way of recognition. He has proved the value of leading by example, and aspiring leaders of tomorrow could learn much from examining his storied career. He has “walked the walk” in the true meaning of the phrase.
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culture
Beatles book launch award winning movie The Big Short coming to Station Theatre
Submitted - Smiths Falls Community Theatre
The official launch of The Beatles in Canada—the Origins of Beatlemania takes place in Smiths Falls on Saturday, March 12. Author Piers Hemmingsen joins Dennis Staples and a host of other notables on the stage of the Station Theatre at 7 PM for the exciting celebration. All participans are associated with the birth of The Beatles’ music
in North America at the RCA plant right here in Smiths Falls. RCA Victor Smiths Falls personnel tell their stories about the glory days; Beatles Fan Club Founder Trudy Metcalf dishes on meeting The Beatles in 1964/65; and legendary photographer Lynn Ball talks about shooting The Beatles in those same years. In addition, there’s a unique appearance by famous Capitol recording artists, The
Esquires, a short Beatles home movie, and a spot for CJET DJ Stu Patterson, who played the first pressed records in Smiths Falls. As a one night only-cash-only offer, “Thank you” editions (signed copies) of The Beatles in Canada-the Origins of Beatlemania will be available for purchase. This will be a one time price to support the Smiths Falls Library (co-sponsors with the Theatre of this wonderful pro-
motion of Smiths Falls as the birthplace of The Beatles Music in North America.) The show starts at 7.00 PM. Tickets, at $10, are available in advance at Special Greetings, 8 Russell St. E., Smiths Falls, for cash only—no credit cards, and by phone at 613-283-0300 (Visa or Mastercard only). On March 18 and 19 the lights go on again at the Station Theatre, this time for showings of the hit movie, The
Big Short. Praised by the American Film Institute as “Movie of the Year” and recent winner of an Academy Award for “Best Writing, adapted screenplay,” this comedy-drama is based on the non-fiction 2010 book by the same name about the US financial crisis triggered by the housing market credit bubble. The film stars Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt. It’s a
great film, described by the film critic in the Wall Street Journal” as “Scathing wit, joyous irreverence and brilliant boistrousness .... an improbable hit.” The movie starts at 7.30 PM. Tickets--$10 for adults, $5 for students—are sold at the door only, for cash only. Rating: 14A. And don’t forget to have your Reward Card stamped at the box office. There is no expiration date on the card, and when
Studio Theatre Perth’s farce, Self Help, will help chase the end-of-winter blahs
Hal (Lucas Tennant) argues futilely with Bernice, the maid (Jenny Pfitzer), amusing his wife. Cindy (Krista Duff)
SUBMITTED - PERTH STUDIO THEATRE Following hard on the heels of A foot – Playwright Ken Ludwig’s The Game’s Afoot, to
be precise – Studio Theatre Perth’s next fun-filled production is a farce, this time by Canada’s own beloved Norm Foster. Self
Help, penned by Foster in 2002, received rave reviews from critics when it had its world premiere with Aquarius Theatre in
Hamilton, Ontario. “You are in for a belly full of laughs… from Canada’s preeminent . . . prolific . . . and most produced comic playwright,” says one, while The Hamilton Spectator’s award-winning reviewer wrote, “Everything about this wacky Norm Foster comedy is amplified through the distorting lens of a magnificent magnifying glass.” Hal and Cindy Savage, a pair of unsuccessful actors - who happen to be a couple – love the theatre but lament their ongoing dreary existence in out-of-the-way, second-rate (or possibly fifth or sixthrate) dinner theatres. It just seems they are making neither artistic nor financial progress in their chosen profession. Cindy has an idea, inspired by a self-help book she disdainfully tosses aside, remarking that they – she and Hal – could easily transform themselves into advice gurus, given their smarts and superior acting skills. Fast forward to the Savage’s luxurious home seven years later and
we have the setting for Foster’s witty and face-paced farce, Self Help, featuring a cast of six characters, plus a “stiff ” who we never actually see in the flesh – thankfully, since it’s part of his anatomy that much of the humour revolves around – so to speak. Veteran Director David Parry, when asked what he wants audiences to take away from Self Help, did not hesitate, “It’s Canada at the tail-end of winter! We need something cheerful for us, and to give the audience a good laugh.” A farce is variously defined as a comedy that places a normal person or people in absurd and highly improbable, ludicrous and often ridiculous situations. From the rehearsal excerpt viewed last week, it is clear that this definition – enacted by the skilled comedic performances of the stellar cast – is a recipe for hilarity. Cindy and Hal Savage are played by Krista Duff and Lucas Tennant. The role of the maid Bernice, performed by Jenny Pfitzer, may be the play’s secret
scene-stealing weapon. Annette Huton is the Savage’s hard-core agent and Grey Masson and Martin Treffers round out the cast as a detective and an investigative reporter, respectively. When questioned as to what is the most rewarding aspect of working on Self Help, there was a twinkle in David Parry’s eye as he replied, “The wickedness.” During the run of this play, the Studio Theatre’s lobby art gallery will feature art works created by special needs students as part of a program called Without Exception: Exceptional Art from Beautiful Minds. Founded in 2008 by art teacher Sarah Jaynes, Without Exception highlights and shares the talents of special needs artists from all over eastern Ontario. Revenue from the sale of merchandise supports students and families in difficulty within the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario through the Good Samaritan trust fund. Visit studiot he at rep er t h.com for details.
march 2016
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culture
Special Feature: International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day
Always Dream Photography
“We have got a great support system here. We all try to help each other out” Regional -April Scott-Clarke March 8th was International Women's Day, a world-wide day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The World Economic Forum predicted in 2015 that it would take until 2133 to achieve global gender parity, a significant slowdown from the previous year’s prediction of reaching that goal by 2095. Progress may have slowed globally but prominent local women say they are not hindered by it. Michele Murphy, owner of Fall River Fashion in Perth, has been in business for 10 years and now sits on the board of the Perth BIA. She says that the majority of the board is female, which directly reflects the downtown core of business owners. But being a business owner in 2016 is about much more than your gender. “Finally, we have made such headway in the battle of the sexes that being a male or being a female in business...doesn't matter anymore,” said Murphy. “It's about being a smart business person. It's about having good business practices and it's about being good to your customers.” While businesses in down-
town Perth and Carleton Place are predominantly owned by women, Statistics Canada reports that nation-wide, only 13.5% of small businesses are solely owned by women. Statistics for women on the political landscape isn’t much different. According to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities women make up over 52% of the Canadian population but only 26% of the country's elected municipal representatives are female. Although women are gaining ground, equal representation at all levels of government is still lacking. Smiths Falls councillor Lorraine Allen is one of only two women on the seven person council and says that while she feels totally supported by the group and community, it would be nice to see more women in leadership roles. Allen applaudes Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for appointing a gender balanced cabinet, but says when it comes to women in politics, or any other leadership role, it’s more about about timing than anything else. For young women with families, finding the time needed to commit to a political or corporate leader-
Suzanne Ford is the Director of Auusm Services at Y’s Owl Maclure Co-opera-ve Centre and has over 25 years experience working with individuals and their families. Suzanne’s dedicated passion for supporrng, moovaang and advocaang for others is evidenced by her ability to connnually develop and organize programs and services for young women and men on the Auusm Spectrum, focusing on their strengths and desire to move forward. For many years Suzanne was aware of the need for services outside the city limits and seized the opportunity when it presented itself. The Owl Café. Meeeng Place is an original customized employment and life skills training program for teens, youth and young women and men on the Auusm Spectrum. Employment is an important opportunity for young women and men to build social skills, establish networks, gain self-confidence and boost self-esteem. Evening and weekend classes, workshops, opportuniies for mentoring, etc., will be offered to young women and men (ages 14 -30) on the Auusm Spectrum. The Owl Café. Meeeng Place, a unique social enterprise located at 135 Bridge St., Carleton Place.
ship role is difficult because women are still generally the primary caregivers and the ones who manage the household. Allen says for her as a retired teacher with a grown family, being in politics is much easier. Dena Comley, owner of the Granary in Carlton Place says she decided to become her own boss and start her own business when her oldest child was five months old. She wanted to work but didn’t want to be stuck in the regular 9 to 5 routine. She says a lot of the women in downtown Carleton Place have their businesses for the same reason. “It’s about lifestyle and flexibility and control,” she says. “If you are trying to juggle a family life, there is an advantage to having your own business.” Although the hours she works are no less than when she worked for someone else, she can just fit them into her day better. More than half of the businesses in downtown Carleton Place are owned by women and Comley says it’s a great environment to work in. “We have got a great support system here. We all try to help each other out. There are a lot of us here.”
Suzanne Ford
My name is Chrissy Penney, I am an amature photographer who has been in the business for 2years. Being a photographer has always been a passion of mine and I am on the right track of pursuing my Dream...
Michele Baitley, owner of Michele's Doorway To Splendour has an eye for detail that comes from her strong passion for wildlife photography. at and a love of fashion and sales has made for a winning combination in Michele’s new venture. Michele is not new to the consignment world though, she started Jewel’s Gently Used Clothing Store’s Perth location from the ground up! “I am proud to be able to provide quality women 's clothing as well as a selection of women's accessories in our newly renovated store!” When asked if she has a word of advice to other women that are considering opening a business, “You have to be fueled by passion & you need to have faith” says Michele. Visit Michele's Doorway To Splendour at 10 Beckwith St. S. in Smiths Falls. Telephone 613-283-9942 or email ralphmichele@hotmail.ca
(613) 485-0691
Michele's Doorway To Splendour
march 2016
19
culture
Interval House a service for all women escaping violence Regional-April Scott-Clarke The recent incident in Almonte, Ont. that resulted in the death of Mississippi Mills councillor Bernard Cameron as he tried to protect his daughter from a former partner spurred numerous calls to the crisis line of Lanark County Interval House (LCIH). The murders of three women in Wilno, Ont. late last year had a similar effect. “The Wilno murders really hit home for the women,” says Brianne Luckasavitch, Public Education Coordinator and Family Court Support Worker for LCIH. “They often say they are going to be killed, so when that happens, the worry changes. We are still feeling [the pressure] from the incidents of the last few weeks.” LCIH provides support and services, including shelter to women and children, who are trying to escape violence. Between April 1, 2015 and December 1, 2015 the agency fielded 1,421 crisis calls from women in Lanark County — that’s approximately six calls
a day. And that number only accounts for those who have the courage to pick up the phone and ask for help. “Our services are stretched thin, but it’s the idea that 1,421 women in our county are calling,” says Luckasavitch. “That’s concerning. [The need] is always increasing. What is happening in 2016 that we can’t get our hands on this problem.” During that same time period the organization sheltered 86 women and children, worked with 348 women and 71 children in the outreach program, made over 500 safety plans, helped 68 women through the court support program and provided 1,200 counselling hours. When people think of Interval House they often assume it’s for women who are victims of domestic violence, but Luckasavitch says they have programs available for any women who feel threatened. Unfortunately, many of the services that the organization provides are not funded by the government — the volunteer program for instance, or
public education — so Interval House has to fundraise to cover those programs. One initiative is the Good As New Store located in Carleton Place. The store has a dual purpose. It provides gently used items for resale to the community, and since the store is entirely run by volunteers, all the money raised goes back into programs at Interval House. It also acts as the “closet” for the women and children who have turned to Interval House for support. They are able to shop at the store using gift certificates to get the items they need for themselves and their children. The organization holds several fundraisers as well, the next one being the Women’s March MeTreat spa day and lunch at Tay River Reflections in Perth on March 20. You can get more information online at www.lcih.org or by calling Pam at 613257-3469 ext. 27. “[Violence] happens in our community all the time,” Luckasavitch says. “And it’s still, in the eyes of many, a closed door issue.”
Donna Dillman
About Donna Donna Dillman is the proud owner of Circa 1894 Bed & Breakfast and Day Spa. For 4 decades, she has been an entrepreneur, having owned a pet store, a B&B, a general store, a guest house and a farm. In 1999, she began working as an energy healer, which eventually led to her work as a life coach. She walked the Camino in 2010. Donna's partner, Cam Allen, renovated the former United Church in Watson’s Corners (NW of Lanark), turning the Sunday School into a B&B, as well as adding the Spa addition, plus 1000 sq ft of decks on three levels. The public can visit Circa 1894 Day Spa by the hour or longer and, at no additional charge, B&B guests get to enjoy all that the adult only Spa has to offer. The B&B portion of Circa 1894 boasts 2 guest rooms and, for the exclusive use of our B&B guests, a sitting area, fireplace, satellite large screen TV, kitchenette, 3 pc. bath. $125/ per room. The Spa offers 2 hot tubs, a cool/cold tub and a Finnish Sauna outside and 2 FAR Infra-red saunas and a quiet room inside, for the thermo-therapy experience (hot, cold, relax, repeat, repeat), as well as a therapy room. Massage/Reiki available by appointment. Robes, Foot Baths, Inversion Table, Afternoon Tea available. The Spa is open daily to the public, by appointment, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. $20/hour; $30/2 hrs; $40/4 hrs; $50/Day Pass. Various packages, memberships and Gift Certificates available or book your private party. Come Pamper Yourself, today! Circa1894.ca Mention this Women’s Day ad and "Bring a Friend to the Spa for Free" during the month of March.
Dr. Natalie Bernicky, DC
Dr. Bernicky was raised in Jasper, attended SFDCI and is married with one daughter. She completed her unde undergraduate degree at Carleton University in 2007 and Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 2012. After practicing in the Ottawa region she is excited to return to her hometown and has recently joined the team at Smiths Falls Family Chiropractic. Dr. Natalie looks forward to helping families with their health and wellness journey. Her special chi chiropractic interests are in acupuncture, pregnancy and pediatrics.
march 2016
20
Business spotlight on business:
Smiths Falls Transmission
“Regular maintenance is key to protecting your automotive investment”
Staff at Smiths Falls Transmission, from left, are Brad Webster, owner Barry Webster, and Bart Schultz. Photo Credit:Chris Must
smiths falls - Chris Must After more than 40 years of repairing transmissions, Smiths Falls Transmission owner Barry Webster has some sage advice for car owners, “Maintenance is the key to any vehicle lasting.” According to Webster, one side effect of the heavy computerization in modern vehicles is a lack of warning signs that a system may be about to fail. “Computers compensate for any irregularities in the transmission, so regular check-ups are the only way they’re going to find out,” said Webster. “Kind of like going to the doctor.” Smiths Falls Transmission, located at 149 Lombard St., is run by a close-knit staff of three: Webster, his son Brad, and Bart Schultz, a technician with 25 years of experience working in both large and small shops. Brad, 24, became a licenced technician two years ago following a five-year apprenticeship. He tried some other trades after high school, but decided the family business was where he wanted to be. “We’re very lucky that we do get along,” said
Webster. “We have very, very few problems.” Webster, originally from Ottawa but now living on his g r e a t - g r a n d f a t h e r ’s farm at Gillies Corners, said he was first drawn to the transmission business because it was a highly specialized field that many automotive technicians chose to avoid. Continuing to work in the field requires constant training for all staff to stay current with emerging technology, and requires the business to have with the most up-to-date equipment. Webster said that at the last training seminar he attended he was told that “the changes we’ve seen in the last 15 years, you’re going to see in five.” In the future, he added, “You’re going to have a rolling computer.” Staff at Smiths Falls Transmission carry out a wide range of repairs besides fixing transmissions. “The reason we do general repairs is because the vehicle systems are all integrated, so we have to know the whole vehicle,” said Webster. A failure in the engine, anti-lock brakes, traction control or stabilization control
can affect the performance of a transmission but it doesn’t necessarily mean a new transmission is needed. Advances in technology have made vehicles safer and more reliable, said Webster, but they have also made problems more difficult to diagnose and increased the need for regular maintenance. “Just because your vehicle is fine doesn’t mean it doesn’t need maintenance,” he added. Smiths Falls Transmission offers a very personal service, said Webster. “When they walk in here, they are talking to the owner,” he said. “They’re talking to the person who’s going to make the decisions.” The company has been operating for 17 years and is now in its third location on Lombard Street — the thoroughfare on which most of Smiths Falls’ car dealerships and automotive supply stores are located. Webster said he is keeping future plans for the business simple: “The only plan we have is to always be on top of our game, for ourselves and our customers.”
As Good As New thrift store celebrates 35 years
Carleton Place - Dianne Pinder-Moss
The As Good As New (AGAN) thrift store in Carleton Place had its origins in 1981 through the generosity of the community and continues to thrive through this same community support. At the time, Lanark County Interval House (LCIH) was receiving more donations than they could use so the decision was made to start up a store. Able to purchase a building at what Martin calls “a very reasonable price,” the AGAN opened at 33 Bridge St. in Carleton Place, which has been its home ever since. “The store evolved from the generosity of the community, through their donations of clothing and other items to the women and children at (Lanark County) Interval House,” said Valerie Martin, the committee chair for the AGAN store since 2014. “The support of this community for women and children seeking shelter from violence and abuse has been enormous.” As its name suggests, the store accepts donations of clean and gently used clothing from newborn to plus sizes, jewellery, footwear, small housewares, décor items, books, DVDs and CDs. While every item donated is treasured, there have been some treasures that truly stand out. “We have received some very interesting items, including some Caribou Tufting Inuit art,” Martin explained. “It’s very rare now and an art form at risk of dying.” Other items of interest have included a set of gold trimmed vintage dishes, and a silver tea service that was sold on Kijiji. Likewise, last summer, the AGAN received a couple of original oil paintings done by an artist in Belleville. “One of our volunteers contacted a gallery in Belleville and they purchased the paintings from us,” Martin said. Along with items donated by the public, the AGAN is appreciative of its merchant supporters. These include the Carleton Place Giant Tiger store and some of the consignment stores in the region such as Jo’s Clothes in Perth and
Kidzsignments in Smiths Falls. “It means so much…,” Martin stated. “It is helping us achieve our targets.” Thirty-five years is a long time for any business to be in operation, let alone a thrift store. A major reason for the success of the AGAN, as Martin is quick to point out, is its volunteers. “The success of the AGAN is wholly attributable to the hard work and the dedication of our volunteer force over the course of its 35 years in operation, as well as the leadership of a succession of dynamic women along the way,” she noted. There is currently a roster of approximately 45 volunteers, some of whom have been giving their time to the store for 20 years or more. Liz Webster is one of those individuals. When she moved here from Ottawa two decades ago, she started volunteering at AGAN at the suggestion of her sister Joan Perkins who recently died and was the volunteer coordinator of LCIH for many years. While Webster jokes that she had only intended volunteering “temporarily,” what kept her coming back was her enjoyment of the work. “I enjoy the people I work with,” she said. AGAN is an important source of funding for LCIH as 100 per cent of the profits from the store go directly to the shelter. In 2015, the store contributed $60,000 to LCIH, which as Martin says, is a lot of items sold. “I think this year we are on target to donate $70,000, which is wonderful,” she remarked. And it is support that is greatly appreciated, according to LCIH executive director Erin Lee. “Shelters were built by
volunteers long before the notion of formalized funding, safety planning and extensive security systems,” she said. “Volunteers enhance and enrich all areas of the work of LCIH.” In the case of the AGAN, Lee says the store supports the programs and services of the agency, as well as often engaging “with community members who may need our support and has been a constant in our foundation as we have evolved.” “Without their leadership, business sense and dedication, we would face more serious funding issues as we do our best to respond to an ever growing need in our county,” she said. In the last year alone, Lee reports that LCIH responded to more than 1,500 crisis calls, welcomed just over 100 women and their children to the shelter and offered support to more than 400 women and children/youth through its outreach services and programs. Cathie McOrmond, project manager for the Carleton Place BIA, says the BIA is proud to have the AGAN store in the heart of the downtown. “The store supports a great cause and, at the same time, draws people from all over to shop and dine downtown,” she remarked. “AGAN is an active participant in many downtown events and is eager to support other local merchants. The store volunteers offer fabulous fun and friendly service every day. Congratulations to Interval House’s AGAN store for 35 years in business!” As AGAN looks ahead to the next 35 years, Martin anticipates that the store will “just keep doing what we are doing because it is working.”
Valerie Martin models a designer jacket, one of the many finds at the AGAN
march 2016
21
business
the
VALUE
of advice Shawn Pankow CFP.CLU Surviving the financial cost of a serious illness smiths Falls - Shawn Pankow CFP, CLU News of serious illness travels fast, especially in a small community and it seems like every week brings another diagnosis; another friend, family member or colleague is facing a battle for their life. Those stricken represent a real cross section of our community, and as a community we share in the battle. We provide love and compassion. We open our wallets and try to assist with the loss of income and the rising medical expenses. Many step up and help care for kids or other family members, while others help with transportation and other needs. However, despite all of the love and support, the battle against a life-threatening illness can also be financially devastating. A recent study in Manitoba confirmed that cancer leaves many families so financially crippled, they never recover. Financial Hardship of Cancer in Canada: A Call for Action paints a picture of how Manitobans cope with a cancer diagnosis. The three year study by the Canadian Cancer Action Network (CCAN) and the Canadian Cancer Society, Manitoba Division found that nine-in-ten families touched by cancer are financially disadvantaged, and in some cases true hardship is experienced as they are hit by a perfect storm of increasing costs and declining income. “What we found was that when Manitobans are diagnosed with cancer, their struggle is often financial as well as medical,’’ said Pam King, chair of CCAN Manitoba. “We heard heart-breaking stories of financial devastation – sometimes affecting three generations in a single family. Some families are pushed so far that they never regain their financial footing, even after they’ve beaten this disease.”
Teresa Solta was one of those Manitobans. The self-employed accountant owned a successful business when the youngest of her four daughters was diagnosed with cancer of the spinal cord. As a single mother, she immediately reduced her business activity so she could take care of her daughter full-time. Two years later she was diagnosed with leukemia and had to stop work completely. “Within a year’s time, I went from having a thriving business with employees to having to declare bankruptcy,’’ Solta says. “I lost my home. The five of us moved in temporarily with my parents in a two bedroom apartment. It was hard to hear my daughter say, ‘Mom, I never thought we’d be homeless.’” Although this example is from Manitoba, the financial impact of cancer and other serious illnesses is just as evident in Ontario. This is why I believe almost everyone should own critical illness insurance – a type of insurance that can provide the money needed to survive the financial impact of a life-threatening illness. None of us want to imagine how our lives would change if we or a loved one were diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness. Out of town medical appointments, countless tests and procedures, admission to hospital, all become a regular part of life. Pain, fatigue and numerous other side effects make life difficult. The emotional and mental burden of the illness can be overwhelming, even without having to worry about the financial impact. Increased medical expenses, new and expensive medications, gas, parking and meal expenses when out of town for treatment. You can’t work, you lose income. Your spouse becomes your primary caregiver and also has to give up earnings to do so. Sud-
denly, a budget that never seemed to be enough before becomes impossible to balance. Your employer is understanding but can’t keep paying you and can’t hold your job. Eventually, your health is restored, but your financial security is a mess. You borrowed on lines of credit, credit cards and maybe from friends and family. Critical illness insurance pays a lump sum, tax free benefit based on the diagnosis of a covered condition. All plans pay as a result of life-threatening cancer, heart attack and stroke. Most also pay for up to 20 additional conditions including multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, early onset of Alzheimer’s, paralysis, Parkinson’s Disease and so many more. However, over 90% of claims, and every claim my clients have experienced, has been cancer or a heart attack. Critical illness insurance can help you preserve your financial security, so you can focus on getting healthy again. It can pay your mortgage or rent, cover utility costs, groceries and so much more. It can make sure you have the money needed to pay for the additional medical expenses and can pay the costs if you need to travel outside of Canada to get the medical treatment. None of us are immune to life-threatening illnesses. None of us know if, or when, our family we be forced to put everything on hold to focus all we have on helping someone we love get better. Speak with a financial advisor to learn more about critical illness insurance and how it can remove some worry and provide vital financial security needed when it is needed most. Shawn Pankow is a Certified Financial Planner with Pankow Financial Solutions Ltd. in Smiths Falls.
march 2016
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business
spotlight on small business Pitch your business to the media Written by Canada Business Ontario
Have you considered pitching a story idea about your business to a local newspaper, a magazine or a trade journal? In a competitive marketplace it is wise to consider all forms of advertising to help promote your product or service. Having your business mentioned in an article or on social media (remember, journalists use social media as a tool as well) can help you reap benefits and attract new customers. A pitch is different from a press release. A press release announces something newsworthy like the launch of a new product or an event. The style is more formal and it can usually be used as is. A pitch, however, is a story idea that you are trying to persuade a journalist to write about. The pitch is more informal, like writing a letter. Think
tax time
of it as a written elevator pitch. Journalists receive hundreds of pitches by email, so how do you get yours to stand out? First, start by finding the right people or publications. If you have a snow removal business, you may not want to pitch your idea to a food magazine. Do some research and know what various journalists specialize in and the type of articles they write. How to write your pitch: -Your pitch should tell a story and not be just about selling your product or service. -Pitch one idea at a time. -The pitch should be short and concise and have an angle that the journalist or publication would be interested in. -Put yourself in the journalist’s shoes and think what the target audience would want to read about. -Can you relate your
story to an event that is in the news? Does your product or service fit into a seasonal theme such as Valentine’s Day? Does your snow removal business have a weather-related story? -Your angle should be something that would pique the journalist’s interest enough that he or she will want to contact you. -Remember the 5 Ws — who, what, when, where and why — when preparing your pitch. -Make sure to add your website and contact information to your pitch. Pitching to the media requires research, an interesting story or angle and patience! Learn more about ways to reach customers through the use of public and media relations and creative thinking. Submitted by the Small Business Advisory Centre in Smiths Falls, Ontario.
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 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.
Canada Revenue Agency is Embracing the Digital Revolution
Submitted-Steve Bennett Senior Tax Professional H&R Block
Although it’s not generally the most loved organization, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has been working hard to make life easier for Canadian taxpayers – at least those taxpayers that are technologically savvy. This year, the CRA’s e-Services department has rolled out a number of enhancements. These new or upgraded services are providing taxpayers with convenient and timely access to their tax information. My Account My Account is a website that has been available for a number of years and allows taxpayers to perform a vari-
ety of tasks such as viewing income tax and benefit returns, monitoring upcoming payments, submitting adjustment requests, and updating personal information. Some of this functionality is also available through CRA’s mobile app, MyCRA. Online Mail If you are interested in going green, you have the option of stopping most mail from the Canada Revenue Agency. You can elect to do this when preparing your income tax return or at any time through My Account. Once you make this election, instead of receiving a hard-copy by mail, you would receive a notification by email whenever new mail becomes available to view
on My Account. For security reasons, no private information or links are contained within any email from CRA. Auto-fill My Return This February, Auto-fill My Return (AFR) was launched. If it is supported by your software, AFR connects your tax preparation software to CRA and downloads tax data directly into your income tax return. To use this service, you must be set up for My Account. Once you provide your login credentials, various tax slips and other information from CRA is downloaded directly into your software. The direct transfer of tax data from CRA into your tax software should help reduce data entry errors and avoid missing tax slips.
With those changes, we hope that taxpayers will suffer from fewer penalties and interest charges resulting from errors and omissions. Of course, there are many deductions and credits that will still have to be entered manually, but this is definitely a step in the right direction. Fraudulent Emails and Phone Calls In this day and age, unfortunately, it seems like a discussion about digital services cannot be complete without a discussion about security. There seems to be an ever-increasing number of emails and phone calls from fraudsters. If you receive an email or phone call advising about a bill at CRA, CRA advises that you veri-
fy with them directly either through My Account or over the phone at 1-800-9598281. If you use the services of a professional tax preparer and have authorized them as your representative, they should be able to look into any concerns as well. 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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A qualifying client is defined as an individual who paid another tax preparer in 2015 to prepare their 2014 tax year return (did not use H&R Block tax services). To participate in this offer an original (no copies) receipt must be presented, which includes the name or company name of the tax preparer, your name, the date and amount paid. For Canadian T1 and U.S. personal income tax return preparation only. If the client’s discount results in a charge that is higher than that of the regular H&R Block invoice, then the lower price will be charged and the 50% off offer is not qualified. Valid at participating H&R Block offices only. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Excludes Cash Back. No cash value. Offer valid March 7 – April 17, 2016. Payment must be received by close of business on April 17, 2016 to qualify. Subject to $70 minimum total charge. Maximum discount value of $2,000. GST/HST are not included.
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Local Artist Leah Hick’s Vernissage at Harmony Gallery in Smiths Falls Smiths Falls - Kathy Botham
Local artist Leah Hick’s displays her contemporary abstract artwork at Harmony Gallery on Russell Street in Smiths Falls. Owner Betty Compton dedicated this space until April for the community to view Leah’s work.
Leah, who has been painting professionally for 8 years has travelled with her work and will continue. She is happy to be in her hometown sharing her talents with her community.
Harmony Gallery Owner Betty Compton (left) with Leah Hicks (right) Photo Credit-Kathy Botham