Vol. 3 No. 4
YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER - LANARK, NORTH LEEDS & GRENVILLE
Westport family vineyard and winery hopes to become a tourist destination
westport - chris must “We were told that we were crazy…and at times we wondered if they were right” says Allison Scheuermann, reflecting on her family’s five-year odyssey into wine making. Apart from Prince Edward County, Eastern Ontario isn’t known for its vineyards. But that may be about to change. Crazy or not, Francois and Allison Scheuermann can be justly proud of the three varieties of wine they have successfully produced at their Westport vineyard and winery after five years of hard work. Just over six acres of the Scheuermanns’ 20-acre property at the north edge of Westport are planted with grapevines. Their plans originated (over a glass of wine) in 2010, when they were discussing what do with some unused
fields on the property they had purchased the previous year. In 2011, they planted 1,000 vines: 500 Chardonnay and 500 Pinot noir grape plants. The planting began as an experiment to see how the plants would cope with the local winters. The grapes were picked before ripening for the first three years to strengthen the plants
and their root systems. The vines have to be covered with earth all winter to protect them. Francois, a Swisstrained chef and entrepreneur who also markets a line of “Chef Francois” seasoning spice, decided to seek out a mentor to help him learn the key elements of making and marketing wine. He was looking for “someone who’s making good wine locally, and with the time and expertise to invest in us.” That mentor turned out to be Norman Hardie, proprietor of the Norman Hardie Winery in Prince Edward County. Francois volunteered to help with the harvest at Hardie’s winery in 2010, offering to work free in return for some coaching. “You put your time in and I’ll teach you along
the way,” Hardie told Francois. For the next several years, Francois spent each harvest at the Hardie winery learning the ropes, and he and Hardie became close friends. Finally after three years the Scheuermanns’ test plot produced fruit for one barrel of Chardonnay. “We were so excited,” recalled Allison. “We’re happy with what’s coming from the ground here.” Although this area’s short growing season limits the types of wine that can be produced here, the Scheuermanns produced 400 cases of Pinot noir and Chardonnay from their own grapes. Juice from grapes grown in Niagara region was also shipped in to produce Reisling. An expert opinion on how these wines
taste was provided by Brian Preston in an article for the National Capital Sommelier Guild. After a visit to the Scheuermann Vineyard & Winery last fall, Preston described the 2014 Riesling as “bright and pale yellow with a nose of light lemon citrus; pure fruit with a medium light body.” Preston also wrote that the 2014 Chardonnay was “French oak barrel aged, pale golden in colour with a beautiful light nose of butter when still in the glass, but when swirled, the fruity nose emerges giving lemon, some vanilla and a touch of tropical fruit.” The Chardonnay, he added, “reflects the soil and youth of the vines, but the wine is well made.” continued on page 11
MAY 2016
Inside This Issue
Food & Drink SEE OUR STORIES PAGE 11
Community Smiths Falls Healthy Living Festival
PAGE 8
business Mrs. McGarrigles Fine Foods
PAGE 22
Culture Franktown Lilac Festival Celebrates 21 Years
PAGE 20
FIND US ONLINE Facebook/DiscoverPerth Facebook/DiscoverCarletonPlace Aerial view of the Scheuermann Vineyard & Winery in Westport Ontario. Photo Credit : Scheuermann Vineyard & Winery
Facebook/DiscoverSmithsFalls
May 2016
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Page Two
Community Events Smiths Falls May 6 Smiths Falls Firefighters’ Association Fish Fry 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Smiths Falls Fire Hall
May 7-8
Smiths Falls Home & Living Expo 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. County Fair Mall
May 13
Sean McCann Sings 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. Station Theatre
May 14-15
Art Journey Show & Sale 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Smiths Falls Memorial Centre
May 19 & 26
Cruise-In Night 6 p.m. Walmart on Lombard Street
May 21-22
Train Rides 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Railway Museum
May 26
Historical Society Meeting 7 p.m. Heritage House Museum
May 27-28
Movie Night: A Royal Night Out 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Perth May 7
St.. Paul’s Kilts in the Church Show 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. St. Paul’s United Church
May 10
Horticultural Society Meeting 7:30 p.m. St. Paul’s United Church
May 12
BIA Spring Social Crystal Palace
May 7
May 13
Lanark Trades Tournament 4 p.m. Elliot Street Clinic
May 15
Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony 3 p.m. Studio Theatre
May 20-22
Ontario Town Crier Championships 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Perth Fairground
May 26-28
All Ontario Vehicle Rescue Challenge 7 a.m. – 5p.m. Perth Fairground
May 27
Relay For Life 2016 St. John Roman Catholic High School
May 28
Drummond/North Elmsley Heritage Day Municipal Office on Elmsley Road
May 28
Perth Day Tennis Club Opens House 9 a.m. Tennis Courts at Conlon Farm
May 28
Shelterbox Charity Fundraising Benefit 8 p.m. Perth Legion
Every Saturday
Perth Farmer’s Market 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tay Basin Parking Lot
Carleton Place May 7
Free Comic Book Day 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Downtown Carleton Place
World Labyrinth Day 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Community Labyrinth
May 18
Information Night for Caregivers 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. 6 Arthur Street
May 28
Wine’d Around Downtown 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Local restaurants.
Merrickville May 7
Annual Community Garage Sale Throughout Merrickville
May 15
Pop Broadway Hits by the North renville Concert Choir 7:30 p.m. Holy Trinity Church
May 17
Buy & Bring Plant Sale Location TBA
May 28
Merrickville Goes Green Eco Fair Community Centre
Mississippi Mills May 6-8
Art in the Attic Sale Agriculture Hall
May 7
Mother’s Day Tea 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Lanark Regional Museum
May 21
Farmers Market Opening Day 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Public Library Parking Lot
May 22
Queen’s 90th Birthday Royalty Tea 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Lanark Regional Museum
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EditoR April Scott-Clarke editorial@pdgmedia.ca
From the Editor...
Spring in small towns is amazing. The summer outdoor sports are starting up and no matter what sport you or your family members play, the sidelines conversation provides a great opportunity to catch up on the social aspects of life and find out what we missed over the winter while we were hibernating in our homes. And of course, spring means farmers markets — these are always great places to connect with community members and support our local entrepreneurs. In this issue of HomeTown News you’ll find a little more food and drink information as we try to highlight all the great tastes that come from Lanark County. On
page Tk you’ll learn more about 4 Degrees Brewing Company, a local craft beer maker; and on page TK, about Miller’s Bay farm and their bountiful baskets program that will keep you stocked with locally grown fresh veggies for most of the year. Also, did you know that Lanark County has some excellent wineries? On page TK you’ll learn about the Scheurmann Vineyard and Winery and what makes their wine unique. Or course, food and drink isn’t all we have in this issue. We still have our staples — true community news, local events, and columns from those you’ve grown to love. Speaking of growing... our little paper is doing just that! We are looking for more contributors from our communities to help up represent all of Lanark County. If you have an event coming up, if your sports team is having a fundraiser or if you know of a unique person or business — get in touch with us. We’d love to feature these stories in the pages of our printed
edition and on our website as well (which will also be changing soon so, have an eye out for that!). As I said, the sense of community really comes alive in the spring and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the outpouring of support this community has shown for those who lost their homes in the Robinson Avenue fire in late April. There is a crowdsourcing campaign on GoFundMe.com for anyone who would like to make a monitory donaition. Just go to GoFundMe.com, search “Smiths Falls” and you’ll find the campaign without issue. Also, if you have household items you’d like to donate, call 613-2848380. The Salvation Army is accepting donations for the victims and Lanark Victims Services are coordinating relief efforts. We hope you get out to one of the many events happening in May to kick off your spring. And if you do, don’t forget to send us a photo to editorial@pdgmedia.ca! April Scott-Clarke Managing Editor HomeTown News
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
May 2016
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community Ticks and Lyme Disease… What you ne e d to k now Regional-Submitted Remember to be tick smart! As day time temperatures rise above 4°C, ticks become active. If bitten by a tick, you may be at risk of getting Lyme disease. Taking the following precautions will help to reduce your risk: · Dressing in light coloured clothing makes adult ticks and nymphs (small stage of the tick), easier to see when they are on you as they are darker in colour. · Always remember to do a tick check when you return inside. · Thoroughly check your body for ticks and nymphs and promptly remove and dispose of them. · Have someone check you from behind
if possible or you can take a quick shower to help remove any unattached ticks. · Putting your clothes in a hot dryer for several minutes has been found to kill ticks. It is important to know that not all ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Lyme disease transmission depends on the length of time the infected tick is attached. Ticks that are removed quickly and have been attached for less than 24 hours are not likely to transfer the bacteria. However if the tick has been attached for longer than 24 hours you maybe at an increased risk and it is recommended that you consult your health care provider. Tick specimens are
not used for diagnosis of disease so they are no longer accepted at the Health Unit. Lyme disease symptoms can range from a bulls eye rash around the bite area, to headache, fever and muscle/joint pain. Consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. For more information about ticks and Lyme disease: Visit http://www. healthunit.org/hazards/documents/lyme. htm Call the Health Unit’s Health ACTION Line at 1-800- 660-5853 Email us at contact@ heathunit.org Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter (@LGLHealthunit) for important public health updates
Smiths Falls Downtown Business Association to host Farmers’ Market
Smiths Falls - Submitted The Smiths Falls Downtown Business Association (DBA) is excited to announce the anticipated opening of the Smiths Falls Farmers’ Market on Saturday, June 4, 2016. DBA Chair, Patricia Krotki, explained that farmers’ markets are an important tool in creating a welcoming gathering place for visitors and residents in a community. “The market will not only be a showcase for the many farms and artisans in the local area, but will also be an economic driver that invites people to the downtown area,” Krotki stressed, “We’re looking forward to including the market among our other vibrant downtown businesses.” The market, which
will be located on Russell St. W at the intersection of Beckwith St. N, will run from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm starting Saturday June 4 to Oct. 15, inclusive. The location, outside Davidson’s Courtyard (7 Russell St. W.), is currently home to a variety of vendor stalls that have been successful in the past. During market hours we are hoping to close off to vehicular traffic in order to facilitate a safer, pedestrian environment. Krotki explained it is anticipated that the market will aid in the revitalization of the community through the attraction of tourists and visitors. Farmers’ markets are a common sight in most Ontario municipalities, and Krotki said she’s pleased Smiths Falls will rejoin those ranks, with an of-
feringdowntown. “We want people to see downtown as a place to come to shop, whether it’s for decorative paint, clothing, dining or fresh produce,” Krotki said, “This will help create a welcoming environment for visitors and an opportunity to wander and explore.” The Smiths Falls Farmers’ Market Committee is currently accepting applications from farmers and primary producers wishing to participate. Vendors of fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, artisanal food products, and crafts are invited to submit an application Interested vendors can email DBA Coordinator, Nicola Thomson, at dba@smithsfalls.ca or call 613-283- 4124 ext. 1114 for more information. Retaining Walls Stone Steps Interlocking Stone Fences & Decks Lawn Maintenance Trees & Shrubs Free Estimates
613-285-4492 www.green-acres.ca
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Perth Inside Out: Perth Has Knowhow For Staging World Class Events Perth - Terry O’Hearn The mechanism behind the many successful events in the Town of Perth is more than just a well-oiled machine, according to those who are involved in these affairs. Shannon Baillon, director of community services for the Town of Perth, believes this community is blessed with a core group of volunteers who can think for themselves, dare to dream, and can adapt to a changing world. In short, it would seem Perth has an abundant supply of leaders, supported by a well-qualified and hard-working town staff. Baillon explained, “A lot of the events are run by community groups who are very creative and energetic. It is a combination of these groups and the support from the Town of Perth. That combination makes for great success.”
The year 2016 has a schedule that surpasses previous years. The fourday Stewart Park Festival from July 14 to July 17 is followed the next weekend by a total of five 200th anniversary sanctioned events, including Dry Stone Wall Festival, Homecoming Weekend (featuring Blue Rodeo), Canadian Stone Carving Festival, PDCI Reunion, and Challengers Ball Tournament. And, Outlandish Canada Gathering brings another fourday event to Perth from July 29 to August 1. But another busy and important weekend coming soon is the third weekend in May, when Settler’s Trek will arrive at the Tay Basin, and the Perth Regional Heritage Fair, coordinated by John McKenty, takes place at the Legion. No one seems to think of 2016 without the name of Cathy James of the Perth 200th Anniversary Com-
mittee coming to mind. Together with husband, Toby James, the duo has received praise all around for the results achieved in publicizing events throughout the year. Officially there are 192 200th sanctioned events for 2016. More information is available on the www. perth200.ca website. Major events are a mix of town initiatives, some created by a committee of council, and events staged by volunteer organizations and clubs. Karen Fox, special events coordinator, echoed Baillon’s thoughts, noting, “Perth is a beautiful town with great facilities, such as Stewart Park and the Crystal Palace. The Palace is booked this year except for two weekends. It’s the great imagination and fierceness of the volunteers, who are always keen to make things happen.” Karen Rennie, Heritage Tourism Manager/Curator, has long been involved with local events, both in
assisting with organization, and providing a welcome environment for visitors. Rennie said, “Perth Tourism is pleased to partner with the many community groups to enhance tourism in the Town of Perth. It is truly a team effort and we appreciate the dedication and teamwork on the many events that happen in Perth.” In addition to administrative advice and support, there are community grants available for new events. These grants are relatively small, but are usually sufficient seed money to get things started. The only string attached to the grant is that a post-project report is required as part of the agreement. Many town facilities can also be rented at reasonable costs, and Mayor John Fenik, Deputy Mayor John Gemmell, and council members make every effort to attend an event when invited.
Some of those involved with perth events gathered in their favorite places, TOP: Shannon Baillon. IN FRONT, left to right: Karen Fox, Cathy James and Karen Rennie. Photo Credit: Terry O‘Hearn
It’s clear why the town has gained an international reputation, and the future looks bright when organizers can feed off all the past success. In spite of the hectic
schedule already in place for this year, town and organizers alike are already looking ahead to 2017, and planning for Canada’s 150th anniversary.
Catholic Schoolboard Partnering with Muskoka Language International
Regional - Submitted
“Host Families Needed” Muskoka Language International(MLI) Homestay is hoping families in the Perth, Smiths Falls and Carleton Place area will look forward to welcoming our Japanese student visitors into their families. Approximately 100 host families are needed to open their homes to a cultural sharing experience for 14-year old Japanese girls and 17-18 year old Japanese boys/girls visiting Lanark County. Host Families could in-
clude a single host, retired couple, large or small families - All families offer a unique experience! Students from Denenchofu Gauken area in Japan arrive July 29-August 11, 2016. Families with an adult home during the day are best to host this group. Students from Ritsumeiken Uji Highschool arrive August 16-27, 2016. These students attend an organized program at Carleton Place Highschool during the day. Busing is available from Perth, Smiths Falls and Kanata.
MLI Homestay has been bringing Japanese students to communities across Ontario to showcase Canadian cultural, language and homestay experiences that won’t be forgotten. “It is a great way to share Canadian and Japanese culture”. Amy Cassidy, MLI Homestay Coordinator, explains. “The host families are like Canadian ambassadors showing the students the Canadian way of life.” Compensation is provided to the host family. However, MLI hopes potential hosts look at it
more as an opportunity to meet and share friendships which live far beyond the end of the visit. “It can be a real bonding experience … They just enjoy being in a Canadian family and experiencing how we live … They go away from it with a better understanding of Canadians,” she said. “It is a great way to share Canadian culture, our open hearts and [share] our generosity.” Anyone interested in hosting students can contact: JoAnn Campbell at jcampbell@mliesl.com or call at 613-264- 8843
Andress YIG Garden Centre officially open for the season Regional - Submitted The Garden Centre at Andress’ Your Independent Grocer on Ferrara Drive in Smiths Falls is getting ready for this year’s gardening season. The out buildings have been resurrected and staff has been diligently putting the displays together with plants, flowers and all the needs a gardener requires to get started. The outdoor garden centre officially opened on April 29 and will be stocked until early July. “The centre will be ready long before May’s
long weekend, which typically is designated for avid gardeners to get started,” said Your Independent’s Brian Conlon. “It will also have many ideas for Mother’s Day to give that lady on her special day.” Conlon said one of the more popular items around Mother’s Day are the mini roses they have at the garden centre. At $4.99 in a fourinch pot, you can’t go wrong. “We’ll have them for Mother’s Day and we will get some more in just after the May long weekend,” he said.
And of course, hanging baskets are plentiful. You can get 11-inch baskets for $14.99 each or two for $28. If you prefer larger, they also have 13-inch baskets available — $24.99 each or two for $45. “There is a little bit of a savings when you buy two,” Conlon explained. The garden centre has annuals, perennials, shrubs, cedar mulch and soils as well. It’s open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and then from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday.
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MPAC property large part of PSB meeting Regional - Dianne Pinder-Moss OPP Superintendent Marc Bedard acknowledged that property counts used in billing municipalities for police services had been a hot item in the media. And it was a hot topic of discussion at the annual general meeting for Zone 2 (Eastern Ontario) of the Ontario Association of Police Services Boards (OAPSB) held recently in Perth. When Bedard, who is the commander of the Municipal Policing Bureau, completed his presentation at the April 15 meeting at the Crystal Palace, the first question asked was on this very subject. Brian Campbell, the deputy reeve of Tay Valley Township, said the figures used by the OPP, which are based on Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) property counts from 2014, showed that there were 118 new properties in the township whereas only 31 could be accounted for in the township’s calculations. “Assuming we win this battle at MPAC, will we receive a rebate from the OPP?” Campbell asked, who is a member of the township’s Police Services Board (PSB). The response from Bedard was that the OPP take the numbers provided by MPAC and go from there. In a telephone interview following the meeting, Campbell said that the unsubstantiated 87 new property counts represents a $19,000 hit alone for Tay Valley in its policing costs. And the municipality is not alone. This is an issue for all of the municipalities that are part of the Rural Mayor’s Forum of Eastern Ontario (RMFEO). “Of the 14, everyone has discrepancies in the figures that MPAC provided to the OPP,” he said. This is the second year of a five-year phase-in of the new provincial funding formula for the OPP, which splits policing costs between base costs and calls for services. Of the 5.62 per cent tax levy in-
crease approved by Tay Valley Council for its 2016 budget, the $210,000 in increased policing costs accounted for 4.45 per cent of that amount. “That’s a 4.5 per cent increase just to cover the OPP bill,” he stated. “It is very difficult for taxpayers.” A similar sentiment was expressed by Lanark Highlands Mayor Brian Stewart who sits on that municipality’s PSB. Stewart said the township was anticipating the OPP bill would rise by another $148,440 this year, as it had in 2015. Instead, it is up by $202,041 to $924,616 with a big part of this increase being the addition of a costgrowth amount of $8.50 per household to the $40 per household already being charged. He also noted that only 58 of the 145 new property counts could be accounted for, leaving a $20,951 difference. In order to absorb the costs and and save taxpayers a 4.7 per cent tax, Stewart said the municipality had to find a number of efficiencies, including in staffing. “We had to make some tough, difficult decisions in order to make it affordable for our taxpayers,” he remarked, stressing that no services were cut. Harry Baker who is a member of the Beckwith Township PSB agrees that policing costs are becoming a big issue. According to the minutes of the OAPSB’s December meeting, costs associated with the OPP will account for one-third of the township budget for 2016, a 7.5 per cent increase over the previous year. “As one person said, the cost is in persons,” he stated at the Zone 2 meeting. “How do you address that? The expectations haven’t changed.” Of 444 municipalities in the province, 323 are now policed by the OPP. The overall OPP budget for 2016 will be $1.064 billion, of which 37 per cent will be recovered from these municipalities and the remainder from the province. Along with costing for
services, Stephanie Gray, co-ordinator of the Lanark County Situation Table (LCST) Project and Inspector Derek Needham, detachment commander for the Lanark County OPP presented, giving an overview of the project and the project progress in the first year. “I am very pleased with the response and interest in the situation table model that was expressed at the Zone 2 meeting,” Gray stated in an email. “There were lots of great follow-up questions.” Gray and Needham explained a situation table brings front-line agencies — education, health/ mental health, social services, housing, justice, addictions and victim services — together on a regular basis to identify situations involving individuals of all ages who are at an “acutely elevated risk” of harm. There are 19 agencies currently represented at the LCST. “We are looking at people who are on the brink of going off the rails, so to speak, and would need services in 24 to 48 hours,” Gray stated. Relevant identified agencies then break off to develop an intervention plan that aims to connect the person to appropriate services quickly and to avert a crisis. “Sometimes, it is all about having a different approach to how you connect to the individual that makes the difference,” Gray said. As of April 13, there had been 29 referrals to the LCST. Seventy per cent of referrals have come from the police — 66 per cent from the OPP, and four per cent from the Smiths Falls Police Service. While alcohol/drugs
Stephanie Gray, co-ordinator of Lanark County Situation Table Project, centre, chats with two members of the Smiths Falls Police Services Board (PSB): Karen Hallinan, who is chairperson, and Tom Ariss, who is vice chairperson, at the Zone 2 meeting. Photo Credit: Dianne Pinder-Moss
and mental health were the two most prevalent risk factors, Gray mentioned that, for almost half of the referrals so far, transportation was also an issue. When asked by one of the delegates who championed the situation table locally, Gray responded that it was the Perth PSB who championed it on
behalf of Lanark County municipalities. “I know all the local boards are interested in this model,” she commented in calling the LCST a collaborative effort. Gray says the response to the project has been very positive. “The next phase of the project is the community plan for safety and well-being,
and I will be consulting with all the municipalities and PSBs as we move forward with that.” Karen Hallinan, chair of the Smiths Falls PSB, is certainly supportive of the LCST. “I think it is a marvellous idea,” she said. “We are getting all the partners at the table and hopefully it will be pro-active.”
GREENHOUSES
Hwy 43 Smiths Falls, Ontario www.green-acres.ca (613) 283-6423
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Canadian Cancer Society’s Cancer Information Ser vice supported by Relay For Life Smiths Falls - SUBMITTED The way Canadians consume health information has evolved over the years. Twenty years ago, when the Canadian Cancer Society launched its Cancer Information Service inquires came via phone call with their staff answering
questions and mailing out brochures to patients and their families. Nowadays, the service also fields more emails and people access the Society’s website, cancer.ca which is jam-packed with anything you ever wanted to know about cancer. “Facing cancer is hard. People have many wor-
ries and questions during what may be the most stressful time in their lives or the lives of a loved one,” says Doug Kane, Manager, Canadian Cancer Society F.L.A. & The Waterways Community office. “It’s easy to become overwhelmed. Don’t face cancer alone. Instead, we urge people to contact
our free Cancer Information Service.” No matter where they live in the country, the Cancer Information Service can help people with their questions about more than 200 different types of cancer, treatment, diagnosis, care, services and much more. In addition, the service can
connect patients and family caregivers to local community support programs and services if needed. This month folks in Smiths Falls, Mississippi Mills and surrounding area are raising funds for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. When you make a donation to Relay For Life,
you are helping people in your community living with cancer. Your donation also funds life-saving research and other important work so that fewer Canadians are touched by the disease. To contact the Cancer Information Service, call 1 888-939- 3333 or visit cancer.ca
Perth Town Council defers motion on surveillance cameras at Conlon Farm Perth - Dianne Pinder-Moss A decision on whether to install surveillance cameras at Conlon Farm has been put off until the May 10th Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting of Perth Town Council. By a 4-2 vote, council voted at its regular meeting on April 26 in support of a motion to defer until the COW session in May a motion approved at the April 12 COW meeting. At that meeting, in a 5-2 recorded vote, council supported a resolution to not use surveillance cameras in any town owned facilities.
Also, as part of the April 12 motion, town staff were directed to have bylaw enforcement officers patrol Conlon Farm and to promote public awareness of vandalism there. Further, it stated that the benefits of video surveillance did not substantially outweigh the reduction of privacy inherent in its use. Councillor Riq Turner said he moved the motion to defer to give council a chance to reevaluate the situation. “We didn’t get an actual price on what it would cost,” said Turner, who along with Councillor Jim Graff had voted against the April 12 resolution. “I
know a lot of people have concerns about the safety and vandalism at Conlon Farm. I think before we close the book on the situation, it’s pertinent to have all the facts.” At the April meeting, Turner made mention that he had spoken to recreation staff in Smiths Falls and that surveillance cameras installed there were well worth the money, in terms of reducing damage. In Smiths Falls, municipal sites on which cameras have been installed include the community centre and Murphy Park Pavilion. Stressing that the cameras are only in public areas, Art Manhire, di-
rector of community services, says the video is not monitored but is available for use if there is an issue. “It is a valuable resource,” Manhire said, noting that there have been incidents where video footage has been provided to police as part of an investigation and individuals have been identified as a result. “I hope once we have the real costs and policies from our neighbours we may reconsider and install a camera system,” Turner told the HomeTown News. “...I see no reason why we don’t learn from their example and protect our citizens and save the taxpayers from having to
replace what’s being destroyed by a small number of vandals.” Shannon Baillon, director of community services, reminded council at the April meeting that there is a lot more to the issue of surveillance cameras than just the purchase of the cameras. She made reference to the Guidelines for the Use of Video Surveillance, a more than 20-page document prepared by the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. “According to these Guidelines, the Town of Perth must prove that the collection of personal information is ‘necessary to
the proper administration of a lawfully authorized activity,’” Baillon stated in a report she prepared for council on the matter. In a motion approved by council in January, staff was asked to investigate the installation of surveillance cameras at Conlon Farm. In an unscientific poll conducted by Turner on social media prior to the April meeting, 83 per cent of the 75 respondents were in favour of putting up cameras at Conlon Farm to deter vandalism. “I think the deterrent factor is huge,” he remarked at the meeting.
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OPP costing a dead issue for Smiths Falls Council Smiths Falls - Howaida Sorour-Roberts The idea of disbanding the Smiths Falls Police Service (SFPS) is an emotional issue for both residents and council. “There is an emotional attachment to our current police force, but the majority of council don’t want to find out what an OPP costing would be because of the risk involved,” said Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow. On the other hand council recognizes that at 37.8 percent of total budget, policing costs are high. “Our police budget is too high, but I think we should be looking at finding savings, not going with OPP,” said Dawn Quinn, councillor. Last year the town requested an OPP costing but following the initial meetings with the provincial force, Smiths Falls council decided to pull out of the costing proposal. “It was my idea to request a costing because we hadn’t had one in several years, now it’s my idea not to go forward with it because of what I’ve come to understand,” said Councillor Chris Cummings, who is also the council representative on the Police Services Board.
column: Carleton Place - Sarah Cavanagh May is the month of flowers, moms, chip trucks and batman? Finally a hint of warm weather, the grass is green and the first spring flowers are blooming. It is the month of moms, well one day for moms but can you blame us for trying to claim the entire month? In Carleton Place however, there are two other iconic images of May – French Fries and Caped Crusaders! I have never done the math but I’m certain that per capita – Carleton Place – must rank pretty high in the ratio of resident to chip truck. We are blessed with a plethora of mobile dining options. From the Wagon Wheel with its enclosed dining area, pulled pork sandwiches and smoked beef brisket poutine to the unique Vienna schnitzel burger, chimichangas or fish tacos at Cravings Food Truck. On the horizon, the introduction of Law & Orders SBU (Special Burger Unit) mobile food truck and the return of the Ultimate Burger Show Down champion, the Rhippo Burger. There is nothing “common” about the Carleton Place Food Truck Scene. Buds Spuds turns the classics on their head
The current OPP costing proposal comes in three parts. The first part gives an estimate for integrated service based on information that the OPP would collect from the town. This first part would be completed by March 2017, after which the town would have six months to decide whether or not to proceed to the next part, which would mean disbanding the Smiths Falls Police force and entering into a contract with the OPP for a three year period. At the end of three year ‘trial period’ the OPP would come back to the town with a new costing based on their three-year experience. “The OPP won’t give us a permanent costing—a fixed price, they can only give us an estimate and they won’t give us a price for the same service that we get today,” said Cummings. The concern is that the town would not be able to re-instate a local police force if at the end of the three years if the OPP costs are too high. Smiths Falls has had two OPP costings done since the late 90s, one in 1998 and one in 2004, both were for a dedicated service comparable to the current local force. “The reason we (council)
did not proceed with an OPP service from those two cost events was there was no savings resulting from changing from our municipal police service to the OPP service,” recalled Dennis Staples, former Smiths Falls mayor. Both those costing were based on the OPP billing model released in 1998. In January 2015 the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services released a new billing model. “The bills will be split between base costs and calls for service. The new billing will be fair and transparent, and will reduce the wide range in costs for OPP-policed municipalities,” said the ministry in a press release. Since its release the new billing model has raised the ire of many rural municipalities. “Most urban municipalities currently under OPP policing have seen a reduction in policing costs while most rural municipalities have seen an increase,” explained Pankow. Currently in Smiths Falls, policing costs are estimated at $1,051 per household. OPP costing estimates reflect per property costs, two very different measures. At the same time SFPS has been reducing its budget over the
Carleton Place Social Notes with unique offerings like the Mafia Burger and 5 different hot dogs. The Crispy Spud pays homage to our great lake with their Mississippi boats and a unique list of gourmet poutines (like the Newfie). The Potato King lives up to its name as a true Carleton Place fixture, especially for the students of Notre Dame, and focuses on classic chip truck offerings done right. This is just the tip of the foodie iceberg and I challenge you to head out this spring and find your local favourite. Now if treating mom to a box of chips is not your mother’s day plan this year don’t fret. May 8 th is the day of the traditional Mother’s Day brunch at a number of local venues. The Barn on Highway 29 is offering a brunch in support of Lanark County Interval House with 4 buffet style seatings at $30 per adult, $15 per child (6-10yrs) and free for children under 5. Temple’s mother’s day brunch features 3 seatings at a cost of $30 per adult, $15 for children under 10 and free for children under 2. Finally, something a little unique is the Vegetarian buffet at the Ginger Café, open seating from 11am-2pm with lots of Vegan and Gluten free options available and its pay per weight.
For the nerd-inspired mom and her brood there is the annual return of Free Comic Book on May 7 th . This fun family tradition is ideal for comic book heroes and fans alike as participants can visit downtown businesses between 11am and 2pm and receive free comics and bump into some of their favourite caped heroes along the way. In conjunction with Free Comic Book Day, Super Hero Saturday returns to Murray’s Flea Market on High St. where visitors can enjoy a special edition of the Annual Geeked Out Toy and Collectible Sale along with freebies and some super special guests. May in Carleton Place is hard to beat. The Farmer’s Market opens, The Carleton Place Canadians kick off their 3 rd Fred Page championship run, The Wally Classic returns with some of the strongest real life supermen you will ever see up close and Valley Granite and Tile throws one heck of a free family party to celebrate their grand re-opening on Industrial Ave. However you choose to enjoy May, as always Carleton Place has a lot to offer the whole family! For this mom, some poutine with a side of Superman sounds like just about the best day ever.
past five years. “They came in under budget this year and last year and the year before, so we are moving in the right direction, our Smiths Falls Police are doing what we are asking for,” said Jay Brennan, councillor. In terms of service delivery, Smiths Falls has a dedicated service with town police. The OPP is proposing an integrated service, meaning that not all officers would be deployed in the community. In fact, according to Statistics Canada’s 2012 Police Resources statistical data shows that Smiths Falls has one of the highest ratios of officers to population, second only to first nations communities. And in terms of quality, Smiths Falls officers are just
as effective and as highly trained as their OPP counterparts. “There is no difference whatsoever in their qualifications, they all have to meet the same qualifications, but our officers make less money than OPP officers,” said Bob Dowdall, Smiths Falls chief of police, declining to discuss collective agreements. “My sense is some members of council are not comfortable with the uncertainty over the eventual costs of policing. The costing proposal process could very well clarify this point,” said Smiths Falls CAO Malcolm Morris. Smiths Falls is not the only municipality reeling from policing costs. Rideau Lakes, which has a different arrangement with the OPP, has seen a jump of nearly
50 percent under the new billing model. Others like Montague and Drummond North Elmsley are also feeling the pain. As a result these neighbouring municipalities are looking to Smiths Falls for possible relief. “We have agreed to be part of a review of the possibility [of shared policing], we are interested in anyone that can give us more cost effective police service,” said Ron Holman, mayor of Rideau Lakes. As a result of that interest council decided to spend up to $15,000 on a feasibility study to look into expanding Smiths Falls Police to neighbouring municipalities. As of April 18, council passed a motion to drop the OPP costing and to proceed with the feasibility study. TM
Ottawa Valley Home & Better Living Show Perth
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Bringing Together A Diverse Group Of Professionals And Businesses FREE ADMISSION, DOOR PRIZES, ENTERTAINMENT
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May 2016
8
community
Healthy Living Festival takes to Downtown Smith Falls in June Smiths Falls -April ScottClarke For the fourth year in a row the annual Healthy Living Festival will be taking to the streets of downtown Smiths Falls on June 18. The Downtown Business Association (DBA) has been planning the event since November and has been able to bring together an interesting lineup of performances and activities for people to enjoy. This year there will be a Little Thing Running Thing for kids in the morning and multiple Hockey Circus Show performances, alongside jugglers and acrobatic acts throughout the day. And for anyone who likes inflatables, there will be lots at the festival for you to try out! You can walk on water with the water balls, zip down a 75-foot inflatable zip line or do an obstacle course from inside an ball. And new this year, a toddler zone for the littles ones who
want to jump. But the healthy living show is about more than just performances and activities. There will be a vendor market that people can purchase anything from fresh, grown veggies to yoga cloths. “There is a variety of vendors and hopefully, there is something for everyone,” said Nicola Thomson, DBA coordinator. The Healthy Living Festival is a tradition now in Smiths Falls, one that started as a way to bring people into the downtown core. “We have a lot of people in the community that are involved in health and wellness,” explained Thomson, making the theme of the festival a natural one. Last year the festival attracted approximately 8,000 people and Thomson is hoing that just as many, or more, make it out to this year’s event. The opening ceremonies will kick off at 10 a.m. with everything wrapping up at 4 p.m.
And Thomson reminds everyone that the event is free. “We didn’t want to have any barriers for the community,” she said. “This event real-
ly wouldn’t be possible without the help of the organizing committee. It’s a volunteer board. And the local businesses have been generous
with their sponsorship too.” For a complete run down on the Healthy Living Festival, schedule of events or registration
for the various sports tournments and fundraisers happening, visit the website at downtownsmithsfalls.ca/ healthy-living-festival.
Therapeutic Riding Program Fieldwork 2016 Par tners With Perth Museum opens its 9th season
In the centre, Ailish Carey, age 13, displays her artwork, with her mother Julie Carey on the left, and artist Penny Harding. Photo Credit: Terry O‘Hearn
Smiths Falls - Terry O’Hearn
In a move to bring some of the Lanark County Therapeutic Riding Program (LCTRP) activities back to Perth, a Paint Day was held Sunday, May 1, at the Perth Museum, with eight developmentally disabled children taking part. Program coordinator Amy Booth said it was the first time staging this type of event, which was meant to be a fundraiser, help raise awareness in the community, and to provide
therapy for the youngsters at the same time. Booth mentioned that although some adjustments to this type of fundraising event may be in order, she was thrilled with the success of the initial attempt, especially with the high level of participation. “We would like to see this happen about twice a year,” she said. LCTRP is a division of Lanark Community Programs, which is a part of Lanark Renfrew Health and Community Services. Their
website describes the program as: “a unique and holistic approach to therapy, rehabilitation, and recreation
(which) provides a safe environment introducing disabled children and adults to enjoy the benefits and joys of the healing powers of the horse.” This year marks the 31st year operating a program. It considers a wide range of physical and mental disabilities for acceptance. There are two farm locations, with Ashland Farm in Beckwith and Perth’s Cedar Rock Farm each having five horses available to the 143 riders taking part. The partnership between LCTRP and Perth Museum was coordinated by Janet Conlin, who is both an assistant at the museum and associated with the riding program.
A group of eight enthusiatic students proudly display their artwork. Photo Credit: Terry O‘Hearn
Maberly-Submitted On Saturday, May 7th Fieldwork invites the public to celebrate the opening of its 9th season with 5 new art installations featuring 8 internationally acclaimed artists. The Fieldwork Opening offers the public a chance to hear this year's artists discuss their work (beginning at 2:30). In addition, storyteller Jennifer Cayley will also tell a tale as a taste of what’s coming up at STORYWORK, a Fieldwork event in collaboration with 2 women productions scheduled for September 24. More information on that event coming later in the year. Fieldwork is a dynamic and vibrant des-
tination for the creation and experience of site-specific artwork. It's a place for all ages to explore art as they experience nature. Paths through the forest lead to some eye-opening surprises. Many continuing artworks from past years in addition to this year's work adorn the territory of Fieldwork. When: May 7, 2016. 2-4 pm (Artists' talks begin 2:30pm) Exhibition continues every day May 7 - October 31. Park and walk at liberty. Where: In the field across from 2501 Old Brooke Road, Maberly ON. For more information and directions visit www.fieldworkproject. com
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community
Fairy Gardening: a fun trend for 2016
Smiths Falls - Submitted The latest gardening craze is Fairy Gardening. This magical movement enthralls gardeners of all ages. Fairy gardens are tiny creative worlds complete with miniature furnishings, fairy-scale plants and plenty of mystique. Creating a fairy garden is a fun project! Here are a few tips to make sure your garden is a success. Choose a container that is not too deep. There are many interesting and funky things that make great fairy gardens from tea cups to tool boxes, old bird baths to antique wheelbarrows the choices are endless. Try to always use a good weed free potting soil. Never use topsoil or black earth as plants cannot breathe in these heavy soils that lack nutrients. It is important to wet your soil prior to pressing it into your container. This makes it eas-
ier to design your garden and mold it with hills and valleys, and is better for the plants. Once you have your base you can begin to plant your fairy plants. Choose low growing varieties for filler and spillers and at least one accent plant for a thriller. Your fairy garden will not be completely covered in plants at first and that is fine. They need room to grow. You can cover the exposed soil with pea gravel or coloured stones. Most garden centres carry an extensive line of fairy garden plants now. Polished stones can make excellent paths and accents in fairy gardens. Once your garden is designed and planted the fun begins as you can decorate with the many cute fairy garden accessories available from fairy houses to potting benches, fairy signs and sunflowers, fairy benches, bridges and buckets. There are so many interesting and adorable miniature fairy things to choose from. Now how are you going to keep this wonderful little garden thriving? Always water gently, but thoroughly using a small container with a spout.
If your garden is inside a good watering once a week is enough. If it is outside then it may need water every day. Fertilize at least once a month with an all purpose fertilizer 17-5-17 at ½ strength. How much light? Inside the house, choose a bright location but not all day direct sunshine. It is important to rotate your garden weekly so the plants do not stretch. If placing outside it depends on your plants but filtered bright sunlight is usually best. To maintain the plants, clip low-growing plants short once a month. Taller plants can be pinched or trimmed back as necessary. Some fun fairy facts are that fairies are mischievous and love fresh flowers. Fairies live in hollowed out tree trunks, under toadstools and often where there are streams. Sometimes, you will hear bells and jingles in the garden and this is where the fairies will likely be, as they love to dance. They can live to be over 100 years old and their favourite drinks are honey, milk and nectar. Often tangles in the hair of little girls is the work of fairies. The disappear-
Algonquin College Launches new heritage craftsmanship PERTH - Submitted
This summer, the Algonquin College Perth Campus will launch its Summer Heritage Institute, which is a twotiered continuing education foundation. Some courses will be open to the public, while others will be for professional development purposes. These courses will re-visit the past and provide students the chance to learn about the heritage trades and how they can still play a role in our everyday lives. From building a drystone wall to crafting tools through blacksmithing, our Summer Heritage Institute courses offer the opportunity to delve into the past, grasp new concepts and to learn. “We’re offering courses that go back to a time when things were built with your hands, your head and your heart,” says Algonquin College Perth Campus Dean, Chris Hahn. “We want you to bring your ideas to life through these courses in carpentry, blacksmithing, canoe building, and more.” The course line-up includes
ance of small objects can also be a clue that fairies have been visiting. The most important fact of all is that you have to believe in fairies
architect, designer, engineer, and builder, but also accessible to the young woodworker. The second course will see participants adopt their knowledge to build a gazebo for the campus’ outdoor use. The course sizes are limited to 12 participants. Other courses on deck this summer include, Build a Drystone Wall, Blacksmithing, Fibre Arts, and Canoe Building Techniques. Learn more about the Summer Heritage Institute at www.algonquincollege.com/ perth. To register contact Cheryl Giff at giffc@algonquincollege.com or 613-2672859.
for Fairy Weekend at Gemmell’s Garden Centre,1862 Hwy. 15 N, just outside of Smiths Falls. We will have our wings on!
Man Cave coming to Beckwith Recreational Complex in June
Carelton Place - Submitted
the Art du Trait – Steoronomy workshops, which will consist of two, five-day courses taught by Patrick Moore this May and June. The accomplished carpenter, who has studied in France, brings a rare skill to North America in which participants will learn the basics of roof and timber roof structures in the style of the European “compagnons.” With hands-on learning, participants will gain the knowledge to build complex roof structures that is can be incorporated in all building circumstances. This knowledge of stereotomy is very sparse and young in the Americas. This course is indispensable for the carpenter,
before you will ever see them. If you are interested in learning more about fairy gardening join us on May 14 and 15
Creative Minds Event Planning is pleased to announce the return of the Man Cave – The Ultimate Show for Men to the Beckwith Recreational Complex on June 18th 2016 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Following the success of the inaugural show in 2015 and the fun of the Kanata Testosterone Oktoberfest event, organizers are gearing up to launch the 2nd year with some new additions. Attendees can expect to shop at over 40 exhibitors (inside and outside), take part in interactive demos and displays, enjoy the Craft
Beer and Spirits Zone 12pm-6pm with an outdoor patio, the popular Food Truck Showdown, ladies zone and promo show for the Carleton Place Truck Show. The folks at Jim Hands Auction will be presenting the big boy toys auction from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and are now accepting consignment items (tools, cars, motorcycles, sporting goods and more). No reserves! New this year is a mixed 3-pitch tournament in support of #StuStrong and the Ottawa Hospital’s Leukemia and Stem Cell research campaign. Teams must consist of 10 players (four women minimum) and
the cost to enter is $200 per team (includes admission to the show). Stay tuned to the website mancavemanshow.ca for full event details as they are announced. Admission is $5 to the show, with children under 12 being free. Free swag bags to the first 100 guests. This show-stopping, one of a kind event is the perfect way to spend the day with the men in your life. If you have a business and would like an exhibitor spot, they start at $40 and sponsorships start as low as $100. Please contact Sarah Cavanagh at sarah@creativemindseventplanning.ca for more information.
May 2016
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lifestyle opinion:
Opinion - Carrie Wynne
Tobacco Truth
I was waiting in the emergency room in Smiths Falls for a procedure. There was young adult in there, probably 19 years old, waiting to be seen. He looked very agitated so I went over and tried to console him. This was his second visit to the hospital in four days. The first time the physician told him to go home and that if he would quit smoking it would get better. No throat swab or antibiotics were given even though he was in really bad shape and could barely swallow. What gave that physician the right to discriminate and refuse to further investigate due to this young man being a smoker? He should’ve been treated with the same respect and dignity that anyone else gets. That physician is the rea-
Am I the only one?
son more addicts don’t reach out. They’re met with judgment, lack of empathy and told to “just quit.” Smokers are made to feel like second-class citizens. There are smokers, non-smokers and ex-smokers. This works very well for big tobacco companies, they like separate camps. The non-smoker says “why not just quit?” Some would even agree that smokers shouldn’t be entitled to healthcare. They equate smoking with stupidity. Then there’s the tobacco addict that reaches to light up first thing in the morning (if they’ve managed to make it through the night without requiring a fix.) They would like to quit but don’t know how or don’t believe it’s possible. Then there’s the ex-smoker. They know from experience how extremely difficult it is to crawl out from underneath the clutch of tobacco addiction. When they see someone smoking they have empathy and understanding. The truth is, the government protects tobacco sales. It has grown quite used to the yearly $8 billion that is generated in Canada alone from tobacco sales. It wants people to smoke. Raise the price of tobacco, more people die or quit.
It’s really just a spreadsheet alteration. The government comes up with initiatives like graphic warnings, designated smoking areas and plain packaging and the tobacco industry pretends to fight back, but it’s just a facade, and a compromise is made that pacifies the public. Smoking is a chronic social issue that affects us all. The tobacco industry is powerful and resourceful. It tries to lure kids into smoking with novelty, starter and youth oriented products like flavoured cigarettes, and buys its way into Hollywood or music video’s with backroom deals. It would be a great legacy for our generation to abolish tobacco from the planet, and in order for that to happen we need co-operation. It’s sad to watch this addiction take people’s lives. If you lined up every smoker and said. “Here’s a pill. If you take it you’ll never want another cigarette again,” my guess is that 95 per cent of them would take it. But there is no pill. Cancer seems more lucrative for pharma companies. Meanwhile, 6 million people worldwide die annually from tobacco addiction. It’s kind of a big deal. Signed, Am I the Only One?
The adventure of art
Society was built on creativity. People have a need to explore, discover, invent and create. Indulging in those needs is very gratifying, if you have the ambition to start. After almost 20 years of teaching art, I have found that most people simply lack confidence. It has been amazing how paint nights have helped people find their confidence. Put people in a social setting where they feel comfortable, give them an opportunity to be creative and so many people discover they can paint! Often people new to creative exercises get discouraged because
they feel their creation doesn’t look good so they don’t want finish. However, it won’t look good until they finish, and so the cycle continues. Paint nights offer a step-by-step process that anyone can follow. With the encouragement of their peers (and a beverage or two), a new found creative person now has the experience of finishing their first piece. If you are looking to start painting, here are some pointers that will help get your started. Cover all the white as quick as possible. Start with the lightest colours, or the largest areas, or the furthest
things away — like sky. Leave all your details to last. These can be overwhelming and seem unachievable at the beginning. Take pictures of your work regularly. It will look different in a picture and that is how your painting actually looks to everyone else but you. Try it, it works! Nothing in art is hard. It just takes time, sometimes longer that you expect. The experience and the self-satisfaction you get from being creative are worth the effort. Jeff Banks JB Arts, Almonte Ont. www.jbarts.ca
Did you Know 918,724 Canadians Go Hungry Every Summer? Carleton Place - Linda Seccaspina The Lanark County Food Bank Great Veggie Grow Off Kick Off & Open House was held Sunday May 1 in Carleton Place. Highlighted at the newly renovated space at 5 Allan Street in Carleton Place was an updated “self serve”, where clients now get to choose their groceries. A lot less waste, and a lot more dignity and empowerment for their people The Open House also coincided with the kick off of The 3rd Annual Great Veggie Grow-Off. So what is a veggie grow-off? That would be the friendly competition between gardeners in Beckwith, Carleton Place, & Mississippi Mills to see which community can donate the most produce to the food bank over the summer. After all, fresh produce is one of the key components of food hampers.
In this country that grows more food than most nations on this earth, it is unthinkable that any child should go hungry. Emcee and LCFB Vice Chair David Hinks along with other dignitaries from Carleton Place and Mississippi Mills opened the event. I prefer “butterno parsnips”--- but the first round of GVGO went to Mississippi Mills mayor Shaun McLaughlin, who presented Carleton Place mayor Louis Antonakos with winter parsnips. They are also planting gardens at the Lanark County Food Bank with the front garden beds for edibles, sharing and learning. There will also be at least one workshop a week in the garden. Presenters/facilitators will be a mix of expert gardeners and food and cooking experts, utilizing volunteers from Horticultural Societies, Master Gardeners, the Public Health Unit and other knowledgeable
cooks. The aim is to make the workshops as handson as possible so that participants will be weeding, transplanting or harvesting. Where raspberries grow there is hope. Once the raspberries on the side of the building are ripe, they will be free and available to whoever wants to pick beds. Touring the Food Bank I noticed a row of volunteer badges and it should be a gentle reminder to all of us. Be of service, as there is nothing that harvests more of a feeling of empowerment than being available to someone in need. Remember the food bank receives no government funding – it functions solely through private donations. The operation is run by one paid part-time manager and approximately 35 volunteers. One of the greatest feelings in the world is knowing that we as individuals can make a difference.
Carleton Place Mayor Louis Antonakos (L) and Mississippi Mills Mayor Shaun McLaughlin (R) Photo Credit: Linda Seccaspina
May 2016
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lifestyle
Food &Drink
Westport family vineyard to become local attraction continued from cover
refreshing acidity.” Producing these varieties is a labour-intensive process, with the whole family (which includes five young children) pitching in. Each plant must be handled eight or nine times during the year in the various stages of production, so there is always plenty to do during some pretty long days. “There’s never a day where we don’t have something to do in the vinewestport - chris must wine as “clear with yard,” said Francois. The vineyard and pink/rose hued coMoving on to the lour,” with a flavour winery are open ev2014 Pinot Noir, Pres- of “cherry based red ery Saturday and Sunton described this fruit and berries and day from 11 a.m. to
Tastes Region of the
eat, drink, write...
Opinion - Amy Rensby Perth Pepper and Pestle They can be hot, sweet, savory, salty, spicy or any combination thereof. They can be served with meats, cheeses, in salad dressings, on burgers and hot dogs, in dips and as accompaniments to just about anything you’d like. What am I talking about? Pepper jellies – those lovely blends of peppers and fruit and sugar. The good old State of Texas claims that the first Jalapeno Pepper Jelly was made by a chef in Lake Jackson, Texas where it was first sold commercially in 1978. Today, this wonderful preserve is widely enjoyed and thankfully, you can find it produced right here in the area by Perth Pepper and Pestle, located in Perth, Ontario. Established in 1994, Perth Pepper and Pestle has become a household name. What started out as a small home-based business has grown substantially, with a wide product offering supplied nationwide via their 100% gluten free production facility, located in Perth. The beauty of the operation is that it’s not limited to pepper jellies!
You can also find mustards, all-purposes sauces (the Everything Sauces), liquid smoke and spice blends. We decided to share a few of our favorites products and how best to use them. But try them for yourself – there are so many flavor combinations to choose from that you’re sure to find something you love. Available in Smiths Falls at The Artisan Loft & General Store and at C’est Tout Bakery. Our favourite pepper jelly: Raspberry Chipotle How to use it : amazing with cream cheese or a really creamy cheese like Back Forty Artisan’s Madawaska and crackers The Raspberry Chipotle has a bit of a bite to it, thanks to the chipotle pepper. If you’re looking for something a little milder, try the Balsam-
ic & Fig Pepper Jelly; it’s definitely got a sweeter flavor profile and is great with the cheeses, but equally great on a grilled cheese. Favourite Everything Sauce: Texas Bourbon Mustard How to use it: given that summer is right around the corner, have it on a burger! You will not regret it. It’s also great on a ham and cheese sandwich or anything with Italian deli meats. Spice blend: Italian Harvest How to use it: in tomato sauce, in soups, on chicken before roasting in the oven are my go-to ways to use this spice blend. Amy Rensby, owner of Magnolia Catering in Smiths Falls profiles local food products from around our region.
6 p.m. and should be open daily by midMay, creating some local job opportunities for serving staff and field hands. Wine is available by the glass to visitors, who can enjoy the view of the nearby lakes, or the vineyard itself. Future plans include construction of a wood-fired grill for guests to enjoy some Patagonian-style food. “We’re trying to offer something new here, not duplicate what’s already here,” said Francois, adding that he hopes to play a part in boosting Westport tour-
Running a vineyard and winery is a labour-intensive process, and is a family affair for the Scheuermanns. Front from left are Chayse, Heidi, Asha and Tristan. Behind the counter are Allison, Francois and Jazmin. Photo Credit: Chris Must
ism and lengthening the tourist season. In the future, transportation will be arranged to bring visitors to the winery from the local har-
bour and flying club. The Scheuermann Vineyard & Winery is located at 82 Bedford St. in Westport and can be contacted at 613-449-6548.
May 2016
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lifestyle
Community supported agriculture widely available in Lanark County Regional - CHRIS MUST
Buying local food is a trend that’s here to stay, says Shannon Miller. Miller and her husband Robert and four young children are the fourth generation of the family to operate the 400-acre Miller’s Bay Farm, located near Rideau Ferry. In 2006 the Millers stopped raising dairy cattle and focussed entirely on fruit, vegetables and field crops. Four years ago the Millers decided to venture into the world of community supported agriculture (CSA). A concept that has been around since the 1980s, community supported agriculture offers the consumer an opportunity to pay a fee to a specific farm at the start of the annual growing season, in order to receive a weekly basket of fresh produce. “It was one of those things we knew was out there and was an option,” said Miller. “But people started asking if we offered a basket program. We said, no, but then we wondered, why not?” Although their traditional roadside stand is still the place where the bulk of their produce is sold, the
basket program has doubled in popularity from the first year to the second, and from the second to the third, said Miller. “In the comments we get back a recurring theme is that it’s like opening a gift each week because they never know what’s going to be in the basket,” said Miller. In a typical year, however, customers can expect to find strawberries, sweet corn, beans, cucumber, zucchini, tomatoes, potatoes, beets, carrots, lettuce and perhaps turnips. Although agriculture can be risky proposition, Miller said she and her family have no complaints in recent years. “We’ve had a great few years.” From the food producer’s point of view, the advantage of the program is knowing in advance how much to produce, and a guarantee that it will be sold. This makes CSA programs attractive to producers just entering the industry, said Miller. “They don’t have to worry about the marketing side of it at that point,” she said. There are many benefits to buying locally, both for producers and consumers. For the producer, it keeps money in the local com-
munity, and creates some summer job opportunities for students. It keeps arable land in production. From the consumer’s point of view, studies have shown that people who are enrolled in a CSA program will consume more fresh produce than those who are not. They will also be encouraged to try new foods. “It’s neat to see people expand their horizons,” said Miller. A listing of farms, farmer’s markets and restaurants offering local produce can be found on the Lanark Local Flavour website www.lanarklocalflavour.ca. The website states that, “When you buy ‘fresh’ vegetables or fruit from the grocery store, even in season, that food may have travelled over 2,000 km to get your plate.” “Obviously [our] items are fresher because they are picked the same day,” Miller agrees. “And there is less of an environmental footprint, because there is no transportation to speak of.” The Millers’ “Bountiful Baskets” program lasts for 15 weeks, from the first week of June to the week before Thanksgiving. They promote their services through facebook, an
Once Upon a Time on the Farm Regional - Linda Seccaspina
Once upon a time, farms were founded and genera-
tions carried on the task of sowing the fields and milking the cows. Hay’s Shore, at the foot of the Second Lake on Mississippi Lake, was where iconic James Duff ’s farm was located in the early 1840s. William (Bill) Duff ran a farm and a retail dairy on the 11th line. Duff ’s Dairy, as it was called, was later taken over and sold to John Hays in 1918. Dairy farmers like Duff began milking at 6 a.m. by hand and the milk was then put into cans and taken down to the railway tracks from where it was transported. In later years, it was picked up at the roadside by truck. Mothers got up early to make breakfast for their husband and children, sent the children off to school, and then went off to help their husbands with the farm chores. Those that raised poultry and eggs were always busy carefully loading their product into the back of their trucks in crates to bring to town to sell. When batches of new chicks were born, some of them would be raised as frying chickens for the summer farmer’s market. The woman of the house also added churning butter to her work-day list, another item to sell at the
market or the general store. If that wasn’t enough, throughout the summer and into the fall, the farm kitchen became a one-woman production line. Jars of pickles, jellies, fruit, and assorted vegetables, were canned to sell and for personal consumption— and there was nothing that went to waste. Not only was preserving food economical, but it also provided income for the family. The food they raised or made either went to a weekly farmer’s market or a local general store, which carried a wide range of merchandise and was an important part of small towns. Not only did general stores offer food and a complete array of general goods, the stores also served as a gathering place. The general store became an important location where locals could
exchange news and gossip and even use the telephone. Everything in the general store was community made and some of these locally-made goods were also shipped to other parts of the county. Through the years we have seen a lot of change in the way we market food from the farm. In the 1950s there were still farmer’s markets, but they soon began to fade as more people began to use supermarkets for their family’s needs. But, like everything else, history began to repeat itself as people started to pay attention to food once again and a local food movement was resurrected. Just as days gone by we are still creating community around food, and if you ask any farmers today they would still rather cultivate their land then become King of the world.
Photo Credit: --Sarah Cavanagh from Carleton Place-photos from the farm her dad grew up (and still lives) in Gillies Corners
The basket Shannon Miller is holding may be empty now, but it will soon be full of the freshest produce from Miller’s Bay Farm. Many area farms offer consumer supported agriculture programs, providing weekly baskets of produce to local consumers. Photo Credit: Chris Must
email list, and a their website. “It’s surprising how many farmers in the area do a similar thing,” said Miller. In fact, the Lanark Local Flavour website lists 58 locations where consumers can buy directly from the farm gate. Bluegrass Farm in Jasper offers a twist to the traditional basket program. Thanks to heated greenhouses and cold storage, the farm offers program
participants fresh produce through the winter. Participants can pick up baskets at the farm, at a location in Perth, or at three locations in Ottawa. Fresh fruits and vegetables are not the only farm gate products available to local consumers. Another Jasper-area farm, Heritage Harvest Farm, runs a CSA program offering meats, free-range eggs and maple syrup, as well as organic produce.
The Two Rivers Food Hub, located at Smiths Falls’ Gallipeau Centre, is another connection point for buyers and sellers of local foods, run by a volunteer board of directors. Participants in the Food Hub’s summer and winter food basket programs can pick up baskets containing seasonal contributions from a variety of local producers.
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lifestyle
Follow the Fork to the Carleton Place Farmer’s Market
Carleton Place - Linda Seccaspina How many times have you driven by this fork at the Carleton Place Farmer’s Market and wondered what cutlery drawer it came from? Margo Willmot and Bill Bousada donated the fork sculpture to the Market Square/ Carleton Place Farmer’s Market in 2013, which was created by the late Ralph Durdin from Ottawa in 1990 as an outdoor art piece for a vegetarian restaurant owned by Bousada on Bank Street in Ottawa. The Carleton Place staff refurbished the fork and local Carleton Place artist Mary Jane Lancaster added the vegetables appearing on it. One of the joys of our Carleton Place Farmer’s Market is the pace. Give yourself time to wander through and see what’s available. Talk with our farmers and artisans — they welcome your appreciation of their hard work. In return, they will be happy to help you pick out the best stuff, find something that may not have been put out yet, take special orders, or save you something if you can’t get there early, and often give you tips on how to prepare it. Remember, all this beautiful food is really labour intensive. It’s planted, weeded and harvested, primarily by hand. If prices seem higher sometimes than at a big supermar-
Durdin Fork Photo Credit: Mary Jane Lancaster
ket, be thankful you have access to the remarkable taste that only comes from something being picked that morning, at the peak of flavour. Not to mention the variety. But this year, with all the grocery store produce being so pricey, now is your chance to come to the Carleton Place Farmer’s Market and buy freshness for your family at a competitive, if not even better, price. When you go to a farmers market, you should be looking for a more personal experience, a slower pace and interaction with the people who spend their lives bringing us great food to eat. This year “lettuce turnip the
beet” at the Carleton Place Farmer’s Market! Remember a farmer works so the world can eat! Follow that fork to the opening of the Carleton Place Farmer’s Market on May 14th. You can find the Carleton Place Farmer’s Market at 7 Beckwith St. in Carleton Place, Ontario.
Nutrition top of mind at the Granary
Carleton Place - Sarah Cavanagh The Granary Bulk and Natural Foods is an independent natural health retailer located at 107 Bridge St, in the heart of Carleton Place. Owner, Dena Comley purchased the business in 2009 and since then has been on a mission
to offer ethical, local and sustainable products. The Granary offers grocery items, body care and beauty supplies, supplements, bulk food, homeopathic treatments, eco-friendly wares and more. When stocking products, every effort is made to
prioritize purchasing local food that is in-line with the store’s quality, standards and values. Customers can learn about nutrition and natural health from the friendly and informed staff Monday thru Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. And if you can’t make it in to do your shopping during these hours, not to worry — an online store is being introduced this spring to make shopping locally even more accessible to customers. The Granary supports local professional services, neighbouring
businesses and is actively involved in the Carleton Place Business Improvement Area and Carleton Place Chamber of Commerce. It also supports local groups like the Mississippi Mudds, Carleton Place Jr A Canadians and the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum. Comley believes that every individual and business has a role to play in contributing to a better world and to a vibrant and thriving community. To support this sense of community, the Granary offers frequent networking evenings, seminars, webinars, open houses and sample days. Coming up on June
14 there is a live webinar with Lorna Vandergaeghe, author, nutritional medicine expert and one of PROFIT Magazine’s Top 100 female entrepreneurs. Join, Vendergaeghe as she discusses common health issues facing women and the natural, effective solutions for those issues. Space is limited. $10 deposit required and a $10 store credit will be issued the night of the event. Last year the Granary launched the “Lil’ Sprout” program designed to encourage local children to become more connected and involved with the food they eat, from seed to plate. They are offering a $500 grant to a
Carleton Place school or community group to develop or expand a program that helps children become more connected with the growth, preparation and decision making involved in eating healthy foods. The grant will help these groups to teach students food skills and inspire healthy eating. The first grant recipient, Caldwell Street Public School from the Upper Canada District School Board started a school gardening program including resources like a master gardener, farmer, nutritionist and a beekeeper. For full eligibility or to apply for the Lil’ Sprouts program, visit their website at www.granary.ca.
May 2016
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lifestyle
Why Microchip your pet? Regional - Submitted
Pet Rescue of the Month
MOMMA CHLOE
Chloe (not yet available) is a pregnant 7 month old Chloe arrived April 12 and went directly into foster care. Chloe safely delivered 3 babies April 25-16; 2 torties and a blond. Mom and babes are doing great. All cats are spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, receive flea treatment and dewormer, first vaccines and rabies. Regular Adoption fee $150 adult cats, mature cats over 9 years $100, $225 kittens and $350 two kittens. Exotics such as Siamese, Himalayan, Tonkinese etc are $225 adoption fee. Please call Furry Tales at 613-285- 5119 or message through the website at www.furry-tales.ca
Each year thousands of lost and abandoned animals are taken in by shelters and humane societies across North America. Some of these animals never make it home because they can’t be identified. Micro chipping offers pet owners the only truly permanent method of identifying your pet and linking the animal back to you, the owner, via our Lost Pet Recovery Service. Collar tags can break or become unreadable and tattooing can become illegible. So, if you want to improve your pet’s chances of getting home fast and safe in case it were to go missing, micro chipping is your best option. 4 Reasons to Microchip Your Pet • Only true permanent method of pet identification • Best chance of your pet returning to you after going missing • Quick and painless procedure, similar to vaccination
• Lasts for the lifetime of your pet What is the 24PetWatch microchip and how does it work? The 24PetWatch microchip is a tiny chip, the size of a grain of rice that is permanently implanted in your pet to ensure that it can be identified quickly. Each chip has a unique identification number that links your pet to your details so that you can get it home faster if it were to ever go missing. The chip is powered by a scanner which sends a signal to the chip and receives the unique identification number stored on it. When a vet, shelter or humane society finds a lost or missing pet, they use the scanner to read your pet’s chip. They contact 24PetWatch Lost Pet Recovery Service with the number from the chip. We then contact you and reunite you with your pet. That one tollfree call is all it takes to set the process in motion. If your pet ever goes missing, we can track all enquires com-
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ing in to ensure not a moment is wasted reuniting you and your pet together again. My dog always wears a collar and tags why do I need to microchip it? Collars and tags can be removed or get lost and tattooing can become illegible over time. Microchips are the only truly permanent method of identifying your dog. It lasts for the lifetime of the pet. I have a cat – should I microchip it? Cats are naturally curious and unpredictable. In the event that your cat strays away from the safety of your home a microchip registered with 24PetWatch is your cat’s best chance of a fast return. Does micro chipping hurt the animal? Animal microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are typically implanted by a vet just beneath the surface of the skin between the shoulder blades. The process is similar to receiving vaccination through a needle and is painless to pets. Most an-
ADDRESS: 97 Dufferin Street Perth, ON K7H 3A5
Wa l ly ’s C l ass i c 2 0 1 6 . Carlteon Place - Sarah Cavanagh The 2016 Wally’s Classic is the fourth annual Strongman competition hosted by Wally Thorbjornsson. It’s a two day Professional and amateur competition held in the Carleton Place Arena on Saturday May 21st and Sunday 22nd. On the Saturday the amateur competition starts at 10:00 a.m. with 40 strong men and women compet-
ing in few different weight classes. It’s a fast pace challenge that offers the athletes the chance to advance to the next level in this great sport. At 2:00 p.m., 10 International professional strongman competitors will take the stage including some of the strongest men in the world. With four of the top Canadian Athletes facing two from the United States and four from Iceland it will be a battle of the beasts.
Competition will start with the log lift, an historic Scottish event where a large steel log is lifted above head with increasing weights until only one man is left standing. Next is the circus dumbbell where athletes will lift a 220 pound weight above their head with one hand as many times as they can in 60 seconds. On the Sunday the action starts at 1:00 p.m. and for about four hours the
giants will battle in a truck pull, farmers walk, loading race and carry the historic Husafells stone. A few local strongmen will have the chance to try their strength by lifting the Husafells stone before the professionals begin. A free kids zone with bouncy castles, tug a war, face painting and many more fun activities forthe kids will round out the fun. Waterfall catering will be hosting a BBQ. For more information visit www.wallysclassic.com or find the event on facebook.
imals don’t even react when the microchip is implanted. Once implanted the microchip remains between the shoulder blades just beneath the skin for the rest of the animal’s lifetime, becoming a permanent form of identification. Where can I get my pet micro chipped? Ask your local shelter or vet clinic to microchip your pet for you – tell them that you would prefer to have a 24PetWatch Microchip ID microchip. In the event that they use a different brand of microchip you should still register your pet’s microchip with the 24PetWatch Lost Pet Recovery Network – the only full service lost pet recovery network that provides free registration for all brands of microchips in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Reprinted with permission from The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals website.
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lifestyle
Carleton Place Canadians Player Profile Submitted-Daniel Vazzoler This season marks Bryce Van Horn’s second season with the Carleton Place Canadians and is also his second playing in the CCHL. Van Horn put up solid numbers as a rookie in the CCHL, scoring 19 goals and 17 assists for 36 points in 61 games. He developed as a minor hockey player playing for the Port Huron Minor Hockey Association Travel team. “I felt like it did a pretty good job (of preparing me for junior),” says Van Horn. “It’s too far away to play AAA, but we played in a lot of AAA tournaments so we got really good competition through that. I was
happy with it.” Van Horn describes his style of play like a power forward would, going hard to the net and scoring goals. “I’m strong on the puck and good down low. I’m just trying to work my way to the net somehow and get shots off,” he says. In the 2015-16 season, Van Horn scored 70 points (37 goals and 33 assists) in 62 regular season games, finishing second in team scoring. He had eight goals and four assists for 12 points in 16 playoff games this season, good enough for third on the team. Van Horn committed to Colorado College for the 2016-17 season to continue playing hockey after his time in the CCHL is done.
Bryce Van Horn Birthdate: May 3, 1996 Hometown: Kimball, Mich. Height: 6’0” Weight: 199 lbs Shoots: R Position: F
Paddlers, sponsors signing on for Paddlefest 2016
review:The Carleton Place Canadians Carleton Place - Daniel Vazzoler
The Carleton Place Canadians won their third straight Bogart Cup in April after going the distance in their seven-game series against the Ottawa Jr. Senators. After wrapping up their second round series with the Brockville Braves in a four-game sweep and getting a 13day break, the Canadians had to wait until April 12 before starting their series against Ottawa. Starting at home, the Canadians got off to a good start with a 4-3 win in overtime. Ottawa got out to a 2-0 lead in the game before Carleton Place scored three times in the last three minutes of the second period to take the lead. The Senators tied the game early in the third period, but Lucas Batt got the game-winning goal in Game One. Carleton Place went on the road for Game Two and came away with another 4-3 win, this time in triple-overtime. Jacob Moreau, Maxime St. Pierre and Connor
Merkley scored three unanswered goals before Ottawa came back to tie the game with a goal from Mitchell Gibson and a pair of goals from Evan Lindquist. Mid-way through the third overtime period, Brett Murray poked home the loose puck for a 2-0 series lead. Ottawa got back in the series with back-to-back wins in games three and four. Luke McCaw was the difference in game three, scoring two goals including the game-winner to lead the scoring in the game. Jaren Burke had three points in game four as he was a part of all three Ottawa goals in their 3-2 win to even the series. Carleton Place responded to the two losses with a 3-0 win in game five with six different players getting points. Colton Point set the record for most shutouts in the playoffs with five in the win. The series went into a three-day hiatus between games five and six, and Ottawa benefitted from it with a 7-0 win in Ottawa. Gibson had a hat-trick
August 7th
to help his team get the win and Jody Sullivan led the way with four points in the game – a goal and three assists. The Senators win evened the series at 3-3 and set up a pivotal game seven the next day. The Canadians moved past the loss from the day before and won the Bogart Cup with a 3-2 victory. “We were embarrassed 7-0, Ottawa kind of stuck it to us and over-celebrated on the sixth and seventh goals and the guys weren’t really happy about it and they were motivated [Sunday],” said head coach Jason Clarke. With the victory, Merkley won his third-straight Bogart Cup. “It doesn’t lose its sweetness, that’s for sure,” he said. “Every year guys come in and out and you want to win for those guys who haven’t experienced it and it’s awesome.” By winning the Bogart Cup, Carleton Place has a chance at a third straight Fred Page Cup championship when the team travels to Woodstock, N.B. from May 4-8 for the tournament.
5&9k m r
aces
alls! in Smiths F Photo Credit: Chris Must.
Regional - Chris Must What could be more Canadian than paddling a canoe? Paddling enthusiasts will once again have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and indulge in a little friendly competition as the third annual Rideau Paddlefest comes to Lower Reach Park in Smiths Falls on Saturday, Aug. 6. Co-chaired by Peter Au and Pat Graveline, the volunteer Paddlefest committee has already secured sponsorship from Kilmarnock Enterprise, Wills Transfer, Innovative Logic, Impression Printing, and Metroland Media. The Town of Smiths Falls recently approved a grant of $2,000 to support the festival, which is billed as a cultural, historical, community-based sporting event centred around voyageur canoe races. The committee is also grateful for the financial support of
Tweed Inc. In addition to canoe races, the festival will offer paddling demonstrations and voyageur canoe tours of the Rideau. Waterfront activities will include demonstrations of paddle boarding and kayaking. Educational displays and special children’s activities are planned, and live music will be offered from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 6. The lineup of entertainment for the afternoon has been confirmed, and will include performances by fiddler Ellen Daly, classic rock and R&B band Straight Shooter, and accomplished blues rockers River City Junction. Participants will have the opportunity to try out a variety of canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Teams of 15 are invited to register for the voyageur canoe races. Registration fees are $500 per 15-person team, or $50 per indi-
vidual. An early bird team registration fee of $450 is offered up to May 31. To register, call Ken at 613592-6316, or email RideauPaddlefest2016@gmail. com. “As well as offering a full day of fun activities, we hope to attract visitors to Smiths Falls, and to promote sustainable use of the Rideau waterway, this fantastic resource right here in our own backyards,” said Au. The Rideau Canal has been designated as a world heritage site, he noted. Graveline said the volunteer committee also wants to promote physical activity, and to increase awareness of Smiths Falls’ waterfront assets, and appreciation for everything the town has to offer. “Our committee envisions a celebration of sport paddling, competition, local history, nature, cuisine and the arts,” added Au.
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May 2016
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lifestyle
Pe r t h Sp or t s Ha l l of Fa m e t o Ho l d F i r s t In du c t i on C e re m ony
Perth - Dianne Pinder-Moss
Tim Zander loves history and sports. “When I combine the two, that’s even more fun for me,” he says That’s why the history teacher at Perth and District Collegiate Institute (PDCI) is proud to be chairing the committee for the Perth and District Sports Hall of Fame. The committee was formed in 2014 and includes Tracy Zander, Maureen Pegg, John Gemmell, Clark Theobald and Jim Graff. The Perth area has a rich history, but Zander believes its sporting heritage has not received the recognition it deserves. “There’s that missing thing as part of the Perth history,” he noted. “We have not recognized people who have done things in the sporting world.” For instance Hockey Hall of Famer William “Billy” Smith has inducted into the Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame but hasn’t received similar recognition in his hometown. That will all change on May 15 when Smith is one of the inductees at the inaugural induction ceremony for the Perth and District Sports Hall of Fame. Interestingly, while Smith is best known for his years with the New York Islanders, he was originally drafted to the NHL by the Los Angeles Kings in 1970. Although he only played five games with the Kings, he was part of the team’s AHL affiliate, the Springfield Kings, that won the Calder Cup in 1971. Selected in the
1972 expansion draft by the Islanders, Smith played for the team for 17 seasons before retiring in 1989. He was part of the Islanders during the dynasty years in which the team won four straight Stanley Cups beginning with the 1979-80 season. Having been called the NHL’s dominant goalie of the early 1980s, Smith’s accolades included being honoured with the Vezina Trophy in 1982 after leading the league in regular season wins and being awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1983 as the most valuable player in the playoffs. Along with Smith being inducted in the athlete category on May 15, there will be two other categories that will get inductions: Dr. John H. Hardy in the builder category and the 1936 Perth Royals in the team category. Hardy was the principal of Perth Collegiate Institute (PCI), as it was then named, from 1921 to 1944, and is credited with fostering the growth of sport for both male and female students at the high school. “He saw a connection between sports and education,” Zander noted. As part of promoting sports at PCI, Dr. Hardy coached hockey, soccer and boxing, and was instrumental in the introduction of football at the school. In fact, he was head coach of the football team for 19 years, directing the team to 13 Lanark County championships. In 1926, 1927 and 1928, the team was unde-
feated during the season in county play. “[Football] was his love,” Zander said. In the case of the 1936 Perth Royals, they won the championship in the first season of the Canadian American League, a farm team league for major league baseball. After winning the pennant with a record of 50 wins and 30 losses in the regular season, the Perth franchise, which started off the season as the Blue Cats, defeated Brockville in the playoffs. “Industry in Perth would shut down on days the Royals were playing so fans could attend the games played at the PDCI field,” Graff recalled. The three inductees were selected by the committee from nominations received last fall, which were reviewed and then voted on. The induction ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. on May 15 at the Studio Theatre, 63 Gore St. East. Zander says the committee is honoured that Smith has confirmed his attendance for the event, along with other members of his family, including his brother Gord, also a former NHLer. Also attending will be members of the Hardy family, with representation from at least one of the families of the Royals’ players. Likewise, according to Graff, an invitation has been extended to the Ottawa Champions who play in the current Can Am League. Although they have an exhibition game that day,
A team photo for the championship 1936 Perth Royals shows front left to right: Alfred L. Tarlecki, Joseph A. Gunn, Norman Hibbs, Frederick Hoyden Barnes, Charles Oliver Thomas and William Ross Barkwell. Back: Emil William Graff, Joseph C. Mooney, Frank A. Marinette, Michael H. Sperrick, Hugh Grabowski, Edward W. Howard and Steve Yerkes, manager. Photos courtesy of the Perth and District Sports Hall of Fame
he is hoping that some staff will be on hand for this special occasion. Members of the public are invited to come out to the May 15 event, which will also see the announcement of the recipient of the inaugural Rusty White Award for Sportsperson of the Year. The remaining nominations for the hall of fame will be kept and added to those that are received this fall for next year’s inductions. The committee is hoping that this will become an annual event, just like the Smiths
Falls Recreation Hall of Fame, which was founded in 1981. “Hopefully, we can be that successful and still have people to induct in 30 years,” Zander remarked. “Hopefully, we will have that longevity.” For Graff whose father was the catcher for the 1936 Royals — he did not vote on the team category — it was a pleasure to be asked to be part of the hall of fame committee. “Sports, in particular baseball, football and hockey, were important interests
in our family,” he stated. “Perth has many athletes and teams from the past to the present who made significant contributions to sport and to our local pride. By being inducted into the hall of fame, these teams and players will be on record for future generations.” Plaques containing a photo and short writeup on each of the inductees will be placed on a wall in the front lobby of the Perth & District Union Public Library. “It may not be a permanent location,” Zander stated, “but it’s getting us going.”
Smiths Falls Local Hockey Champions Smiths Falls Atom C Bears Front row L to R: Parker Watkins, Josh Mousseau, Joey Bridson, Ian Smith, Shamus Hodge. Second row L to R: Riley Irvine, Hudson Evoy, Lillian Edwards, Nate Strickland, Aiden Clark, Liam Duberville, Tyler Lesnick, Josh Greene. Third row L to R: Steve Bridson(head coach), Jeff Duberville (coach), Steve Evoy (coach). Mike Watkins (coach), Lyza Lesnick.
Smiths Falls Peewee B Cubs
Back Row: Kylie Ogilvie - Forward, Maddie McCaffrey - Forward, Haley Trudel - Forward, Taylor Richards - Defense, Lexie Joli-Coeur - Defense, Ali Hanna - Forward, Devlyn Saumure - Forward, Karen Copp - Trainer Middle Row: Lionel Trudel - Assistant Coach, Brynn McNaughton - Forward, Jordan Gilbertson - Forward, Katelyn Copp - Forward, Emma-Leigh Thomas - Goalie, Abbey Cassell - Defense, Kamdyn Switzer - Forward, Mikyla Daoust - Defense Front Row: Harvey Ogilvie - Assistant Coach, Denis Daoust - Head Coach, Paul Thomas - Assistant Coach Missing: Christine Thomas - Manager, Leon Switzer - Assistant Coach
Valley Elite AAA Spring Hockey Tournament was held at the Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre in Smiths Falls on April 29,30 and May 1. The tournament covered
Minor-Novice, Atom, Peewee and Major-Peewee. There were 20 teams registered for the 3 day tournament. Sunday afternoon had the semi-final/final teams from the Major Peewee
division all based in Ottawa, the Riots, Falcons, Phantoms and Warriors. Tournament champions were: Minor Novice: Valley Elite North beat Valley Elite South 3-0
Minor Atom: Valley Elite North beat Valley Elite South 4-1 Minor Peewee: TBM beat Gladiators 5-3 Major Peewee: Warriors beat Riots 4-3
May 2016
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lifestyle
H E A LT H Y C H O I C E S Benefits of Meditation for Children The Dalai Lama once said, “If every child in the world would be taught meditation we would eliminate violence from the world within one generation.” This quote captures the powerful benefits of this mindful practice for children of any age. A peaceful heart and existence can go a long way in helping children learn some building blocks to assist them in living a balanced life. Medi-
tation helps children feel what it is like to be still and quiet. It helps them tune into their inner wisdom to feel safe and secure in the world while learning ways to breathe and to feel their own breath. Some of the many benefits include the following items. Promotes inner peace and compassion, greatly reducing stress that leads to anxiety. Children learn to become aware of their bod-
ies and their reaction to stressors on an emotional and physical level. If they feel threatened or scared in their world, they may feel things like headaches, stomach aches and body pain. Meditation helps bring awareness to different fears so children can learn how to choose different thoughts to slow their minds and the physical symptoms in their bodies. Improves attention,
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memory and concentration. Meditation helps children develop the ability to focus and concentrate improving their ability to control impulsive behaviour. A study completed at the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney, Australia revealed that children with ADHD who learned meditation when compared to the control group showed a significant reduction in hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. (www.meditationresearch.co.uk) Builds self-esteem. In a relaxed state, children can tap into both their positive and negative experiences in a day, all of which help them learn and become resilient. In a world full of technology and distractions at the touch of a screen, children are quickly losing opportunities for free play and
learning in silence. Meditation allows them an opportunity to use their natural inherit creativity, which promotes a healthy and strong sense of self-esteem. Improves sleep. This can benefit both parent and child! By learning the art of relaxation children can transition soundly from a state of movement to a state of alpha induced sleep. Parents can use guided meditations at bedtime as a part of their routines. Parents often are unaware of what to do to promote meditation in their children. Start simply and make it part of your family routine. It can be as simple as sitting in silence for five minutes or taking a silent walk in the forest and building on that. Become the change you wish to see. Children copy their parents’ be-
haviour so if you want to get your children interested in meditation, begin to meditate! Invite your children to breathe into their bellies and enjoy watching their bellies shrink as they exhale. Another fun breathing exercise is alternate nostril breathing. Creating a peaceful space together that incorporates natural calming elements helps encourage regular practice. Supporting your child’s meditation practice evokes an ability for them to connect with the soft spots of their hearts and bodies. It allows them a different perspective on their own energy and that of others. Submitted by Maureen Sullivan of Tree of Life Energy Wellness & Amanda Tyler of Wings of Light Wellness
May 2016
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culture Iconic Ottawa entertainer to portray Stompin’ Tom in Perth show Perth - Chris Must In the early 1970s Freddy Dixon was a hard-working country singer/songwriter playing in local clubs across the Ottawa Valley. One night Dixon’s band was working at the Kemptville Hotel when the owner, Harry Coulter, approached him with a special request. Would Dixon’s band be willing to back up a new guy who was working as a single? Just one complication: the services of Dixon’s drummer, Sam Henry, wouldn’t be needed. Dixon asked why. “He doesn’t like drums,” Coulter replied. “He uses a board. He stomps on it.” “I told him to go to hell,” laughs Dixon today, looking back. “We’re not backing up a guy who doesn’t like drums and stomps on a board.” The new guy was none other than the soon-tobe famous Stompin’ Tom Connors, and it wouldn’t be long before Dixon and Connors would cross paths again. In 1971 Dixon’s home town, Perth, played host to a week-long music festival featuring many of the top acts of the day, including
rock band Crowbar, Ian and Sylvia Tyson, the Stampeders, and Lynn Anderson, best known for her hit song Rose Garden. The bill even included impressionist Rich Little. Dixon urged the organizers to add one more act to the Perth ’71 lineup: Stompin’ Tom Connors. “I said, ‘There’s a guy who’s going to be the biggest thing Canada has ever seen,’” Dixon recalled. “He ended up being the biggest draw of the week.” Connors went on to record many well-known songs such as Bud the Spud, Sudbury Saturday Night, and the Hockey Song, all paying tribute to various people and places from across Canada. He became known as a staunch defender of Canadian music, with strong opinions. In 1978, he returned his Juno awards in protest of the actions of fellow artists who he perceived as selling out their Canadian roots by moving to the U.S. in pursuit of success. Connors died in March of 2013 at the age of 77 and now Dixon is organizing a musical tribute to Connors. Sunday, May 15 the Perth Legion will host a Connors tribute show featuring veter-
an Ottawa entertainer Lucky Ron Burke. “I believe that we haven’t heard enough about Stompin’ Tom in the last few years,” said Dixon. “Tom was his own person. He was blue collar, and for the underdog and the common man.” Connors must have been an admirer of Dixon’s own song-writing talents. When the Hockey Song album was released in 1973, the only song on the record not written by Tom himself was a Dixon composition entitled Last Fatal Duel. The song tells the tale of Canada’s last fatal duel, fought in Dixon’s hometown of Perth in 1833. Connors had heard Dixon and his band perform the song during the Perth ’71 festival. Connors’ guitarist, Billy Lewis, told Dixon that Tom liked the song and wanted a copy. “One day I wasn’t doing too well,” Dixon recalled. “I was out of money, out of beer, out of luck. I said, ‘I’ve got to move on with my so-called career.’ I packaged up a copy of the vinyl album, put it in a brown paper bag and tied it up with fishing line.’” Connors and his band members were impressed with the packaging: what
Lucky Ron Burke will portray Stompin’ Tom Connors in a special tribute show Sunday, May 15 at the Perth Legion. Photo Credit: Submitted
could be more Canadian and East Coast than a brown paper bag and fishing line? Lucky Ron Burke will portray Stompin’ Tom in the May 15 tribute show. A 2008 inductee into the Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame, Burke has been presenting a popular one-man show at Byward Market clubs every week for the past 30 years. Star-
ring in a tribute show is a new experience for Burke, and he has been studying DVDs of Connors’ performances to master his mannerisms, facial expressions and stage patter. He has also been working on Connors’ trademark: keeping the beat by stomping on a plywood board. “I’ve got that down pretty good,” he said. Although Burke’s favou-
rite Stompin’ Tom songs aren’t the most well-known, concert goers can look forward to hearing the classics: The Hockey Song, Big Joe Mufferaw, Bud the Spud, and Sudbury Saturday Night. The show begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15, and tickets are available at Shadowfax in Perth.
Lombardy Fair hoping to horse around Smiths Falls Smiths Falls - Howaida Sorour-Roberts The Lombardy Fair board is proposing a new and intriguing event this year as they celebrate a major milestone. “We’re proposing a parade of horses, approximately 150 travelling through the centre of Smiths Falls on July 9 to help celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Lombardy Fair,” said Ron MacMillan, director on the Lombardy Fair board. “We’re also trying to raise awareness for the 150th anniversary of the fair which runs from July 29 to Aug.1,” added Melanie Chisholm, Lombardy Fair president. With a milestone as rich as a 150 years, the Lombardy Fair board was looking for ideas to suit the event. “I have a horse business and a fairly big interest in horses, so I proposed the idea and we have such a
great board, we batted the idea around and finally came up with plan to have 150 horses go through the town of Smiths Falls to give us more presence and to bring more people into town,” said MacMillan. The parade will include a wide variety of different breeds, sizes and colours of horses, there will be plain and fancy buggies, wagons and there might even be a miniature donkey to round out the pageant. “We want to make this as interesting for spectators as we possibly can,” said MacMillan. With only 90 days to go before the event, board members are working furiously on pulling off the event, and are confident they can. “A lot of what we do is done through the goodwill of the community,” said Earl Hicks, director on Lombardy Fair board and past president. The plan was initially
to have the parade let by a band, but MacMillan isn’t sure if they’ll be able to pull that off. “The bands we’ve approached are all either busy or out of our price range, so unless we can find a sponsor we might not have the band,” he said. The proposed route is 2.4 kilometres, running through downtown Smiths Falls. The idea is to start at 1:00 p.m. on Lansdowne Street, to turn right on Elmsley Street, right on Beckwith Street, and then left on Main Street to allow traffic to continue on Chambers Street, off the bridge, and then left on Market Street, left on Russell Street, and back to Beckwith where it would turn right and head back to the staging area. The entire route would likely take about one to one and a half hours to complete. At the April 18 Smiths Falls Committee of the Whole meeting MacMillan
An avid equestrian, Ron MacMillan, director Lombardy Fair Board is excited about bringing a 150-horse parade to the town of Smiths Falls on July 9. Shown here MacMillan drives his team of Percheron horses Cruiser and Ben with Earl Hicks, director and former president Lombardy Fair Board beside him. Photo Credit: Howaida Sorour-Roberts.
made a presentation and asked for council’s support. “We are looking to the town, for some help. We will need barricades along the route, and we’ll find the volunteers to set them up, man them and tear them down,” MacMillan told COW. “We’re also looking to the town to partner with us to help with policing and any other sup-
port you can give us.” The Lombardy Fair Board is very committed to the parade, according to MacMillan and is promising to provide all the necessary manpower, and equipment necessary to clean up after the horses both along the route and at the staging area. The response from Smiths
Falls council has been very positive, and town staff is eager to get the ball rolling. “We are very excited, and I was very pleased with the response from council,” concluded MacMillan. Anyone interested in volunteering for the event is asked to contact the Lombardy Fair Board at 613284-2640
May 2016
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culture
Provincial Town Crier Championship Coming to Perth
Photo Credit: Submitted
Perth - Submitted While we don’t usually encourage crying in public spaces, we’re going to set that preference aside for the Ontario Provincial Town Crier Championships. Taking place in downtown Perth from May 21 to May 22, 2016, the town will welcome town criers from across the region for the 2016 Ontario Guild of Town Crier Championships. It’s a free event, and we encourage the public to come check out the three cries that will happen over the two-day period. ‘Wait, can you explain what a Town Crier does?’ O’yez! You’re in for a little history lesson, my friend. A Bellman or Town Crier could well be described as the original historical news broadcaster. In many early settlements and towns, such as Perth, they were the travelling anchorman for the nightly news: a source of daily information and entertainment. Another traditional term, “Beadle,” was also a bellman and crier, but usually attached to a parish, to a court, or to a specific judge. Here in Perth, we actually had Criers of the Court who were Criers of the Council (later called Messengers of the Council) and who also served as Public Criers. The Town of Perth’s very own Town Crier, Brent McLaren, will welcome these criers to his hometown. He’ll play host for the weekend, and as such, he won’t be competing. Here’s the weekend’s schedule: Saturday, May 21, 2016 Criers’ Walk Time: 9:45 AM Location: Best Western Plus Parkside Inn and Spa The event officially launches when the Town Criers and their escorts gather at the Best Western Plus Parkside Inn and Spa on Peter Street. They’ll make their way to Crystal Palace with a short walk, and ultimately launching the weekend’s festivities! The First Cry – a Home
Town Cry Time: 10:30 AM Location: Crystal Palace The Town Criers’ task will be to bring greetings from their home town or organization to the Military Settlement at Perth. The Town Criers have been challenged to include our area’s interesting elements in their cry, including agriculture, the Rideau Canal and historic components. Humour is always appreciated, too! Throughout the morning and especially during the first cry a team of judges will be observing and adjudicating the Escorts and how they assist the Crier and interact with the public. The criteria for the Best Escort award goes far beyond simply best dressed and will be determined by the judges, whose decision shall be final. The award will be presented at the end of this round. The cries will occur as the Perth Farmers’ Market will be buzzing with business. Local producers and crafters will set up that morning to sell their wares. From fresh produce to home-baked goods to gorgeous flower arrangements, the Perth Farmers’ Market is a hub of activity on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn more about the Perth Farmers’ Market. Second Cry – Promotional Cry Time: 2:00 PM Location: Stewart Park The Second Cry will take place in Stewart Park. The public is encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the shade and trees, which are part of this beautiful, expansive park, located just behind the Town Hall. Chairs will be available for the Criers and Escorts. About six weeks before the Championships, a special draw paired each Crier with a local business or organization. The Crier was provided with contact information and some basic background. The objective of this cry
is to promote the business or group proving that Perth is truly Aged to Perfection. Criers will be encouraged to use a prop associated with that business or organization. This cry is also being watched by a special judge(s) who is adjudicating the Crier’s use of wit and humour in their cry. Sunday, May 22, 2016 The Third Cry – an Historic Cry Time: 1:30 PM Location: Crystal Palace The Town Criers will have had to do their research for this one! They’ve been handed a range of resources documenting our area’s vast history. They’ll then need to take that history and turn it into a cry. Their task will be to bring some element of the local past to light. It could be an event, tell a story or re-enact as if they were at an event that occurred over these past two hundred years! We’re envisioning cries about last duels, cheese, whiskey and more. It will be interesting to see where their interest lies in our history. Let’s be honest: we’re probably going to learn something about our community after hearing these cries. Following the third and final cry, the scoring will be added up to determine the winners from the weekend. The judges will consist of a range of local community members ranging from theatre producers to historians to artists. They’ll use their expertise and good judgement to mark up the score sheets that weekend. Join In! The weekend is expected to be filled with entertainment, laughter, skill and a demonstration of how our 200-year-old community once got its news. Join us in downtown Perth for the two-day championships. The weekend will also include a host of historically themed events, including the Settlers’ Trek and William Morris Plaque Dedication. Learn more at www.perth200.ca
Fiery flamenco comes to Perth’s Full Circle Theatre
Fiery Flamenco at Full Circle Theatre. Montreal’s Marta and Richard Moir bring their world-travelled flamenco music to Perth on May 28. The duo has played across the globe, from Canada to Spain, from Australia to India and even -- as pictured here -- at Castle Bran, which once belonged to Dracula! The couple’s has been praised everywhere, even in Spain, itself. Photo Credit: Submitted
Perth- Submitted When Marta and Richard Moir bring their music to Perth’s Full Circle Theatre on May 28, it will be almost a homecoming for them. Based in Montreal, Perth is just a hop and a step away, compared to venues such as New Delhi, Dubai, Moscow, Athens, Australia, Spain and Romania, where they have played. Concerts Flamenco, as the Moirs are billed, have toured the world with their brand of traditional flamenco music and everywhere they have played, the critics have
raved over their performances. Flamenco music, as a form, has roots that go back many centuries, to a time when southern Spain was dominated by the Moorish people. The Middle Eastern influences on the native music of southern Spain, combined with those of Spain’s Jewish population and the Indian influence of the Romany people came together to create a distinctive and instantly recognizable sound. The name itself has a number of theories about its origin, some thinking it comes from an Ara-
bic word describing the exiled state of its Jewish and Romany performers and some thinking it simply describes the fiery passion in the music. The Moirs have that passion in abundance and it is reflected in their music. They concentrate mostly on two of the three aspects of flamenco, toque (guitar) and cante (the voice), although Marta, who is from Spain originally, has been known to give an occasional display of baile or dance. For more details and tickets visit www.barndoorproductions.ca.
May 2016
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culture
Lilac Festival celebrates 21 years Carleton Place - Sarah Cavanagh
The village of Franktown, established around 1818, was designated the Lilac Capital of Ontario in 1998 and has held an annual festival to celebrate these beautiful and fragrant bushes since 1995. Lilacs were brought to the area by English and Scottish settlers in the early 1800s and planted around many area farmhouses. The 25 acre parcel of land to the south of Church St between the aptly named Lilac Lane and Highway 15 is home to many colour variations of the common lilac. This area garnered the interest of the lilac team of the friends of the Central
Experimental Farm in 2007. Of particular interest were some naturalized hybrid species with double florets. Between 2007 and 2009, four double floret bushes ( two white and two pink) were moved to the nursery at the Central Experimental Farm for study along with a softwood cutting of a bluish coloured variety. These three varieties have now been named in honour of the area. The pink variety has been named Dixie for Dixina McLellan (an historic owner of the property now running along Lilac Lane). The white one has been named Franktown and blue one Beckwith. A Dixie and a Franktown bush have
since been planted along Lilac Lane and in the Ornamental Gardens at the Experimental Farms. In 2009, Franktown was presented the International Lilac Society’s President’s award to for protecting and honouring this unique collection of lilacs. This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Lilac Festival and will be celebrated on Saturday, May 28 at Centennial Hall, located at 152 Church St. As always, the festival offers many family-friendly ways to celebrate. This year visitors can celebrate the 200th anniversary of Beckwith Township by dressing in period costume for a chance to win prizes.
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Start things off with a hearty pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., hosted by Beckwith Irish Minor Football. Take part in the children’s bike parade, registration for the parade is from 10:15 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at St James Church. This year’s themes are “spring” and “historical” and win- Photo Credit: www.lanarkcountytourism.com ners will be selected from Simpson and Brad Scott. various garage sales, retwo categories (ages 2 to Enjoy an historic horse stored antique vehicle 5 and ages 6 to 10.) The drawn wagon ride down display, silent auction, parade starts at St James Lilac Lane from 12:00 50/50 draw, big bounce, Church at 10:45 and runs p.m. till 3:30 p.m. to see balloon animals and along Church St to Cen- the sights. Finish the day more. Little Ray’s Reptile tennial Hall. off with a ham & bean Show takes the stage at There is a BBQ at Cen- supper from 4:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. Admission is tennial Hall from 11:00 until 7:00 p.m. hosted by free. For more informaa.m. until 2:00 p.m., bring St. James Church. tion contact the Beckwith a lawn chair and enjoy All day you can enjoy Township Office at 613an afternoon of music a craft market, bake sale, 257-1539 or cmcgregor@ with Jamie and Brendan face painting, children’s twp.beckwith.on.ca. McMunn and guests Jim games and activities,
Theatre Night in Merrickville presents a fresh romantic comedy Regional - Howaida Sorour-Roberts
Spring is in the air and Theatre Night in Merrickville (TNIM) is getting ready to launch its spring production. This year TNIM is presenting Hamish by Michael Grant. Set in the Scottish Highlands, it is a charming comedy with a Canadian flavour. “I found this play in a Theatre Ontario anthology of full-length plays,” said Margaret Shearman, director. “I really liked it and it’s written by a Canadian who actually went to Scotland to research the play.” The plot revolves around Kelli, the Canadian wife who books a trip to Scotland for herself and her overworked husband. She picks her husband’s ancestral homestead in the Scottish Highlands as their destination. Upon arrival they find they’re not quite alone. A long deceased ancestor, Hamish, is still wandering around the old homestead. As the story unfolds, a couple of locals, along with the young Canadians are ‘coached’ by the ghost to set about saving the ancestral home from sale to a rival family and preserving it in the family name. “The ghost is an interesting part, because it can be played in so many different ways,” said Stef Ro-
bar, who plays Hamish. Incidentally only one person (and the audience) can see the ghost who cuts an imposing figure at over six feet dressed in a great kilt. “It was a bit of a challenge finding a great kilt,” admitted Shearman, but they have tracked one down. The great kilt, for those that don’t know, is nine yards of tartan pleated in situ and held with a broad belt. It is a full-length garment with two layers so that the upper portion can be worn as a cloak draped over the shoulder or flipped up over the wearer’s head like a cowl. Right now the cast is in full rehearsal and each seem to be thoroughly enjoying their roles and
the play. “It’s a charming, humorous play. It’s snappy and has the potential for some hilarious moments,” said veteran TNIM actor Andrea Howard, who plays Annett Gordon. So mark your calendars for May 13, 14, or 15, and come and enjoy an hour and twenty minutes of laughter and intrigue with Theatre Night in Merrickville at the Community Centre. Performances on Friday and Saturday start 8:00 p.m. and at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $12 each and are on sale now at Mrs. McGarrigle’s Fine Food Shops in Merrickville and the Merrickville Book Emporium or online at www.merrickvilletheatre.org.
The cast of TNIM’s spring production are busy rehearsing Hamish by Michael Grant, which opens on May 13. Not yet in costume and still using working props, shown here from left Brian Render as Shelby, Andrea Howard as Annette Gordon and Stef Robar as Hamish rehearse a scene from the play at the Merrickville Community Centre. Photo Credit: Howaida Sorour-Roberts.
May 2016
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culture
The 150th Lombardy Fair Regional - Kathy Botham
The Lombardy Fair is celebrating their 150th anniversary this year. This annual agricultural fair, which began in 1866, will take place from July 29 to Aug. 1. The Lombardy Fair will have tractor and horse pulls, a demolition derby, a midway, cattle and horse shows, agriculture displays, music and lots of food. There are many contests and judged events for everyone in the family to participate in. Get a full list of events on the fair’s website www.lombardyfair.ca.
The Lombardy Fair originally shared its roots with Kitley and would alternate locations each year. In 1866, Lombardy Fair’s roots took hold and remained. This annual country fair has held on to its own identity since. This fair has grown and changed every year. Always with country pride and agriculture flavour. It takes many volunteers to organize and host such an event. It is a year-long endeavour that begins the week after the previous fair. There are pictures, trophies and memorabilia at the fair-
grounds on Highway 15 dating back to 1918. A fire destroyed everything prior to 1918. The Lombardy Fair has different meanings to many people. For some it is a weekend of competition in their area of interest and expertise. Many come out for the food and music. The midway is also a great way to spend the day with the family. It is great entertainment for all who wish to watch and look at all the displays. Ultimately, there is something of interest for everyone. The bright orange buildings on High-
way 15 are landmarks in this area. This has been home to the Lombardy Fair for the last 28 years. This year’s 150th anniversary is a milestone that will be celebrated. The Lombardy Fair hosts events such as tractor and horse pulls, demolition derby, midway, cattle and horse shows, agriculture displays, music and lots of food. There are many contests and judged events for everyone in the family to participate in. For a more extensive list of events, you can look at their website for the 150th Lombardy Fair.
Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5, The Musical romps into Studio Theatre June 2nd! Perth - Submitted Workin’ nine to five, what a way to make a livin’, Barely gettin’ by, it’s all takin’ and no givin’. They just use your mind, and they never give you credit, It’s enough to drive you crazy if you let it! Who can believe it’s been 36 years since those words and that music burst onto North American movie screens? And who didn’t get swept up in the story of three friends who go to war with their chauvinistic, dim-witted boss? The movie struck a chord with everyone who saw it. On June 2nd, the Broadway musical version of 9 to 5 will strike a chord all over again, right here in Perth. “I’m crazy-thrilled about being able to bring 9 To 5: The Musical to Perth!” says C.
Lee Bates, the gifted director who has perennially capped off the Studio Theatre’s season of plays with musicals like Little Women: The Musical and The Drowsy Chaperone. “The Broadway show was written by Patricia Resnick — who also wrote the movie — and of course the music is by the great Dolly Parton,” says C. Lee. “There are rhythmic and key changes in almost every song, with musical styles from Country and Pop to Gospel and Funk. If you loved the movie, you’ll be wild about the musical!” When 9 To 5: The Musical opened on Broadway it received a record 15 Drama Desk and four Tony Award nominations. While it’s very much a light-hearted comedy, the subtext of gender inequality is still relevant today. Like the
movie, it uses humour and satire to make a powerful social message palatable, but still hard-hitting. With 17 cast members and a full 10-piece orchestra, C. Lee Bates says this show is one of the most ambitious ever mounted by Studio Theatre Productions. “We have four leads, two featured performers, and an 11-member ensemble, all incredibly talented and experienced musical theatre performers. And what’s a musical without great music? We’re thrilled to have an orchestra of 10 professional musicians, assembled by Mark Bailey and led by Conductor Alexandra Guerin.” Other production credits go to Jane Stott, Producer; Leah Williams, Vocal Director; and Choreographer/ performer Courtney Mason. The set is de-
signed by C. Lee Bates and Reiner Silberhorn, and brought to life by a gifted team of builders, painters and scenic designers. Don’t miss this super-energized, terrifically entertaining show when it premieres at
the Studio Theatre, 63 Gore Street East, on Thursday, June 2nd for eight performances only. Advance tickets are $25 (cash) at The Book Nook, 60 Gore St. E., and at Tickets Please (ticketsplease.ca) and Shadowfax (shadowfax.
on.ca) both of which accept credit cards and charge a convenience fee. Tickets are $27 at the door; students with ID pay just $10 at the door. Attend opening night and save $5! Visit studiotheatreperth.com for details.
9 to 5: The Musical in rehearsal: Left to right, Jeff Kohl plays Frank Hart, the big bad boss, while Violet (Lindsay Rewi) and Doralee (Cait Morton) enjoy seeing the boss under threat by Judy (Lauren Bailey) in her fantasy-come-to-life. The show premieres June 2nd at the Studio Theatre for 8 performances. Photo Credit: Len Modderman
May 2016
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business spotlight on business:
Local Ottawa Valley Events Big plans brewing for Smiths Falls Smiths Falls - Chris Must The growing popularity of their craft beer has four Smiths Falls men optimistic that they will be able to begin brewing their products right here in their home town in the near future. The idea behind Four Degrees Brewing Company began four years ago during a golf game between Andrew Howard and Nick Ritchie. The partners decided it would be fun to start their own beer company, and bring much-needed jobs to Smiths Falls in the process. The other two partners in the company are Joe Adams and Chris Haines. Although none of the partners started out knowing how to brew beer, said Haines, “what we did have was a willingness to try and make our community better.” Each of the partners brings a different set of skills and knowledge to the project. Ritchie is the owner of Rideau Orthodontics and Bonarc Medical Supplies. Adams is a licensed carpenter and former maintenance supervisor for the Rideau Canal. Howard is an associate in a local law prac-
tice. Haines is a property manager and construction project manager. To get their project off the ground, the partners enlisted the help of experienced brewing consultant Jay Cooke, owner of District Brewing Company in Regina, to refine the recipe for their first craft beer, True North of 7. True North of 7 first became available at Smiths Falls’ own Rob Roy’s Pub on Centre Street at the end of February. Ritchie said True North of 7 is a Helles-style lager beer. Promotional literature from Four Degrees Brewing (the name refers to the optimum temperature for serving beer) states that “True North of 7 rewards the drinker with the most sublime balance of subtle, rich, elegant maltiness and lingering noble hoppiness.” Highway 7 bisects Ontario, explained Ritchie, so the name North of 7 is intended to evoke images of a northern, outdoor lifestyle. In fact, the handle of the taps used to dispense True North of 7 on draft are shaped like a shotgun and antlers are in the beer’s logo. A second beer, True South of 7, is aimed at a
more urban and refined market, the brewers explain. It has a bolder flavour and colour with Amber hues and a smooth, caramel flavour. These “Lifestyle Collection” beers are currently produced at Taps Brewing Company in Niagara Falls. However, Adams said the Four Degrees Brewing partners plan to locate space in Smiths Falls by this fall to set up a local brewery. They hope the Smiths Falls operation will create between 20 and 30 full- and part-time jobs. “If we’re successful, From left, Nick Ritchie, Andrew Howard, Chris Haines and Joe Adams are partners in Four Dewe’ll have achieved that,” grees Brewing Company. In the foreground is the handle of the tap, shaped like a shotgun, used said Howard. to dispense their product on draft at Rob Roy’s Pub in Smiths Falls. Photo Credit: Chris Must. Other established craft brewers have been help- Tavern in Perth and the in the local area tried the beer collection idea is ful along the way. “The Lee Tavern in Smiths product and recently had a brand named for Old craft brewers know there’s Falls have also ex- some shipped back home. Sly’s Locks. Another enough market for every- pressed interest. With “People in Smiths Falls idea, said Howard, is to one,” said Haines. the opening of golf sea- have been so positive,” produce a beer named “The more breweries son, the partners will said Adams, who added Rosedale Prohibition. you have in an area, the also be working to get that he and his partners Apparently the town more of an attraction it their products to area have been “floored” by of Rosedale was wiped becomes,” added Howard. golf courses. Distribu- the reception so far. from the map by prohiIn addition to Rob tion arrangements with In addition to its two bition, because the local Roy’s, other local out- the LCBO and Beer main brands, Four De- tavern was the main realets offering Four De- Store are also in the grees plans to produce son anyone went there. grees Brewing Com- works. some seasonal offerings Four Degrees Brewing pany products include Although a strictly lo- in March, October and Company wants to give Player’s Sports Bar and cal product at present, over the winter. Smiths Falls something the Country Diner in True North of 7 beer has Other plans call for to get excited about, said Smiths Falls, and East travelled farther afield: a a local beer collec- Howard, adding “If you Meets West restaurant resident of the Northwest tion with ties to Smiths don’t try, you’ll never in Perth. The Imperial Territories with a cottage Falls’ history. One local know if you could do it.”
Mrs. McGarrigle Fine Food Shops founder honoured Regional - Howaida Sorour-Roberts Janet Campbell of Mrs. McGarrigle’s Fine Food Shops in Merrickville has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Leeds and Grenville Small Business Enterprise Centre. “We chose Janet because she exemplifies all the things this award is about,” said Wendy Onstien, manager and lead consultant at Leeds and Grenville Small Business Enterprise Centre in Brockville. The award honours female entrepreneurs who are leaders in their community, take risks, persevere through different challenges, are innovative and strong, explained Onstien. All of which she said were qualities that Campbell possessed in spades. While it’s not the first
time Campbell has received an award, this one is special. “I was shocked and surprised, but it’s given me so much inspiration. I want to really work hard to be worthy of it, because it’s such a huge honour,” said Campbell. In the past Campbell has been awarded a Top 40 Under 40 Award by Ottawa Business News and is named one of the Top 10 Innovative Food Companies by Food in Canada Magazine. Her mustards have won numerous awards including gold at the Worldwide Mustard Competition held in Napa, California. “We’ve won the mustard competition five times which has given us great coverage and legitimized us too,” says Campbell. This year marks Campbell’s 28th year in business. She’s come a long way from
making her first mustard in her home kitchen in the late 80’s. “My mother had given me a book of preserves and I was working my way through the book making every recipe in it. The last recipe was for a mustard, and after making it I started thinking about how to improve it,” said Campbell, today she has 14 gourmet mustards under her own label that are distributed across the country. She also has a line of chutneys and vinaigrettes. “And we have three new products we want to launch this summer,” said Campbell. Although she founded the business in 1988 it was in 1993 that she opened her first retail store. That first store was a tight cozy space, barely 450 square feet, so when a building came up for sale on the main drag in Merrickville, Campbell was
ready. At the time, a lot of people asked her if she was afraid to take such a big leap into owning an entire building on the strength of her fledgling business. “For me the most frightening thing is having a ceiling or a limitation on opportunities,” said Campbell. Her 3,000 square foot retail building is personally owned by Campbell and fully paid for. In 2007 Janet was one of awarded the retailer of Distinction Award by the Canadian Gift and Tableware Association — hers was one of only three stores across the nation . “Her store really appeals to all your senses, it’s like stepping back in time and coming home all in one,” concluded Onstien. The presentation of the award happend on March 3, in honour of International Women’s Day. bition, be-
Mrs. McGarrigle mustards, chutneys and vinaigrettes are all made in the store kitchen in Merrickville before being distributed across the country. Shown here with her team, from left, Stella Trynda, Jacob Dunning, Janet Campbell and Elizabeth O‘Brien. Photo Credit: Howaida Sorour-Roberts.
cause the local tavern was the main reason anyone went there. Four Degrees Brewing Company wants to give
Smiths Falls something to get excited about, said Howard, adding “If you don’t try, you’ll never know if you could do it.”
May 2016
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Council divided over accepting Asset Management Plan Smiths Falls - Howaida Sorour-Roberts Every municipality in Ontario is required to prepare an asset management plan in order to remain eligible for future infrastructure funding. Smiths Falls has just completed one. “The process has been very revealing as we now have a comprehensive understanding of our assets,” said Malcolm Morris, CAO Smiths Falls. The report, prepared by Burnside, Engineers and Environmental Consultants, XIE Environmental and Watson and Associates, Economists Ltd, was presented to the Committee of the Whole on April 11, and while lauded for its detail, most councillors were reluctant to accept it. There is concern that accepting the report will bind council to act on all of its recommendations. “I am not prepared to buy into a tax increase. I will not support this,” said Joe Gallipeau, councillor. There is nothing in the Municipal Act that requires council to act on the recommendations made in any report commissioned by that municipality. “It is simply a practice that we try to use, to ensure that exact direction is given. We pass resolutions to receive and file [reports] like the Water Treatment Plant reports, and we have passed resolutions that only authorize staff to proceed with certain recommendations,” said Kerry Costello, director of corporate services/clerk. The new Asset Management Report is divided into four components, local infrastructure, level of service, asset man-
agement strategy, and financing strategy. It provides a risk/criticality assessment for each asset, looking at the impact the failure or decommissioning of an asset would have on the town, both physically and socially. The report goes on to provide the town with an asset management strategy over a 20-year horizon that makes recommendation on how to prolong the life of current assets through regular maintenance. The last part the financial road map details how the town can begin to reduce its ballooning infrastructure deficit and stay on top of present and future needs. “We considered different funding options, and we assumed that gas tax and the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund would be ongoing, but did not calculate any other one-time funding,” said Dan Wilson, director with Watson and Associates. The plan calls for a 4.03 percent increase in the mill rate portion of municipal taxes every year for the next 10 years before dropping to nearly half that amount. “The 4.03 percent is considered a levy above and beyond the MPAC assessment increase, which from 2016 onwards we calculated at 0.5 percent. If assessment growth goes up more than that in any given year, then you can take that excess off the 4.03 percent,” explained Wilson, adding that the recommendation is a worst-case scenario if no other funding is available to the town in any given year. “Based on an average residential assessment of $163,000 a tax rate of
Getting ready to present the Asset Management Plan, the team of consultants pose for a photograph in council chambers ahead of the April 11 Committee of the Whole meeting. From left Arunas Kalinauskas, asset management specialist with Burnside Engineering and Environmental Consultants, Dan Wilson, director with Watson and Associates; Troy Dunlop, director of Public Works and Utilities, Smiths Falls, and Max Christie, XIE Environmental. Photo Credit: Howaida Sorour-Roberts
4.03 percent would mean an increase of $8.66 per month or $103.94 on the average annual residential tax bill,” clarified Janet Koziel, interim treasurer for the town of Smiths Falls. Wilson also recommended that council capture and allocate any budget surpluses to reserve funds instead of bringing surpluses and deficits forward as revenue or expenses on the new year’s budget. He also suggested creating a gas tax reserve to pay for unforeseen costs that might arise. At the April 18 council meeting council passed a motion to allocate last year’s surplus to a Tax Rate Stabilization Working Capital Reserve and a Lifecycle Tax supported Reserve Fund in a recorded vote. Councillors Jay Brennan and Gallipeau both voted against the motion. “I don’t want
to commit to transferring all future surpluses to reserve,” said Gallipeau. “That’s a decision that has to be made on a year by year basis.” The town’s current infrastructure deficit is $48 million, and growing at the rate of approximately $8 million a year according to Morris. “Whatever work is not done today will be more critical and more expensive in the future,” argued Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow, adding, “We need to increase our commitment to capital works, costs are not going to go down, the 4.03 percent doesn’t have to be a tax increase, if we can increase revenue some other way, but we can’t put off for the future what we put off in the past.” Taxes are not the only hike the consultants recommend. They also called for an increase in
the water and wastewater rates of 8.5 percent for the balance of this year, an increase that was already built into the preliminary budget presented April 25. “Staff will bring forward a second draft budget based on water and wastewater increases beginning June 1st,” said Morris. Water users in Smiths Falls have already absorbed four water rate hikes over the past five years. “The recommended 8.5 percent increase in water/wastewater billing based on annual consumption of 200 cubic meters would work out to $7.23 per month or $86.76 over the course of a year,” said Koziel. In this study it should be noted that the water and wastewater costs include delivery as well as treatment. With little appetite for tax increases and considerable alarm ex-
pressed over extended water rate hikes, the town has to find the money elsewhere. “We’re investing in economic development to expand the tax base by filling vacant commercial and industrial spaces and if we can attract new residential investment we have the opportunity to offset future expenses but that’s not a quick fix,” said Pankow. Meanwhile there isn’t enough money in the town coffers to do work that needs to be done now, putting pressure on town assets. “Making investments below the recommended amounts will increase the infrastructure deficit over time and can add more costs as assets degrade beyond their useful lifecycle. Inflationary impacts also increase the costs of renewing or replacing assets,” concluded Morris.
May 2016
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