Hometown News Lanark, North Leeds & Grenville June 2016

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Pages 11 -14

Vol. 3 No. 6

YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER - LANARK, NORTH LEEDS & GRENVILLE

The end of an era as Lockwood's Sight & Sound closes its doors for the last time

JUNE 2016

Inside This Issue

Smiths Falls - Sally Smith On June 30, an iconic Smiths Falls business will shut and lock its doors for good. Lockwood’s Sight and Sound is closing up shop, a family decision, one made in sorrow, but also made with the full conviction that it must be done. Owner Dave Ryan, 60, is at the Civic Hospital with a stage four glioblastoma brain tumour. “He’s not well enough to have any treatments,” explained his daughter Jessica Marshall, adding quietly,“We’re all hoping for a miraculous recovery.” Jessica and sister Melanie Doornekamp, sat and talked about their dad at Jessica’s home shortly after the decision to close was made. The store has been a major part of Ryan family life since 1962 when Allen Ryan, Dave’s dad, took over from Percy Lockwood. At that time, Lockwood had owned the store at least since 1946 according to an old receipt that was found when switching one fridge for another at a customer’s home. Dave reached for the reins in 1975 while still in Grade 12, and has exerted a steady forward pressure, through ups and downs, through marriages and births — for the past 42 years. “Dad worked hard to bring the store back to life,” Jessica said remembering the hours

Relay for Life SEE OUR COVERAGE PAGES 16 & 17

Culture On April 16, Dave Ryan and wife Anne celebrated his 60th birthday at the Civic hospital with their daughters and grandchildren. From left to right; Jessica Marshall, Ace Marshall, Violet Marshall, Annie Marshall, Clara Marshall, Calvin Doornekamp, Dave Ryan, Tessa Marshall, Emily Marshall, Charlie Doornekamp, Melanie Doornekamp, Anne Ryan, Elly Doornekamp. Photo Credit: Submitted

‘We can’t do it without him. He’s the backbone…’ and years her Dad put into it, and also how the store became an integral part of their extended family, too. “All the children and in-laws have worked here,” she smiled, “as well as a good number of our friends.” Dave has two other children besides Jessica and Melanie, Dr. Emily Marshall, and Jed Ryan. To date, he also has eight grandchildren, Annie, Elly, Violet, Clara, Calvin, Ace, Charlie and Tessa. Through the years the store gained a reputation (because of Dave’s genuine interest in his customers and their problems) of get-

ting things done; Dave and his crews repaired TVs, put up antennas, worked on satellites and internet; they put sound systems in McDonald’s, Harveys, and Perth’s Park Side Spa. The store installed audio/video, and sound and wiring in a training centre for Hydro One — and, two biggies — Hershey’s and Rideau Regional. At the peak of the store’s success, three installation crews worked full time to keep up with demand. Jessica said, of the kids, she worked there the least. It was not her forte. She confesses that often it came down to her not being

asked to do something as she had a knack for further breaking appliances that were brought in for repaired, before they were repaired. She grinned as she recalled the keyboard she plugged in one night to help Dave get started on a job, only to look over at it moments later to see smoke pouring out of the backside. Doornekamp, on the other hand, worked there for 14 years. Her first job was helping her Dad repair an antenna on Bay Road at the age of 11. This was similar to Dave’s first job, as his sister Kate Ryan remembers. “As young lads,

Dave and Steve (brother), would do antenna work and make some frightening climbs without safety equipment. At one time there was a video circulating that horrified my mother! Dave was a fearless individual, about climbing, but also about life in general.” Steve Ryan remembers that antenna episode, as well as putting up an antenna that got away from them and hit their Plymouth Fury station wagon. He laughed and said it wasn’t until 30 years later that his dad found out how the dent really got in the car. continued on page 5

2016 Art in the Barn Show & Sale July 8 to 10th at Lombardy Fair Grounds Page 21

business Spotlight on business Cherry Picked in Merrickville, where Canadian products rule. Page 22

Community Funding approved for Almonte Youth Centre Page 5

FIND US ONLINE Facebook/DiscoverPerth Facebook/DiscoverCarletonPlace Facebook/DiscoverSmithsFalls

JUNE 2016

Page Two

To the Editor... In a small town, news travels fast. Bad news travels even faster. I’m writing this to draw light to that fact that I’m upset with the way a business person in our community has conducted themselves. Not a business, not the staff; just one person who should be better at representing themselves, and the company for which they work. It begins quite simply…it begins with an email. Recently, my mother, in an attempt to pick up a few extra hours of work somewhere, responded to a kijiji ad. She requested a bit more information about the establishment in a light-hearted way that is very much my mother. Here is the ad, and what she said: Ad: Experience bartender/server needed to join existing team. WE WILL TRAIN THE RIGHT PERSON TOO. We are a fun, hardworking team that needs another player. The best shifts go to the best! Silverware experience an asset. Day shifts and night shifts available. Please respond to this add (sic.) with your resume and let us know why you are a right fit for our team. Response: I would love to be able to supply you with a resume, but how could I say I would fit the team, when I do not know what or where I would be fitting into?

I’m sure I couldn’t and wouldn’t enjoy serving sake and raw fish in a kimono! All the best anyways :-) She surprisingly received a response some days later, but it was not at all what she expected. Here is what it said: Thank you for your interest. First let me say, we are not applying to you, you are applying to us.. Therfor if you want to apply or work with us you should send a resume for review. We as the employer will decide if you fit our team, you as the applicant do not have a say in that regard. I think given the manner in which you respond to adds. You would be very fortunate to get a job serving sake and raw fish in a kimono...And given the fact, you likely could not pull off wearing a kimono, that is whole different set of issues...I am sure you are dealing with all that in stride. Best of luck on your search for a job, I am sure there might be a chip truck or septic service you might qualify for? Have a great one, Roz! In this email she was not only berated for her ability to send a response to an ad, but then body shamed for not being able to fit into a kimono and then it was rudely suggested that perhaps she better seek employment in a chip truck or perhaps a septic truck. That is actually

doubly insulting as both of those jobs require a certain constitution that only those who’ve ever worked in one would understand. Upset that someone had hurt my mother, I took to the internet; posting a copy of the offending email as well as her initial question. I wanted to find where this person worked. I wanted to understand what was so wrong about this question that it warranted such a response. The internet had its say (as it generally does) and the post leaked outwards through six-degrees of separation. Through a process of elimination and mutual contacts I found where this person worked; a well-known Smiths Falls establishment that was looking for extra help. I went to the business in question and attempted to talk to the owner, knowing he had been in town a number of years with several establishments. I felt it may be smart to begin with him. He however didn’t want much to do with my questions of “How would you like an employee to respond to this?” because he said he was trying to get out of the business. The owner instead, handed me off to the GM. It turnes out, the GM had only been in the role for two weeks. continued on page 8

Welcome Kelly and Page

Since our last edition Hometown News has welcomed two new members to the team. Kelly Morris and Page Taylor. Morris has joined our sales force and Taylor has joined our group of reporters. Morris comes to us with more than 30 years of experience in marketing, promotions and public relations. With a passion for the marketing elements of the job, she has turned her interests to helping others promote their goods and services. Her goals are simple: to assist in brand awareness efforts, increase sales and ensure our paper and online properties are reaching our current customers while creating new leads and conversions. Taylor is a recent gradu-

Kelly Morris

Page Taylor

ate from the Library and Information Technician program at Algonquin College. Although she has always loved writing fiction, a high school co-op placement at the EMC Record News solidified journalism as a passion. Since then, she has had a couple of summer jobs within the field, from work-

ing as a public relations student at the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital, to writing historical articles for Perth’s 200 anniversary. For Hometown News, Page covers community events and council across Lanark County. We’re happy to have both on board our team.

Happy Father's Day!

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Reporters:

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Patricia Krotki pmkrotki@pdgmedia.ca

Kathy Botham Dianne Pinder-Moss Chris Must Heddy Sorour Sally Smith Page Taylor

Jason Code

EditoR April Scott-Clarke editorial@pdgmedia.ca

pdg media: Phone: (613) 206-0708

advertising: advertising@pdgmedia.ca

From the E ditor...

Change is constant, it’s inevitable, but people are often wary of it. A big change will be coming to Smiths Falls at the end of this month when Lockwood’s Sight and Sound closes it doors (page 1). It’s a sad event, but it’s one that the community of Smiths Falls will be behind to support. Owner Dave Ryan has become known to the residents of Smiths Falls not just for his reliable and honest business practices, but for his kind heart. The store isn’t the only thing that will be missed. But change doesn’t always come with a grey cloud. The space at the cor-

ner of Chambers and Bay Streets is being redeveloped, and when that project is done it will put Smiths Falls on the map for having one of the most innovative green structures in the region. Howaida Sorour-Roberts wrote all about this new project on page 3. A private alcohol and drug rehab centre is planning to open in the the area soon (page 20) and that signifies not just a physical change to the area (and job creation) but it will represent a new life for those that invest and follow through with the clinic’s programs. And we are going through some changes too! HomeTown News has seen some growth in both its editorial team and sales team over the last few months and with that, we hope you’ve started to notice more coverage of local events and issues from more communities in Lanark County within the pages of the paper and on our website (and of course our

social media channels.) This month we have introduced a new pullout centre section that lays out all the upcoming events from around the region, making it easier for you to keep track of what’s happening so you don’t miss out on the many fun events this community has to offer. We will also be changing our website soon. Discoversmithsfalls.ca just doesn’t fit with what we have grown to be, so our new site will better reflect the communites we serve and be easier for our readers to find what they are looking for. We hope that the community will embrace all of these changes — good and bad — and see them as opportunities. While the closure of Lockwood’s means an end of an era for one store, it could be lead to the beginning of something great for another business. Smiths Falls, and the surrounding areas, have a lot to offer, so let’s get the word out about the opportunities here.

June 2016

community Regional Health Hub stalled for lack of interest Smiths Falls - Howaida Sorour-Roberts Health and access to healthcare is a complex issue, involving many different organization spanning health and social mandates. In January 2015 a multi-sector Rural Health Hub Advisory Committee put out a framework for Rural Health Hubs in response to the Ministry of Health and Long Terms Care’s push towards integrating services and delivering equitable access to services across the province. “The initiative was green lighted last fall,” said Richard Schooley, chair of the Smiths Falls and District Hospital board. While Schooley has been actively talking to the various stakeholders, including municipal politicians, he’s not optimistic that a Leeds and Lanark Health Hub will come to fruition on its own initiative. “I’m not convinced that the health system is taking it seriously,” said Schooley. “There are 20 plus health services in our immediate area, but I don’t see them accepting that this is a platform we need to be adopting.” The idea behind a Health Hub builds on the ‘patient first’ initiative that sets the patient at the centre of a care plan, but is difficult to implement in rural areas where geography can play a negative role in accessing both

clinical health care and other health and social services. “In response to these challenges, many rural local health care providers have developed innovative solutions and have begun to work collaboratively to improve access, strengthen efficiencies and enhance the quality of health care for their communities,” wrote the authors of the framework for health hubs. “Health Hubs are an opportunity for groups to come together to suggest solutions to the LHINs on how to make things more effective and how to make that happen,” said Schooley, who says that so far the uptake on the idea has been slow. To have a holistic health hub, it has to be able to include the twelve social determinates of health such as social services, housing and mental health among others, and all of those are county run facilities according to Schooley. While the county has appointed two representatives to the Health Hub committee there is still little movement. “We are efficient smart and capable, but we are running out of resources unless we start thinking differently,” said Schooley. The Ministry of Long Health and Long Term Care has given the regions all the tools they need to see this project come to fruition according to Schooley. “The fact that the government is

willing to acknowledge that not all communities are the same is a good thing,” he pointed out. There are other regions in Ontario that have successfully adopted the Health Hub initiative, and are integrating services, and realizing administrative savings by pooling resources wherever possible. In a report put out by the Ontario Hospital Association several Ontario communities revealed their successes with integrating services through a hub model. Dryden Regional Health Centre reported that through collaboration the various health care providers are able to share financial resources and staff, and by working together have been able to reduce gaps in care. Others have brought children and adult mental health services under one umbrella and are working with families rather than splitting family care between several providers. The examples are out there, and they are all different depending on the given region’s available resources. Now it’s time to get a health hub up and running in this region that is designed by the people who are providing the services. “My fear is that if we don’t pick up on the opportunity now, we will be part of something that the Champlain or South East LHIN designs,” said Shcooley.

Retaining Walls Stone Steps Interlocking Stone Fences & Decks Lawn Maintenance Trees & Shrubs Free Estimates

613-285-4492 www.green-acres.ca

Chambers Street development first of its kind in the region

Smiths Falls - Howaida Sorour-Roberts

An application for the development of the land located at the corner of Chamber and Bay Streets in Smiths Falls, across from Giant Tiger, is in the works. Lucas O’Connor, a Smiths Falls native, wants to develop the property into an eight storey building with 52 apartment units, 88 parking spaces and a stateof-the-art, full service fitness centre and fresh food eatery on the ground floor. The building will be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified, which is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. “It will be the first of its kind in the region, and maybe even Ontario,” said O’Connor, who believes there’s a real need for this type of development in Smiths Falls. “I think there is a lack of quality apartment dwellings in the town right now,” he added. O’Connor has also planned his development to include grey water re-

With eight years of construction under his belt, Lucas O’Connor, owner of Lucas Contracting shown here outside his Ottawa office, is moving into development and proposing a green apartment building with ground floor commercial on Chambers Street. Photo Credit: Howaida Sorour-Roberts

cycling, a green roof and water cisterns to capture rainwater. Solar energy will be captured and stored in batteries and redistributed to the residential units as well. “The building faces south, so the plan will be to integrate solar into the surface of the exterior walls on the south, east and west faces of the building,” said O’Connor. He’s also proposing high efficiency heat recovery ventilation, LED lighting, high efficiency appliances and water fixtures. Electric car charging stations are also planned for the parking area. O’Connor is partnering with NRB, a modular construction outfit in Grimsby, Ont., to construct the building mostly off-site. This will reduce construction disruptions in the neighbourhood. “With our approach, we complete up to 90 per cent of the building off-site,” said Lisa Svihus, sales administrator with NRB. Right now, O’Connor is applying to the town for a zoning amendment to allow the eight story building. Currently, it’s only zoned for six stories. “The math just doesn’t work for a six storey building, but with eight it becomes cost effective,” said O’Connor. The site targeted for this development is one of five areas in town identified in the town’s Official Plan as ‘targeted growth areas’ according to Katelyn Morphet, the

town’s interim planner. According to O’Connor, the town has been extremely supportive of the proposal. “The [Chamber’s Street] application has been deemed complete, and we’re starting the process under the Planning Act regarding his application for a zoning amendment,” said Morphet. To that end the town is holding a public meeting on June 20 at 4:30 p.m. at the town hall. “That’s where the public can come and discuss any concerns or support for the proposed project,” said Morphet. If the zoning amendment is approved, O’Connor says he will get started on the site control plan and the building’s construction design. “To design a building like this, that hasn’t been done before, we’re looking at six months because I want to ensure all the intricacies are covered. I don’t want to start construction and then have to change because that becomes expensive,” he said. Typically a building of this size would take about 18 months to erect if it was completely built on site. “I’m told that we can erect the whole building in 60 days with another four months to do the finishing — that may be ambitious, but we will know better as planning and design phases come together,” concluded O’Connor.

JUNE 2016

community

Perth Inside Out: Disabled Vet Opts for Perth Kilt Run

The massed start of the 2015 Perth Kilt Run, heading south on Gore street from the start in front of Town Hall. Photo Credit: Terry O’Hearn

Perth - Terry O’Hearn Veteran Frank Larabie and Perth’s World Record Kilt Run are finally coming together. Larabie has been taking part in the Canada Army Run since 2009, but he decided this year it was time to participate in the Kilt Run. The 2016 run is not only an attempt at a new world record for Largest Kilt Race, but is one of the 200th Perth Military Settlement Anniversary events.

As in past years, the Royal Mile, Five Mile, and Half Marathon races all started in front of the Town Hall on Saturday, June 25 at 6 p.m., and all finishers in those categories will count towards a possible new Guinness World Record. The full marathon takes place on Sunday, June 26, 6 a.m. It starts in the centre of the Rideau Ferry Bridge, and ends at Ecotay Education Centre in Tay Valley Township. The course winds

through the Town of Perth, including the Perth Golf Course, and then meanders through the surrounding countryside, before finding a gap through a hayfield at Ecotay Farm where runners find the finish line at the doors of a large restored barn. Larabie suffers from chronic pain and post-tramatic stress disorder (PTSD), caused by multiple injuries during his 22-year career in the Canadian Armed

Forces and NORAD. Surgeries sometimes caused additional nerve and muscle damage, and his shoulder and scapula were rebuilt in 2007. The PTSD with all its horrors came later. Although Larabie missed the official registration cutoff date, he was quick to jump on board when he learned a spot in the Sunday “Half Kilter” was available for him. Already walking significant distances with the assistance of Nordic style walking poles, Larabie is ramping up his training by increasing distance travelled, and carrying a rucksack. While this will be the first year monies from the Kilt Run are earmarked for Wound-

ed Warriors Canada. The Kilt Run has managed to raise more than $100,000 over the past few years for the MS Society and the Canadian Cancer Society, the two main charities the event supports. Larabie stressed that support going to Wounded Warriors Canada will make its way to the entire family unit, not just the individual veteran, and to Larabie, the family is just as important to the cause. Over the past several years in the Army Run he has raised more than $17,000 for Soldier On, with the help of his support team. This half marathon event will begin on County Road 6 (Christie Lake Road), and follow the same course as the

full marathon, ending at the same finish line. A separate start will take place at 7 a.m. A course map will be posted on the Facebook page mentioned below. Spectators would be welcome along the route. More information on Larabie’s half marathon event can be found at w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / FranksHalfKilter and on the Kilt Run at www. p e r t h k i lt r u n 2 0 1 6 . c a While the strenuous physical activity helps relieve the debilitating effects his disabilities, the main motive for Larabie is to be able to pay it forward. Fundraising and raising awareness for those who suffer from PTSD, depression, and many other diseases, is foremost on his mind.

Frank Larabie counts on a variety of support to complete endurance events in support of veterans. Photo Credit: Terry O’Hearn

The SFDCY and Zendragon Gym present:

YOUTH-A-PALOOZA SMITHS FALLS

A Fund Raising Event For The Smith Falls District Youth Centre June 25th by The Water Tower from 11am-4pm Join us for an amazing FUN FILLED DAY of events including Water Wars, Dunk Tanks, BBQ's, Live Music, Lip Sync Battles, Games, Obstacle Courses and much more... Vendor tables and sponsorship opportunities available.

June 2016

community

Funding approved for Award b oth an honour Almonte youth center and a shock for Carl Evoy REGIONAL - Page Taylor When it comes to providing a safe space for young people, it isn’t all fun and games. The region of Almonte Mississippi Mills has been without a permanent youth center since the closure of Take Young People Seriously (TYPS) in 2014. However, on May 3, the first steps towards heralding in a new youth center took place at the Mississippi Mills council meeting when the council approved the free use of the Almonte Curling Club to a youth summer program. (The program will run from July 4 to September 2.) The Lanark County Council recently designated further funding to hire an executive director shortly after, and $40,000 was released

from the Mississippi Mills Council. This surge of funding will ensure that once again, Almonte will have a non-profit organization for young people. “It’s so important to have someplace for them to go,” said Diane Smithson, chief administrative officer at the Mississippi Mills Town Hall, speaking to the necessity of having a youth center in any community. “It is such a large segment of our population and if we offer them a safe place for them, then hopefully it will show them they are important to us and they will take pride in themselves.” Although money isn’t everything to a volunteer organization, Smithson admits that being given free use of a municipal facility greatly im-

proves the ambition of a program, especially when it comes to the field trips. “There’s only limited money,” she stated solemnly. “The fact that we don’t have to pay rent… that’s more money that can go towards the programing.” Children and teens ages 10 to 14 can register for the summer program at the Recreation and Culture Department at the Almonte Old Town Hall. There will be a $15 fee per day to take part in a plethora of activities such as cooking, scavenger hunts, sports, swimming, canoeing, and even chocolate making. As for the future youth center, Smithson says that the search for an executive director has started and the plan is to open the centre in September.

Smiths Falls - Chris Must

Smiths Falls’ Citizen of the Year for 2015 said he was both shocked and honoured to receive the award. Carl Evoy, nominated by former mayor Dennis Staples, was presented with the Dr. T.O. Ashwell Memorial Award at the Smiths Falls Civitan Club on May 26. “This was a shock to me,” he said. “I really thought it was going to someone else.” Evoy, owner of Impression Printing since 1989, was recognized for extensive volunteer work, including serving as president of the local Rotary Club, chamber of commerce, and Smiths Falls and District Crime Stoppers. He is also a

Carl Evoy, seen in front of Impression Printing, the business he has operated for 27 years, is the 2015 Smiths Falls Citizen of the Year. Photo Credit: Chris Must

long-time member of the Masonic Lodge, former member of the Lombardy Fair Board, and former member of the Town of Smiths Falls Traffic Advisory Board. “I feel very honoured, and I was very excited when I got it,” said Evoy, adding that he feels many others are equally deserving.

The Citizen of the Year Award is presented annually to a citizen who has made a contribution to the town through volunteer efforts which have a positive effect on his/her fellow citizens and community. This year’s awards banquet marked the 47th year that the award has been presented.

Lockwood's closing its doors

continued from cover

Earlier this month, the Mississippi Mills Council approved the free use of the Almonte Curling Club to a summer youth program, before finding a permanent location for the youth center in the fall. Photo Credit: Page Taloy

Massage Therapy HRV - Heart Rate Variability Surface Electromygraphy - muscle and tone Thermography - organ and gland control

Steve also remembers when the store initially started there was no money for re-branding or painting or anything, so the boys took a huge five-gallon drum, dumped all the leftover paint in it, mixed it up and painted the walls. They describe it as a greenish tinge. The family kept the name Lockwood because the store had a good reputation in the town of Smiths Falls, and the Ryans built on that reputation. Somehow the business has survived in Smiths Falls, Kate added. Her quick reflection is that this was due to Dave’s faith. “He’s not pushy about it, but his faith has taken him into homes of millionaires and homes at the other end of the spectrum. He befriended everyone. The store’s closing will affect all of us.” Through the years, the kids were paid, and paid well. But even so, Melanie wanted a raise one summer. She told her Dad she made $5 an hour and would like more; Dave offered $5.05. She gave him a look, and laughing he agreed to $7. Being at the store brought Melanie out

of her shell. She recalls being a quiet, soft-spoken little girl. “Dad told me one day, if someone comes in asking for hearing-aid batteries, they need to hear your answer.” From that, Melanie began to speak up. “It was character building,” she grinned. A lot of teasing went on at work and home. The family wanted to work at the store, as did friends, friends of friends, children of friends, and extended family members. As an active participant at Calvary Bible Church, Dave often invited his church-family to work there, too. If someone in the youth group needed a summer job, Dave was the go-to man. But no one worked Sundays; that was a day of rest. “Dad loved (and loves) to have fun,” Jessica said. “We played, and played, and played.” And often on four-wheelers, boats, snowmobiles, in the water swimming and water-skiing, and often hiking. And supporting the play, the store work was equally meaningful. Dad was dependable, said Jessica; wise, said Melanie; trustworthy and logical they both say, and with

laughter they throw out the same word, stubborn. Dave is also a fixer, a MacGyver. “With silicone, electrical tape and tie-wraps, he could fix anything.” And with a few thousand bungee cords he became known as the Lash King within his family. “He was the backbone that held the business together. It can’t work without him.” So the store is closing. June 30 will be the final day. The installation crews finished on June 1. Joan Mandeville who has worked there for more than 40 years, and her daughter Donna McCoubrey will say a last goodbye as the door closes. Loyal customers will walk away wondering where to find a store of equal quality and worth. It won’t be easy; it might not be possible. Smiths Falls will miss the playfulness, the genuineness, the caring, the sense of community. Prior to publication, Jessica Marshall was able to share this article with her father. "He clenched my hand afterwards when I commented that Sally did a good job, which meant he agreed. He is not always able to talk and when he can it's only a word or two. He seemed pleased. Most times these things are written after someone passes away so I'm glad he got to hear the impact he's had on us and how we want to share it with others," she said

JUNE 2016

community

Students bring home a piece of World War I history

Smiths Falls - Howaida Sorour-Roberts

A majestic piece of history is about to land in Smiths Falls with the help of students from Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute (SFDCI). A single oak tree, descended from oaks that once dotted Vimy Ridge in France will be planted somewhere in town to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge next year. “I hope that it sparks conversation and interest in younger people,” said Ben Seward, SFDCI grade 11 student. The project has been in the works for more than two years, and Smiths Falls gets first dibs thanks to the work of Blake Seward, SFDCI history teacher. “A year ago, I was contacted by the Vimy Oaks Legacy project to design an educational component for the program, in return Smiths Falls would be a test site,” said Blake Seward, founder of the Lest We Forget Project. His educational component approved, it’s the students who are spearheading the project. It’s divided into three parts. Phase I, led by Ben Seward, will identify a

suitable location for the sapling. Working closely with town staff, his concerns will be how visible the location is, its suitability in terms of soil, history, aesthetic and traffic. The second phase will be led by Catherine Poag. It will involve the design of the monument or plaque that will be part of the display, its material and the wording of the memorial. And the last phase, led by Jordan Drummond, will involve designing a commemorative event tailored to the site and hopefully tied in with the Canada 150 celebrations. “We’re all tied in together, each one of us is doing more of one phase than another but we are still working as a group, just with specialists in the group,” said Drummond, grade 11 SFDCI student. The significance of these trees dates back to 1917 when Lieutenants Leslie H. Miller, a soldier with the Canadian Expeditionary Force, sent oak acorns back to Canada that he had gathered from a half buried tree he spotted on the shelled remains of Vimy Ridge. He later planted those acorns on his farm, which is now home to the Scarborough Chinese Baptist Church.

Then in 2014, Monty MacDonald, who had worked on Miller’s farm and knew the story, brought attention to the oaks in a radio phone-in because when he had visited France he had been surprised there were no oak trees growing on Vimy Ridge. A project was born. “The ice storm of 2013 stunted production of acorns in 2014 and we had to come up with a Plan B which got a great number of skilled horticulturalist and silviculturist, engaged. There are probably about 600 grafted Vimy Oaks saplings growing and most of the grafted 600 are going to France [for repatriation] April 2017 except for a very, very few key sites in Canada,” said Patricia Sinclair, Vimy Oaks project coordinator. By then, the saplings will be about 2.5 meters tall, big enough to survive public planting. For the students, it’s an opportunity to plan, to collaborate and make decisions and wow the town. “We hope it will get the community involved and interested in the Vimy Oaks project and finding out more about it’s significance,” concluded Poag

From Left: SFDCI students Ben Seward, Catherine Poag and Jordan Drummond, are leading a project to bring a Vimy Oak sapling to Smiths Falls to commemorate the battle of Vimy Ridge, which took place in April 1917. These students will take part in deciding where it will be planted, how it will be displayed and how, when and where it will commemorated. Photo Credit: Howaida Sorour-Roberts

I L ove My Parks re tu r ns to Carleton Place for second year Carleton Place Linda Seccaspina The Canadian Recreation and Parks association recognizes June as Recreation and Parks Month and in honour of that nod to the great outdoors the Town of Carleton Place Recreation and Culture Department is bringing back I Love My Parks for a second year. “Did you know that Carleton Place has 16 parks? Many families don’t, but we want them to,” said community programmer Jessica Smith. “We hope that through highlighting different parts each year, families will become more familiar with the many park options in our community and hopefully use them more.” This year families are encouraged to come out from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and get to know some of the parks they may not have had a chance to visit yet. The schedule for this year’s series is as follows: Saturday June 4 - Wi l l ou g hby Park (King street) Saturday June 18 - Westview Park

(Dunham street) Friday July 1st- Riverside Park (Canada Day Celebrations!) Saturday July 16 - Findlay Park (Charlotte Street) Described as a “very simple grass-roots idea,” Smith said “Residents in the Town of Carleton Place [make it] a success. We’ve seen new families that live a block or two away meeting for the first time and making a connection at a park, which is what it is all about.” Each week the Recreation and Culture De-

partment staff will be on site with toys, games, and other special treats, and all for free. The program strives to raise awareness of the importance of recreation and the vital role it plays in the lives of Canadians. For more information on I Love My Parks please contact Jessica Smith, Community Programmer: 613-257-1704 or jsmith@carletonplace. ca. To stay up to date on weekly themes, families are encouraged to like Carambeck Community Centre page on facebook.

Welcome Wagon Representative

Required For Woodstock! Job involves visiting newcomers and working with local businesses in established territory. Part time flexible hours – about 20 hours/week. Vehicle and computer necessary. Must be outgoing, a self starter and team player. Please contact pneuman@welcomewagon.ca

June 2016

community

Chuckles Jack restaurant reopening in June Smiths Falls - Chris Must Fans of Chuckles Jack, the Smiths Falls restaurant known for serving up such favourites as butter chicken, pasta dishes and jambalaya, can look forward to the establishment reopening in its new location before the end of June. The restaurant, which originally opened in 2008 in the site now occupied by Rob Roy’s behind Giant Tiger, is relocating to 23 Russell St. East (formerly the Manhattan Bar & Grill). The building has been undergoing renovations for a year-and-a-half, and with a

separate bar, restaurant and outdoor patio, will be large enough to seat a total of 210 customers. Renovations to the exterior are also expected to be complete by year-end. Aside from the advantage of owning a building rather than renting, owner Ram Mogandas said the new location downtown makes it easier for tourists to find him. A higher traffic area will also mean that “we can attract some office customers,” he added. The location will also accommodate large groups for events such as birthday or wedding rehearsal parties. “The main reason we want to stay is, personally,

we love Smiths Falls,” said Mogandas. “We have had lots of support from the public and from the town hall. We need to give something back to the community, and with this location I believe that we can bring lots of customers and people from outside Smiths Falls, even from Ottawa and Toronto.” Mogandas also operates East Meets West, which opened on Feb. 28, 2015 in Perth. Both restaurants specialize in a mix of Italian, Indian, Canadian and some Thai food. “We make everything from scratch with high quality ingredients,” said Mogandas. “And we want

to give high-class hospitality service to the customers.” Chuckles Jack can accommodate those with food allergies such as celiac disease (gluten intolerance.) “We make sure we take care of that in the kitchen,” said Mogandas. A native of Sri Lanka, Mogandas grew up in Toronto, where he worked in many fine restaurants and worked with a number of well-known chefs. He was also featured in a number of cooking demonstrations on CTV. Mogandas came to Smiths Falls in 2008. In 2013 a butter chicken soup prepared by Mo-

Chuckles Jack owner Ram Mogandas said the restaurant will soon be opening in its new location at 23 Russell St. East. Photo Credit: Chris Must

gandas was a winner in the TLC Soupfest, a fundraiser held at the North Gren-

ville Municipal Centre featuring a number of competing local restaurants.

Quickie Convenience Store recognized for community support Smiths Falls - Submitted

Christa Dales Donnelly, Client Service Coordinator, Community Home Support Lanark County. Photo Credit; Submitted.

The Quickie store at Elmsley and Beckwith Streets in Smiths Falls has been a fixture in the community for more than 20 years. This is a local store, staffed by local people providing a one-stop shop with gas, milk, bread, treats, and lottery tickets. Quickie has been supporting many charities in the community the entire time it has sat at the top of Beckwith Street through Nevada ticket sales. Many of you may purchase these tickets and

not really know they are a significant fundraiser in and around our area. Christa Dales Donnelly, client service coordinator, Community Home Support Lanark County met with Dave Cook, regional manager, who has been with Quickie for over 20 years and Jenn Ashe a dealer with this store for 11 years to presented them with a certificate of appreciation from the agency. The store has donated thousands of dollars over the past few years to our agency alone. It also donates to Big Brother

Big Sisters, Community Living Smiths Falls and Lanark County, Smiths Falls Minor Hockey, Rotary Club, MS Society, Alzheimer Society of Lanark County, and many more. See more at www.quickiestores.com Ashe told me she loves serving the public and it is especially rewarding when she can help someone. Recently a customer came in to the store that had locked her keys in the car. Ashe called someone to help her and gave her a cup of coffee while she waited. The customer called Ashe back and

said how grateful she was for her kindness. Cook said though he only gets to the store once a week makes connections with clients. He was once invited to a senior’s home to look at his memorabilia. The money Quickie donates to the Community Home Support Lanark County agency provides many meals to seniors and adults living with an illness and/or disability. Now, the next time you go to the Quickie Convenience store you will know a little bit more about them.

This is our town, slow down

Carleton Place - Linda Seccaspina

After seeing yet another distraught family comforting their injured dog hit by a car last year, I had to ask myself, “What will it take for people to slow down? Does it take the injury or death of a child to slow drivers down on our streets?” Did you know that if you were hit tomorrow by a car travelling 64 kilometres per hour, only one out of 10 of you would survive? That blew me away. The powers to be of our towns can listen to your pleas — and maybe offer a few solutions, but we need to begin some sort of personal campaign- as it’s up to all of us to work together. After the pet-related accident last year a neighbour told me she was putting up a sign saying, “This is Our Town–Slow Down!” I thought it was quite brilliant so I got one made too. Slow down signs are great tools to remind drivers to control their impulse to speed. Sometimes people need a friendly reminder that pedestrians are walking or bicycling in the area. Help make your streets

safer by taking up the sign challenge. Or have your kids make a sign so they will understand the importance of what we are trying to convey and spread the word at school. These campaigns can convey more heartfelt messages to speeders about the risks they create. Get your neighbours involved and have signs posted up and down

Photo Credit: Linda Seccaspina

the block. If signs can slow down some drivers in Beckwith for turtles, maybe there is a possibility they might lower their speed in town for a child or pet. Public awareness works. Imagine drivers being flooded with the image of slow down signs. Maybe they would think for a second. It’s a start. What have we got to lose?

JUNE 2016

lifestyle Knitting for knockers

Regional - Submitted

Celebrate Father’s Day in the County Regional - Sarah Cavanagh Celebrate all the men in your life this month with a staycation in one of the many communities of Lanark County. Kick off the festivities in Carleton Place with a spin around the dancefloor at Rick and Tania’s Dance Studio at 8 p.m. for a Ballroom and Latin Dance Social. Perfect for a double date! If the night is still young join DJ Whisper at 10 p.m. at the Waterfront Gastropub for some music and munchies. Families can celebrate together on Saturday, June 18 in Perth, Smiths Falls or Carleton Place as each town offers fun family friendly events for any budget. You can start your day off with the Farmer’s Market in Smiths Falls, Carleton Place, Perth and Almonte, as all have their own local farmers and artisans to showcase. The beaches, trails, parks and playgrounds are open for the season so families can enjoy a hike or swim with a picnic, or pop over to Westview Park, on Dunham St, in Carleton Place from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. for the “I Love My Park” festivities.

In Perth you can head down to the Tay Basin with the kids for the Annual Kid Fish where all the kids get a prize and free lunch. Register before the event at the Legion Branch 244. For the shoppers in your clan stick around Perth for the 2nd Annual VIP Shopping Event. Register at Code’s Mill at 9:30 a.m. and the first 250 get a free swag bag. If you’re looking for a bit more excitement, what’s manlier than The Man Cave – The Ultimate Show for Men, headlining its second year from Beckwith Park in Carleton Place. You can enjoy a truck show, mixed 3-pitch charity tournament, mini market, craft beer and spirits licensed patio, shop local vendors, visit the mobile café and spa at the Ladies Lounge and more from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All for only $5 (kids under 12 free.) Also in Carleton Place, the return of the free family fun of Lambsdown Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy traditional activities such as a petting zoo and sheep herding and shearing demos. In Smiths Falls, The Healthy Living Festi-

val is free all day in the downtown area, with a rock wall and cardio kickboxing demo. Enjoy the great outdoors, some crafts and games at beautiful Riverside Park with the return of Family Movie Night at 7:30 p.m. with the Minions Movie proudly sponsored by Luxart Homes. If dad, uncle, brother, step-dad and all the important men in your life are still ready to rock, Perth is hosting a kick off to summer concert at 8 p.m. featuring refreshments from Top Shelf Distillers and live music for $20 a person. Live music is also the name of the game for the evening at the Waterfront Gastropub, the New Queen’s and The Thirsty Moose in Carleton Place. Sunday, June 19 is the big day — Father’s Day. And not to be too cliché but why not wrap up the perfect dad weekend with Breakfast at the Almonte Civitan, the Shootout Fishing League Bass Tournament on the Mississippi and then chill out on the patio. However you decide to celebrate the day, the best gift to any man in your life is to spend time together.

Did you know that International Knit Day is June 18th? It's also the same day as the Lambsdown Park Festival in Carleton Place. The Real Wool Shop at Lambsdown is involved with Knitted Knockers of Canada. Knitted Knockers are special handmade breast prosthesis for women who have undergone mastectomies or other procedures to the breast. These soft

comfortable lightweight prosthesis are available for free through the organization.

All of the organization’s knit “knockers” are made by volunteers and donated to women who have had a mastectomy. The Real Wool Shop is looking for volunteer knitters to come out and knit knockers. They also carry the yarn and have the free pattern. If you’re interested, contact Alison at the Real Wool Shop, 142 Franktown Road, Carleton Place, ON K7C 4M7, or call 613-257-2714.

Letter to the editor

He seemed shocked that I was an actual person, as he had apparently been receiving many responses a day to this ad, all of which he surmised were ghost emails, and an attempt at harassment from a recently released employee. I explained that was not the case, and the individual who received his response that was quite hurt by it. I also mentioned the social media search for him. He had no remorse and held firm that he assumed it was a hoax email, and further insulted my mother by insinuating that since she didn’t bother showing up to get an apology that she must have something to hide. Sensing I wasn’t getting anywhere with this man; I asked him how he could fix it? Suggesting

that a public apology on the restaurant’s Facebook page may be wise, as the social media search did garner a sizeable response to boycotting the restaurant. He dryly advised me that he’s take it into consideration. I and my mother had personally responded to any threats of boycott of the restaurant poorly. We weren’t upset at the employees who work there daily and admittedly do a fine job. We didn’t want them to have any hardship due to this. The GM sent the response, not them. Upon returning home and feeling rather frustrated with how that conversation went, I noted a response on the continually growing thread concerning this issue. An onlooker from Ottawa

continued from page 2

had decided to respond to the ad too; (it had apparently become a tactic). The response from the GM I had just spoken to read as if he assumed that I was emailing him. Therein he threatened me with police action should any negative campaign be continued. He said he had my license plate to send the police to me should such a thing continue; and he would also forward the video of my arrival at the establishment with the intent to intimidate them as evidence. I came for an explanation and an apology, and perhaps a small lesson in how to not behave in the days of the internet. I left with a story to tell, that’s for sure. ~Chance Peterson

June 2016

lifestyle

Food &Drink

Tastes Region of the

eat, drink, write...

Smiths Falls - Amy Rensby “Sunflower oil: locally produced with so many uses” Who doesn’t love sunflowers? They’re bright, they’re cheery, they...taste good? No doubt you’ve enjoyed sunflower seeds, probably by the handful; maybe less if you’re shelling them as you go! But have you enjoyed the rich and buttery sunflower oil made right here in our own backyard? Kricklewood Farm, located in Frankville, Ont. (located about halfway between Smiths Falls and Brockville along Highway 29) produces beautiful sunflower oil that is great for salad dressings, for use in cooking and in baking. The production of the oil uses a cold-press process that aims to keep the temperatures low, preserving the flavour and nutrient value. Cold-pressing fruit or nuts to produce oil also results in a product that has a longer shelf life as a direct result of the reduction in friction and therefore heat. As with any food product, the end result is a function of the quality of the starting product. In this case, the owners have selected non-GMO organic seeds for planting, don’t use pesticides or herbicides, and use traditional farming methods as much as possible. What does this get you? A fresh, local and

thoughtfully created product that you can confidently serve your family. Recently launched were the flavoured oils, infused with the flavors of lemon, garlic, basil or chili. So, where can you get this great stuff? Well, Kricklewood Farm recently launched their online store, which you can find at http://kricklewoodfarmstore.com. You can also buy their oils locally at The Garden Market or C’est Tout Bakery in Smiths Falls; Mrs. McGarrigles Fine Food Shop or Healthily Ever After in Merrickville; at Foodsmiths in Perth; at Anderson Farm in Ashton; at The Cheddar Stop, The Granary Bulk and Natural Foods and Beckwith Butcher in Carleton Place; and

in other fine food stores in and around the Ottawa Valley. My recommendation on how to use Kricklewood Sunflower oil at this time of year is by making a fresh and homemade salad dressing. Here’s my favourite recipe. Maple-Balsamic Salad Dressing: 3 tablespoons Kricklewood Sunflower oil 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon maple syrup (more or less to taste) a pinch of salt and pepper The easiest way to make salad dressing at home is put all the ingredients into a mason jar or other jar with a lid that attaches securely, shake, serve and enjoy.

Life on the farm

Regional - SHannon Miller

Our daughter’s class is heading to an amusement park later this month for their year-end field trip. I’m tagging along as a parent volunteer, since I was voted (out of the two available parents in our household) as least likely to be completely nauseated by the end of a day riding roller coasters. For the record, I’m quite looking forward to it. Come to think of it, the roller coaster is a fitting analogy for our season here at Miller’s Bay farm. As the snow melted, the ground warmed up, and planting began, we were on the first climb. You know, the ‘tickety-ticketytickety-tick-tick-tick….’ as the cars go slowly skyward. Everyone is calm,

but there’s no disguising the somewhat uneasy anticipation of what comes next. We reach the peak, take a deep breath, maybe even dare to have a look around and appreciate the view, and then whoosh! We are on the move. That describes June for us. With strawberries ready to pick any day, the ride is about to begin in earnest, and there is no getting off until the car comes to a complete stop, which for us is sometime in November. There will be busy PickYour-Own days in the berry patch; hurried trips to local grocers with deliveries; the early weeks of the Bountiful Basket program; and the agonizing wait for other favourite items to be ready. Sweet corn, yellow and green beans,

and pickling cucumbers are among the most asked for of our offerings. Just as with the actual coaster, our proverbial ride will include twists, turns, dips and dives which may take us by surprise. (Funny how that happens no matter how many times we’ve been around the course!) Undesirable weather events, equipment breakdowns, and any number of other unforeseen events may catch us off-guard for a moment. It’s OK. That’s what makes the ride so thrilling. We will grip the bar a little tighter, glance across at our buddies, and let out an exhilarated “whoo-hoo!” Won’t you join us? It’s going to be great. Do you know the best part? No hour-long lineups here.

Join us for our

Strawberry Social WEdnEsday, JunE 22, 2–4pm It’s strawberry season and Carleton Place Terrace invites you to celebrate one of nature’s sweetest treats! From drinks to desserts, you’ll enjoy our entertainment and great company with residents and staff. Enjoy a taste of what life at Carleton Place Terrace is all about!

Bring a friend and enjoy the afternoon. Our treat!

Call Liz at 613-253-7360 to reserve your spot! Memory Care • Assisted Living • Respite • Trial Stays

6 Arthur Street Carleton Place

www.SymphonySeniorLiving.com

JUNE 2016

lifestyle

Choosing a boarding kennel

Your pet depends on you to take good care of her even when you have to be out of town. Friends and neighbours may not have the experience or time to properly look after your pet, particularly for longer trips. A reputable boarding kennel can give your pet quality of care - and you peace of mind.Before leaving your pet behind consider: A facility specializing in care and overnight boarding allows your pet to: Avoid the stress of a long car or airplane ride to your destination. Stay where he’s welcome. Receive more attention and supervision than he would if home alone most of the day. Be monitored by staff trained to spot health problems. Be secure in a kennel designed to foil canine and feline escape artists. Potential drawbacks to using a boarding kennel include the: Stress related to staying in an unfamiliar environment. Proximity to other pets, who may expose your pet to health problems. Difficulty of finding a kennel that accepts pets other than dogs and cats.

Inconvenience of the drive over, which can be especially hard on a pet easily stressed by car travel. How do I find a good kennel? Ask a friend, neighbour, veterinarian, or dog trainer for a recommendation. You can also check the Yellow Pages under “Kennels & Pet Boarding.” Once you have names - even ones you got from reliable sources it’s important to do a little background check. First, find out whether your municipality or province requires boarding kennel inspections. If it does, make sure the kennel you are considering displays a license or certificate showing that the kennel meets mandated standards. Also ask whether the prospective kennel belongs to any trade associations founded by kennel operators to promote professional standards of pet care. Besides requiring members to subscribe to a code of ethics, these associations offer voluntary facility accreditation that indicates the facility has been inspected and meets their standards of professionalism, safety, and quality of care. Check, too, with your Better Business Bureau to

see whether any complaints have been lodged against a kennel you are considering. After selecting a few kennels, confirm that they can accommodate your pet for specific dates and can address your pet’s special needs (if any). If you’re satisfied, schedule a visit. What should I look for? On your visit, ask to see all the places your pet may be taken. Pay particular attention to the following: Does the facility look and smell clean? Is there sufficient ventilation and light? Is a comfortable temperature maintained? Does the staff seem knowledgeable and caring? Are pets required to be current on their vaccinations, including the vaccine for canine kennel cough (Bordetella)? Such a requirement helps protect your animal and others. Does each dog have his own adequately sized indoor-outdoor run or an indoor run and a schedule for exercise? Are outdoor runs and exercise areas protected from wind, rain, and snow? Are resting boards and bedding provided to allow dogs to rest off the concrete floor?

Are cats housed away from dogs? Is there enough space for cats to move around comfortably? Is there enough space between the litter box and food bowls? How often are pets fed? Can the owner bring a pet’s special food? Can the owner bring a pet’s special bedding? What veterinary services are available? Are other services available such as grooming, training, bathing? How are rates calculated? How do I prepare my pet? Be sure your pet knows basic commands and is well socialized around other people and pets; if your pet has an aggression problem or is otherwise unruly, he may not be a good candidate for boarding. Before taking your animal to the kennel, make sure she is current on vaccinations. It’s also a good idea to accustom your pet to longer kennel stays by first boarding her during a short trip, such as a weekend excursion. This allows you to work out any problems before boarding your pet for an extended period. Before you head for the kennel, double-check that you have your pet’s medications and special food (if any), your veterinarian’s phone number, and contact information for you and a local backup. When you arrive with your pet at the boarding facility, remind the staff about any medical or behaviour problems your pet has, such as a history of epilepsy or fear of thunder. After

Pet Rescue of the Month

Please Meet Star My name is Star and I am about 2 years old. I weigh about 65 pounds, and i am mostly muscle. I am a Boxer/Terrier/Spaniel cross and I am a strong and active girl. I love playing with other dogs and love to go for long walks. My new owner should be an experienced dog owner so that they can continue with my doggy education. I am looking forward to learning more about how to improve walking on a leash and what ever someone would like to teach me as I am very eager to learn. I love meeting new people and I do like children too, but because of my strength, it's best if they're a little older so that I don't run into them during playtime. Please make an appointment to meet me at LAWS at 613-283-9308. I would love to find my true forever home soon!

the check-in process, hand your pet to a staff member, say good-bye, and leave. Avoid long, emotional partings, which may upset your pet. Finally, have a good

trip, knowing that your pet is in good hands and will be happy to see you when you return. Information taken from the Humane Society website

48 Beckwith Street (Downtown): 613-284-1801

Celebrate 200

at the

Perth Homecoming Weekend!

107 Lombard Street (Hwy 15): 613-284-1801

We Cater!

years

July 22-24, 2016 Perth200.ca

Smiths Falls

r e v o c s i D

the communities of Lanark & Northern Leeds Grenville

Strawberry picking in Ontario is great fun for the entire family Miller’s Bay Farm Shannon Miller When was the last time you picked a basket of strawberries? Did you read that question carefully? I said “picked,” not “picked up.” Actually PICKED the berries – right from the plants – yourself! Does the thought take you a long way back on memory lane, to times with Grandpa and Grandma in their great big 4-door car, with the huge trunk which, of course, had to be full of berry flats before anyone was leaving the berry farm? Or does it conjure up more recent memories of a trip to a Pick-Your-Own (PYO)

patch not that long ago, perhaps with your own family in tow? There is nothing that signals the start of summer quite like the readiness of juicy, sweet, ruby-red strawberries. Without a trip to the patch though, you’re really only experiencing part of the enjoyment offered by Strawberry Season in Ontario. “Why bother to pick my own berries?” You ask. Well, here are just a few reasons; It’s a chance to get out and enjoy nature. Head on out for some time alone with your thoughts, OR bring the whole family and make some great memories together. Ei-

ther way, on a breezy, early summer day, the berry patch is a wonderful place to be. And speaking of family, it’s a great opportunity to let everybody see first-hand where their food comes from. You’ll save money! Those baskets of berries at the farm stand don’t just wander on up there by themselves. There is a cost to the producer to put them there. When you choose to PickYour-Own, the savings are yours for the taking. The difference can be substantial – up to 40% less for PYO compared with pre-picked. The final reason – It just

feels great to know you’ve picked them yourself. You really can’t put a price on the satisfaction of seeing a return for your labour – even though it may not have even seemed like work at all! So you’ve done like Grandma and Grandpa and filled your trunk or maybe just a few baskets. What next? Besides the obvious option of eating nothing but strawberries for breakfast, lunch and

dinner until they have disappeared, there’s always the freezing alternative. Freezing your strawberries is ridiculously simple. All you need to do after the berries are hulled and rinsed, is lay them out on a cookie sheet, left whole or sliced, set them into the freezer until frozen, and then transfer to freezer bags or containers. That’s it! Then you’ll have a ready supply for smoothies, parfaits, pies, jams,

muffins, and anything else you can think of that could use a taste of summer added in. Watch for delicious, local strawberries to be ready around the middle of June. The season typically only lasts for 3 to 4 weeks, so be sure to enjoy the bounty while it is available. For recipes, berry information, and to find a farm near you, visit ontarioberries.com.

Did you know... The strawberry is a member of the rose family and it’s the only fruit with seeds on the outside. On average, there are 200 seeds on each berry. Don’t miss out on fresh strawberries this season.

Events around the region Almonte & Mississippi Mills 1

June • Saturday mornings

Almonte Farmers’ Market Library grounds, Almonte www.almontefarmersmarket. ca

June • all month

Annual Mississippi Mills Bicycle Month Almonte www.mmbm.ca

June • all month

Verdigris and Threads: A woven copper and thread exhibit Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, Almonte

June 26

Annual Strawberry Social North Lanark Regional Museum, Appleton 613.257.8503 northlanarkregionalmuseum.com

June 30

Canada Day Eve Celebrations Stewart Community Centre, Pakenham 613.256.1077 www.exploremississippimills.

Carleton Place 613.257.2200 x 856 www.cpdmh.ca

Walking Food Tour Starts at 1 p.m.

June 26

Pride Day in Perth Events start at 3 p.m. Downtown Perth

Lions Club Classic Car

June 19

Shootout Fishing League Bass Tournament Mississippi Lake www.shootoutseries.ca

Perth 6

June • Saturday mornings

Perth Farmers’ Market Crystal Palace, Perth www.perthfarmersmarket.ca

June • Monday evenings

Civitan Classic Cruisers Perth Civitan Club, Perth 613.267.7784

June • all month

June • Saturday mornings Carleton Place Farmers’ Market Market Square, Carleton Place 613.257.1976 www.cpfm.ca

June • 1st and 3rd Tuesdays

Labyrinth Walk Carleton Place Community Labyrinth, Carleton Place 613.257.1014 Carletonplacecommunitylabyrinth.blogspot.com

June • Wednesday evenings

Carleton Place Car Cruise Nights Market Square, Carleton Place 613.222.3778

June 16

Walk In Peace Carleton Place Community Labyrinth, Carleton Place 613.257.1014 Carletonplacecommunitylabyrinth.blogspot.com

June 18

BIA Lambs Down Park Festival Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers grounds, Carleton Place 613.257.8049 www.downtowncarletonplace.com

June 20

14th Annual “Bed Pan Classic” Golf Tournament Mississippi Golf Club

June 11

Perth Farmer’s Market 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tay Basin Parking Lot

June 12

9 to 5: The Musical 2 p.m. Studio Theatre Perth

June 14

Perth & District Horticultural Society Meeting 7:30 p.m. St. Paul’s United Church

June 16

Perth & District Historical Society Talk: Historical Mapping Project Algonquin College Library, Perth www.perthhs.org

Things My Mother Taught Me 7:30 p.m. – 9 :45 p.m. Station Theatre

June 11

Things My Mother Taught Me 7:30 p.m. – 9:45 p.m. Station Theatre

June 12

Westport & Rideau Lakes 8

June 17

Settlers Trail Unveiling Public Docks at Rideau Ferry

June 18 to 19

Art In The Garden

Cruise-In Nights 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Walmart Lombard Street

June 17

June 12

June 16

June 19

June 16

Zumba In The Park 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Seniors Summer Picnic Lower Beverly Lake Park Fish Fry 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Elgin Lions Hall

June 17

June 25

Delta Shunpiking

GWM Hospital Auxiliary Gala Great War Memorial Hospital, Perth

June 10

9 to 5: The Musical @ 8pm Studio Theatre, Perth Studiotheatreperth.com

June 10 to 12

BarnDoor Theatre: The Last Deadman Full Circle Theatre, Perth www.barndoorproductions. ca

June 11

9 to 5: The Musical @ 8pm Studio Theatre, Perth Studiotheatreperth.com

June 11

Hungry Planet Pop-ups 11:30 am - 5 pm Hungry Planet, Perth www.thetablecfc.org

June 11

Perth Museum Bird Watching Tour Wildlife Reserve, Perth

June 11

Perth Museum Bird Watching Tour Wildlife Reserve, Perth

June 11

Stewart Park Festival Kickoff to Summer Dance Crystal Palace, Perth www.stewartparkfestival. com

June 11

Perth 20th Anniversary

June 18

Annual Kidfish Tay Basin, Perth 613.267.7655

June 18

Heritage Herb & Wild Food Walk Conlon Farm, Perth www.lanarkwfc.com

June 19

Faeryfest Perth Civitan Hall

June 22 to 30

Perth Through the Ages: Historic Walking Tour Classic Theatre Festival: Wednesdays through Sundays at 11 a.m. Matheson House Museum, Perth 1.877.283.1283 www.classictheatre.ca

June 23

Annual Rotary Club’s Strawberry Social with Perth Citizens’ Band Concert Bandstand at Stewart Park. Perth www.perthrotary.org

June 24 to 26

Smiths Falls 7

June 9

Cruise-In Nights 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Walmart Lombard Street

June 9

Zumba in the Park 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Would you like to see your community event listed here? Please send details of the event to events@pdgmedia.ca. For information on our ads contact advertising@pdgmedia.ca or call (613) 284-9826

June 12

Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour www.ottawabicycleclub.ca/ rlct

June 9

613.257.1539 www.twp.beckwith.on.ca

June 11 to 12

June 25

9 to 5: The Musical @ 2pm Studio Theatre, Perth Studiotheatreperth.com

Not on the Map

Things My Mother Taught Me 2 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Station Theatre

Highland on the Rideau Pipe Drum & Bad Contest 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Lower Reach Park

Elmwood Cemetery Open House 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 165 Dufferin Road

Pioneer Days Beckwith Park, 1319 9th Line, Beckwith

June 12

June 25

June 18

June 11

Scotch Line History Fair Ecotay Education Centre, Tay Valley 613.267.6391

Music In the Park 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Hanna Park, Portland

BarnDoor Theatre: The Last Deadman Full Circle Theatre, Perth www.barndoorproductions. ca SPF Summer Dance 7 p.m. Crystal Palace.

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June 28

June 16 to 19

Perth Citizens’ Band Concert Bandstand at Stewart Park, Perth www.perthband.ca

Heritage House Museum 20th Anniversary 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Heritage House Museum

Perth Remembered: Looking Back Over 200 Years Perth Museum, Perth 613.267.1947 www.perthtourism.ca

June 9

Carleton Place

June 11

June 10

Yoga in the Park 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Centennial Park

June 30

Movies Under the Stars 6 p.m. – 12 a.m. Centennial Park

June 30

Cruise-In Nights 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Walmart Lombard Street

Lockmasters’ Open House Chaffey’s Locks

June 25

Regional 10

June • Saturday mornings

McDonald’s Corners Farmers’ Market McDonald’s Corners, Lanark Highlands www.lanarklocalflavour.ca/

Pioneer Dinner and Games Fall River Restaurant, Maberly 613.268.2197 www.fallriverrestaurant.ca/ 14

restaurant

Mid-June to Mid-July

Lady Slipper Orchids blooming season Purdon Conservation Area, Lanark Highlands 613.253.0006 15

www.mvc.on.ca/conservation-areas/purdon

June 24

Old Time Talent Night

NORTH BAY

White Lake

Arnprior 20

Pakenham Mountain

Flower Station

20 20

Pakenham

Antrim

Clyde Forks

417

511 29

Lavant Station

Tatlock

Lavant

Mill of Kintail

Blakeney

Clayton

Brightside

509

Panmure

Poland

Almonte

OTTAWA

Hopetown

Snow Road Station

14 Warsons Corners

Purdon 36

Elphin

29 9

11 12

15 Lanark

Ashton 12

Blacks Corners

511

Carleton Place 11

Scotch Corners

Fallbrook

Silver Lake Provincial Park

45 17

Balderson

Maberly

TORONTO

Innisville

Appleton

Byods 15

Ferguson’s Falls

Herron Mills

Clydesville

McDonalds Corners

Middleville

Brooke

12 DeWitt Corners

Bolingnroke

Franktown

Wemyss

Perth

Glen Tay

36 21

Rideau Ferry

Newboro 14

KINGSTON

Crosby

Portland

Forfar

BROCKVILLE

Wolford Chapel

MERRICKVILLE

Kilmarnock

Burritts Rapids

BURRITTS RAPIDS

23 CLOWES

Merrickville

KILMARNOCK

Jasper

Rideau Canal Lock Station

NewBoyne

2 NICHOLSONS

EDMUNDS

Provincial Parks & Conservation Areas

County Roads

OLD SLYS

15 Towns & Villages

NARROWS

SMITH’S FALLS

Murphy’s Point Provincial Park

Westport

Nolans Corners

POONAMALIE

NEWBORO

Smiths Falls

Numogate

Port Elmsley

1 12

BEVERIDGE

Foley Mountain

Gillies Corners

Richardson

Prospect

NewBliss

Easton Corners

Carleys Corner

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June 2016

lifestyle

Merrickville Bridge to Canada aiming to sponsor refugee family in late 2016 Regional - Howaida Sorour-Roberts Individuals and groups all over Canada are mobilizing to offer a safe haven for Syrian refugees. In the last six months a new group has sprung up in Merrickville.“RCHS [Rideau Community Health Services] put on an information night in Smiths Falls last December and we decided to form a group that night,” said Audrey McKendry-Bridge, chair of Merrickville Bridge to Canada (MBC) At that meeting McKendry-Bridge, Jacque Pelletier, Fred MacFarland, and Graeme Bonham-Carter heard presentations from World Hope, Refugee 613 (Ottawa), Community Alliance for Refugee Resettlement (CARR, Perth) and Refugees In North Grenville (RING, Kemptville). "We kind of thought we might not get a family because of our location and we did ask, ‘would a family want to settle here?’" said McKendry-Bridge. In the end they decided that even if the family didn’t want to settle in Merrickville, MBC could at least provide a safe haven and a start on the process of immigrating to Canada, explained Bonham-Carter. “The reasons we thought we had a chance at success are that we have temporary accommodation ready immediately and a manual labour job right away,” said MacFarland, founding member and vice chair. The sponsorship process is long and not without complications. Modelling their organization along the same lines as RING, MBC is availing itself of World Hope Canada’s expertise in facili-

The founding members of Merrickville Bridge to Canada are hard at work raising funds and organizing teams to welcome a Syrian refugee family to Merrickville. From left: Fred MacFaland, Martin Green, Audrey McKendry-Bridge, Gwendy Hall, Graeme Bonham Carter, absent from the photo is Jacque Pelletier. Photo Credit: Howaida Sorour-Roberts

tating their application to Citizenship and Immigration. Meanwhile they have to raise a minimum of $10,000 before they can submit the application. "We discovered that in order to issue tax receipts we had to be a charity so we talked to RCHS and they put us in touch with Community Foundation of Ottawa (CFO), they issue the receipts and then transfer the money to RCHS where the funds are held in trust," said Bonham-Carter. The group now has a website (www.Merrickville-Bridge.ca) so that anyone wishing to make a donation and receive a tax receipt can do so directly through the MBC website to CFO under the Merrickville Bridge to Canada Fund. In the meantime the group is organizing a series of fundraisers and hopes to have the first $10,000 within the next couple of months so they can submit their application. Once that’s done, they’ll have to raise an additional $20,000 minimum before they can receive a family. At this stage MBC isn’t sure how soon they might be able to welcome a family. “Initially we thought it would take a year to sponsor a family but now refu-

gees are coming in much more slowly because the vetting process being done by Citizenship and Immigration is quite onerous,” said Bonham-Carter. The government has promised another 10,000 refugees by the end of 2016 and MBC is hoping to sponsor one a family of less than five. As part of the application process the group has to demonstrate that they are fully prepared to adequately host a family and have thought their commitment through in detail. To that end the group has created teams to coordinate housing, furniture, transportation, education (ESL and schools), medical access, documentation, fundraising, translation and cultural interpretation, etc. Though they have a lot of work to do yet, the group is clearly excited and eager to welcome a new family to Merrickville "We were thinking how awful all this was and how helpless we were feeling," said Green. “Now we feel we are doing something that will make a real difference in the lives of real people.” For more information or to make a donations visit www. Merrickville-Bridge.ca

Garden Matters:Bee Happy Smiths Falls - Gemmels Garden Center There has been much discussion in the past year about the disappearance of honeybees. Many bee species are also declining, mainly because of habitat loss. You can make a difference in your own garden just by planting bee friendly plants. We often think that nature will take care of itself, but did you know that bees love to live in urban settings where there are short flight paths, and a wide variety of different plants and flowers? In fact, bees are more likely to thrive in your backyard, community or patio garden than on vast acres devoted to single crop plantings. All creatures that eat plants (including humans) depend on pollinators. Almost three quarters of the foods we eat (fruits, nuts, vegetables, and herbs) need pollinators to reproduce. Attract the bees and you will triple the yield of fruit and veggies in your garden. What should you plant? Well the list is long but here is a few of our favourite bee-happy plants. Perennials for pollinators Bee Balm: This aptly named perennial is amazing for the bees and still beautiful in the garden. Long flowering, full sun, 24” high comes in red or pink. Echinacea: This has

sturdy pink flowers with interesting cones. Hardy, late summer flowering, grows 36” high in full sun Hyssop: These are lovely tall spires of magenta blue flowers, fragrant, mid-summer bloomers. Grows 24”-36” in full sun or part shade. Foxglove: This is a tall showy old fashioned flowers that bees love. They come in a wide variety of colours but mostly in shades of purple and pinks. Best in part shade. They can grow 36” or taller! Shrubs Lilacs: These are a common favourite. The bees were so enthralled with the lilacs growing over the path to my back door this past week that you couldn’t hear yourself above all the buzzing. Lilacs grow about 8’10’ tall and wide so give them space and they love full sun. Honeysuckle: this fast growing wonderful shrub is covered with

blooms late spring. Grows 8’-10’ tall in sun or part shade. It comes in yellow, light pink and dark pink. Weigela: These are lovely tubular flowers in June and often on and off for the rest of the summer. Weigela comes in all kinds of colours and sizes to suit every space. Herbs Bees love herbs and some of their favourites are; lemon balm, oregano, mint, sage, lavender and rosemary. Obviously this is a small list of bee friendly plants to choose from but if you are interested in making a difference in a bee’s life this summer then drop out to your local garden center for help. Even what seems like a small contribution, just a tiny flower pot or patch, can provide a valuable pollinator habitat. So why not create a welcome place for the bees this summer because bees are easy to please.

Lombard Glen Golf & Country Club 5 Top Reasons to Golf Lombard Glen: • Well Manicured 18 Hole Course • Best Greens in the Ottawa Valley • Friendly Atmosphere • Great Food • Affordable & Enjoyable Experience “Golf is Affordable and Enjoyable at Lombard Glen! We’re Golf & Much More! Yes, Lombardy has one of the finest 18 hole golf courses in the Ottawa Valley. Centrally located between Ottawa and Kingston, we are an ideal meeting spot for people to come together. Just 6km south of Smiths Falls on Hwy 15, it’s €TM s a short jaunt to enjoy the comfortable settings and friendly service lombard Glen has to offer. Check out the following various services we offer to our community. We would be sincerely grateful for the opportunity to be of service to you and/or your group.

551 Hwy 15. R.R.#1 Lombardy 613-283-5318 www.lombardglen.com

JUNE 2016

Relay For Life Smiths Falls 2016 Highlights Message from the Event Chair The final numbers from the 2016 Relay For Life at Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute are impressive: Among them: $ 43,153 was raised and counting, 21 survivors took part in the Survivorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Victory Lap, 227 luminaries were lit in honor or in memory of our loved ones and 133 participants took turns walking for 6 hours.

2016 Teams Thank you to all the teams that accepted the baton and walked for 6 hours to fight back against cancer. A Time For Hope Albin's Angels Cancer Kicking Cousins Cathie's Darlings Coldwell Banker Perth Granny's Army Laps of Love Monsters Inc. Prescription Princesses Sisters & Brothers Strong Team Dolliver Team Pipher Team Pratt Trinity Troopers

I would like to extend a huge thank you to the Survivors, Caregivers, Participants and Volunteers of the 2016 Smiths Falls Relay For Life. You have once again helped the Canadian Cancer Society raise both awareness and funding to support life-saving cancer research and programs that directly support our community as we work towards realizing our vision: to create a world where no Canadian fears cancer. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 6 hour event again proved to be a great success and this would not have been possible without you! We hope to see you again in 2017!

Thank you again, Matthew Rodrigues, Event Chair Team Captain Kathy Echlin Team Captain Kerrie Carson Team Captains Carol Snook and Marlene Sage A night to night Team CaptainA Debbie Sheato remember... Team Captain Paul Martin Team Captain CIVITAN Christine Bles CIVITAN CLUBS CLUBS Team Captain Lanark Erica and Gough Lanark and District District Team Captain Perth Michelle Lewis Perth Smiths Falls Falls Team Captain Smiths Tracey Merkley Team Captain Felice McCreary Presenting Sponsor Presenting Sponsor Site Sponsor Team Captain Emma Dolliver Team Captain Neil Pipher Team Captain Keith Pratt Team Captain Elizabeth Donaldson

Thank You toremember... Our Sponsors A night to CIVITAN CLUBS Lanark and District Perth Smiths Falls

A night to remember...

2016 Relay For Life Committee CLUBS PrintCIVITAN Sponsor Radio Sponsor Relay For Life in Smiths Falls would not be possible without the unwavering

Print Sponsor Television Sponsor

Site Sponsor

Radio Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor

Television Sponsor Print Sponsor

Rad

support and dedication of its volunteers. The Canadian Cancer Society is Lanark and District blessed to have the following individuals organize our signature event. Matt Rodrigues Julie Brady Dianne Pinder-Moss Cathy Pickup Ed Sherwin Melissa Hillier Karen White Nancy James Donna Gough Mary Lou Pratt Shannon McLellan Emily Chatwood Dianne Raby Vicki Christensen

EventPerth Chair Administrative Chair Smiths Falls Orientation/Outreach PR and Promotions Activities Chair Sponsor Presenting Activities Sponsor Food & Beverage Logistics Chair Health and Safety Chair Luminary Chair Volunteer Chair Andress' Your Independent Grocer and Beverage Chair BarbFood Buchanan Participant Recruitment Chair Bell Canada Corporate Coffee Culture Team Recruitment and Outreach Coutts & Company Participant Recruitment CRS Youth Contractor Rental Supply Crew Member Foodsmiths Accounting Chair Freshco Survivor Reception Hartington Equipment HwyChair 43 Perth

Have Tents will Travel FundraisingPrint Club Sponsor Winners

Site Sponsor Food & Beverage

ActivitiesSponsor Sponsor Finance

Andress' Your Independent Grocer Mike & Helen Patenaude Barb Buchanan Nina Stewart Bell Canada Perth and District Portable Toilets Rob Roy's Coffee Culture Coutts & Company Smiths Equipment Rental Supply Sunflower CRS BakeContractor Shop Foodsmiths The Garbage Gofer Freshco The Gordon Pipeband Hartington Equipment Hwy 43 Perth Tim Horton's Have Tents Town of Smiths Falls will Travel Van HorneKathy ManorPotvin Lanark & Leeds Home Builders Waterfall Catering WMD Photography Association Leona Gordon McNamee Storage

Sponsor

Finance Sponsor Activities Sponsor

Television Sponsor

Food & Beverage Sponsor

Finance Sponsor

Top Individual Fundraisers 1) Carol Snook from Cancer Kicking Cousins 2) Kathy Echlin from A Time For Hope 3) Wanda Stewart from Cancer Kicking Cousins

Activities Sponsor

Andress' Your Independent Grocer Barb Buchanan Bell Canada Coffee Culture Coutts & Company CRS Contractor Rental Supply Foodsmiths Freshco Hartington Equipment Hwy 43 Perth Have Tents will Travel

Food & Be

Mike & Helen Patenaude Andress' Your Independent Grocer Nina Stewart Barb Buchanan Perth andBell District Portable Toilets Canada Rob Roy'sCoffee Culture Smiths Equipment Coutts & Company SunflowerCRS Bake Shop Contractor Rental Supply The Garbage Gofer Foodsmiths The Gordon Pipeband Freshco Tim Horton's Hartington Equipment Hwy 43 Perth Town of Smiths Falls will Travel Have Tents Kathy Potvin Van Horne Manor & Leeds Home Builders Waterfall Lanark Catering Association WMD Photography Leona Gordon McNamee Storage

Radio Sponsor

Kathy Potvin Lanark & Leeds Home Builders 1. Cancer Kicking Cousins - TeamAssociation Captains Carol Snook and Marlene Sage 2. Sisters &amp; Brothers Strong - Team Captain Felice McCreary Leona Gordon 3. Albin's Angels - Team Captain Kerrie Carson McNamee Storage

Top Team Fundraisers

Sponsor

Mike & Helen Patenaude Nina Stewart Perth and District Portable Toilets Rob Roy's Smiths Equipment Sunflower Bake Shop The Garbage Gofer The Gordon Pipeband Tim Horton's Town of Smiths Falls

June 2016

Relay For Life Mississippi Mills 2016 Highlights How Relay For Life helps The final numbers from the 2016 Relay For Life at Gemmill Park are impressive: Among them: $57,188 was raised and counting, 21 survivors took part in the Survivors’ Victory Lap, luminaries with messages of love, remembrance and hope were lit in honor or in memory of our loved ones and 145 participants took turns walking for 6 hours.

Every three minutes another Canadian hears the words “You have cancer,” and the Canadian Cancer Society wants them to know that they are not alone.

2016 Teams

With your help, the Canadian Cancer Society has played a part in reducing the impact of cancer on Canadians.

Thank you to all the teams that accepted the baton and walked for 6 hours to fight back against cancer. Almonte District High School Almonte Junior Civitans Arc Angels CANCER CRUSHERS Carmel's Angels Cure in Construction Cuttin’ Out Cancer For The Love Of Dido Helping Hands Mardi Gras Mammas Mississippi Mermaids PARTEE GIRLS SMAC ARMY Team Huff & Puff Team Leadership The Spencer Clan Together For a Cure Walkie Talkies

Team Captain Robyn Majuary & Joe Irvin Team Captain Marsha Guthrie Team Captain Allison MacKinnon Team Captain Samantha Heapy Team Captain Tanya Munro & Cindy LaRocque Team Captain Jaclynn Pye Team Captain Alison Paul Team Captain Marilyn Muldoon Team Captain Sandy Labelle & Kathy Marshall Team Captain Tammy Downing Team Captain Evelyn Ironside Team Captain Judi Moffatt Team Captain Brandi Mitchell Team Captain Kerrie Smith Team Captain Christine Goodman Team Captain Leann Thompson and Jennifer Greyling Team Captain Hannah McNeely Team Captain Lesslie Williams

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the work of our volunteers and staff, the Canadian Cancer Society has more impact, against more cancers, in more communities, than any other cancer charity.

We take the role as steward of donor dollars very seriously and make every effort to allocate these dollars where they will make the most difference in the {5 areas graphic} fight against cancer. We focus our work in 5 areas

Research

We fund significantly more research than any other charity in Canada and we are the only charity that funds research in to all forms of cancer.

Advocacy

We advocate for public policies that make healthy choices easier and protect Canadians from cancer-causing substances at work, at home and at play.

Prevention Information Support

Our work in prevention means more people are aware of the importance of healthy living and cancer screening.

We are the leading source of comprehensive and reliable information about cancer.

We provide practical and emotional support so that no one faces cancer alone.

2016 Relay For Life Committee

The Canadian Cancer Society is the largest national charitable funder of cancer research in Canada.

Relay For Life in Mississippi Mills would not be possible without the unwavering support and dedication of its volunteers. The Canadian Cancer Society is blessed to have the following individuals organize our signature event. Allison Vaughan and Yvonne Stewart Event Chairs Dianne Tolgyesi and Christine Goodman Teams Chairs Julie Munro and Margaret Dennis Entertainment and Activities Chair Kimberly O’Connell, Tracey Rowbotham Health and Safety Chairs and Rhonda Branje Nancy Paul Impact Zone Chair Tanya Munro, Cindy Larocque Luminary Chairs Tracey Rowbotham, Registration and Stephanie Muldoon and Accounting Chairs Darlene MacDonald Tammy Downing, Donna McLeod, Survivor Chairs Sandy Labelle

Today, 63% of Canadians diagnosed with cancer will survive compared to about 25% in the early 1940s when we started funding research. Despite the drop in deaths, cancer is still the leading cause of death in Canada.

Fundraising Club Winners Top Team Fundraisers For The Love Of Dido Walkie Talkies Mardi Gras Mammas

Team Captain Marilyn Muldoon Team Captain Lesslie Williams Team Captain Tammy Downing

Message from the Event Chair On behalf of the Canadian Cancer Society / Mississippi Mills Relay For Life, we would like to thank the residents of Almonte and the surrounding areas for allowing us the amazing privilege of hosting this life changing event in our Town for the Fifth Year. Your commitment is everything. We are proud to report that in our past 4 years of hosting the Relay For Life – Mississippi Mills has raised over $420,000 dollars, hoping to add greatly to that this year! Thank you to our Survivors and their Caregivers, they are the reason we continue this event and this fight. To our Team Captains and their team participants – you are the ones that make this happen. Without your dedication this event would not be possible. To those who came out to volunteer over the past months, the days leading up to the event and during the event – thank you – volunteers are the heart of this event. We are grateful for the support of our Corporate Sponsors: Economical Insurance, The Almonte & Pakenham Civitan Clubs, GAL Power, Township of Mississippi Mills, Thomas Cavanagh Construction, Patrice’s Your Independent Grocers, Royal Bank of Canada, Art’s Mini Storage and Propane, Prior Engagements, Ontario Clean Water Agency and the many other local businesses that have made donations to our event.And finally – one big THANK YOU to the dedicated 2016 Relay Committee members – you are amazing! Allison Vaughan & Yvonne Stewart Relay Co-Chairs

Take Action Now! Changing public policy is one of the most effective tools for preventing cancer and helping those living with and beyond cancer. The best way to change public policy is for Canadians to speak up and make our collective voices heard. Funding of Take Home Cancer Drugs It is estimated that 2 out of 5 Canadians are expected to develop cancer in their lifetime. Cancer is stressful enough without adding the extra burden of financial stress and anxiety related to drug access. Unfortunately, the current system in Ontario often does create this additional stress, and at times delays or prevents patients from accessing cancer medications. The Canadian Cancer Society recommends that Ontario develop a provincial program that provides full coverage for eligible cancer drugs taken at home. Ontario has the opportunity to study and review the programs in the other provinces and develop a program that is right for Ontario. It is essential that stakeholders, including the Society, Cancer Care Ontario, patients, and the insurance and pharmaceutical industries, be part of the discussion and involved in the development of the program. Tobacco Plain Packaging Tobacco is responsible for 30% of cancer deaths. Plain packaging is a key measure that keeps health warnings, but prevents tobacco companies from using the package as mini-billboards to promote tobacco by banning brand colours, graphics and logos. Package formats would be standardized, prohibiting special formats such as slim/super slim packs targeting women. Plain packaging is an international trend and has been adopted in Australia, United Kingdom and France. What you can do There are lots of ways you can advocate and help in the fight against cancer. Visit takeaction.cancer.ca to learn more about what we are doing and how you

Thank You to Our Sponsors

JUNE 2016

lifestyle

Rideau Ferry native cycled 30,000 km through 40 countries Regional - Chris Must Riding a bicycle 30,000 km through 40 countries understandably makes for a great learning experience. But what was the biggest lesson for Mark Quattrocchi, who wrapped up his two-year odyssey this month? “The world is not a scary place,” the Rideau Ferry native said in a phone call from Toronto, just one week from ending his journey on June 11. “It is full of wonderful and kind people. It really was an eye-opening experience for me.” Although his trip took him through such troubled areas as Afghanistan and parts of Mexico racked by drug cartel-related violence, Quattrocchi says he always felt safe, and always found people eager to help him on his way. Quattrocchi, 28, graduated from St. John Catholic High School in Perth, and studied at Trent University to become a teacher. It was during a two-year contract teaching English in China that he decided to act on his longtime dream of seeing the world from the seat of a bicycle — a decision for which he has no regrets. Although describing himself as “just a weekend cyclist” who didn’t even know how to change a bicycle tire before, Quattrocchi had always had a dream in the back of his mind to see the world on two wheels. “It was the best way for me to see the world,” he

said. “A bicycle gives you the opportunity to really get down on a personal level with the people.” When his teaching contract came to an end, Quattrocchi kicked off his cycling odyssey on July 7, 2014 from Sanya, China. Along the way he encouraged people to donate to Free The Children. The $44,000 donors have contributed so far will help to build five schools, in China, India, Kenya, Ecuador and Nicaragua. As a teacher, the decision to choose the education component of Free The Children’s Adopt a Village program as his charity of choice was an easy one for Quattrocchi. Journeying west from China through India, the Middle East, Africa, South and Central America, Mexico and the United States on a bicycle – a Trek bike worth about $450 – meant close calls with inattentive motorists on a regular basis. One day Quattrocchi was travelling on a four-lane highway with little traffic when he was hit by an ice cream truck. Fortunately the driver, very apologetic, stopped to help him. “I’ve had my fair share of close calls,” Quattrocchi recalled. “The worst part was I didn’t get any ice cream!” Quattrocchi had originally planned his route to cross Syria, but rapid changes in the political situation forced those plans to change. In Afghanistan the local people advised that one area

was still controlled by the Taliban, so Quattrocchi did most of his travelling through that country by car, and left by air. “I was not prepared when I started,” said Quattrocchi, adding that he was happy to cover 70 km in a day at the beginning of the journey. He now averages 130 km in a day, and recently biked 144 km from Stratford to Toronto in a single day. All the components of his bike – especially the tires, have been replaced, leaving the basic frame as the only original component. At the conclusion of his trip, Quattrocchi’s plans include finding “some sort of gainful employment.” (During his journey he survived on very little money, thanks the hospitality of those he met along the way). He also plans to give a

Mark Quattrocchi, at right, met residents of Nicaragua during his journey north through Central America. Funds raised for Free The Children during his two-year cycle tour of the world will help build a new school in El Trapiche, Nicaragua, and four other schools in China, India, Kenya, and Ecuador. Photo Credit: Mark Quattrocchi

series of talks at schools, encouraging students to follow their dreams.

His message to students will be: “Go out and find your bicycle ride.”

More information can be found at www.oneadventureplease.com.

GREENHOUSES

Hwy 43 Smiths Falls, Ontario www.green-acres.ca (613) 283-6423

June 2016

lifestyle

Mississippi Mills awarded New SFDCI fishing club bronze for bike friendliness reels in fifteen members

Madelyn Kahrman, a visitor to the area, enjoying a casual bike ride near Mississippi Mills during Victoria Day weekend. Bike Month activities are held throughout June and both residents and tourists are welcome to register. Photo Credit: Mark Quattrocchi

Regional - Page Taylor Life in the bike lane just got a whole lot safer thanks to the efforts of the Mississippi Mills community. Mayor Shaun McLaughlin received a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community Award (BFC) at a council meeting in May for the area’s dedication to bicycle safety. The award was presented by Jamie Stuckless, the executive director of the Share the Road Coalition, an advocacy organization launched in 2010 that is dedicated to a bike friendly Ontario. “The Bicycle Friendly

Communities Program recognizes municipalities that are choosing to invest in cycling,” explained Jamie Stuckless in an email. “The award categories are Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond and 30 communities in Ontario have been recognized as bicycle-friendly as of April 2016.” Back in 2014, Mississippi Mills was given an honourable mention for the BFC program, and since then has been working hard to eliminate the various barriers posed to local cyclists in order to be awarded Bronze. Currently, there are only two Ontario communities that have been given the prestige of Gold: Ottawa and Toronto. Municipalities are judged by a panel of experiences volunteers based on their adherence to the BFC’s five pillar evaluation criteria — engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation and planning. As for the improvements made over the past year, Stuckless said that the judges were aptly taken with the Active Transportation Plan, which outlines steps the municipality will take to increase active travel such as walking and cycling. “Our judging panel was also impressed with programs like the Family Bike Club and the annual Bike month activities that take place in the community,” said Stuckless.

Jeff Mills, an advocate for active transportation in Mississippi Mills and the founder of Bicycle Month, says he is thrilled with his community’s achievements. “I was really happy when I heard. This was our third application and it was a big relief... We are pretty proud that we are the first small town in eastern Ontario to achieve Bronze,” he said. Bike Month events take place throughout June, coinciding with the Silver Chain Challenge – a competition between Lanark County and Renfrew County to log the most kilometers biked – which participants are encouraged to register in. The 8th annual Bike Month will host the likes of Olympic Skier Caroline Jones, and filmmaker Tony Girardin, director of the documentary, Marinoni: Fire in the Frame, which is being screened at Almonte Old Town Hall on June 25. Both Mills and Stuckless commented on the increase in public demand for active transportation. “Ontarians want to cycle more,” Stuckless stated. “We are all working together to build an Ontario where residents are provided with meaningful transportation choices.” “The weather is never better,” encouraged Mills, in a final statement. “Go get on your bike and get active!”

Smiths Falls - Chris Must

A new generation is embracing a very old sport. An enthusiastic group of students at Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute recently launched a fishing club, and have already participated in a provincial tournament. Club president Karol Krotki said he was the one that first brought up the idea of starting a fishing club at the high school. “I always wanted to do it, but I knew fishing wasn’t as big a sport in Canada as it is in the States,” he said. Under the guidance of teacher Scott Pepper, the club quickly attracted 15 members. Its first activity was a fishing trip to Kilmarnock on April 29. Krotki said he has been fishing since he was two, learning about the sport at the family cottage on Bob’s Lake near Westport. He got his boating licence when he was 10 and soon started bass fishing. “They’re fun to fight,” he said. “They jump out of the water, and they splash.” Most members of the SFDCI Fishing Club have their own gear, but those who have plenty are willing to help out those who don’t. Eight club members

Club President Karol Krotki shows off his catch from a past fishing excursion. Photo Credit: Chase Nichols

planned to journey to the Pleasant Valley Trout Farm south of St. Thomas, Ont. in mid-May to participate in a provincial tournament. Last year the event attracted well over 1,000 participants. School board regulations require club members to confine their activities to fishing from shore for the time being. However, the club is looking into meeting requirements to be allowed to fish from boats by next year. The club will be bringing in experienced local anglers to give the members some advanced pointers.

August 7th

Future plans also include fishing expeditions to the Bay of Quinte and along the St. Lawrence before the end of the current school year. Fishing is an easy sport to get involved in, said Krotki. “It’s something anyone can do. You can just pick up a rod, and toss [the line] in the water.” There is a special appeal to joining the fishing club aside from the pleasure of the sport itself and the camaraderie, explained club member Spencer Boisvenue, a grade 10 student: “You can get out of school to go fishing.”

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JUNE 2016

lifestyle

Smiths Falls humble strongman aims to break world records

opinion:

Smiths Falls - Howaida Sorour-Roberts His alarm goes off at 4:00 a.m. five days a week so he can be in the gym by 5:00 a.m.. His inspiration is Mason Stewart, a seven-year old boy who suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy. “Sometimes I hit the snooze button, but when I think of Mason and the struggle he has to go through to walk six feet, it gets me out of bed,” says Tim Norris, strongman. About to turn 50, Norris will be competing at this year’s Love, Live, Lift event during the Healthy Living Festival in Smiths Falls on June 18. He’s planning to break at least one of three possible world records in his weight and age division. “We will have a licensed official to oversee the lifts at the event,” said John Maloney, Smiths Falls councillor and organizer of Love, Live, Lift. Norris will target the International Powerlifting Federation’s 424 pound lift, the World Powerlifting Congress’ 452 pound lift and the Revolution Powerlifting Syndicate’s 352 pound lift. “Tim knows he’ll break one or two of the records, but [Love, Live, Lift] is an unsanctioned event, which means it will be recorded but unofficially broken,” explained Maloney. Registering the event with the various organizing bodies would have required funding that was not available at this time. Official or otherwise, Norris is a member of the Canadian Alliance of Amateur Strength Athletes and will still approach the event with his usual pre-game routine. “I have a favourite song I listen to and there’s a phrase that came from Sylvester Stallone — ‘you

Smiths Falls - Carrie Wynne Tobacco Truth

Smiths Falls strongman Tim Norris, intends to break at least one of three world records at the Love, Live, Lift event during the Healthy Living Festival on June 18. Photo Credit: Howaida Sorour-Roberts

either live for nothing or die for something – your choice’— that’s become my mantra, and I think of my dad and just go,” said Norris. In the meantime he is nursing an injury that is keeping him out of competition until the event. “I have a small tear in the tendon of the rotator cuff,” he explained. It’s an injury that will heal on its own, as long as he doesn’t strain it. Last year, Norris won the Carp Fair Strongman competition, even though he competed in a heavier weight division than his own. “I had to flip a 595 pound tire, and I flipped it four times, and I’m under 200 pounds. My competitor also flipped it four times and he was more than 200 pounds,” said Norris. At five foot eight inches, Norris weighs in at a 197 pounds, and competes in the under 198

pound category for his age division. He consumes 4000 calories a day, but it’s mostly consciously healthy food that includes 250 grams of protein. To balance the calorie intake Norris trains for two hours, five days a week at ZenDragon and spends one day a week throwing heavy objects around his back yard. “I have a 170 pound engine block that I lift and throw, and a 268 pound mill stone, plus steel pipes and stone of various sizes and weights, and that’s a fun afternoon at home,” says Norris. It’s only been in the last four years that Norris, a Smiths Falls Native, has competed in strength competitions. “I’ve known Tim for a couple of years, and he’s a very humble man, he’s not the kind to get up and say ‘look at what I can do,” concluded Maloney.

Legal or not, is pot good or bad? Arguably there’s nothing wrong with a bit of recreational pot here and there but what defines recreational? Using every day, every other day, on weekends or just special occasions? Is moderation even possible? Does it reduce anxiety or increase anxiety? There’s an upcoming ruling in January 2017 on the legalization of recreational marijuana. Not only are there a host of medicinal benefits to using pot, there’s a seemingly chill population claiming it calms them down and helps them relax. It’s natural and necessary that our bodies want to allevi-

Am I the only one?

ate stress hence a glass of wine after work. It’s quite possible we’ll now have a choice to buy pot. Pot is a popular alternative to prescription pain medication. Pot reduces nausea. It also increases your appetite and promotes sleep, two important elements for healing. Tweed in Smiths Falls continues to grow and from a job creation standpoint, it’s very exciting. Meanwhile, some of the best songwriters wrote their award-winning songs while high. Some say “I have more patience with my kids” or “I’m a shift worker and I need to sleep.” We should debunk the myth that it’s not addictive. Of course it is. Anything that has the power to alter our moods can become a compulsive behaviour. It’s not too difficult to spot an addictive gene. Just look at your family history. If you’re barren of new ideas and coping strategies at any age it could be because you’re self medicating or you’re stressed out. Both are equally ex-

hausting. Maybe pot provides a relief and a different mindset. I’m still on the fence about whether pot is any different than having a glass of wine. Maybe there is no difference. The question could become why do you want to change how you feel? Maybe we’re just bored and need to explore or escape. Addiction is self diagnosed. Only the man or woman in the mirror can answer that question. Is it adding to the quality of your life or has it jumped into the driver’s seat? I reject the notion that legalizing pot would open a floodgate of wrath and trouble for kids. We’ve all been there. It’s a rite of passage for most high school kids to be introduced to marijuana. The adolescent years are for experimentation and novelty. It’s business as usual. Whether it’s a curse or a blessing, there will always be people who do and people who don’t. It won’t matter whether the government gets its tax grab or not, pot is here to stay.

Private addictions clinic will provide jobs in the area

Regional- Howaida Sorour-Roberts Before the end of the year, a private addictions treatment centre will be opening up in Smiths Falls at the Gallipeau Centre. “We don’t have a date yet, but we’ve started renovations and are hoping to open by September,” said Chris Fagan, owner of Canadian Addictions and Rehab. Canadian Addictions and Rehab centre, formerly known as Life Changes, is a medical detox centre specializing in alcohol, cocaine and opioid addictions primarily.

Through this private centre, patients are generally admitted for onsite treatment over a period of 30 to 90 days. When the rehab centre opens, it will be working closely with Dr. Manuela Joannou of Perth, who is heavily involved in treating people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), many of whom have addictions. Jennifer Adams, public health nurse and harm reduction strategy co-ordinator for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit explains that there is a need for a centre like this in our area. “Over the last 18 months we’ve

seen opioid dependencies increasing drastically, not just in Smiths Falls but across Ontario,” she said. This is not Fagan’s first venture into helping those with addictions. He already has a 35-bed facility in Caledon, Ont. The Smiths Falls site, he says, was a natural extension because he lives in Rideau Lakes and wanted to help people closer to home. Fagan, a former bar and restaurant entrepreneur, is a recovered addict and knows all too well the devastation that addiction can wreak on individuals and families. “I was in a car accident in 2007, and

ended up with serious head injuries,” he said. The injuries resulted in headaches so severe he would pass out. That’s when he was prescribed Fentanyl. “Over the years, my pain level didn’t get worse but my addiction did. What I thought was pain was really withdrawal, and I would go to the doctor and say ‘it’s not working’ and he would increase the dose, until I was taking the maximum,” explained Fagan. At that point Fagan was using Fentanyl patches, but as his withdrawal got worse, he started eating the patches. “I was self medicating to keep up with the with-

drawals and I was overdosing regularly,” he said. For seven years the drug ruled his life. When he finally realized he needed help, he found himself caught up in a lengthy and slow system that would have put him on methadone, another addictive drug that would take two years to clear. “I didn’t want to be dependent on methadone,” recalled Fagan. So, he opted for private treatment. Since 2015 Fagan has been sober and highly motivated to help others who find themselves in the same situation. “The Smiths Falls site will be a

60-bed facility, and will employ 36 people, to start,” said Fagan. Most of those jobs will be in nursing, personal support work, cleaning and admin. Fagan says he also hopes to have a walk-in clinic at the site to take some pressure off hospital emergency wards. “I’ve been talking to the mayor about dedicating one bed to either the Smiths Falls Police or the town, so it would be free to a needy individual who might not have the funds to pay for treatment,” said Fagan, who is also looking to establish a bed sponsored by the province.

June 2016

culture 6th annual Art in the Barn show comes to Lombardy in July What better way to acquire an original work of art than directly from the artist and what better place to do that than visiting them at the 6TH Annual Art in the Barn Show and Sale July 8th, 9th and 10th at the Lombardy Agricultural Society Fairgrounds just south of Smiths Falls on Highway 15 at Kelly’s Road. Last year Art in the Barn introduced more artists by setting up in the Main Hall as well as in the Barn of the Fairgrounds and it is continuing to provide these two fun and relaxed atmospheres to meet with the artists and talk to them about their wide diversity of original artwork. With an eclectic mix of original paintings in watercolour, acrylic,

oil and mixed media, batik, sculpture and photography as well as artisans showing fiber art, pottery, leather jewelry, bird carvings and wood working, you will be sure to find a rare piece that speaks to you. Visitors will again have the opportunity to vote for their favourite artist or artwork in the People's Choice Awards. “We received so many compliments last year from visitors and our participating artists about the expansion and changes to the show and we are delighted to be able to offer them another new addition to the show. Thanks to the generous support of local businesses across our region, we will be holding a Silent Auction where visitors may bid on donated items, said Christine Martin,

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Vice-president of the Rideau Lakes Artists’ Association and Chair of the show.” A percentage of the art sales will be donated to Interval House of Lanark whose representatives will be available to provide information with respect to this charity. A new food vendor and picnic area will be available for visitors’ comfort. The 2016 Art in the Barn Show and Sale will be open this year on Friday night, July 8th, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and on July 9th and 10th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is ample free parking and admission is free. For more information please visit our website at www.rideaulakesartists.com or visit us on Facebook. So mark your calendar and we’ll see you at the Barn!

2016 Art in the Barn Show & Sale July 8 to 10th at Lombardy Fair Grounds Open Friday night 5pm to 8pm, Sat/ Sun 10am to 4pm New Artists, New Art, New Silent Auction, New Food Vendor, People’s Choice Awards! Free Admission and Free Parking, just south of Smiths Falls on Hwy 15 Photo Credit: Submitted

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Stewart Park Festival announces special Thursday night concert to celebrate Perth’s 200 anniversary

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Not content to just celebrate The Stewart Park Festivals 25th year, the festival with the generous support of the Perth 200th committee and the Ontario Arts Council have added a Thursday night top this year’s festival. It’s a celebration of the 200 years of the Perth Military Settlement (which includes the Town of Perth) hosted by the settlement’s most famous entertainer and opening with a performance by the First Nations people without whom the settlement would not have survived. It includes the Town Crier, a Scottish

piper, a traditional kitchen party, dramatic vignettes about the early days of the settlement and a song about the settlement’s most famous piece of cheddar. From 6-10 the main stage in Stewart park will come alive with 8 great performance and over 80 performers to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the prettiest town in Eastern Ontario. Opening with a set by First Nations drum and song group Charging Horse and ending with a set by Perth’s own Juno Award winning James Keelaghan, this evening promises to be a highlight of this year’s festival.

The winner of the 200th anniversary songwriting composition will present his winning tune Ode to the Big Cheese. Copies of the CD with the best entries from that competition will go on sale for the first time at the always busy Lake 88 CD tent. An Old Fashioned kitchen Party with Wade Foster, The Burnside Sisters and others, a performance from the beloved Men and Women of the Tay (a 50 voice choir), vignettes from Barndoor theatre and a community sing along will round out the evening. Join us to celebrate Perth, Stewart Park Style, 6PM July 14th in Stewart Park.

Photo Credit: Submitted

JUNE 2016

business

business spotlight on business: Cherry Picked

" C he r r y Pi cked C anadi an produc ts r ul e " Carleton Place - Howaida Sorour-Roberts It’s a bright and neatly appointed store, filled with artfully displayed gift items. Cherry Picked, on Brock Street East, in Merrickville (right behind the gas station) is a new to the village. It’s owned by Mitch Rochette, and frequently manned by his wife Leslie Way. The couple are new to the village, having only moved from Ottawa in the fall of 2015. “I’ve never lived outside the city limits because I needed to be close to hospitals,” explained Way. Way had kidney failure in 2011 and a transplant in 2012. Once she was given a clean bill of health, the couple decided to take the plunge and head into the country. They hadn’t planned to live in Merrickville, it just worked out that way. “We looked at properties in the Kemptville area, but didn’t see anything we liked,” said Rochette. So they decided

to just go for a weekend drive to some of the places they frequented. They ended up in Merrickville, saw a for sale sign, looked at the house and promptly put in an offer. They took what was once a double garage, turned recording studio and completely renovated it into a store complete with picture windows, an inviting wooden counter, and tasteful displays. The new space is packed with all Canadian made products from all over the country. There are wall hangings and paintings, tea towels and bags, lamps and baskets, jewellery, pottery and all manner of original gift items. The couple source every item themselves. “The thought was to support Canadian made,” explained Rochette. “We meet every single artist either in our travels or at craft shows and we cherry pick stuff that we would be proud to sell or buy ourselves,” said Way.

“I’m always intrigued when I see someone making stuff, and I always want to see how they’re making it,” added Rochette. Owner of Rocketbee, a branding solutions company, Rochette often comes up with product ideas that he commissions a suitable artist/ craftsman to make for his store. The results are very unique gift ideas for all ages and every gender. Meanwhile, the artists they deal with are more than happy to accommodate Rochette because he buys all the products he sells outright, and the artists don’t have to wait for their products to sell before getting paid. (Many stores like Cherry Picked offer consignment arrangements for artists.) “I believe we are part of a movement, an artists and makers movement that will get more and more popular as we move into the next decade,” said Rochette.

At Cherry Picked every item is carefully chosen from Canadian artists and craftspeople. Owner Mitch Rochette and his wife Leslie Way get a kick out of displaying all the unique Canadian gift items they find and buy. Photo Credit: Howaida Sorour-Roberts

New youth program to help jobless get work launches in Smiths Falls Carleton Place - Linda Seccaspina Youth Job Link is the newest youth program to be introduced by Employment Ontario. This youth program complements the existing programs delivered by ontrac Employment Resource Services for the Smiths Falls community and continues to support our efforts to assist students and youth (ages 15-29) find work as well as transition successfully into the labour market. The focus of this program is on career exploration, career management, job search, job readiness and job matching. Youth Job Link is in place to

support all youth, however, the job matching component is available to those students/youth who have less than one week of work experience (on a company payroll), reside in Ontario and are eligible to work in Canada. Supports offered to students/youth will be in workshops or one-onone, ontrac also plans to introduce online workshops within the next two months to allow access to materials and tools at any time, which will maximize convenience for all of our clients. Workshops will be delivered at ontrac, on location at the high schools and/or online. The goal is to teach job

search skills so that the participants are able to effectively conduct their own job search, provide them with tools and information for researching occupations and understanding how actions today could affect success in the job market tomorrow. Contact ontrac for more information at smithsfalls@getontrac.ca, drop in to 52 Abbott Street North, Unit 2 or call 613283-6978. You can also get more information online at www.getontrac.ca.

June 2016

business

Helping add some shine to your golden years

Put some shine on your golden years smiths Falls - Shawn Pankow CFP, CLU If you are approaching retirement in the next 20 years and have yet to save a dime for your golden years, there may still be hope for a comfortable retirement. Raising a family is expensive. So expensive in fact, that many Canadians fail to start contributing to their retirement until after their children are grown. There are tremendous benefits to starting young and making regular contributions to registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs). However, life sometimes gets in the way, many people don’t save enough and start that descent toward retirement with little hope or confidence. There are two key factors to a financially-secure retirement – working until you are able to retire and being debt-free at retirement. Although retiring in your 50s may sound very appealing, this option isn’t possible for the vast majority of people. Even retiring in your early 60s could increase the risk you one day run out of money and finish your golden years living off reduced government pensions. Deferring retirement until age 65, or even later, can help ensure you will retire with sufficient income and savings to meet your needs and goals for the balance of your lifetime. Although many factors will contribute to your longevity, your retirement is much more secure if you plan for a long life rather than a short retirement. According to a life expectancy calculator from Sun Life Financial, there is a strong probability a couple retiring today at age 65 will have at least one of them still living into their 90s. According to the calculator, there is a 50% chance one will still be living at age 92 and 25% probability he or she will still be alive at 95. That means, one in eight 65-yearolds today will live 30 years. Does wyour retirement plan provide you with a secure retirement income to age 95? The income you will receive from CPP will be

based on the contributions you made during your working life, and when you start to draw the income. If you have consistently earned above the Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YMPE), you will receive the maximum retirement benefit from CPP. This amount rises annually, and has increased from $42,100 in 2006 to $54,900 in 2016. If you have regularly earned a wage somewhat lower than the maximum, your CPP will be a lower percentage of the maximum CPP benefit, which was $1,092.50 at the start of 2016. Drawing your CPP early may seem like a good idea, but the Canadian Government recently increased the penalty applied to the benefit if you start drawing before your 65th birthday. That reduction amounts to .6% for every month you are away from your 65th birthday when you start drawing your CPP. For example, if you are entitled to the maximum CPP of $1092.50 at age 65 (in today’s dollars), that same benefit would reduce to $699.20 if you started at age 60 – a reduction of almost $400/month, for life. Two spouses, entitled to maximum CPP, working to age 65, would be entitled to a combined $3,326.04/month at retirement when you include Old Age Security. This would be in today’s dollars and the actual future income would be adjusted by inflation. Of course, the CPP income would be reduced based on lifetime earnings and contributions to the plan. However, most working couples could expect a combined basic income of over $2,500/month in retirement from CPP and OAS. At approximately $15,000 annual income each, they would have no income tax to pay. Even the couple with maximum CPP and a combined income of $3,326/month would also have no income tax to pay assuming both were over age 65. While CPP and OAS may provide a solid foundation to your income needs in retirement, the lifestyle you envision for your

golden years may require more income than what you can expect from government pensions. You need to save! Even starting with small, regular contributions in your 40s can make a difference when you hit retirement at age 65. For example, a monthly investment of $200 from age 45-65, averaging 7% growth every year, will grow to $104,185 in 20 years. Invest $400/month for 25 years and you end up with $324,028 at retirement. Even the couple that gets their mortgage paid off at age 50, and can now invest $1000/ month towards retirement could have a nest egg of $316,962 at age 65. You could still accumulate over $173,000 at 65 if you started that $1,000 monthly contribution at age 55 and earned the same 7% growth. Assuming you want to ensure your income is sustainable for a lifetime, you need to be conservative with your investment assumptions, and restrict what you draw from your investments in retirement. A simple rule of thumb is you need approximately $20 in savings for every $1 you wish to spend every year during retirement. In other words, you can expect to draw an income of approximately $4,400 yearly ($370/month) for every $100,000 you have saved at the start of retirement. Although you may be on the downward slope of your working career and despite the fact you may have little or no retirement savings at this point, not all hope is lost. Pay off all your debt, get saving and you may still have time to enjoy a comfortable retirement. Although visions of freedom 55 may not be realistic at this point, remember, over half of the people retiring at age 65 will live over 20 years. Although your retirement may not begin until you reach that age, there is still time to put some shine on your golden years. Shawn Pankow is a Certified Financial Planner with Pankow Financial Solutions in Smiths Falls.

Hydro One–Enough is Enough protests were held across Ontario

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Hydro One protests were held across Ontario on June 4 and June 5 as part of an ongoing initiative to bring public awareness to the outrageous delivery charges that those living and operating businesses in rural areas pay. The Smiths Falls protest drew participants from Manotick and Kingston, in addition to Smiths Falls and area residents.

The rallies are being formed mainly through the Facebook group HYDRO ONE – ENOUGH is ENOUGH. The group has over 27,000 members and has held many protests in several cities across the province in the last 15 months. The group is also on Twitter @HydroOneEiE and encourages anyone who is interested in getting involved or supporting the group’s mandate to join them on social media.

JUNE 2016