HomeTown News

SPECIAL REPORT: SMITHS FALLS VOTES 2014

FREE Vol.1 No.1

October 2014

YO U R LO CA L , I N D E P E N D E N T N E W S PA P E R

Our Inaugural Issue

DAVE PRINGLE PHOTO

SABRINA BEDFORD s abr ina @ p d g me di a . c a

T

hank you for picking up and reading the first issue of HomeTown News – your local, independent newspaper.

We’re excited to publish our inaugural print issue to complement our already flourishing online publication (www. discoversmithsfalls.ca). As we usher in a new era in Smiths Falls, please welcome and count on us for covering the topics that matter to you.

This is an exciting time for all of us - not only us here at HomeTown News, but for everyone in Smiths Falls. Positive changes are happening all throughout

the town and we want to capture that.

We’re very excited to be launching a brand new community newspaper, focusing on hyper-local and thought-provoking content. Our goal is to highlight the positive aspects of the community while also shedding light on issues that deserve attention.

First, let me tell you a bit about who we are and what we do.

First and foremost, we’re a local company run by local people. We believe in the power of community and know that, collectively, we have the power to make Smiths Falls as great as it can be.

Discover Smiths Falls, our online publication, was designed to allow you to experience local culture, dining, lifestyle, activities, and all the greatness the town has to offer. For the last two years, we’ve

been a digital resource for local news, events and information, and we’re beyond thrilled to offer more in-depth content in print.

Some of you may see this as a step backward, as evidence and experience shows that the world is turning almost completely digital. While it’s true the newspaper industry has undergone unparalleled changes, demand for local content has never been higher – especially in small towns where local content gets lost in the 24-hour news cycle of the Internet.

Despite the changing landscape of media, studies show that people in rural communities still have a demand for local news, and the numbers show there are still over 1,000 community newspaper titles in Canada.

SEE COMMUNITY PAPER, PAGE 10

Smiths Falls Votes 2014

INSIDE: A COMPARATIVE LOOK AT ALL CANDIDATES The election is getting closer, but there’s still time to learn where the candidates stand on the issues that matter to you.

HomeTown News asked every Smiths Falls candidate running in the 2014 municipal election to answer three standardized questions, and we compiled the information into a 4-page series called Smiths Falls Votes 2014. Our reporter, Amy Hogue, conducted the interviews and wrote the candidate profiles.

As a newspaper, we aim to provide as much important and relevant information as possible, in an effort to ensure an informed electorate.

The candidates tackle a variety of issues in each of their campaigns, and they all bring something different to the table. But it’s up to us, the voters, to make an informed decision and let politicians know what matters to us.

That’s the purpose of the Votes series – to give readers one last-ditch, general overview of the foundational principles upon which the candidates base their campaigns.

If you’re someone who participates in online dialogue regarding your Smiths Falls-related concerns, questions, comments and suggestions– Oct. 27 is when your voice can officially be heard.

This is shaping up to be one of the most exciting elections the town has experienced in recent history. With a new mayor guaranteed, the focus has remained, unwaveringly, on the four candidates vying for the top spot.

SEE PAGES 3 to 6 FOR THE SERIES

community

Lifestyle

C u lt u r e

If you’re a local food producer in the area, things just got a lot easier for you. A new facility will be dedicated to coordinating the collection and distribution of locally grown foods.

These two best friends don’t let anything get them down - including cancer. Read the inspiring story from France Murdoch and Sheila Coutts themselves.

See all of the Beatles Classics at the Gallipeau Centre Theatre right here in Smiths Falls. With a capacity of 850, it’s one of the largest theatre spaces in the area.

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S’ S E R AND • Groceries • Fresh Flowers • Fresh Fish • Produce • Fresh Deli • Bakery Andress’ cover banner

25 Ferrara Drive, Smiths Falls

283-2999 Pharmacy • 283-1855

• Butcher’s Counter • Salad Bar

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www.discoversmithsfalls.ca

Page Two COMMUNITY EVENTS Merrickville Jazz Fest. Oct. 1619 all day. Multiple locations throughout Merrickville. http:// www.merrickvillesjazzfest.com/

Introduction to Facebook Advertising. Oct. 20 @ 9 a.m. Small Business Advisory Centre, 91 Cornelia St W.

Educating Rita by Willy Russell.

Oct. 17, 18, 24 & 25 @ 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees: Oct 19 & 26 @ 2 p.m. Station Theatre 52 Victoria Ave. Smiths Falls.

Smiths Falls Bears vs. Brockville. Oct 21 @ 7:30. Smiths Falls Community Centre.

Smiths Falls Bears vs. Kanata. Oct 17 @ 7:30 p.m. Smiths Falls Community Centre Local Food Harvest Dinner and Murder Mystery.

Oct. 18 Smiths Falls Curling Club, 13 Old Slys Rd. Smiths Falls Zombie Walk.

Oct. 18 @ 4 p.m. Meeting point WMD Photography Russell St., finishing point Chuckles Jack on Centre St. Dr. Dennis Burke. Oct. 18 @ 7 p.m., Oct. 19 @ 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. Word of Faith Fellowship 264 Lombardy Road, Hwy. #15 South, Smiths Falls.

Restaurant Week in Downtown Smiths Falls. Oct. 19 - 25.

When you dine in a participating restaurant between these dates, you’re entered into a draw to win a prize.

Sole Sisters Run/Walk. Oct. 19 @ 8 a.m. Lower Reach Park.

Heritage Symposium.

Oct. 20 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m at the Station Theatre.

52 Victoria Ave. Smiths Falls.

Harmony Gallery Wine and Cheese Gala Exhibit. Oct 23 @ 5 p.m. 24 Russell St. E. Plants vs. Zombies (PA Day Daycamp) Oct. 24 @ 9 a.m. Siloki Centre, 123 Poonamalie Rd. GhostBustingKidsDay.Oct.24@ 9 a.m. Heritage House Museum.

Swing and Sweep. Oct. 25 @ 10 a.m. Smiths Falls Curling Club.

Haunted Tales on the Rails. Oct. 25. Tours begin 7 p.m. and run every 15 minutes. Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario Flare Dance Studio Halloween Party.Oct.26@2p.m.30DeanSt. Harvest Dinner. Oct. 26 @ 5 p.m. Montague ForgetMe-Not Clubhouse, 658 Rosedale Rd. S, Montague

Halloween Party & Costume Contest. Oct. 30 @ 6 p.m.

EconoLodge, 33 Centre St. BBBS of Lanark County Jewel’s Gently Used Clothing Bag Sale. Oct. 31 Smiths Falls Bears vs. Cumberland. Oct. 31 @ 7:30 p.m. Smiths Falls Community Centre Intellectual Property - Part of an overall business strategy. Nov. 4 @ 9:30 a.m. Small Business Advisory Centre. 91 Cornelia St.W. Replay the Beatles. Nov. 8 @ 7 p.m. Gallipeau Centre Theatre, 361 Queen St. An evening with CBC Ottawa Film critic and author, Robert Fontaine. Nov. 8 @ 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $15. Station Theatre 52 Victoria Ave. Christmas Bazaar. Nov. 15 @ 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95.

Partner Thai Massage. Nov. 16 @ 1 p.m. Yoga & Wellness Studio, 42 William St. W.

Smiths Falls Bears vs. Hawkesbury. Oct. 28 @ 7:30 p.m. Smiths Falls Community Centre

Tax Tips and Planning Seminar for Small Business. Nov. 18 @ 9:30 a.m. Small Business Advisory Centre. 91 Cornelia St.W.

Building your Brand. Oct. 29 @ 9:30 a.m. Small Business Advisory Centre, 91 Cornelia St.W.

Jersey Boys – Nov. 21 & 22.

7:30 p.m. $10 at the door, $5 for students with valid I.D.

Chamber of Commerce AGM. Oct. 29 @ 5 p.m. Smiths Falls Community Centre

Jack and the Beanstock - Dec. 4, 5, 6, 12 & 13 @ 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees - Dec. 7 & 14 @ 2 p.m.

meet the team

Patricia krotki

Publisher Patricia oversees the newspaper and is responsible for sales & marketing for DSF and PDG Media.

Sabrina Bedford

Editor Sabrina is responsible for writing, editing, planning and designing the newspaper.

Amy Hogue

Reporter Amy is our field reporter.

She gathers information, interviews, photographs and writes news stories of local interest.

Publisher - Patricia Krotki email: pmkrotki@pdgmedia.ca Editor - Sabrina Bedford email: sabrina@pdgmedia.ca Reporter - Amy Hogue email: amy@pdgmedia.ca

PDG Media

84 Lorne St. Smiths Falls, ON. K7A 2A5 Phone: (613) 206-0708 Fax: (613) 284-1094

Editor’s Notebook

A dream realised...

This project has been in the works for a good 15 years, so you better like it!

Just kidding - kind of.

Starting a newspaper is something I’ve dreamt about since I planned the Morningside Mews newspaper in my childhood home. My dad came up with the name.

It was super professional.

But seriously, this is a dream come true.

Writing is something I’ve always had a penchant for, and, for me, there’s just something about a newspaper that sparks my soul.

Fast forward to the present, and we’ve all been working hard at putting this publication together since July. After a few minor setbacks here and there, the time has finally come for the world to see the fruits of our labour.

For me, this isn’t just about fulfilling a childhood dream. The community news-

paper is something I truly believe in, and I won’t let it die without a fight.

Through observation, as well as experience in the industry, I know this isn’t the end of the road for the community paper.

In fact, the recent and increasing demand for local products and services infiltrates many areas of the economy - including news media.

We all have a vested interest in Smiths Falls. I was born and raised here. I see the value and opportunity available in this town, and I’m lucky to work at a newspaper during such a transformative period in the town’s history.

If you have any story ideas, concerns, or just want to say hi, my email is sabrina@pdgmedia.ca.

Sabrina Bedford Managing Editor

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SMITHS FALLS VOTES 2014 M AYO R A L H O P E F U L S

For the next four pages, you’ll find our exclusive Smiths Falls Votes 2014 interview coverage with candidates for the Oct. 27 municipal election. Amy Hogue, our reporter, delves deep with the candidates, asking about their political priorities and what they would do differently than past councils, if anything.

amy hogue amy@ p d g me d i a .c a

Benjamin Duhamel -

Duhamel feels he can bring something important to Smiths Falls – a different perspective. He’s lived in Smiths Falls for most of his life, and recently took over the management of his father’s store, Iron Legends, in Kingston and downtown Smiths Falls.

1. What do you bring to Town Council and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

Duhamel is looking to bring change and a new perspective to Council, if elected, which is something he feels is much needed. His platform is centered on change: a new identity for Smiths Falls, environmental sustainability, small business development and transportation issues.

“I’m not really part of the old boys club,” he said.

“Even if I’m not elected, a vote for me is a vote for change.”

Duhamel explained he looks at issues from a

different perspective, and his first priority, if elected, would be to update the bylaws and tackle taxi prices in Smiths Falls, something he sees as a major issue for residents.

“It’s a big issue because most of the people who are taking taxis are elderly on fixed income, or aren’t well enough to drive or can’t afford to drive,” Duhamel pointed out, adding that it can cost 30 dollars or more for someone to be picked up downtown and make two stops before being dropped off at home. “It’s only really impacting people in town who don’t have a whole lot of a voice,” he said.

2. What do you think has been the biggest problem with the way the town has been run in the past?

Although Duhamel says he thinks the town has done a good job transitioning from the chocolate capital of Ontario to a new identity as the UNESCO World Heri-

tage Site, there are still improvements to be made in the direction the town is taking.

“The town has made a lot of mistakes, spent a lot of money and things could have been planned out better,” Duhamel said, pointing to the Elmsley Street demolition as a prime example of what he calls a “straight-up lapse in planning for the future.”

Duhamel also has issue with Smiths Falls being turned into a bedroom community, explaining the town has a lot more to offer than that. “Examples like Tweed are good examples that you can build a successful business in the town of Smiths Falls.”

4. If money wasn’t an issue, what is your vision for Smiths Falls?

Duhamel would look at creating a model for environmental sustainability.

“It’s the whole area, really, that benefits from the natural beauty here, and we need to preserve that.”

Ken Graham - Born and raised in Smiths Falls, six-term Councillor Ken

Graham has spent many years working as a police officer for the Town of Smiths Falls, among other endeavours, and raised four children in the community.

1. What do you bring to Town Council and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

“I have a fair bit of experience, connections with Queen’s Park, neighbouring municipalities and throughout Ontario,” Graham pointed out.

“It was a natural progression to continue to serve the community,” he said. Graham feels his experience on council, including working through successes and failures, would be an asset as mayor. He also said he brings an understanding of, and experience dealing with people, allowing him to become a good judge of character.

There are challenges on the road ahead, Graham predicts, until the municipality gets breathing room in terms of debt capacity. His priorities include a good plan for

infrastructure replacement, although he noted that the current council has done much of the heavy lifting in terms of infrastructure work, but more work remains.

He acknowledged there are a lot of draws to the community, but notes, “the one thing that is obvious to everyone who comes here is the surface infrastructure has failed.”

An asset management plan will address many of those priorities, according to Graham, and he stressed he would like to see council budget one million dollars a year on streets and sewers until they are caught up.

Other focuses for Graham include physician recruitment, and a commuter bus or rail system in place for commuting to and from Ottawa.

2. What do you think has been the biggest problem with the way the town has been run in the past?

“I don’t think there’s been a big problem with the way the Town’s been run,” Graham responded. “We are always looking at the way we do business and adjusting it from pressure and input from the

community.”

He said the municipality is at a crossroads in terms of finance; they are unable to rely on provincial and federal government for assistance and need to find creative ways to accomplish large projects.

“It’s through no fault of the municipality but it’s a function of the whole economy in the whole country,” Graham said. “The buck stops here, we can’t pass it any lower than the municipality.”

3. If money wasn’t an issue, what is your vision for Smiths Falls?

A focus on town assets would be a prominent feature in Graham’s vision of Smiths Falls. Assets such as a municipal swimming pool, a new Club for Youth, and more accessibility for seniors.“I would like to see us with a municipal swimming pool, because that’s very important to a lot of people and it’s always an issue with affordability,” Graham said.“I’d also like to see us with enough facilities that we can keep our youth engaged.”

He added that he would like to focus on youth as they’re the generation who “are going to pick up where I and others have left off.”

Rob Peters

- Rob Peters brings to the Smiths Falls mayoral race a past term on Council and years of business experience. Peters said he decided to run for mayor in the 2014 election because it was a “natural fit” for him, being used to a leadership position.

1. What do you bring to Town Council and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

As a resident of Smiths Falls since 1992, Peters feels he can bring consensus to the council table and will fight hard to fulfill needs of the community. If elected, he will bring years of business experience employing a number of people along with experience bringing a team together to council, something he considers his forte. He went on to explain that his growth plan focuses primarily on residential growth, to broaden the tax base and lessen the burden on

taxpayers.

He hopes to target young professionals and families to settle in Smiths Falls, and create a target marketing plan. He looks towards creating a transit plan and promoting it, along with a Smiths Falls lifestyle to draw more settlement. “Everything ties together in my plan. I want to market the things we have, in Ottawa,” said Peters.

2. What do you think has been the biggest problem with the way the town has been run in the past?

Peters believes the town has lacked a proper focus on selling the community in other areas, while also pointing out his perception of the mismanagement of funds in previous years.

“They made purchases I wouldn’t necessarily have agreed with,” Peters said. “We need more focus on spending money the right way.”

Peters noted that

although there has been a slight increase in population in Smiths Falls, it hasn’t been significant enough to impact taxes, making fiscal management even more important. “Costs are rising, but there aren’t enough people,” he said.

3. If money wasn’t an issue, what is your vision for Smiths Falls?

Peters’ vision for Smiths Falls would include a YMCA-YWCA or something similar, something he considers to be a valuable program for any community.

Although Peters added that the Hub is moving towards providing those services, the municipality needs to support that project and integrate that service into a bigger opportunity.

“The YMCA brings everybody together, with something for every demographic,” Peters stressed, “That’s what’s better for the community.”

Shawn Pankow

-With one term on council under his belt, Councillor Pankow now has his eye on the Mayor’s chair as the next step in his career. Born and raised in Smiths Falls, he said he decided to run for mayor as a greater opportunity to initiate positive change in Smiths Falls.

1. What do you bring to Town Council and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

Pankow explained he will bring sense of financial management, openness and accountability to the mayoral chair, if elected. As the owner of a financial investment business, he is able to understand the town’s financial challenges and bring forward creative solutions to those challenges.

He identified the challenges currently facing the municipality: declining population, lower-than-average wages, higher unemployment, higher-than-average reliance on social assistance, and infrastructure challenges. Pankow would like to focus on finding creative solutions to these challenges, many of which involve promoting economic growth in the community.

“We need to be much more aggressive with economic development than in the past,” Pankow said, adding that growing the population and creating new job opportunities should be priorities for a new council.

Following through on initiatives such as the downtown and waterfront revitalization would also be a priority for Pankow, something he feels will help create new confidence and pride in the community as a whole.

“We need to recreate how we see ourselves and how the outside sees us,” Pankow said.

2. What do you think has been the biggest problem with the way the town has been run in the past?

Pankow said he has learned over the past four years that different council members have different priorities. While he appreciates differences of opinion, he recognizes there needs to be a unified vision for the future of Smiths Falls.

“My concern is the priorities of the past that put us into the position of carrying too much debt has compromised the ability to deal with future infrastructure challenges,”

Pankow said.

As a result of expenses made by past councils, Pankow said the new council will need to be creative in finding savings in existing operational costs. These savings will free up money needed to deal with redeveloping key assets . “With our current debt load, we can borrow no more than five million dollars in the next decade,” Pankow pointed out. “We can’t keep doing things the way we’ve been doing them and expect to manage critical infrastructure challenges while stimulating economic growth.”

3. If money wasn’t an issue, what is your vision for Smiths Falls?

Pankow envisions creating a community when visitors come into town they see a revitalized Town Square and a community featuring different festivals and activities, something he calls the ‘wow’ factor. He also pictures a downtown with consistent storefronts and signage that would be supported by the Community Improvement Plan, and a variety of shops and restaurants, a boutique hotel and condominium development.

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SMITHS FALLS VOTES 2014 COUNCIL HOPEFULS

Lorraine Allen - Allen is no novice to council . With one term under her belt, the

former principal and educator hopes to earn her place at the 2015 Council table. Raised in Smiths Falls, she’s community-focused and thinks election is an opportunity to move in a new direction.

1. What do you bring to Town Council and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

Allen explained she will bring the experience she gained while working as councillor to assist in 2015, and will be able to hit the ground running for the next term.

“I think it’s very important that we have some experience at the table, we’re already going to lose maybe one or two wonderful councillors so we really need people there who have experience,” Allen stressed.

Another point in her favour, Allen noted, is that she is very collegial and able to work with many different personalities, something she points to as critical when

working with six other distinct personalities on Council.

If elected, Allen has several goals in her sights: to set some priorities for the 2015 budget along with limits on spending money moving forward; complete initiatives such as the Service Review to “clearly understand how we’re going to move forward;” and work with the Asset Management Plan to keep projects up to date.

“Because there are only seven of us we are going to have to be collaborative with the limited resources we have,” Allen pointed out, “We need to decide what we want to do really, really well and then put our emphasis on that.”

2. What do you think has been the biggest problem with the way the town has been run in the past?

Allen pointed to the deferral by past councils of “really important issues,” such as road work and infrastructure as a problem that needs to be addressed by the new

Council. Allen said she would like to put a plan in place to maintain upkeep on municipal assets and stick to it.

“I’d like to build a buffer into the budget process to help fund critical projects that haven’t been budgeted for,” Allen explained.

3. If money wasn’t an issue, what is your vision for Smiths Falls?

“If money weren’t an issue, I’d like to complete the Downtown Revitalization Plan we already have; I’d love to take that book and implement it from start to finish,” Allen was quick to answer.

Allen views greenspaces, the downtown core, bike trails and safe sidewalks as assets for the Town to use to draw new residents to the municipality, and improvements and maintenance on these assets are crucial to promoting the Town as a healthy place to live.

“I really think people are going to move here and that’s going to help the tax base.”

John Maloney

- After settling in and opening a business in Smiths Falls more than five years ago, John Maloney said he has become heavily involved in the community, sitting on several boards and committees and organizing events to promote the town.

1. What do you bring to Town Council and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

Maloney explained he decided to run in the 2014 election after people approached him asking him if he would consider running.

After careful thought, Maloney decided as a councillor he would be in a position to help the town move forward, and placed his bid for council.

Maloney explained he will bring 25 years of successful business experience to the council table, if elected. “I want to bring a common sense

approach to politics,” he said.

Among the priorities for Maloney are a focus on debt reduction, economic development and a revival of the Economic Development Action Committee (EDAC).

As the owner of three Smiths Falls’ properties, Maloney said he is invested in the commercial and residential communities and has an interest in increasing the town’s economic viability.

2. What do you think has been the biggest problem with the way the town has been run in the past?

“More accountability” was Maloney’s concern with the manner in which the town has been run in the past. He would also like to see more guidelines and procedures in place to keep the town more current and ensure it is operating at today’s standards.

Maloney pointed to the relationships with neighbouring municipalities as another area for potential improvement, adding that he would like to see more partnership between municipalities to help reduce costs and focusing on building better relationships.

“We need to build up partnerships and have a more open dialogue with these people,” Maloney said.

1. If money wasn’t an issue, what is your vision for Smiths Falls?

If money were no object, Maloney envisions a Smiths Falls with a revitalized downtown and waterfront, and would also like to see a replacement of all infrastructure such as water mains, sewers and a repaving of all roads.

“If I could, I’d make that a reality,” Maloney said.

Brian Wiltse

- Born and raised in Smiths Falls, Wiltsie lives across the street from the home where he grew up. He’s been involved in the community for more than 30 years, has served as a volunteer firefighter, and has recently become involved with a new neighbourhood watch program.

1. What do you bring to Town Council and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

As a Smiths Falls business owner, Wiltsie brings to the council table a strong background in business, coupled with knowledge of the community. According to Wiltsie, his key strengths lie in strategic vision planning, budget forecasting and restructuring organizations.

Although his strengths are centered on the financial side of business, Wiltsie stressed he is also someone who is not afraid to make his voice heard.

“I’m not afraid to speak up, I’ll be the voice…I don’t go with the flow because everyone says this is what we need to do,” he said.

Wiltsie feels strongly that the town can’t continue down

the financial path it has been travelling for the past several years. He would like to see a plan in place to reduce the municipal debt, along with a complete service review of each department to see where savings can be made.

According to Wiltsie, who contacted town staff and requested all the financial records for the past five years, expenses have gone up by five million dollars, while salaries have also been raised by two million dollars. This is a problem for Wiltsie because revenue isn’t increasing.

“When we fall into a deficit, we start again the next year in the deficit,” he pointed out.

2. What do you think has been the biggest problem with the way the town has been run in the past?

Short-sightedness is the number one complaint Wiltsie has of the way the town has been run in past years. “Some decisions have been made where they haven’t looked further into the future,” Wiltsie explained, adding that exploring policing options is something that hasn’t even been entertained in the past.

Wiltsie’s expressed concern that if there are emergency situations that come up affecting water or sewage, there won’t be reserves to handle an unforeseen expense. He feels the municipality needs to focus more on long term impacts of projects to ensure more pressing issues are addressed. Reduction of the debt load is something he also feels should be the main goal of a new council.

“We don’t have the capacity to take on any more debt and the debt we have is going to be there for a long time.”

3. If money wasn’t an issue, what is your vision for Smiths Falls?

Wiltsie’s vision for Smiths Falls includes continued residential and commercial growth, along with a commuting system between Ottawa and Smiths Falls. He has been in contact with a Carleton Place busing company to explore the options available to the municipality for a commuter bus service.

He’d also like to see a Smiths Falls with an expanded retirement community and an influx of young families.

Tony Humphrey- Longtime Smiths Falls resident, Humphrey comes from a

diverse working background, with experience ranging from railroad worker to entrepreneur and business owner. He’s always wanted to serve the community as a councillor, but didn’t feel the time was right until now.

1. What do you bring to Town Council and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

“I have some fresh ideas to stimulate change in Smiths Falls,” he said.

As a student of local history, military history and Canadian history, Humphrey explained he would bring a detailed knowledge of the history of Smiths Falls to council, if elected. This knowledge, he said, coupled with a diverse business past and contractor know-how, would be an asset to Council.

“I can bring a general ‘business sense’ to the discussion,” he said.

Humphrey said that if elected he hopes to

lay the groundwork for a limited transportation system to assist the mobility of an aging Smiths Falls population. He pointed to other Canadian cities where small scale, internal transportation has thrived, using innovative technology.

“That’s the kind of thing we need to look at,” Humphrey said, adding that providing internal transportation for the community would also assist businesses in the community, enabling residents to access every business in town.

2. What do you think has been the biggest problem with the way the town has been run in the past?

Humphrey said he feels the municipality has focused too much on large projects with huge financial impacts, and he would like to see more of a focus on small projects that can really make a difference to the lives of the residents of Smiths Falls.

“We seem to spend

so much money on these mega projects like the Community Centre, the firetruck…there doesn’t seem to be a lot of money left for down to earth common sense things like crosswalks,” Humphrey explained.

Humphrey added he feels that mega projects that will affect the community’s children and grandchildren should be going to a referendum, and not left solely up to Council’s discretion.

3. If money wasn’t an issue, what is your vision for Smiths Falls?

Humphrey was quick to respond on his future vision for Smiths Falls – a restoration of downtown heritage buildings and community transportation service. He said he would take action on absentee landlords by offering them joint development opportunities to restore their buildings one at a time.

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SMITHS FALLS VOTES 2014 COUNCIL HOPEFULS

Dawn Quinn

- Quinn is seeking re-election for her fourth term on municipal council. Quinn, who has lived most of her life in Smiths Falls and has 35 years of experience as a small business owner, said she wants to represent Smiths Falls for another term to finish the projects she has been working on in past terms.

1. What do you bring to Town Council and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

Quinn explained she hopes to bring a long time passion for the Town of Smiths Falls with her if elected for another term of council. “I really believe this town is a diamond in the rough, just waiting to be polished,” Quinn said.

A renewed focus on tourism is one of the things Quinn said she would like to work on over the next term, adding that tourism is one of the biggest industries in Smiths Falls. According

to Quinn, increased tourism could entice people to move to Smiths Falls and enjoy the lifestyle here.

Increased population could result in a larger tax base.

Another area Quinn would like to focus on is correcting the commercial education tax. Quinn said she only recently learned that the commercial education tax is 700 to 1000% higher than residential education tax. “We need to promote industry by looking at taxes,” Quinn stressed.

2. What do you think has been the biggest problem with the way the town has been run in the past?

Quinn is interested in finding efficiencies at Town Hall through a service review of all town services undertaken by an outside consulting company. Quinn stressed that the municipality is spending too much on things that could be corrected.

An energy audit

would also help recover costs that have been lost in past years, Quinn said, stressing that “having an energy audit done doesn’t cost money because it’s paid for through savings.”

“We need to stop buying things like the new firetruck and demolishing buildings we don’t need,” Quinn added.

3. If money wasn’t an issue, what is your vision for Smiths Falls?

If money were no object, Quinn would look towards refurbishing the Rideau Canal waterway in Smiths Falls, and turning that area into a true tourist draw to Smiths Falls. Quinn explained she would like to see some of the town’s assets improved, naming Confederation Bridge as a natural draw to the region.

“I’d like to see it as a covered bridge,” Quinn said, adding that she’d also like to see “a stage built onto the Murphy Building.”

Roger Dupuis - After fourteen years as a successful Smiths Falls business

owner, Roger Dupuis is now looking to Council as the next goal on his horizon. Dupuis explained he decided to run for Council because he thinks this is the first time “we can really make changes in the community.”

1. What do you bring to Town Council and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

As one of the younger candidates running for council, Dupuis said he feels he’s at the right age group to round out council.

“I have small kids, I see what families need from a community but I also see what older people need as well,” Dupuis explained.

“Young families need a younger view on Council.”

Dupuis feels his experience and business knowledge could be an

asset to Council, pointing out that he has learned in business you can’t run anything without a budget and a plan.

“Nothing is concrete, you can’t spend more money than you have,” Dupuis stressed.

Dupuis said he would like work with an excellent team to find ways to pay down debt and fix the existing infrastructure. He would like to see commercial and residential taxes either “remain the same or come in like what they need to be.”

2. What do you think has been the biggest problem with the way the town has been run in the past?

Dupuis acknowledged every Council likely strives to excel beyond the previous, but pointed specifically to spending as one of the biggest problems with Smiths Falls Councils in the past.

“The early 90’s we had

industry,” he said, pointing out that since that time the town has been “continually run as though we still had a surplus and we didn’t…we need to veer off that path.”

Dupuis would like to see more accountability for financial decisions to ensure the children’s children of Smiths Falls’ residents don’t pay for the mistakes of the municipality.

3. If money wasn’t an issue, what is your vision for Smiths Falls?

Dupuis was quick to say he would like to see the beautification of the town of Smiths Falls and the highlighting of its many assets and features to draw more industry and commercial businesses to the town. Fixing the underlying infrastructure would also be on his wish list.

“We need to create jobs,” he said simply. “And these are the best ways to do that.”

Jay Brennan - Brennan is no stranger to politics, having spent 23 years working at the federal and provincial level, in addition to completing his first term on minicipal council. Of his first term, Brennan said it was a learning experience and he enjoyed being part of the many gratifying things that happened to help the Smiths Falls community.

1.What do you bring to Town Council and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

Brennan points to his years of experience working in the upper levels of politics as something he has been able to leverage to the town’s benefit. It is this experience, coupled with a “real community interest,” that he hopes to bring to town council for a second term.

If elected for a second term, Brennan hopes to continue the work he’s undertaken to date, along with being part of strategic plan update for

the town, that will give the community a better sense of where the municipality is headed. Brennan said he feels a strategic plan would make a big impact on other government levels.

“At the provincial level, when they see that kind of planning and foresight, it really helps,” Brennan said.

Other projects he’d like to continue working on are the dog park - a project he considers to be his baby - more follow through on pedestrian linkages, and improvements at Town Hall, which he considers to be the first contact for many visitors.

2. What do you think has been the biggest problem with the way the town has been run in the past?

Brennan acknowledges that staffing gaps have impacted the functioning of Town Hall,

pointing to economic development as one example of this. Brennan feels the new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Malcolm Morris, is more than capable of conducting the long awaited service review, which he says everyone agrees needs to be done.

The new staff position of a community services manager will help complete the picture.

“Change is good sometimes, and I look forward to it.”

3. If money wasn’t an issue, what is your vision for Smiths Falls?

Brennan said his vision for Smiths Falls includes a municipally run community pool, a rail system for commuters travelling to Ottawa, updated sewers and water plant and newly renovated Town Hall.

He would like to make Smiths Falls “a place people want to come and live.”

Joe Gallipeau

- After more than 40 years in business, if there’s one thing Joe Gallipeau has, it’s a business sense. The fourth-generation Gallipeau is not only a developer but also the owner of the Gallipeau Centre, and has built several subdivisions in Smiths Falls and surrounding townships.

1. What do you bring to Town Council and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

Gallipeau explained, if elected, he would bring not only business experience, but also construction experience to council, something which he feels has been lacking in past years.

Dealing with developers is important for a municipality interested in growth, Gallipeau pointed out, noting he also has extensive experience dealing with planning issues involving the Official Plan and Zoning By-Laws.

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“This won’t be my first kick at dealing with a municipal council,” he laughed.

Gallipeau noted his main priority, if elected, would be to look at the budget and come up with substantial savings. He is also interested in setting up some sort of transportation system between Smiths Falls and Ottawa for commuters, something he feels would help convince people from Ottawa to move to Smiths Falls, and ultimately expand the tax base.

The key ingredients for a successful commuter system, Gallipeau said, are if it’s “reliable, efficient and affordable.”

2. What do you think has been the biggest problem with the way the town has been run in the past?

Gallipeau says he believes there are things that have been done in the town that could have been done in a more efficient and effective way, but that it isn’t too late to institute meaningful change.

“There’s room for change; there’s always room for change,” he said.

Gallipeau added he would like to see new candidates on council with fresh viewpoints, that may result in new initiatives bring brought in to help move the town forward.

3. If money wasn’t an issue, what is your vision for Smiths Falls?

If money were no issue, Gallipeau said he would look at putting an investment into tourism and transportation infrastructure, along with a community sports program to make sports activities available for all demographics.

Gallipeau believes increasing tourism will inevitably help downtown businesses and boost the economy in general, pointing out that tourists need to “eat, sleep and shop” while visiting new areas, something Smiths Falls can benefit from.

www.facebook.com/SmithsFallsVotes2014

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SMITHS FALLS VOTES 2014 COUNCIL HOPEFULS

Sheldon Giff - Sheldon Giff is invested in Smiths Falls – literally. The young

entrepreneur, born and raised in Smiths Falls, recently opened a candy shop on Main Street, which is part of what precipitated him to running for council. “I was originally going to run next term, but someone said why not now?”

1. What do you bring to Town Council and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

The consensus among the people Giff spoke with was Smiths Falls needed a younger voice on council, something Giff will be happy to provide, if elected.

For Giff, jobs, or lack thereof, will be his priority if elected to council. He explained while he was going through the process of red tape and paperwork to open his business, he gained perspective of the challenges facing new business owners. He would like to promote new job

growth and help small businesses to settle in Smiths Falls.

He also proposes a cut to councillor’s salaries, something he considers to be only fair considering the cuts that are also being proposed for police and fire services. “I’m not running for money… if you’re going to make cuts, it has to be full circle.”

Giff said he would also like to take a look at managing the vacancy rebate currently allotted to vacant commercial space, something which he said does not provide motivation for property owners to fill their buildings with new businesses.

2. What do you think has been the biggest problem with the way the town has been run in the past?

Giff explained he doesn’t feel the town has been actively working to help draw in

small businesses. The waiting period for a business license and the vast amount of red tape involved in opening a business aside, he pointed out the municipal vacancy listing is outdated with little to no contact information. He feels strongly the town needs to stay current to provide up-to-date info and encourage prospective business owners.

3. If money wasn’t an issue, what is your vision for Smiths Falls?

A change in town image is something Giff would like to see in the future, explaining that he feels town pride has decreased along with recent job losses.

“People don’t hold their head up anymore, they don’t smile anymore,” he pointed out.

“We need change in Smiths Falls…we need to become a community again.”

Chris Cummings

- Cummings hopes to bring experience gleaned from his previous two terms on council to yet another four years. Cummings, who has lived in the community for more than 20 years, would like to continue the work that he and others on council have begun over the past eight years.

1. What do you bring to Town Council and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

Cummings said if elected he would bring almost 30 years of banking experience and financial knowledge to Council. He also points to his experience sitting on different committees, including the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) and the Municipal Heritage Committee.

If elected for another term, Cummings said he would like to take a closer look at the Town’s long term capital plan, complete needed infrastructure work and work on Economic Development.

Cummings explained that after Hershey’s left, the municipality realized they didn’t

have an Economic Development department and had to start from scratch.

“We created some Economic Development strategies, brought in staff, had a committee,” Cummings explained, “The problem is you can’t get complacent again. I’m always going to be trying to make sure we still have Economic Development strategies and keep channeling money and resources into it.”

“Finding more creative ways of saving money so we can do capital work is what I want to concentrate one,” Cummings said.

2. What do you think has been the biggest problem with the way the Town has been run in the past?

Cummings explained he doesn’t see any major issues with the way the Town’s been run in the past, likening the functioning of Council to running a corporation.

“If you’re on the board of directors you listen to what everybody else has to say, you don’t get to captain the ship,” he explained, adding that “we all bring different things to the table, we all have different

James Benda

experiences and what will come out of a Council is a collective wisdom.”

Cummings pointed to the challenges the community has had over the past several years and the progress that’s been made in spite of those challenges. According to Cummings, population has increased in the last eight years and is now up by almost 100 households, while he said unemployment is one of the lowest in the region.

“Six, seven, eight years ago, people were talking about Smiths Falls was going to be a ghost town, and look at it now.”

3. If money wasn’t an issue, what is your vision for Smiths Falls?

Cummings envisions the preservation and honouring of the culture in Smiths Falls and that every Town facility would be about a safe and healthy environment.

The downtown would be revitalized, there would be a thriving population and Smiths Falls would be a destination for people to live “because it would be a lifestyle community.”

Adam Gariepy

CANDIDATE FOR SMITHS FALLS MUNICIPAL COUNCIL 2014

CANDIDATE FOR SMITHS FALLS MUNICIPAL COUNCIL 2014

Mr. Benda declined an interview with HomeTown News.

Mr. Gariepy was not available for comment.

UCDSB S C H O O L B O A R D T R U S T E E S Susan Richards - Richards has served as a Ward 3 Public School Board

Trustee for more than 10 years, and is looking to serve the education community for another four years.

1. What are the challenges you see facing the school board in the coming four years and how would you plan on tackling them?

Richards identified

the board-wide decline of Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) scores as something that will definitely need to be looked at in coming years. The EQAO test is a province-wide test given to students in grades three and six, testing them in reading, writing and mathematics.

The results assist parents, teachers and principals in determining how well students have learned the Ontario curriculum.

“We need to look at

all our schools…in some schools students do excellently while other schools don’t do as well,” Richards explained. “We need to look at how to build teacher capacity in the schools that need help to bring their scores up.”

Another issue Richards identified is the declining enrolment due to lower student numbers, particularly in very small schools. “We have to be able to offer our students the best education we can.”

Erin Watson - Watson , a life-long proponent of education, is excited to put her experience and education to the test as she vies for her first term as a school board trustee.

1. What are the challenges you see facing the school board in the coming four years and how would you plan on tackling them?

As someone who hasn’t previously been on

the school board, Watson said the question, as posed, was difficult to answer.

“I truly believe that there are no problems but only opportunities and in this case, if elected, I will have the opportunity to learn what the constituents believe to be the most significant challenges and will do my best to address them.

The only way to do that is to ensure open communication between all parties involved, to make

myself as accessible and approachable as possible and to really focus my attention on what needs are presented to me.

“Starting my term with a four year goal may put me in a position where I would become less attuned to the developing needs of the students and schools. It would be better, in my opinion, to enter into this position with an open mind and the flexibility to change as these needs develop.”

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FALL 2014 Fall 2014 Town of Smiths Falls E HYDRANT MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

Fire Hydrant Maintenance Program

THE TOWN OF SMITHS FALLS WORKS & UTILITIES DEPARTFALL HYDRANT MAINTENANCE PROGRAM along withPROGRAM HYDRANT ALONG FLUSHING MAINTENANCE WITH HYDRANT FLUSHING DURING THE WEEKS OF:

Falls Works & Utilities Department be conducting theirANNUAL MENT WILL BEwill CONDUCTING THEIR

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to 10th

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to 31st

OCT. 6 TO 10 OCT. 14 TO 17 OCT. 20 TO 24 OCT. 27 TO 31

THIS ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM WILL OCCUR BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 07:30 A.M. AND 4:00 P.M. IT MAY ce program will occurRESULT betweenIN the hoursTEMPORARY of 07:30 a.m.INCONVENIENCES, to SOME SUCH AS t in some temporary DISCOLOURED minor inconveniences; WATERsuch OR as LOSS OF PRESSURE. WE ALSO RECOMMEND THAT WATER USERS ss of pressure. We also recommend that water users check CHECK THEIR WATER FOR DISCOLOURATION BEFORE USING IT TO WASH LIGHT-COration before using it to wash light coloured clothing.

LOURED CLOTHING.

s safe for human consumption as it is caused by harmless THE DISCOLOURED WATER IS SAFE

FOR HUMAN CONSUMPSEDIMENT THAT HAS BEEN STIRRED UP IN THE WATER MAINS. THIS DISCOLOURAtime. We apologize for any inconvenience this maintenance TION WILL CLEAR UP IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. WE t is necessary to maintain the quality of your drinking water.

APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAINTENANCE PROGRAM MAY CAUSE BUT IT IS NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN 283-4124 ext. 1149 for QUALITY specific locations or more THE OF YOUR DRINKING WATER.

TION AS IT This IS CAUSED

BY HARMLESS n stirred up in the water mains. discolouration will clear

YOU MAY CONTACT 613-283-4124 EXT. 1149 FOR SPECIFIC LOCATIONS OR MORE INFORMATION.

patience, co-operation and understanding, during this

WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE, COOPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING DURING THIS MATTER.

www.smithsfalls.ca

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Are you on the voter’s list?

An important part of the voting process is ensuring your name is on the list of eligible voters. It’s a relatively simple process, but it needs to be done either way.

Take a look at this information from Voter Lookup to find out how to verify your status.

WHO CAN VOTE? A person is entitled to vote in a municipal election if he or she on voting day, • resides in the local municipality, or is the owner or tenant of land in the municipality, or the spouse of such owner or tenant; and • is a Canadian citizen, and • is at least 18 years old, and • is not prohibited from voting under the Municipal Elections

Act, 1996 or otherwise prohibited by law.

other corrections which are necessary.

ARE YOU ON THE VOTER’S LIST? The list of eligible voters for the upcoming municipal election will be prepared by the Returning Officer/Clerk of your municipality in August.

Any time prior to Sept. 1, all voters should ensure that their names and relevant information are correct in order to ensure being on the voters’ list. Visit www.voterlookup.ca to confirm and update your elector details to ensure that you will be on the Voters’ List.

As of Sept.1,2014, the municipal office where you are entitled to vote will be able to confirm whether you are on the Voters’ List as well as make any additions, deletions or

VOTE BY MAIL Electors in the Township of Lanark Highlands and the Town of Smiths Falls will be using Vote By Mail. Each elector is mailed a voting package, which includes a ballot, a secrecy envelope, a return envelope and a voter’s declaration.

To add your name to the Voters List and to receive a Vote By Mail Kit, identification is required. If a person whose name is on the Voters’ List does not have identification or the identification provided is not acceptable, then the voter will be required to complete a declaration of identity form.

Source: www.voterlookup.ca/

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community a broker for local food: Two Rivers Food Hub will open in Gallipeau Centre, complete with local food and a commercial kitchen rental facility

Local food hub to open in November L

SABRINA BEDFORD PHOTO Food producers in the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville region will soon have a central facility dedicated to coordinating the collection and distribution of locally-grown foods to the benefit of both growers and purchasers.

ocal growers, processors and buyers will be pleased to learn that the Two Rivers Food Hub (TRFH), located in the Gallipeau Centre in Smiths Falls, will soon be open for business. At a general meeting on Sept. 22, the TRFH set a target date of Nov. 1 for the opening of the commercial kitchen component of the food hub, moving them one step closer to a fully operational food hub servicing the Lanark Leeds Grenville regions.

A Local Food Hub is a centrally-located facility dedicated to coordinating the collection and distribution of locally grown foods to the benefit of both growers and purchasers. One of the main purposes of a food hub is to help recreate the local food infrastructure that has been lost over the past several decades.

The TRFH, operating under the umbrella of the Rideau Community Health Services, has been in the planning stages for more than a year. The opening of the commercial kitchen component marks the first step towards becoming one of the first local food hubs in Eastern Ontario.

“This will be the first

of many significant steps forward for the food hub,” Ray Elgersma, TRFH Acting Chair, explained. “With this first crucial piece of the puzzle completed, we can really begin to move closer to bringing local foods to the community.”

In addition to a commercial kitchen rental facility, the food hub will also shortly begin operations as a depot for local foods, and a pick up location for restaurants and retail outlets interested in including local foods in their products list. This component of the TRFH will be developed following the hiring of a general manager who will be key to its implementation.

The incubator kitchen planned for the TRFH will offer assistance to early stage, small scale, food production businesses by reducing the stress of meeting food safety regulations and the high cost of commercial kitchen equipment.

Space sharing opportunities are of particular value to new businesses and to existing food production enterprises who wish to scale up their production at a low cost.

The TRFH will eventually include two commercial kitchens renting at an

hourly rate of $25 per hour.

The opening date of Nov 1st will include the opening of one of these kitchens, comprising approximately 480-square feet and will include all major equipment as well as small equipment for food processing of all kinds.

Storage space will be available to tenants who wish to keep items safely locked within the kitchen, as well as walk in refrigerator and freezer space. A second kitchen and a large area for catering and cooking classes will be opening as the TRFH moves forward with its plans.As part of the target date of Nov. 1, the committee will also be putting forward a call for parties interested in applying for a contract position of General Manager. The General Manager will be involved in the planning and start-up of the food hub, including developing operations, facility planning, developing and executing a marketing strategy and the launch of the centre.

For more information about the services available at the TRFH, or to subscribe to their newsletter, please visit www.tworiversfoodhub. com or via email at tworiversfoodhub@gmail. com.

10 Halloween safety tips It’s that time of year again. The children are off to school, days are getting shorter and there is that crispness in the air.

With this also comes Halloween. This is a time to get the children dressed up in a costume and hit the streets celebrating the old tradition. With this also comes danger. The Smiths Falls Police are concerned about the safety of everyone and have provided some tips to help make this Halloween Night safer for all involved.

1. Children should be accompanied by an adult.

2. Children should wear clothing that can easily be seen at night. Retro- reflective materials are best.

3. Children should trick or treat in one well-known area and not wander into unknown neighborhoods.

4. All candy should be inspected by an adult to

SABRINA BEDFORD PHOTO

make sure that no one has tampered with it. If it looks suspicious, the police should be contacted.

5. Children should avoid stray animals.

6. Children should wear masks that do not interfere with vision. Better yet, they can avoid masks by wearing makeup.

7. Children should watch for moving vehicles when crossing streets.

8. Costumes should be short enough that the child will not trip.

9. Trick or treaters should dress appropriately for the weather and carry a flashlight.

10. For extra safety, organize a Halloween party for children in your neighborhood.

Tips provided courtesy of the Canada Safety Council Submitted by Cst David Murphy the Community Service Officer for the Smiths Falls Police Service. You can check out these tips and further information at www.sfps.ca.

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community

Sole Sisters

The inspirational duo return for another year of their annual run, from which all proceeds benefit cancer research.

Sabrina Bedford On Oct. 19, join France Murdoch and Sheila Coutts in the fight against cancer – and get yourself some exercise while you’re at it.

The Sole Sisters Charity Run for Cancer Research was initiated when Murdoch’s best friend and running partner, Sheila Coutts, was diagnosed with lung cancer a few weeks before the Niagara Falls Half marathon, which they were signed up and really excited for. Knowing Coutts’ chemotherapy treatments would start around the same time as the run, they made the hard decision to cancel the trip.

But that didn’t stop Murdoch. She knew her best friend would be “really intent on getting that one last half in before her treatments started,” so she planned a surprise half-marathon event for just the two of them.

“The Sole Sisters Charity Run for Cancer Research is not only in her honour, but in the honor of everyone that has been touched by this horrible disease,” she said.

Complete with race shirts, bibs, medals, kilometre markers and a make-shift finish line, they ran 21.1 km from Perth to Smiths Falls. Along the way, they had race volunteers for water stations, photographers and a little finish-line party.

According to Murdoch, it was a very emotional day filled with laughter and tears.

“Sheila and I are best friends and running partners,” said Murdoch. “It just seemed like the right thing to do, just the two of us that first year.”

The Sole Sisters Run is now an annual 2K, 5K and 10K run/walk. This was always her goal, but what Murdoch didn’t anticipate was the reaction from the community.

“It has always been our intention to have the Sole Sister Charity Run for Cancer Research be an annual event,” she said. “What we didn’t expect is how the community of Smiths Falls welcomed the idea. The generosity of this community is incredible.”

Coutts said she feels the same way.

“I have lived here all of my life and have never felt so proud to be a part of the Smiths Falls

community,” she said. “The excitement, support, and morale of a fantastic volunteer crew has propelled this annual cancer research fund raiser forward.”

Last year, the event raised $6,299 which was all donated to the Canadian cancer society in the name of research. While they hope to match or exceed that amount this year, Murdoch explains that isn’t their priority.

“We will be pleased with what is donated, every little bit helps,” she said.

While Coutts is on the road to recovery, she wants the race to continue - not for herself, but for others.

“France is my Sole Sister and my best friend without a doubt,” she said. “Although the first race sparked the flow of ideas and was the brainchild of France to take this to a meaningful cause, it’s not about me. It’s about helping to raise awareness about the crucial need to find answers for a cure to all cancers. There are so many people that we know and love carrying the need for this cause forward by walking this journey everyday. We do this for them, and for those not yet diagnosed...we do it for them.”

Opinion: A Curious Observer applauds

courage and sincerity of council hopeful

A

s an observer, the number of candidates running for council in Smiths Falls makes for an interesting election, and one worth watching – well all elections are worth watching really, as much for the surprises as the predictables!

While it’s easy to say that the number of candidates suggests there’s an appetite for change or argue that this is just a reflection of a surge in interest in municipal or maybe it’s simply a reflection of a general dissatisfaction with the status quo. Chances are it’s all of the above, besides it seems to be something of a tradition in Smiths Falls where you’ve often had 12 and 13 candidates running for council.

The thing is after attending the All Candidates meeting at the Legion on Sept 30, I was struck by the diversity of candidates running, from old hands like Dawn Quinn to the untried and delightfully fresh face of Sheldon Giff.

Watching the debate and listening to the candidates I was impressed by some, disappointed by the lack of engagement from others, shocked by comments and curious about the very young candidates who have chosen to throw their

hats into the ring.

I think there is a tremendous opportunity here, though I’m also pretty sure it’ll be passed over. There are two very young and inexperienced men running for council. Adam Gariepy is the other young man I’m referring to but as he was unable to attend the All Candidate’s meeting it’s hard to know how he’d stack up against the other candidates.

But Giff stood out, not just because of his age, but because of his courage and sincerity. It takes a heck of a lot of spunk for a young man of 24 to run against candidates with two and three times his experience.

During the debate while his inexperience showed so did his humility, humour and astuteness and while his platform of cutting council and mayor honourariums is not likely to resonate and seems somewhat misguided, he’s actually not far off the mark. Let’s just say that remuneration at Smiths Falls Town Hall is steep – though for staff not council.

The thing is electing someone like Gariepy or Giff onto council today, is a heaven sent opportunity for any municipality. What better way to get a sense of what is important to the next generation – the

generation for which a municipality is hopefully preparing the road. True they lack experience, but they can make up for that in spades in terms of energy and the ability to learn provided they’re willing – both qualities that can pose a challenge for older candidates.

Seriously we constantly hear that the youth of today are not politically engaged, well that really just means they’re not seeing anything to engage them.

Having a young man on council – one voice – might be a really good way to engage other young men and women, giving them a voice and an approachable representative on council.

They may not know everything they need to know to be effective councillors but neither do any of the other new candidates. Serving on council is a huge learning curve for anyone not just the younger generation. So how about it Smiths Falls, you have two very young men running for council, are you ready to listen to their concerns and needs?

Choose carefully, because these men and women’s decision do affect your day to day, right here and right now.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

France Murdoch and Shiela Coutts proudly display their Sole Sisters medallions. The Sole Sisters Charity Run for Cancer Research begins at Lower Reach Park at 8 a.m. on Oct. 19.

FROM PAGE 1: COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS STILL THRIVING According to the Canadian Community Newspapers Association (CCNA), the most recent research demonstrates that community newspaper readership remains strong. Three quarters of Canadians (73%) in non-urban centres read a community newspaper according to the 2013 study.1 We believe that community newspapers are not only a source for local news and information, but are also vital to economic development and 1. http://www.newspaperscanada.ca/ about-newspapers/faq-about-newspapers

sustainability. Having a place for small businesses to advertise products and services in a hyper-local publication, both online and in print, is vital for rural communities as a whole.

Our town has gone through significant changes within the last seven years.

The closure of the Hershey factory initiated a domino effect of similar closures, and the people of our town who’ve dealt with these hard circumstances have proven to be resilient time and time again.

It’s time to let go of our past and plough forward. We

now have Tweed, an internationally-recognized company, operating out of the plant, which is a start, but we can no longer rely on manufacturing operations to sustain our town’s economy or morale. It’s up to us, the people who have decided to call this community our home, to ensure our longevity.

If you have any issues or topics you’d like to see covered in our newspaper, or if you’re interested in contributing, contact us at editorial@ pdgmedia.ca with your story ideas.

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lifestyle THE COMMUNITY CENTRE’S WALKING CONCOURSE FEATURES A “SPORTFLEX” INDOOR TRACK SPECIALLY ENGINEERED FOR WALKING COMFORT FOR USERS.

Walking concourse inspires life changes

AMY HOGUE PHOTO You can find Brenda Doll at the indoor walking concourse daily between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. where she completes her minimum five-kilometre walk. Currently recovering from knee surgery, Doll is looking forward to getting back on the track to prepare for a half marathon.

amy hogue amy@pdgmedia.ca

When Brenda Doll first stepped foot on the indoor walking concourse at the Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre in early 2012, her weight had reached 345 lbs, too much even for her six foot tall frame. Today, after more than two years of daily travel along the indoor track, Doll has managed to lose 100 lbs and doesn’t plan on stopping there.

“I walk every day,” Doll said, “If I don’t walk in here I walk outside five kilometres.”

The Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre’s walking concourse features a “Sportflex” indoor track specially engineered for walking comfort for users. The 1/5th km per lap concourse has been well received in the Smiths Falls and surrounding communities, so much so that although it is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. in the winter months, the track is in use virtually every minute of the day.

Doll can be found at the walking track daily between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., where she walks with a partner, Gail Hitchcock, giving and receiving moral

support. Although Doll said in the beginning it took her over an hour to walk the five kilometres, she now has it down to only 47 minutes and plans on reducing that even further, down to 43 minutes.

The change in Doll’s lifestyle was inspired by a trip to Florida to visit a friend and her friend’s children in 2011. Following the visit, Doll decided to make a change to ensure she would be there for her friend’s children. With a history of heart and stroke and cancer running in both sides of her family she was unwilling to take the chance she would be spared any complications.

“I felt that because of weight I had I needed to start taking care of myself,” Doll said. “I was worried I could have a heart attack.”

In addition to her daily walks, Doll also changed her eating habits, explaining you “really have to change your lifestyle to change your weight.” But it isn’t only basic changes to diet and exercise that’s needed for a successful weight loss, Doll stressed, it’s encouragement.

“People need to be encouraged, if you don’t have people behind you, you can’t do it.”

Doll said her big-

gest supporters are her mother and husband, but she also credits her walking and race partners for her success. Besides her indoor walking partner, Doll also has an outdoor walking and race partner, Heidi Kozlof.

Since losing 100 lbs, Doll said she has a lot more energy to do things she thought she would never be able to accomplish, like running in five races, and setting a goal to compete in a half marathon in May 2015, which means walking 21.1 kms.

“I’ve walked so many five kilometre races I know I can do it, it’s just a goal for me to prove I can get farther.”

Although Doll walks both indoors and outdoors, she explained she prefers walking on the indoor walking track because the walking surface is better for her knees, flat and even with less risk of a fall, and there are washrooms available.

Doll is currently recovering from knee surgery brought on by a fall several years ago, and has been unable to walk at the track during her recovery period, which has been quite a change for her.

“To me it’s my second home…if this place didn’t exist I don’t know if I’d be doing this.”

Tips on upgrading your older home Patricia Krotki pmkrotki@pdgmedia.ca

Older homes have a lot of charm but often they are not able to accommodate all the needs of the modern family.

If you are considering selling your home, we have a few recommendations to help you boost the value of your property and make your old home more attractive to modern home buyers.

With just a few simple tips, you’ll have the basics on what it takes to modernize your older home, increase its value and broaden its appeal to a larger audience.

KITCHENS - The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s the one place in the house where friends and family always seem to gather, so it makes sense that this is where you get the biggest bang for your buck.

Older homes tend to have a small, dark and

compact kitchen areas while modern homes have large, bright and open spaces that have a lot of light and air flowing freely. This is something that potential buyers are likely looking for and have in mind. Anything from a fresh coat of paint on the cupboards and walls to a complete gut-job, making the kitchen appear more modern might be something you want to consider.

FLOORING - Many older homes usually have a hardwood floor that is concealed under the carpet. It might just be worth a peek to see if there is a hardwood treasure hidden in your home. If you make such a find, consider refinishing the floor to greatly enhance the value of your home.

BATHROOMS Trends in bathroom design have evolved and the bathroom in a modern home is designed with great care and attention to detail.

To increase the overall value of your home, you should consider enlarging your bathroom area, changing the layout or adding new fittings such as tubs, faucets or a shower to make your bathroom look more stylish and appealing.

The modern family uses the bathroom for so much more than just personal hygiene - it’s a spa, retreat, personal oasis and most of all a private escape from the rest of the world. Attention to this area of your old beauty may just tap into that desire for tranquility in your home’s potential new owner.

BASEMENTS - If you have an older or unfinished basement, remodeling it will add to the value of your property and make your home appear larger in general.

Having a finished basement provides a lot of additional living space, therefore it naturally increases the value of your home.

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The Kilted Cyclist Bicycle Tune-up Specialist

Smiths Falls

October 2014

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lifestyle

Coach b

column: NEVER BASE SUCCESS ON THE ASSISTANCE OF ANYONE OTHER THAN THE BEST FRIEND THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN THERE FROM YOUR VERY FIRST BREATH AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE THERE UNTIL YOUR FINAL EXHALE...

YOU.

D

on’t worry, it’s not your fault.

You know what I’m talking about.

That thing.

That thing you wanted to achieve, to buy, to learn, to get done or to accomplish…. that thing that you failed at…. that you continue to fail at.

It is not your fault.

It’s his fault, or hers, or theirs…but not you. No, no, no. Not you.

“If only….” is the culprit.

The cause of all your woes.

IF ONLY….

• My partner would exercise with me • I had more time • I had more money • I had someone to share my passion • They would share my hobbies • My friends would eat healthy with me • My peers would abstain from vices • My kids did not occupy so much of my time • I had stayed in school • I had better genetics • My parents would have taught me more • They would encourage me Blah blah blah blah blah blahhhhhhh.

THOSE ARE ALL LIES!

The B.S. excuses we use to avoid the burden of success.

Just stop.

You can do it. You are responsible for yourself and no one else.

You are good enough. You got this.

You need to build a scenario where YOU and YOU ALONE can succeed.

Never base success on the assistance of anyone other than the best friend that has ALWAYS been there... from your very first breath and will continue to be there until your final exhale...

You. It does not mean that you can’t count on others, or not to depend on others.

That’s OK. Continue to surround yourself with love.

It just means that you need to count on yourself first and foremost before counting on anyone else.

If you want to help people, and I mean truly help...

Not to simply be a Band-Aid solution or a stopgap measure; Not just a shoulder to cry on or a pat on the back.

To be a powerful force for change in this world.

You do so by making yourself a shining example by being the best YOU, you can be.

Then, you are in the right position to help people.

We all have a responsibility in this world to find that little piece of magic that is inside us, that one thing we can do so very well….and make it GROW! Find your miracle and empower it. Fine tune it and polish it until it shines. Use your magical quality as a beacon for others but more importantly….for YOURSELF! If you spend your time constantly lifting others up, eventually you will be crushed under their weight.

So… Who is responsible for your success?

YOU. Who needs to be put first if you truly want to have the skill, energy, power and love to TRULY help others in a deep and meaningful way?

YOU. Who needs your trust, love, respect and attention?

YOU. No one is going to do the work for you.

No one can reap the rewards for you.

That person you were always looking for…is right there.

In you.

Set them free and let them flourish.

THRIVE. Be the YOU…you deserve. You’re worth it.

Love, Coach B

October 2014

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www.discoversmithsfalls.ca

culture

An authentic Beatles experience comes to

Smiths Falls

If you missed seeing them in the 60s and 70s, here’s your chance to experience the magic and charisma of the Beatles.

Four gifted musicians from Montreal have not only perfected the sound of the

Beatles, they manage to recreate the Beatles experience on stage.

“They’re the closest thing you’ll get to the Beatles, they look just like them and they’re so tight and so good. It’s a great show,”

says Jim Bray, account executive with Lake 88, who has seen them play twice in this area in the last three years.

Replay the Beatles will be taking the stage at the Gallipeau Centre Theatre

on Nov. 8 for one show only. At the band’s request the show will start at 8:00 p.m. and will include two sets with costume changes.

“If you’re a Beatles fan, you will feel like you’ve seen the Beatles,” says John Oriettas, a.k.a. Paul McCartney and the band manager. “If you don’t know the Beatles, it’s a fun night.”

The Fab Four impersonators have been together for about 12 years now and have been wowing audiences across the pond and in North America ever since.

“They’re a huge crowd

pleaser, they brought us a bigger audience at our summer shows going from 300 to 1000, and we’ve brought them back every year since 2010 not just for our summer shows but for our bigger concerts,” says Kristina Timms, cultural animator with the city of Beaconsfield.

According to Timms, Replay sound exactly like the Beatles not only musically but during their onstage banter, capturing the Liverpudlian accent perfectly and even the mannerisms of the original Fab Four.

“Their show is a

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Beatles rock concert instead of the usual Beatles shows which are more tributey,” says Timms.

Like so many good things this band got together by accidental design and simply jelled. Each of the four musicians simply took on the role of the Beatle whose instrument they play and it’s just coincidence that they manage to look like the original band members once they’re in costume. Their attention to detail is legendary and extends to their sound – they always provide their own sound technician at every show.

“It’s a bit like asking a chef to make a souffle, if they don’t know what it is they won’t be able to make it. It’s the same with the sound, you have to know what the Beatles sounded like so you can recreate that sound for the audience,” says Oriettas, adding “We want to make sure that the sound is original, so it’s modern sound quality but the guitars and drums sound just like the Beatles,” says Oriettas.

Replay is by all accounts and reviews a ‘must see’ show, and tickets are $39.50 so drop by the Gallipeau Centre Box office or call 613-205-1493 to book your seat for Nov 8. You can also purchase tickets online at www.gallipeaucentretheatre. ca through ticketpro.

Submitted by the Gallipeau Centre Theatre.

October 2014

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culture

HIT COMEDY, EDUCATING RITA, coming to STATION THEATRE

SUBMITTED PHOTO Educating Rita won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 1980 comes to the Smiths Falls Station Theatre beginning Oct. 16.

Educating Rita, the stage play that won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 1980 is coming to the Smiths Falls Station Theatre in mid-October. Written by Willy Russell, the comedy features two actors whom audiences will remember for their hit performances in Looking: Katharine Coleman and Michael Adams.

The story follows

the relationship between a young Liverpudlian working class hairdresser and a middle-aged university lecturer, during the course of a year. Susan (who initially calls herself Rita), is dissatisfied with the routine of her work and social life and seeks inner growth by signing up for and attending an Open University course in English Literature.

The play opens as “Rita” (Katharine Coleman) meets her tutor, Frank (Mike Adams), for the first time. Frank is a middle-aged, alcoholic career academic who has taken on the tutorship to pay for his drink. The two have an immediate and profound effect on one another; Frank is impressed by Susan’s verve and earnestness and is forced to re-examine his attitudes and position in life; Susan finds Frank’s tutelage opens doors to a bohemian lifestyle and a new self-confidence.

“The challenge for us”, says director Jamie Schoular, “is to make this great piece of comedic writing come alive in a way that informs the audience on personal and societal issues that are perhaps less familiar to a Canadian audience than they would be to a British audience. Mike and Katharine have worked tremendously hard to develop their

characters. You will be impressed by their realistic portrayals.”

The play—whose storyline touches lightly on the concepts of freedom, change, England’s class system, the shortcomings of institutional education, and the nature of self-development and of personal relationships—borrows from George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion. You won’t want to miss this fun evening of theatre!

Educating Rita will be performed at 7.30 PM on October 17, 18,

24 and 25 and at 2 PM on October 19 and 26.

Advisory: some coarse language. Tickets are $20 for Adults and for students (with ID) $10, with special group rates also available. Call The Station Theatre at 613-283-0300 for details. Tickets can be purchased at Special Greetings, 8 Russell St. East, Smiths Falls, cash only, from our website (smithsfallstheatre. com) via Paypal/Visa/ Mastercard, by phone at 613-283-0300 via Visa/Mastercard, or at

the door (subject to availability) ½ hour before the performance— cash only.

We invite patrons to keep in touch with all our upcoming shows— outstanding plays, great movies, and special events—by signing up for our e-newsletter through a visit to our Web page at smithsfallstheatre.com or by joining us on Facebook (Smiths Falls Community Theatre).

Submitted by the Smiths Falls Community Theatre.

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October 2014

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food & drink

Chuckles Jack

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Chef Ram Mogandas serves up some hearty dishes he prepared in his kitchen. Chuckles Jack is known for its delicious cuisine, ranging from Canadian comfort food to dishes with international flare.

SABRINA BEDFORD s abr ina@p dg me di a.c a

I

n the few short years Chuckles Jack has been in town, it’s went from ‘that new restaurant with the funny name’ to one of the best dining experiences Smiths Falls has to offer.

Since opening its doors in May 2010, he restaurant was always high quality, but it took some time for the community to find out about it, but once they did, things flourished.

And this, Mogandas said, was almost purely by word-ofmouth.

“In our first year and a half, we really suffered,” he said. “We

didn’t do any proper marketing, so the people didn’t reach us.

After that, once the people got to know us, then boom,” he said, referring to his now almost steady stream of new and repeat customers.

Born in Sri Lanka, Mogandas and his family immigrated to Toronto where he lived for 10 years before relocating to Smiths Falls. It was there that he studied culinary arts, became an Italian-trained chef, and began working at fine dining restaurants in downtown Toronto.

When he first heard of the opportunity to move into the waterfront location on the Rideau Canal, Mogandas wasn’t entirely convinced.

“Somebody mentioned this

restaurant in Smiths Falls has been empty for a long time,” he said. “So I did a little bit of research, because it’s a small community so how are you going to survive, right?”

But after he and his partners viewed the vacant space at 33 Centre St., they decided to take the plunge.

“We took a risk,” he admitted. “I had to believe in myself that my food would sell.”

And sell it did. Not only is Mogandas in the process of franchising the restaurant, he and his partners are currently in the process of opening up the restaurant’s new downtown location on Russell Street.

Chuckes Jack rents their current space, so the main reason for relocating is so they can make necessary changes on their own.

“We want to own our own restaurant, and own our property,” he said. “We’ll do whatever interior work how we want it.

We just wanted to move on and go to the downtown core.”

It looks like Chuckles Jack is here to stay.

“It’s a good community,” he said of Smiths Falls, noting how hard it is to get the same level of assistance in other towns. “Any-

where I go, town hall, anywhere – if I need help, they will right away. Smiths Falls is great.”

Chuckles Jack, which describes its atmosphere as ‘the comfort of small-town charm with an exotic twist,’ offers a wide array of cuisines, catering to every palate. While he is an Italian-trained chef, the menu he provides features a combination of traditional Canadian meals with a twist of international and Indian cuisine. Not only that, Mogandas incorporates as many family recipes as he can into his every-day cooking.

It’s not just the customers who are singing his praises – it’s the critics too.

Mogandas was the recipient of Kemptville’s 2012 People’s Choice Awards and the 2013 Soupfest Award. He is also a frequent guest on CTV News, demonstrating his forte for creating unique and delectable dishes.

One of the biggest-selling dishes on the menu is his famed butter chicken, which is a mixture of Basmati rice, chicken, home-made butter chicken sauce and steamed vegetables.

“It’s hard to say any particular dish that’s a favourite

[among customers], but here we sell mostly Italian food,” he said, referring to his culinary background.

Among the most popular dishes on the menu includes the chicken parmesan and any type of pasta. That might have something to do with the fact he makes all of his sauces “from scratch.”

It looks like we’ve got an in-demand chef on our hands, Smiths Falls. Let’s continue to show our support for local businesses like this one and stay tuned for the opening date of the restaurant’s new Russell Street location.

Oh – about that name.

“It’s a funny name,” he admits. “We want people to laugh. My partner came up with the idea. Our focus from the beginning was to make a franchise, starting with small towns. So, we were thinking put a nice, catchy name.”

Overall, Mogandas is extremely proud of all his restaurant has achieved and how far he’s come since he decided to take that risk on Smiths Falls.

“I’m really lucky to stay in this community,” he said.

October 2014

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www.discoversmithsfalls.ca

food & drink

FOOD FOR THOUGHT THIS IS THE FIRST IN A REGULAR SERIES OF FOOD & DRINK-RELATED TOPICS. BECAUSE WHO DOESN’T LOVE FOOD?

Food.

I’ve had a lifelong love of food. I started cooking when I was very young, making Italian dinners on Saturday nights for my family. Dad would drive me down to a little Italian grocery in our neighbourhood where Massimo, the owner, would counsel me on the type of pasta and sauce that would go best together. We’d occasionally have mortadella & mustard sandwiches on fresh Italian rolls.

Throughout the year, I would also watch Mom make apple pies from scratch (the wonderfully flaky crust she creates has thus far eluded me…) and jam from strawberries we went out and picked. Jam was in the early summer and apple pies were in September. Though I didn’t realize it then, those experiences were my earliest lessons in the joys of eating seasonally and locally.

It is this food-oriented history that has resulted in my love for great food and especially local foods which there is certainly no shortage of in our area! My goal in this regular column is to guide you through the seasons and share recipes with you along with lots of tips and tricks for some of the best each season has to offer. And stories, because stories are fun.

Food is indeed fuel for the body and the mind, and great tasting, affordable and even healthy (yes, healthy!) food makes it all that much better.

One of my favorite fall foods, and they’re a sure signal the season has arrived, is apples. The humble apple, available in so many varieties, is found in abundance in this area.

Whether you pick them up at the grocery store or head off for an afternoon of picking with the family, there’s no shortage of ways

to use them from snacks to incorporating into savory dishes like pork.

That being said, my all time favourite is apple crisp. Otherwise known as apple crumble and apple Betty, it’s a lovely layer of soft apples topped with a crispy layer of oats, brown sugar and butter. Choose whichever apples you like best and maybe even use a couple of varieties.

For something a little tart, Granny Smith apples are great and they’ll keep a bit of crunch. For something a little sweeter, the good old Macintosh apple will soften up quite a bit and develop a sweeter flavour. In truth however, you can’t go wrong no matter what apples you pick.

Apple Crisp • 5 cups of apples, peeled, cored and sliced • ½ cup of all pur-

pose flour • ¾ cup of rolled oats • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon • ½ cup of brown sugar • 1/3 cup of butter, melted

PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9” square baking pan with butter and arrange apples in it. For the topping, combine flour, oats, cinnamon and sugar with melted butter and mix until crumbly.

Sprinkle the topping over apples and bake in oven for about 40 minutes, or until fruit is tender. Serve warm with ice cream, milk or cream.

Happy Fall!

Amy Rensby is the owner of Magnolia Catering and Event Creations in Smiths Falls www.magnoliacreations.ca

Contact us today to find out how we can help you with any of the following: • Catering • Workshops and Cooking Lessons • Pre-Made Meals • Office Lunches • Children’s Themed Birthday Parties • Baby and Bridal Showers • Weddings And don’t forget, ‘tis the season for Christmas parties! Call now to book yours. www.magnoliacreations.ca 613.799.8153 amy@magnoliacreations.ca Located at The Ivy on William, 42 William Street West in Smiths Falls

...we saved you a seat

LU N C H • D I N N E R • D E S S E R T

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explore

Merrickville Jazz Fest Catch an illustrious lineup of artists in Merrickville’s beautiful downtown, Oct. 16 -19

The Merrickville’s Jazz Fest (MJF) will offer a wide variety of jazz performances taking place at various locations throughout Merrickville’s beautiful downtown core. This year’s lineup will include artists from Toronto, Montreal and Merrickville as well as many performers from the Ottawa-Gatineau area. MJF will welcome close to 20 jazz groups including Montreal’s exciting bebop drummer Norman Marshall Villeneuve, Toronto rising star Swing and Gypsy jazz vocalist Denielle Bassels, and the festival’s first Artist-In-Residence acclaimed Ottawa jazz pianist Brian Browne to name a few.

While there will be occasional presentations of other genres of music, MJF can proudly say that it offers almost 100% jazz content.

The complete programme is listed at the end of the press release and detailed information is available online at www.merrickvillesjazzfest. com.

“As a regional event in only its fourth year of operation, we are extremely proud that Merrickville’s Jazz Fest has grown so quickly in popularity and appeal”, said MJF co-organizer Peggy Holloway. “Our sincere

appreciation goes out to all our supporters including local businesses and in-kind sponsors, musicians and audience members as well as our dedicated team of volunteers who contribute to make MJF a great success each year. A portion of the proceeds will benefit music programming for young people in our community. We especially want to acknowledge”, continued Peggy, “the support of our Platinum and Gold level sponsors: The Blue Pearl Foundation, The Baldachin Inn, Karen Oxorn Jazz Vocalist, Kate McGregor Coaching & Communicationsand Long & McQuade Musical Instruments as well as the Village of Merrickville-Wolford for a generous grant.” A complete list of sponsors is available online.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 16 – The festival swings into action with the Grand Opening event in appreciation of Sponsors and advance ticket/pass holders.

It takes place at the Baldachin Inn Restaurant and features complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wine courtesy of Joseph’s Estate Wines and beer courtesy of Steam Whistle Brewing. Merrickville’s own Swing Bridge will

be on hand to provide the musical entertainment and there will be a draw for some wonderful prizes donated by local merchants, festival performers and other MJF supporters. The event is open to all Sponsors and advance ticket/pass holders.

Festival Tickets and Passes will be available for purchase at the door.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 17 – MJF offers an interesting mix of groups from the Ottawa-Gatineau region that showcase a variety of jazz styles from the original and somewhat avant-garde to classic vocals featuring the Great American Songbook and ending the night with an all-out New Orleans style soul, roots, shout, folk, jazz and gospel gumbo guaranteed to lift listeners off their seats. The lineup includes the Tom McMahon Trio,The Lee Anne Frederickson Quartet, the Doug Martin Duo and The Sun Crescent Barbecue Stompers.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 18 – Ottawa artists performing include The Peter Liu Trio, the Neil Sealy Quartet and a double bill at the Merrickville Legion with East Side Jazz Quartet and Quarteto Latino. The Festival is pleased to welcome the Adam Daudrich Trio from Montreal and the Denielle Bassels Quintet from Toronto. Always surprising and inventive, Adam’s trio will sweep you away with their treatments of standards and Adam’s gorgeous original compositions. Denielle Bassels is a rising star on the Toronto scene. Recent winner of a grand prize in

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Brian Browne. the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Denielle has the classic jazz sound and feel mixed with a unique soulfulness that catches the listener’s attention right from the start and keeps them wanting more.

The night concludes with a lively send-off featuring Latin jazz and the exciting performances of vocalist Caridad Cruz and pianist Miguel De Armas.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 19 – The festival’s final day gets underway with Artist-in Residence Brian Browne’s Master Class. A Merrickville favourite, Brian returns that afternoon for a concert with Peter Woods and a guest appearance in the evening at the closing event.

Also featured that day are Ottawa-area performers the Peter Brown Quartet and Nicole Ratté & Tim Bedner.

The Festival is delighted to welcome Norman Marshall Villeneuve’s Jazz Message to Merrickville. A hard driving bebop drummer with a

career spanning six decades, Norman has worked with the likes of Duke Ellington, Junior Mance, Blossom Dearie and Anita O’Day to name a few and toured for some time with the great pianist Oliver Jones. Norman is still as exciting, inventive and energetic a performer as ever. Now based in Montreal, he brings the stellar lineup of bassist Eric Lagacé, pianist Félix Stüssi and alto saxophonist Dave Turner to MJF in a tribute to his mentor the great drummer Art Blakey.

The closing event begins at 7:30 pm in The Baldachin Ballroom.

Starting the evening is local singer-songwriter Grace Hrabi (a recent arrival from Winnipeg) followed by the concert A Tribute to Blossom Dearie. The Blossom tribute debuted to a sold-out house at the Fourth Stage of the National Arts Centre in the spring of 2010. The original cast and creative team includes popular

Ottawa vocalists Caroline Gibson, Marcie Campbell and Karen Oxorn accompanied by the swinging trio of Martin Newman on bass, Don Johnson on drums and Music Director Mark Ferguson on piano and trombone.

Brian Browne returns for a special Blossom duet with Caroline Gibson.

MJF is proud to announce that Brian Browne will be the festival’s first-ever Artist-In-Residence on Sunday October 19. In addition to performing in two concerts, Brian will lead a Master Class, a unique and special opportunity for students and young professional musicians to learn from an exceptional artist, composer and educator.

Tickets and passes are now on sale and information about artists, venues, schedules and directions is available online.

Submitted by the Merrickville Jazz Fest.

programme October 16

7:30 p.m. GRAND OPENING with Merrickville’s own Swing Bridge –The Baldachin Inn Restaurant

October 17

Denielle Bassels.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

3:00 p.m. Tom McMahon Trio – Fulford Preparatory College 5:00 p.m. The Lee Anne Frederickson Quartet – The Baldachin Inn Restaurant 7:00 p.m. Doug Martin Duo –

Gad’s Hill Place 8:30 p.m. The Sun Crescent Barbecue Stompers – The Goose & Gridiron Restaurant & Pub

October 18

12:00 p.m. The Peter Liu Trio – Merrickville United Church 1:30 p.m. Adam Daudrich Trio – Holy Trinity Anglican Church 3:00 p.m. Double Bill: East Side Jazz Quartet and Quarteto Latino – The Merrickville Legion 5:30 p.m. Neil Sealy Quartet –

The Goose & Gridiron Restaurant & Pub 7:30 p.m. Denielle Bassels Quintet – The Baldachin Ballroom 9:30 p.m. Caridad Cruz & Miguel De Armas – Harry McLean’s Pub, The Baldachin Inn

October 19

10:30 a.m. Master Class with Brian Browne – Fulford Preparatory College 12:00 p.m. Peter Brown Quartet – The Baldachin Inn Restaurant

2:00 p.m. Norman Marshall Villeneuve’s Jazz Message – Merrickville United Church 4:00 p.m. Peter Woods & Brian Browne – Holy Trinity Anglican Church 5:30 p.m. Nicole Ratté Jazz Duo – Gad’s Hill Place 7:30 p.m. CLOSING EVENT: A Tribute to Blossom Dearie plus special guests Grace Hrabi Duo and Brian Browne – The Baldachin Ballroom

October 2014

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www.discoversmithsfalls.ca

spotlight on business How to grow your business with LinkedIn Sherry Crummy CRUMMY MEDIA SOLUTIONS

LinkedIn declared that 2014 is the year of the Social Small Business.

LinkedIn is the world’s largest social network for professionals. With over 161 million registered users in more than 200 countries, more than two million companies have created LinkedIn Company Pages to vie for their attention.

Most business owners think of the popular tools like Facebook and Twitter for acquir-

ing new customers. But LinkedIn is the tool that is underutilized by many. More than a digital rolodex, LinkedIn is fast becoming a publisher, super connector, economic data specialist and mobile first company. LinkedIn connects you to your trusted contacts and helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals.

Have you Googled the name of people that you are thinking of doing business with? I am sure you have. If you are Googling others, then chances are, others are Googling you too. If

you are on LinkedIn, is your profile complete, or does it look like a half completed resume?

Having a completed profile on LinkedIn shows people that are thinking about doing business with you, that you are a professional that takes your business seriously.

Your LinkedIn profile needs to stand out from the crowd. Tell a story about who you are as a business person, your experiences, achievements and values.

5 Tips for Improving your Impact and Results on LinkedIn: 1. Optimize your Profile: Get a professional headshot. Use a

SABRINA BEDFORD PHOTO

Most business owners think of the popular tools like Facebook and Twitter for acquiring new customers. But LinkedIn is the tool that is underutilized by many.

compelling and engaging headline and use complete your experiences and use keywords.

Show your background and the growth of your skill set. Put in contact information. Have an interesting summary.

Use it as an introduction, your “elevator pitch”. Explain the benefit of working with you.

End the summary with a “clear call to action”, so people know how to reach out to you.

2. Create a Company page: It is a centralized location for millions of people can go

to find out more about your company. It tells your company news, job information and business opportunities. All your employees can link to your company page and have your logo on their profiles. People can find out more about your company through regular post updates.

3. Make Connections: Bring people into your 1st degree network.

Connect with others that you have work with and give recommendations when appropriate and ask for recommendation from those

that have worked you.

Connect with family, friends, past customers, old colleagues, current customers, alumni, and people you meet at networking events. The larger your network, the more people can find and connect with you.

4. Share your Status Updates: Share information that your connections will find interesting. Share posts with expert advice, links to compelling articles, upcoming events, and business ventures. Make all the post professional.

No cute kitten photos!

Stay top of the mind aware by appearing in their LinkedIn newsfeed.

5. Stay Positive: If you really try to help people, by giving advice, sharing articles and being a connector, then you will start to see how your connections will grow and relationships will blossom.

This is just a few tips to start you thinking about using LinkedIn to grow your business. It is a data rich platform that’s evolving every day. LinkedIn is serious about increasing growth and engagement. Take advantage of this and expand your reach to your potential clients.

Make sure to find me on LinkedIn and share on how LinkedIn has worked for you. w w w. l i n ke d i n . c om / i n / sherrycrummy. Follow my blog, as I will share more LinkedIn tips, crummymedia.com.

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spotlight on business

Life in the Cloud bryan mckay COLUMNIST This column is about technology, small business and the Cloud.

If you have a small business, if you use technology, if you are doing business today or just starting up - this column is for you.

Anyone in business today knows the challenge of buying, using and managing technology to help run your business. You can’t live without it and yet at times it can leave you stranded. Technology is a costly necessity of doing business. There are times when it’s hard to tell which business you are in - running your business or the technology business.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. And that is what this column is about - a future where technology gets out of the way. A few key definitions - Small business means a business with less than 150 people.

Technology means the technologies you use to conduct business and could include laptops, wireless services, smartphones and tablets, servers, office networks, devices and applications to facilitate transactions and payments, systems to manage inventories and many others. Cloud in the context of this column will mean any technology that lives in the cloud vs. one that you buy, install, configure, manage and maintain.

I have been in the technology business for the past 25 years or so.

I started with one of the big consulting firms writing programs for mainframes and doing business consulting. As the industry and technology changed, our work evolved and I got involved in manufacturing and implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems like Baan, SAP, PeopleSoft etc.

That led me to Siebel Systems and I spent the last 15 years (as an employee, then consultant, then contractor) implementing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems for many large clients in telecommunications, consumer goods and government. In the last couple of years I began to shift to the Cloud with a company that is a partner of Google. Now I get to enjoy working from home much of the time and working with clients implementing Google’s technologies.

Naturally my focus is the Cloud :-) This is the first article among many. This column is meant to be both a journey and a discussion that will lead us all to a better understanding of how to look at technology and use it to our economic advantage in business and even government.

The story of Burden’s wheel describes today’s situation with technology perfectly.

Burden’s wheel (wikipedia.org/wiki/Burden_

SABRINA BEDFORD PHOTO

Iron_Works) was one of the largest water wheels in North America. It was built in the mid-1800’s at a time when anyone who ran a manufacturing business also had to produce their own power to run the machines.

It was an economic necessity - machines produce parts by automating human effort and more power means more parts and therefore greater productivity. If you are in business today you know the parallel - we employ technology because it makes us more productive. But

that technology comes at a cost - once you own it you have to maintain it and sometimes it lets you down.

Innovation didn’t end with Burden’s wheel.

Inventors like Thomas Edison came along with their incredible dynamos and started producing and distributing electricity (wikipedia.org/wiki/ Pe a r l _ S t re e t _ S t at i o n ) .

Once they got the technology right these innovators started providing electricity from central facilities as the source of power to manufacturers to run their machines,

eventually displacing water wheels and other forms of power manufacturers were producing on their own. The age of the electric utility was born and the idea that you had to produce your own power as a business owner was fading. One of those early innovators was Chicago Edison (wikipedia.org/wiki/ Commonwealth_Edison).

Most of us barely remember a time when electricity didn’t come from an outlet in the wall or when companies had to produce their own power or electricity. The idea that you

once made your own electricity is foreign. The future of information technology is heading down a similar path.

We are on the cusp. In the past if you wanted information technology you had to buy or even build those solutions. The Cloud offers an alternative which this column will explore. Eventually the idea that you have to buy or build and maintain the information technology solutions required to run your business will become a thing of the past.

Please join me next month as we dig deeper into the services available in the Cloud.

“Our strength lies in our differences, not in our similarities.”

Are you thinking about starting a small business, need help with questions on your existing business? Are you starting a business in the Lanark, Smiths Falls, Perth, Carleton Place, Mississippi Mills area? If so, the SBAC is here to support you! Getting a small business started or growing it, can be very challenging, but can also be very rewarding.

Our office provides confidential business advisory services to small business start-ups, as well as on-going support for existing small businesses.

Stephen R. Covey

Re-elect

Smiths Falls Town Councillor

Upcoming workshops:

R0012/1002

I am a lifelong resident of Smiths Falls and former small business owner in our downtown. I have 23 years experience working for Federal and Provincial Members of Parliament, solving problems and getting results for the people of Eastern Ontario and Smiths Falls.

I believe the foundation for growth in our Town has been laid and is happening before our eyes now. I want Smiths Falls to continue to lead the way in Eastern Ontario My Priorities -update and follow through on our Town’s Strategic Plan -update our municpal complex -fight for affordability for our taxpayers -advocate for our Town to upper levels of government and ensure we are not forgotten at Queen’s Park and at Parliament Hill -improve pedestrian linkages in Smiths Falls -follow through on the Ontario Rural Institute’s Youth Forum to formulate a comprehensive plan for Smiths Falls Youth I want to hear from you Please contact me with your thoughts, ideas and concerns or for a lawn sign at: 613-283-1840 or jaylbrennan@gmail.com

•

Introduction to Facebook Advertising: Oct. 21, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. $10.00 • Building your Brand: Oct. 29, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. $10 • Intellectual Property – Part of an Overall Business Strategy: Nov. 4, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. $10

SMALL BUSINESS ADVISORY CENTRE 91 Cornelia Street West Smiths Falls, Ontario K7A 5L3 www.smallbizcentre.ca Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

October 2014

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www.discoversmithsfalls.ca

classifieds Pilkington, Joyce In loving memory of Joyce who passed away October 26th 2013. A loving wife, mother, and nanny.

I thought of you today, but that is nothing new, I think of you every day. . . We all miss you terribly mum. There is not a day that goes by that you are not in our thoughts. And, as we approach the last of the rsts, the anniversary of the day you left, I am grateful. I am grateful for you...for the unwavering commitment you had to your family and to Dad. I am also grateful for the wonderful family that you made and that you loved us so much. And...although our hearts still ache, I am mostly grateful that you do not suffer anymore. Breath easy Mum <3 We love you.

Bill, Bill Junior, Jean, Kevin, Trish & Sarah xoxoxo

November 18th

FOR INFORMATION ON CLASSIFIEDS, ADVERTISING OR PRICING PLEASE CALL 613-206-0708 OR EMAIL ADVERTISING@PDGMEDIA.CA

word search

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world’s hardest maze

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Can you solve what we think is the world’s hardest maze?

If you solve it, you will be entered into a draw to win a $10 gift card for Tim Horton’s! Once you solve it, take a picture of the puzzle and send it to editorial@ pdgmedia with your name and phone number.

Games Source: http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com

October 2014

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Know when to fight for your tax rights STEVE BENNETT SENIOR TAX PROFESSIONAL H&R BLOCK

The only predictable thing in life is that life is unpredictable. Unexpected major events such as moving or a death in the family can cause major upheavals. An important, but often overlooked, consequence is that they can also significantly impact your tax situation.

At these times of change or distress, taxes may be the last thing you want to deal with, but failing to understand all of the implications can lead to more complications.

In British Columbia, a client came to H&R Block with a large tax bill from the Canada Revenue Agency. She was an 87-year-old widow who began living at a nursing home in 2000. Rather than sell her home, she decided to rent it out.

Under the Income Tax Act, her principal residence is exempt from tax on the capital gain. Once the client moved out, her home stopped being her principal residence and any future capital gain became taxable. When she eventually sold the home, she received a nearly $20,000 tax bill.

Unbeknownst to the client, there is a lesser-known rule that allows the principal residence designation to continue for up to four years, but an election must have been filed with each of the four following tax returns. Without the prior submission of the appropriate paperwork, the CRA had disallowed the principal residence exemption.

H&R Block worked with the client to appeal the decision under the taxpayer relief provisions. In certain circumstances, CRA will allow the amendment or revocation of elections under these provisions. Initially, the requests were denied, so H&R Block brought the case to the Federal Court for judicial review.

In 2008, the federal court made a decision in her favour and the principal residence exemption was allowed. The court recognized that the provisions were resulting in undue hardship resulting from the complexity of the associated tax laws and the stress of moving into a nursing home.

The tax bill of nearly $20,000 was reversed.

It is important to realize that there are steps that may be taken to ensure that your

situation is dealt with fairly under the taxpayer relief provisions. If you disagree with the CRA, ensure you read and understand the provisions that apply to you, or contact a tax professional who can provide some guidance and expertise.

This article provides only an overview of the regulations in force at the date of publication, and no action should be taken without consulting the detailed legislation or seeking professional advice. Therefore, no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material contained in this bulletin can be accepted by Steve Bennett or H&R Block Canada, Inc.

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