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SEPTEMBER 2017
Local athletes recruited to elite training program
Nathan Coleman and Joshua Pilon, formerly of Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute, are attending St. Joseph High School in Ottawa to be part of the Football North program. Both young men are in grade 11. Photo credit: Matt Coleman.
The path to gridiron greatness appears to run through Smiths Falls as two of the town’s top athletes have been accepted into the elite Football North training program in Ottawa. The program is run out of St. Joseph High School in Ottawa, which is where the two are attending school is year. It’s a significant achievement for grade 11 students Nathan Coleman and Joshua Pilon, who’ve been best friends since they started playing with the pigskin eight years ago. In addition to providing training with some of Canada’s top-level coaches, Football North opens the door to playing against nationally ranked high school teams stateside, where talent scouts and university prospectors regularly attend packed stadiums to select cream of the crop players for scholarships to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) schools. “It feels good playing higher-level football, it gives me a lot more experience,” says Coleman, who’s always loved football because it’s “a team sport, a bunch of people working together to make the big plays.” While many Canadian youngsters dream of National Hockey League glory, Coleman admits chasing a puck around the arena was never high on his priority list, in large measure because he couldn't skate well. While Pilon did play hockey as a
kid, he admits “I’d rather play football any day of the week. Football is more complicated, there’s a lot more to do in the game, more types of plays. I love it.” He says he was inspired to take up football because of Playstation’s Madden Games, an immersive screen experience named for the legendary National Football League (NFL) coach, Super Bowl winner, and colour commentator John Madden. Pilon says he’s always preferred to play defensive roles in whatever sport he tackles, and in football, he plays linebacker, taking care of the opposing team’s offensive rush and short passes. Both young players have a great deal of respect for their mutual abilities. “Nathan is definitely someone people look up to,” Pilon says, noting his best friend’s multi-talented skills include slot wide receiver, punter, and kicker. “What he brings to the team and how he plays is pretty amazing.” As much as they love football, both Coleman and Pilon are also intrigued with the notion that their education could be fully paid for if recruited by an NCAA school. Full, four-year sports scholarships are far more common in the U.S., and Football North participants are seen by a greater number of American schools seeking to beef up their squads. Coleman hopes to study sports medicine while Pilon is interested in pursuing engineering studies. Coleman’s father, Matt, has
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Smiths Falls - Matthew Behrens editorial@pd gmedia.ca
Nathan Coleman leaps to pull in a pass, one of many skills that earned the Smiths Falls athlete a spot on the elite Football North football squad in Ottawa. Photo credit: Matt Coleman.
coached both teenagers in Smiths Falls minor football and is proud to see both young men now playing at the highest level possible for Ontario players. Matt says that the local football association’s role in promoting the sport – taking young players to see Red Blacks games in Ottawa while inviting Canadian Football League players out to Smiths Falls – has helped grow the game in the area. Matt himself was a baseball coach who took training courses and clinics to learn the football ropes when his son showed interest in the sport but, he jokes, “when they got to a level that I couldn't coach, I became the chauffeur.” Coach Coleman says that younger players like his son and Pilon being exposed to American-style football has been an eyeopener. While there are some fundamental differences in how the game is played south of the border, where he says “the level of football is much higher than it is in Canada,” there’s also a major cultural shift. “Football is huge in states like Ohio and Texas and Florida,” he explains. “It’s like a religion down Facebook/DiscoverCarletonPlace
there, and you’ve got 7,000 people going to a high school football game.” Both Coleman and Pilon have been key members of the Ottawa Myers Riders championship squads over the last two years, most recently capping off an undefeated season as part of the Ontario Varsity Football League. Meanwhile, their Football North squad did their team and supporters proud when they recently scored a devastating 61-0 victory over a Maryland high school in a game played at Syracuse, New York. “It means quite a bit,” says Pilon. “I never thought I'd do something like this, playing in the States, but I’m doing it now.” Asked whether they would immediately make the jump to a professional team if offered the chance, both Coleman and Pilon said they wanted to finish their university studies first. But after graduation, if a team like the Minnesota Vikings or Hamilton Tiger-Cats came calling, Pilon says, “if I could go far enough in professional football, I definitely would go for it.” Facebook/DiscoverSmithsFalls www.HometownNews.ca
September 2017
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Page Two
Letter from our Editor
Last month I strongly voiced my opinion about a pig roast happening in Carleton Place and the people who were trying to stop it. If you missed the column, you can read it in full on our website hometownnews.ca, but I can easily sum it up: pig roasts are not gore-filled, horrific events and people should attend this one because it was for a good cause. I’m happy to report, the roast went on. Reporter Jane Hobson attended and wrote about it. Read her story below or check it out online (and see more pictures) at hometownnews. ca/pigroast. Also, thanks to those of you who wrote in
and voiced your own opinions on the topic. We love feedback like that. It lets us know that our readers are a) reading the words we work so hard to publish and b) that you care about your community as much as we do. On the topic of feedback, thank you to everyone who filled out our reader survey. Some of you had some insightful things to say... others of you seemed to just want to be entered into the draw and filled out only what was necessary. I’ve only started to delve into your answers but a common thread I’m seeing is that you want the following: Little known stories that nobody else is talking about Crime reports Featured resident or youth each month. These are fantastic ideas, some of which we’ve been batting around at our monthly meetings. Crime reports — we can deliver. We already report on crime on our website, so when relevant we’ll try to start
putting more into our print editions as well. As for the little known stories and featured youth or other residents — we need your help with. If you know of a interesting person, great volunteer, or inspiring youth, we want to hear about it. If you know of something that’s going on that is worth sharing, let us know. You can email me directly at april@pdgmedia.ca or contact our general inbox at editorial@pdgmedia.ca. We’ve got some great reporters that really love diving into these types of stories. This month we’ve got people stories, event updates, stories about little-known ventures around Lanark County and we’ve even started a new family column (Like with Kids). It will be monthly online and semi-regular in our print pages. Readers, you spoke and we heard you — now read on and tell us how we did. April Scott-Clarke, Editor, Hometown News
Carleton Place pig roast saw more than 100 guests
Photo credit: Jane Hobson.
Carleton Place - Jane Hobson editorial@pdgmedia.ca Pints and roasted pig were the main attractions at A Feast of Fall in Carleton Place on Sept. 3. Presented by Stalwart Brewing Co. and Black Tartan Kitchen, about 120 people gathered at the Carleton Place Canoe Club for a swanky evening of bold brews and locally raised pig to welcome the fall
harvest season in Lanark County. “The focus is really on community and the celebration of this bountiful season that we’re in right now,” said Ian Carswell, the owner of Black Tartan Kitchen. The pig served at the roast was raised locally at McGahey Farms and was fed organic compost from the restaurant. “It has come full circle. Now it’s
time to enjoy the pig and dine,” said Carswell. The pig was originally supposed to be spit roasted but was box roasted instead when it ended up nearly 100 pounds larger than expected. This means parts of the pig were separated into coal roasting boxes. Tickets were sold at $60.75 per person, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Carleton Place Community Friendship Oven Project. “We’ll keep doing events until we have the money to do the [Community Oven Project],” said Adam Newlands of Stalwart Brewing Co. Stalwart and Black Tartan Kitchen are hoping to organize a similar event in October for Oktoberfest. A few notable guests at the feast included Mayor Louis Antonakos, Kate Murray of Downtown Carleton Place and Petra Graber, owner of the Good Food Company.
Reader Survey Winner
Jennifer Irwin of Carleton Place is our Hometown News reader survey winner. Thank you to everyone that took the time to give us their input.
From the Lanark County Museum Network
The Rideau Queen Steam Ship - Carrying passengers from Kingston to Ottawa in 1916. Photo credit: Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum Collection.
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September 2017
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News
Initial plans for Smiths Carleton Place to become new Falls town square unveiled home to parrot training centre Smiths Falls - Chris Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca At an Aug. 28 meeting Smiths Falls town councillors were given their first look at proposed plans to construct a town square and renovate the town hall complex. Dan Wojcik of heritage architectural firm +VG presented what he called “a preliminary take” on the design of a town square to be located in the area between the town hall and the Smiths Falls Public Library, as well as proposals to redesign the space within the town hall complex. Wojcik assured councillors that the plans he was presenting were designed with the assumption that financial resources are limited, and with the in-
tent to preserve and take advantage of existing heritage architecture in the area. “The assets you guys have on site here are unbelievable,” said Wojcik. “It’s very rare that we see an opportunity to create a town square any more in this day and age.” The architectural firm’s goal is to protect and enhance existing heritage buildings, said Wojcik. “The town square would be the gateway for your community,” he added. “We’re trying to draw more people, more attention, (and) more activity to the site.” Initial plans for the town square include installing an outdoor performance area or amphitheatre, and relocating the existing cenotaph “to a more cer-
emonial space in front of the library,” said Wojcik. The architects are also proposing a reorganization and renovation of the town hall, which would see the council chambers relocated into the more accessible space in the old fire hall. Plans for the town square and municipal complex will be shared with the public at an open house in the fall. Director of Community Services Art Manhire said designs, including an estimate for construction, will be finalized by the end of the year. The project is intended to be implemented in phases, he added. “I’m very much looking forward to hearing what the public has to say about this,” said Councillor Dawn Quinn.
Urban Jungle proceeds to fund equipment for Lower Reach Park
Smiths Falls - Chris Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Smiths Falls town councillor John Maloney is hoping his colleagues will vote for the town to match funds raised at this year’s Urban Jungle obstacle course, which have been donated to pay for new fitness equipment at Lower Reach Park. Maloney and other organizers of the second annual Urban Jungle event, held on Aug. 13, attended a meeting of town council’s Committee of the Whole Aug. 13 to provide a report on the event, and presented the town’s community
Photo credit: Chris Must..
services department with a cheque for $8,000. The money is designated to help with the purchase of fitness equipment to be installed in Lower Reach Park next spring for use by the public. Maloney said 428 competitors took part in the Urban Jungle this year, and thanked a long list of businesses and volunteer organizations that assisted in putting on the event. He expressed special thanks to his wife Maria, adding, “Without her this event wouldn’t happen.” In addition to the $8,000 raised for equipment at
Lower Reach Park, the Urban Jungle also donated $1,000 to Canadian Tire’s Jump Start Program, $250 to the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, $150 to St. John’s Ambulance, and $100 for the Gordon Pipe Band. Representatives of the Urban Jungle presented the Town of Smiths Falls with $8,000 to help pay for new fitness equipment to be installed at Lower Reach Park. From left: Joe Cayen of Canadian Tire, John Maloney, Maria Maloney, and Town of Smiths Falls Director of Community Services Art Manhire.
Photo credit: Jane Hobson.
Carleton Place - Jane Hobson editorial@pdgmedia.ca In October, Carleton Place will become home to the only charitable aviary and adoption centre in Canada. "We have a saying that the underdog of the pet world is the parrot, there aren't the same kinds of support mechanisms for parrots as there are for cats and dog," said Judy Tennant, the executive director at Parrot Partner. Parrot Partner is a non-profit charitable corporation that works exclusively to rehabilitate, train and find new homes for relinquished parrots. "People often have to give their parrots up because they get in over the heads," said Tennant. "These are wild animals, they are not yet domesticated but they're sold as if they are." Tennant said people are shocked to find out that parrots can be harder to look after than cats and dogs. For example, macaws have more bite pressure in their beaks than the American pitbull, and some breeds of parrots can live up to 80 years. The trainers at Parrot Partner are professional behaviourists and work with the parrots to reverse the bad habits they developed when living with previous owners. For example, instead of screaming, which is a natural form of communication for wild parrots, Tennant said they are taught to say ‘Hello’ instead because it’s more palatable in a household than a screech is. "We address those bad habits, we
Photo credit: Jane Hobson.
reshape them and retrain them," she said. When the parrots have been trained, Parrot Partner finds new homes for them. This is what makes Parrot Partner unique. "If they aren’t rehabilitated, the parrot keeps hopping from home to home to home - and that's a sin," she said. Parrot Partner’s adoption program has an education component where want-tobe owners are completely trained on how to live with their parrot. Potential new owners will need to invest time into training with the exotic bird before they are allowed to take it home where support continues. Owners are encouraged to ask Parrot Partner for any help they might need. Tennant started Parrot Partner out of her home and then as a charity in Smiths Falls. Now in Carleton Place, the adoption and education aviary is due to open in October when the renovations in the 6,000 square foot facility are complete. The final product will look similar to a theme park that will mimic the rainforest. "They are
wild animals and they need to be able to make choices so the rainforest environment is a place where they can do their natural behaviours, like chew, climb and fly a little bit," said Tennant. The aviary will be open to the public. For a small admission fee, groups will be able to walk through the aviary with a trainer and a tour guide. "Visitors actually help us do the training," Tennant said. Generalizing is a form of training the centre uses and it teaches the parrots that they are expected to perform the behaviours for everyone, not just the trainers. A venture like this though is not inexpensive, but there are multiple revenue streams that Parrot Partner relies on: a fee for visitors and adoptions, a gift shop, boarding for people who have parrots, training workshops, donations and public events. "We have education birds that stay with us who are very extroverted. We visit places like nursing homes and community fairs with them for a fee," explained Tennant.
September 2017
4
community Seniors programs a priority at Carleton Place library for fall
Adult Services and Outreach Coordinator Caroline Zeeman has multiple seniors’ programs planned at the Carleton Place Public Library this fall. Photo credit: Jane Hobson.
Carleton Place - Jane Hobson editorial@pdgmedia.ca While September marks the start of a new school year for many students and parents alike, it can seem like the start of the glum end-of-summer blues for many seniors. That’s why the Carleton Place Public Library is planning a series of seniors’ programs this fall. Finance seminars “I know that seniors’ isolation is a big problem and we’re hoping to change that,” said Caroline Zeeman, the adult services and outreach coordinator at the Carleton Place Public Li-
brary. The seniors’ programs are based on a user survey that the library conducted earlier this year. Results showed that seniors are looking for more life-long learning classes and more programs during the afternoon rather than in the evenings. And the library certainly is delivering on these requests. Zeeman, who has a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in history and art history from Queen’s University and a library and information technology diploma from Algonquin College,
has arranged two different financial seminars for seniors. The first one comes up on Sept. 11 and is called ‘Making your money last in retirement.’ The second seminar, called ‘Fixed income - bonds for seniors,’ is on Oct.16. Both are free. “A representative from Edward Jones will be giving a talk about what kind of investments you might need to make through your retirement and stuff like that,” Zeeman said. “A lot of the time it comes down to seniors not knowing what’s available to them so hopefully these [financial] programs will help to change that.” Tech tutoring To address life-long learning, Zeeman is continuing her tech-tutoring program. It is a one-onone program with the tech-spert herself. Seniors bring Zeeman their devices and she helps them learn to use them. “I see a lot of seniors come in who are new to Facebook but their grandkids or extended family literally only communicate via Facebook so they are trying to learn it,” she explained. “A lot of it is taking the fear out of using
Local pantry brings small door fun to downtown Smiths Falls
Smiths Falls Small Door at NOAL Pantry on Russell Street. Photo credit: Sally Smith.
Smiths Falls - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca Judy Abromeit has thrown down the gauntlet and is challenging other businesses to join in on a little fun. It won’t cost a lot, it won’t take a lot of time, it will be fun and colourful and it will make your business stand out. Abromeit is a NOAL Pantry employee and as a way to attract customers to their new location at 6 Russell Street E she persuaded her boss, Laurie Anne Brennan, to let her put a tiny, wee, door on the front facade of the business. The door is only about a foot high, is painted bright
turquoise, has its own address (1/6 Russell St. E.), and unless you’re looking for it, you might pass it by. Abromeit says there are a lot of creative people in Smiths Falls, and she’s suggesting that every business, municipal building, church, school, and even the arena have its own small door. She created the NOAL door by using bits and pieces she found in her garage. The only real time it took was waiting for the glue and paint to dry. The tiny door idea isn’t a new one, but it’s new to Smiths Falls. There are ‘fairy’ doors on trees and
businesses in towns and cities like Guelph, Toronto, and throughout the United States. Abromeit thinks the town’s tiny door initiative should be called Small Doors of Smiths Falls, and says this fun idea could do more than just add whimsy to the town. Abromeit thinks this could boost the arts community if businesses seek to ask artists to get involved in the design and painting of the doors, and to help build a cohesive business community spirit. Abromeit is first challenging the businesses along Russell St. Once those small doors are up and on view, she hopes the challenge will be taken up by other businesses in town. Doors can be as fanciful, tasteful, bizarre or plain as the creator makes them; they can relate a message — hours of business, depict what the business is, or just be a bright spot along the street. “Some doors will be more elaborate than others. They can go outside or in. They can be a copy of the front door of the business,” she says, or be completely new and original. So, who’s up for the challenge?
social media.” Zeeman, who loves meeting new people and hearing their stories, said the goal is to make sure her students do not have to come back – although they are welcome to. “I want you to be so comfortable with your device that you leave knowing how to use it the way you want.” Tech-tutoring is free and available at the library every Thursday by appointment. Book delivery The library is looking for volunteers to join the once-a-month homebound delivery program. The program delivers books to patrons who cannot make it to the library themselves. Anyone confined to their home or care institution in Carleton Place or Beckwith due to a serious illness, physical or visual disability can use this program, Zeeman said. There is no
fee for this program but a library card is required. Interested volunteers must have a driver’s license. “I found that a big part of it was sitting and talking with [the patron] for half an hour. They were just happy to talk – about books, or what happened with their grandkids,” said Zeeman, who used to deliver books herself until both patrons moved away. “I might have been the only person that came to see them that day.” Social circle Zeeman said she is most excited about the social conversation circle program. “Come have some tea, meet people and talk about whatever you want to talk about,” she said. Zeeman explained that this is an important program because it gives seniors the opportunity to mingle, make friends and talk about what is happen-
ing in their lives without the pressure of an intellectual-style book club. “It’s really interesting to me to hear about people’s lives and to meet people who have lived a different life than I have,” she said. Social conversation circle runs every second Wednesday at 1 p.m. starting Sept. 13. “Libraries are expected to fulfill roles more than just coming to take out books, it’s about meeting the needs of patrons in the digital age and being a community hub. A place where people can come and meet and discuss. It’s about having access to materials, help, ideas and community resources,” Zeeman said. To see a complete calendar of events and programs, including monthly meditation, craft club and more, visit www.carletonplacelibrary.ca.
Indigenous community groups to host reconciliation dinner and event in Perth Plenty Canada and Lanark County Neighbours for Truth & Reconciliation present a special evening on Friday, Sept. 15 at the Perth Civitan Hall, 6787 County Road 43 as part of the Canada 150 project: Celebrating our shared histories and future. Come and chat with traditional Algonquin birch bark canoe builder Chuck Commanda and view the canoe built he built with community volunteers this summer as part of the project. An Algonquin drum group, Still Waters, will open and close the event. This talented group was the host drum for the 2017 Silver Lake Pow Wow. A dinner featuring Indigenous dishes including local venison stew, locally harvested wild rice pilaf, Three Sisters soup and sumac tea will be served at 6 p.m. The meal will also include a chicken entree, mashed potatoes and local, seasonal salads. Dinner will be catered, in part by Algonquin chef Tim Cota, co-owner of Cota’s Mobile Catering, highly acclaimed caterer of weddings and special events and well known within the Algonquin community for cooking delicious meals including Indigenous fare. Dinner will be followed by special guest speaker Tim Johnson, acting director of the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC, as well as senior editor of the newspaper Indian Country Today. He will speak on the theme of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Can-
Traditional Algonquin-style birch bark canoe building at this year's Stewart Park Festival in Perth. Behind the canoe, right to left: Elder Earl Bain; Chuck Commanda (traditional canoe builder and grandson of the renowned Algonquin leader William Commanda); Plenty Canada Indigenous summer student Shaelyn Wabigisic; onlookers. Bonita Ford in the foreground. Photo submitted.
ada. Johnson will detail the process of developing a First Nations monument, designed by prominent Siksika/Métis architect Douglas Cardinal, to be unveiled at the end of the Laura Secord trail near the municipality of Thorold in early September. The monument, which showcases Indigenous peoples’ collaboration with Laura Secord and the British in protecting Canada from invasion during the War of 1812, provides an example of a successful community-based initiative towards reconciliation that can inspire similar work in Lanark County and beyond. The Secretary General of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO will be in attendance. All proceeds from the event go towards the costs of the canoe building and the dinner; any extra will support the broader project, The Valley of the Kiji Sibi: Celebrating our Shared Histories and Futures, a year-
long reconciliation project in light of Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017, with the twin goals of community education and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Lanark County. This event is made possible by the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th, a collaboration between the Perth and District Community Foundation, the Government of Canada, and extraordinary leaders from coast to coast to coast. Tickets are $40 each or $100/family. Doors open at 5 p.m. You can buy your tickets online at Eventbrite or email hunteranderson. plentycanada@gmail to reserve. Follow Plenty Canada or the Lanark County Neighbours for Truth and Reconciliation on Facebook for more information. Submitted by Plenty Canada and Lanark County Neighbours for Truth & Reconciliation
September 2017
5
community
Community group aims to fire up a friendship oven in Carleton Place Carleton Place - Jane Hobson editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Carleton Place will soon start construction on a friendship oven similar to the one being built in Almonte. Photo credit: Adrien Duey.
Imagine it’s a cool fall evening; chilly enough to need a sweater but warm enough to eat dinner outside. The smell of a freshly-baked pizza wafts through the air as a light breeze blows browned leaves to the ground at Market Square in Carleton Place. By about this time next fall, Carleton Place residents and visitors will be able to cook, eat and share at a community, wood-fired friendship oven. Spearheaded by Mills Community Support, a non-profit charity that promotes stability and belonging for seniors and aged youth with disabilities, the community friendship oven will be available for use by all members of the community
Parkinson SuperWalk hopes to get message out
Perth - Terry O’Hearn editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Pat Evans is determined to get the message out that those afflicted with Parkinson’s should consider being more open about having the disease. It might also help to seek the advice of a movement disorder specialist, and possibly join a support group. She stressed those things are needed in order to be “as healthy as you can be.” Evans, along with her cochair for the upcoming Parkinson SuperWalk, Gayle Truman, are working hard to get maximum exposure for the walk, which takes place at Perth’s Conlon Farm Recreation Complex on Sept. 9, at 9:30 a.m., rain or shine. The SuperWalk is Parkinson Canada’s largest fundraising event, and in addition to raising funds, Evans hopes that it will raise awareness. More education is needed for both health care professionals and the general public, she stressed. Parkinson’s has the second highest rate of affliction, after Alzheimer’s, among movement disorders. More specialists are also needed. Several high profile individuals will be on hand at the event, including Dr. David Grimes, who is well connected in the medical world and among several other positions is the director of
the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Clinic at the Ottawa Hospital and co-director, Parkinson Research Consortium, University of Ottawa. Also in attendance will be Margaux Wolfe, community development coordinator, Eastern Ontario, Parkinson Canada; and Patricia Boal, well-known CTV News at Six anchor. Perth Mayor John Fenik will address those in attendance prior to the 10 a.m. start, and Perth Town Crier Brent McLaren will be on hand for a special cry. Among the teams entered is Don’s Dream Team, headed by Lieutenant General (Ret’d) Donald McNaughton, CMM, CD, and his wife Fran. At the time of writing they had managed to raise more than $2,500 in pledges. Evans will be marching with Pat’s Pacers. The local group “Tuesday Trekkers” also has a team entered. Evans said that they have already raised well over $16,000 in donations and are aiming to reach $20,000. She joked that “maybe we should aim higher.” “We know as well, that since we started planning this event six months ago, we have also raised awareness and identified many in the community who are living with Parkinson’s,” she
Pat Evans on the right, and Gayle Truman, with the Parkinson SuperWalk banner displayed at A&B Ford in Perth. Participants will navigate a choice of loops around and through Perth’s beautiful Conlon Farm Recreation Complex. Photo credit: Terry O’Hearn.
added. “We hope that those individuals and families will get involved with our advocacy efforts to establish more services in Lanark North Leeds.” Evans confirmed that meetings with local health officials have occurred, and the other SuperWalk organizers will continue to meet with those and other officials from Lanark North Leeds after the walk. One goal is to get easier access to a movement disorders specialist. Currently patients have to drive to Ottawa or Kingston. Other goals are Parkinson’s specific exercise programs, and more support groups. Promoting the SuperWalk has given Evans and her committee the opportunity to talk about the ever-increasing numbers of people being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Canada is seeing 25 people a day being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, but experts predict that within 15 years the number will double. “It will be a fun day and inspirational for people with Parkinson’s and their families and friends,” said Evans. The atmosphere is expected to be upbeat, with musicians Jamie Campbell and Sarah Foster performing for both spectators and participants. In addition, there will be a Tai Chi demonstration and a registered massage therapist. “Food will be available to those who have registered to walk, as well as a free T-shirt for those who raise $50 or more. Prizes go to the top fundraisers.” Supporters are encouraged to register at: donations. parkinson.ca/lanarknorthleeds. Another option is to just show up the day of the event with cash and/or cheques. Information about SuperWalk is available by calling Alan Muir at Parkinson Canada Ottawa Office at 1(800) 565-3000 ext 3427, or email: alan.muir@parkinson.ca
who have been trained how to use it. Anything from a pot of stew to bread to pie can be baked in the oven. “The community oven is a place where people can come together to share their skills and celebrate local food,” said Jeff Mills, the coordinator of community development at Mills Community Support. “It’s nice when people come together to cook and eat,” Mills said. The goals of the oven are to close the gap from seed to table and to create new intergenerational relationships. Mills calls it an inclusive and collaborative community development approach. “We want people to celebrate local food and we want seniors to share their cooking skills with younger people who might not have those skills yet,” Mills said. “The work we do [at Mills Community Support] is all about creating welcoming, open spaces where people can be part of the community.” Studies show that people
with developmental disabilities often live isolated lives and can live up to seven years less than people who feel they belong to a community. Studies also show that there is generally less crime in communities where neighbours know each other. “It’s not just a tool for cooking; it’s a tool for community engagement,” Mills said. “It’ll be important in attracting people to Carleton Place to live, and in turn, support the local businesses so I think it’s a great community economic development tool for sure,” agreed Jackie Kavanagh, the manager at the Carleton Place and District Chamber of Commerce. “[The Chamber] just felt it’s a really great project and it’s going to benefit the whole community; the business community and all the people who live here.” The community oven will also promote active transportation since it will be located along the Ottawa
Valley Rec Trail that will connect Carleton Place and Almonte. Mills Community Support has already started construction on a wood-fired community oven in Almonte. “We’re hoping to connect not only neighbours, but also these sister-communities,” said Mills, referring to Carleton Place and Almonte. “We’re hoping that people will be really excited about it.” Supported by Carleton Place council, construction of the oven will likely start next spring. Mills says he estimates the project will cost about $10,000 — but that’s just a rough guess. A portion of the proceeds from A Feast of Fall, a pig roast hosted by Black Tartan Kitchen and Stalwart Brewing Co. on Sept. 3, went to the Carleton Place Friendship Oven. There is a public meeting in Carleton Place on Sept. 7 at the Carleton Place Public Library regarding the community oven.
Perth Inside Out: by Terry O'Hearn
Spence family pays tribute at Vimy Ridge
Left inset, Lt. William John McLean. Right, Tom Spence at the McLean grave in Ecoivres Military Cemetery, Pas-de-Calais, France. Photo credit: Terry O’Hearn.
It was not the journey, but the destination that really mattered to Tom Spence when he made his second pilgrimage to Vimy Ridge for this year’s 100th Anniversary Ceremonies on April 9. There would also be a chance to revisit the grave of someone considered a dear family friend - William John McLean, who died in the 1917 Battle of Vimy Ridge. Tom Spence and his Aunt, Irene Spence, had previously made the trip for the 90th Vimy Ridge Ceremony in 2007. The nephew had become interested in the history of McLean, and knew for many years about McLean’s connection to the farm of Irene and the late Dave Spence. McLean’s letters home from the battlefield to his parents especially made an impression. This trip would also include an organized tour of many military cemeteries with Canadian graves. The farm we are speaking of, and currently owned by Irene, was in the Alexander Fraser family from 1820 to 1884; the McLean family from 1884 to 1965; and has been in the Spence family since 1965. Much light is
shed on the earliest history of the farm in the book: Forgotten Hero, Alexander Fraser (1789-1830), which Irene co-authored with Ron Shaw, and is available at The Book Nook in Perth. Tom revealed that on this trip he carried with him several maple leaves from a tree that would have existed on the farm when McLean was growing up, along with bottles of Canadian maple syrup, and the war diary of his grandfather Henry Barrie who also fought at Vimy Ridge. On the day following the ceremony, Tom discovered that relatives of James Traill of Lanark Village, were also in the group that was touring cemeteries in the Pas-deCalais region. Fortunately, he had brought enough maple leaves so that he was able to place one on Traill’s grave at Dury Mill British Cemetery on the morning of the cemetery tour. Leaves were also left at McLean’s and Barrie’s graves later in the day, along with a bottle of maple syrup at McLean’s grave in Ecoivres Military Cemetery. Just outside the cemetery on the high ground, Tom was able to get a spectacular view of the Vimy
Ridge Memorial, some 15 to 20 kilometres away. The guided tour was spread over two and one half days, and included 20 relatively small cemeteries, each laid out in precise rows and columns, and maintained to an immaculate standard. Those cemeteries are under the control of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), and Tom was so impressed with his experience that it occurred to him while signing one of the guest books, he should send them a letter of appreciation. CWGC is an organization of six current and former Commonwealth countries, whose main function is to “mark, record and maintain the graves and places of commemoration of military service members who died in the two World Wars.” That includes 1.7 million deceased Commonwealth military service members in 153 countries. Since its founding on May 21, 1917, the organization has constructed more than 2,500 war cemeteries and numerous other memorials. The trek to Vimy Ridge has become so ingrained in Canadian society that many people refer to visiting the world-famous Canadian National Vimy Memorial as their “Vimy Experience.” For the Spence family, remembrance runs even deeper and the legacy of valour left by William John McLean and other local soldiers who died for our freedom often comes to mind for them.
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September 2017
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Back to School road safety refresher On Sept. 5 the halls of our homes may be a little quieter but our sidewalks, roads and crosswalks will be burgeoning once again with students heading back to the classroom. The Ministry of Transportation reports that “every school day, almost 824,000 students travel in about 16,000 school vehicles.” That’s a whole lot of little people info@cdnsafetytraining.ca in the seats and that makes this cdnsafetytraining.ca the perfect time for a little refresher course on road safety. Student Transportation of Eastern Ontario pricing and availability. (www.steo.ca) is the transportation group for the Catholic and Upper Canada District School Boards in our region. STEO has approximately 40 school vehicles that serve the schools in Carleton Place and the surrounding areas. Their website is the information portal for finding your child’s bus stop, school bus transportation eligibility and about inclement weather and cancellation notices. School buses and school zone rules Incidents involving school buses are relatively rare. The Ministry of Transportation continues to monitor new developments in the industry to assess additional safety features on school buses. At this time Transport Canada only requires that the driver wear a seat belt. This is because school buses are designed with high-back energy-absorbing seats and padding and are closely spaced together to protect passengers through compartmentalization. Where school bus safety is concerned the responsibility goes beyond those of us with children and extends to all travellers on our roadway. Drivers travelling in both directions must stop for a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing on any road without a median. You must stop a safe distance to let children get on or off the bus and cross the road and remain stopped until the red lights have stopped flashing and the bus begins to move. On a road with a median, the traffic coming from the opposite direction is not required to stop. Not obeying these laws is dangerous and comes with swift penalties of up to $2,000 and six demerit points for a first office and up to $4,000, six demerit points and six months in jail for subsequent offences. You can also be charged if your vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus even if you weren’t driving it at the time. Witnesses are urged to report drivers who don’t stop by calling 911 or going to the nearest police station. Take note of the important details of the incident such as the date and time, vehicle’s make and model, colour, license number, driver description and details about the bus and how it was operating at the time. Parents can help prepare their children by teaching them some key safety rules for travelling to and from school on the bus, on their bike or on foot. Arrive at the bus stop early and wait in a safe place, away from the road’s edge – don’t play in ditches or snow banks. Stay out of the “DANGER ZONE” – if you can touch the bus,
you’re too close! The driver needs to see you. Always cross in front of the bus, look all ways and wait for the driver to signal before crossing. Walk and never run across the road and never stop to pick up anything that may have dropped. On the bus find a seat quickly, stay seated and face forward, and don’t put things in the aisle. Never distract the driver (no yelling, pushing, throwing, etc.). Keep hands, head (and everything else) inside the bus. Parents and caregivers should get to know their child’s bus driver, the bus company, route number and all the pick-up and drop-off times and locations. In Ontario, all school buses meet safety standards established by Transport Canada however, if you have any concerns about the bus or safety on the bus report them immediately to STEO. If your child is going to be absent ensure that you notify the school and bus company as soon as possible. You must complete a “Life Threatening Emergency Medical Form” if your child has a medical condition. The form can be obtained and submitted to the school. Safety beyond buses Back-to-school road safety goes beyond school buses. Bike safety is also important as many young students and staff will be riding back and forth throughout the school year. Remember that every cyclist under the age of 18 must wear an approved helmet. Recently, the One-Metre Passing Law was implemented, which requires drivers to leave a minimum of one-metre passing distance between them and the cyclist. The fine for not leaving this passing space is $110. Cyclists are required to obey all the same rules of the road as any other vehicle on the road. Cyclists must stop and yield at school crossings. Drivers (all vehicles including bicycles) must wait until all pedestrians and school crossing guards have crossed and are safely on the sidewalk before proceeding. Additionally, pay special attention to pedestrians as you drive. Always look before turning. It is important to maintain a safe speed of 40 kilometres in school zones, watch for children and give small children extra time to cross. If you are a parent or caregiver, remind children that they should only cross at marked crosswalks or traffic lights and never between parked cars. Sidewalks and crosswalks are for walking, never running or playing. If you are walking in inclement weather or at dusk or dark be sure to wear bright coloured clothing and even reflective strips. Make sure drivers see you before beginning to cross the road. Look all ways and make eye contact with the driver before stepping out into the street. Children should wait for the crossing guard or crossing signal to indicate it is safe to cross. Remember that all times, not just back to school, it is up to all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to keep everyone safe on Ontario roads.
Sarah Cavanagh
Slow down, watch for kids, and keep everyone safe With children and youth returning to school, the Ontario Provincial Police would like to remind drivers to be extra cautious on the roads during this busy time of the year. Additionally, young drivers will be on the road driving to high school for the first time. Motorists are reminded that with all the distractions on the road today, it is critical to slow down and be aware of your surroundings. The beginning of the school year is an especially important time to check your driving behavior and ensure you are practicing the safest driving habits.
Every driver encountering a stopped school bus that has its overhead red signal-lights flashing must stop before reaching the bus and shall not proceed until the bus moves or the overhead red signal-lights have stopped flashing, as per the the Highway Traffic Act. The minimum fine for failing to stop is $400. Slowdown in school zones and be extra cautious. Motorists should watch for Community Safety Zones, where speed limits are reduced and fines increased. Community safety zones are clearly marked with road signs and are found near
schools. Drivers can expect to see an increased police presence. Adjust your driving, pay attention and be prepared to stop for children and school buses. Please do your part in making back to school time safe for everyone. If you observe reckless driving or suspect a driver is impaired, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so, and report the incident to the police by calling 911. Road safety is everyone's responsibility. Let's all do our part to keep kids safe this back-toschool season. Submitted by Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)
September 2017
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lifestyle
Let's Eat
It may not be a hidden gem to Almonte residents, but it’s certainly a treasure. Located inside the Heritage Court Mall on Mill Street in Almonte is a restaurant that proves once and for all crepes aren’t just for brunch or dessert. Mill Street Crepe Company has been open for six years and draws a steady crowd of local regulars and visitors (from far and near) for its lunch/brunch hours, but it’s also open for dinner on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays starting at 5 p.m. It’s been a regular haunt of my partner for some time, so when I mentioned I wanted to drop in for a dinner taste, there wasn’t any argument in the house. Like any first-timer to a restaurant, I always look to the specials board for some ideas and I certainly wasn’t disappointed with my choice. It was a generously-sized crepe stuffed with chorizo sausage and peaches, accompanied by the chef’s take on Italian wedding soup. My partner
Food & Drink
Mill Street Crepe Company By Brian Turner
in this culinary crime had the crispy shrimp crepe and Caesar salad combo. The slight heat of the chorizo was perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the peach slices and the sauce/oil mix didn’t overpower this heavenly blend but simply added just the right touch of moistness. The crispy shrimp version was loaded with caramelized onion, spinach and boursin cheese and according my partner was the next best thing to something I can’t put in family-oriented print. All of the ingredients in Mill Street Crepe Company’s dishes are locally sourced and their batters and sauces are hand-made on site. They offer a gluten-free version of their crepes and unlike a lot of gluten-free products, there’s no loss of taste or texture. This restaurant and the mall it’s located in are owned by Gord Pike who had the vision of creating a European bistro/diner nestled among some of the best
artisan and specialty shops in the valley. A few shop owners have complained about some personal weight gain after Mill Street Crepe opened (an occupational hazard for sure). They are licensed for alcohol service and carry a small but well-selected number of wines and craft beers, and the friendly staff is eager to provide suggestions to compliment the variety of dishes served. As you might suspect from a crepe restaurant, they have a mouth-watering array of dessert crepes and house-made ice creams. We shared a raspberry white chocolate creation that was delightful. Our total with drinks and tip came to a reasonable $65. Their lunch crepe plates (served with either salad or soup) range from $16-$18 and the dinner offerings run from $19-$20. Dessert crepes are a great excuse to cave to temptation and cost from $7-$10. They are open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch Mondays through Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the weekends. Dinner times are from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. As their hand-painted window sign says, they offer a bit of France in Almonte and you’ll be back for more once you try them.
Life on the Farm
Shannon Miller
Millers Bay Farm
Summer is ending but veggies are not
There is no denying that our summer is drawing to a close. The good news though, is that there will be delicious, fresh garden produce available for many weeks yet! (Unless, of course, the weather has not played ALL of it’s dirty tricks on us quite yet…but let’s be optimistic!) And let’s face it, after the summer that we’ve had (or as some would say that we haven’t had) we’ll try just about anything to make it feel like it’s lasting a little bit longer. BBQs and corn on the cob are not just for July and August. September is a perfect time for a corn roast. The corn varieties ahead are likely to be even more flavourful than the one’s you may have tasted up until this point. It may surprise you to know that most years, we have sweet corn available right up until Thanksgiving. Tired of corn you say? Have you tried making a corn salsa? What about corn chowder on a coolish day? Maybe cornbread? But enough about corn... How often throughout the winter do you find yourself lamenting about the ‘so-so’ flavour of the tomatoes-from-afar that you purchase. There’s nothing particularly wrong with them, but a local tomato in season is worth dozens of those ‘it’ll do’ ones. Might we suggest that you
enjoy them while they’re here? In theory, we suppose that a person could become tired of toasted tomato sandwiches – although we never have. There are just so many versions – from the simplest right on up to the gourmet combinations that would make Grandma shake her head at the frivolity of it all! Although, should that happen, and you find yourself not wanting to meet another BLT, how about grilling your tomatoes — either just as they are, topped with basil and parmesan; or perhaps stuffed with other roasted vegetables and feta? Other great options include fresh salsas and bruschetta; perhaps mixed in with your eggs and some meat for a breakfast scramble. Speaking of breakfast, throw a slice on your breakfast sandwich or into your wrap. Before our space runs out, we must talk about one more item. The unassuming cucumber. It’s another one that we sometimes tend to put in a ‘box’ (or more accurately –
a jar!) and forget about all of the other possibilities. They are delicious on their own and they make for a handy snack, a crunchy sandwich filling, a flavourful salad ingredient, or a crispy, tangy pickle. Some of our favourite, simple ways to enjoy our cucumbers are as follows: add diced cucumber to some Greek yogurt, along with your favourite herb and seasonings and enjoy the mixture on it's own, in a wrap or with pita bread; place a few slices in your water; and with hummus, guacamole, or alongside tuna on a cracker. Not that you really want to think about it, but most of these suggestions will make school and work lunches a little less humdrum for everyone as well. Don’t let summer end when the calendar turns over to September. Keep the feeling alive with delicious fresh produce as long as it’s available close to home.
Brian Preston - The Travelling Sommelier brianpreston@hotmail.com
Whiprsnapr Brewing Co. has beers for every lager lover Bells Corners in Nepean has a relatively new craft brewery operating at 14 Bexley Place called Whiprsnapr Brewing Co (www. whiprsnaprbrewingco.com) It’s fourth anniversary will be on Devil's Eve (Halloween) this year. Cody Howard, son of one of the owners (Ian McMartin, Mike Feagan and Dave Woward) gave us a wonderful tour and tasting of the brewery’s extensive and unique product line. Their 'alchemist' brewer is Ryan Ramsey, who has quite a series of beer concoctions to delight you. Root of Evil lager, 4.4% abv and IBU 32 (which refers to the bitterness of beer) was the first craft beer for the brewery, made to mirror pre-prohibition style beer using corn instead of Canadian wheat, which is too
dark. It is a light pale yellow and is a refreshingly crisp and clean lager that appeals to everyone. Next it was Slingr maple cream ale, 4.7%abv and IBU 18, inspired by Garry Galley an ex-NHL player who supports an organization fighting youth mental health. Five per cent of proceeds from this beer go to Ottawa initiatives for Do It For Daron (DIFD) started by his NHL colleague Luke Richardson in memory of his daughter. Pale golden with a nice head, this smooth maple ale made with a touch of real Canadian maple syrup has a bit of sweetness and is aged in maple wood chips. Combined, it gives the beer an earthy, woodsy and silky taste and finish. Another beer in the Whiprsnapr line up is the Carol Anne Irish blonde ale
( 4.7% abv and IBU 34) with more hops, giving it a bit of bite. It is light and smooth with dry hopped aromas, with a touch of honey and wheat malt. English hops are used in the boil with an Irish ale yeast, making this an interesting and tasty light ale. This and a couple of other brews are available at select LCBO and licensed grocery store outlets in Eastern Ontario. Check their website for a listing of where you can find it. The OK Lah! Ginger Coriander cream ale at 5.5%abv and IBU 20 is another must-try. Inspired by South East Asia, light but vibrant flavours of ginger and coriander with a touch of lemon and honey giving a bright and bold but beautifully unique and balanced aroma and flavour. This one will match well with savoury
Asian spicy dishes when the spices get to a point where wines no longer match. Peeled ginger and coriander seeds are crushed in a mortar and pestle and added in a sachet to the brewing process for a time. Wrecking Crew smash ale (5.4% abv and IBU 60) is named after the volunteers — the Wednesday night wrecking crew — who came up with this recipe. Smash means a single malt (superior two row) plus single hop (Eldorado), which gives a nice mango/pineapple flavour. It is light golden in colour with some hop bitterness and citrus tones. Inukshuk west coast IPA (5.5% abv and IBU 55) is made using Canadian malts and hops including Cascade and Chinook. It is dark golden with a nice head, representing the brewery’s
version of a Canadian IPA. It has big piney aromas, and full and balanced flavours that remind you of breathing cool clean air in a Canadian forest. For a more fruity flavour, try the Blueberry Pancakes wheat ale (5.5% abv IBU 14). It uses 70 pounds of blueberries in each batch with real Canadian maple syrup and wheat malts that makes for big, juicy flavours and a lovely contrast of sweet and berry tartness.
To finish, we sampled the Agent Orange double IPA (9% abv and IBU 95), copper brown in colour, laced with orange zest in a sachet during the brewing stage, double IPA malts, Columbus and Jarrylo hops giving it an orangey citrus flavour with a touch of vanilla. These and other beers are mostly available all year round but look for their Troublmakr big black IPA (10%abv and IBU 100) coming out at Halloween.
September 2017
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lifestyle
Merrickville Mid-Week Market Education workshop for beginner
A farmers sells his products at the Merrickville Mid-Week Market. Photo credit: Jane Hobson.
Regional - Jane Hobson editorial@pdgmedia.ca Merrickville has a brand new attraction and it is as enchanting and lovable as the rest of the quaint town. Tucked between Zak and Finnegan at Home and The Christmas Shoppe on St. Lawrence Street, the Merrickville Mid-Week Market offers a spectacular selection of goodies from hand-crafted linen clothing and baked dog biscuits to fresh local produce, honey and maple syrup. About 17 vendors occupy the space every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. until the week of Thanksgiving in October. More than half of the vendors are family-farm based, meaning farmers sell products grown on their own local farms. Canopied by tall trees, the market offers shade from the late-afternoon
sun that dances through the leaves, casting shadows on the tailored grass. “People walk through to find things like they like; they stop to buy veggies, check out the clothing and jewellry and fresh baked stuff,” said Scott Kelland, the market manager. Kelland has been farming for just more than 15 years and has a produce stand at the market. “This is our first year. We’ve had great support from the community, business and council,” Kelland said. “Everyone really wanted this market to happen.” The goal of the Merrickville Mid-Week Market is to rejuvenate the relationship between farmers and the communities they are close to. “What I want to see is farmers feeding communities and communities sup-
opinion:
porting farmers,” Kelland said. He calls this a food web. “It’s about resiliency too. We’re a small town surrounded by agriculture, yet most of our food is imported.” He says this is not sustainable long-term. “I think it’s important for communities to remember the relationship between farmer and community.” To encourage people to join the market, Kelland offers free tables to community groups and young entrepreneurs. Earlier in the season, a few children set up a stand selling freshly squeezed lemonade and brewed iced tea. They made about $150. “That’s the idea. We want to encourage the next generation to be involved in the market community,” Kelland explained, adding that a farmers’ market is a perfect environment for young people to learn about where their food comes from. “It makes all the difference in the world for them to see that finding fresh, local veggies can be easy and fun. The crunch, the colour, the smell, the taste — kids love that.” Kelland said customers have told him their kids prefer farmers’ market vegetables to grocery store vegetables. “The reward is seeing people come through the market and hearing these kinds of conversations happening.”
Am I the only one? by Carrie Wynne
Seven truths about divorce
One day your life just takes a completely different turn. One partner doesn’t want to work on the marriage anymore. They bail, give up for whatever reason. Stop pretending you didn’t know it was a possibility that your marriage could end in divorce. Statistics don’t lie. Here are seven things I’ve learned about divorce. 1. You become strangers quicker than you thought possible and everything you thought you knew about the other person was a lie. Your best friend becomes your enemy. Pulling in the driveway feels uncomfortable so you park on the street. The person you slept beside is no longer allowed off the mat in your
entranceway. 2. You can’t control how your ex handles the divorce. Why can’t we be friends? Because it doesn’t work that way. How was your day is a loaded question now. If you think you can erase a life you had with someone by flipping a switch you’re in for a wakeup call. 3. Hurt people hurt people. Divorce brings out the worst in people. You want everything to work for your schedule, your vacation, your view of the kids best interests. Control freaks are the worst. 4. Ex-spouses demonize the other person and stay stuck for years in their victim stories. Other people shoulder all the blame. Both are self destructive. There are three sides to every story, yours, theirs and the truth. 5. A rebound relationship only makes your divorce more difficult. If you’re entangled with some other person during a break up just know that it will not improve your chances of a clean divorce. How could it? It prolongs the suffering and prevents any healing conversations that could benefit both parties from taking place. It’s never a
good idea, but it happens all the time. 6. The money makes it ugly. The more at stake, the uglier it gets. I want what I want and you don’t get any. We become selfish and vindictive. The lawyers are the only ones who benefit from a good battle. We say it’s all about the kids, but it’s not. There isn’t a guy on earth that likes writing those cheques. 7. Divorce sucks for everyone who knew the once “happy couple.” We hold family members hostage and suddenly they have to swear allegiance. They have to pick but they don’t want to pick. Your kids become hyper sensitive to your feelings too. They overhear conversations and get information from sources other than yourself. The divorce becomes the elephant in the room. A divorce is a rollercoaster ride. One day a fresh start, the next day the weight of the world is on your shoulders. You’ll get through it. A good attitude will help tremendously. Signed, Am I the Only One? Carrie's column reflects her own opinions and not necessarily those of Hometown News.
and veteran maple syrup producers Regional - Submitted Interested in getting started making maple syrup? The Lanark & District Maple Syrup Producers’ Association (LDMSPA) is hosting a Maple Syrup Beginner’s Workshop on Sept. 30, 2017. This is an all-day event to educate those looking to enter into maple syrup production on a home or commercial scale, as well as veteran producers looking to expand their knowledge base. The course runs from 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be held at the Lanark & District Civitan Hall, at 2144 Pine Grove Rd., Lanark Village. Participants in the workshop will get the basics on identifying maple trees and tapping, sap handling and storage, equipment and supplies, boiling, density, filtering and bottling, and regulations and grading. A panel discussion and information on maple syrup production resources will also provide valuable information for syrup producers. “Everyone can learn something from this workshop,” Dwight James, LDMSPA director explained, “Maple syrup production is one of those industries where there’s always more to learn, and for beginners getting started the learning curve can be intimidating.” LDMSPA’s workshop is intended to reduce or eliminate that steep learning curve for entering maple syrup production, while offering experienced producers access to resources and information for expanding production or keeping up with changing regula-
tions. LDMSPA is a group of over 90 maple syrup producers located in the Lanark, Frontenac, Leeds and Grenville Counties, as well as the Ottawa-Carleton areas of Eastern Ontario. It is one of 11 local organizations that make up the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers’ Association (OMSPA), a provincial organization that represents maple syrup producers across the province. As a membership-based organization, LDMSPA supports its members by providing a forum to promote the production of maple syrup products, assisting members to stay current on changing industry regulations, and providing opportunities for networking, and edu-
For more informaaon visit www.lombardglen.com or call the Pro Shop at 613-283-5318 551 Highway 15, RR#1 Lombardy
cation on the maple syrup industry in Ontario. Registration for the Maple Syrup Beginner’s Workshop can be completed online through Eventbrite: www.maplesy rupworkshop. eventbrite.ca or by emailing ldmspa@outlook.com. While pre-registration is strongly recommended as space is limited, onsite registration will also be available between 8:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. on Sept. 30. Cost for the event is $20 for OMSPA members, and $30 for non-members. Registrants who join OMSPA will receive the discounted price of $20. Registration fees include lunch during the event. For more information visit www.ldmspa.com.
September 2017
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Garden Matters:
lifestyle
Fall gardening brings benefits to spring flowers It may be the end of summer but it is definitely not the end of gardening. There is still plenty of time to add a few more plants to your garden, divide perennials or plant a tree. Fall is a great season for planting with less heat during the day and cool nights, which allows plants to transplant and set new roots in easily. Moving and dividing If you aren’t quite happy with the location of some of your plants in your garden then fall is a perfect time to redesign as everything is still fresh in your mind from summer. Most woody plants such as trees and shrubs are best moved once their leaves drop, just before freeze up. At this point their roots are less subject to shock, they have stopped growing and they can sit happily into their newly dug home until spring. Always make sure you include some compost and bone meal in the bottom of the hole and water well. As for perennials, the simple rule of thumb is to move/divide spring and early summer blooming plants in the fall, and in early spring divide and move
plants that bloom midsummer through fall. Early morning is always the best time to dig and divide perennials, making sure you protect the roots from drying out in the sun. Digging up the whole clump gently and then assessing where to separate using a sharp spade. Always cut back the foliage to at least 6 inches to reduce the stress on the plant first. Once divided and planted soak thoroughly and use transplant fertilizer to reduce shock. Watering All fall gardens whether they are being divided or not need to be kept watered. Often it is not as hot as summer and we forget that the soil can still dry out. All plants need to go in the winter stress free especially evergreens and trees, slow long soaking in the fall helps achieve this goal. Fall colour If your garden is lacking in fall flowers and colour then now is the time to browse your local garden centres for ideas of what is in bloom. Some great perennial choices for late summer colour are echinacea, windflowers, black eyed susans, fall phlox,
perennial hibiscus and sedum. For fall colour with shrubs try the classic burning bush, coral berry with its coral pink late season berries, hydrangea paniculata which blooms turn pink as the weather cools, butterfly bush , rose of sharon, or gro-low sumac. Best of all about planting in autumn is there are often be some great end of season sales. Bulbs Don’t forget to plant spring blooming bulbs now. Many a disappointed customer will come in and ask us at the garden centre for spring blooming bulbs in April and May. Daffodil, tulips, alliums,muscari, crocus and even garlic need to be planted in the fall with a period of freezing in order to burst into colour and liven up your garden next spring Autumn is truly an ideal time to get out and garden, the weather is perfect for working and you can get a head start on next spring’s garden. What are you going to plant this fall? Kelly Heath Gemmell’s Garden Centre
Health Matters Healthy hormones: Get back on track
Dr. Jennifer Keller, ND and Dr. Alex Keller, ND
Hormones play an important role in women’s health. Healthy hormone balance can be the difference between surviving and thriving. Common symptoms of hormonal imbalance that we see are: Low energy Irregular menstrual cycles Low libido Acne Weight gain or difficulty losing weight Infertility Feelings of overwhelm and lack of resilience Mood changes Thinning / brittle hair and nails Hormones are chemical messengers secreted in the body by a specific gland that regulates certain cells or organs. There are a multitude of reasons as to why our hormones may become imbalanced including stress, lack of sleep, autoimmune dysfunction, poor diet/gut health, hormone disruptors in foods, and selfcare or cleaning products. When we think of hormones, we often think of estrogen and progesterone, but there are many more hormones that we must consider as well: cortisol, thyroid hormone, testosterone, DHEA, melatonin, and many more! How do you know where to start? Which hormones need to be rebalanced in order to function optimally and feel fantastic? It can be overwhelming! Hormonal balancing is often best done in conjunction with a regulated health care practitioner who has a special focus in hormonal health, as the treatment protocol can be complicated. That said, there are some simple self-care tools you can implement today that will go a long way toward optimal hormone balance. Here are our top five tips for healthy hormones. 1. Make time for sleep Sleep is integral for the body to heal. Without consistent restful sleep so the body can repair itself, our hormones can fall out of balance quickly and we end up feeling lousy. When we sleep,
cortisol is reduced and our endocrine (hormone) glands can reset. Sleeping hours is also the time that growth hormone is elevated, which contributes to repair and rejuvenation. When we don’t get enough sleep, our hormones never reset properly and growth hormone is reduced, leading to further health complications. Solution for better sleep: You will be more productive and more energized to get things done when you sleep well, so try to avoid squeezing in one more task, show, chapter or activity in favour of getting one extra hour of sleep. 2. Ditch the plastics and other toxins There are numerous environmental toxins found in our food, food products, packaging, water and our homes that can act as hormone disruptors, increasing the load of toxic hormone by-products. When hormones are metabolized, they break down into smaller components, which if not properly processed, can lead to overall imbalance. Hormone disrupting chemicals can affect the way our body metablizes hormones, leading to a wide variety of health concerns. Plastics are one of the most common source of these toxins, and can wreak havoc on estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid function. Solution to minimize toxins: Switch to stainless steel or glass for your water bottles, food containers, and self-care products. And please, do not microwave your food in plastic! 3. Sweat, then sweat more! A major cause of hormonal imbalance is improper hormone detoxification. One of our most effective detoxification tools we have is sweating! Sweating encourages elimination of water-soluble toxins prepared by the liver for disposal, which helps get rid of those hormone-disrupting chemicals we discussed above. Exercise, which induc-
es sweating, is a natural trigger to release many of our feel-good hormones, which increase our mood, energy and stamina! Solutions to sweat: Get regular sweat-inducing exercise, use a sauna (infrared is best), encourage sweating when you’re sick, and do anything else that makes you sweat! 4. Eat healthy fats Fat plays an essential role in the building blocks of hormones. If you deprive your body of the building blocks needed to make hormones, you will likely end up having hormone deficiencies. This is one of the most common health issues with deal with in our practices. There is no reason to fear healthy fats and we absolutely need healthy fat in our diets. In fact, consuming more fat is often the key to many health concerns, including difficulty losing weight. Not only are they important for hormone production, but healthy fats also balance blood sugar, lubricate our joints and organs, and feed our brain for better focus, memory, and mood. Solutions for eating healthy fat: Healthy fat sources include avocado, coconut and olive oil, nuts, seeds, grass-fed dairy products, free-range meat, and wild-caught fish. Aim for a serving of fat (approximately the size of your thumb) at every meal and snack on nuts/seeds and their butters. 5. Get some sun Did you know that vitamin D is actually a hormone? Yes! It plays a major role in immune regulation, bone health, mood, muscle function, and energy. Despite how much time you spend outdoors, new research is suggesting that in Canada, we live at a latitude where sun exposure isn’t enough and our bodies don’t produce enough vitamin D, even during the summer months. Solution for Vitamin D: Aim for a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes of sun exposure during summer month and supplement with an oil-based Vitamin D supplement during winter months. One of the best and healthiest sources of vitamin D is cod liver oil. Our grandparents knew what they were doing! Establishing the foundations of health should always be the first step, but this often isn’t enough. If you feel like you’re struggling with hormone balance and need further support, consider seeking guidance to help get your hormones back on track.
September 2017
10
lifestyle
Square dance the health of it
Smiths
ON
It burns calories. Dancing can burn as many calories as walking, swimming or riding a bicycle, according to a Mayo Clinic study. It keeps you moving. Square dancing, in particular, is a low-impact activity requiring constant movement and quick directional changes, which helps keep the body in shape— heart rate increases, muscles strengthen, balance improves and mind-body coordination sharpens. It’s for all ages. Modern square dancing keeps the social tradition of old-time square dancing alive. It provides people of all ages an opportunity to have fun, forget their troubles, make new friends, get exercise and feel good about mastering something in the company of helpful, friendly people who just want to dance. It’s set to modern mu-
sic. The caller weaves directions for the dancers into the music. These easy-to-follow calls are repeated in each dance, so a dancer soon learns to respond in a synchronized way with the other dancers. The caller starts with a few basic steps that set the foundation for the dance and all future moves. The four-beat rhythm is the same for all steps—only the words and music change. People are amazed at how fast they progress through the early stages. Positive feedback from new dancers regarding how they feel about themselves and their accomplishments attests to the fact that modern square dancing lives up to all the benefits that are proclaimed by long-time enthusiasts. No previous dance experience is necessary. Both couples and single people easily join in. Experienced dancers are always available to get you up on the dance f loor.
The dance season is in two sessions: September to December and then January to April. It takes a full season for new dancers to complete the basic program. Dancers can continue dancing at the basic level after completing the program or move on to the mainstream level, which is followed by almost limitless higher levels. Dancers can seek out square dance clubs around the world while travelling and fit right in because the same English calls are used everywhere. Snowbirds, in particular, find clubs to join in their winter locations. There are four square dance clubs in the Ottawa Valley: Bay Waves in Constance Bay, Opeongo Squares in Barry’s Bay, Swinging Swallows in Pembroke and Mississippi Squares in Carleton Place For information about a Square dance club near you visit: mississippisquares.ca
September 21
October 13
Girls Night Out
Downtown Smiths Falls. After party: 8 to 10 p.m. Chuckles Jack Restaurant (613) 283-4124 ext. 1114 www.downtownsmithsfalls.com
September 23
Music in the Courtyard
Craft Beer Tasting, hosted by Café Whim at Davidson’s Courtyard Featuring Moon Sugar 7 Russell St. West 1 – 3 p.m.
September 29 Georgette Fry
Juno-nominated singer at the Station Theatre. 8 p.m., www.smithsfallstheatre.com/ music-series
September 30
Rise Above the Mud
OCR World Qualifier, at the Gallipeau Centre. A Smiths Falls Community Hospital Foundation medical equipment fundraiser. Register at events.com - Rise Above the Mud. More info: lise.sfchfoundation@bellnet.ca
Introducing
Today’s Square Dancing
Singles welcome Casual clothing Inexpensive Easy steps Modern music Lively instructor LGBTQ-friendly
THE
R ll
Photo credit: Submitted.
Regional - Submitted
Falls
Chamber of Commerce Gala
Featuring River City Junction and keynote speaker Todd Nicholson, Chef de Mission for the 2018 Canadian Paralympic Team & former Captain of the Canadian Sledge Hockey Team. Social hour at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 7. Hosted by the Chamber of Commerce at Hanley Hall.
October 21
REAL Harvest Dinner
Celebrating the food producers of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., cocktails at 6 and dinner at 7. Hosted by Rideau Environmental Action League at Lombardy Agricultural Hall, and featuring The Giocoso Strings Quartet. www.realaction.ca
October 28 to 29
Art Journey Show and Sale
Free admission, at the Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring live music by Eric Uren. www.artjourneysmithsfalls.com
Brunton Hall, 1702 9th Line, Blacks Corners, 2 km south of Carleton Place on Hwy 15 For info call Frank or Jeanie 613-831-1675 or visit www.mississippisquares.ca
www.smithsfalls.ca Canada150SmithsFalls
September 2017
11
Perth Fair 2017
culture Ottawa Valley author pens Rideau Lakes mysteries
Johvi Leeck’s display of jams, jellies, syrups and heirloom and obscure seeds at the 173rd Perth Fair, held Sept. 1 to Sept. 4, started the mind on what to plant in next year’s garden. Photo credit: Sally Smith.
Photo credit: Submitted.
Regional - Submitted
SAM LIMA DENTURE CLINIC SERVING PERTH & AREA
Walk Ins Welcome
It was in March 2017 that Patricia Josefchak released her latest title, Provenance of the Stones, published by Burnstown Publishing House. Patricia Josefchak is an Ottawa Valley author who calls Otter Lake home. It is the first in her new Rideau Lakes Mystery series. The novel is a historic mystery set in 1850s Province of Canada of three young women who immigrate and settle in the Rideau Lakes Township of the Ottawa Valley. Drawn to each other like sisters, Aggie, Jen, and Donnah decide to journey together, and Aggie lands with more than she started with. They travel inland and settle in a cottage not far from Perth and Smiths Falls in Upper Canada, now known as the Ride-
au Lakes. Aggie’s gift as a healer is welcome in the wilderness; Donnah is a first-rate cook and finds work at a local inn, as does Jen, who is a seamstress. Aggie tends to a neighbour who has a large homestead nearby; his injury remains unexplained, but she does not pry. Trust and new friendships are tested. But later she learns that he and others are involved with events south of the border where civil discord is brewing. The cottage is burgled, and the small safe hidden behind a stone in the fireplace is discovered; papers are lost, fortunes are found, and love is rekindled. “My inspiration? I'm drawn to visual cues such as historic pictures, sketches, paintings, maps, artifacts… Then I find myself trying to describe what I
see in words… for you to imagine in your own way,” she says. “In Provenance of the Stones, I was drawn to an old sketch of a 19th century sailing ship and wondered what kind of person would have the strength of character to step aboard and why; what would motivate someone to leave their home to land many weeks later on a far away and foreign shore...? I found Aggie, my heroine, in that sketch. I give my characters leave to take over and weave the story… I never know how my stories will end.” So far, her book is receiving strong interest and readership and she’s being asked when the sequel will be available. According to Josefchak, ‘The sequel, entitled, Touchstones – Provenance of the Stones – Book II will be released this fall. And I’m working on Book III.” Does she hope to have a best-seller? “It’s not my motivation, but I’ll have fun trying. I have been writing since I was a child – I love to write, everything else is a bonus.” Provenance of the Stones is available from Burnstown Publishing House (BPH) at www.burnstownpublishing.com and at several independent booksellers including Arlies in Smiths Falls; The Book Nook in Perth; Kilborn’s on the Rideau in Newboro; and Merrickville Book Emporium in Merrickville.
YAK teams up with production company for theatrical fundraiser Perth - Submitted
3 Beckwith Street East
PERTH ONTARIO samlima10@aol.com
613-267-5462
“It’s my party and I’ll …” “Mr. Sandman, ...” “Lollipop, lollipop, ...” “R-E-S-PE-C-T…”, What jumps into your head when you hear these lines? Do you sing out the next line or two of the lyrics? Does it take you back to high school and dresses with crinolines and prom night with boys in white sports coats and pink carnations? If it does, then do we have a show for you! And if you don’t remember those days, then come and find out what your parents and grandparents were singing back then. The Marvelous Wonderettes – an evening of song and dance and memories – follows Cindy Lou, Missy, Betty Jean and Suzy on the night of their high school prom in June 1958 as they entertain their graduating
class with all those wonderful classics from the 50’s. In act two they take us to their 10-year reunion –in the same high school gym – a little older, a little wiser but still singing those songs – this time from the 60s – that we all loved to sing along to (and still do). This wonderful musical, featuring four talented young women (you have seen them before in Little Women, Bingo Ladies, 9 to 5, The Drowsy Chaperone and more) is being produced by indie women two productions (iwtp) as a fundraiser for the Youth Action Kommittee of Perth and Lanark County (YAK). Following the co-production with Studio Theatre last summer of Bingo Ladies, which raised $12,000.00 for Jillian O’Connor and her family, iwtp is pleased to be re-
turning to Studio Theatre with this production. In addition to this musical trip down memory lane, there will be a silent auction, a bag and mitten sale (unique bags and mittens made exclusively for us by textile artist Lin Dickson), a prom dress cookie sale and more. The show takes place Nov. 2 to Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. with matinees on Saturday and Sunday (Nov.4 and Nov. 5) at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at Tickets Please in Perth or online at www.ticketsplease.ca / 613 485-6434. Bring your high school diploma from 1958 and you’ll get in for free! If you would like to further support this fundraiser by donating an item to the silent auction, please call Joan Frommer at 613 421 4151.
September 2017
12
business Spotlight on business:
24/7 fitness facility opens doors in Perth in October
Perth - Matthew Behrens editorial@pdgmedia.ca Area residents needing an exercise fix at any time of the day or night will soon be able to access everything from weightlifting to cross-training cardio machines when Anytime Fitness opens on Oct. 1 at 58 Wilson Street in Perth (next to Brownlee’s Metro). As the newest member of a global franchise with over 3,000 locations dedicated to creating welcoming and supportive workout spaces, firsttime business owner Julie Holmes is excited to see a
strong response from local residents eager to sign up as new members. Holmes says a six-week pre-sale beginning in August will provide discounted rates to the first 100 people who join the club. “When you sign up here, you can access any club worldwide, so it's a nice benefit for people who travel,” says Holmes. Born and raised in Ottawa, where she spent much of her time training as a figure skater, Holmes later received a degree in physical education. She then moved to Houston, Texas in 1994 to run a figure skating program for 24 years. As part
of that job, she coordinated a learn-to-skate program for 800 young people, as well as a competitive skating regimen for 150 more. “But the tug in my heart to come home and be with family became a little overwhelming,” she says. When Holmes and her brother-in law learned about the opportunity to open an Anytime Fitness franchise location, they thought it was a perfect fit given his background in bookkeeping and her dedication to physical fitness. All members will receive a key fob to enter the club at any time, with staffing and personal trainers pro-
vided during regular business hours. Holmes reassures those with concerns about entering the facility overnight and during the early morning hours by saying there will be security cameras as well as panic buttons directly connected to 911 located inside the facility, with additional panic buttons available to take out to club members’ vehicles. While Perth is already home to a number of gyms including the Perth Athletic Club and Industry Fitness Perth (formerly Tay River T’NT), neither provides the kind of hours available at Anytime.
“That 24/7 access seems to be one of the biggest attractions for people making inquiries about the new club,” Holmes says. “People are asking, ‘You mean I can really come in at 5 am if I want to?’ And of course, the answer is, ‘Absolutely!’” In additional to that flexibility, Holmes says Anytime Fitness will be “a club that makes a space for those folks who sometimes can feel intimidated in this type of setting. It’s a community where everyone, regardless of age or size, feels welcome and comfortable. We also seek to provide that little bit extra in customer service and
personalized interaction too.” Holmes says her new location will feature brand new equipment and free weights produced by fitness industry leader Precor. After working up a sweat, members will be able to access showers and private change rooms as well. With monthly rates ranging from $40 to $50, Holmes says part of Anytime Fitness’ future plans will be a result of feedback from community members. “We want to wait and see what everyone’s interests are and then go from there.”
Julie Holmes is co-owner and general manager of the new Anytime Fitness club opening in Perth on Oct. 1. Photo credit: Matthew Behrens.
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