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Vol. 5
No. 6
YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER - LANARK, NORTH LEEDS & GRENVILLE
JUNE 2018
Rideau Paddlefest 2018 took place in Smiths Falls on Sat... both on land and in the water Smiths Falls - Kathy Botham editorial@pd gmedia.ca On land, there were numerous booths set up to provide information, resources and opportunities to learn about our waterways. The Canadian Museum of Nature, The Canadian Canoe Museum, The Rideau Roundtable, Friends of the Rideau and Parks Canada were just some of the exhibits at Lower Reach Park. Chuck Commanda, master canoe builder, was teaching his skills and sharing his experiences. There was musical entertainment and activities for everyone. The Paddling Puppeteer presented a show about the cultural and natural history of Ontario waterways. Members of Parks Canada brought two grey rat snakes from Murphy's Point. People who were apprehensive about these animals were soon holding on and quite comfortable with these reptiles. Meanwhile, in the water, two
Photo credit: Kathy Botham
Annie Laurie from Parks Canada and her daughter Gaby LeSurf. Photo credit: Kathy Botham
voyageur canoes were racing the length of this basin. Numerous teams participated in this friendly competition while having fun attempting this synchronized paddling event. Teams from the Montague Township, The Town of Smiths Falls and Dr. Hendry's
Team had a great time paddling the length of the basin, being timed for their efforts. Either on land or in the water, Rideau Paddlefest successfully provided great opportunities to learn more about our waterways and have fun while doing so.
Trip north on bucketlist for Perth Mayor Perth - Submitted by john Fenik editorial@pdgmedia.ca Recently a fellow social worker friend of mine, Ray, spoke to me about the work he was doing in the far north. He told me about the First Nations people he was engaging with, some of the challenges he had encountered and some of the successes he had experienced. Ray talked about the people in the north, the land and the amazing food. He told me the north was really a very special place. As the warm spring air drifted through the screened in porch I was sitting in I said, “It sounds like I should put a trip up north on my bucket list.” Ray replied, “John your bucket list is growing but your life is not. Do it now.” I was intrigued. “Where should I go?” Ray was quick to respond. “Fort Simpson.” It didn’t take me long to decide. I booked my flights and accommodation, packed my bags, dusted off the passport and within two weeks, took off.
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Day 1 I am an hour into a flight from Ottawa to Calgary and I am super relaxed. I have ditched my suit and tie in favor of jeans, a t-shirt and sweater, and I am loving this trip. I have got that fresh and clean, just got on the road vibe. I can literally feel my blood pressure dropping into the normal zone. I looked at my itinerary. Ottawa to, Calgary to Yellowknife for an overnight stop, and then the next day a one hour and twenty-minute flight to Fort Simpson. I was certain the flight gods would be with me and all legs of the trip would be uneventful. As it turns out, that wasn’t the case. I knew it was not going to be a typical run-of-the-mill flight when an hour into the Ottawa to Calgary flight, the captain of the plane came on the intercom and announced, “If there is a doctor on board please speak to a cabin crew member immediately.” The lady sitting beside me tells me she is a doctor. I say, “Outstanding” and I begin to get up in order
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that she may access the aisle. The lady quickly lets me know she has a PhD. in constitutional law. I’m, thinking, great, maybe you can explain to the poor person who has become ill their constitutional rights while flying on a commercial airline. Thankfully there is a medical doctor on board. As it turned out the medical emergency was not that serious. A gentleman had passed out after becoming dehydrated. He was given fluids and made a full recovery. Note to self: when travelling, keep well hydrated. Day 2 Yellowknife I am in a hotel in Yellowknife, riding down the elevator from my room on the sixth floor, when suddenly the power fails, and the elevator comes to a halting stop. Now most of you may not know this, but I am very claustrophobic when it comes to elevators. In fact, my biggest fear is getting trapped in an elevator. No one is with me in this, now stopped dark elevator, and I start freaking out. I reach into my pocket and pull out
Photo credit: Submitted
a plastic stir stick I got with my coffee on the Air Canada Flight from Ottawa....you know the flight where the medical emergency happened...... Anyway, I jam that sucker between the doors in an attempt to open the elevator doors and get out, of what I now believe to be a death trap. Well the little, weak, crappy, stir stick breaks, and I am thinking I am going to die in this goddamn elevator in Yellowknife. All of a sudden, the power comes back on and I safely get to the main floor. I
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come out of the elevator sweating bullets, much like Trump will when he is impeached, and I say to the guy at the front desk, "Hey man your elevator is busted." He calmly tells me that "every now and then," they get "power surges" that temporarily shuts down the elevator and "not to worry, this happens all the time". The down side of this story is, I am now walking up six flights of stairs to my hotel room. The good news is I am losing weight like crazy. continues on page 4
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June 2018
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Page Two
Hometown News is Hiring Hometown News is looking for reliable freelance writers and reporters who are interested in writing articles and attending events and council meetings within the communities of Smiths Falls, Carleton Place, Westport, Merrickville and Perth. This is a flexible gig but we are looking for people who are interested in writing two to four articles per month. We want these people to become engrained in these communities and act as ambassadors. Ideally, you are also social media savvy and have experience writing for the web. as well as an eye for what is important to our communities. If interested please contact us at (editorial@pdgmedia.ca) with published writing samples.
Mississippi Mills honours one of their own with community fountain Regional - Stacey Roy editorial@pdgmedia.ca This Sunday, June 10 family, friends and the Mississippi Mills community will gather behind the Old Town Hall in Almonte to remember the late Bernard Cameron with a dedication of a new Riverwalk water fountain. The official dedication will take place June 10, 1 p.m. in the garden behind the Old Town Hall (14 Bridge Street) in Almonte. It will be held rain or shine. “It’s a fitting memorial,” Mississippi Mills Mayor Shaun McLaughlin later added in an interview with Hometown News. “It’s something he always thought the town would need.” Mrs. Catherine Cameron, the late councillor’s wife, couldn’t agree with the mayor more. She recalls just how connected her husband was to nature, loving to walk their property every day and remarking on its changes. “The outdoors was his
church,” Cameron said. Mr. Cameron had frequently spoke to his wife about the desire to see a water fountain near the Barley Mow restaurant in Almonte, seeing it as a tourist attraction and beautification project for his community. The fountain’s current location was selected after discovering the current near the Barley Mow was too fast to accommodate the new water feature. It is situated at the mouth of the Riverwalk entrance, just one your left as you cross the pedestrian bridge, which is a touching location for Mrs. Cameron who can see her husband’s fountain from her home. The idea to install the fountain in honour of Mr. Cameron came into being after a discussion between the mayor and Mrs. Cameron last year when her husband’s dream to have such a fountain in Almonte was made known. Not long after this discus-
sion Arbrux Manufacturing was given the contract to construct the fountain following a Request for Proposals (RFP) process. A local company, Munroe Electrical, was contracted to wire it up. Cameron said it was installed and tested just last week, which was the first time she saw the water flowing up high into the air. Witnessing the fountain officially turned on this Sunday is something she is most excited about. She hopes to see many community residents stop by for the celebratory event, saying the fountain isn’t just to remember her husband and his achievements. “It’s a fountain for all of us,” Cameron said. Cameron will be joined at Sunday’s dedication by her family including several siblings and her 95-year old mother. The June 1 dedication will begin the operation of the Bernard Cameron Memorial Fountain that will con-
Cartoon by Patrick Labelle
Mrs. Catherine Cameron, wife of the late Bernard Cameron looks out at her serene patio view including a new in-water fountain. Photo credit: Stacey Roy
tinue to rain down on the waterfront day and night, as McLaughlin explains the new addition comes with lighting. Passers by can see the fountain to the left just as you step onto the Riverwalk pedestrian bridge behind the Old Town Hall. The new water feature
will certainly be a welcome addition for the community who still recalls the terrible day on February 11, 2016 when Cameron was shot and killed. “He’s missed,” McLaughlin said. According to his obituary, Bernard Cameron was 66
years old when he was killed. He was in his second term as town councillor in Mississippi Mills and was a strong community volunteer having served with Boy Scouts for 25 years and as a board member of the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum for 17 years. He was also a retired teacher.
Cadwell’s Saw Mill Carleton Place
Written by Linda Seccaspina - lindaseccaspina.wordpress.com Before Riverside park, there was Caldwell’s Saw Mill. Located approximately where the beach is now, this saw mill operated from 1869 to 1891. It was later run as the Cavers Sash and Door Mill. The town purchased the property in 1904 for use as a public park. This photo was taken that same year, perhaps shortly before the building was demolished. Photo from Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum.
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community What happened to the Storyland Bunny Carleton Place Linda Secccaspina editorial@pdgmedia.ca Thursday evening when I made my way downstairs for a drink of water I noticed that my two sons had dropped in unannounced and were lurking in the garage with heavy tools. Being a concerned mother I asked them point blank why one had an axe and the other one had a giant mallet. Without skipping a beat they said they needed them and nothing else was added to those words. When your kids are over 30
you don’t ask, and just hope you don’t get a call at 3 am from someone you really don’t want to hear from. I waved goodbye and called it a night. At 10:45 PM my sons returned asking for the front gate key. What was amuck now? I knew that the leasing and space from the family business “Motorhouse’ on Highway 7 had been rented out to the Ford dealership across the street, and the old Storyland Bunny we purchased at the beloved children’s theme park’s closing auction years ago had to go somewhere.
Evidently, that appeared to be my front yard. It’s not like it shouldn’t belong there as I do live in the old Hi- Diddle-Day House, once featured in the popular 60s CBC children’s show featuring the iconic Almonte puppeteer Noreen Young. It was now 11pm at night and as my neighbour Angie Mills said: “I heard the craziest sound coming from right outside!” I ran outside expecting to see army tanks and instead there sat a GIANT BUNNY on a car trailer!
In all honesty with the flashing lights coming from the forklift bringing the Storyland Bunny into the yard it really looked like there was a major arrest going down. I am happy my sons decided to park it in my yard as the Storyland Bunny was a huge part of many childhoods from the Ottawa Valley and needs to be remembered and protected. Nicki LaFramboise has the second Storyland bunny at her ‘glamping’ site, Elements Luxury Tent Camping, located on the former Storyland site, about a hour
Photo credit: Linda Seccaspina
west of Ottawa. No one needs to worry: the bunnies are in good hands. We have to remember no
matter what it is from your childhood, memories like these are timeless treasures of the heart.
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by Terry O'Hearn Perth Inside Out: Perth’s first telephone remembered
Perth’s first telephone system has an interesting story behind it that has sometimes been told incorrectly in the past, and some elements of the related events and connections can be confusing. In this column we will attempt to present the facts with as much clarity as possible. The location of the telephone system was in what is still known as “The Farmer Block” at 11-15 D’Arcy Street. In the 1870s the original 1846 section of the building was occupied as a home by dentist Dr. J.F. Kennedy, who had his offices nearby on Foster Street, next door to the building then known as the Hicks Hotel. An advertisement in
The Perth Courier of March 10, 1882, under “J.F. Kennedy, L.D.S., Dentist Office”, touts the fact that “Nitrous Oxide Gas (can be) administered for the extraction of teeth.” Dentist Dr. J.F. Kennedy was married to the former Sarah D. Henderson, daughter of the Rev. Thomas Henderson. They married in 1864. Rev. Henderson was a close friend of Alexander Melville Bell, father of Alexander Graham Bell. The younger Bell is credited with inventing the telephone, and according to the Smithsonian Institution, that first call to his helper Watson was made on March 10, 1876. A Perth Courier story of July 21, 2011, expands further on the history of The Farmer Block: “The Farmer Block at 11-15 D'Arcy St. was home to a popular music hall in the mid-19th century, and was the location for the world's first private telephone. In 1967, Centennial year, owner Colin Farmer installed two historic plaques, one com-
memorating the music hall, the other recognizing the building's link to the early history of the telephone. The second plaque states that ‘Alexander Melville Bell, father of the inventor of the telephone, visited here frequently.’ “At that time, in the 1870s, the original 1846 section of the building was the home of a dentist, Dr. J.F. Kennedy. Bell supplied Kennedy with primitive phones which he used to call home from his dental office on Foster Street.” It was said to be the first private telephone, outside of the Bell family, in the world. The year of that installation is thought to be 1877, less than a year after the invention. Over the years, several locals have come forward with stories about the novelty of that first telephone. The Perth Courier of March 6, 1947, carried this story: “Perth boasts at least one link with the late Alexander Graham Bell, whose centennial was observed on Mar. 3, The Cou-
rier learned in an interview with Mrs. John A. Stewart, Drummond St., this week. ‘About seventy years ago, in the early eighties, I remember my father taking me over to the home of Dr. Joseph Kennedy on D’Arcy St.,’ Mrs. Stewart said. ‘Dr. Kennedy was Perth’s only dentist at that time. …The man who put in the phone was Alexander Graham Bell,’ she said.” That was the same Jessie Stewart we talked about in last month’s column, whose given name was bestowed on that stately Silver Maple tree in Stewart Park. The famed United States national institution known as the Library of Congress makes available a digital image of a letter from Alexander Graham Bell to Alexander Melville Bell, dated October 17, 1897: “What are your movements? And can we not connect somewhere? You know how welcome you would be here — if you cared to come. Are you going to stay up in Perth or Harrowsmith all the time? Will you be there
The gravesite of Perth dentist Dr. J.F. Kennedy, and his wife, the former Sarah Henderson, in Elmwood Cemetery. Photo Credit: Terry O’Hearn
if I join you in the middle of November. I leave here Friday November 5 for Halifax — where I give a public Address concerning Parents' Educational Association. …These are my plans. What are yours? Can we connect anywhere? Your loving son, Alexander Graham Bell. Prof. A. M. Bell, care of Dr. Kennedy, Perth — Ontario.” We have come a long way from those wondrous days of the first small communications through the ether to today’s constant and voluminous chatter using smartphones and oth-
er electronic devices, but the debate goes on about whether new technology is harmful. The fact remains that the minds of the human race will always seek to create, invent, develop, and improve. Perhaps one of the more perceptive quotes comes from Nikola Tesla: “All that was great in the past was ridiculed, condemned, combated, suppressed--only to emerge all the more powerfully, all the more triumphantly from the struggle.” If you have any comments or suggestions, please email me at: terry@pdgmedia.ca
June 2018
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community
Is de-policing a big city phenomenon? Several sides… Smiths Falls - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca “Punishing police…” That’s what newest Perth Police Services Board member Eric Halpin calls it. Chief of Police in Smiths Falls, Mark MacGillivray, calls it an evolving situation. Halpin attended an Ontario Association of Police Services Board (OAPSB) meeting in Hawkesbury, April 19, and came away with a greater appreciation for what police duties are, as well as being “shocked” at what’s perceived to be happening in some police ranks today. Greg Brown, a Carleton
University doctoral researcher and former Ottawa police homicide and drug investigator presented bits of his doctoral thesis to police and public at the mid-April meeting. Halpin succinctly summed up Brown’s presentation like this: “There is a reluctance of police to interact with the public because of reprisal.“ Brown had interviewed officers (from larger municipal forces) in every province, Halpin said, as well as New York state. Brown came away with interview notes from officers indicating various degrees of action - a quarter of the time, officers “de-police, won’t interfere. A quarter
of the time there is limited de-policing. A quarter of the time they moderately do their job, and a quarter of the time they do their job.” The reason behind de-policing action is often the fear of reprisal, the understanding as they do their job that they could be videoed and, as Halpin recounts “police acts are often misinterpreted or misrepresented. Everything is recorded and often the initial activity is not seen.” Chief MacGillivray sees it both ways. Police, themselves, he says, use videos - not just in police cruisers but also gathering surveillance video from other sources. Some-
times they help provide better evidence, “more transparency and accountability for officers,” he adds, with caution. In many cases, he continues, they help officers if there are false allegations. Often, he says “officers have been proven to be in the right in more cases than not.” Halpin pointed out from Brown’s presentation that “de-policing causes police to expose themselves to a far greater degree to safety issues. They put both themselves and their partners in jeopardy.” He recalled Brown saying that there might be parts of a large city or community where officers won’t go, that
“they will avoid at all costs.” As a result, he says, Brown learned in some cities “gangs openly conduct business in the streets because the police just drive by. It becomes a ‘safe’ criminal area.” In smaller towns, specifically Smiths Falls, Chief MacGillivray asks if they (officers) think about it (being videoed)? “I’m sure they do,” he answers, but adds with certainty, he’s confident his officers “act in the best possible way they can to ensure public safety.” Halpin’s opinion is this is a “societal problem. Society doesn’t support police.” He adds that “politicians have to [also] be less politically sensi-
tive.” And he concludes, again in his opinion, that “this situation is not getting better, it’s going to grow.” Chief MacGillivray is hesitant here. It’s going to grow but he doesn’t see it as all bad. “[Videoing] makes officers more aware, somewhat cautious. They might take an extra moment to think about it up front.” The younger generation now moving up is very used to this “new age of technology, this age of video surveillance. It’s a tool we use in our police cruisers. We hit ‘record’, we hit ‘stop.’ We try to get it all from start to finish. “It’s just a part of policing amidst today’s technology.”
Trip north on bucketlist for Perth Mayor Perth - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca continued from cover Day 3 – Fort Simpson I have been thinking about lakes. I will get to that in a second. First, the flight over from Yellowknife to Fort Simpson was way too cool. The pilot of the plane was a kid, probably no older than eighteen. Peach fuzz on his face, dirty unkempt strawberry blonde hair, a constant smile on his on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. His name was John, and he was living his dream. He was a bush pilot in the Northwest Territories. For the one hour and twenty-minute flight over to Fort Simpson, I am sitting right behind him. We strike up a conversation. I tell him I am fellow aviator. I told him if he wanted to see how I would handle the Cessna Caravan I would be happy to take over the controls and do some turns, stalls and spins. John replied, “Sir it is a commercial flight; I can’t let you take control.” I replied, “Okay man but if something happens to you no worries. I am pretty sure I can land this puppy.” At this point I see John reach over beside his seat. He places his hand on what looks like a taser, so I stay quiet for the rest of the flight. Back to the lakes. As I gazed out of the plane’s window and look the endless wilderness below I am blown away by the thousands of lakes I see. Suddenly, I am struck with a sense of sadness. I have an overwhelming urge to get
Photo credit: Submitted
in a canoe and paddle in each and every lake. My sense of sadness comes from the realization that this will never happen. I would have to live a million years to paddle all those lakes. It was crystal clear. The hand of God touched every single one of those thousands of lakes; as for me, I will only ever see them through the window of this plane, flying through the air travelling at a speed of 140 knots, at a height of 8500 feet. Day 4 Very early this morning I look at the Environment Canada weather report for Fort Simpson. Environment Canada reports, with one hundred percent certainty, it will rain all day in Fort Simpson. I look out the window at the Inn I am staying at, the Mackenzie Rest Inn. Mike and Lynn Canney run the place along with the help of their precocious five-year-old granddaughter Rebecca. It is a fabulous place to stay. Anyway, on day four the weather looked threatening. I think, if I am going to get some pictures, I better get them now. I head out to the outskirts of the village and begin shooting some landscape scenes. An Indigenous woman was out for a walk. She comes up to me and asks if I want her to take a picture with me in it. For some reason, I am not sure why, I politely decline. She smiles and begins walking away. I feel I had been rude and want to end our chance meeting on a positive note, so I call out to her saying, "It looks like
it’s going to rain soon." (So Canadian. When it doubt, talk about the weather.) She stops walking. Taking her time, she scans the clouds on the horizon. After what seems like a couple of minutes she turns her gaze on me, once again smiles and says, "It will not rain today. At sunset it will rain. At sunset a storm will come." She then walks away. The rain stayed away all day. At 10:00 PM the sun began setting. I look out my bedroom window at the inn and notice it has begun to rain. Shortly after, a storm rolled in. Day 5 Fort Simpson Yellowknife I begin heading south, back home. It has been a busy trip. The best thing I did when I first arrived in Fort Simpson was pay my respects to Chief. I brought him a gift of maple syrup…yes, I know tobacco is the traditional gift, but the Chief didn’t mind. The community very quickly took me under their wing. I talked to Elders and Chiefs, Social Workers, Indigenous youth and Indigenous women about the challenges they face and, I am not going to sugarcoat it, the challenges are enormous, but that is a story that needs to be told in another place, at another time. What I can tell you is that the people that live here in the north have an indomitable spirit. In a climate that most people would run from at warp speed, these people embrace what Turtle Island gives. They don’t fight the elements or seasons, they move in rhythm with them. They are spiritual and kind and they forever talk about their connection to the land, a land that is magnificent in its presentations, breathtaking in its scope; a land that cannot be duplicated anywhere else on this planet. I recommend at least once in your lifetime, visit the far north and one more thing….if you ever head north and you want to experience the sensation of being stuck in an elevator, I can point you in the right direction.
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Carleton Place pageant winner looks to give back to area this year Carleton Place - Stacey Roy editorial@pdgmedia.ca Haven Lamothe has her crown and will travel! The 19-year old Carleton Place resident returned from Whitehall, New York this March with the 2018 Miss Teen North America title and plans to volunteer at community events throughout this year. She’s looking forward to getting her hands dirty, but will be doing so with sash and sparkling crown in place. She is most looking forward to meeting new people and answering their questions on what the pageant experience is like. “I feel really proud to not only represent Carleton Place, but to be able to represent all of North America,” Lamothe later added. “It feels like I’ve got a lot of good work to do.” Lamothe is particularly keen to volunteer with events that draw families and children. “They just get really excited to see a princess,” Lamothe said. Anyone who is interested in contacting Lamothe for a volunteer opportunity is asked to email her at: misshavenlamothe@hotmail. com. Public appearances is a requirement of all reigning title holders, but is in line with Lamothe’s long-term goals as well, since she will be entering her last year of Early Childhood Education training at Algonquin College in Ottawa this fall. In addition to community outreach, many pageants, particularly in Canada, require that all participants work towards supporting a charity of their choice so that each catwalk experience is combined with helping others. Lamothe has
chosen the WE organization and the issue of anti-bullying as her platform for the majority of her pageant years as they have touched her personally. She feels the issue of bullying has been fuelled by the growth of social media and the ease with which people can type their criticisms looking at a screen and not the person they are speaking about. “I know I went through a whole lot,” Lamothe added. “Nobody should feel the way I did and feel like nobody’s there.” She encourages anyone who is currently living through this experience to anchor themselves with their friends and family, and to actively seek out ways to build their confidence be that volunteering in the community, an extra-curricular experience or exercise. Lamothe took her own advice her senior year of high school and took part in an overseas mission trip to Ecuador where she dug trenches for a water system and placed bricks for a school house. That experience introduced her to the WE organization where she realized the positive impact it was having globally through mobilizing youth. “It’s kids helping kids,” Lamothe said. That kind of co-operative atmosphere is what brought Lamothe to the pageant world in the beginning. Unlike the common myths, Lamothe says she has found pageants to be a really supportive environment where like-minded friends have been found from around the world. This has given the Carleton Place woman an opportunity to glimpse new cultures. However, some
Winning the 2018 Miss Teen North America title this spring was a shining moment for Haven Lamothe of Carleton Place. Now she is eager to share her experiences and help out the communities around her by volunteering at community events this coming year. Photo credit: Submitted.
friendships blossom closer to home. Lamothe was pleased to have bonded with a young girl from Brampton who went on to win the Little Miss title during the March 24 pageant in New York. “She’s really precious,” Lamothe said. The pair enjoyed getting ready for the on-stage moments side-by-side. At the end of the day the young girl told Lamothe that she felt like they were sisters because they each had a crown. This is Lamothe’s first international crown and second crown in total. She won Miss Lanark County in 2009 when she participated in her first pageant. This was followed by two losses where Lamothe learned many things, not the least of which was perseverance. She urges everyone who is trying new things not to get frustrated when they fail, but to see it as a step closer to their goal.
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lifestyle Centre for Courageous Living is now offering personal development programs
Angie Arendt and Peter McGaugh have teamed up to open the Center for Courageous Living in Mississippi Mills. The centre hopes to be a community hub where individuals can learn to tap into their authentic selves to live more joyful and contented lives. Visit them online at www.deeplife.ca. Photo credit: Submitted.
Regional - Stacey Roy editorial@pdgmedia.ca Do you have the courage to live your authentic life? The newly opened Centre for Courageous Living in Mississippi Mills can help you get there with
their leadership and personal development programs. The centre offers a unique approach known as Another Way that focuses on digging deeper and hearing the inner voices within us all that point us to where we
are meant to be. Peter McGaugh, co-founder of the centre said their programs are rooted in mindfulness, breathing, and the ability to be in the present moment to draw people out of their heads and into their hearts. “That’s where the real us starts to shine through,” McGaugh later added of the program’s goals. “It’s having the courage to show up as you”. The centre itself is a representation of McGaugh and his partner Angie Arendt’s journey through their professional development that has brought them to this place. Arendt explains their work began and continues with their initial company, Deep Life, which focuses on leadership training for the corporate and not-for-profit world. Inevitably, people would leave their workshops saying spouses and children would greatly benefit from such training. That got McGaugh and Arendt thinking and ultimately developing weekend workshops for the public. Their programs are about how to cultivate relationships for
the mutual growth of everyone involved, be that at work or as parents or partners. “It’s an experiential event,” McGaugh said of the programs. For about five years the couple traveled across North America offering workshops to those needing to dig deeper to find the contentment and joy that can be had from the ongoing cycle of change in life. All of that travel has become tiring and the couple soon turned their attention to setting up a permanent home for their clients to meet them. The pair were looking for a community that would be a support for their centre and embrace them as new additions to the neighbourhood, and they found it last June when dining in Almonte. The couple was having dinner and began talking with local people about the area and what it is like to live there when they discovered they had found what they had spent such a long time looking for. The physical centre is in the works and McGaugh and Arendt hope to have it open before their fall
slate of programs begins this year. The couple is taking a page from their practice and not letting life’s changes slow them down. They currently offer online programs to clients from around the world and since April have been offering weekend and special event programs in and around Almonte to introduce themselves to their new community. Their plan is to offer a range of drop-in and structured programming as well as community-based events that will allow the Center for Courageous Living to be a community hub for social exchange and personal growth. “It’s humbling and exciting. Everything about it is amazing,” Arendt said of seeing the transformation of clients through the programs and workshops. Their plans include welcoming visiting American partners who will join them in offering unique workshops and programs, as well as continuing their own offerings. While the pair does have a vision in mind of how the centre will develop, they are also keeping
themselves open to new opportunities as they present themselves. Upcoming events In September, the centre will be offering a full day session on Another Way: An Introduction to the Enneagram in Almonte. This opportunity gives its participants a chance to understand themselves and how they can grow their unique self. Also, a three day retreat focused on writing and resetting will be available in September. This opportunity combines the creativity of the school workshops with the educational component found in The Practice in one long weekend session. The multi-week program known as The Practice will also begin in September with a maximum group size of a dozen people. This is where participants will strengthen their capacity for awareness, curiosity, empathy and generosity. For an updated list on upcoming events, please go to their website: www. deeplife.ca. A new website for the Centre for Courageous Living will be launched mid-2018.
five are international students. Johanna Sornig, a grade 11 exchange student from Switzerland, says “It’s a great opportunity to meet friends. The team made me really welcome.” She has never played rugby before this year, as the opportunity wasn’t available in Switzerland. The hard work, intense training, and exceptional success of the team have clearly been a highlight for her; she notes
“this has been the best experience of my exchange.” “I would recommend rugby to anyone,” Streekstra adds, “our coaches know so much, and they’re really nice. They’re always there for you. They’ve helped us become athletic and strong.” It’s evident well before the championships that the SFDCI Redhawks girls rugby is already a winning team.
Redhawks rugby strives for gold Smiths Falls Janelle Labelle editorial@pdgmedia.ca The sun beats down on a hot afternoon. The high school hallways are empty and cool, while outside, seventy players are training hard to keep their dreams of rugby gold alive. The Redhawks are the team to watch in this year’s EOSSAA (Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association) girls rugby championships. If they succeed in the EOSSAA championships, they will move on to the provincial championship tournament (OFSAA). Last year, they brought home the bronze medal in the OFSAA provincial championships and this year they are giving it all they’ve got in hopes of bringing home the gold. The SFDCI Redhawks Girls Rugby team has been working hard all year. Post-secondary coaches have taken an interest in the team’s performance, with visits to see them practice and play. The team has played against schools far and wide, from Toronto to
Quebec City. Coach Jacob Swarbrick is proud of his team, noting that they are undefeated this year. “They have had 20 wins, one loss, and 2 ties.” The girls cheer at this, knowing they are reaping the rewards of their intense training regimen. “We’ve changed up our training [this year],” explains Rachel Streekstra, a grade 12 student who plays 8 man on the team. “We work out a lot more. Our coaches are so good.” Assistant coach Stacey Armstrong leads the strength and conditioning program. Assistant coach Chris Cook works specifically with the team’s backs. The Redhawks faced Kingston’s LaSalle Secondary School on May 29th, losing 26-12, placing them 4th out of 16 teams for the OFSAA championships. The tournament continues through early June, and the girls are focused on playing their best. Alixz Shepherd-Martin, who plays inside centre, is looking forward to the championships. “We’re practicing hard,” she smiles
Player Katie Pratt with ball. Photo credit: Submitted
confidently, “and hoping for gold.” It’s clear that winning gold in the OFSAA championships would be crowning achievements for this team, but the students feel like they have won in other areas too. The practices and hard work have built into the group a closeness and togetherness that helps both on and off the field. “We’ve got a really great
team; the girls are awesome. We train together all winter, we play together all summer. We’re like a family,” Streekstra says. “When you’re out there, you know the team has your back. You feel safe.” This closeness, this team, helped students find friends when they came to the school knowing no one. Among the seventy students who make up the senior and junior teams,
Andress’ Independent carries a wide variety of canning supplies and bakery products to complement the berry seasons
r e v o c Dis Lanark & Northern Leeds Grenville
A TRIBUTE TO CANADIAN LEGEND
CONNERS
Your Hometown guide to Attractions & Leisure
STOMPIN THE CANADIAN STOMPPER
New launches make for stress free kayaking at Perth Outfitters TICKETS
TAW CONNORS
JUNE16
7PM
$29
The Gallipeau Centre Theatre pays tribute to Stompin Tom Connors Advertorial The Stompin’ Tom Connors Tribute Tour is a show you do not want to miss. Performed by Taw Connors, the son of the legendary Stompin’ Tom Connors. The show takes you
on a journey across Canada in a tribute to the life of Stompin’ Tom Connors. The show is a 37 song concert with two sets, one hour and ten minutes long each. Taw says “this show is wrapped around my
Photo from Country legend Stompin' Tom Connors
father’s life story. The concert is filled with our country and our peoples history and my father’s humour along with our plywood stomping tradition.” During the show, Taw performs 34 original Stompin’ Tom songs as well as three of his own. At the end of the show Taw will be available to sign memorabilia for his father’s fans. He enjoys listening to their favourite Stompin’ Tom stories, “I feel honoured when they share their stories with me” says Taw. Fans will be able to purchase Stompin’ Tom pictures and memorabilia, records, DVS’s, books, cd’s as well as Taw’s own CD’s and tour shirts. Come and stomp along at The Gallipeau Centre in Smiths Falls on Saturday June 16th.
Advertorial With a fleet of over 100 rental boats, the owners of Perth Outfitters went searching for a safe and easy launch system that would eliminate the challenges of getting in and out of their canoes, kayaks and tandem kayaks. The installation of three dedicated kayak launches translates into a stable ingress/egress for everyone, young or old, beginner or experienced. Those with mobility issues will also appreciate the benefits of the new docks, which essentially eradicate the fear and anxiety associ-
ated with the most difficult part of the sport. How these launches work: The boat rests cradled in the launch. Paddlers step solidly into their boat, settle themselves, and when they’re ready they use their paddles (placed in the notches crosswise) or their hands to propel themselves gently into the water. Coming back to the dock is just as easy, but in reverse! Perth Outfitters has become a popular destination for groups, clubs and corporate get-togethers and the new launches are wonderfully efficient
with large numbers. Not only do groups play mini-golf, the kart trail, and other activities, but now even non-paddlers are trying out the different kinds of boats and launching themselves safely, independently and at their leisure. Finally, the new launches help build confidence in children attending the Perth Outfitters Summer Day Camp, especially in light of the fact that they spend hours per day paddling on the Tay! A great activity just got safer, easier and stress-free.
Events around the region CARLETON PLACE Saturdays
Carleton Place Farmers' Market 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Corner of Beckwith and Lake Avenue East–Carleton Place Cpfarmersmarket.wordpress. com
June 7 & 20
Perth Citizens' Band Summer Pops Concert Series 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm 80 Gore Street East, Perth 613-267-3311
June 8
Almonte Hospital Golf Classic 11:00 am - 8:00 pm The Canadian Golf and Country Club Canadiangolfclub.com Grade 12 Art Show 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm Carleton Place High School 613-257-2720
June 9
Genealogy Jamboree 10:00 am - 3:30 pm Beckwith Park Twp.beckwith.on.ca 613-793-6335
June 11
Hackberry Men's Shed 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Hackberry Men's Shed Opposite 98 Donald St, Carleton Place www.facebook.com/ groups/1744883029066514
June 13
Paint Night 6:45 pm - 9:30 pm Zion-Memorial United Church 613-653-3103
June 16
Lambs Down Park Festival & Maker Market 9:00 am - 2:00pm Canadian Co-operative Woolgrowers 142 Franktown Road, Carleton Place www.wool.ca
June 21
Summer Solstice Peace Walk 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Carleton Place Community Labyrinth facebook.com/CarletonPlaceCommunityLabyrinth
June 21
Summer Solstice Peace Walk 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Carleton Place Community Labyrinth Carletonplacecommunitylabyrinth.blogspot.com
June 23
Celebrate Summer Dinner 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm Zion-Memorial United Church 613-257-8547
June 28
Seniors Luncheon 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Community Home Support 5 Bates Dr. Unit 4, Carleton Place www.chslc.ca Library Lemonade Stand Summer Reading Kick-off 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Carleton Place Public Library olco.ent.sirsidynix.net/client/ en_US/cp/
June 29
Fish Fry 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm St. John’s Church 110 Fergusons Falls Road, Carleton Place 613-257-4941
July 1
Breakfast in Carleton Place 9:00 am St. Mary's Catholic Church, Carleton Place 28 Hawthorne, Carleton Place
613-257-1284
KEMPTVILLE June 8
Hey Day 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm North Grenville Curling Club 200 Reuben Crescent, Kemptville 613-558-1761
June 10
Hey Day 9:00 am - 1:00 pm North Grenville Curling Club 200 Reuben Crescent, Kemptville 613-558-1761
June 12
Village Voyces Concert 7:00 pm St. John's United Church 400 Prescott Street, Kemptville 613-258-3259
June 16
Ferguson Forest Dog Park Bake Sale and Car Wash 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Canadian Tire - Kemptville www.canadiantire.ca/en.html
June 18
Kemptville Women in Business 6:30 pm Grenville Mutual Insurance 380 Colonnade Dr, Kemptville Kemptvillewomeninbusiness. com
June 20
Probus Club of North Grenville 9:30 am St. Paul's Presbyterian Church 319 Prescott Street, Kemptville 613-258-2706
July 1
Kemptville Rotary Canada Day Parade 4:00 pm Various locations 2868 Country Road 43, Kemptville
MERRICKVILLE June 16
Art, Jazz & The Garden 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Rideau Woodland Ramble 7210 Burritt’s Rapids Rd. www.rideauwoodlandramble. com
June 23 & 24
Blockhouse Official Opening 5:00 pm Blockhouse Park acm.mapletale@gmail.com
July 1
Canada Day Parade 9:00 am - 12:00 pm St.Lawrence Street, Merrickville
MISSISSIPPI MILLS Saturdays
Almonte Flea Market 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Almonte Fairgrounds 195 Water Street, Almonte exploremississippimills.ca/ upcoming-events
June 9
Craft & Vendor Show 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Almonte Community Centre Upper Hall 182 Bridge Street, Almonte
June 10
Public Coin Auction 10:00 am Almonte Old Town Hall 14 Bridge Street, Almonte alliancecoin.com/site/auctions.cfm JazzNhouse: Grand Finale 8:00 pm Mississippi Mills Musicworks 453 Ottawa St #5,, Almonte JazzNhouse presents the Jon Ballantyne Quartet 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm Almonte Old Town Hall
14 Bridge Street, Almonte jazzn.ca/program.html#201806
June 20
Pakenham Hort: Grasses & Flower Show 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm St. Andrew's United Church 2585 County Rd 29, Pakenham
June 23
Workshop: Cyanotype/Sun Prints 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Mississippi Valley Textile Museum 3, Rosamond St. E, Almonte Mvtm.ca Tea in the Garden 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Area around Almonte-Clayton, Almonte 613-256-1029
June 24
Trad Song Pub Session 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm The Barley Mow 79 Little Bridge Street, Almonte Barleymow.com Strawberry Social 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm North Lanark Regional Museum 647 River Road, Mississippi Mills www.northlanarkregionalmuseum.com
June 25
Almonte Hort: Market Gardening and Succession Planting, Flower Show 7:30 pm Cornerstone Community Church 1728 Concession 11A, Almonte www.gardenontario.org/site. php/almonte
June 26
Fairview Manor Strawberry Social and Bake Sale 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Almonte Civitan Hall 500 Almonte St., Almonte 613-256-3113
June 28
Vernissage: Jane Barlow 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Fairview Manor 75 Spring St, Almonte 613-256-3113
June 30
Canada Day Eve Celebration 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm Stewart Community Centre 112 MacFarlane St., Mississippi Mills exploremississippimills.ca/ upcoming-events/
July 1
Pakenham Firefighters' Breakfast 7:00 am Pakenham Fire Hall 106 Jeanie St, Mississippi Mills 613-256-1589 Strawberry Social 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Cedar Hill Schoolhouse 270 Cedar Hill Road, Mississippi Mills exploremississippimills.ca/ upcoming-events Tea on the Lawn 2:00 pm 2854 Ramsay Concession 8,, Almonte mvc.on.ca/places-to-see/millof-kintail Almonte Canada Day celebrations 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Various locations in Almonte-Blakeney-Clayton, Almonte 613-256-1077 exploremississippimills.ca/ upcoming-events
PERTH Saturdays
Perth Farmers' Market 8:00 am - 1:00 pm Crystal Palace Basin Square, Perth www.perthfarmersmarket.ca
June 7
Arlene Quinn Live in concert 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm Carolina Retirement Residence www.siennaliving.ca
June 9
Rideau Trail Association Hike 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Frontenac Park Conlon Farm Recreation Complex 613-256-0817 Perth Community Dinner 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm St. James Anglican Church 12 Harvey St., Perth 613-434-2244 Bootleg Creedence 8:00 pm Studio Theatre Perth 63 Gore Street East, Perth Studiotheatreperth.com
June 10
Accessible hike Beveridge Dam blue trail 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Conlon Farm Recreation Complex 109 Smith Drive, Perth www.perth.ca Peter Brown Jazz Trio 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm Slackoni's Parkside Bistro 82 Peter St, Perth 613-257-2657
June 14
Stewart Park Festival KickOff: The Blues Brothers 7:30 pm Crystal Palace 63 Gore St. E., Perth www.stewartparkfestival.com
June 14 & 15
Paint the Summer 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Algonquin College Perth www.rideaulakesartists.com
June 15
Cataraqui Trail Hike 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Conlon Farm Recreation Complex 109 Smith Drive, Perth www.perth.ca
June 16
Perth Civitan Psychic Fair 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Perth Civitan Hall 6787 Lanark County Rd 43, Perth www.perthcivitan.com Stewart Park Festival KickOff: Summer Dance 8:00 pm Crystal Palace 63 Gore St. E., Perth www.stewartparkfestival.com
June 23
Highland on the Rideau 12:00 pm - 8:30 pm Crystal Palace 63 Gore St. E., Perth Perthkiltrun.ca Bulls and Broncs 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm Perth Fairgrounds 50 Arthur St, Perth Perth's World Record Kilt Run 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Perth Town Hall 80 Gore Street East, Perth www.perth.ca
June 24
Manitou Mountain Trail Network 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Conlon Farm Recreation Complex 109 Smith Drive, Perth, ON, Perth www.perth.ca Batik Progressive/Advanced Workshops 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Town of Perth 80 Gore Street East, Perth www.perth.ca Perth through the Ages 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Perth Museum 11 Gore St E., Perth www.perth.ca/en/ex-
plore-perth/Museum.aspx
July 3
Free Yoga 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Stewart Park 80 Gore Street, Perth calendar.perth.ca
SMITHS FALLS Thursdays
Cruise-In 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Wal-Mart 114 Lombard Street, Smiths Falls 613-284-0848 ken.manwell@sympatico.ca
June 8
Special Olympics Voluntary Toll Booth 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Cornelia St. underpass, Smiths Falls Special Olympics Torch Run 9:30 am From Settlers Ridge Centre along Brockville St, Beckwith St., Elmsely St to Smiths Falls Community Centre
June 9
Yard Sale in the Barn 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Lombardy Agricultural Hall 613-284-9938 lcjoynt@gmail.com Spirits of the Drum Pow Wow 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Turtle and Duck Island 40 Abbott Street North, Smith Falls 613-283-4124 ext. 1127 ibron@smithsfalls.ca
June 10
Museum Unmasked: Heritage House Museum Behind the Scenes 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Heritage House Museum 11 Old Sly's Road, Smiths Falls Heritagehouse.smithsfalls.ca Spirits of the Drum Pow Wow 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Turtle and Duck Island 40 Abbott Street North, Smith Falls 613-283-4124 ext. 1127 ibron@smithsfalls.ca
June 15 - 17 & 21 - 24
The Great Kooshog Lake Hollis McCauley Fishing Derby 7:30 pm on Fridays & Saturdays 2:00 pm on Sundays The Station Theatre 53 Victoria Avenue, Smiths Falls Smithsfallstheatre.com
June 16
Free flights for youth 9:00 am - 11:00 am Smiths Falls/Montague Airport 102 Van Exan Drive, Smiths Falls brian_douglas@hotmail.com 613-979-1826 Father's Day Supper 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm Westminster Presbyterian Church 11 Church St. West, Smiths Falls 613-283-6987 The Sixth Annual Health Living Festival 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Downtown Beckwith Street, Smiths Falls
June 22
Smiths Falls Firefighter Association Fish Fry 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm The Smiths Falls Fire Station 613-207-0188
June 23
Highland on the Rideau 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Lower Reach Park Old Slys Road, Smiths Falls www.smithsfalls.ca
June 24
Celebrate Summer at the Montague Seniors' Hall 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm Montague & District Senior Citizen Forget Me Not Club 658 Rosedale Rd S, Smiths Falls
June 28
Movies Under the Stars 7:00 pm - 11:30 pm Centennial Park in Smiths Falls www.smithsfalls.ca/events/ event/movies-under-thestars-2 SF Historical Soc: Hubble Telescope 7:00 pm Heritage House Museum 11 Old Sly's Road, Smiths Falls 613-283-8560
June 29
Angelique Francis 8:00 pm Smiths Falls Community Theatre 53 Victoria Avenue, Smiths Falls 613-283-0300
June 29 - July 2
Music in the Park Centennial Park, Smiths Falls
July 1
Bicycle Decorating Contest Judging at 10:00 am Sens Outdoor Rink 613-283-4124 ext. 6103 mloughren@smithsfalls.ca Celebrations 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm Centenial Park 613-283-4124 ext. 6103 mloughren@smithsfalls.ca Fireworks 10:00 pm Lower Reach Park 613-283-4124 ext. 6103 mloughren@smithsfalls.ca
WESTPORT & RIDEAU LAKES June 7 Jazz w/Spencer Evans 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford Street, Westport Coveinn.com
June 9
Young & Petty (tribute) 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford Street, Westport Coveinn.com
June 10
Head over Heels 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford Street, Westport Coveinn.com
REGIONAL June 16
Art, Jazz and the Garden 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Rideau Woodland Ramble 7210 Burritts Rapids Rd, North Grenville www.rideauwoodlandramble. com Music Jamboree/Birthday 1:30 pm Lanark Legion 69 George St., Lanark Highlands 613-259-3249
June 23
Rock the Night Away Fundraiser 7:00 pm ABC Hall 3166 Bolingbroke Road, County Road 36, Tay Valley www.abchall.ca
June 30
Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust 6:30 pm - 9:30pm Middleville Fairgrounds 4189 Wolf Grove Road, Lanark Highlands mmlt.ca/event/canada-day-ceilidh/
Tweed Visitor Centre heading for completion Smiths
ON
Falls
THE
R ll June 9-10
Spirit of the Drum Powwow
Celebrate Indigenous culture on Duck Island. Organized with Indigenous Studies students of the Smiths Falls & District Collegiate Institute working with First Nations communities in the region, the Spirit of the Drum Powwow is a free, family-friendly event featuring Indigenous drumming and dance, craft vendors, museum archeological exhibit of First Nations artifacts found along the Rideau, traditional food vendors, Parks Canada “species at risk” exhibit and learn-to-paddle, art installations, cultural exhibits by SFDCI students, and more! Saturday, 10 to 8. Sunday, 10 to 5. Don’t miss the Grand Entrance at noon both days, and 6 p.m. on Saturday. Info: 1-888-983-4124 or www. smithsfalls.ca
June 16
6th Annual Healthy Living Festival
Join us on Saturday, June 16 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for a jam-packed day of fun, FREE, and exciting activities, performances, competitions and more! Learn all about healthy living, from active living to mental health, there’s something for everyone! Featuring Heritage Hands Drum Group, and Aboriginal Experience. Always held on the third Saturday in June, we hope to see you there! Info: 613-283-4124 ext. 1114 or www.downtownsmithsfalls.com
June 16
Tribute to Stompin’ Tom Connors, performed by his son Taw Connors Gallipeau Centre Theatre, 361 Queen St. West at 7 p.m. Tickets $29, available by walk-in at the Gallipeau Centre or call 613284-9916. TicketPro at 1-888-655-9090 or order online at www.ticketpro.ca. www.gallipeaucentretheatre.com
June 10
June 29 to July 2
Drop by the museum from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and discover new exhibitions featuring First Nations Along the Rideau and Founding Families, go behind the scenes to view the collections storage area, and tour through the newly renovated shed with new displays of rarely seen items. Enjoy a sample from our indoor brick bake oven and a concert in the garden featuring Seventh Town, a Celtic folk band based in Prince Edward County, at 1 and 3 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, and free for children 12 and under. 613-283-6311 or heritagehouse@ smithsfalls.ca or www.facebook. com/heritagehousemuseum
back their Music in the Park event for this four-day feature in beautiful Centennial Park. The fun starts on Friday at 6 p.m. under the water tower with dancing and live bands! Event runs Friday 6 to 8 p.m.; Saturday noon to 8 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Monday 2 to 6 p.m. (Canada Day shuttle available). Info: info@togethersmithsfalls.com or www.togethersmithsfalls.com
Canada Day Weekend: Museum Unmasked: Music in the Park Behind-the-scenes at Heritage House Museum Together Smiths Falls is bringing
www.smithsfalls.ca
OntheRollSmithsFalls
A grow room under lights at Canopy Growth. Photo credit: Sally Smith
Smiths Falls - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca It’s full steam ahead for the Tweed Visitor Centre at Canopy Growth Corp. on Hershey Drive in Smiths Falls. Jordan Sinclair, Vice President of Communications and Media at Canopy Growth, is as enthusiastic as a four-year-old watching the dramatic growth and expansion. “It’s exciting,” he says, grinning like a kid. “It’s really exciting.” A Tweed Visitor Centre is under construction. It’s right next door to the main doorway and it’s going to be ready for Day 1 of legalization. Sinclair’s not certain when that will be. “The Prime Minister’s still tight-lipped about it,” he says, “but we’re aiming at around Labour Day.” The Visitor Centre has much of the old Hershey plant in it. As a matter of fact, it will bring back memories as you step through the front door. “When Hershey was here, you came in the same door, up the stairs, around the catwalk. We’ve left all that infrastructure in place - original stairs, original catwalk.” The difference is what you look down on. That’s an obvious change. It will be a mixture, but visitors will “experience the product from start to finish. They’ll look down on one side and see growing rooms [through the windows] where plants are being grown, and in here” Sinclair says, gesturing to the huge room in the middle, “a mixture of product development - whether we’re allowed to make chocolate bars or soda or oil extractions. Some of this is still to be determined because the laws aren’t finalized, but that’s the goal - to give people a real sense of what we do in this facility, how much technology and how much innovation goes into it. “Visitors can watch workers working on plants. We can educate them. We can show them
Jordan Sinclair, Vice President of Communications at Tweed, watches his product grow. Photo credit: Sally Smith
the whole process, all phases of plants growing at the same time. They can ask questions and get a sense of product.” And then there’s the gift shop on the way out where people can go and browse, sit and relax, have a cup of coffee, read, and talk. “We want them to feel the vibe of Tweed, learn what the business is about, have a back and forth conversation in a relaxed situation.” Sinclair adds they hope to actually eventually sell the product in the shop “but not in the first iteration of provincial laws.” Some of that back and forth is Sinclair’s frequent use of the word “chocolate” in the conversation. “It’s not lost on us,” he grins, likening Hershey’s chocolate to Tweed’s possible future chocolate. “It’s popular in our industry, too. It’s a product with proven demand. The story’s just too perfect…to bring it full circle would be really fun.” He goes on. “There will be lots of spillover for the Town, some of the effect that Hershey had that was such a support beam. When you drive around here,” he says, you’ll no-
tice “there are still a lot of things for lease or rent that were former restaurants or former gift shops. We hope, in a couple of years, when this gets more popular, all this will start to flourish again.” So what’s the trade secret? “Our strategy’s not really much of a secret. We try to bring everything under one roof, try to do everything ourselves grow for ourselves, do the processing, the branding and sales for ourselves. That’s really how we do our business.” The future for Canopy Growth in Smiths Falls is as close as September 3, Labour Day. From there it’s onward and upward if all falls into place. Sinclair ends the tour of the future Visitor Centre with this thought: “We want to attract visitors to look at the world’s largest grow op.” He expects there will eventually be others that will be bigger but “this will still be the most sophisticated. Our eye is on the innovation side of it. The next big product ideas that come out of the cannabis space will happen here at this campus.”
Scheuermann Vineyard and Winery
Brian Preston - The Travelling Sommelier brianpreston@hotmail.com Guess what's new at Francois and Allison's winery? They have now completed a whole new patio area with a huge outdoor BBQ and pizza oven for their al fresco dining events during the wine season. As some of you know, Francois is a trained and experienced Chef and last year they started putting on a few tasting events which were very well received by those lucky enough to get to their table for the tasty creations that went down nicely with their wines. This year they plan to continue making the thin crust homemade pizzas. He uses 00 Italian flour and products from Seed to Savory and Creed and Gambrel. The newly finished post and beam gazebo features ambient lighting with a large cement pad for seating along with the tent they used in the last couple
of years. They will be serving pizza to the table, Patagonian Grill: one and a half inch rib (16 to 20 ounces) or lamb with different garnishes each week, eg., chimichurri , blue cheese, etc.; jumbo shrimp and scallops as the fish option. A third option will be some sort of game meat like wild boar or caribou. In other words, something you won't find anywhere else in the region. On weekends Francois plans to serve oysters at the tasting bar too. Pizzas are priced between $11 and $22 depending on the selection of fresh ingredients. Their first summer event will be a fundraiser for Foley Mountain park with live entertainment. Last year's event sold out. The theme this year will be tapas and a silent auction is also planned. The menu is being planned and you
Life on the farm
It’s June! Strawberry lovers rejoice! This is the time of year when it is permissible to eat strawberries for three meals a day (PLUS snacks…AND drinks…). Go ahead and enjoy. There is no shame in it. Have you heard of ‘Eating the Seasons’? That’s the whole premise of the idea: Eating WHAT is available locally, WHEN it’s available. There are a number of great reasons for doing so – not the least of which is flavour, since it goes hand in hand with freshness. You can’t get much fresher than strawberries picked within 24 hours of your purchase from the
Farmers’ Market, or directly from the farm stand. Oh wait…actually you can! Strawberries are one of the most common foods that the public is invited to pick for themselves. Appropriately known as Pick-Your-Own (PYO), it’s the very best way to get outside and get in touch (literally) with where food comes from. Careful though, PYO strawberry season is an easy one to miss, since the best picking usually only lasts 4-5 weeks. Also, it comes along at a fairly busy time of year for most…the end of June to early July. It’s worth carving out the time though. A visit to a PYO
are encouraged to check them out on social media at Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for details as they become available. There have been changes in the vineyard too. Their Riesling (sold out just now), Chardonnay, Vidal and Pinot Noir continue to mature and a new sparkling Vidal called 'Les Bulles' will be released. As well, a new blend of his Vidal, with Gewurztraminer and Auxerrois from Niagara named 'Romantique' is coming soon. From the barrel it is bright, bone dry and quite refreshing; great for summertime enjoyment. In red there will be a new Cabernet Franc with grapes sourced from Glen Elgin (Jordan Station in Niagara) which promises to be a big Bordeaux style wine around 14%abv aged in 35% new oak, whole cluster fermented last November.
Millers Bay Farm Berry Patch is a great family outing for all generations. The best way to find the nearest patch (for all types of berries) is to visit www.ontarioberries.com and click on “Find a farm”. Did you know… · Strawberries are cul tivated in every U.S. State and Canadian province · The strawberry plant has seeds on the outside skin rather than hav ing an outer skin around the seed, as most ber ries do. They do not how ever, normally reproduce by seeds. When the fruit is developing, the plant sends out slender growths called runners. These look like strings. They grow on the ground and send out roots in the soil. The roots produce new plants which grow and bear fruit. · Strawberries contain only 50 calories per cup, 3g of fibre, and provide over 100% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C. (Information from Berry Growers of Ontario) A favourite treat from the kitchen at Miller’s Bay Farm is ‘Fresh Strawberry Pie’. (See recipe on this page). It’s a favourite of those who eat it because it tastes so great – cool and fresh on a hot early-summer day! It’s a favourite of those who prepare it because it’s just so easy – only one pie crust (go with store-bought for a super-simple solution); no cooking of pie-filling; just assemble, chill and enjoy. The only problem is that this pie is best eaten while fresh so you won’t want to try keeping it for long. Then again…maybe THAT’s not really a ‘problem’ at all!
This one will be big enough to match a steak or lamb, and the barrel tasting I had was fabulous. As for prices, the Vidal is $25, the bubbly Les Bulles and Romantique $25, the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are $35, the new Cabernet Franc will be $39. Cider based on a blend of apples from their friend's orchards is $20. All are in 750ml format bottles. I tasted the 2014 Chardonnay which is even better now than when I last visited the vineyard. The quality and maturity of the vines is really putting out a very tasty Chardonnay with lemon and a touch of honey melon on the nose, followed by a light seam of acidity to keep balance with the tree fruit flavours that have a clean midlength finish. 2018 was a wet Spring as we all know, and when I visited Francois in April, he was champing at the bit to get out in the vineyards. You could see the buried canes that were trimmed and buried last fall. They need to be unearthed and trellised. Francois also has what is called a 'tied house license' which allows him to
sell alcoholic products that are not your own. He will also be selling a couple of tap beers: one from Cow Bell Brewery with 5 cents from each serving going to CHEO. There will also be one of Perth Brewery, Weatherhead or Whitewater craft brews available. As I leaving he said that he was, " thrilled with the response from the community and those who know their wines are surprised at the quality and great tastes" after they have visited their home and winery. It is wonderful that we have such a dedicated family team and volunteers that have made
Let's Eat
this Westport venture such a success, and which, year after year, comes up with new ideas and products to keep us coming back!
Brian Turner
The Cove Country Inn Westport; One of the best reasons to take a country drive Usually when I visit a restaurant or diner to complete a review I’m accompanied by my partner and it’s just the two of us enjoying an evening or afternoon out. But a good test of any food service facility is their ability to handle larger tables with multiple orders and separate cheques. On a recent sunny Saturday my extended family (in-laws and outlaws totaling 8) visited the Cove Country Inn in Westport and the food and service were both great. Operating a year-round business in Westport is a challenge. This picturesque town is a buzz of activity throughout spring, summer and fall (with a large number of festivals and special events) but in the winter it’s a different tale. The ownership team and management at the Cove Country Inn has certainly met the challenge and have found innovative ways to bring diners and those seeking relaxation and entertainment no matter what month the calendar is turned to. They offer wine dinners (with accommodation packages), holiday special events, live music (in the middle of the week as well as weekends), roast beef and Chinese food buffets. The dining room at the Cove Country Inn is large but warm and inviting thanks to a well thought out rustic décor which includes a large fireplace. Patrons can choose to sit by a large wall of windows looking out over the water. Because our visit predated the spring/summer menu (and like most great diners the menu changes
with seasonal availability) we ordered from the all-day comfort carte and weren’t disappointed. The added benefit of bringing a larger group to dine is you can get opinions on a greater variety of dishes. Our table’s lunches came out all at the same time in included pub fare favourites such as fish and chips, burgers, beef dip, roasted turkey press, fresh winter salad, and wraps among others. A ‘fresh plate’ option from the children’s menu kept our threeyear old busy and satisfied. The breads for the sandwiches were hearty, fresh, and just the right consistency. Sides of veggies weren’t overcooked the way many diners serve, and fries were fresh-cut, with crisp outers and flavourful inners without being too oily. Our meats were tender and moist without any overbearing saltiness. Portions were generous and a large bar contained a better than
expected selection of libations including some great beers and ales. Even though we visited on an off-season day, the dining room was busy with both locals and visitors alike. Prices were reasonable given the quality and amounts served. Pub fare apps range from $6-$16, mains from $14-$17 and salads from $8-$12. They’re open at 11:30am each day and closings range between 8 pm and 9 pm for the spring session. Extended hours come in the summer. There are gluten-free options for most menu items. They’re located a 2 Bedford St in Westport and are really almost impossible to miss. You can reach them at 613-273-3636 and reservations are suggested for special event evenings. You can check out their menus, entertainment schedule, and be tempted by stay and dine packages at coveinn. com.
June 2018
11
HOME & GARDEN
Summer is upon us, and what a beauty it is! The soft brown and pale green of spring have given way to the rich green and rainbow brightness of summer foliage. Mother Nature splashes out all her vivid colours at this time of year, and it certainly is inspiring. I can’t resist giving my home and garden a splash of colour, a little something extra in honour of summer, as we enter into the most verdant
time of year. Sometimes the idea of taking on a home project can be too daunting. Life gets busy, and money and minutes are precious. That’s when small but thoughtful changes can really make a big difference. This year, I really wanted to add a pop of colour to the outside of our house. I couldn’t commit to redoing all of the trim, so I painted just the doors and mailbox
a vivid new shade. They look so bright and fresh that it makes me smile every time I walk in or out. It took very little time and less than a quart of paint; well worth the investment for a sunny little spruce-up. The trends in potted plants this summer are big, bright, and beautiful. Anything with large, patterned leaves, or bold, vibrant blooms is a hit. The plant known as the Prayer Plant
or the Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea Iancifolia) is a perfect example of this. Its wide leaves with their distinct mottled pattern make a gorgeous splash whether the pot is kept inside or out. Dwarf fruit trees, which are small enough to be kept in a large pot, are also hugely popular this year. They can be kept inside from late fall to spring, and then can be moved outside to provide a leafy splash of greenery
- and tasty fruit! - to your yard through the summer. The front of my home is quite bare. I really wanted to add some colour, something green and growing and summery, but I have never been a great gardener. I am happy to maintain plants that were in our yard before we moved in, but have never planted a flower bed. Indoor/outdoor potted plants to the rescue! There are so many gorgeous potted plants that can live outside during the summer, and be brought inside to pass the cold months in a sunlit window. We popped into Gemmell’s for some knowledgeable guidance, and brought home some hibiscus trees with huge red blooms for a bright, beautiful look. Simple and inexpensive updates outside the home can really make a big difference to the overall aesthetic of your home
and garden, and the same principle follows inside. If you don’t want to commit to completely repainting an entire room, painting one feature wall a new colour can totally transform the room. Furniture can be rearranged, curtains that have been kept in one room can trade places with another set, rugs can easily move from one space to another. An easy summer spruce up adds life and freshness to your home. What are your favourite ways to spruce up your home and garden in the summertime? We welcome home and garden articles from citizen journalists. Contributions may be emailed to editorial@ pdgmedia.ca with “Home and Garden” in the subject line. Please note that submissions must be original content exclusive to HTN, and if selected, are subject to editing.
Spring cleanup around the home and cottage
Spring is here and we all want to get out and enjoy the warm weather. It’s time to open up the cottage, clean out the shed and do some gardening. A thorough spring clean-up can help you enjoy outdoor activities all season long by removing conditions that are favourable for unwanted pests that may cause discomfort and disease. The Health Unit advises that before you begin your clean up you make sure you wear protective clothing and take the following precautions: When it comes to cleaning up the cottage, garage
or shed be prepared. You may find small accumulations of mouse, bird, raccoon, or bat droppings. These droppings may have harmful micro-organisms that are released into the air in the dust as you clean up. · Open windows and doors for ventilation for about 30 minutes before your begin cleaning. · Wear disposable gloves and a mask. · Wet down areas where droppings have been left with a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water. · Shovel the wet drop pings and dispose of the
cleaning cloths into a garbage bag and seal the bag. · Wash your hands well after you have finished. Some droppings may require extra special precautions or help from a professional. Cleaning up around the yard, including trimming brush, will help reduce tick and mosquito breeding grounds. These pests live close to their breeding sites and can carry disease. The following actions will help control these pesky biters: · Remove dead brush and cut down long grass. · Empty and remove
containers that hold stagnant water such as old tires, swimming pool covers, clogged gutters, unused toys or vehicles. · Mow the grass and trim the ditches regularly. Mowing the ditch is a
chemical free way to control the growth of wild parsnip. Keeping the plant mowed will prevent the plant from flowering and spreading its seeds. · Check yourself for ticks
after your work is com plete. For more information the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit website at: http://healthunit.org/ health-information/homehealth-safety/
June 2018
12
home & garden
Garden Matters:
Lanark County Master Gardeners
Growing edibles in containers
You want to grow edibles but you don’t have any yard in which to grow them. Are you doomed to just getting your fresh vegetables from roadside stands or farmers markets? While these are both wonderful alternatives, the answer is you can grow your own vegetables in containers on your patio or balcony. When you grow ornamentals in containers, you likely use the principal of having “Thrillers, Fillers and Spillers” to create an eye-pleasing vision. Apply the same principal to your pots with edible plants. Good “thrillers” are large statured plants such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant or an obelisk covered in pole beans or cucumbers. Around your “thriller” plant the “fillers” basil, lettuce, chard or root vegetables such as carrots or beets. Fill the outer edge of your container with “spillers” such as thyme, strawberries or sweet potatoes.
Vegetables need good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases and maximize growth. When planting ornamentals, we typically load our containers with lots of plants to maximize their beauty. With Edibles, cramming a large plant or too many plants into your container will lead to disappointing results. Breeders of edible plants have been creating smaller varieties of the plants we all love, such as bush cucumbers and winter and summer squash. There are dwarf and mini varieties of lettuce, pint-sized cabbage, kale and beets. Positioning your containers of edibles is extremely important. If your patio or balcony is in direct sunlight all day, many of your cool season plants will not succeed. It you have too much shade, others will grow too leggy to produce. Remember, too, that containers dry out quickly so water often and they require frequent fertilizing or lots of com-
post. In addition to the vegetables listed, most herbs happily grow in containers. Even fennel that grows up to 2 metres high will produce, provided it is grown in a large enough pot. Herbs also grow happily without as much sun as many of our favorite vegetables. If you do not get full sun for 6-8 hours, you can still grow vegetables in containers. Focus on the plants that are listed as liking it cool, but if it is tomatoes you really want, give it a try. One of my neighbouring Condo dwellers bragged to me last year about all the tomatoes he was eating from his plant from a balcony on the north side of our building. Give it a try! Dale Odorizzi is a member of the Lanark County Master Gardeners. Want to know more about the group or ask a gardening question? Visit our website at www.lanarkmg.blogspot.com or contact us at lanarkmg@gmail.com.
Vegetable
Cool or Warm Varieties for Containers & Comments
Beans
Warm
Provider, Gold Rush, Blue Lake. Any grow well. Pole beans will too but grow large and need strong trellis.
Beets
Both
Babybeat, Robin--Baby types stay small
Broccoli
Cool
Small Miracle or try Broccolini - Full sized need large pots
Carrots
Cool
Round and short varieties-Thin seedlings after they develop first true leaves
Cucumbers
Warm
Patio Snacker - Look for Bush Varieties
Kale
Cool
Dwarf Green Curled - Any type grows well
Lettuce
Cool
Mini lettuce Little Gem, Red Cash - All varieties grow well
Peas
Cool
Full sized need sturdy trellis
Peppers
Warm
Both Hot and Sweet Peppers do great but mini varieties do not require staking.
Radish
Cool
Radish are very fast growing making them a great companion to Kale, Broccoli, Tomatoes and Carrots
Summer Squash
Warm
Patio Star—Grows best from Seed
Winter Squash
Warm
Sugar Bush, Butter Bush—Full sized squash vines can grow 6 Metres
Swiss Chard
Both
Any Variety
Tomatoes— Full Sized
Warm
Determinate Types—Bush Big Boy, Bush Steak Patio Princess—Each Plant needs a stake or cage. Choose deep, large containers. Water often
Tomatoes— Cherry sized
Warm
Although Cherry Tomatoes are small, some varieties can grow quite large. Sweetheart of the Patio.
This is not an exclusive list of vegetables that will grow in containers. All varieties are available from Stokes, Vesey’s or Burpee’s Seed Catalogue.
Sunsets Chihuahuas
Shirley Usher Owner
Purebread Apple Head Puppies Tiny Tea Cup with big hearts
Tel: 613-256-3337 sunsetspups@gmail.com
Shirley Usher 613-832-2689
929, 9th Concession Road South Pakenham, Ontario K0A 2X0
www.sunsetschihuahuas.ca sunsetspups@gmail.com
www.pakenhamcountrykennels.ca
Woof Jocks Canine All Stars show at the Perth Fair
Janlle Labelle editorial@pdgmedia.ca Saturday, September 3rd and Sunday September 4th mark the second annual Woof Jocks show at the Perth Fair on the fairgrounds. WoofJocks is an energetic agility show set to music, performed by a
team of dog trainers and owners. The dogs that perform are incredibly well trained and it’s evident in the performance that they thoroughly love their jobs. Viewers can be expected to see a wide array of agility games, highly entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny. Bring out the whole fam-
ily, because this show is for everyone. The event is a whole lot of fun, but also educational in that there are quick training lessons in between shows to help other dog owners train and build their relationship with their own dogs. After each show, the trainers open up the ring and viewers can meet and take pictures with their favourite Woof Jock. The jocks vary from Chihuahuas to Dalmations to Bulldogs. WoofJocks aims to showcase the unique bond between dog and handler. Excitement and education for the audience is the short-term goal, but
the inspiring example of just what can be achieved between pet and owner will linger long after the last dog has left the stage. WoofJocks will infuse a shot of joy into your usual sneakers-and-leash routine. On the Sunday after the
first show there will be a fun-gility boot camp where viewers are encouraged to bring their own dogs for an interactive agility lesson. Owners must register their dogs on the day of the event, and dogs must be accompanied by an owner 12 years of age or older. Dogs
must be at least 12 months old, in good health, and up to date on vaccinations. All dogs must be on a non-retractable leash, and owners must bring their own poop bags for clean up. For more information about WoofJocks, go to www.woofjocks.com.
5 SPAN FEED & SEED INC.
Monday to Friday 9 am - 6 pm
Saturday
9 am - 5 pm
Sunday
10 am - 3 pm
Opening May 10 Hanging Baskets, Annuals, Vegetables, Herbs, Soils, Mulch, Planters, Gloves, Tools, Seed Potatoes, Lawn Seed, Garden Seed and much more.
244 County Rd. 29 PAKENHAM (beside the stone bridge)
613-624-5569 5spanfeed@bellnet.ca www.5span.ca
Cancer Wig Salon When you’re facing cancer and the challenges that come with it, it can be difficult to adjust to changes like hair loss. The Canadian Cancer Society helps
women living with cancer find wigs when they lose their hair as a result of cancer treatment. Since 2007, through our partnership with Procter
Awareness & Gamble Canada and the launch of the Pantene Beautiful Lengths campaign, over 1,900 wigs have been created, donated and distributed to women all across Canada. We encourage Canadians to donate their hair to create real-hair wigs for
women who are undergoing cancer treatment. The Canadian Cancer Society has wig rooms in various community offices across the country and supplies a number of cancer centres. Here, women can browse a selection of real-hair wigs, try them
on and see if there is a wig that is suitable. There are two wig salons in Ottawa located at Chartwell Retirement Home at New Edinburgh Square, 420 MacKay St and the Chartwell Retirement Home Kanata - 20 Shirley’s Brook Drive.
Appointments for wig fittings are available for those currently undergoing hair loss due to cancer treatments. To book your appointment or for more information, please contact ottawa@ontario. cancer.ca or call us at 613723-1744 ext 3610.
SERVING PERTH & AREA
SAM LIMA DENTURE CLINIC 3 Beckwith Street East
PERTH ONTARIO SERVING THE TOWN OF PERTH AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY WITHIN A 25KM RADIUS
Stay@Home Senior Services Non-Medical Senior Services
stayathomeservices@hotmail.com
SERVICES INCLUDE Fees for services based on an hourly rate
Companionship Shopping, errands and delivery Light housekeeping, laundry
613-812-4486
Transportation to local appointments Sorting, packing and downsizing Gardening, spring & fall cleanup
Contact Karen for more information or to arrange a free consultation visit
613-267-5462
samlima10@aol.com
June 2018
14
Brian Turner
Maintenance Intervals: Who Should You Trust? There’s often confusion when it comes to understanding automobiles; they get more technically advanced every model year. Just knowing some basics, like how to check your oil level or air filter, can be beyond the knowledge reach of many motorists. One of the common themes I’ve discovered during my years on service and parts counters relates to maintenance schedules. For the last decade or so, automakers of every stripe have been stretching their maintenance intervals to the max. What used to be 3 month/5,000 km intervals (between oil changes) are now 6 months or more and up to 16,000 km according to many manufacturers’ recommendations. Some of this is due to improved material and build techniques, some is related to synthetic engine oil being used, and some is due to competition. After all, who among us really wants to spend more time and money getting our vehicles serviced than we need to? Auto companies use this in their advertising and consumer interactions. Automated instrument panel oil change reminders are part of this.
The confusing part of this comes when service centers recommend a different and often more frequent oil change/maintenance schedules than what’s listed in the automakers’ owners’ manuals. First, be aware of some facts. Vehicles that use automated service reminder systems operate on a variety of inputs. Some are just based simply on time and distance, others use more advanced controls that take into account things such as engine load, warm-up time, ambient temps, speeds, etc. No matter how simple or sophisticated the system, all makers list a maximum number of kilometers that cannot be exceeded between oil changes. Run afoul of these rules and you risk losing your warranty coverage. Check your owner’s manual. Synthetic oils are often touted as a reason for extended oil change intervals, but the main reason for engine oil replacement is its contamination with the byproducts of combusting fuel along with other foreign substances that come into contact with lubrication components. Synthetic oils are not immune to
these risks. While carmakers have made great advances in the reliability of their engines, the same can’t necessarily be said for other systems, especially when you consider the destructive forces that our environment, road conditions, and love of road-salt impose. Leaving these critical and often safety related components without regular inspections by a trained technician and you can easily risk more expensive repair bills down the road. Also take into account that we keep our vehicles, on average, for almost 10 years and accumulate well over 200,000 km on them before their retirement. Automakers provide warranty coverage for only a fraction of that time and distance. Regular service and maintenance is cheap insurance to provide reliability long after warranties expire. How cheap? With regular non-synthetic oil changes averaging at around $50 for most mainstream vehicles, doing one extra oil change a year over the average life of a vehicle will amount to less than $500. This is minimal compared to the cost of replacing an
engine, not to mention the inconvenience of the down time. Properly maintaining a vehicle, however, is more than just changing its engine oil and filter. Many consumers are shocked to find that they are denied warranty coverage for a multitude of systems because they weren’t inspected or serviced according to the manufacturer’s schedule. They eagerly point out the fact that they’ve had regular
oil changes, but unless their service history indicates regular brake, suspension, steering, exhaust inspections and the like, they’re faced with paying for the repairs themselves. So how often should you visit your trusted auto service provider? It depends on many factors, including how far you drive, under what circumstances, what type of vehicle you own, whether you do a lot of short trips
or mainly highway tours, etc. Your service consultant will be happy to answer those questions. But at a minimum you should take your vehicle in at least twice a year. You should also take advantage of seasonal inspection specials that will cover most of the vehicle’s systems combined with an oil change and tire rotation. Most shops offer these at reduced rates and they represent good value.
JUNE ONLY
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Smiths falls 613-284-2601
Barry Webster Transmission Transfer Cases Differentials
149 Lombard Street, Smiths Falls, ON K7A 5B8 Tel: 613-284-2200 Fax: 613-284-2201 Email: sftransmission@cogeco.net
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S&R Camping Trailer Restoration & Repair Service’s Repairs - Rebuilds - Tune Ups All Makes and Models We sell all types of Interstate Batteries Generators Golf Carts Snowblowers Lawn Tractors Snowmobiles 3 & 4 Wheelers and more
Unwanted Small Engines Ray Chenier & Ethan Chenier
Call or Text: 343-264-9003 548 County Rd. 29, Jasper
Like us on Facebook facebook.com/Rays-Small-Engine-Repair
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Restorations - Repairs - Sales - Rentals - Cosignment Storage with on site security 24/7 & security cameras
We sell all types of Interstate Batteries
Call or Text:
(S) 613-803-5425
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548 County Rd. 29, Jasper Like us on Facebook facebook.com/SR-Camping-Trailer-Rentals-Restoration-Services
June 2018
15
business SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS... NOW OPEN IN SMITHS FALLS
New cab owner embraces service mission of K&K Regional - Matthew Behrens editorial@pdgmedia.ca In rural areas with no access to public transit, the critical role played by taxi companies in getting people where they need to go is an often unheralded one. But it’s one recently inherited with infectious enthusiasm by new K&K Cab owner Leanda Bracegirdle, who acts as both dispatcher, driver and late-night bookkeeper. In between fielding phone calls and leaving to pick up customers, Bracegirdle managed to squeeze in a few moments of quiet to speak recently with Hometown News about what she calls her dream job. “I was looking for a business where I could be my own boss, and when this opportunity came up, it was perfect, because I like to drive and I love talking with people,” says the Sarnia-born, Perth-raised Bracegirdle, whose family came to the area when her father took a position at the old Perth jail. A graduate of Perth & District Collegiate, the multi-talented Bracegirdle has also run a flooring business, and for years has provided bookkeeping services for numerous clients in the area. With three grown children having left home, empty-nester Bracegirdle – who also cares for a half-dozen cats – is working long hours to service a large area where getting groceries, making doctors’ appointments, and simply socializing can be a challenge for those without a vehicle. “Cabs are just another part of the urban transportation infrastructure, but in rural Lanark County, we’re one of the only options available to a surprisingly large number of people,” she says, adding that while the cab company
is a business, she very much sees her work as a modest form of public service too. “Getting people from point A to B is the bare minimum in cab work, and as far as I’m concerned, I want our drivers to do a lot more,” she says, noting she’s getting to know the regular K&K client base by being on the road herself seven days a week. “It's about helping people in and out of the vehicle if they have mobility issues, it's checking in with them to see how they're doing, it’s loading in and dropping off groceries. A lot of the people we drive can be socially isolated, and we may be the only people they speak with for a little while. So that’s a nice thing to be a friendly ear to someone who has something to share, and it’s as good for us as it is for them.” Bracegirdle is particularly happy that she has a van on the road, noting elderly riders are grateful they do not have to crouch down to get into their seats, and getting out is easier than in a regular car. “Plus there’s an awesome amount of leg room for tall people, and it's fantastic for larger groups who need to get around,” she says, adding no other company in Perth has a van in their fleet. With 4 vehicles servicing most of Lanark County, she says “we’ll go where we’re required,” and although there are set hours of operation (Monday to Thursday from 6 am to 11 pm, and 24-hour service from Fridays at 6 am to Sundays at 11 pm), she says anyone who provides decent notice will be provided transportation outside of those hours. Bracegirdle is also proud that 50% of her drivers are female, a significant change from the stereotype of cabbies as cigar-chomping wiseacres sporting bald pates
The new K&K Cab owner Leanda Bracegirdle takes a call for a customer pickup in Perth's only cab van. She describes running the cab company, which now has 50% female and male employees, as a dream job because she loves driving and enjoys meeting people. Photo credit: Matthew Behrens
and thick Brooklyn accents. “We have a great team, some of whom we inherited from (previous owner) Kathy Farrar, and the company has always had a great reputation too,” she adds. Just a month into owning the company, Bracegirdle ran head-first into the challenges of a damaging windstorm, missing by seconds a tree that came across her path on a rural road. “It was one of those moments where everyone in the cab took a breath and said, ‘Did that just really happen, and isn’t it great that we chatted for a minute or so before we got going when I picked them up? Otherwise, we might have been hit by that tree!’” Owning K&K has been “a lot of fun” for Bracegirdle, who says she particularly enjoys meeting a wide range of people. “Cab driving is a lot like bartending, because you can meet perfect strangers who will open up and share just about anything with you, which is a real treat,” she says. “You meet a lot of great people. It’s a lot of work, but it's a privilege to do it.” Those needing to hail a K&K cab will immediately recognize Bracegirdle’s voice when they call (613) 2644001.
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LCTA seeks input for Lanark County food and drink trail
Regional - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca
The Lanark County Tourism Association (LCTA) is pleased to announce the development of a new food and drink trail in Lanark County, the Sip & Savour Trail. The new trail will help visitors locate specialized food and drink businesses in the region, including breweries, distilleries, restaurants, maple syrup producers, chocolatiers and more. A stakeholder session for the Sip & Savour Trail is planned for Monday, June 11, 2018, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Almonte Old Town Hall, to gain feedback on the program from tourism operators and stakeholders. All are welcome to attend the information session; catered refreshments will be provided. A second stakeholder session is planned to be held in Perth, in fall 2018. “We are very excited to be working with our members in the development of our latest project,” LCTA President Bob Mingie said. “Food and drink trails are popular with tourists and we anticipate that having this information available in one com-
prehensive document and online location will help visitors in planning their visit to our area.” The program guidelines for the Sip & Savour Trail will be developed in 2018 through a partnership project with the Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO). The project has received funding support through OHTO’s Tourism Destination Development Program (TDPP) and with the support of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The Sip & Savour Trail will be developed to align with OHTO’s Come Wander brand platform and themes. Both OHTO and Lanark County Tourism will provide staff support and guidance throughout the development process. “Today’s travellers are motivated to travel for the full experience of a destination,” said OHTO’s Tourism Development Coordinator, Stephanie Hessel. “Linking together Lanark County’s unique culinary offers with a route that is strategically developed and anchored in key market insights provides visitors with a better appreciation of what the destination experience is, and
reasons they should visit.” “The Sip & Savour Trail will include stories of the tastes and flavours of Lanark County and the people behind those experiences that helps to capture the attention of potential visitors seeking authentic culinary experiences,” Hessel goes on to say. “Ultimately, this inspires visitation and encourages visitors to access and experience more of the region.” It’s anticipated the program guidelines for the Sip & Savour Trail will be completed by the end of 2018, with a program rollout in 2019 in advance of the tourism season. Once completed, the Sip & Savour Trail will include printed materials distributed through tourism outlets and operators, as well as a website featuring an interactive map, and brief descriptions of the locations. Advertising and promotion for the trail will also be included. For more information about the Sip & Savour Trail project, or to register for the June 11 stakeholder session, please contact Amy Hogue at lanarkcountytour ismass o ciation@gmail.com or 613264-6107.
June 2018
16
business
FLAGANDSIGNSUPERCENTER.COM
1918-2018 WW1 Armistice Centennial
Limited supply-1914 to 1918 Historic Canada Red Ensign Flag own during this period. CALL TO RESERVE THIS RARE 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY TREASURE.
CALL: 613-275-2438 EMAIL: info@@agandsignsupercenter.com View our online catalogue at:
www..agandsignsupercenter.com 650 HWY 29 Newbliss, ON
11KM SOUTH OF SMITHS FALLS ON HWY #29
marketplace directory ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE ACCOUNTANT
$45 per issue. For more information call 613-206-0708 or email us at advertising@pdgmedia.ca PRINTING
PAINT N PAPER
Quality // Workmanship // Pride Cabinets refinished Staircases refinished Unpasted wallpapers Traditional painting
carseythepainter.com LANDSCAPE PRODUCTS
RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, FARM
TOYS
FIREPLACES
VINYL
Browns Concrete Oaks Pavers Rinox Concrete Products Natural Flagstone 6156 County Road 43 North Elmsley, Ontario K7H 3C7 landscapeproductsdepot.com 613-880-0309 Fax 613-259-5638
WELCOME WAGON
613-453-5253