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Vol. 7
No. 10
YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER - LANARK, NORTH LEEDS & GRENVILLE
OCTOBER 2020
Fall cormorant hunt welcomed by local hunters & conservationist Smiths Falls - Janelle Labelle editorial@pd gmedia.ca
Among the flocks of geese in the Smiths Falls Basin this summer, there have also been a few smaller, sleeker, quieter birds: cormorants. This shiny beauty of a bird is at the heart of a controversy in Eastern Ontario’s hunting community this fall. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Fishery (MNR) introduced a double crested cormorant hunt this fall from September 15 to December 31. Cormorants damage habitats and other bird populations, and are widely considered a pest. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters note that “Cormorants are responsible for population declines of other colonial birds such as the black-crowned night heron, great blue heron and great egret [...] This includes the loss of the only great blue heron colony on Lake Ontario, and a 56-percent decline in great egret nests in Lake Ontario.” Since the early 1970s, the Ontario government has protected the double crested cormorant. Pesticide use in the 1940s and 50s - specifically DDT - caused thinning of cormorant egg shells, which prevented reproduction and damaged the population to such an extent that it was almost extinct. Since then, the cormorant population has come roaring back so much so that hunters, conservationists, and homeowners have been dismayed by the negative
effect of the cormorant in the Great Lakes, and, in the past ten years, the Big Rideau. They have been lobbying the government to do something about the population boom. Brain Preston, a local hunter and conservationist, welcomes this fall’s cormorant hunt which allows hunters to harvest up to 15 birds per day from September 15 to December 31. Some conservationist groups are aghast that the hunt has been permitted. In an open letter to John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, 45 scientists and ecologists protest that harvest numbers are entirely too high; “If 0.5% of small game hunters reached the daily limit for ten days that exceeds the estimated breeding population in Ontario.” “Harvesting this [amount of cormorants] is an impossibility,” explains Preston, “I’ve been out with a friend six times, and we have harvested a combined total of nine birds. Then we retrieved them and disposed of them as required by law.” In the past ten years the Rideau has seen a huge increase in cormorants as they have overflowed their habitats in the Great Lakes and are coming into the Ottawa Valley. Preston notes that this hunt, in his opinion, will not go far enough to control the cormorant population. In their letter to Minister Yakabuski, the ecologists point out that “Cormorants are a species native to Ontario. A significant amount
of financial resources was invested in creating a healthier environment which allowed them to recover; their abundance is a conservation success story.” On this point, Preston agrees. “The MNR biologists are interested in the preservation of species in balance with nature,” he explains, “And obviously nature is affected by man. But we are animals too, we have a place here too.” “There has been a population explosion in the Big Rideau, and cormorant colonies expand rapidly. One adult pair can have four chicks per year; living on an island with no predators they have a low mortality rate.” Preston adds that without further intervention from the MNR, the cormorants will continue to overwhelm the habitat and reduce populations of local fish and birds. “The only way to control it is for the MNR to oil the nests in the spring.”
Photo credits: Jaqueline Marie photography.
New rules from Premier Doug Ford bound pop our bubbles Regional - Janelle Labelle editorial@pd gmedia.ca
On October 2, Premier Doug Ford announced a pause on social bubbles. Instead of socializing within a close circle of 10 people, Ontario residents should only have close contact with members of their own households. Encounters with anyone else should be kept socially distant and masks should be worn. Social bubbles, isolating, social distancing, and mask-wearing are terms we rarely thought of last year, but by now we are all intimately familiar with them. Some of the strict anti-Covid measures were eased this summer, social
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bubbles were expanded, and seniors’ homes lifted their lockdowns, allowing some carefully screened visits. Schools reopened in September, travel between provinces increased, and previously closed businesses were permitted to open. As the second wave hits us, we’re being asked once again to dial back our socializing, and to move our social interactions online instead of in person. Video chat applications like Zoom and FaceTime allow for socially distant visits and lessons, doctors appointments and interviews. This is only helpful, however, for those who have devices on which to communicate.
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Seniors’ homes were hit particularly hard by the Covid-19 virus last spring, comprising the lion’s share of cases and, sadly, deaths. Across Ontario, 314 long-term care homes have experienced an outbreak, and approximately 30 long-term care homes in Ontario are experiencing an outbreak of COVID currently. More than 1800 residents have died. Isolation is hard on us all, but it is particularly hard on residents of seniors homes who are separated from their families, grieving the loss of their friends, and unable to connect with their loved ones. At the beginning of May, deaths in long-term care homes accounted for more than 80% of the
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deaths from COVID-19 in Canada and strict lockdown orders were enforced. In order to help the residents in their care connect with their loved ones, workers at long-term care homes have been sharing their smartphones and tablets with the residents. Nothing can replace the comfort of a warm hug and clasped hands, but a belly laugh over the internet isn’t a bad substitute. Seeing the need for seniors to have internet connected devices, Spectrum Therapeutics, the medical division of Ontario-based, Canopy Growth, has donated 57 iPads to 21 longterm care homes across Ontario to help residents connect with their family and friends, includ-
ing Rosebridge Manor outside of Smiths Falls. As Thanksgiving approaches, Ontario is asking citizens to stay apart to limit the spread of Covid-19. It is so easy to forget those who are not right in front of us. This year, more than ever, we need to remember to reach out to those who are isolated or alone. Send a video, make a telephone call, write some letters. Discover the joy of bringing a smile to someone’s eye, even if you can only see them through a screen. A civilized society is marked by its kindness to its most vulnerable members - so let’s be sure to be particularly kind, especially to those behind closed doors.
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Hometownnews
october 2020
Page Two Publisher
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Patricia Krotki pmkrotki@pdgmedia.ca
Kathy Botham
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Contact 613-284-9826 hometownnews@pdgmedia.ca Cartoon by Patrick Labelle
Hometown News is available at Your Independent Grocers across the region. Pick up your copy at: Andress' (Smiths Falls) Barnabe's (Perth) Mitchell's (Carleton Place) Patrice's (Almonte) PLEASE SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES.
Northern Buttons Limited Groceries Produce
Fresh Deli
Fresh Fish
Bakery
Salad Bar
Counter Fresh Flowers ern Button Co. The main Butcher’s from the now closed button
Pictured here: plant building and staff in 1923 as printed in the “Who’s Who” of Smiths Falls in 1924. Photo credit: The Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum
Smiths Falls - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca Northern Buttons Limited was located north of the Gould foundry building on Mill Street and it was founded before 1924 by local businessmen: They were: Claude A. Patterson, M.D., President, George B. Frost, Treasurer; Fred C. Clayton, Secretary; and
William S. Murphy, M.D., and Milton F. Davidson, Vice-Presidents. All had good intentions this was going to be the cream of the crop of Smiths Falls industry. In the Glenn Lockwood book “Smiths Falls” he writes that in 1920 the International Button Co. persuaded the town of Smiths Falls to grant –by the way of a bonus– ex-
emption from taxation for over a period of 10 years and to provide a factory free of rent for a period of 5 years. They had high hopes that never materialized. Mr. Arthur Vogelsang, the manager, was largely experienced in the button industry. The sales organization was handled by Mr. Fred Hunter of Montreal and R.W. Faber and Company of Toronto,
both connected with the Canadian textile industry. His father was a button pioneer who owned the Ivory Button Manufacturer of Canada, beginning his business in Kitchener in 1867. The factory employed about thirty people, about 25 of them women. There was a variety of buttons made, but the ivory button business was a priority for the North-
building was used as the “Machinery Hall”, but additions were made to the rear of the structure: a two storey 60 ft. by 40 ft. addition was added to the rear of the main factory, as well as a 40 ft. by 20 ft. one storey stone structure. The factory operated until the mid-1930s. Smiths Falls at that time had a lot of employment for men, but the local women found difficulty in finding part time employment to help out the family. Even though the ivory button was their key product they tried to find another niche product as soon as they realized other companies were nipping into their business. So they began to create buttons for coats: men’s and women’s along with vests, cloaks, trousers and shoe buttons. One would think that they had a plan for success, but sadly the company closed down less than 10 years later. Nothing is without controversy, and after the button company closed Smiths Falls town councillor T.C. McNabb was charged for theft of machinery in 1935
factory. But all seems to have been forgotten in the matter, as no other mention of T.C. McNabb and his issue with the Northern Button Co was recorded in the media. In fact he was still “taking care of business” in Smiths Falls as councillor in 1936 and 1937 and so on. As Ottawa historian Jaan Kolk said: “I guess the prosecutor didn’t have the case sewn up after all.” Do you have any buttons from the Smiths Falls Northern Button Company? This company began in Smiths Falls in 1922 on Old Mill Road. Featuring ivory buttons at a time when plastic manufacturing was just taking off is presumed to be the company’s primary downfall when it closed in the 1930’s. We are trying to find some of these buttons, even photographs to help us record this story from our town’s past. If you have any information, please contact The Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum at (613) 283-6311 or email at heritagehouse@ smithsfalls.ca.
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october 2020
community
wanted: Photographers to come and stay regonal - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca Nancy Sendell opens the door. “Welcome,” she says. “Come on in.” Water|Wood is a new Bed and Breakfast in Westport; it sits on Concession Street at the top of a short rise, and her neighbours are glad she’s there. At one time the old house was an eye-sore “a junkyard, old trucks, car parts, gas tanks, batteries” but today it’s fresh and clean, both outside and in. The bones are good, in other words. Her front verandah says it all — home-made quilt on an outdoor couch, small table ringed by a couple of chairs at one end, a busy ball park down the street, and a parade of animals in and out of the veterinary clinic across the way. “How about a tour?” she asks, pushing the door wider. “That way you’ll get
to know me a bit…from the artistic side.” Sendell is tall; she has a curl of greying hair down the right side of her face. The rest of it is short. A bright scarf loops around her neck…one of her own designs. Not only does 62-year-old Sendell own and run a B&B, she designs and sells scarves and door-hangings, too. Inside, as in many old houses, on the left is a living room, and on the right, a dining room. Light swamps the dining area; from the ceiling hangs a chandelier (with a story). Sendell calls this her “upside down Christmas tree.” At the bottom of the stairs is the coffee station — “there has to be a decent cup of coffee if you run a B&B”, and at the top a long bright hallway with windows at both ends. The hallway leads to three large bedrooms — the Rideau, Frontenac and Cataraqui.
Sendell has chosen some old pieces of furniture like trunks and small tables, painted them and placed them in the rooms to good use. The Rideau not only has a king size bed but a single as well. She allows pets, but they have to “bring their own blanket,” she says firmly, having experienced pets without blankets. Fresh paint, high ceilings, and lots of light make the rooms attractive, and, best of all, many of the cushions, shams and window coverings are Sendell’s artwork. Her photographs are digitally printed on silk or cotton. She uses nature’s colours and textures to tell the story (… naming each of her pieces), and then decorates the rooms with them. Sendell has only been open since July. She planned a year for renovations and hoped to open in April but Covid-19
Celebrating 20 years of Serving Our Community
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On Site Digital X-ray Registered Massage Therapy Advanced Health Analysis Surface Electromyography Thermography Heart Rate Variability Analysis THERALASE Low Level Laser for Muscle, Tendon and Joint Healing
Nancy Sendell stands in the Rideau room wearing a bright Newfoundland scarf backed by one of her pictures. Photo credit: Sally Smith.
nixed that. She says, though, business has been good. She books stays for every weekend and offers a two-night mid-week special. To keep people in their own “bubble”, guests rent the three bedrooms as a unit; Sendell feels this adds safety and gives peace of mind to her guests. Breakfast is the only meal she serves. Her specialty is buckwheat pancakes with maple syrup…and comes with great guest reviews. So far she’s hosted “families, fishing groups, cyclists, foodies (who visit nearby farms) and birders.” She hasn’t had any photographers yet, but is looking forward to that day as she’s a photographer herself. She says it was serendipity that brought her to Westport. On an af-
ternoon drive in April 2019, winding her way down Foley Mountain, she was delighted at what she spied at the bottom. “Where did this come from?” she asked herself. “Why have I never seen this before?” And when it came time for her to settle into a place, she remembered the small village. It was six months into her new life as she was getting to know the village when she realized she’d “landed in heaven. The people are fabulous.” A second reason for why Westport?: in order to continue her artisan life she “needed a hustle.” Why not a B&B? “I needed my own security. I needed a house that would pay for itself. I saw the potential [of the old house], and the price was right.” She intends to stay open
For Your Information with Kathy Botham
through the winter — cross-country skiing, lots of trails nearby, and this year “snowbirds won’t be going south.” She adds there seems to be a drift of people of a certain vintage to renovate old cottages to more permanent abodes. Some of these people are pretty isolated; when they need a bit of talking, chatter, company once or twice a month, they might head Westport-way and stay a night or two. Remember… Water | Wood is open for business. Give her a call at 647526-5049. Follow her @ waterwoodbnb. Email her at waterwoodstyle.com. The address is 44 Concession St., Westport ON K0G 1X0. She can also be contacted at airbnb.com/h/ waterwoodwestport. Don’t forget to ask her about Bill, Bill II, and Phil…
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october 2020
community
Carleton Place Mayor spells it out in black and white
We will match our competitors tire prices by 5% on the purchase of four eligible passenger or light truck tires (call for details) UP TO $80.00 TIRE REBATE WHEN YOU PURCHASE 4 TIRES
Photo credit: Submitted.
Carleton Place - Brian turner editorial@pdgmedia.ca Carleton Place Mayor Doug Black issued a statement on Sept 24 regarding his community’s concerns, as expressed by residents to his office and town staff, regarding the current state of the Covid-19 pandemic. He started off his comments acknowledging the anxiety among the public about the potential spread of the disease with schools and daycares reopening and the upcoming cold and flu season. He told Hometown News that the top two concerns that hit his desk and email inbox, and prompt calls and voicemails as of late are Covid testing arrangements and concerns with sending children back to schools and daycare facilities. On the topic of testing, the rules and guidelines as laid out by the province have been changing drastically and rapidly. Demand has skyrocketed as daily infection numbers rise and as more and more people are required to get tested to be able to return to work or school after displaying symptoms or due to coming into contact with someone who tested positive or to be simply able to visit loved ones in long term care facilities. The problem is, municipal governments and staff have no control over testing arrangements or the various rules, regulations and guidelines issued by public health officials, the province, and the federal government to help stem the tide of infections. Carleton Place has been a leader in getting Covid related information out. With very little exception, 5 and sometimes 7 days a week since the lock-down first began back in March, town staff has put a page of updated information on their website and FaceBook page related to Covid, specifically measures that directly affect local residents. Anyone can subscribe to these missives via the town’s website at carletonplace.ca to be able to get them by email. The info sheets contain
links to the various government and public health agencies to help guide readers to the correct source for the most accurate and up to date information. This is something that municipal governments can do, and the other main action is cooperating with and supporting local health units among other agencies. As Black put it in his statement, “the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit has been working closely with local school boards and the Ministry of Education to implement policies and procedures to keep both children and staff safe. This is also the case for local childcare facilities. Parents are encouraged to use the online screening tool provided by the Eastern Ontario Health Unit which provides direction on what to do if a child is experiencing symptoms.” He added, “now more than ever, we must continue to be vigilant about proper hand washing, wearing masks when out in public, and respecting social distancing measures. Preventing and minimizing transmission has to remain our priority as a community and we all have a role to play in this.” When asked what was most important in successfully getting through the pandemic, Black pointed to this remark in his statement; “compassion is key to us getting through this together!” He also urged that “people be kind and resist the temptation to speculate about absences or share rumours about possible cases, especially on social media.” He concluded his statement noting how proud he was of how residents have handled this situation and that he continues to have “every confidence that the compassion and kindness I have witnessed will continue.” For the full text of the mayor’s statement, go to carletonplace.ca or the town’s Facebook page at facebook.com/carletonplacetownhall.
Local carver chosen to help commemorate centennial of exclusive California club
Veteran Smiths Falls carver Bob Kerr produced these 10 identical mallard duck carvings to be presented to the members of an exclusive California hunting club in commemoration of its 100th anniversary this October. Photo credit: Helen Latimer-Hanah.
Smiths Falls - Chris Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca First Bob Kerr got all his ducks in a row. Then he shipped them to California. The lifelong Smiths Falls resident has been a renowned wood carver for at least 70 years, and a passion that began as a hobby has been his full time career since 1975. That career has seen many highlights, most recently the presentation of a “Living Legend Award” presented by the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Ocean City, Maryland on April 27, 2018. When he was contacted by a friend, an art dealer based in Virginia, and asked if he could help produce some special keepsakes to commemorate the 100th anniversary of an exclusive hunting club located in northern California, Kerr took it in stride. The club allows only 10 members to belong at one time. One of the members thought it would be appropriate to mark the club’s centennial by presenting each member with a carv-
ing of a mallard duck, mounted on a walnut base complete with a plaque inscribed with a history of the club. “I didn’t get real excited about it,” Kerr recently told Hometown News. “I’ve made mallards before, but not 10 at a time.” It took Kerr about a month to complete the 10 duck carvings, which he tried to make as identical as possible. The ducks are on their way to their destination, due to arrive in time for the club’s anniversary celebration in mid-October. Other highlights of Kerr’s many decades as a carver include the production of a richly illustrated coffee table book entitled “Robert G. Kerr – Waterfowl of the World in Miniature.” As the description that accompanied Kerr's induction into the Smiths Falls Sports and Recreation Hall of Fame in 2007 points out, “He is the only carver to reproduce every known species of ducks, geese and swans from around the world, all approximately
one-fifth life size.” How did Kerr, now 85, get started as a carver? “I started carving horses out of soap in Grade 4 or 5,” he recently recalled. “There was nobody to learn anything from at the time.” Kerr later met and became friends with Davey Nichol, a prominent early Canadian decoy carver from Smiths Falls. “I would ask him the odd question,” said Kerr. “He was the best around, and he didn’t take to just anybody.” After honing his skills as a carver in the local area, Kerr heard that a decoy carving contest was going to be held at the Syracuse, New York sportsmen’s show in 1960. “I thought, ‘I’ll help these guys out,’” Kerr recalled. “I put together the best I could do and went down. “And I found out I didn’t know anything.” But, he added, “I met some wonderful carvers, and that’s where it all grew from.” Undaunted, Kerr continued to perfect his craft and travelled to compete in
other competitions In New York, Michigan and Iowa, and as far away as Santa Ana, California. “I did really well in a lot of the competitions down through the years,” said Kerr. In the early days, he recalled, there was a camaraderie among carvers. That began to be lost in the 1970s when the value of prize money began to increase. After that, “winning was the big thrill,” and “it lost its personal touch.” Kerr said he doesn’t bother with competitions these days, because some of the contestants work on their entries for as long as six months, and “that’s no fun for me.” The veteran carver plans to keep doing what he loves, in the comfort of the stand-alone workshop beside the Poonamalie Road bungalow he shares with his wife Evelyn. “I was 18 years on the railroad,” he said. “But it started interfering with my hobby, so I quit. “You don’t get rich at this game, but you get by if you’re not afraid of work.”
Presents:
PERTH “MAJOR” OUTFITTERS;
CREATING WILDERNESS ADVENTURES IN OUR OWN BACKYARD Perth - Brian Turner editorial@pd gmedia.ca Perth Outfitters on Craig St in Perth underwent a major transformation this summer with new ownership under the helm of Glen Major and his son Jason. If you’re counting, that’s enough major brass to justify the name change. This outdoor sport outfitter and rental facility has been a major draw for tourists and locals alike as it boasts water access to a wide variety of river-scapes while being extremely safe for first-time paddlers.
For watercraft rentals, Perth "Major" Outfitters offers canoes, kayaks, tandem kayaks, standup paddle boards and Corcls (small circular shaped boats) by the hour, half-day, day or week. Never paddled before? No worries, experienced staff will be happy to familiarize you with the process. And of course for safety, water-craft rentals include a personal floatation device and safety kit. No matter how familiar you think you might be with the natural area in and around Perth, once you get on the water and depart from the Outfit-
ter’s dock, you will be amazed at the beauty and tranquility of the bounty you will discover. Don’t know which way to go? Perth "Major" Outfitters has you covered with routes running from just an hour to full overnight treks. You can use their craft to launch from area lakes and waterways. And of course, the water adventures, like all the other activities offered, are extremely family oriented. Land-based activities are another area where Perth "Major" Outfitters shine. From their extremely unique and challenging
mini putt golf, to a forest trail just made for exploring with their pedal-powered cart, there’s something to keep everyone smiling. Plans are in the works to develop the trail into a pop-up artisan market, custom made for safe social distancing. Stay tuned to their website or Facebook page for more details. And yes they hope to have one of the region’s only ice-skating wilderness trails backup and delighting ice fans this winter along with the shinny pond rink out on the front lawn. Health and safety has always been a priority at the Outfitters
and they are proud to keep up that tradition in these unusual times. All Health Unit recommended protocols are being followed to allow everyone to get out and enjoy one of the most beautiful regions in the country. So if you and your family are feeling isolated, Perth "Major" Outfitters has solutions! For the fall, they’re open Fridays to Mondays from 9 am to 6 pm, including Thanksgiving weekend. You can check out their reasonable rates and make reservations at perthoutfitters. com or by calling 613-772-1122.
TOP LEFT, RIGHT & BOTTOM RIGHT - Photo credits: facebook.com/perthoutfitters
Photo credit: Brian Turner
Events Around the Region CARLETON PLACE OCTOBER 23 & 24
HISTORY BENEATH YOUR FEET 1:00pm & 6:30pm United Cemeteries 2677 Cemetery Side Rd 613-253-7013 cpbmuseum@outlook.com
OCTOBER 30 & 31
NEIGHBOURHOOD HALLOWEEN SCAVENGER HUNT Join the Recreation & Culture Department in decorating your house/ yard to participate in the Carleton Place Neighbourhood Halloween Scavenger Hunt! Participating houses must be registered by October 28th and set up by the morning of October 30th. 613-257-1690 Jhansen@carletonplace.ca
PERTH
OCTOBER 10
FARMERS’ MARKET 8:00am - 1:00pm Crystal Palace perthfarmersmarket.ca
SMITHS FALLS
OCTOBER 1 - 17
FALL HARVEST ONLINE AUCTION Closed at 9:00pm Oct. 17 www.32auctions.com/ REAL2020
OCTOBER 1 - 30
5TH ANNUAL SMALL TOWN FEELING BREAST CANCER FUNDRAISER COVID-19 STYLE Gift Basket Raffle Draw Available at a Buck or Two Plus Settlers Ridge Centre 275 Brockville Street 613-223-9256
OCTOBER 14 & 15
GHOST WALKS / HAUNTED HERITAGE
HOUSE 6:00pm - 8:00pm Heritage House Museum 13 Old Slys Rd 613-283-6311 heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca
OCTOBER 16
2020 PURSE EVENT ONLINE AUCTION 6:00pm - 8:00pm Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County facebook.com/thepurseevent/
OCTOBER 17
FALL FUN DAY 11:00am - 2:00pm Heritage House Museum 13 Old Slys Rd 613-283-6311 heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca
OCTOBER 17 - 31
PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST Enter carved pumpkin in the Community Pumpkin Walk on display from the Fall Fun Day to Oct. 31 in order to win a Fall Themed Gift Basket.
Drop off: October 16 613-283-6311 heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca
WESTPORT & RIDEAU LAKES WEDNESDAYS
WILD WEDNESDAY WINTER WASHER TOSS Starting Oct. 14th 7:00pm Upper Rideau Legion 542 10099 County Road 10 Espresso Shots Live 7:30pm - 8:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN
OCTOBER 8
OKTOBERFEST NITES WITH NO PRINCIPALS 5:00pm - 8:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com
1-888-COVEINN
OCTOBER 9
OKTOBERFEST NITES WITH BORGIN & BENNI 5:00pm - 8:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN
OCTOBER 11
HEAD OVER HEELS 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN
OCTOBER 19
SPENCER SCHARF 5:00pm - 8:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN
REGIONAL
PAKENHAM SATURDAYS
OCTOBER 15
SPENCER EVANS “MR. JAZZ NIGHT” 5:00pm - 8:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN
OCTOBER 17
10:00am - 11:30am Foley Mountain Conservation Area rebecca.whitman@rvca.ca
FOREST SCHOOL FAMILY DROP IN PROGRAM
FALL INTO CHRISTMAS 5:00pm Cedar hill Christmas Tree Farm 951 8th Concession South 613-256-3029
SUNDAYS
FALL INTO CHRISTMAS 5:00pm Cedar hill Christmas Tree Farm 951 8th Concession South 613-256-3029
PICNIC Smiths Falls EACH BOX CONTAINS:
2 Main Dishes 2 Side Dishes 2 Desserts 2 Drinks Tourism Information Map of ideal picnic locations Free gift from the Town of Smiths Falls
t f i G e Fre
FOR PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES:
WWW.SMITHSFALLS.CA/EXPERIENCE
TOWNOFSMITHSFALLS
EXPERIENCESMITHSFALLS
Food & Drink
Let's Eat
Brian Turner
The Vault Eatery and Pub; A safe place to expand your dining horizons Smiths Falls' newest eatery, The Vault Eatery & Pub at the corner of Beckwith and Russell Street isn’t your ordinary pub and that’s by the design of its owner/operator Amy McNeilly. A veteran server in the trade, she, like many of her profession, endeavored to become her own boss and set her own menu. Unlike the masses, Amy had the nerve and the drive to make it a reality and opened her doors at the end of July this year. It’s called the Vault in recognition of the historic building’s original use as a bank and like most decommissioned banks, the vault doors are still there. The Vault offers a versatile menu that doesn’t change from opening at 11 am to close. What does change however are the daily specials, which are posted regularly on the restaurant Facebook page (facebook.com/ thevaulteaterypub). The daily specials include soups made from scratch, comfort items like meatloaf, chicken
pot pie and mac'n'cheese as well as flavourful beef curry served with naan and raita, and roast pork tenderloin in a grainy mustard cream. Amy is proud to support local businesses, sourcing vegetables from J. Quattrocchi, meats from Garden Market and offering pies and butter tarts baked in house by Short Crust Food Co. There are some differences worth noting about the Vault; there is no deep fryer in the kitchen and in-
stead potato wedges and chicken wings are baked in a convection oven. On the pub side you won’t find any mass produced conglomerate-sourced ales and lagers, but instead local craft brews to perfectly match your menu choices. In order to accommodate Covid times, the Vault is offering daily 'grab and go’ choices and has teamed up www.valleyeats. ca for home delivery with curb-side pick also available. I stopped in for lunch re-
cently and enjoyed one of the grab and go roast beef sandwiches. The beef was piled high on a substantially sized perfectly grained bun and topped with caramelized onions, lettuce and sriracha aioli that had just the right amount of kick. It was a meal on its own and is priced at only $8. Even though the Vault has only been open for a short time, new regulars are returning for two signature dishes; Pad Thai made
with rice noodles, tofu and vegetables in a spicy tamarind sauce, with chicken or shrimp as add on options, and the Sunday night Roast Beef Dinner with house made gravy, mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. The roast beef creates another rush on Mondays, when smart lunch hunters know there might be a hot beef sandwich on the board. And for meat lovers everywhere, the brisket is braised in house to a fork tender de-
light in a local red ale. The Vault Eatery and Pub is open Mondays from 11 am to 3 pm, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays till 8 pm, on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays till 9 pm, and on Sundays till 8 pm. You can reach them to make reservations for dine-in at 613 283 7009. This year above all others is a good reason to get out and expand your horizons, and the Vault has plenty of reasons to lock that goal in place.
#livesimpleeatwell
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Wildfires in the Vineyards
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In 2018, Ugly Apple won two awards at the Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (GLINTCAP), the largest cider competition in the world - a silver medal for its Natural Cider, El Escanciador, a traditional Spanish-styled “Sidra� aged on lees and made using Lanark Greening and other heritage varieties. Ugly Apple Wild Apple Wine
also received a bronze medal, under the category of Specialty Cider. Ugly Apple is a smallscale operation located in Lanark Highlands, producing artisanal, small-batch, crisp, and dry wines and ciders using apples harvested from heritage and wild apple trees in the Lanark Highlands area. A pure, all Ontario 100% organic apples product, naturally pressed/fer-
mented, unfiltered and gluten free, bottled using no additives. They all come in at between 5.6% to 6.5%abv, so you can have a few glasses of cider compared to less
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wine. Amy and Brett Hogue along with their son Ethan have been operating Ugly Apple since 2000 and they have 200 tree orchard plots on their property including planted apple trees. They plant 1 year nursery trees that take another 5 years to produce cider apples and 7 years to full production. They also go to other heritage properties with another 100 to 300 trees where they harvest several varieties of heritage apples using a tarp under the tree and a shaker machine like they do in Europe harvesting olives and in California harvesting almonds. The Forbes Log Cabin Scrumpy and Kintail Gold are examples of 100 to 200 year old apples from Settler days. Quality cider apples are not your big, beautiful, juicy eating apples; they are gnarly small and many are scabbed, but when pressed, they produce an amazing juice that makes world class cider. "Ugly apples make the best cider," says Ethan. It was the perfect sunny fall day for a roadster run to the orchard where Brett and Ethan graciously provided me with a complete tasting of their line of ciders. They all come in 750ml clear bottles at $15 each. They started with the lightest and driest moving to the ones with more body and a touch of natural sweetness, as I tasted the six varieties, just like tasting a flight of wines in the right order.
Sippin' Cider: golden, light aromas and crisp apple flavours with well balanced acidity to tartness for a refreshing finish. Forbes Log Cabin Scrumpy: medium golden, some body and minerality with a touch of mid-palate sweetness, and a clean apple finish. A British visitor exclaimed, "Scrumpy!" after tasting this one because it brought him back to being 8 years old in his father's orchard where this was the real deal done in the European traditional style. 'Scrumpy' means small batch cider in England. Kintail Gold: medium yellow, yellow apple/pear aromas, light to medium bodied and even more complex in fruit profile with a note of fresh basil and unsweetened pineapple. Ethan said this turned out great this year as they have started harvesting and bottling. El Escanciador: pale yellow, done in the Spanish 'sidras' style aged on lees using the rare Lanark Greening along with select heritage varieties; very balanced mix of fruit, tartness, clean finish. This was one of my favourites. Wild Cider-Batch One: light golden with light apple aroma; dry, clean and refreshing with a nice minerality finish and a touch of tartness. Wild Cider-Batch Two: medium golden, some body and more complex-
ity because of the varieties of apples used, dry minerality with a touch of mid palate sweetness and a clean finish. Another favourite! They plan to increase production by 30% and widen their distribution. Brett talked about the problem cideries have with LCBO where they are allowed to sell directly at Farmers Markets, online and at Ugly Apple, but because this is not wine, they must pay 43% LCBO taxes to sell in restaurants! This is not fair, and I have noticed more press during these COVID19 days which shows how restaurants too must pay these high tax Licensee fees to LCBO which is about the same as we pay retail in LCBO stores, and in fact restaurants sometimes can pay up to 6% more. During this pandemic restaurants too are looking for government relief from these LCBO taxes to be able to survive the next few months or we will see a number of restaurants permanently closing. So get out and support Ugly Farm at 1940 Concession Road 4B Dalhousie, Lanark, Ontario, or at the Farmer's Market in Carp. Their ciders are not the overly sweet ones we are used to and they are the 'real deal'! You may reach Ugly Apple at 613-264-6107 and uglyapplecider@ gmail.com.
9
october 2020
community
E-Grocery Canada; providing multiple solutions with one innovation
Photo credit: Brian Turner
Carleton Place - Brian Turner editorial@pdgmedia.ca 2020 will stand out as either a year to remember or one to forget. One reason
to look back fondly and proudly on this annum is the rise of Canadian ingenuity and perseverance. One shining example of this locally has to be Gen-
eration Inn’s invention of E-Grocery Canada, an easy to use online food shopping system with extremely competitive pricing. The can’t-be-stopped
A broken arm didn’t slow her down regonal - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Research. Time. Effort. That’s what it takes to write a book. And that’s okay if you’re working with two hands. Working with one is quite another story… Lanark County resident Julie Czerneda knows this. At the end of September one of her most recent books — The Gossamer Mage — was released in a special trade edition. This is the one she wrote nursing a broken arm, broken in four places, not just one. “I broke it Christmas-Eve day,” she says. This was 2019, her grandson had been born December 13, she’d wrapped up her writing so she and her husband could spend time with family and new the baby. She was happy, anticipating Christmas week, and there was just enough time to fill the bird-feeders before heading into town. “I found a patch of ice, and down I went!” Her husband, Roger, took one look, and the two headed to the hospital. The Emergency Room at the Smiths Falls Hospital was empty, she remembers. Dr. Anderson took one look (as her husband had) and sent her off for a cast.
“The cast was huge,” she remembers, “actually soothing because of the heat. Not so bad,” she thought. But, she had a book to write, a new grandson to meet, presents to give out; after a rum and coke, and after Roger filled his own stocking, she settled in to think the process through. Writing with her left-hand, even typing, wouldn’t be so bad, perhaps; drawing she could probably manage, too. But in order to type, she needed “fingers.” The following two months started with a new cast put on early in the New Year by Shawn, “a mammoth man,” at the hospital; he cut off the first cast, and carefully wrapped on the second making sure her fingers could wiggle so she could type. “It was fibreglass, Roger made socks to go over it, I had a brace…and I wrote the book with a cast on.” The first draft, Czerneda says, including maps, was finished before the cast came off, because when it comes off, “the hand swells.” (I could see her eyes rolling over the phone.) With a deadline to meet and publicity already started, it had to get done. Hometown readers will know of Czerneda; even be-
Julie Czerneda stands with the Prix Aurora Award and a copy of The Gossamer Mage on her back deck. Photo credit: Roger Czerneda Photography
fore the cast occurrence at the hospital, Czerneda was a featured writer and workshop leader at the Open Doors Celebration at the Smiths Falls library in 2018. Thanks go to Karen Schecter and Katie Holmes for this, she says. Yet another tie to the area — Rideau Antiques, which “has possibly the oddest collection of stuff anywhere.” The inkwell featured in The Gossamer Mage was found there. And if you look carefully at the picture on the inside back flap of the cover of her book, you’ll find her crouching in front of the old wall which was, at one time, part of a dam built by Colonel John By as he was building the Rideau Canal. The Gossamer Mage is book #20 for Czerneda; she won the 2020 Prix Aurora Award for Best Science Fiction or Fantasy novel in English by a Canadian published within 2019. It’s awarded by the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Association. Other nominees were E. C. Bell, Guy Gavriel Kay, Derek Künsken, Fonda Lee and Silvia Moreno-Garcia, a bunch of “extraordinarily talented writers,” Czerneda says, with whom she was delighted to be included. They’re all “a tribute to what Canada produces.” Czerneda has won Canada’s top speculative fiction award in every professional writing category, for both science fiction and fantasy. She has just finished book #22, and #21 was completed in August. A biologist by education, and trained as a researcher, she uses biology as a “starting point” for all her science fiction novels. As a biologist, in any spare time, if she had her ‘druthers’, she’d rather be outside with her husband, paddling. Being outside is “immersive,” she says, a place where she can “sit and stare for a long time.” Look for Julie Czerneda’s 20th novel The Gossamer Mage at the Smiths Falls Library, find it in bookstores, and visit her at www.czerneda.com.
team of Glynn Comeau and Brenda Larabie came up with the idea after hearing from friends and customers of their Generations Inn, who were feeling uncomfortable when shopping for groceries at traditional brick and mortar facilities. The current pandemic has more than a few people on edge and continually worried about exposure to the Covid-19 virus. They looked around at their spacious and wellequipped restaurant on Lake Park Road near Carleton Place and decided that a contact-free food buying solution with delivery would be a great answer to more than one problem. So in late Au-
gust of this summer they launched E-Grocery Canada and now are looking to franchise this innovation after hearing from more than a few restaurants interested in their success. E-Grocery can help more than just virus-wary consumers; it offers a way for struggling restaurants and diners to stay afloat, keeping staff employed. And unlike online shopping via international conglomerates, this model supports local business instead of killing it. These are the reasons that drove Glynn and Brenda to invest a major amount of time and resources into setting up the E-Grocery website and organizing an effective delivery and curbside pick-up system. Their shelves are loaded with over 500 different items which can easily cover most shoppers’ lists. They have everything from fresh dairy, bakery items and meats to regular staples such as canned and dry goods. After just over a month in operation they’re more than pleased with the response citing an almost even split between new and returning clients. Area delivery is free, but E-Grocery Canada offers a 5% discount for those opting for the short drive to pick their orders up.
One of the hidden benefits in this service is the fact that all products are hand selected by professional chefs, meaning customers are getting the best without necessarily paying top prices. The next step in E-Groceries according to Glynn is ready-to-prepare meal kits. Think of it, everything in one package, with all the hard work taken care of. And yes they offer wine and local craft beers to make theirs meals to remember. Have special dietary needs? No problem, as they have carefully selected their choices to cover all the bases from paleo, to keto, to vegan and gluten-free. New and specialty items are being added every day. And unlike conventional grocery stores, E-Grocery Canada’s virtual doors never close, letting you add to your shopping cart any time, day or night. Don’t think online food shopping is for you? Grab your last weekly food receipt, and do a quick comparison using E-Grocery’s easy to use website and see for yourself how they can solve your shopping problems. They’re located at 717 Lake Park Road, Carleton Place and you can reach them (not some far away offshore call centre) at 613 253 5253. Their website is e-grocerycanada.ca
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2020-10-06 8:09:50 AM
10
october 2020
culture Perth Inside Out:
Terry O'Hearn
The Lasting Legacy of former Perth resident Dave Lavery – Part Two
In the previous column we talked about a horrendous airplane crash that occurred on Jan. 29, 1989, when a Canadian cargo plane was trying to land at Ladd Field in Fairbanks, Alaska. Former Perth resident and Polar Bear Plunge founder Dave Lavery had been on the ground that evening as a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Pathfinder Sergeant, and he would move to Perth with the well-known Polar Bear Plunge, an event he had organized at CFB Petawawa. We will now fill in some details of a distinguished military career leading up to that crash, and the years which followed. On a side note, many of you will notice the extensive use of acronyms here when discussing the military, but it cannot be helped. To illustrate the complexity of the subject, the CAF provides a manual of more than six hundred pages just for the purpose of deciphering and usage of abbreviations and acronyms. Lavery recalls that his ambition to serve his country began at an early age, and from the age of 18 he was with several reserve units. He began his military career with The Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) regiment in Penticton, British Columbia in 1974 and served with them until 1976. The birth year of the
RCD, Canada’s senior cavalry regiment, took place in 1883, however their traditions can be traced back to 1759, when a group of volunteer cavalry was raised from young men across the province of Quebec. He then joined the Governor General's Foot Guards (GGFG), and was with that senior reserve infantry unit from 1976 to 1977. Since World War II, the GGFG has served in Ottawa, including performing the world-famous changing of the guard ceremony along with the Canadian Grenadier Guards. The history of both regiments, however, dates back to a much earlier time. In 1977 Lavery joined the 1st Battalion, Royal Newfoundland Regiment (RNR), and served with that unit until 1980. The RNR is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Army, and part of the 5th Canadian Division's 37 Canadian Brigade Group, tracing their origins to 1795. Since 1949, the RNR has been a unit of the CAF. Lavery “made the big move” when he joined the CAF in January of 1980. He was shipped directly to the Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) Battle School in Petawawa, where he underwent 16 grueling weeks of infantry skills. He managed to graduate as the top candidate and marksman. After the Battle School, he was posted to 1RCR (1st Battalion), at London, ON, and then moved to the training base CFB Cornwallis in 1983. Cornwallis had been strictly a navy base until the unification of the forces in 1968. “In 1985 I was posted to the Airborne Regiment, then returned to the RCR Battle School as the Warrant Officer in 1990.” The Cana-
dian Airborne Regiment (CAR) would later suffer a severe blow with the Somalia scandal of 1993, and a political decision was made to disband the CAR following an inquiry. The decision did not sit well with CAF personnel. Lavery returned to 1RCR in London in 1991, and it was not long before the government of the time announced the formation of Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2). He was then selected as a candidate, and led the training at the Dwyer Hill facility, becoming one of the founders of JTF2 in 1992. He served in that capacity until 1994. The call came in 1995 to return to 1RCR to carry out Sergeant Major duties. After that posting, he was called back to JTF2, and served with that unit again until 1999. Details of operations carried out by Canada’s most elite special operations force remain classified. It was then on to the “Clothe the Soldier” project (CTS), in an advisory capacity for airborne units, and he carried out those duties until the year 2000. The Canadian Disruptive Pattern (CADPAT) uniform was implemented during that time, and the uniform would generate interest world-wide and be imitated by other armies. Lavery finally retired on Jan. 21, 2000, as a Sergeant Major, MMM, CD with 23.5 years of service. Here it must be noted that to be considered for the Member of the Order of Military Merit decoration, the recipient must have demonstrated “outstanding meritorious service and leadership in duties of great responsibility.” Lavery left Perth and Canada after 9/11, and has been serving in various
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A recent Canada Day in Kabul, Afghanistan with Dave Lavery and Tajj the tortoise. Photo credit: Dave Lavery.
capacities assisting with humanitarian security assistance, and now the private sector. Even though living in another part of the world, he still has a “high esteem for our country and the flag which represents it. I regard the precious flag with profound gratitude and respect, and thank all
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of those who sacrificed so much to pave a better way for all of us. We still wear the Canadian badge with honour. My entire team here in Afghanistan has a dual badge half Canadian and half Afghan, and you will see Canadian flags within my compound all year round.”
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Although Dave Lavery does not seek any recognition for his service to the country, please join me in a salute to one of Canada’s finest: warrior, humanitarian, citizen of Perth, Canada, and the world. If you have any comments or suggestions, please email me at: terry@pdgmedia.ca
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11
october 2020
business Former musician brings artist's flair to new Smiths Falls boutique Smiths Falls - Chris Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca Although she admits that launching a new venture during a pandemic is “very nerve-wracking,” the owner of Smiths Falls’ newest business says it was an opportunity too good to resist. “I saw this location and I couldn’t pass it up,” said Taylor Angus, who opened Tayboo Boutique in 800 square feet of space at Davidson’s Courtyard Saturday, Sept. 26. Although the boutique includes a section of handmade items from craftspeople across Ontario, 90 percent of the items are made and sold by Angus herself.
Among the items she has taught herself to make through “trial and error” are pillows, baby onesies, shirts, tote bags, drinking glasses, and many more. Angus is also an illustrator, and decorates her creations with original artwork. Items on sale made by other artisans include candles, book marks, enamel pins, jewellery and magnets. Angus said she wants all customers to feel welcome. “It’s very young-looking in here, but there’s something for all ages and genders.” The new venture is not a complete change for Angus, a native of Ottawa who grew up in Perth. Until the pandemic dramatically
curtailed job opportunities for musicians, she was playing at venues across the province in an acoustic jazz duo with her partner Logan Brown. (Her favourite artist, Angus says, is Michael Bublé.) She was already selling handmade items as a sideline through Esty, an e-commerce website specializing in handmade or vintage items, and craft supplies. For now Angus will be running her store alone, but will decide whether to hire more help after the first year of operation. Tayboo Boutique can be contacted at TaybooBoutique@gmail.com or 613862-2129. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.
Taylor Angus opened her new business, Tayboo Boutique, at 7 Russell St. W. on Saturday, Sept. 26. The boutique offers a wide variety of hand-made items decorated with the owner’s unique artwork. Photo credit: Tayboo Boutique.
Small businesses make big impact Regional - Janelle Labelle editorial@pdgmedia.ca
opinion: Am I the only one?
Carrie Wynne
October is Small Business Month in Canada! Congratulations and a big thank you to all the small businesses that keep our community humming and thriving. Whether you are a new business or have been in operation for decades, we salute you and acknowledge the great impact you make in our community. An entrepreneur is defined as a person who starts and manages a business and takes financial risks in the hopes of making a profit. This is amazing: every small business begins with
the economy of mothers
I do not like the narrative that a working mom is essential to the economy. The Throne Speech promises a national childcare system with high standards that is accessible and affordable for all women. First, I do not believe any government can run a fiscally responsible business like that and it will be a gong show. Second, a mother will never look back on her life and think, “I spent too much time with my kids.” What they are basically telling us is that it is not going to be affordable to stay home and raise kids and there is something better and more worthwhile you should be doing. It is a reasonable choice for a family to have a parent stay home full-time protecting, supporting, and providing for her family. The government should support
mothers that choose to work outside the home and mothers who do not. There are benefits to both. Growing a child inside of us for 9 months and then giving birth is the most magical and divine experience a mother will ever have. It is uniquely ours. It is our finest hour. Why are we building an economic case for why mothers should work outside the home? Mothers should not be used as an economic plus for the government. As more and more expectations are put on us by society the less time and fewer choices mothers have. The greatest responsibility we have as mothers is to raise our kids properly and provide homes that are safe, encouraging, and stable. If you are not supporting me for choosing to stay home to raise a family and I’m not supporting you for choosing to aspire to a fulfilling career and a family, then we have no business calling ourselves feminists. The role of mother should not be negated or diminished by a society that places a title, a bank balance, or some tax dollars above raising children. Let us not forget what our first responsibilities are. We must
continue to stand together and fight for our rights as mothers to make choices that suit us best and not let some bean counter decide for us. Am I the Only One? The opinions stated in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Hometown News’ management, staff or writers.
a person whose courage is bigger than their fear. Small businesses support our community by providing jobs and services, linking us with unique products, and providing space for local makers to sell their wares. As well as running their business, they also sponsor sports teams, public events, and provide training for those just entering the workforce. Almost 98% of Canadian businesses are small businesses, with 100 employees or fewer. A small business can offer a higher level of personalization and specialized service, with one-onone conversations to help you find the service or product
that truly meets your needs. In this time of readily available online purchases and services, we can make a difference locally by turning to small businesses in our community instead of sending our dollars out of town. There’s no bad way to support a local small business. Make a habit to shop local, share positive reviews online, tell your friends about your experience with small businesses, and become a repeat customer of your favourite small businesses; these are all wonderful ways to help small businesses to grow. Let’s show our local small businesses some love during Small Business month!
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