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Vol. 7
No. 7
YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER - LANARK, NORTH LEEDS & GRENVILLE
JULY 2020
Merchant of Herriott just one of the casualties of COVID-19 regonal -John Kessel editorial@pdgmedia.ca Martin Prouse is still sad three months after his life-changing decision to close his shop, The Merchant of Herriott, a collectibles and antique store on Perth’s main drag, Gore Street. Even after restrictions were lifted to allow a re-opening, he’s certain he made the right decision. He knew he had to keep his distance and with serious asthma, he couldn’t take the chance of catching the Covid-19 virus. Asthma is a compromising lung condition, doctors saying it could be a killer in this pandemic. It was a decision based on health. With all the small collectibles, it was too difficult to keep everything clean. It’s a tactile business. Everybody picks things up, he says. He uses three different inhalers, all within arm’s reach. “I’ve been collecting all my life. My mother was a collector. I was three when I bought my first antique, a Brownie camera for a nickel. It was a victory nickel,” he says. After a serious discussion with his wife Erin, they made the decision together. Instead they will sell their wares online as soon as the Merchant of Herriott website is revised. In the 15 years they owned the shop, first on Herriott Street and then on Gore, there were always customers looking for something. “Not many tire kickers. I still have the first $50 I made. I made my first sale within an hour of opening.” Both he and his wife say what they’ll miss most is the customers. There would be regulars just coming in for chats…some for hours. “We’d talk about anything,” he says, not necessarily antiques. Even
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those who were mentally challenged would be welcome. “I was one of the few who would welcome them,” he says. “With Martin it wasn’t just about a sale. People said the store had good vibes. His knowledge of history often sold an item. People would occasionally offer more than asked,” Erin says. With all the collectibles and antiques back at their house, shop, shed, porch and basement, they’re hopeful their online shop will be a success. The need to get new stuff into the shop was a 24/7 job, he says. “Now I have to deal with Erin 24/7,” he jokes. Martin’s favourites involved art. His father was a wellknown maritime artist. His brother is also an artist. For Christmas, customers would be presented with prints of his father’s maritime scenes. He says his landlord thought
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Martin Prouse (left) and his wife Erin (right). Photo credit: John Kessel.
Tweed employee tests positive for COVID-19
An employee at the Tweed plant in Smiths Falls, operated by Canopy Growth, has tested positive for COVID-19. That employee is in self-isolation, and eight other workers are being tested. Photo credit: Canopy Growth.
Smiths Falls - Chris Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca Canopy Growth was informed Friday, July 3 that an employee at its Smiths Falls facility has tested positive for COVID-19.
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he was a “lifer. He was surprised.” His shop is one of three in Perth that Covid-19 closed down. The other two are Maggie’s Tea and Toast and Likkuid Sole, a shoe store, both on Gore St. All three have new tenants. Smiths Falls’ Fort Hemlock pub next to Parks Canada closed during Covid-19, but it wasn’t long before a new owner stepped in to rename the place as The Tap House, says Cindy James of the Small Business Centre. Another business to close was Silly Goose, a children’s consignment store. In Carleton Place the most surprising closure was St. James Gate, a popular pub and restaurant on the main drag. James says she is working on promoting new businesses in Lanark during the pandemic and promises an announcement within the next month.
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Jordan Sinclair, Canopy Growth’s vice-president of communications, told the Hometown News that the employee, who has not been identified, last worked at the plant on June 25. “Canopy Growth is in constant
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communication with the local health units to ensure we’re following their guidance and sharing information with them to help inform our approach,” said Sinclair. “For the time being, and based on
careful analysis, the site will remain operational.” Canopy Growth has ordered testing for eight other employees the company believes were in closest contact with the affected individual. These individuals are now self-isolating, said Sinclair. “Our highest priority is ensuring the safety of our team,” added Sinclair. “Canopy Growth has had safety procedures in place since March to screen employees, increase cleaning, and limit the number of workers present at any given time.” All Canopy Growth workers who are able to do so have been working from home since midMarch. As of July 7 the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit reported there had been 353 confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the three counties, including 52 fatalities. Only one case was still active.
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"Please Don’t Kiss Me!" - 1930 Boxers first class back in Park
A beautiful morning on Monday welcomed boxers back to their first class in Confederation Park as the community starts to open up again. People with Parkinson’s as well as seniors are participating in outside classes Monday and Wednesday in good weather; inside classes are still on hold. Photo credit: Sally Smith.
More time on our hands results in luscious gardens
“Please Don’t Kiss Me!” – Moms Asking People Not to Kiss Their Babies to Avoid Catching the Flu in the 1930s. Photo credit: vintagenewsdaily.com
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 THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES. Mel Hendershott works diligently at his garden plot behind The Heritage House Museum as often as he can; he has a home garden that is thriving as well. Hendershott and five others have individual plots; there is a larger one with produce going to the Smiths Falls Community Food Bank. Ken Manwell, president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95 in Smiths Falls, says there’s always a need for people to weed the garden: give him a call at the Legion 613-283-2690 if you have time. Photo credit: Sally Smith.
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July 2020
community Four year legal ordeal started with a “pocket dial” Smiths Falls - Chris Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca It all started with a “pocket dial.” Kelley Denham, who on June 4 was found not guilty on charges of hacking into the local Children’s Aid Society’s website and revealing sensitive information, said her four-year legal ordeal started with an accidental phone call. It was a Monday morning, and the Smiths Falls resident had just finished college and was enjoying her first day off in two years. The accidental phone call was to an old friend she hadn’t spoken to in a long time. For reasons Denham says she still doesn’t understand, that individual called Smiths Falls police and “asked for a child welfare check.” What happened next sucked Denham, an adult educator, and her family into the bureaucratic coils of the CAS for many months to come. When the police arrived at her home, Denham was in the process of getting her children dressed and ready for school. One son is autistic, and a police officer later reported that the boy was “strangely comfortable” being naked in front of the officers. This is actually typical behaviour for a child with autism, Denham said. But the police called Family and Children’s Services of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville and asked them to look into what amounted to allegations of sexual abuse. Subsequently, “a cop and a worker from CAS showed up unannounced at my door,” recalled Denham. “I got really, really scared.” Denham made a recording on her phone, and this became the first of a number of recordings the tech-savvy 32-year-old has posted on her personal blog. Following their investi-
gation the CAS brought the case to family court. Charges were withdrawn in December of 2015 after Denham produced a lengthy document which addressed their concerns, she said. Having won in court, Denham wanted to make a formal complaint. She was “upset about being threatened with child apprehension.” Her dealings with the agency also led her to conclude that “They’re much more focused on their guidelines and standards than the families they’re trying to help.” In the process of preparing her complaint, Denham was looking at the CAS website in January 2016, examining annual reports and “performance indicators,” and became curious about what other documents might be on the site. She stumbled upon a report listing the names of 285 of the agency’s clients – including her own name. Denham recognized the names of a number of friends and neighbours as well. “My heart sank and I was just horrified,” she recalled. As noted by Justice Charles Anderson in his written decision acquitting Denham of the criminal charges later brought against her, the CAS website contained both information intended for the general public as well as other information that was intended to be private and accessible only by the agency’s board members. “In reality the website created by (the CAS) did not contain an adequate or any firewall limiting access to the portal containing private information,” wrote the judge. “No special skills or deceptive techniques were necessary to gain access to the board information intended to be private.” In response to her written complaint, Denham
The Family and Children’s Services of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville offices, located on Highway 29 just south of Smiths Falls. Photo credit: Chris Must.
met with the director of the CAS Feb. 3, 2016. She taped the meeting without the knowledge of the director, and subsequently posted on YouTube a video of the meeting that included images of supposedly “secret” documents that she had been able to view on the website. Denham sent a copy of the video to the CAS along with a second letter of complaint, and copied the letter to local MPPs Randy Hillier and Steve Clark. A computer expert hired in February by the CAS to improve the security of its website recommended that the agency create two sites; one for the public and one for board members only. The CAS chose not to act on that recommendation and continued to keep the confidential documents on its public site. Their efforts to make that information secure were unsuccessful, wrote Justice Anderson.
Meanwhile In response to her second complaint letter, the CAS acknowledged Denham’s concerns and asked her to remove the documents from her blog “as a show of good faith.” But when the agency failed to act to remove the publicly-accessible documents from its website, Denham tried to pressure them into acting by posting a picture of a link to the document containing 285 client names on the “Smiths Falls Swap Shop” Facebook page. Two women whose names were listed in the document complained to the CAS, which responded by shutting down the website and calling the police. “I just wanted the information down,” said Denham. Instead, she and her husband had their home raided by police and were charged with interfering with the use of computer data,
and with “publishing” information identifying CAS clients. “The CAS called me a hacker,” said Denham. “It made me a pariah.” Now that she has been exonerated in court, Denham said, “I’m still at a loss for words. I spent four years preparing for the worst.” The case was heard in the provincial court in Perth and concluded in December of 2019, with the final ruling delayed until this June. The judge ruled that, contrary to the charges brought against her, Denham had not obstructed or interfered with any computer data. Although she publicly posted information intended to be private, she did not destroy or alter any data. In order to be found guilty of “unauthorized use” of a computer, the judge stated, the accused would have to intend to commit
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fraud. “The accused did obtain private information, but was able to do so not through deceit, falsehood or other fraudulent means but because of the design flaws inherent in the system,” the judge added. Although her ordeal in the criminal courts is over, Denham is still involved in a class action lawsuit launched by individuals listed in the CAS client document. As one of the people listed in that document, she has also sued the CAS for revealing her name, and for defamation and “emotional harm.” Denham said her acquittal in provincial court should help her chances in the other ongoing legal matters. “I’m a lot more hopeful for the other proceedings,” she said, adding that unfortunately, “There are still people out there who refuse to believe the judge.”
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July 2020
community
opinion: Musicians and fans mourn local artist Freddy Dixon
Original file of the photo used on the “Them Good Ole Boys” CD cover (2016). Photo credit: Chris Must.
Smiths Falls - Chris Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca Musicians and music fans from across the Ottawa Valley are mourning the loss of a singer and songwriter who dedicated his life to telling the stories of the Valley and of a way of life that is sadly fading away. Freddy Dixon died Friday, June 5 at the age of 76. I first met Freddy more than 25 years ago, but we didn’t get to know each other until 2009. In more than 50 years of public performances, Freddy met many fellow artists, some locally renowned and others known all over the world. He could tell you stories about meeting Ronnie Hawkins, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Stompin’ Tom Connors, Gordon Lightfoot and Lynn Anderson (who had a number one hit in 1971 with “Rose Garden.”) Another legendary musician and fellow native of Eastern Ontario
was Dewey Martin, best known as the drummer for Buffalo Springfield, whose other members included Neil Young and Stephen Stills. Dewey spent some time back in Canada years later, and played drums in Freddy’s band for a while. He passed away in 2009 at his home in Los Angeles, and because he still had family in this area, his funeral was held at Trinity United Church in Smiths Falls. Local musicians who had met and played with Dewey over the years, including Freddy, were at the church that day to provide him with a musical sendoff. I covered the event for the local paper. Freddy later decided it was time to publish a book about his life, and the many interesting people (both famous and obscure) he had met over the years. He asked me, being a writer, if I would help him. Since I knew many of the same local musicians he had
Photo credit: Chris Must.
Freddy at the Smiths Falls Canada 150 year-end jamboree, SF Legion Hall, December 2017. Photo credit: Chris Must.
worked with, I said I would be honoured to do it. The project took another two years to complete, with my role being to translate Freddy’s memories scrawled in pencil on yellow legal pads into typed paragraphs on the computer, with minimal repetition and in some semblance of chronological order. The book, entitled “Country & Real People I Have Met” was richly illustrated with priceless photos, and proved to be quite popular with long-time fans. It came out in 2011. The process of producing the book required many
meetings over a couple of bottles of Moosehead, invariably leading to a series of side-splittingly funny stories about life on the road or the strange characters who once lived in Perth, Westport, or wherever. I would end up wiping tears of laughter from my eyes. It proved to be impossible to make the stories as funny on a printed page, but many of them did make it into the book. Freddy was always a generous host whose love for other people was unmistakable. Freddy was born in Perth on August 8, 1943 of Irish
Pickled Pig expands to serve Murphy Park's beach-goers Smiths Falls - Chris Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca “The line-ups have started even before we’ve opened,” said Angie Webster with a smile. Webster, manager of operations, events and catering at the Pickled Pig, a specialty food store located on Chambers Street in Smiths Falls, was on hand July 3 for the official opening of the business’s second location at Murphy Park. Pickled Pig owner Trish Krotki said she was the only business owner to respond to a request from the town of Smiths Falls looking for a vendor to provide food and refreshments at the town-owned building in the park, which includes a popular beach used by swimmers
every summer. “We expressed interest in opening the Pickled Pig by the Basin as an offshoot of the original location,” said Krotki. “The hope is that we’ll grow this in future years to have a licensed patio.” Webster said plans call for the new location to be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily until Oct. 12. The Pickled Pig by the Basin offers “an adapted menu from the Pickled Pig with a few new menu items,” said Webster. “For example: chili dogs, hot dogs and nachos, which we don’t sell at the Pickled Pig.” The Murphy Park outlet also offers 14 flavours of ice cream, coffee, espresso, milkshakes, and smoothies. Those with
a savoury taste can purchase cured meats and charcuterie to go, “which we call an adult lunchable,” said Webster. Turkey and salami sandwiches are also on the menu. Two experienced students are overseeing the Murphy Park operation. The Pickled Pig has hired four new staff for its original Chambers Street location, which is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, for a total of 10 employees between the two locations. Expanding operations even during the pandemic is the key to survival, said Webster, adding “It’s been quite a journey – all of it.” The Pickled Pig by the Basin is following all the health unit’s guidelines and will be adhering to social distancing practices.
Photo Above: Mayor Shawn Pankow cut the ribbon to officially open the Pickled Pig by the Basin, located in the Murphy Building at Murphy Park in Smiths Falls July 3. The business will be serving park visitors from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily until Thanksgiving weekend. Photo credit: Chris Must. Photo Right: Photo credit: facebook.com/ SmithsFallsChambers
heritage; he later moved to Smiths Falls. After leaving school early to earn a living as a factory worker, he decided to devote himself to a fulltime music career, recording a number of albums of original songs . One of his compositions, based on a true story he first heard as a child growing up in Perth, was “The Last Fatal Duel,” the tale of two law students who faced off with pistols at dawn in the 1830s. The song impressed Canadian icon Stompin’ Tom Connors, who recorded his own version, which is featured on his 1971 album The Hockey Song. Other Freddy Dixon compositions from the early ‘70s which made it onto the country charts and earned radio play included “The K&P Railroad” and “Jim’s Used Car Lot.” One of his early recordings was a tribute to the music of Johnny Cash. Freddy had the opportunity to meet Cash in person during a performance in Ottawa,
and presented his idol with a copy of the tribute album. In later years Freddy continued to play for audiences at every opportunity, and was able to put together memorable shows featuring some of the area’s finest musicians. (To try to name them would be to risk leaving someone out who should be included. They know who they are.) He was inducted into the Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000. One quality I admired about Freddy was his love for animals. He and his wife Vlasta doted on their little dog Mishka, who was always the centre of attention during a visit to their home. Freddy, you were a kind, generous soul with a warm sense of humour. You might have struggled with a couple of demons along the way, but who hasn’t? This Moosehead is for you. Here’s to you, and Godspeed.
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July 2020
community
Parkinson’s SuperWalk 2020 has ‘different’ look this year David Mullin enjoys the piano; it gives his mind and his fingers a good workout. Photo credit: Sally Smith.
On sunny days David enjoys his deck and hosta garden in Gillies Corners. Photo credit: Sally Smith.
Perth - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca It’s been 25 years, a quarter of a century, since David Mullin suspected he had Parkinson’s Disease (PD). For him, unlike others, it’s been a slow process. Today he’s a little more restricted than when younger but if you visit
him you get a clear picture of how he lives his life. The first picture is when he stands in his back garden, arms outstretched, a grin on his face. “It’s a straight line,” he gestures, turning his head first to the left, then the right, nodding to the far, far end of his well-groomed property. Or, crunching his big
frame into the back seat of his little red mini-Cooper buckling in granddaughters Catherine and Genevieve. Or, sitting at the piano, his hair a bit Einsteinish, his long fingers running over the keys. Or, finally, on a short stroll out to his out-buildings where he keeps his tools.
Short-sleeved, checked shirt, wide navy blue suspenders, deep brown perceptive eyes, 70-year-old David Mullin delights in his 10 acres of rural property in Gillies Corners. He and his wife, Laura, have lived there 13 years; they’ve done a lot of fixing and a lot of gardening. And, yes, everything does seem to be in a straight line from one side to the other. David suggests a reason — Ley lines. “You’ve heard of them,” he asks (testing his interviewer). Wikipedia calls them “straight alignments drawn between various historic structures and prominent landmarks that… carry along with them rivers of supernatural energy.” This appeals to his mystical side. Last year, David reached a point when he realized he’d reached the maximum on his Parkinson medication. What to do next, he wondered.
His choice was Deep Brain Stimulation. “There was no other logical direction.” It was a bit of a gamble, but “what did I have to lose,” he asked himself. The surgery was January 16 this year; as of June 15, the stimulation still hadn’t been turned on. But with some insistence on David’s part, on June 18 his doctor did finally “flick the switch, turned it to ‘barely on’ and I am now to keep an eye on the pocket switch — check the battery, make sure it’s running.” Even during the four months it wasn’t turned on, with the four metal rods in his brain, and “wires touching the rods…something was happening,” David sensed. “The battery does shortwave and triggers [with an] electronic signal; for the first three weeks the very fact that it’s in your brain is enough to interfere with brain patterns. “I was still distinctly benefitting from the fact that they were there.” David was intrigued about what was happening, and the benefit he accrued. At this point, too, his medication was “less than half of what it was.” Whatever was happening was “being triggered by the fact that there were four metal spikes there” even though they hadn’t been activated. Curiouser and curiouser… David is a regular guy, interested in everything. He has a wife, three grown children, four grandchildren… and Parkinson’s. This year he’s one of North Grenville Leeds’ local heroes; last year Parkinson Canada’s SuperWalk raised $73,000 from this area. Because of Covid-19, the local Parkinson’s chapter SuperWalk
which would have taken place Saturday, September 12 at Conlon Farm this year will look different. Depending upon provincial guidelines, plans are underway for small gatherings at selected Town Halls in Lanark North Leeds on the same day…so keep tuned. Even though the ‘walk’ will be different, the fundraising campaign will go ahead full-tilt. Raising funds and awareness is more important than ever. Please register or donate by visiting donate.parkinson.ca/lanark or by calling Alan Muir at 1-800-565-3000 ext. 3427. Parkinson’s is the second most common neurological disease with over 100,000 people living with it in Canada. It is chronic and progressive. Symptoms continue and worsen over time. These range from loss of smell and muscle rigidity, to tremor and depression. The average age of diagnosis is 62 with 30 percent diagnosed before the age of 50. By 2031, it is predicted that the number will double; keeping this in mind, the County of Lanark Leeds and Grenville, with the highest percentage of seniors in Ontario (and already under-serviced) will face a particular challenge. In a more reflective moment, David says he’s “not angry” but then looks directly at you and says, without rancour, “…but I don’t owe Parkinson’s anything. I’ve had a good life. It might have been different without Parkinson’s.” Update: David and Laura recently made the decision to sell their acreage and be closer to children; shortly after the decision was made, the property was sold.
A flighty housing shortage in Drummond-North Elmsley Regional - John Kessel editorial@pdgmedia.ca Sue Brandum, a former director with the Rideau Environmental Action League, says Ospreys are having a hard time finding perches for adequate nests. Some of the nests built are being abandoned early because the birds don’t seem to like them. Ospreys, also known as fish hawks, prefer high nests near water. But they also want a higher perch near their nests so they can observe them. Port Elmsley Rd., from Rideau Ferry Rd. north to Hwy. 43, including where the Tay River meets the Lower Rideau has about five nests. Most are man made with the exception of one, on a hydro pole – a spot Ontario Hydro doesn’t want it. As well, there seems to be an overpopulation of Osprey. About a month ago, Herb Willmott, a resident of Rideau Ferry Road spotted eight Osprey circling above his
home. “No, they weren’t turkey vultures. They were Osprey. Two landed on the roof of the house, scaring the crap out of my wife.” Brandum is working on a head count. She’s asked the Lanark Stewardship Council, an environmental group, to help with volunteers not only to count all the nests in the area, but with a plan to build more nests. Osprey have a range from Florida to northern Ontario. Brandum’s passion for the birds is obvious. She has been observing them for years from her perch on Port Elmsley Rd., not just the way they dive to catch fish, but also how they raise their young. To say she’s passionate about the birds is an understatement. “I’ve been blessed. For 15 years I’ve been running to catch sight of them the day they fledge.” That’s the day the young leave the nest. The adults
Photo credit: John Kessel.
circle above the nest. The young are screeching, as are the parents. The chick takes the step off the nest. “It’s amazing to watch
and hear. The fledge’s wings are everywhere, the parents climbing the thermals until they disappear,” she says. “It’s so
delightful,” she adds. Eventually the fledge starts climbing higher. It takes 44 to 59 days in the nest to fledge.
Gord Harrison of the stewardship council says the help she’s asking for will be decided upon early this month.
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July 2020
community
RCL Branch 95 on solid ground; others struggling Smiths Falls Food Bank in good nick for now Smiths Falls - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca Not only is the Smiths Falls Community Food bank doing “really well,” says manager Natalia Soteroff, but it’s putting future planning into effect to counteract a possible second Covid-19 wave. Ontario Food Banks have been told, she says, to “start stockpiling for another wave.” She explains that means ordering sooner than usual as well as pre-ordering. Pre-ordering, she adds, is mostly non-perishables like pastas, canned fruit, peanut butter, mac and cheese, and crackers. She says they’re expecting the second wave in November and December
which is “flu-season anyway, so we’re going to be in for quite a ride.” But at the moment, Smiths Falls food bank volunteers are helping re-pack about 840 cases of “food for singles” from Feed Ontario into packages which are more representative of the town, i.e. family packages. Soteroff says the monetary donations are “incredible” and food donations are coming in. As well, they’re still working on the Independent’s Build a Mountain contributions from last November (about 40,000 pounds worth). And please don’t stop bringing in fresh produce, she adds. It’s more than welcome.
Smiths Falls Legion not open but keeping beer cold for returning patrons. Photo credit: Sally Smith.
Smiths Falls - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca Ken Manwell, President of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95 in Smiths Falls, says his Branch is okay but hears that other branches in Ontario are going to have it tough coming out of the pandemic. Dominion Command President Thomas Irvine, in a recent article in The Stratford Beacon Herald, estimates that around 900 of about 1300 branches in Ontario “are struggling to re-open” and the rest are in even more dire straits. Manwell says Smiths Falls
is “one of the luckier ones — for now” but quickly adds “the bills are still coming in.” He shut down the Smiths Falls branch as much as he could — everything but the walk-in coolers which keep the beer cold. Apparently beer can go bad (skunky) if not handled properly i.e. exposed to oxygen, UV rays, diacetyl (which makes it taste like popcorn). But it can last a fairly long time, “up to two years beyond the expiration date,” if refrigerated. https:// spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/does-beer-go-bad So Manwell is trying hard to keep the beer cold; it’s
been 96 days now, he says. That’s a little over three months, so far. He does have some good news for RCL members in the surrounding area, though. Branch 192 in Carleton Place is opening an outside patio June 26 from 2 to 6 p.m. and again on June 27 at those times. Manwell would like to do something similar at some point in Smiths Falls with a patio “in the back, along the driveway, and out front.” It’s the events and meetings that keep Legions going in small towns so they can put money back into the community. We could do
“a bit of business” that way, he says, referring to outside patios. He has to also keep his staff safe and invest in gloves, plexiglass shields, and masks. Manwell also knows there’s a $6,000 pot still waiting to be won from the last Catch the Ace. And his thoughts are fast-forwarding to November. What to do about a Remembrance Day ceremony? What about the Poppy Fund? As yet there are no answers to these questions. For the moment, however, the Smiths Falls Legion is solid with money in the bank…and cold beer.
Natalia Soteroff says Smiths Falls Food Bank continues to get monetary as well as food donations. Photo credit: Sally Smith.
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7
July 2020
lifestyle Health Units list public places where masks now mandatory regonal - Chris Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca Eastern Ontario health units are requiring face coverings in indoor public spaces effective July 7. According to information provided by the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, masks are now mandatory in “enclosed public spaces.” These include restaurants, stores, churches, municipal facilities such as libraries, sports facilities and gyms, common areas of hospitals, hotels, and barber shops and other “personal service settings.” The new rules also apply to taxis and other ride sharing services.
opinion:
How long must we be punished for the horrible injustices done by our ancestors? Perhaps the answer is ‘as long as it takes’. Throughout history even women had to claw their way to relevance in a world that favoured men, not to mention the gay community. The word for that is progress and we must fight the good fight. Right? Watching the United States implode does not feel like progress. Am I the only one? It looks like a leaderless country and the start of a civil war with no solution in sight. All over one bad cop. Progress.
The decision to require masks was made under the authority of Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, and took effect at noon Tuesday, July 7. It was jointly announced by medical officers of health from the Eastern Ontario Health Unit; the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit; Renfrew County and District Health Unit; and Ottawa Public Health. A joint news release from the four health units states that the measure “will decrease the odds of having to shut down the economy again due to outbreaks of COVID-19.” The health units de-
fine “mask” as a cloth (non-medical) mask, a medical mask, or other face-covering such as a bandana or scarf, which securely covers the nose, mouth and chin. The new policy includes some exemptions. Children under two years of age or children under five who refuse to wear a mask will be exempt. So will individuals with medical conditions such as breathing difficulties or “cognitive difficulties.” Anyone claiming an exemption won’t be required to provide proof. Employees who are in areas of a business with no public access, or are behind barriers such as
Plexiglas, won’t need to wear masks. The onus for requiring masks in indoor public spaces will be on the operator of the business or organization. Operators “shall adopt a policy to ensure that no member of the public is permitted to enter or remain in the public areas of the enclosed public space” unless wearing a face covering. The announcement of the policy included a one-week grace period until July 14 to allow time for public education. Educational measures will include signage in public spaces, and training for staff.
Photo credit: Submitted.
“Mandatory masks will help support businesses and service providers throughout the region as they resume operations by reducing the risk of an outbreak in their workplace, adding another layer of protec-
tion for their employees, and increasing customers’ confidence that they can enjoy a safe return to shopping and other activities,” said Dr. Paul Roumeliotis in the joint announcement from the four health units.
Children's health and wellness Am I the only one? paramount during Covid-19 progress Carrie Wynne
People are fed up. There is evidence to suggest that racism never really went away although for a time I thought we were getting better. As I watch how mainstream media and social media polarize the issue, I sit and listen to what my heart feels about discrimination and racism. It is naïve to ignore the journey of the people who have lived on the margins of our society. You cannot opt out just because society works for you. I can’t assume to know what it’s like to be part of a minority but I can pay attention to the realities and truly take in what it’s like to be the “other” when the system in place prevents real change from happening. Even regular people are getting the shaft these days. It is hard to imagine how powerless and unimportant you’d feel like when there is an assumption made that
it’s all your fault. Some believe equality of opportunity is there for everyone and the victimization card is played over and over until people get what they want. Some forget or choose to ignore history and the shadow of this rugged individualism which is the exploitation of populations of people. Progress. Although it may be uncomfortable to confront the reality of discrimination in our own hearts if we’re clever and dedicated we’ll see those who are under-privileged in a more fractured light along with people, maybe even ourselves, who’ve had a leg up in this world. And then maybe just maybe the truth will set us free. 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.
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regonal - Janelle Labelle editorial@pdgmedia.ca To control the spread of Covid-19, widespread closures of school and workplaces were implemented in March of this year (along with other measures of course). This ushered in a strange spring for children: no time spent in classes, no sports, no grandparents, and no interaction with friends. Typically at this time of year children would be leaping into summer vacation as if it were a cool lake on a hot day. Goodbye teachers, goodbye books, and hello playtime! But with very little fanfare, socially distant learning has slipped away and … now what? How are our children doing? What has the social isolation done to and for them? First, I must point out that the positive impact of social distancing and flattening the curve of Covid-19 cases is incalculable. The members of the community who did not catch or spread the virus, the people who did not pass away, and the number of mass tragedies that we avoided due to these measures are impossible to know. This article is not intended to be a criticism of actions taken, but rather a look at how these arguably necessary measures have impacted our children. As we begin to emerge from the shutdown and social isolation, social workers report that few-
er children have been connected to medical and social care. In Canada and the US, children who have sought mental healthcare were four times more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) in the months following the onset of the lockdown than in the months preceding. This begs the question: what kind of trauma comes from social distancing? Closures and cancellations of non-urgent medical care meant that children accessed less dental care, delayed the diagnosis of ongoing and new concerns, and delayed or skipped vaccinations. Healthcare visits were pared back to the absolute minimum phone calls or emergency care only. The closure of parks and recreation facilities limited children’s access to exercise and eliminated sporting activities. Social distancing removed children’s access to peers and relational interactions outside of their immediate family. Following school closures, Italian researchers found that children’s intake of junk food and non-school screen time increased by more than 20% during lockdown. A cohort of children with congenital heart disease who had been participating in a longitudinal step-count study showed a 24% decrease in the amount of steps taken in a day. Poor nutrition and
decreased physical activity coupled with virtually no social interactions lead to an increase in indicators of depression, such as anxiety, irritability, sedentary behaviour, and stress. Public health Ontario points out that while this has affected all of us, the effects upon developing bodies and minds are likely to be longer lasting and more severe. In short, our children are suffering physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially. Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto is advocating for a return to school in September, with increased hand hygiene and eliminating large gatherings (such as school-wide assemblies) for the foreseeable future. They do not recommend that children be required to practice social distancing on the playground, and encourage more outdoor activities so that the children can play and move and enjoy being together in the healthful fresh air. Children need healthful activities, the opportunity to move and play and interact with one another and the wider world. This is no longer negotiable. Facts and statistics taken from Negative Impacts of Community-Based Public Health Measures During a Pandemic (e.g., COVID-19) on Children and Families, at publichealthontario.ca; and Recommendations for School Reopening, at sickkids.ca
the tables have turned
Life on the Patio There’s something delightful afoot which customers are lining up in droves to enjoy: dining al fresco on restaurant patios. After months of take-out only, many of our region’s restaurants are opening for patio service. While some restaurants have had patios for years, many have been assembled recently to take advantage of the space and fresh air they provide as we continue to be careful about limiting the spread of Covid-19. Most patios boast music, attrac-
tive plants, twinkling lights, and are in hot demand after a long period of social isolation. Imagine sitting with a friend under an umbrella, sipping ice-cold drinks and enjoying chef-made meals in the fresh air. The sounds of the city hum around you, an audible reminder that you are not alone. A friendly server, scrumptious food, and Ontario’s beautiful summer weather: this is social distancing at its most pleasant. Pull up a patio chair and enjoy.
Brian Turner
Let's Eat Buck & Bull Bar and Grill; All the right ingredients
Temporary patio set up until the official one is built. Photo credit: facebook.com/bucknbullcp
Now that restaurants are able to serve once again (at least on patios) we thought it was a good time to take a look at a new dining spot and have turned our spotlight and taste buds on the Buck and Bull Bar and Grill on Flora Street in Carleton Place
(just behind the old Beer Store location on Townline Road West). The Buck and Bull is the creation of a well known local dynamic duo, Mathieu and Lea Maurice. This pair used to run the very popular Capone’s Deli on Bridge Street but took the
leap to pilot a much larger location in a quaint but spacious neighbourhood mall last year. For almost a year they have been pouring in a lot of hours and hard work to transform the space into a 120-seat fully-accessible dining room and bar with plenty
of great activities such as axe throwing to keep things interesting. The Maurices gained a great following during their stint at Capone’s Deli and became known for their expertise with all things meat and the Buck and Bull will happily continue on with that legacy with some hardto-find delicacies such as elk, bison, and venison, all sourced from local farms. No worries; smoked meat sandwiches are still on the menu and piled as high as ever. They quietly celebrated a soft launch at the beginning of June with a take-out menu featuring anything-but-standard pub fare such as burgers, wings, and sandwiches. One of the newest hits that caught Mathieu off guard with its popularity was bannock bread which the Buck
and Bull uses for hamburger buns as well as an appetizer and even a dessert. He noted that while business has been fairly steady, he is still looking forward to the day when he can plate his creations rather than box them up in take-out containers. He notes that “we taste our food first with our eyes and our signature burgers are designed to be served on a proper plate with a large steak knife plunged into them” surrounded by handcut fries or Guinness beerbattered onion rings. Venison offerings haven’t taken off as much as elk and bison and Mathieu puts that down to it being a very common entrée in hunter-rich Lanark County. But when he puts his knife and skills to this dish, it transforms into a whole new favourite; you’ve got to try it!
I’ve stopped in twice since they’ve opened and tried 2 of my pub favs, a chili-cheese dog and a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Both were extremely generous servings with plenty of cheese served on large fresh hero-style buns. The Philly was loaded with chopped and perfectly seasoned and cooked steak, and the deli-style foot-long hot dog made a meal for those with a big appetite. Once pandemic restrictions on restaurants have been lifted, the Buck and Bull will be open for breakfast as well as lunch and dinner. You can reach them at 613915-4877 or check out their menu on their Facebook page; bucknbullcp. Platters range from $11.50 to $23.00 and no one leaves hungry.
Local restaurants urge outdoor dining Smiths Falls - Chris Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca
NOW OPEN
11:00AM - 8:00PM 1 PARK AVE, SMITHS FALLS
Summer’s here and the time is right – for picnics in the park. Challenging times call for creative solutions. During the ongoing pandemic, area restaurant owners with support from their local municipalities are urging customers to enjoy takeout food in the great outdoors. The Town of Smiths Falls recently announced a new takeout dining program called “PICNIC Smiths Falls.” The program, launched June 19 in partnership with several participating restaurants, promotes a “relaxing physical distancing picnic in a park experience.” The first participating restaurant was The Pickled Pig. Boomtown, C’est Tout Bakery, Chuckles Jack, Harvest Social, Perfect Thyming and Two Guys for Lunch have also signed on for the program. In a June 24 news release, the town’s economic development department explained that customers may contact a participating business and purchase a custom-printed picnic box featuring a meal for two, a Smiths Falls Visitor Guide, a
Smiths Falls Heritage Walking Tour guide, and free gifts from the Town of Smiths Falls and partners. Each meal will include two main dishes, two side dishes, two drinks, and two desserts.” “With the summer weather officially here we are looking at how we can best support our restaurants given the current physical distancing restrictions,” said Jennifer Miller, Manager of Economic Development and Tourism. “PICNIC Smiths Falls is one way residents and visitors can continue to support our restaurants while enjoying a restful picnic in one of Smiths Falls’ many beautiful outdoor parks along the Rideau Canal.” The program is expected to grow throughout the summer and will be supported by marketing efforts led by the town. The Town of Perth and the Perth BIA (Business Improvement Area) are also encouraging the public to purchase takeout meals from downtown restaurants and enjoy them in Stewart Park. Perth BIA coordinator Kari Clarke noted that 18 restaurants located in downtown Perth and two located on Highway 7 have applied to the town of Perth for licences to open outdoor pa-
tios, an option recently approved by town council. Starting the week of June 29, a number of Perth restaurants were expected to reopen existing patios, or to open newly-created outdoor spaces for dining, said Clarke. The BIA coordinator said the town has been actively
encouraging restaurants to apply for patio licences, and has been waiving a number of fees to help the businesses cope during the COVID-19 pandemic. After declaring a state of emergency in March, the town began reopening its indoor and outdoor facilities the week of June 22.
Smiths Falls residents are being encouraged to buy a takeout lunch at one of several participating restaurants, and enjoy a picnic at one of the town’s parks, including Victoria Park on Lombard Street. Photo credit: Experience Smiths Falls.
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
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FOR PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES:
WWW.SMITHSFALLS.CA/EXPERIENCE
TOWNOFSMITHSFALLS
EXPERIENCESMITHSFALLS
10
July 2020
Food & Drink
Beer, Wine and Spirits According to a market research group, the European non-alcoholic beer market grew about 5 percent per year from 2010 to 2015, despite the overall beer market shrinking during that same period. They forecast significant growth in many world markets throughout the next decade and we are starting to see this growth in North America where you can buy non-alcoholic beers in grocery stores and pharmacies as well as beer and wine stores. This market growth is the result of several factors including the 'no drinking and driving' campaign, the fact that Boomers are getting older and want to enjoy a beer but not the level of alcohol, and Boomers again because of certain health issues that preclude the consumption of alcohol. A few years ago I did a similar article including other domestically produced non-alcohol beers such as PC Blonde, Budweiser Prohibition and several others. This article may be accessed on the Hometown News website. So here are a number of locally available beers for you to consider now in 2020 Hoegaarden OO 6 x 330 mL can LCBO# 11661 $11.95 Belgium by Labatt Breweries Ontario Colour is like the original Hoegaarden, only less hazy. Head is creamy with a white colour that dissipates quickly as do all non-alcohol beers. Aroma is quite similar to the original with citrus fruits, only with a much stronger, artificial lemon aroma. Taste
is mostly of lemons and a corn syrup aftertaste. Not as strong as with other alcohol free beers though and it doesn't linger that long in your mouth. Thin body as expected and light carbonation. Overall a nice alcohol free beer Partake Brewing Non-Alcoholic Pale Ale 355 mL can LCBO# 617878 $2.00 Being a beer lover who could no longer consume alcohol, Ted Fleming founded Partake Brewing in Toronto. This award-winning pale ale features light citrus hops, grapefruit aroma and a luscious malty backbone. The finish is dry and refreshing. Partake Brewing Non-Alcoholic IPA 355 mL can LCBO# 13654 $2.00 This award-winning, vegan-friendly beverage has aromas and flavours of citrus, cereal, caramel and a hint of toasted bread. Light-bodied, creamy textured and refreshing with a crisp/min-
Non-alcoholic Beers
eral citrus finish, it is ideal for light appetizers or Asian stir fry. Bavaria 0.0% Original Beer 500 mL can LCBO# 614875 $1.95 The Bavaria Brewery (Holland) produces a sweet, malty beer with a creamy mouthfeel and sweet finish that was too much for my taste. Heineken 0.0 6 x 330 mL bottle LCBO# 589416 $12.35 The brewery in Holland actually makes two different brews and then blends them together. It took around two years to perfect and it was released in 2019 using their unique yeast from 100% natural ingredients with gentle alcohol removal and blending to achieve a refreshing fruity flavour and soft malty notes and toasted grain profile that is a real palate refresher that was the closest taste to real beer. This remains my overall favourite. Big Drop Brewery Stout 330 mL bottle LCBO# 614107 $2.75 This multi-award winning Stout looked and poured dark brown
like Guinness. Ingredients include milk, barley malt, oats, rye, and cocoa nibs. It is .4% abv and gluten free. Aromas and flavours of coffee, sweet vanilla, and cocoa. Full-bodied and rich with mild carbonation and a long, flavourful sweet vanilla finish. This non-alcoholic brew is great for a hearty beef stew or spice-rubbed ribs and it was my second favourite. They told me that more of their beers are coming to Canada from Ipswich, England. Big Drop Brewery Co Pale Ale 330 mL bottle LCBO# 614099 $2.75 The Pale Ale, labelled as Pale Blanche by the LCBO, has been judged by the World Beer Awards to be the World’s Best (low strength) Pale Beer. It’s a crispy and zesty beer packed full of flavour from citrus-heavy hops with a twist of fresh lime and hints of pine and honey on the nose. Brewed to 0.4% abv
Brian Preston
The Travelling Sommelier
and gluten-free. Golden clear colour with very little head. Strong tropical, citrus notes with a light bitter hops, lemon juice and candy-like sweetness finish. Big Drop’s rapid growth can be attributed to pioneering new brewing techniques and using experimental recipes, meaning that it can produce great tasting non-alcoholic beer – naturally – without having to filter or extract any alcohol in the process. As a result, its range of craft beers have won multiple accolades and awards, including some against full-strength competitors. Erdinger Alkoholfrei 500 mL can LCBO# 589721 $2.75 Free of chemical additives, fat & cholesterol, it has the distinctive, sparkling flavour of a fresh wheat beer with all the B-group vitamins and just 25 Cal/100 ml. A true alternative for those who don’t want to miss out on their wheat beer.
Smiths Falls first home-roasted coffee now available
Smiths Falls - Emilie Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Smiths Falls born and raised Jarryd Lee, 34, is a yoga teacher and now coffee entrepreneur. He created the Mighty Roasters, the first coffee roaster to come to town. Lee partnered with Jeff Murphy of 4 Degrees Brewing Com-
pany to produce and sell Mighty Valley Coffee. “I really enjoy a lot of stuff they do in the community and knowing what they stood for,” Lee said. “It was really an obvious partnership from an ideological standpoint and then I was approached by one of the owners, Andrew Howard, because I was looking
for a space in maybe downtown Smiths Falls and he said. ‘why don’t you throw the roaster in the brewery?’, and I thought that was a great idea.” “This is just something we like to do,” Murphy said. “We like to help out other small businesses and for us it’s a good partnership. It gives us something else be-
sides beer to serve.” The two types of coffee they sell are the house blend, which is a medium roast and the Ethiopian Limu roast, which is a darker roast. Half pound bags are $13 before tax and $20 for a full pound bag. A year and a half ago Lee moved back to Smiths Falls after spending his twenties
Owner of Mighty Valley Coffee Jarryd Lee stands in front of the Turkish-made roaster at 4 Degrees Brewing Company in Smiths Falls. The coffee has been for sale since June 15. Photo credit: Emilie Must.
traveling and living in India six months of the year. He began teaching yoga in town and working on roasting his own coffee. “I started experimenting with different origins and blends and varieties of beans,” Lee said. “I really enjoyed it and tested it out on my friends and family, and everyone was pretty stoked about these beans, so I decided why not make a go of this and see if I can make a business plan and see if it’s viable.” Lee says that coffee is a huge part of our culture, especially in small towns where it’s common practice for friends to meet up and chat at Tim Hortons. “I noticed there wasn’t a coffee roaster in town,” Lee said. “There was only one in Perth and a few of them were popping up in Ottawa, but it’s kind of a new fad. This specialty coffee roasting has really been gaining steam over the last five to 10 years.” Most coffee beans sold in stores list an expiry date, but not the roast date, Lee added. This is part of the reason why people say they don’t enjoy the taste of coffee. “We’ve been forced into drinking just commodity
coffee beans from Starbucks,” Lee said. “They roast them till they’re black and all the taste is gone, because it hides all the defects in the beans.” Lee started experimenting using a coffee maker and roasting 100 grams at a time. He then graduated to a cast iron pan and eventually bought a roaster that could roast 300 grams at a time. The roaster Lee uses was made in Turkey then refurbished in Quebec. Lee’s favourite coffee is a light roast, particularly the Ethiopian light roast, but enjoys many varieties of coffee depending on his mood. “Sometimes in the morning I like to have a Brazilian-like espresso mix, but in the afternoon I want more of a fruity flavour,” Lee said. “I kind of like to go with the Ethiopian ones. It's a nice African type bean, but it’s all good. It’s all cookies, it’s all muffins, they’re all slightly different, but they’re all good to me.” The coffee can also be purchased at Andress' Your Independent Grocer, and Lee hopes to bring it into other small cafes and restaurants in the area in the future.
11
July 2020
culture Terry O'Hearn
Perth Inside Out: Lukewarm reception to new Canadian flag in 1965
The new maple leaf flag was made official by a proclamation from Queen Elizabeth II on Jan. 28, 1965, and emotions across the country ran the gamut of antipathy to anger, with the occasional accusation of traitorhood. Feelings here in Perth mirrored the mood of the rest of the country. For many of the World War II veterans it seemed not that long ago when they had fought under the Royal Union Flag (commonly known as the Union Jack), and unofficially the Canadian Red Ensign, which was the civil ensign from 1892 to 1965. Many World War I veterans were also still around at the time of the new flag debates. On the very day of the official proclamation, The Perth Courier was pub-
lished, but there was no blaring headline about the flag. However, it was mentioned in a report on County Council that: “Council adopted a motion that the County of Lanark recognize the long honored and highly respected Union Jack as the official flag on Lanark County buildings.” The feelings about our maple leaf flag gradually changed as the years went by, however those feelings were strongest among serving military and veterans. Modern-day veterans have a huge respect for any Canadian flag, and some units have special flags such as the one that flew over the Kandahar Airport during the War in Afghanistan. That flag is on display at the Hall of Remembrance military museum here in Perth. In the choosing of the new flag design, John Ross Matheson, OC CD QC FRHSC, who lived in Perth for many years, contributed greatly to the process. He had fought for his country in World War II, and later was also a lawyer and a judge. He was the federal MP for Leeds at the time of the flag debates, and Prime Minister Lester Pearson
had chosen him to head the parliamentary committee to choose the design. Ironically, the Jan. 28, 1965 edition of The Perth Courier carried a syndicated column by Sheila and Axel Sjoberg analyzing Matheson’s handwriting in great detail. The writers concluded that: “On a basis of just this signature the analyst would say that the writer is diplomatic to a point whereupon, in the event his judgement is offended, he will defy diplomacy to speak his mind.” A good example to illustrate the change in flag attitude comes from Dave Lavery, former Perthite, now entrepreneur in Kabul, Afghanistan. Lavery was the founder of the Perth Polar Bear Plunge, which has raised nearly a quarter million dollars for the community since 1994. I will be talking more about the remarkable career of Lavery in a future column. While serving as a Sergeant Major in the years leading up to his retirement from the CAF in 2000, he was closely involved with flag protocol/etiquette, and these words echo feelings expressed by countless oth-
Canada Day in Dave Lavery’s compound, Kabul, Afghanistan, with a huge custom-made flag. It’s signed by Ambassador Deborah Lyons and others, and hung in the Canadian Embassy, Kabul, in 2014. Photo credit: Submitted by Dave Lavery.
er veterans: “I regarded this precious flag with profound gratitude and respect, and thank all of those who sacrificed so much to pave a better way for all of us. We wore the Canadian badge with honour as we still do.” He went on to say that his entire team in Afghanistan wear a dual badge - half Canadian and half Afghan – and there are Canadian flags within the compound
year-round. And so, we can thank Pearson, Matheson, and the many others who fought to have our unique flag. It is one of the most recognized flags in the world, and having one on a backpack or elsewhere usually triggers a positive response wherever Canadians travel. When Queen Elizabeth II made the proclamation more than 50 years ago,
she was wise enough not to comment, however it was evident from her demeanor that she felt good about Canada’s desire for their own national flag, and admired the design chosen by Canadians. I think most Canadians would agree with the Queen. If you have any comments or suggestions, please email me at: terry@pdgmedia.ca
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