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Vol. 5
No. 10
YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER - LANARK, NORTH LEEDS & GRENVILLE
OCTOBER 2018
Carleton Place athlete has golden touch at 2018 Pan Am Canoe Sprint Championships carleton place - Stacey Roy s tac e y @ p d g m e d ia . c a Carleton Place’s Evie McDonald is just like any other fourteen year old girl when it comes to her room decoration with the exception of two recent additions - two gold medals from the 2018 Pan Am Canoe Spring Championships in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. “It was kind of cool getting on the podium in first place”, McDonald said. The local teenager spent a week in Atlantic Canada Sept. 13-16 to participate in her first continent-wide competition where she would earn two gold medals alongside her fellow teammates Ava Carew (of Senobe), Jessica MacKay (of Maskwa) and Michaela Ermanovics (Rideau). The foursome met up just days before competing in their first race, which added a new twist to the competition for McDonald. “It was nice to get to know them as a team together. They are usually my competition I race against,” McDonald said. The enormity of what she was undertaking hadn’t really set in for McDonald until she had dressed in her nation’s red and white colours and was in the boat for her first race. The crowds were swollen due to the popu-
larity of the sport in the province and the cheers were strong. Their first race was the C2 1000 metre, which the girls locked down right out of the starting position. McDonald reports they maintained this lead throughout much of the race for the gold win. Things weren’t as easy in the C4 500 metre race. McDonald said it was tougher to get out in front of their competitors, but not insurmountable as the second gold medal in her bedroom will attest. One of the highlights of her week was hearing her nation’s anthem played out at the medal ceremony. “I was happy with how it went,” beamed McDonald on her Pan Am experience. “I want to do it again,” she added. In fact, Canada and its 73 participating athletes dominated the 2018 event in Nova Scotia with a reported 58 medals in all. This first-time experience wraps up McDonald’s 2018 season, which in itself was one to remember. It began in June with the National Team Trials in Montreal where McDonald earned a fifth place in the 200 metre race. She feels her experiences throughout this 2018 racing season have made her a stronger competitor, which is something she hopes to build
on for the coming year. Looking forward, McDonald is determined to qualify for the Junior Worlds competition in 2019. “It will take a lot of work,” she said. Hard work and funds. The local teen is launching a fundraising campaign to cover the cost of a World Cup Level boat (valued at over $5,000) to ensure she is training at the same level as her competitors, and training costs for the fall and winter (approximately $6,500). “We have never wanted to have to make her fundraise but it's an awful lot. I feel she works so hard and deserves it though and we will do anything to help her,” wrote McDonald’s mom, Shannon Michie-McDonald in an online interview. In addition to raising funds, the 14-year old McDonald has been volunteering in her church and community to inspire others around her. This past September she visited students at St. Gregory Catholic elementary school to talk to the kids about working hard and persevering in the face of challenges. “The kids were thrilled,” Michie-McDonald said, who is also a teacher at the local school.
Evie McDonald, 14, of Carleton Place brought home two gold medals from the 2018 Pan Am Canoe Sprint Championships in Dartmouth this September. The week-long experience was a flurry of activity causing the reality of her opportunity to not sink in until she was in the canoe for her first race. Photo submitted
Shawarma On the Falls inviting and tantalizing
Thomas Lavasani and Joe Hassoun have been friends for years and now are coowners of Shawarma On the Falls.
Advertorial If you haven’t tried Smiths Falls’ newest restaurant/take-out yet, get there fast. Shawarma On the Falls is more than worthwhile… Co-owners Thomas Lavasani
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and Joe Hassoun have worked together for 16 years — “He’s like an older brother to me,” Thomas laughs, with emphasis on the ‘older’. Thomas was a manager for Joe at one of his nine Subways in Ottawa; Joe liked Thomas’ loyalty and work ethic and said to
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him “it’s time to be a partner.” So while Thomas now lives in Smiths Falls and is at Shawarma On the Falls every working day, Joe lives in Orleans and is only at this newest venture four days a week. The bright, clean interior is inviting and attractive. Small red-topped tables, each with red-cushioned chairs, catch the eye and invite customers to stay a while. Joe and Thomas are mostly always available for a chat, except if there’s a line-up at the counter. Joe remembers Smiths Falls from the times he brought his three children here to visit Hershey’s. To him, it was a “beautiful town.” But there was something
missing and that was Mediterranean food. Looking around for a place to settle after selling his business at the Tanger Outlets, Joe and Thomas settled on Smiths Falls. Thomas, a trained chef, took even more training in Mediterranean-Lebanese food to ensure consistency in preparation so the taste was the same every day. They opened September 14; this is the thirtieth restaurant Joe has opened since 1999 so to say he knows what he’s doing is a bit of an understatement. As an added perk to the Town, the two have hired eight local people to work with them. “We’re training them,” Joe says and likens the
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work atmosphere to Cheers — where “everybody knows everybody,” he adds, grinning. The menu includes combos, appetizers, platters, family platters, sandwiches and poutine. Prices are competitive, probably “cheaper than the city,” Joe says. A small Donair is $5.50 or Chicken Sandwich $5.99; Combos range from $12.99 (two Shawarma sandwiches and a coke), to a large mixed Family Tray at $42. • They take Mastercard, Visa and Interac. • They’re open Monday to Sat urday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. • They’re located at 16 Beck with Street N in Smiths Falls. • Reach them at 613-283-5556.
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October 2018
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Page Two
Hometown News wishes you a safe and happy Halloween
Cartoon by Patrick Labelle
Smiths Falls Soper Theatre - 1949
A new theater was built in 1949, at 15 Main Street in Smiths Falls. The new Soper Theatre boasted 964 seats, making it the largest movie theater in Eastern Ontario. Read the full story at www.hometownnews.ca/soper-theatre-smiths-falls Photo credit: arlenestaffordwilson.wordpress.com
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October 2018
The campaigns for municipal government seats promises to be an exciting and engaging affair in the communities we cover at HomeTown News. Between now and Oct 22nd, we’re certain you’ll receive a lot of information on your candidates and their platforms, but we
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thought it would be handy for our readers if we could provide some details on who’s running and what they wish to accomplish on behalf of their ratepayers. We created and forwarded a simple questionnaire to all candidates running for council positions and collected
News
and formatted their responses complete with a picture so you can put a face to the name. We don’t have enough room to provide pages of detail on each, but believe these snapshots will pique your interest and spur you on to do a little more digging on your own. We have chosen to pro-
vide the Mayor and Deputy Mayor candidate profiles in the September and October issues and will place the remaining candidates profiles on our website. We have provided the basic contact information that candidate's either chose to send in or that were listed on municipal websites.
Mississippi Mills Municipal Election Candidates
If any particular candidate’s profile doesn’t appear in our content it’s either because they chose not to participate or thier information was not received by editorial deadlines. We can’t stress enough the importance of getting out and exercising your right to vote
on Oct 22nd. Some of our area communities are making this civic duty more accessible with online ballots and if you’ve ever attended a polling station for any election in the past, you know it can be a great opportunity to connect with neighbours and friends.
(Mayor and Deputy Mayor Candidates)
Mayor Candidate - Ken Laframboise
Mayor Candidate - Christa Lowry
Mayor Candidate - Steve Maynard
Former Elected Positions/ Terms if applicable: Former Ramsay township councilor Community volunteer experience (service clubs, local committees, fundraising, etc): Long time supporter of the Almonte fair board, assisting with construction and renovations of the fairgrounds Top 3 issues facing your municipality and its residents that council has control or major influence over: 1. Community official plan update. 2. Fiscal responsibility. 3. Lack of opportunity for active participation of the community in municipal decisions that directly affects the quality of their lives. Your solutions/approach to those 3 issues: 1. We need to bring the official plan back to the table and make it a real community official plan. That means involving the residents and businesses in an open dialog to come to a solution that is in everybody’s best interest. Some of the issues to be dealt with are: Natural her-
Former Elected Positions/ Terms if applicable: Current Councillor for Ramsay Ward Community volunteer experience (service clubs, local committees, fundraising, etc): Current positions: Social Media Coordinator for Almonte in Concert; Duty Bugler for Almonte Legion; and Member of the Musical Arts Club (fundraises to support local area music programming and competitions) Top 3 issues facing your municipality and its residents that council has control or major influence over: 1. Increased costs of infra-
Former Elected Positions/ Terms if applicable: Almonte Councillor 1991 - 1992 Community volunteer experience (service clubs, local committees, fundraising, etc): 25 year member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 240 Almonte; Organized 2018 Mississippi Mills Family Fun Day; Brushed, weeded and planted flowers and decorative plants in Don Maynard Park. Most of the things my friends and I do for the community are to help those in need so they are kept private. Top 3 issues facing your municipality and its residents that council has control or major influence over: 1. Crumbling Finances, Over-taxation and Out of Control Spending – Long term debt (excluding the Wastewater Treatment Plant debt) is projected to be $ 14.8 million; double the 2017 debt. Reserves are projected to be $ 4.27 million, a decrease of 25% in just two years. 2. Generally Poor Condition of Roads, Sidewalks and Infrastructure – Roads, sidewalks and infrastructure throughout Mississippi Mills are generally in a bad state of repair. Capital funding for repair and replacement has been inadequate for years and we now face significant expenditures just to make the worst safe and useable. 3. Opportunities for Youth – Mississippi Mills’ youth have few opportunities for fun, recreation, employment and volunteer work.
itage constraints that are on all property designations, lack of severance opportunities in Pakenham and Ramsay wards, We need to bring the severance date of 1973 to a more acceptable date, strengthen the wording in the COP to ensure municipal parkland and open space remain in the public domain. We need to ensure there is a sufficient amount of affordable housing to meet the needs, strengthen the protection of land owners rights ,but at the same time respecting the environment and the wildlife 2. In the last 5 years we have gone through a 7% tax revenue increase each year. We have to find ways to keep these increases to a minimum ensure that projects are properly planned to avoid cost overrun, Invest in much needed upgrades to the infrastructure (partner with the county and the provincial government to invest into our infrastructure), eliminate unnecessary legal costs (e.g. City of Thunder Bay saved 6 million dollars with this approach), using our municipal staff expertise and limiting the use of outside consultants 3. My vision is for our residents to have a meaningful role in the decisions that impact the quality of their lives; a question period following council and committee meetings. Allowing audio and video equipment back into the council chambers, Implementing a community involvement strategy
Mayor Candidate - Paul Watters
Former Elected Positions/ Terms if applicable: Councilor – Ramsay Ward (8 years) Community volunteer experience (service clubs, local committees, fundraising, etc): Past President of Almonte/ Pakenham Little League (4 years); Past President of the Royal Canadian Legion, Almonte Branch (4 years); A life member of the Royal Canadian Legion; President C.A.R.E. Group focusing on resolving local issues within the Clayton Community; President Clayton Community Hall Associations 2009. Received
the Lanark County Award of Excellence for Business Recreation Sports and Tourism for involvement with the World Broomball Tournament 2012; Organizer / Master of Ceremonies for Claytonfest (2 years). Top 3 issues facing your municipality and its residents that council has control or major influence over: 1. Community Official Plan 2. Completion of MM2020 3. Communication / Visibility between council and the public Your solutions/approach to those 3 issues: 1. I would like to see the growth of the C.O.P. to allow our local developers to continue to build and employ locally. I would also like to see lot creation in Pakenham and Ramsay. 2. I think it is important to have broadband and cell coverage throughout our Municipality for public use. With the growing usage of cellphones, it has become a real issue to have service in rural areas for residents’ safety. 3. We need clear and strong
structure with decreased provincial and federal support 2. Balancing service levels and taxation that are respectful to the taxpayer 3. Community engagement and effective communication Your solutions/approach to those 3 issues: Balancing infrastructure costs, service levels and taxation comes down to planning and managing needs. Our Asset Management and Long Term Financial Plans sustainably map out lifecycles and capital investments to 2030. Keeping these plans up-to-date and reflective of today and tomorrow’s needs is critical for managing taxation levels. Committing to responsible development also manages costs as it controls pressures on infrastructure from new growth. In the age of social media, many citizens are more involved now than ever before. Engaging residents in meaningful dialogue to understand, participate and shape our community is a priority for me as your mayor.
Deputy Mayor Candidate - Mario Coculuzzi
Former Elected Positions/ Terms if applicable: None – First time running Community volunteer experience (service clubs, local committees, fundraising, etc): I used to organize Golf tournaments for the Government of Canada Charitable Campaign Top 3 issues facing your municipality and its residents that council has control or major influence over: More respect for Citizens and their concerns and issues. Control/Cut expenses so we can have a freeze on property tax increases for the length of our term. Have a true discussion and dialogue with citizens on the Community Official Plan (COP). communication. I would like more public meetings, more involvement with our MPs, MPPs and Lanark County. I want to be visible to the public to ensure they are informed. I want our Council and other departments to be approachable and available to the public.
Councillor Candidates: Duncan Abbott, John Dalgity, Janet A. Maydan, Jill McCubbin, Tony Barr, John H. Edwards, Cynthia Guerard, Bev Holmes, Ken Kicksee, Vicki Barr McDougall, Denzil Ferguson To view the results of the questionaires for all of the municipal election candidates for Beckwith, Carleton Place, Drummond North Elmsley, Lanark Highlands, Merrickville, Mississippi Mills, Montague, Perth, Rideau Lakes, Smiths Falls, Tay Valley and Westport please visit: hometownnews.ca/2018-municipal-election-candidates
Your solutions/approach to those 3 issues: 1. I hope to set up an open-mic night other than on Council meeting night and ideally I would like to travel to the different Community Centres and any Councilor or Mayor would be welcome to join, but not obligated. This is what I want to do. 2. Freeze all salary increases, increases to Library and Museums (Current Council has budgeted a 2+% increase) grants to special interest groups, go over financial statements by either an internal or external audit and examine Management salaries. 3. Re-open the COP Discussion with proper consultation with the Landowners. A landowner should not be the enemy and nor should the municipality. Right now, neither trusts the other. We have to change that.
Re-Elect
Lorraine Allen
Principles ∙ Integrity ∙ Experience
Lorraine is proud to be a member of Town Council and looks forward to the next four years working with her colleagues to make our town even better if re-elected. Smiths Falls will be her home for the rest of her life and she wants to see it grow and prosper while maintaining that small town sense of caring that drew her back to it many years ago. Lorraine is available by phone or could meet with you for coffee and a chat. Her phone number is 613-284-0572
SMITHS FALLS IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE
It’s very difficult to narrow the issues to only 3. In addition to the above, these very important matters need to be addressed as soon as possible: Council and staff accountability, transparency and openness; rural broadband internet and cell phone services; accessibility and inclusiveness; Community Official Plan Amendments taking away control of landowners; and affordable housing. Your solutions/approach to those 3 issues: 1. With over 25 years accounting experience, I can lead Budget reviews to find savings to be used elsewhere. I will work towards delaying “nice to have” capital projects in favour of “must haves”. I will work with the new Council to permit rural development, and expand settlement boundaries to increase our residential tax base throughout Mississippi Mills. 2. I will work with the new Council and staff to identify roads, sidewalks and infrastructure requiring immediate attention and have the work completed as a priority over other projects. We have to re-direct money into these projects starting in 2019. The municipality’s share of funding requirements will come from existing sources; no tax increases will be needed. 3. I will try to find a new location that will allow for the complete planned skate park including lighting and places to sit and eat. I will volunteer to sit on the Youth Centre Board to have direct communication with Board members and our youth. I will encourage businesses to hire more youth. I will encourage organizations to advertise volunteer opportunities directly to youth. I will look for financial help for youth wanting to play sports but unable to pay fees or for gear.
October 2018
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news Deputy Mayor Candidate - David Hinks
Deputy Mayor Candidate - Jane Torrance
Former Elected Positions/ Terms if applicable: None Community volunteer experience (service clubs, local committees, fundraising, etc): Mississippi Mills Community & Economic Planning Committee member; Mississippi Mills Beautification Committee member; The Lanark County Food Bank – Board of Directors, vice-chair: development of new approach to empower clients; development of a dozen community gardens; Member of the Community Advisory Board for the Co-operators Insurance Company – 2008 to 2014 - providing feedback on initiatives related to more responsible environmental and social policies and practices; Lanark County Master Gardeners - community presentations, supporting local gardening initiatives; gardening initiatives including development of gardening programs at two youth centres; contributing regular articles on food security, community activities and gardening in the Millstone and the
Former Elected Positions/ Terms if applicable: 2014 – 2018 Almonte Ward Councillor, 2014 – 2018 Lanark County Councillor (elected by my peers at Mississippi Mills Council), 2006-2010 Almonte Ward Councillor, 2003-2006 Almonte Ward Councillor. Community volunteer experience (service clubs, local committees, fundraising, etc): Mississippi Mills Youth
Humm. Local Men’s Shed movement – assisting in the development of local groups for men to engage with hands-on projects, be productive and continue to contribute their skills to the community; Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists. Top 3 issues facing your municipality and its residents that council has control or major influence over: 1. Fiscal responsibility 2. Economic growth - my contribution will be rooted in my 35-year career as an economist and policy advisor 3. Recreation and transportation Your solutions/approach to those 3 issues: Mississippi Mills has diverse interests that must work together to strengthen a place that is the envy of many. Whether from Ramsay, Pakenham or Almonte – our knowledge and personal experience will provide solutions. My skills in economics and policy planning will support fiscal responsibility. As Deputy Mayor, a member of council, and on Lanark Council, I will ensure that all voices are heard and that decisions are fostered by informed, respectful dialogue. By working together, citizens and council, we will leverage the knowledge and experience of the community and ensure that Mississippi Mills remains a home we are proud of.
Deputy Mayor Candidate - John Levi
Former Elected Positions/ Terms if applicable: Councillor 3 yrs. Pakenham Ward; Councillor 1 yr. Almonte Ward; 4 yrs. Mayor and County Councillor for Mississippi Mills. Community volunteer experience (service clubs, local committees, fundraising, etc): Five years “The Mill” (ACDC) Board of Directors; 10 years Almonte Community Credit Union; 20 years coaching hockey, soccer, fastball, and ringette (elected to the Ontario Ringette Hall of Fame in the coaching category); 8 years board of directors of Mississippi Mills Chamber of Commerce; 10 years Business Improvement Association (BIA) Almonte, one year as chair 30 years member; and past president of Almonte Civitan Club, Currently Director; 6 yrs. director of Appleton Museum. Top 3 issues facing your municipality and its res-
idents that council has control or major influence over: 1. Get spending and taxes under control 2. Community official plan corrected to properly reflect residents’ wishes 3. Return Community to friendly town respecting all views and working together Your solutions/approach to those 3 issues: I believe spending must be brought under control. Many projects undertaken have run well over budget. Example of this is Pakenham Library 100% over budget. The community official plan has been disastrous. It started out to be full major review. Then after spending years and many thousands of dollars changed to a minor 5-year review because most of current council did not like results of what the facts indicated. Disappointing to see our community deteriorate over the last 4 years from co-operative friendly town to where residents were welcome to come to council and participate, to now guards at door of meeting. This councils’ total disregard for the views of most of its residents and promotion of special interest groups saddens me. “Time for Change.”
Centre Champion/Chair 2014- present; The Hub, Chair of Nominating Committee present; President 2000-2004; Almonte Legion Branch 240 Colour Guard, 2004- present; Almonte Legion Chair Public Education, 2012 – 2018; Almonte Legion Secretary, 2012 – 2014; Terry Fox Run Registration 2005- present; Canadian Cancer Society Team Lead and Neighbourhood Canvasser, 1998 – present; Lanark County Community Justice Facilitator, 2017— present; Scottish Society of Ottawa Co-Chair, Communication, 2018; Almonte Celtfest Co-Chair 2014 and 2015; Almonte Celtfest Chair Promotions 2012 to 2015; Lanark County Municipal Drug Strategy Committee: founding member
(2009 – 2017); Lanark and Renfrew Local Immigration Partnership: founding member (2009 – 2017); Past volunteer on Parent Councils at ADHS, R.Tait McKenzie, Naismith, Pakenham and GL Comba Schools; Puppets Up!; Veterans’ Memorial Walkway; Almonte Public Library Home Visiting Program; Highland Games; Many, many volunteer shifts at many, many community festivals and events. Top 3 issues facing your municipality and its residents that council has control or major influence over: 1. Economic Development 2. Collaborative Leadership 3. Community Development Your solutions/approach to those 3 issues: 1. I care about creating a prosperous, vibrant future
Perth Municipal Election Candidates Mayor Candidate - Jim Boldt
Work and Volunteer Experience: Jim Boldt has been a councillor for two terms and has served on numerous committees during his tenure. He has been a member of the Planning Advisory Committee, the Municipal Heritage Committee, the Municipal Drag and Safety Committee and the Rideau Valley Conservation Board of Directors. Boldt is a former president of the Perth branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, and is the current First Vice President. Please list the top three issues facing your municipality and its residents that you would like to tackle in the upcoming council term, and what are your solutions/approach to these three issues: Economic development. “My mandate if elected as Mayor is to continue to work hard to create employment oppor-
tunities in our community by setting up a Mayors’ Task Force focusing on Economic Development within our town and the surrounding townships of DNE and Tay Valley. I will appoint local business leaders, outstanding civic personalities, Chamber of Commerce members and anyone interested in the future economic growth of our area. This is the single most important task in survival of our town and our economic future.” “Instead of burying our heads in the sand we will vigorously knock on the doors of businesses that want to set up to pursue the Canadian dream of success and we will make Perth and area that destination through whatever incentives it takes to make it happen.” “I have the experience of running my own companies combined with municipal expertise and the drive to make Perth and area the go to destination that will result in a true future for our current citizens to embrace and an opportunity for our youth to stay here and build a future for themselves and their children. In closing, I truly believe that with at least four new faces on council with me as Mayor the constituents of Perth can sincerely Vote 4 Positive Change.”
Mayor Candidate - John Fenik
Work and Volunteer Experience: John Fenik is the current Mayor of Perth and the current Warden of Lanark County. He first joined council in 1997, working as a councillor from ’97 to 2003. He worked as deputy mayor from ’03 to ’06, and has worked as mayor ever since. Fenik is the Co-Chair of the Eastern Ontario Leadership Council and is a current board member of the Lanark County Housing Corporation and the Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital. He is also a former member of the Perth Police Service Board, the Perth
Business Improvement Area and the Perth Chamber of Commerce. Please list the top three issues facing your municipality and its residents that you would like to tackle in the upcoming council term, and what are your solutions/approach to these three issues: Protecting our town’s fiscal health - The Town of Perth is in great financial health. We currently have over $8 million in reserves and a very low debt load of $372,000. Like your household, we are saving for a rainy day. I don’t have a crystal ball. We don’t know what the future holds – new provincial and federal governments means our municipal landscape changes every day. But, I can tell you this: I will continue to ensure our town’s budget will be balanced, I will ensure Perth remains an affordable place to live, and I promise all residents will continue to
for all three wards of Mississippi Mills. As Deputy Mayor, I will concentrate on balanced growth, fiscal management, connectivity, and will partner beyond our boundaries to continue our reputation as a financially strong, well-positioned municipality focused on sustainable growth. 2. I bring extensive Council experience and a spirit of trust and collaboration to the table. I will encourage a corporate culture of innovation, enhanced modern communication, shared community decision-making, and annual report cards to Mississippi Mills. 3. I will champion municipal support of community action and partnerships, supporting a family-focused community for all ages.
(Mayor and Deputy Mayor Candidates)
Mayor Candidate - John Gemmell
Work and Volunteer Experience: John Gemmell was first elected to Perth Council in 2003 and was elected Deputy Mayor in 2009. He has represented Perth on the Lanark County Council since 2009 and was Warden of the County in 2012. He currently sits as a Director on both the Perth and District Hospital Foundation Board and the District Sports Hall of Fame. Other appointments include membership in the Perth Heritage Advisory Panel and Police Services Board. Please list the top three issues facing your municipality and its residents that you would like to tackle in the upcoming council term, and what are your solutions/approach to these three issues: Affordability - Perth, like most small rural communities, works hard to remain an affordable place to live and Council has adopted a policy of keeping our taxation increases within the annual CPI (Consumer Price Index) and after the last budget I tabled a motion that future Councils consider adopting
the same approach to municipal taxes, which all of Council supported. Perth could be considered to be in a comfortable position financially as a result of some tough decisions made during the 2003-2006 term of office and the fiscal responsibility reforms undertaken over the last decade. Health Care - I am a Director on the Perth and District Hospital Foundation Board which is the lead for fundraising to ensure that the Perth site has the best equipment available and I am extremely proud how generous our citizens are in donating to the Foundation. The Provincial Gov’t. does not provide any fund for equipment (beds, x-rays, scanners etc) and we (Perth and District) have to continue to support the services provided; our citizens should not have to travel elsewhere for health care. Quality of Life - Our pool and arena, although older, are maintained well and are readily used by Perth and Area residents. The Conlon Farm recreational facility is a going concern and Stewart Park is a gem. Perth is blessed with a great volunteer spirit which makes the festivals and events successful. The County has completed a trail/boardwalk behind the County building to the Tay river. I would like to see the boardwalk extended along the Tay through town out towards Conlon Farm, which would require a feasibility study but it would be a great addition to Perth.
receive quality service from town hall. Planning for Growth: The stage is set for healthy growth here in our beautiful town. Lands north of Hwy. 7 and other areas across Perth are ready for residential development. This growth will give us the opportunity to meet new friends and give others the chance to call Perth home. Yet in order for this to happen, an amendment to both the County’s and the Town of Perth’s official plan must take place. Over the past year and a half, I have been working hard with other politicians and staff, laying the foundations for a town and county official plan amendment. Without this amendment, growth in Perth will stagnate. The positive and
collaborative relationships I have developed with other politicians and levels of government over my 20 years as an elected official will help make these amendments happen. Quality of Life - Everywhere I go, people tell me about Perth’s beauty. It’s true. Every day, when I walk through the town I am amazed. I love our downtown’s heritage beauty, as well as our parks and river, and I think to myself: this is the most beautiful place on earth. Over my years as mayor, I have protected our town’s natural assets. If I am given the privilege of being elected mayor, I will continue to ensure our town is sustainable, environmentally friendly, and the prettiest place we all know and love.
Councillor Candidates: Dave Birdm, Judy Brown, Leona J. Cameron, Nathan Ferguson, Brock McPherson, Barry Smith
October 2018
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news Deputy Mayor Candidate - Ed McPherson
Work and Volunteer Experience: Ed McPherson has been a member of the Perth Town Council for the past 23 years. He has been the Chair of Finance and Governance Committee since 2006 and served as Acting Deputy Mayor in 2015. Outside of his work as councillor, he has worked as a coach in minor hockey, soccer, and baseball. McPherson is also Chief of the Lanark County Paramedic Service and serves on local and provincial health care committees. Please list the top three issues facing your municipality and its residents that you would like to tackle in the upcoming council term, and what are your solutions/approach to these three issues: Financial Stability/Sustainability/Affordability - In 2006 when appointed to Chairman of Finance, I recognized that the town would need to re-evaluate the way it budgeted in order to ensure financial stability. My goal was to control spending in order to prevent higher tax increases in the future. With my responsibility to develop the annual budget I recommended that Council adopt a “Strategic Budget Guideline”. This 10 year plan would see future tax increases tied to the annual Consumer Price Index, long term debt would be eliminated and future borrowing would be severely restricted. The goal was to “live within our financial means” while we built up our financial reserves which would make Perth an affordable place to live.
The plan is working well as Perth has kept all tax increases at or below the CPI since 2011(in 2017 Perth had a zero percent tax increase) and Perth is now meeting and exceeding provincial financial benchmarks. All long term debt will be paid off by the end of 2018 and our projections are that we will have $5 million in reserves. In the last several years, the town has been able to complete major work on our facilities and infrastructure while at the same time providing grants to downtown business owners to assist them with renovations to their buildings. All of this has been achieved with low tax increases. In 2018 I co-developed a formal Budget Spending policy that was accepted by Council and will serve as the blueprint for future spending. With these initiatives I feel that Perth will remain in a strong financial position. Economic Development/Diversity - Keeping in mind that the median household income in Perth is $52,000.00, the town will need to review its strategic plan in order to update its goals on economic development in the areas of attracting new types of business to town. Keeping and attracting our younger generation of workers should become a greater focus as we cannot continue to rely solely on tourism and retirement to maintain our financial stability. The formation of a new committee focusing on economic development ideas should be pursued by Council. Increasing Housing for various income levels - The town will also have to review its ability to attract developers who can build homes and apartments that are affordable to the citizens of Perth as not all of our citizens can afford some of the housing currently on sale. The Council should form a working group to discuss and evaluate all options open to it.
Deputy Mayor Candidate - Jim Graff
Work and Volunteer Experience: Jim Graff was first elected to council in 2010 and re-elected in 2014. He was appointed Chairman of Environmental Services in 2010, and has also worked as a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Parks and Recreation committees, as well as the Chairman of the Police Services Board. Graff has volunteered with The Friends of the Tay Valley Watershed, The Rideau Ferry Regatta Committee, the Perth Communities in Bloom Committee and the Perth & District Sports Hall of Fame. Please list the top three issues facing your municipality and its residents that you would like to tackle in the upcoming council term, and what are your solutions/approach to these three issues: Budget Analysis: Typically, Perth's town council approves funds for projects through the budget, however council has little exposure to the actual cost of these projects. As a result council is not typically made aware which projects have exceeded budget allotments and why these over-runs occurred. I recommend we establish a method by which council can track and review the actual costs of projects. This review will
reveal how efficiently council has been at spending tax payer funds, and will help council evaluate the performance of contractors for consideration for future projects. Additionally, I feel there is a need to prioritize local suppliers and contractors in the bidding process. Such as step will ensure the town's expenditures are re-invested into the local economy. Managing Urban Growth: The recent rise in development activity has led to a notable increase in the number of multi-dwelling buildings around town, with many more expected in the coming years. Some of these projects have been executed in a less-than ideal manner. To preserve the character of our existing neighborhoods I recommend we introduce a Design Review aspect to our planning process for all multi-dwelling buildings. While many other towns with less charm than Perth have adopted such policies, our current planning system has minimal aesthetic controls on development. As pleasing architectural design can be achieved at any price scale, this initiative would ensure our residents of all income ranges can exhibit pride in their home. Traffic Management: Proper directional signage is necessary to direct trucks away from the busiest and most historic areas of downtown, specifically Foster and Gore Streets. This will help preserve our downtown streets, reduce deterioration of our historic buildings, and increase safety for downtown pedestrians.
Merrickville Municipal Election Candidates (Mayor and Deputy Mayor Candidates)
Mayor Candidate - Anne Barr
Mayor Candidate - David Nash
Former Elected Positions/ Terms if applicable: Councillor-at-Large, 2011 to 2014; Deputy Mayor, 2015 to 2018 Community volunteer experience (service clubs, local committees, fundraising, etc): Chair, Merrickville-Wolford Heritage Committee, 2007 to 2010 Member, Pilot, Unit Director, and Provincial Standards Officer for Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA), 1999 to 2014 Top 3 issues facing your municipality and its residents that council has control or major influence over: 1. Fiscal sustainability - fair and equitable taxation and distribution of services to all citizens 2. Smart growth - increase our resource base in a man-
Former Elected Positions/ Terms if applicable: Deputy Mayor 4 yrs and current Mayor Community volunteer experience (service clubs, local committees, fundraising, etc): Salvation Army, Cancer Society, United Way, Beth Donovan Hospice, Anglican Church, Serenity Renewal for Families, World Vision Top 3 issues facing your municipality and its residents that council has control or major influence over: High property taxes and wa-
ner that reflects the shared values of our community 3. Modernization of operations - develop budgets and policies that support smart growth, fiscal sustainability, and effective municipal operations. Your solutions/approach to those 3 issues: 1. Key to fiscal sustainability is the development of partnerships at many levels and the sharing of resources while developing a robust tax base. Attracting new development is vital and must be balanced with the rural, agricultural, and heritage characteristics of Merrickville-Wolford. 2. Recent consultation with citizens resulted in a longrange strategic plan. This plan, plus additional community consultation, will guide the growth of our municipality. 3. The new Council will immediately undertake a review of policies and procedures with an eye towards modernization of operations. Adoption of best practices and technologies will improve service delivery and make effective use of tax dollars.
Mayor Candidate - Doug Struthers
Mayor Candidate - Chuck MacInnis
Former Elected Positions/ Terms if applicable: Currently a Councillor for Merrickville Ward in Merrickville-Wolford. I have served one four-year term. I have taken a strong stand at council on all issues that come to the Council table. I have stood by my principles throughout this term of Council. I have used my experience, expertise and integrity to bring honest and informed leadership to this community because it is one of my deepest core values. Community volunteer experience (service clubs, local committees, fundraising, etc): Active member of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Founding Committee Member of Run Merrickville, A Founding Member of Merrickville Rogue Poets, Served on the executive of the Road to Bethlehem, Founding Board Member for the Sharing Table, Volunteer at Loaves and Fishes in Brockville, Founding Board Member for the Friends of Crysler’s Farm Group, Led a church youth group, Chaired a Regional Child and Youth Committee Top 3 issues facing your municipality and its residents that council has control or major influence over: 1. Infrastructure 2. Finances 3. Water and Sewer rates Your solutions/approach to those 3 issues: Task the Economic Development Committee to present an economic plan that
encompasses the rural and urban aspects of our municipality and to find innovative ways of attracting and retaining business. Update the Asset Management Plan, identify grants to repair or replace water and sewer lines and roads. Task the Planning Advisory Committee to: (1) review past planning decisions impacting residents and businesses and (2) make recommendations for improvements that encourage development and growth. Set up an Ad Hoc Committee to review the financial implications of the current business model used for water/ sewer billing and propose a sustainable model that does not overburden users.
ter sewer rates, Infrastructure maintenance, and Seniors’ housing and hub Your solutions/approach to those 3 issues: I have already started to reduce taxes and will continue to do so using the increased revenue from new homes and the addition of new homes in areas passed by water/sewer will lower the overall cost /home as we extend the water sewer system. Two years ago I created an infrastructure reserve (2% of the levy) and also emphasized the importance of being prepared with shovel-ready projects to apply for grants as they come available. We have just received our 2nd largest grant to both repair and extend our water/sewer. Continue to work with the developers and seniors to establish both a hub and housing thereby allowing them to stay in their community.
Merrickville-Wolford has been my home for over thirty years and I hope I am fortunate enough to be here another thirty more. I have a deeply vested interest in our Village. I am committed to our bright future and will safeguard our storied past and all those special things that make up our diverse community. It was a philosophy of service that lead me to the mayor's chair from 2000-2014, and it is that which leads me back to mayoral campaign. The last four years have allowed me to consider my years of service as well as observe the present Council in action. Merrickville-Wolford deserves better.
I would begin my tenure with a complete assessment of how our municipality stands with regards to the state of our budget - allocations, loans, and outstanding financial commitments. Further, a complete review of procedures and policies that contributed to the many difficulties and legal entanglements experienced by Council over the past four years. Priority must be focused on working toward lowering taxes and water rates: more housing and increasing services offered by our waste treatment plant. I will devote more time to urban and rural resident's issues. Our residents contribute approximately 87% to the municipal tax base but don't always enjoy 87% of benefits. I commit to bringing back smart decision-making to our Council, dignified representation and fiscal responsibility. Merrickville-Wolford is a special place full of amazing people, strong agriculture community and a vibrant business sector. It is something to be proud of and foster and great respect.
Councillor Candidates: Yves Grandmaitre, Don Halpenny, Michael Cameron, Mark Scullino, Tony Iannazzo, Victor Suthren, Timothy Molloy, Bob Foster To view the results of the questionaires for all of the municipal election candidates for Beckwith, Carleton Place, Drummond North Elmsley, Lanark Highlands, Merrickville, Mississippi Mills, Montague, Perth, Rideau Lakes, Smiths Falls, Tay Valley and Westport please visit: hometownnews.ca/2018-municipal-election-candidates
October 22, 2018
A VOICE FOR ALL RESIDENTS
October 2018
6
community Perth Inside Out:
by Terry O'Hearn
Pilot William Kyle honoured at museum
One of the most prominent exhibits at the Perth Legion Hall of Remembrance Museum commemorates Perth’s Flying Officer William Kyle and five other crewmen, who went missing during World War II over the jungle of what was then known as Burma, and is now Myanmar. They were delivering supplies to allied troops in the northwestern part of the country, when the Dakota aircraft disappeared on June 21, 1945. Although the men were all presumed dead, nothing more was known about their disappearance until one fateful day in 1995. For many of Canada’s warriors declared missing in action, the story would have ended with the initial report. However in 1995, a hunter walking through the jungle in what is now Myanmar, discovered parts of a man’s inscribed watch. Then in November of that year, Burmese Government officials reported finding wreckage from a Dakota in the general area where the Royal Canadian Air Force plane had been reported missing. The watch was soon identified as belonging to Kyle, a farewell gift loving-
ly inscribed with his name by his parents. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) organized teams consisting of both VAC and National Defence personnel to conduct a mission which would ultimately result in the recovery of the remains of the crew of the Dakota aircraft with the marking KN 563. Experts concluded that the doomed Dakota had been flying in Monsoon weather, and had hit deadly “wind shear”, a force which can literally rip the wings from an aircraft. It had departed from Tulihal, India, on June 21, 1945, to drop supplies to the British 14th Army at Myitkyina, and would have dropped like a stone into the jungle below. The Dakota was originally manufactured by Douglas Aircraft Company as the DC-3, and the military version became the C-47. The reality television documentary series “Ice Pilots NWT” about Buffalo Airways, an airline based in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, featured the DC-3, which is still used in some parts of the Canadian North. A discussion on the militarian.com History Forum quotes from a VAC a statement at the time of the recovery mission in 1996: “Ottawa - On November 26-27 (1996), officials of the Government of the Union of Myanmar (Burma) reported that wreckage of an aircraft, marked KN 563, had been found in the jungle of northwestern Myanmar. As early as this weekend, Veterans
Affairs Canada (VAC) expects to lead a team comprised of VAC and National Defence personnel on a reconnaissance/recovery mission to the site in an effort to find the remains of the crew of KN 563, an RCAF plane that was declared missing over Burma on June 21, 1945.” Once the wreckage was determined to be the missing Canadian plane, the primary mission was to recover the remains of its six crew members. Historians date the actual recovery as Dec. 1, 1996, but further details are not available. Legion Magazine published an essay titled “Portraits of a Farewell”, by Jennifer Morse, which paints a poignant picture of the interment ceremony: “Almost 52 years later–on March 5, 1997–the remains of the six airmen were buried together in a teak casket in the Taukkyan War Cemetery on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar (formerly Rangoon, Burma). The funeral service was the final farewell to Rogers, Pilot Officer William Kyle of Perth, Ont., Flight Sergeant Charles McLaren of Campbellville, Ont., Flying Officer David Cameron of Oshawa, Ont., WO Stanley Cox of Beresford, Man., and Leading Aircraftman Cornelius Kopp of Duchess, Alta. “Organized by Veterans Affairs Canada, the burial delegation was led by Secretary of State for Veterans Lawrence MacAulay. It included 26 next of kin and 23 veterans from the wartime 435 and 436
Hall of Remembrance Curator and Perth Deputy Mayor John Gemmell is shown in front the museum display, holding a model of the Dakota aircraft similar to the one piloted by Flying Officer William Kyle. Photo credit: Terry O’Hearn
Royal Canadian Air Force squadrons.” Further discussion about the recovery mission is found online at the website of “Community Memories, Boundary Museum Society, Grand Forks, British Columbia.” Here veteran Albert Talarico shares some of his wartime memories with a grade 11 Social Studies class in 2004: “The crash site was a ravine with a steep slope, and the plane had broken up into hundreds of pieces scattered over an area of about 30 square metres. … The team recovered much wreckage, none of it more than a half metres across, some
human remains for burial and the plane's propeller, identification number and roundel from the fuselage, … Because of the efforts of the recovery team, a group of Canadians gathered on March 5 of this year (1997) in Taukkyan War Cemetery, Taukkyan, Yangon, Burma, Plot: 14. F. 16, (35 kilometres out of Ragoon) to put these six young heroes to rest. … The service was very moving. … It was conducted in full military honour. … From the veterans marching in procession to the grave side, to the careful placing of Canadian soil on the casket, to the bugler sounding the haunting notes of the Last
Post to the piper playing the Flowers of the Forest, from the moment … posthumous medals and a neatly folded flag were handed to representatives of each family, …” William Kyle’s name is inscribed on a gravestone in St. John's Parish Cemetery here in Perth: “F.O. William J. Kyle 1923-1945, Lost over Burma, Buried Rangoon 1997". He is also commemorated along with other WW II veterans on a memorial at St. John Elementary School. If you have any comments or suggestions, please email me at: terry@ pdgmedia.ca
opinion: Am I the only one? by Carrie Wynne
Empty nesting - Don't kid yourself it's fabulous
The drop-off was a moment of triumph and pride. It felt like an ending to a very long chapter that went by way too fast. I took advantage of the time that was offered to me and now that it’s over I’m so glad I did. As they settle in I can’t help wondering what they are eating, how are they managing their workload, what’s their overall well-being like? Are
they getting enough sleep? I realize that I will no longer understand the full scope of their life the way I once did. It’s hard to let go, but necessary. They say it’s a sad and lonely time for a new empty nester and, that’s not happening. We are relieved. This is a reset button for me and my husband. We get to re-establish ourselves as a couple and embrace the journey the same way we did when parenthood fell upon us many years ago. Our kids' new chapter might be called “How to live without Mom doing everything for me” and our chapter is called “Freedom”. It’s quiet, it’s clean and we don’t even have to cook if we don’t want to. We can start eating
later at night like they do in Europe. Moving out and getting them settled was hectic. They no longer live downstairs anymore and we must sit back and watch from a distance while they show us how to live without us. We are beholden to respect that and move on, and that’s what we are doing. I’m so thrilled they were mine for a short time and I had some say in the directions they took. Now I just get to bite my tongue and hope I can be privy to a little bit of what’s going on for them—the real stuff. Not the filtered for “Mom” stuff. Right now, I’m stoked about this clean house and our 8 o’clock dinners.
Celebrating 20 years of Serving Our Community
Keep Calm and Trust Your Chiropractor
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
Presents:
Another Perth and District Christmas House Tour is in the works Perth - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Perth & District is celebrating its 13th Heritage Perth Christmas House Tour on the weekend of December 1st and 2nd this year from 10:00 – 3:30 each day. It’s time to mark your calendars again and get ready to join in another weekend that celebrates beautiful architecture, historic buildings, restoration, remodelling, beautiful home décor and furnishings, and seasonal decorating. This year’s
House Tour like all others will surely not disappoint. The tour attracted close to 900 visitors last year, often from hundreds of miles away. It even attracts American visitors who make an annual trip to Eastern Ontario to enjoy this event and its local attractions. Recognized as one of the “Prettiest Towns in Canada”, Perth and the surrounding area has so much to offer in terms of places of historical interest, wonderful local-flavour restaurants, unique local crafts, recreational opportunities and excellent accommodation - whether it be at a
trendy Bed and Breakfast or a 5-star hotel. Perth is where you want to be this special December weekend. The town will be turned out in full grandeur, offering many added attractions to round out the season and Christmas celebrations. This year’s tour will again offer 8 exceptionally interesting and celebrated homes all transformed for holidays with inspiring seasonal décor presented by talented local designers and florists. Not only is the House Tour great fun, it also provides an opportunity for our
CFUW organization to invest in the local community. Proceeds from the event are used to support local women in their pursuit of advanced education and contributes to literacy and other educational initiatives in local schools and libraries. Since the tours began, close to $225,000 in
proceeds have been distributed throughout the Lanark County area. House Tour tickets are priced at $30 again this year and are available at various locations throughout the area. More details and ticket locations can be found on the CFUW website at:
https://cfuwperthanddistrict.wordpress.com/2018house-tour/ and Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/CFUWPerthON/ New this year is the ability to buy tickets on-line through Tickets Please at: www.ticketsplease.ca Hope to see you there!
A beautifully rendered sign gracing the front exterior near the elegant portico of this older Perth home and says "Pres du parc" in French and means "Near the parc" in English and presents an aura of sophistication that beckons “Come inside!” The interior aesthetic is fit for the pages of French Country Living. Inside a beautiful cranberry glass collection adds sparkle to the pieces of furniture lovingly refinished by the homeowner. Visitors will marvel at the collection of hand-painted historical memorabilia which adds an element of surprise, executed perfectly with a true flair for the eclectic.
Annual Perth Ghost Walk adds new dimension to Perth's past Perth - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca
As the leaves turn red and the winds go cold, the ghosts of Perth are preparing to come alive. The heritage of Perth has a long and varied history when it comes to the macabre. Hiding in the town’s history books are stories of duels, hangings, curses and haunted houses. Susan Code, a local historian who hosts the annual Perth Ghost Walk, knows many of the skeletons in the
town’s closet. Author of A Matter of Honour and Other Tales of Early Perth, she has spent much of her career combing through old books and compiling tales of days gone by. “Probably the two best known [hauntings] are the Matheson house and the hospital,” said Code in a phone interview. “The ghost of the Matheson house is Roderick Matheson. People see his presence; he’s either walking or he’s sitting in a chair, or things will get moved around with no log-
ical explanation. That’s sort of the experience with all of the ghosts in Perth, they’re just there.” Matheson died of a stroke in 1873. His house now hosts the Perth Museum, where images of the town’s past are present for all to see. Another heritage structure with a frightening past is the Perth hospital. Originally called Victoria Hall and built for John Glass Malloch, it was supposedly the scene of a curse that infected Malloch and his family.
“The hospital is quite an interesting story because if you look at it, it’s a quite large complex now, but it was originally a house,” said Code. “It was built in the 1850s by the local judge, and because of the dealings with a number of tradespeople people in the area during the construction of the house, the house ended up being cursed. Which had some unfortunate consequences – the curse was effective.” According to Code, the occupants of the house became very unlucky, suffer-
ing ill health and premature death until the family died out. The house sat empty for many years, developing a reputation as “the big haunted house on the edge of town”. “Then came the hospital in the 1920s,” said Code. “[Since then], many sightings and accounts by respectable, rational people of the community… not everybody encounters the ghosts, but enough people have encountered them that there is definitely something there.”
The hospital and the Matheson house are just two of the spots that Code likes to visit during the Perth Ghost Walk, which is a 90 minute stroll through town that revels in the tiny pockets of dark history. “The tour is meant to be fun! It’s the spirit of Halloween, but also [a way to] open people’s eyes to another dimension to Perth’s past,” said Code. “They may be familiar streets and buildings, but there are many stories behind these doors.”
Events around the region CARLETON PLACE October 5 Karaoke Night 8:00pm Carleton Place Legion 177 George Street 613-257-1727 Open Jam 8:30pm - 11:00pm Waterfront Gastropub Thewaterfrontgastropub.ca
October 12 Youth Committee Dance 6:30pm - 8:30pm Brunton Community Hall 1702 9th Line, Beckwith
October 14 Country Harvest Music Show 7:00pm Carleton Place Arena bwhite@carletonplace.ca
October 19 TEN: 10 Teen Artists 6:00pm - 8:00pm Carleton Place Library carletonplace.ca/library-c234.php Fall Fashion Show 7:30pm Carleton Place Legion 177 George Street 613-257-1727
8:30pm - 11:00pm Waterfront Gastropub Thewaterfrontgastropub.ca
October 26 & 27 Rummage Sale Oct 26 9am-7pm Oct 27 9am-2pm Zion-Memorial United Church 37 Franklin Street
October 27 Trick or Treat Day 10:00am - 1:00pm Downtown Carleton Place Downtowncarletonplace.com Child Haven Fundraiser 5:30pm - 9:00pm Carleton Place Curling Club Childhaven.ca
October 28 Karaoke Night 5:00pm - 7:00pm Carleton Place Legion 177 George Street 613-257-1727
MERRICKVILLE October 11 - 14 Merrickville’s Jazz Fest All Day Mill Street www.merrickvillesjazzfest.com
October 19 & 20
MISSISSIPPI MILLS
Fall Finds Vintage Sale 10:00am - 4:00pm Carleton Place & Beckwith Heritage Museum www.cpbheritagemuseum.com St. James Cemetery Tour Oct 19 6:30pm Oct 20 1:00pm Heritage Museum 613-253-7013
October 5
October 19 - 21, 26 - 27 Merchant of Venice 7:30pm Carleton Place Town Hall Ticketsplease.ca
October 20 Pumpkinfest 11:00am - 4:00pm Memorial Park 101 Beckwith Street
October 26 Beckwith Halloween Party 6:00pm - 8:00pm Beckwith Park admin@twp.beckwith.on.ca Lanark Laughs
Car/Cash Draw & Music 5:00pm - 9:00pm Almonte Civitan Hall 500 Almonte St.
October 6 & 7 Tranquil Weaver Anniversary 9:00am - 5:00pm 119 Peacock Cr Tranquilweaver.ca
October 10 Sustainable Living: Mushrooms 7:00pm Almonte Library missmillslibrary.com
October 11 Fall Street Market 5:00pm - 8:00pm Downtown Almonte, Mill St. www.downtownalmonte.ca
October 13 Meet the Artists 3:00pm - 6:00pm Sivarulrasa Gallery
Sivarulrasa.com Roast Beef & Pie Dinner 4:30pm - 7:00pm Zion-Memorial United Church 613-257-8547
October 20 SchoolBOX Latin Fiesta 7:00pm Almonte Civitan Hall schoolbox.ca/fiesta
October 6
October 27
October 20
Fluffy Little Cowboys 9:00pm Golden Arrow Goldenarrowpub.com
EDJ 9:00pm Golden Arrow Goldenarrowpub.com
Vendor Fair 10:00am - 3:00pm Trinity United Church 613-291-0701 Branche of Mental Health 12:00pm - 2:00pm Lower Reach Park Local Foods Harvest Dinner 5:30pm Smiths Falls Legion www.realaction.ca
October 6, 7 & 8
October 28
Perth Autumn Studio Tour 10:00am - 5:00pm Perthstudiotour.com
Banding Together 2:00pm Perth Legion Perthband.ca Listening Room Series 7:00pm Perth Restaurant 613-267-3170
October 21
October 10
Dog Costume Parade 2:00pm - 4:00pm Gemmill Park 182 Bridge Street 613-256-3495
Meditation & Associated Processes 1:30pm - 3:00pm Perth Library 613-225-4675 The Bookshop 2:00pm & 7:00pm Full Circle Theatre filmnightperth@gmail.com
October 22 Pumpkin Carving Contest 7:30pm Cornerstone Community Church www.gardenontario.org/site. php/almonte
October 26 Open Mic Night Musicworks 6:00pm - 8:30pm Equator - 451 Ottawa Street www.mmmusicworks.com
October 27 Zombie Walk 1:00pm - 5:00pm Almonte Community Centre www.facebook.com/almontezombiewalk Reading: Tim Wynne-Jones 1:30pm Almonte Library 613-256-9090 Potluck & Talent Show 6:00pm Union Hall 1984 Wolf Grove Rd. 613-256-2498
October 28 Banding Together 2:00pm - 4:00pm The Barley Mow Barleymow.com 2018 World Tour Paddling Film Festival 3:00pm - 5:00pm Almonte Old Town Hall millstreetbooks.com
PERTH October 5 The Godfreys 8:30pm O'Reilly's Pub Oreillyspubperth.com
October 11 - 21 Queen Milli of Galt Oct 11 - 13, 19 - 20 at 7:30pm Oct 14, 21 at 2:00pm Studio Theatre www.studiotheatreperth.com
October 12 -14, 18 - 21, 25 - 28 Rains Oct 12-13, 18-20, 25-27 at 8pm Oct 14, 21, 28 at 2pm Full Circle Theatre www.barndoorproductions.ca
October 12 Euchre Tournament 6:30pm - 10:30pm Perth Civitan Hall muriel.hopper@hotmail.com Shawn McCullough 8:00pm O'Reilly's Pub Oreillyspubperth.com Matt Dickson 9:00pm Golden Arrow Goldenarrowpub.com
October 13 Shawn McCullough 9:00pm Golden Arrow Goldenarrowpub.com
October 18 Peter Brown Jazz Trio 6:00pm - 9:00pm Parkside Bistro Peterbrown.ca Whiskey & Wickedness 7:30pm Perth Legion Perthhs.org
October 19 Frankenstein, it’s Alive 7:30pm PDCI 13 Victoria Street Smitty 8:45pm O'Reilly's Pub Oreillyspubperth.com Nolan Hubbard 9:00pm Golden Arrow Goldenarrowpub.com
October 20 Brea Lawrenson 9:00pm Golden Arrow Goldenarrowpub.com
October 24 The Insult 2:00pm & 7:00pm Full Circle Theatre filmnightperth@gmail.com
October 25 & 26 Perth Ghost Walk 7:00pm Perth Museum Matheson House 613-267-1947
October 26 Jono Townsend 8:45pm O'Reilly's Pub Oreillyspubperth.com Danielle Hewitt 9:00pm Golden Arrow Goldenarrowpub.com
SMITHS FALLS Mondays & Tuesdays Smiths Falls Duplicate Bridge Club 7:00pm Smiths Falls Legion office95@cogeco.ca
Wednesdays Shout Sister Choir 7:00pm - 9:00pm Westminister Presbyterian Church www.shoutsistershior.ca
October 4 Municipal Election 2018 All-Candidates Debate 6:00pm - 9:00pm Settler's Ridge Centre phoward@valleylaw.ca
October 6 Zombie Walk Meet at Town Hall at 11:00am Walk to Centennial Park at 11:30pm 5k Harvest Run 9:00am Sport X cturnbull1@cogeco.ca
October 6 & 7 Train Rides Oct 6 - 11:00am - 3:00pm Oct 7 - 11:00am - 12:30pm Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario Rmeo.org
October 8
October 25 The Insult 2:00pm & 7:00pm Station Theatre filmnightperth@gmail.com The Inspiration Behind the Historical Fiction of Patricia Josefchak 7:00pm Heritage House Museum 11 Old Sly's Rd. 613-283-6311 heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca
October 26 & 27 Mamma Mia! 2 7:00pm Station Theatre Smithsfallstheatre.com
October 26 - 28 Haunted House Family Friendly Frightz at 6:00pm - 7:00pm Full Frightz at 7:00pm - 9:00pm Heritage House Museum 11 Old Sly's Rd. 613-283-6311 heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca
October 27 CCR Tribute 8:00pm Gallipeau Centre www.gallipeaucentretheatre.com
WESTPORT & RIDEAU LAKES October 4 Jazz w/Spencer Evans 8:00pm - 10:00pm The Cove Country Inn Coveinn.com
Community Thanksgiving Dinner 12:45pm - 4:00pm St. John's Anglican Church Parish Hall
October 6
October 10
October 7
Small Town Feeling Breast Cancer Fundraiser 6:00pm - 8:00pm Settlers Ridge Centre 613-223-9256
October 11 The Bookshop 2:00pm & 7:00pm Full Circle Theatre filmnightperth@gmail.com
October 12 - 14, 18 - 21 A Murder is Announced Oct 12-13, 18-20 at 7:30pm Oct 14, 21 at 2pm Station Theatre Smithsfallstheatre.com
October 13 String Together The Holidays Workshop 1:00pm - 4:00pm Heritage House Museum 11 Old Sly's Rd. 613-283-6311 heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca The Ring of Fire: Johnny Cash 7:00pm Royal Canadian Legion www.experiencecash.com
October 14 Celebrate Fall with the Montague Forget-Me-Not Seniors 2:00pm - 7:00pm Montague Forget Me Not Hall 613-283-2993
October 18 & 25 Ghost Walks 7:00pm - 9:00pm Heritage House Museum 11 Old Sly's Rd. 613-283-6311 heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca
Chris Murphy 8:00pm - 10:00pm The Cove Country Inn Coveinn.com Head over Heels 12:30pm - 3:30pm The Cove Country Inn Coveinn.com
October 12 Nolan Hubbard 6:00pm - 9:00pm The Cove Country Inn Coveinn.com
October 19 BOTR: Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar 7:00pm - 11:00pm The Cove Country Inn Coveinn.com
October 26 Tom Savage 6:00pm - 9:00pm The Cove Country Inn Coveinn.com
October 27 Halloween Spook Party w/ Young Petty Stones 7:00pm - 11:00pm The Cove Country Inn Coveinn.com
October 31 Wings & Tunes Halloween Party 6:30pm - 9:30pm The Cove Country Inn Coveinn.com
REGIONAL October 14 Nature Walk: Saddleback Trail 10:00am Blueberry Mountain 502 Hills of Peace Rd. Lanark mmlt.ca
Smiths
ON
Falls
THE
R ll Begins Monday, Oct. 1
Birch Bark Canoe Build
Taking place in the lobby at Smiths Falls & District Collegiate Institute, beginning on Monday, October 1. Meet Chuck Commanda, Algonquin Master Canoe Builder, as he crafts a birch bark canoe from traditional materials over a three week period. Check out the progress during school hours Monday to Friday at Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute!
Saturday, Oct. 13
Taste Smiths Falls
Special deals, treats, and more! Featured stops include sites in the Edible Ottawa magazine found at local food and beverage producers, cafes and restaurants. And stop by the Heritage House Museum for a taste of fresh baked goodies from the Bread Oven! Go to facebook. com/OntheRollSmithsFalls
Saturday, Oct. 20
Local Foods Harvest Dinner
Friday, Oct. 5
6th Annual Heritage Symposium
At the Station Theatre, starting at 9 a.m. Hosted by the Smiths Falls Municipal Heritage Committee, tickets are $20 each including lunch, and $10 for students. Contact the Planning Department at Town Hall to reserve your spot.
Hosted by the Rideau Environmental Action League, takes place at the Smiths Falls Royal Canadian Legion. Enjoy a delicious buffet meal featuring local food, music by the Giocoso Strings, and a silent auction. Cash bar with local beers and Ontario wines. Tickets are $60. For more information go to www. REALaction.ca.
Oct. 6 and 7
Thanksgiving Train Rides at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario
The Museum is closing for the season on Thanksgiving weekend, so come out for train rides and live music by Ken Ramsden! Sat 11-3, Sun 11-12. For information visit www.rmeo.org or our Facebook page.
www.smithsfalls.ca
OntheRollSmithsFalls
CCR tribute band Bootleg Creedence takes the stage next Smiths Falls - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca
On their last visit to Lanark County, Bootleg CREEDENCE brought the house down at their SOLD OUT Show in Perth on Saturday June 9th. The crowd loved them and and was blown away as the band kept them on their feet for the last five songs as they sang along and danced in the aisles. The crowd gave them two standing ovations and could have stayed there all night. So by popular demand Dream Rock is bringing the show back but this time to a larger venue. The
Gallipeau Center Theater is an 850 seat facility in Smiths Falls that will play host to the band’s amazing show. The four seasoned, well-respected musicians in Bootleg Creedence have been making music in various combinations and styles for over twenty-five years. It is only fitting that they should come together as Bootleg Creedence, and pay homage to a group that dominated the charts during the band members’ formative years. Mike Nyman (lead vocals/guitar) Fred Ruegg (lead guitar, vocals) Jeff Mayne (drums/vo-
cals), Kevin Dandeno (bass/ vocals) of Bootleg Creedence take their audience on a rockin’ ride down to the bayou. Authentic-sounding, Bootleg Creedence leaves no stone unturned keeping true to the sound of Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty. This is an AMAZING SHOW!!! There will be more seats available this time around but MAKE SURE YOU GET YOURS now! Tickets at the Gallipeau Center Box Office or by calling 613-284-9961 www. gallipeaucentertheater.ca or www.dreamrock.ca
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October 2018
11
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Falls the leading cause of hospitalization for seniors Injuries caused by falls have a major effect on the health of seniors in Ontario. In every age group falls are the leading cause of emergency department visits and hospitalizations due to injury. Fear of falling doesn't need to rule your life. Instead, consider five simple fall-prevention strategies. 1. Keep moving With your doctor's OK, consider activities such as walking, water workouts or tai chi. Such activities reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. 2. Wear sensible shoes Consider changing your footwear as part of your fall-prevention plan. High heels, floppy slippers and shoes with slick soles or walking in your stocking feet can make you slip, stumble and fall. Instead wear properly fitting, sturdy shoes with nonskid soles. 3. Remove Home Hazards Your living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, hallways and stairways may be filled with hazards. To make your home safer: · Remove boxes, news papers, electrical cords and phone cords from walkways. · Move coffee tables, magazine racks and plant stands from high-traffic areas. · Secure loose rugs with double-faced tape, tacks or a slip-resistant backing — or remove
loose rugs from your home. · Repair loose, wooden floorboards and carpet -ing right away. · Store clothing, dishes, food and other necessi -ties within easy reach. · Immediately clean spilled liquids, grease or food. · Use nonslip mats in your bathtub or shower. 4. Light up your living space Keep your home brightly lit to avoid tripping. · Place night lights in your bedroom, bath room and hallways. · Place a lamp within reach of your bed for middle-of-the-night needs. · Make clear paths to light switches that aren't near room en
trances. Consider trad ing traditional switches for glow-in-the-dark or illuminated switches. · Turn on the lights be fore going up or down stairs. · Store flashlights in easy-to-find places in case of power outages. 5. Use assistive devices Your doctor might recommend using a cane or walker to keep you steady. Other assistive devices can help, too. For example: · Hand rails for both sides of stairways · Nonslip treads for bare wood steps · A raised toilet seat or one with armrests · Grab bars for the show er or tub · A sturdy plastic seat for the shower or tub — plus a hand-held show-
er nozzle forbathing while sitting down Sidebar information: · Falls are the leading cause of injury among older Canadians with 20-30% seniors expe riencing one or more falls each year. · Falls cause 85% of se niors' injury-related hospitalizations, 95% of all hip fractures. · Over one third of se niors are admitted to long-term care follow ing hospitalization for a fall. · The average Canadian senior had to stay in hospital 10 days longer for falls than for any other cause. · Fifty percent of all falls causing hospitalization happen at home.
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October 2018
12
HOME & GARDEN
Garden Matters: Use the bounty of fall leaves to enhance your garden Lanark County Master Gardeners
Now’s the time to start thinking about all the leaves that will be coming down shortly. They make valuable compost, leaf mould or can be used as a mulch. Gone are the days when we used to make large bonfires, fill the street with smoke and stand and gossip while the leaves slowly dwindled away. Now we know better. Many communities now collect leaves. Compost made from leaves adds nutrition to the soil, they help clay soils to break down, and add humus to sandy soils to help them hold water. Leaves contain carbon and a high percentage of minerals, in fact twice the percentage contained in manure. However, because of this high percentage of carbon it is necessary to add material to the compost pile that contains nitrogen to increase the de-composition. These materials can be grass cuttings, green weeds or
manure. Alternatively, they may be substituted with blood meal or bone meal. These materials should be spread out between layers of leaves. The compost heap should be kept watered during dry periods. Leaves will compost more quickly if they are shredded before adding to the pile. This can be done with a rotary lawnmower, by piling up the leaves and then mowing backwards and forwards over the pile. Much easier to have a helper raking the pile back into a heap between mowing. Making a compost pile for leaves is a matter of choice. A simple method is to create a rectangular shape using some form of snow fencing or netting on three sides and an opening on the fourth. After one year the pile should be turned over and placed in another container, the following year it should be ready to use. The best place to put
a compost pile is in the back corner of your garden, or behind a shed or hedge preferably not in a low wet area. Another method to use leaves on the garden is to make leaf mould. Simply place leaves in a black or dark garbage bag, water it down, and fold the end over. Place the bag in the corner of the garden and wait for a year before taking out the leaf mould. Leaves can also be used to protect a perennial bed during the winter. Don’t put on the leaves until there is has been a hard frost, as there is a danger of mice making a home in the leaves, also a danger of them being blown away. It’s a mistake to leave leaves lying on the lawn during a winter as it will, unfortunately, kill the grass. An easy way of picking up leaves is to use two pieces of wood, one in each hand, and scoop them up to put in the wheelbarrow or bags. Enjoy the new season!
Ankaret Dean is a member of the Lanark County Master Gardeners. Want to know more about the group or ask a gardening question? Visit our website
at www.lanarkmg.blogspot.com or contact us at lanarkmg@gmail.com is a member of the Lanark County Master Gardeners. Want to know more
about the group or ask a gardening question? Visit our website at www.lanarkmg.blogspot.com or contact us at lanarkmg@ gmail.com
Street Flea Market 24 Family Lane, Smiths Falls ON (5 Miles South of Smiths Falls, Corner of HWY 15 & Bay Rd.)
Located at Street Flea Market
streetmotorsales@cogeco.net
613-284-2000
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24 Family Lane, Smiths Falls ON | 613-205-1212 | Toll Free: 1-888-603-3486
October 2018
13
Brian Turner
Working with your repair shop brings better results Taking your daily driver in for routine maintenance or something more serious is right up there with root canals and extended in-law visits on our lists of things to avoid. Even if you’ve struck gold with a great service provider who never lets you down and always provides reasonable prices and superior results, there’s always more than a little nagging feeling when it comes to getting auto work done. A lot of this has to do with costs and inconvenience, but mainly because our vehicles’ technology has outstripped our ability to understand exactly what’s going on under the hood. So here are a few words to those that want to be wise to keep your relationship with your go-to shop humming along. Stop chasing coupon deals and loss-leader ads around town. If you lucked in on finding a great shop (be it a dealership service department, national/regional chain, or independent facility), try to make
your choice a one-stop affair. If they sell tires, for example, let them quote you on replacements when the need arises. Yes big national stores can often get you a slightly lower price on tires, but it means a separate trip and dealing with strangers working on your ride. No auto shop has a large markup on tires and the few extra dollars you might spend with your regular shop will be well worth it in terms of convenience and their knowledge of your particular vehicle and preferences. Don’t just assume they can’t do a particular job because you think it might be a dealership or other source specialty. Even smaller more modest shops have kept up with technology and many can do such former-exclusive-to-dealership jobs such as updating onboard computers and such. All you have to do is ask. Let them give everything a good once-over at least once or twice a year. Just about every type of auto repair shop offers compre-
hensive inspections at discounted prices during the year and taking advantage of them (especially at winter/summer tire changeovers) is a great way to stay on top of things and have some real peace of mind driving. But be warned, if you continually ignore your tech’s repair/maintenance recommendations based on those inspections, they may simply just stop advising you. No matter how advanced a vehicle may be, keeping it on the road safely and performing well takes much more than just oil changes. Understand their limitations. Working on vehicles in our climate takes building space and specialized equipment. That costs serious coin so very few shops ever overbuild. They have capacity for average and slightly above average demand, but under exceptional circumstances, things can get backed up. Think of the first serious snowfall, for example, when everyone and their dog are trying to
get snow-tires put on at the last minute. In these cases, no matter how great a customer you might be, you’re not likely to get bumped up past others in line. Other times when your shop might be overbooked are Fridays (when everyone is pushing to get things done for the weekend) and first thing on Mondays (when all the weekend problems land at their doorsteps). If you can avoid these rushes with inquiry calls and visits, you’ll find booking your vehicle in a lot easier. Give your shop a fighting chance. When it comes to intermittent problems, such as noises that come and go, or mysterious warning icons that show up on your dash one day and are gone the next, take the time to note the circumstances and conditions when the problems crop up. It’s very helpful for a tech to know where the noise seems to be coming from, at what speeds, on braking or accelerating, over what type of bumps, etc. Use the technology
in your hand; cell phones can record strange noises and let you dictate the information of when things are happening. One of the most common miscommunications between clients and repair shops is differentiating between a noise and a feeling (like a vibration). You’d be surprised to know
how many hours a tech might waste chasing down a noise, only to find out after a conversation with the customer that it was a vibration concern. Remember, when you make things easier for your tech, they usually take less time to pinpoint the problems and therefore save you money and time.
streetmotorsales@cogeco.net
www.streetmotorsales.com
24 Family Lane, Smiths Falls ON | 613-205-1212 | 1-888-603-3486
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October 2018
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There's Always One Place Around
With the Best Chips in Town
On the Chip Wagon Circuit Why do we love buying food from chip trucks so much? Maybe it's the hand cut fries or the fresh curds on that yummy poutine, or maybe it is that old favourite that you just can't find anywhere else.
Connoisseurs of hot freshcooked fries are part of Canada’s culinary identity. It's part of our culture. If you are looking for a delicious homemade burger with a side of fresh hand cut fries then you don't need to look
any further! Try these locations to satisfy your cravings when you’re road tripping across Lanark County this summer, and be sure to let them know you found them on the chip wagon circuit!
Fries • Poutine • Burgers All fries are gluten free. All burgers are made from AAA grade beef fresh from the butchers daily.
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Food &Drink Blue Gypsy Wines Blue Gypsy Wines of Oxford Mills in Eastern Ontario, south of Ottawa, is owned and operated by Louis Gaal and his wife Claire Faguy. Louis went from being a management consultant in Manhattan, New York, to being a farmer here in Eastern Ontario. He still provides consulting services to help pay the bills of a still developing winery operation. Being an avid gardener, Louis has actively studied farm methods for over 20 years, experimenting on small-scale plots. As a strong believer in organic methods, he is investigating methods for fertilization and pest control with little or no use of chemicals. His wife Claire, a pastry chef, splits her time between the winery and Simply Baked Catering in Winchester (which she also owns), where, along with two partners, they produce a range of baked goods and provide a catering business. Claire’s culinary training has developed her palate in a manner that makes her invaluable in wine blending and quality control testing every experimental wine blend and recipe. Claire has final word on whether a recipe remains part of the repertoire or not. The only fruit winery in this part of the province, they opened in October 2011 on 62 acres of fertile, pesticide-free farmland, formerly part of an 1800s apple orchard. They planted 5 acres of a wide variety of fruits and supplement this with fruits from other Ontario sources such as cranberries from Muskoka Lakes, For over two years, they started by doing small test batch fruit wines and with a select group of experienced tasters were able to settle on recipes which they then in 2011 put into production for the public. The blueberry wine , for example, started with cultivated blueberries which had no flavour but when they switched to wild blueberries it made all the difference! They also weren't pleased enough with
Brian Preston - The Travelling Sommelier brianpreston@hotmail.com
the strawberry and raspberry wines so they are not in production, but the cherry wine was such a hit that this year's 1 barrel/16 cases sold out in 6 weeks just by word of mouth (and tasting of course). Keep an eye out for this one next vintage! Select LCBO outlets (soon to include Smiths Falls) now carry the Blueberry wine. LCBO takes 55% of his business so this is a good business model to help staff and winery production expansion. Unlike table wines from grapes, Ontario fruit wine regulations allow the sale of fruit wines at farmers markets. In keeping with a low-impact approach to fruit-wine making, Blue Gypsy winery operates completely off-grid using solar power and they may connect eventually to feed surplus energy back into the grid. The winery's building is constructed of metal for minimal maintenance and has radiant (in-floor) heating. In two years, as production and sales are now expanding, they will construct another building. All of their products have no sulphites added. Here is a list and some tasting notes I have on their range of products: Blueberry Wine 750ml $17.00 - a lovely example that is right up there with other Canadian producers like Rodrique's in Newfoundland (now labeled Markland Blueberry named after the town it is made in). Cranberry Wine 750ml $16.00 - a real hit based on
Muskoka Lakes fruit which has a balanced degree of tartness, acidity and flavour that pairs great with Thanksgiving turkey and cuts the savoury sweetness of the dressing and traditional mashed yams covered in marshmallows that our kids love! Kids get the Shirley Temple and the adults get the Cranberry or Blueberry wine! Rhubarb Limited 750ml $16.00 - described as a limited release rhubarb wine that is ever so slightly pink, with a dry Riesling/Pinot hint. According to the website, only 14 cases still available, so call ahead if this is one you want to try/buy. Then try the meads also known as honey wines: Nekkid Mead 750ml $16.00 10%abv - base unflavoured mead with no sulphites added, Flavoured Honey Wine - 750ml $16.00 Chai Spiced Mead, Chocolate Mead, Silken Caramel Mead Louis and Claire also produce some lovely flavoured vinegars: Wine Vinegar 200ml $10.00 -Apple, Cranberry, Maple, Raspberry, Wild Blueberry Their tasting room is open from Victoria Day Weekend to Remembrance Day. Normal hours are Saturday 11-5, and Sunday 11-5. Phone: 613698-7685 Email: info@bluegypsywines.com and they are located at 1595 Lindsay Road, Oxford Mills. You can order wines 24/7/365 through their online store at www.bluegypsywines.com
October 2018
15
business Spotlight on Business
Local chiropractor expands offering at new clinic location
Smiths Falls - Stacey Roy editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Operating a successful chiropractor clinic in Smiths Falls is great, but operating such a clinic that also offers guided and scalable fitness programs for those in need is optimum. This is what Rob Rodine and his staff at Optimum Health Clinic (33 Ferrara Drive, Smiths Falls) have achieved in their new, fully accessible clinic. Patients have been walking through the doors of the new facility since Aug. 3, 2018, but have yet to experience the most exciting element of the new clinic - a fitness class space. “I want to help people be the best and healthiest version of themselves,” Rodine said. For years the Smiths Falls chiropractor has envisioned a space where he could support his patients through recovery to an optimum health, which is what the new fitness offering aims to do. The new clinic operates on the approach of function - motion - life. How some-
one functions determines what their motion will be, which then determines their quality of life. Rodine gave the example of someone with reduced motion in their neck. Not only does it reduce productivity at work, but it could hamper hobbies and sports like golf, as well as quality time with grandchildren. Rodine said his approach to healing allows his clinic team “to completely change what they [patients] experience from day-to-day”. The new facility has a rubberized floor to ease joints and will be open to the public, not just clinic patients. Rodine plans to offer a series of class opportunities that will be led by qualified instructors. The difference is that these instructors will be able to not only supervise positioning of each move, but can adapt it for each participant’s mobility and health needs. Offering such a service has always been in Rodine’s mind. Prior to opening as Optimum Health Clinic, he would offer patients a paper with their exercises on it after
practicing with them in clinic, but he feared it often ended up in recycling or forgotten due to the pressures of daily life. He hopes that by scheduling this exercise time as they would their chiropractic appointments, patients and others will be able to make it a habit that will help them reach a new level of wellness. “We wanted to help people get beyond where they were,” Rodine said. He is in the early stages of developing the fitness schedule, but hopes to have something put together to offer the public by November or year’s end at the latest. For more details please call 613-205-0978 or online at www.optimumhealthclinics. com. This new offering necessitated the name change from Restorative Health to Optimum Health to reflect all they offer, and was made possible thanks to the new building the clinic finds itself in construction. It was less than a year from the time of first planning the new clinic on Ferrara Drive to the soft opening
Rob Rodine, chiropractor at Optimum Health Clinic in Smiths Falls proudly stands in front of the recently completed building on Ferrara Drive. The new location has made it possible to offer a fitness class program for individuals who are recovering from ill health and need help getting back to optimum health. The new space features rubberized floors and tons of natural light. Photo credit: Stacey Roy
this past August. This feat is something Rodine said he couldn’t have done without the “extraordinary help of the Saumure team”. Rodine made certain that he enlisted the help of all local companies (like Guy Saumure and Sons Construction) from locating the site to construction and design who together made sure nothing was forgotten. The building’s warm wood exterior juxtaposition against a steel siding is a nod
to the community’s rural and industrial foundations, as well as an effort to blend the residential and commercial neighbourhoods the clinic straddles on either side of the property. “We were very excited to jump on that,” Rodine said of the land. The up and coming nature of the area is something Rodine couldn’t pass up when presented with it last year as an ideal location to serve the growing residential base
in town just moments from their door steps. The interior of the new clinic has a modern, masculine and crisp appearance that is not over done. Rodine said he wants all generations of the communities in Lanark County and Smiths Falls to feel welcome, so he introduced a children’s waiting room section, installed baby change tables in the washrooms and has built the entire facility on one level. Stop by today to realize your optimum self.
Rideau Lakes Building Centre 7719 Hwy 42 Crosby, ON K0G 1E0 613-272-0209 rlbc@rideau.net
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October 2018
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Smiths Falls is a community “On the Rise”! We are in the early stages of an economic and social renewal like nothing we have ever experienced and our future looks very bright. During my term of mayor, council has laid a solid foundation for our future. Smiths Falls is transforming from a community struggling from an economic downturn to one that is quickly becoming the envy of many. Please join me for my “Meet the Candidate” evening. Friday, October 12, 4-7 pm at Chuckles Jack, 23 Russell St. East.
Experience, Empathy and Know-How PLEASE CONTACT ME AT
613-283-1840 or jaylbrennan@gmail.com FIND ME ON FACEBOOK: FACEBOOK.COM/JAY.BRENNAN.98
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