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Vol. 7
No. 1
YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER - LANARK, NORTH LEEDS & GRENVILLE
JANUARY 2020
After 30 years Pauline Anderson says goodbye to Welcome Wagon
Pauline Anderson says goodbye to Welcome Wagon visits. Photo credit: Sally Smith.
Smiths Falls - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca Nothing deterred Pauline Anderson — trapped cats, icy driveways, sliding into snowdrifts. For over 6,000 visits, she took it all in stride, carried on like Welcome Wagon women do, and visited newcomers to Smiths Falls. But after 30 years she thought it was time to stop. “I’m getting too old,” she shrugged, very matter-of-factly, but it’s clear looking at her, while she might have stopped Welcome Wagon, she hasn’t stopped being a whirlwind in the community. For this moment, though, she stops and remembers a bit, recalling some of the people she’s met and the beginnings of her time with Welcome Wagon. “The first question I was asked was if I had a typewriter,” she says, smiling a bit, adding that “today all the reporting is done in 10 seconds” by email. Anderson arrived circuitously to Smiths Falls — starting from England, then on to Summerside PEI, to Cold Lake Alberta, and landing eventually in Smiths Falls. “My husband was in the military,” she explains. When she saw an ad in the paper recruiting Welcome Wagon ‘visitors’, and with three young children at home, Anderson decided to give it a try. She was also travelling back and forth to England where her family was. “With a job you
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can’t take off at a moment’s notice.” So she joined. After a two-day training course in Brockville she started her rounds initially picking up tips from real estate agents where the newcomers were. That’s not possible today because of the Privacy Act; today it’s word-ofmouth. Her area covered from Smiths Falls, halfway to Perth, halfway to Carleton Place, towards North Gower covering Toledo and Elgin and then to Merrickville which was the dividing line with Kemptville.
At first, Welcome Wagon women also went to hospitals to see new moms — “great”, a wide smile — but, again, because of the Privacy Act, this isn’t done anymore. It comes back to word-of-mouth. “We were paid a commission — not very much,” she adds quickly, but it covered expenses. Anderson always made an appointment to see newcomers figuring if she had to drive to the country she wanted to be sure they were there. She does remember one long snow-covered lane early one
morning that no one else had been down, wondering if she could make it and who would meet her at the end. It turned out well. She carried a basket of goodies containing gift certificates and little gifts — “maybe 25 or 30 sponsors.” With a newcomer to the area, she tried to spend at least an hour; with a new mom (when she started with moms), she’d spend a half hour. And when it became known that she was the Welcome Wagon woman, new moms would call her. She remembers one call at 1:30 in the morning from a new mom requesting a visit. “I had a baby. Can I have a Welcome Wagon?” asked the caller. All her visits really brought home to Anderson that the world is small; at one visit she met a woman who was “a neighbour of a girl [she] was at school with in England.” Over her visits she also met a United Nations of people, too — from Brazil, Trinidad, England, the Dominican Republic, the U.S., India, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines, to name a few. She was hosed down by a child at one visit, sat in the mud outside at several visits, got lost more than once as the 911 numbers weren’t yet up when she started, and was given wrong directions many times. Anderson, during her visits, made a point of ignoring dogs, not because she was afraid but because it was a good practice. At one home
“the dog came and sniffed me over. Its owner said ‘he must like you because he hasn’t bitten you.’” At the end Anderson saw he liked something about her. “He chewed a hole in my purse,” she laughed. Better her purse than her ankle… And she also discovered many head-scratchers in addresses. A Gillies Corners woman had a Smiths Falls phone, a Perth address and her children went to school in Carleton Place. “She was a nice lady. She offered wine,” Anderson said. That was the only time wine was offered during her visits. Her first visit, 30 years ago, was to Mike and Susan Adams; her last visit — 30 years and eight days after her first — was to Brittany Hunter, a new mom. So, she’s saying goodbye, but she’ll always remember the people she met and the fun she had along the way. And the people she met will always remember the friendly face at the door welcoming them to their new town. Gloria Foster, on the other hand, is just beginning; she started her visits with Welcome Wagon on October 16. She admits she has some big shoes to fill but has already met some new faces and greeted some new babies. Foster is a Smiths Falls girl and is looking forward to welcoming newcomers to ‘her’ town. You can reach her at gloriafoster@live.com
FireDawgs get big boost from the Polar Bear Plunge Perth - Terry O'Hearn editorial@pdgmedia.ca The annual Perth Polar Bear Plunge attracted 131 participants, who took the icy plunge into the Tay River at the 27th annual plunge on New Year’s Day. The Perth FireDawgs Youth Initiative Program will benefit from the $13,809 taken in this year. The best year so far was 2018, when The Table Community Food Centre raised $35,000. Shortly after 10 a.m. the first plunger went in, and the rest quickly followed in groups of five or less. Chief Polar Bear Dave Lavery was in the first group to
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jump, and still had enough left to jump again at the end. Lavery also came from the greatest distance – Kabul, Afghanistan – which is approximately 10,500 km from Perth. The event began in 1994, as a novelty event, and as a fundraiser for the local Crime Stoppers organization. Founded by Lavery, Stan Munro and others at the Perth Legion, it quickly grew into one of the safest and most successful true Polar Bear Plunges in Canada. A total of $342,462.00 has been raised through the 2020 event. Each year the plunge is staged by a standing committee of volunteers known as the Perth Po-
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Chief Polar Bear Dave Lavery takes the first plunge on New Year’s Day. Photo courtesy Derek Holbeche.
lar Bear Plunge Committee, and members of the current year recipient group. For more photos of this year’s plunge visit: www. perthpolarbearplunge.ca, or visit
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January 2020
Letter from the Editor
Page Two
Thoughts on the year ahead…
PART OF THE DISCOVER COMMUNTIY NETWORK
Hometownnews
Happy New Year, Dear Readers! Just like every year, this year at Hometown News has started by taking stock of 2019, considering what has added value and what has detracted from it. More than ever, we have found ourselves busy in the endless stream of social media. As a voice in local media, we see the ways that connections nourish communities: connecting us to one another’s stories, connecting customers with businesses and services, and connecting neighbours and friends. However, we also see how some connections can leave us feeling empty, dissatisfied; from behind their screens people can be cruel or arrogant and fake. And it can be hard to scroll past everyone’s shiny happy highlight reel while existing in your own unedited everyday
life. The contrast can be depressing, and there is so much to compare with: hundreds of friends sharing their very best moments all at once. Offline, in-person interactions are much gentler; when friends invite you into their home you go to enjoy being together, not to stare at one carefully-curated part of their lives. This isn’t to denounce social media: it is a wonderful way to connect with distant loved ones, stay informed about local life and community matters, and chat with friends. However, it can easily become a major distraction, keeping us from our living our lives instead of adding value to them. As the publisher of HTN, I talk to many people and discovered that we are not alone. I have learned the importance of logging into social media
with purpose, do what is necessary, and then log out. Unfollow people who bring you down, whether by their unkindness or pretension or anything else. Keep your personal social media pages filled with what brings you joy. It might be helpful to think about social media as a mental-health junk food; it can be fun, but if it is not filling us up with good things, then perhaps it needs to be a “sometime” treat and not on our plate three meals a day. As we evaluate the past year and move forward into 2020, we want to thank you, Readers, for choosing to make Hometown News a part of your life; our hope is always to add value and connection to our community, the community we love. Best wishes for a very healthy and Happy New Year from all of us at Hometown News. ~ Patricia
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“Here is one of Carleton Place's ambulances” claims 1950’s vintage Carleton Place Canadian Gazette reader, Bill Mains; “My grandmother was one of the first patients admitted to the hospital and was the first surgery in the operating room. The surgery did not go as planned as grandmother went into cardiac arrest on the operating table. She was a patient for six months and lived twenty years following release. Dr. H. Featherston named in the clipping was grandmother’s cousin.” Photo credit: Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum
opinion: Carleton Place Housing Unfortunately for those who are smitten with the current look of some of our neighbourhoods here in beautiful Carleton Place, we're headed into some times where these older neighbourhoods are going to turn over. Obviously, I'm biased as I know a little bit about the development on George Street;). The townhomes on George Street replaced a home that was in such good shape, it was an Ocean Wave Fire Company's training site before it was torn down, it then morphed into an abandoned lot that was home to a field of weeds. However, before you get up in arms about new infill construction, there are a few things you should consider. New
construction stimulates a neighbourhood and increases property values, it is FANTASTIC for the local economy. It encourages investment in infrastructure, while increasing tax revenue. It kickstarts the makeover of a neighbourhood. A house built in 2020 is built much better than one of the 1950 vintage. They are energy efficient, they have open living space areas with more modern amenities. These new homes are built around ways we want to be able to live today. The younger generation who are buying homes want less maintenance, they want new or vastly renovated properties. I'm not saying tear down a house and put
up a fully sided monstrosity, the town has covenants a builder has to meet anyway (in my opinion they are behind the times in terms of design, which is a PLUS for those of you who currently enjoy the look of a traditional house). At the end of the day, this town is going to keep growing whether we like it or not and we are building for the benefit of future generations. The town should embrace development from within, but have a pickiness at the same time. Nobody wants the view of a square or rectangular box. Sure, every building is a box, but these boxes should have an appeal to the eye, not just be approved because
there was no alternative or the subject property was an eyesore. In Carleton Place, we have a lot of deteriorated neighbourhoods, neighbourhoods that could use a makeover. We should be focusing on increasing density within our current realm. The infrastructure in these neighbourhoods would potentially require updates, but it's already there. The town is already processing their sewage, they are already plowing their roads. New development is great, too, but a mix of both is optimal. Increased density inside our current realm means more foot traffic on the streets. More foot traffic means more business for those businesses inside
Submitted by Skyler Seccaspina
that realm. Sorry for the overuse of the word realm, but it seems the banter over the last decade plus here in Carleton Place is in regards to the downtown core and a realm of course is where the dreams rule. On the cost side of things, I agree, the cost of living is going through the roof, definitely outpacing what we are getting compensated for in our fields of employment. The trouble is, there is no end in sight for these increased housing prices and living expenses. The relief from these costs has to come from upper levels of government in the form of subsidies, different tax breaks, etc. I've seen some 'affordable housing' projects in Carleton Place
recently be erected and the affordable price for a one bedroom is in the upper $1,000's. Of course, this isn't affordable, but it's a sign of the times. A developer can't just throw up a building for what most think is peanuts, pay property taxes & other building expenses and expect to be able to offer an 'affordable' price; this just isn't realistic, it's not price gouging, it's what needs to be collected in order to make the property feasible for the owner. Unfortunately, for those waiting for housing prices to come down around the Ottawa area, monthly rent to decrease, or even the next 'affordable' housing project to be completed, I just don't see it happening.
3
January 2020
community Ken Watson the Rideau Chronicler Regional - John Kessel editorial@pdgmedia.ca
He’s known as the conscience of the Rideau, the Rideau guru, the thorn in Parks Canada’s side when they fail to protect or promote our World Heritage site and the go-to guy if you want even the minutest of Rideau Canal information. Ken Watson has adopted his Rideau home, just as he would if adopting a child, protectively and with care. His website depicts everything from the insects and wildlife of the canal to its history back before Col. John By had finished the build in 1832. And if Watson doesn’t know the answer to a canal question, he’ll get it. Watson, 65, moved to his current home on the Rideau, near Elgin, in 1995 after retiring as a geologist in the Yukon. “Being dropped off by helicopter in the middle of nowhere and then needing a twohour trek to a possible mine site. I loved it.” Since arriving on the Rideau, Watson has published numerous books
on the history of the Rideau including why engineers picked the 202 km. route that now exists from Kingston to Ottawa. To make certain he knows the slack-water system – lakes, rivers, and man-made canals – he has paddled the entire system in his kayak and photographed it on his way, waking up at “4 a.m. of course. That’s the best time for nature photography.” He’s published about half a dozen books on the canal: Visitor’s Guide to the Rideau Canal, Tales of the Rideau, Paddling the Rideau Canal, Women at the Rideau Worksites, to name a few. A member of the Friends of the Rideau, he publishes a quarterly newsletter of what’s new on the Rideau. The latest issue deals with the history of the The Depot, a tourist shop run by Friends of the Rideau in Merrickville. Reading it, without insult, goes to his ability to track even Parks Canada’s foibles and the minutiae of his endeavours. He should be nominated for a Governor Gen-
eral’s award for his efforts to chronicle the history. Asked what his issues are with Parks, he’ll smile. It’s not one of his shy moments. “The first and most important is lack of heritage presentation: they aren’t operating it as a National Historic Site, much less as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both those designations have public awareness and education requirements.” He notes that starting in 2017, there were 687 days that Parks website had no history or heritage information. Watson was a website developer for many years after his retirement as a geologist. He knows what he’s talking about. The second issue is that Parks has doesn’t engage the public enough. The third issue. “I promise,” he says, is the lack of a senior manager at the Smiths Falls office of Parks. “We now have a director responsible for the Rideau and Trent-Severn canals, based in Peterborough, 200km away. That person isn’t accessible. It’s like trying to manage Banff from
Jasper. “The Rideau Canal has a different history and culture from the TrentSevern.” Hunter McGill, chairman of Friends of the Rideau, says Watson’s Paddling Guide of the Rideau Canal is the best. “For a person who doesn’t have a professional background in history or heritage, Ken is remarkable.” When Don Kindt of Rideau Ferry was preparing his Republic of Rideau Ferry Cookbook, one of the first people he consulted was Watson. Kindt titles all his recipes with a Rideau canal location; Beveridge Bay Bruschetta, Crow Island Raincoast Crackers, Fancy Free Real French Toast. It was Watson who filled him in on the history of those sites. “He was a great help.” Kindt’s recipes are yummy. Watson also produces the Delta Mill Society newsletter and has assisted on an upcoming “slow TV” production about the Rideau. It’s real time TV of a trip, if you were on a four-hour train ride, the
Photo credit: Submitted.
production would take four hours. It’ll be on TVO. The trip starts in Manotick. So what’s Watson’s favourite Rideau Story? That mystery hasn’t been solved. In the early days of the canal, contractors were paid by cheque but workers paid in silver. There is still a barrel of silver
missing and possibly lost in Opinicon Lake. A lockmaster and even the paymaster were investigated at the time, but no silver coins were found. Like everything else about his canal passion, he’ll likely get to the bottom of the story.
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January 2020
lifestyle Rideau Ski Club is an ambitious local club with humble beginnings Regional - Chris Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca From humble beginnings more than 50 years ago on a small hill next to Otter Lake, the Rideau Ski Club today is running an ambitious program for the benefit of skiers from across the region. In the early days the club had a rope tow powered by a tractor, and volunteers used a wood stove in a shed to heat up hot dogs and drinks. As membership increased the club went on to organize bus trips from schools in Smiths Falls, Perth and surrounding areas to local ski hills. Introducing young people to the sport, and providing affordable leisure to families is still the club’s goal today. Daryl Pratt, who joined the ski club executive last year after moving to the area with
her family from Collingwood, used to live close to Blue Mountain Resort, and has worked as a ski instructor in the past. “It’s a great fit to find a local club,” she said, noting that “Calabogie is the highest peak in Ontario.” In efforts to introduce the sport to more people, the ski club provides a 10-week learn to ski program for 10 to 12 children. The club will cover all costs including transportation, lift tickets, lessons, and equipment if needed. The lessons will take place every Saturday from Jan. 4 to March 7 during the club’s weekly excursions to ski hills in Ontario and Quebec, including Calabogie Peaks, Sommet Edelweiss, Mont Cascades, Mont Ste. Marie, and Mont Tremblant. The destination for the first excursion Jan. 4 is Calabogie Peaks, and the season finishes Mar. 7 at
Mont St. Marie. “We hit most of the hills twice, and Tremblant is more expensive, so we do that one once,” said Pratt. The club entered a float in the Smiths Falls Santa Claus parade on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 14, and sold memberships at a booth at Settlers Ridge Centre following the parade. Memberships, which cost $20 per individual or $40 per family of up to six members are another source of funds for club programs. Memberships can also be purchased by emailing ride@rideauskiclub.ca. Buying a membership provides a skier or snowboarder with potential discounts on lift tickets, rentals or lessons at various ski resorts including Mont Ste Marie, Mont Cascades, Calabogie Peaks, Mount Pakenham and Vorlage. Buses pick up members each
Members of the Rideau Ski Club will be hitting the slopes at some of the most popular ski hills in Eastern Ontario and Gatineau from Jan. 4 to Mar. 7. Photo credit: Submitted.
Saturday in Smiths Falls, Perth, Carleton Place and at Ottawa’s Pinecrest Mall. Although the number of participants in each bus trip is usually 40 to 50, club president Chris
McGuire said the club has close to 200 memberships, thanks to the discounts those memberships provide at the affiliated ski hills. Individuals may enrol in the 10-week program
at Sport X on Chambers Street in Smiths Falls. Participants also have the option of paying for individual trips rather than enrolling for the entire season.
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Kids World in Carleton Place is truly a fantastic place for kids. With an enormous trampoline zone, soft play area, and climbing wall, kids can play - and play hard - for hours. The trampoline zone includes climbing ropes, bouncy basketball courts, and a wildly-popular foam pit. The climbing wall is mounted beside a trampoline landing pad, which makes it a great place for beginner climbers to try and try again. In the soft-play area, geared for younger kids, you will find slides, ball pits, climbing structures, swings, and rideon toys. Each play area is safely enclosed, making it very easy to keep track of the kids no matter how busily they bounce around. If grownups want a little bmitted. Photo credit: Su
peace and quiet, they can relax on couches and easy chairs near the play area. If they wish to join in the fun, there is plenty to do! This indoor play place is 24 000 square feet of joy for the entire family. Along with the jumping and climbing opportunities, you will find an arcade, air hockey, pinball machines, a selection of ride-on soft toys, and a bowling lane. Kids World also offers four different Virtual Reality experiences: King Kong, a two-seater ride, a racecar, and a horseback ride through the land of lords and ladies. You will also find a baby changing station and rocking chair to make even the tiniest member of your family comfortable. When you’ve jumped and played yourself out, head in to the cafeteria stocked with food and drinks,
snacks and slushies. Food can be consumed in the large dining area. With a spacious private party room and a range of party packages, Kids World is also a fantastic spot to host birthday parties. The helpful and friendly staff set the tables, serve your food, drinks and birthday cake, and take care of clean-up. Guests simply show up and enjoy themselves. If you haven’t yet experienced this hidden gem, head on over to 26 Industrial Avenue and check it out. Take the whole family - you won’t be disappointed.
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Events Around the Region
CARLETON PLACE JANUARY 11
SUNDAYS
Blues w/Redneck Limousine 3:00pm - 6:00pm Waterfront Gastropub 12 Bell St. 613-257-5755 thewaterfrontgastropub.ca
TUESDAYS Olde Time Bingo 7:00pm - 9:15pm Carleton Place Arena 75 Neelin St. 613-257-1690 Carletonplacecivitan.com
WEDNESDAYS Open Jam 9:00pm - 1:00am Waterfront Gastropub 12 Bell St. 613-257-5755 thewaterfrontgastropub.ca
THURSDAYS Karaoke 9:00pm Waterfront Gastropub 12 Bell St. 613-257-5755 Thewaterfrontgastropub.ca
SATURDAYS Blues & Classic Rock w/ Al Tambay 3:00pm - 6:00pm Waterfront Gastropub 12 Bell St. 613-257-5755 thewaterfrontgastropub.ca
JANUARY 9 & 23 Toastmasters 7:00pm - 8:30pm Riverview Seniors' Residence 204 Lake Ave. 613-250-9282
MISSISSIPPI MILLS
SUNDAYS
Sitting on Sundays 10:00am - 11:00am Big Stone House 218 Strathburn angie@bigstonehouse.ca bigstonehouse.ca
TUESDAYS Music Trivia 8:00pm Almonte Lobby Bar in Alm Riverside Inn 81 Queen St. facebook.com/almontelobbybar
WEDNESDAYS Duplicate Bridge Club 7:00pm Almonte Legion 100 Bridge St. 613-256-4747
THURSDAYS Naismith Men's Shed 1st & 3rd Thurs each month at Mamma's 2nd & 4th Thurs at the Mill of Kintail's gatehouse boardroom almontecarver@gmail.com Menssheds.ca 613-461-0013
Dandelion Foods Anniversary 10:00am - 2:00pm Dandelion Foods 451 Ottawa St., Suite E 613-256-4545 dandelionfoods.ca
JANUARY 12 Adventure In Your Ear LIVE! 7:00pm - 8:30pm Curious & Kind Heritage Mall, 12B Mill St. curious.and.kind.almonte@gmail.com curiousandkind.ca
JANUARY 15 Travelogue: S. Africa & Zimbabwe 7:00pm Almonte Library 155 High St. 613-624-5306 Missmillslibrary.com
JANUARY 18 Folkus: Good Lovelies w/ Space Between 8:00pm Almonte Old Town Hall 14 Bridge St. 613-256-9090 Folkusalmonte.com
JANUARY 19 SRO Big Band Tea Dance 1:00pm - 4:00pm Almonte Old Town Hall 14 Bridge St. Srobigband.weebly.com
JANUARY 20 Almonte Quilters' Guild 7:00pm - 9:00pm Almonte Civitan Hall 500 Almonte St. almontequiltersguild@ gmail.com
JANUARY 23 Meet the Artist: Meed Barnett 7:00pm - 9:00pm Fairview Manor 75 Spring St. 613-256-3113 Almontegeneral.com
JANUARY 26 AiC: Inspired by Virtuosos 2:00pm Almonte Old Town Hall 14 Bridge St. Almonteinconcert.com Robbie Burns Scottish Tea 2:00pm - 4:00pm Almonte Legion 100 Bridge St. 613-257-8503 Northlanarkregionalmuseum.com Trad Song Pub Session 2:00pm - 4:00pm The Barley Mow 79 Little Bridge Street dave@barleymow.com 613-256-5669 Barleymow.com
JANUARY 27
JANUARY 17
FRIDAYS
Cancer Support Group 10:00am - 11:00am Almonte Library 155 High St. 613-726-8040
Jon Van Wingerden 8:00pm Fiddleheads Bar & Grill Code's Mill, 53 Herriott St. Fiddleheadsbarandgrill.com
New Music Fridays 8:00pm - 11:00pm Jan 10 - Steve Stacey & Craig Robertson Jan 17 - Mike Kerr & Dave Dino White Jan 24 - Dimestore Playboys & J Raymond Lavoie Jan 31 - Slo Tom & the Handsome Devils Bowie's 20 Russell St. E. Bowiessmithsfalls.com
JANUARY 31 Almonte Lectures: Evolution of Nat'l Park System 7:30pm Almonte United Church 106 Elgin St. AlmonteLectures@gmail. com Almontelectures.net
PERTH
THURSDAYS Open Mic w/Kevin Choffe 8:00pm Fiddleheads Bar & Grill Code's Mill, 53 Herriott St. Fiddleheadsbarandgrill.com
JANUARY 10, 22 Judy Jan 10 at 7:00pm Jan 22 & 23 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm Studio Theatre 63 Gore St. E. 613-267-7469 Studiotheatreperth.com
JANUARY 10 Jon Van Wingerden 8:00pm Fiddleheads Bar & Grill Code's Mill, 53 Herriott St. Fiddleheadsbarandgrill.com Shawn McCullough 8:30pm O'Reilly's Pub 43 Gore St. E. 613-267-7994 Oreillyspubperth.com
JANUARY 13 & 20 Auditions: Plan 9 from Outer Space Time TBA Full Circle Theatre 26 Craig St. 613-267-1884 Barndoorproductions.ca
JANUARY 15 & 29
JANUARY 24 Henry Norwood 8:00pm Fiddleheads Bar & Grill Code's Mill, 53 Herriott St. Fiddleheadsbarandgrill.com
JANUARY 28 Lanark County Quilters Guild 1:00pm - 3:00pm Lions Hall Perth Fairgrounds Arthur St. Lanarkcountyquiltersguild. com Lanark Co. Camera Club Mtg 7:00pm - 9:00pm Algonquin College 7 Craig St. secretary@lccameraclub.com Shawn McCullough 8:00pm Fiddleheads Bar & Grill Code's Mill, 53 Herriott St. Fiddleheadsbarandgrill.com
SMITHS FALLS
MONDAYS
Adult Jazz (Starting Jan 20) 6:15pm - 7:45pm redeemerdanceacademy.com Smiths Falls Duplicate Bridge Club 7:00pm Smiths Falls Legion 7 Main St. E. office95@cogeco.ca 613-256-4747 Women's Pick-up Basketball 7:30pm - 8:30pm Chimo School smithsfallsstormbasketball. com
TUESDAYS
Meditation & Associated Processes 1:30pm - 3:00pm Perth Library 30 Herriott St. 613-225-4675
Duplicate Bridge Club 1:00pm Smiths Falls Legion 7 Main St. E. office95@cogeco.ca 613-256-4747
JANUARY 16
WEDNESDAYS
The Butterfly Fan Club Breast Cancer Support Group - Dinner 7:00pm - 9:00pm Perth Family Health Centre 33 Lewis St. 613-812-4474
Men's Pick-up Basketball 7:30pm - 9:00pm Chimo School smithsfallsstormbasketball. com
JANUARY 16 - 19 & 23 - 26 Out of Sight… Out of Murder Jan 16 - 18, 23 - 25 at 7:30pm Jan 19 & 26 at 2:00pm Studio Theatre 63 Gore St. E. 613-267-7469 Studiotheatreperth.com
Where Is My Mind Trivia Night 8:00pm - 10:00pm Bowie's 20 Russell St. E. bowiessmithsfalls.com
THURSDAYS Open Stage 8:00pm Bowie's 20 Russell St. E. Bowiessmithsfalls.com
SATURDAYS Funk Night! 8:00pm Bowie's 20 Russell St. E. Bowiessmithsfalls.com
JANUARY 16 Grief and Loss Mask Painting Workshop 6:30pm - 8:00pm Beautiful Full FIgure Boutique 7 Russell St. W. 613-621-9607 bffboutique@outlook.com Journey To Sustainability: Household Waste Audit Workshop Doors open at 6:45pm Trinity United Church 41 Market St.
JANUARY 17 & 18 Downton Abbey 7:00pm Station Theatre 53 Victoria Ave
JANUARY 18 Hoedown Throwdown Mechanical Bull at 4:00pm - 7:00pm Line Dancing at 6:00pm 8:00pm Public Dance at 7:00pm 11:00pm Settlers Ridge Centre
JANUARY 23 Judy 2:00pm & 7:00pm Station Theatre 53 Victoria Ave. filmnightperth@gmail.com Filmnightinternational. blogspot.com
JANUARY 25 We Ain’t Petty 8:00pm Gallipeau Centre Theatre 361 Queen Street 613-284-9916 gallipeaucentretheatre.com
JANUARY 26 Celebrate Winter Live Entertainment at 2:00pm Supper at 5:00pm Montague & District Forget Me Not Club 658 Rosedale Road South 613-283-8482 613-283-2993
JANUARY 28 Traditional Irish Session 6:00pm Bowie's 20 Russell St. E. Bowiessmithsfalls.com
WESTPORT & RIDEAU LAKES
WESTPORT
SUNDAYS Open Mic w/Shawn McCullough 1:00pm - 4:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN Darts 1:00pm Royal Canadian Upper Rideau Legion Branch 542 10099 Cty Rd 10
MONDAYS Westport Legion Bingo Doors open at 6pm Play starts at 7pm sharp Royal Canadian Upper Rideau Legion Branch 542 10099 Cty Rd 10
WEDNESDAYS Winter Washer Toss 7:00pm Royal Canadian Upper Rideau Legion Branch 542 10099 Cty Rd 10
JANUARY 10 The Principals: Dave Balfour & Jamie Campbell 6:00pm - 9:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN
JANUARY 11 Jeff Callery 6:00pm - 9:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN
JANUARY 17 & 18 BOTR: Jack de Keyzer Band 7:00pm - 11:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN
JANUARY 24 Robbie Burns Day w/ Turpin’s Trail 6:00pm - 10:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN
JANUARY 25 Henry Norwood 6:00pm - 9:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN
JANUARY 31 Mario Franco 6:00pm - 9:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN
Brian Preston
Beer, Wine & Spirits: Grenache/Garnacha
An easy drinking, fruit-driven wine. Herbal overtones on the nose, bursting with ripe berry and plum fruit typical of Garnacha. Bottled within one year of production this wine is designed to be enjoyed while young. Photo credit: monseran.com
This month I thought I would break the seasonal rules and write about one of the oldest and most widely planted grapes that many don't realize is found in many wines from many countries. In France it is called Grenache; in Spain, Garnacha. Grenache in general provides a warm, generous mouthfeel consisting of ripe blackberry and blackcurrant along with some subtle gamey and herbal notes. The darker the colour, the stronger the flavours will be. This grape varietal is so versatile that it is good at any time of the year with a wide variety of dishes. The rosé will match well with baked or grilled fish while the white (if you can find it from time to time) is described below. Then in the red, it can be light and fruity or dark and full bodied matching a range of meats like ham, pork and beef done various ways. I even use the Carinena version below with stuffed holiday turkey if I don't happen to have a nice Beaujolais on hand. Hint: match the wine to the strongest flavours in the food.
Unseasoned turkey alone is bland but with spices and herbs in the stuffing accompanied by traditional veggies on the plate, it is a match! Here are some that represent the range of Grenache/Garnacha wines available locally that you might want to try: Castillo de Monseran Garnacha, Carinena DO Carinena, Spain, 750 mL bottle | 14.5%abv LCBO#: 73395 $10.95 Deep ruby colour; aromas of ripe black cherry, anise and a touch of chocolate; medium bodied, medium tannins and juicy plum, mint and spice flavours. This wine is 100% Garnacha (Grenache if you prefer). It comes from Carinena south of Zaragoza smack in the heart of Aragon. Clos Dalian Garnacha Blanca 2017 Terra Alta, Spain, 750 mL bottle | LCBO#: 598267 $15.60 Crafted from Grenache Blanc grapes grown in Terra Alta, the northern 'high lands' of Spain, this creamy wine has a vibrant nose with notes of white fruit and minerals. Its fresh, silky fla-
vour is a fine match for pork, chicken and soft cheeses. La Fage Miraflors Rose Cotes Du Roussillon AOC Rosé from Roussillon, France, 750 mL bottle | 12.5%abv LCBO#: 367375 $13.55 Named after an old estate in the heart of Domaine Lafage. The combination of mourvedre and old vine grenache gris is aged in tank before bottling. The result is a pale salmon colour with an elegant bouquet of roses, strawberry and white peach, leading to a clean and pure palate that ends with crisp, refreshing flavours. Domaine Lafage Cuvée Nicolas Vieilles Vignes Grenache Noir 2017 Roussillon, France 750 mL bottle | VINTAGES#: 354191 $18.95 Made from 65 year old vines grown in a range of soils including granite, slate, schist, and quartz near the Mediterranean coast; bright floral aromas of violet and dark chocolate with flavours of raspberry and licorice. Plush texture, soft tannins with an elegant aftertaste and clean, lovely finish. This shows you the versatility and range of wines that can be made from Grenache - from soft, light and fresh Rose, to a fruity red wine, through to this more full bodied and smooth version, each matching quite a range of different food courses or simply for sitting back and sipping. If you have any topics you want me to cover in future columns drop me an email at brianpreston@hotmail.com. The Travelling Sommelier!
live on stage a the gallipeau centre
WE AIN'T PETTY tribute to tom petty
advertorial Beginning in 1976, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers were one of America's finest rock & roll bands ever, combining the ringing guitars of the Byrds with the gritty rhythmic drive of the Rolling Stones. Petty's tales of American losers and dreamers were simple and direct, but emotionally charged. The Heartbreakers were a lean, tight band that could handle hard rock & roll and melodic pop equally well. The group gained critical attention and solid sales with their first album, but 1979's Damn the Torpedoes was their commercial breakthrough, selling over two million copies. During the '80s, Petty sold consistently well, as he expanded his sound with the release of each album. In 1989, he released his first solo album, Full Moon Fever, which became his biggest hit yet. That momentum carried on through 1990's with Into the Great Wide Open, which went platinum. As they were preparing their next album, the group released a greatest-hits album in 1993 that contained the hit single "Mary Jane's Last Dance." Greatest Hits was the last album the group released on MCA Records In the summer of 1996, Petty & the Heartbreakers
Photo credit: facebook.com/weaintpetty
released Songs and Music from She's the One. The albums and the hits just kept on coming over the years right up to the harder, rockier Hypnotic Eye that was released in July 2014, and became the first number one album in their career on October 2, 2017. Four decades later Tom Petty & The Heatbreakers are rock legends and have sold over 80 million records. Sadly, on Oct 2, 2017 the rock legend Tom Petty passed away. He left behind a legacy of classic rock music and millions of adoring fans that loved the artist,the music and his talent. We Ain't Petty Introducing We Ain't Petty, Canada's premier tribute to TOM PETTY & The Heartbreakers. Want to know what happens when five passionate
Tom Petty fans - who are also musicians - meet? They get together and re-create the music, the sound, the look and legacy of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. This talented band of seasoned musicians pays tribute to the life and music of the iconic classic rock legend. Live on stage they deliver hit after hit, in a concert that includes a cut for cut and a note for note performance of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers greatest hits. After a successful run of shows and concert dates that included playing to a crowd of over 7000 enthusiastic Tom Petty fans at The Peterborough Music Fest this past summer, ‘We Ain't Petty’ is now one of Canada's hottest tribute shows touring today. A must see for all Tom Petty Fans!
9
January 2020
Let's Eat
Food & Drink Brian Turner
Pitmaster; Smoke fans rejoice I doubt if even Wes Parsons, owner of Pitmaster, one of Carleton Place’s newest meal purveyors, could have predicted the overwhelming response to his custom meat smoker’s output when he opened earlier this year. It’s an omission made even more notable when you consider Wes’ history in the food biz and his never-ending attention to detail. Pitmaster opened in August and is located on the north side of Hwy 7, just east of the Hwy 15 intersection on the site of the former Cabano Kitchen. For the longest time in recent memory this one-storey building was home to a major cheese outlet. The operator previous to Wes installed a state-of-theart large mobile food prep trailer onto one end of the building and renovated the interior for diner seating. Wes added his own equipment masterpiece, a 12 foot long smoker with a massive 8 foot meat chamber. His aim was to fill an increasingly growing market need with his take on a traditional southern BBQ menu. From all responses received to date, Wes has hit the mark with searing accuracy. His locally sourced meat offerings include smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, smoked and fried chicken, and wings all rubbed, coated, and cooked to perfection using his own recipes for everything including some heavenly baked beans and great sauces. I dropped by on a recent Friday evening to join other homeward-bound commuters in line for some great takehome treats to soon-to-be happy and filled families and friends. For my famished gang I selected the 4X4 meal combo which included a generous serving of 4 different meats along with 4 sides. I opted for
Wes’ recommendations on ribs, brisket, and shredded pork and chicken along with potato salad, smoked pork chili, baked beans, and cornbread muffins served with honey-butter. This $40 value fed three of us to a delightful shade of stuffed with sufficient leftovers for a few BBQ themed weekend breakfasts. The brisket was smoked to tender and flavourful perfection with just the right amount of crusty bark on the edges and a pervasive smoky hint. Drizzled in some of Wes’s housemade sauces or baked beans, the brisket alone is a great reason for multiple return trips. The ribs offered a similar level of punch and had just the right light touch of resistance to the meat coming off the bone. My son found that the pulled pork and chicken made great wraps when combined with the chili and BBQ sauce. It created a memorable family meal which is exactly what Wes intended when he opened Pitmaster surrounded by his own family behind the counter including cousin and business partner Bron-
son Bennett. He noted that his smoker arts were drawing more eatin clients than he anticipated and that’s probably due to customers knowing they couldn’t make it home surrounded by all those great aromas in the car without digging in. And now, thanks to another example of Wes’ perseverance, Pitmaster meals are available through the local delivery app, Valley Eats. To get this popular service in Carleton Place, Wes had to convince 10 other restaurants and diners to sign up as well. With Wes’ charm this wasn’t a big challenge. Pitmaster is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 pm to 8 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am and on Sundays from noon to 7 pm. They’re closed Mondays and Tuesdays (it does take time to smoke all that meat). You can reach them by phone at 613 914 7150 and check out their menus and reviews at Facebook.com/CP.Pitmaster. If you and your gang are hankering for some authentic BBQ, Pitmaster needs to be in your dining plans.
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GREAT FOOD GREAT TIMES
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10
January 2020
Senior Series Lanark Lifestyles a good addition to Perth Perth - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca He said it twice. The first time he said: “It’s their home and we are just lucky enough to be a part of it.” And the second: “We are [the] guests….” Dr. Neel Chadha, at 30, is the owner of Lanark Lifestyles Retirement Community on the outskirts of Perth. Ask him ‘why’, and ‘why here’, and he’ll tell you a story. “I admire what seniors have done for Canada. My parents are not from here but I was lucky enough to be born in this beautiful country.” It’s beautiful, he continues, because of its ancestors. “I didn’t have the connections other kids did growing up because my grandparents are so far away, so I’ve always had a soft spot for seniors.” He continues with the story. “My first week in medical school I had a preceptor who worked in a retirement home. The concept, the people, the patients I was assigned to, their stories were all amazing…and inspiring. I heard how life was 50 or 60 years ago, how hard it was and how they persevered.” He shrugs a bit, adding “…but it was their way of life. They had nothing to compare it to.”
And then a grin. “Life is easier for someone born today.” Chadha completed his residency in Ottawa doing some of it in Perth under Dr. Robin Kennie. He worked in many retirement homes and was beginning to see a pattern, a need for improvement. Understand that Chadha has two passions — medicine and business. Shortly after beginning to practice medicine in 2015, he put his business sense to work. And, fortuitously, he met Wit Lewandowski at that time, a geriatric pharmacist; the two clicked — same ideas, same farsightedness. Just two years later, in July of 2017, the two bought the land where the new retirement home now sits, and just two years after that, in October 2019, the home opened. In December, Chadha says the 102 rooms were 50 percent occupied. A good care philosophy is at the forefront of this innovative home. “Everyone who comes here has training and knowledge on care,” Chadha says. Not only that, but he is at the home every day himself, the in-house doctor. Presently there are 30 staff members with six managers. Even taking a deep breath it’s hard to get through all of
the activities and services the retirement home offers: at the heart there is a lounge and fireplace with a pool table, a bistro, a Christmas village (designed by Lewandowski), a dining room, a multi-purpose auditorium, laundry room on every floor, weekly linen service, three meals a day plus snacks, a hobby room, a tool room for woodworkers, a third floor lounge (with a juke box), a library with computers, and a salon. Whew! The food is good. Chadha made sure of that because he eats there too…but there’s more to it than that. “Many corporate retirement homes have narrow food budgets; there, it’s a publicly traded, numbers’ driven environment with big corporations reporting to investors. So cooks’ and chefs’ hands are tied. “Here — it’s just me and him (Lewandowski). We’re a small company and I’m here everyday. If any corporation decision needs to be made, it’s him or [me], and he’s a phone call away. We give our chefs and cooks freedom to make the food good. We don’t worry about cost as much…and that separates us from the others.” There are at least two other notable aspects at Lanark Lifestyles. Right now there
are seven husband and wife couples residing there with relationships of over 60 years each, Chadha guesses, with a bit of awe. Number two is pets are encouraged. “There are three dogs and two cats but no birds yet,” he counts. And although he says he doesn’t have favourites, he quickly picks out two — the 92-year-old former policeman from Smiths Falls who “goes out of his way to make new people comfortable and at ease”; the second is “a pioneer in the health care industry in her 80s.” The age range at the residence is late 70s to 95. Take a quick tour with Chadha. At each elevator stop he speaks to residents and employees by name — Gordon, Mary, Bill with his dog, Graham, Lou, Evelyn, another Gordon, Kate, Hanna, John heading to lunch, and then there’s Vi on the second floor, the Care Floor. He leans down
towards the frail older woman in the wheel chair, hugs her. “I love your nice blue sweater. It’s pretty,” he says. She reaches up, silently, and pats his cheek. On this floor are the brilliantly bright rural murals painted by local artist Megan Tysick — rural, “to bring them back to their roots,” to evoke good memories of early life for many of the second-floor residents. There are cows, horses, roosters, a pig and more cows, some almost life-sized. And on this floor is also a Snoezelen Room, a multi-sensory room which often helps calm agitated behaviour, typically at the end of the day. For Chadha it’s been a whirlwind two years from digging in the first shovel to taking in the first resident. His fiancée has been by his side offering colour and design ideas, and his parents have been close by filling in when needed (especially
For Dr. Neel Chadha, the Lanark Lifestyles building is just the beginning. Phase 2 and Phase 3 are in the planning stages. Photo credit: Sally Smith.
with Bingo!). For a tour, or for a chat, get in touch with Dr. Neel Chadha at 613-706-6606; you can also reach him by email at neel@lanarklifestyles.ca. Visit the web page at www.lanarklifestyles.ca. Lanark Lifestyles Retirement Community is located at 240 Gore St. E.
OUR SERVICES ∙ Meals On Wheels ∙ Diners Clubs ∙ Assisted Transportation ∙ Home Help ∙ Respite ∙ Hospice Palliative Care Service ∙ Foot Care Clinics For more information please call 613-267-6400 or 613-283-6745
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culture
opinion: Am I the only one? Carrie Wynne
Polite Canadian
On a vacation the first question people ask you is where you’re from. We proudly boast Canada because we know confidently that Canadians are known for being polite. This is a widely held belief and longstanding virtue and I wonder, as Canadians what other associations we could aspire to. Unified would be nice. They say Canadians are polite and we know all 30 million people in this country are not polite, yet all Canadians are perceived that way. I think it’s a really nice thing to be as-
sociated with … polite. This quote by Jeff Bezos of Amazon explains what messaging is: “Your brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room.” We’ve inherited this wonderful country legacy to uphold thanks to all polite fellow Canadians who have blazed the trail before us. I hope it stays that way. We could be known for lesser things. I think countries can have brands too. Just as Nike is a quality brand and Tim Horton’s is a convenience brand, Canada is a polite brand. Not everyone in British Columbia is urbane, free-spirited and green, and not everyone on the east coast is easygoing. Not every teacher is picketing. Not every rock star smokes drugs and not
everyone eating burgers is unhealthy. Associations are as normal as brushing your teeth. What might be remiss is the pause to notice where our associations came from? I don’t want to deliberately hurt anyone. This pot gets stirred online every day. Today I focus on the fact that on the world stage, collectively, Canadians are wellknown coast to coast for being polite. That’s an association I’m proud to identify with. 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.
11
January 2020
culture So you want to be a rock and roll star? Regional - Chris Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca So you want to be a rock and roll star? Or a virtuoso of the blues? Or the second coming of John Denver? The many open mic nights hosted by establishments across the area are drawing big crowds of aspiring musicians, their supportive friends and relatives, and hosts willing to coax newcomers through the crippling pangs of stage fright. Many popular watering holes throughout Lanark County and beyond feature regular evenings for those who want the chance to share their musical talents in front of an audience. These open mic nights are hosted by experienced musicians able to provide singers with accompaniment, and the usual format for the evening has those who want to get up and sing or play an instrument write their names on a sign-up sheet, and go up when their turn comes. Depending on the number of “jammers” who come out, a singer or group of players will normally have the opportunity to perform three songs before handing the stage over to someone else. Carleton Place resident Jim Ryan, a retired teacher and long-time musician,
has been hosting a monthly open mic night at the town’s Waterfront Gastro Pub for about 10 years. The first open mic at the Gastro Pub was hosted by Pat Willbond and Gary O’Meara. “I started sitting in as sort of the fulltime bass player,” recalled Ryan, who also plays guitar and sings. Willbond and O’Meara continue to host a monthly open mic, and the Gastro Pub is also the scene of a regular all-blues jam night. “To me, a good host cares about music and about people,” said Ryan. He and his fellow hosts strive to provide “a safe environment” to encourage newcomers to reach the next level of their musical development. From a technical aspect, open mic hosts regularly face the challenge of having to accompany a singer who wants to perform a song they’ve never heard before. That calls for a good ear and quick improvisational abilities. “You’ve got to be able to ‘speak guitar’,” said Ryan. Being a good host, added Ryan, is “a totally different skill set than just being a musician.” A conscientious host takes the time to help a new guitarist plug into the house amplifier, and makes sure the player is getting a good
Perth Inside Out:
The book titled “Perth Remembered”, a 1967 Centennial project, was not seen as a history of Perth, but rather a series of anecdotes and snippets of news past accompanied by sketches and photographs. The items were lovingly selected and incorporated into the book’s pages by an editorial committee, of which County Court Judge Edward M. Shortt was the chairman. Judge Shortt (1915-1978) would later pen the locally popular book “The Memorable Duel at Perth”, published in 1970. With 174 pages of material, it is a slim volume, and can sometimes be found locally at book stores or the library. Although the source of each piece is not always evident, there are some acknowledgements on the inside of the back cover and a contents table at the front. The book is officially copyrighted, with the formality “All rights reserved by The Perth Museum” included on the flyleaf. The Perth Courier of Jan. 26, 1967 reported that the Perth Centennial Committee
tone and volume. There have also been less supportive and welcoming hosts at jams Ryan has attended. “Some of them are guys with big egos that look at any jammer with disdain,” he said. Open mics Ryan would recommend include a regular event at Carp’s Juke Joint Soul Kitchen, which he called “a nice, cozy, intimate thing,” and a popular session at the Cove in Westport, hosted by Shawn McCullough on Sunday afternoons. What is the experience like for a newcomer getting up to sing for the first time? “Most of the time it’s nerve-wracking, because you’re putting yourself out there,” said Ryan. For Perth-area resident John Belisle, the qualities that make a good host include musicianship, fairness, stage presence, and good equipment. He noted that for serious musicians, the downside of going to open mics is that the jammers not only don’t get paid, but will normally spend money on food and beverages. “Some places will show gratitude through some kind of compensation, but most don’t,” he said, adding that Danby’s in Richmond offers food to all open mic participants,
Perth area musician John Belisle takes part in an open mic hosted by the Stittsville Legion. Photo credit: Submitted.
while the Village Café in Carp provides a free beer. For someone looking to form a band, open mics are also obvious opportunities to find musicians. The open mic at Westport’s Cove is a favourite of singer Leslie Dawson, a Carleton Place resident. Dawson, who has been “dabbling” in music since she was six, once took accordion lessons. “When I got to high school I wanted to play the guitar,” she recalled. “But my dad said, ‘There’ll be no damn guitar in this house,’ and that was the end of that.” Not deterred by this, Dawson is now the proud owner of a guitar and is taking lessons. Her interest in singing took off a number of years ago when she lived
in Almonte, and took part in a number of musical productions put on by the local theatre troupe known as the Mississippi Mudds. Dawson was later encouraged to attend the open mic night at the Waterfront Gastro Pub, and found that “It was sort of a loud, rollicking club, and it helped to hide my insecurities.” She began to going to the musical evenings and afternoons at the Cove a couple of years ago, and found the atmosphere a little quieter, with an audience more willing to stop talking and listen to the music. “Shawn (McCullough) has the ultimate night,” said Dawson. “Shawn makes all of his participants feel very welcome. He makes you feel
like you’re part of his group, and that’s very important to someone who’s so insecure.” Dawson also recalls an earlier experience going to an open mic in Ottawa. She brought a guitarist to accompany her, but he announced after seeing the size of the crowd that he was too scared to play. Dawson was prepared to sing “a capella,” but an audience member offered to back her up on the piano, and the day was saved. For Dawson and many other open mic “jammers,” the experience of performing for a crowd has many rewards. “It just makes me feel good,” she said. “I feel like a kid again. “I have no expectations, but I have a hell of a lot of fun.”
“Perth Remembered” book was Centennial project
had unanimously approved the book project in May of 1966, and it was decided that “One of their more important projects for Centennial Year 1967 should be the publication of a book which, by word and picture, would give an interesting, vivid and factual account of our town from the year of its settlement, 1816 to our country’s Centennial year, 1967.” In their June 22, 1967 issue, the Courier reported that: “Word has just been received that, at long last, Perth’s Centennial anthology – ‘Perth Remembered”, has arrived. To afford residents of Perth the first opportunity to obtain a copy or copies of the 176page book, a door-to-door blitz of the town has been arranged. The books are now on sale at the residence of W.H. McFarlane, 17 Isabella Street, and parties wishing to secure copies may pick them up there.” An extract from the Perth Remembered book preface by Judge Shortt explains the book well when he writes: “In 1816 it was the polite practice to introduce a book with an apology for its inadequacy or shortcomings. Reviving this quaint custom the gentle reader is warned that this is not a history of Perth; still less is it a tourist guide or prospectus for municipal bonds.” As you can see, the Judge had a wonderful sense of humour. Dave Bromley, who was
born and raised in Perth, was inspired by the book to create a “Perth Remembered” website and companion Facebook page, both started in January of 2015. He describes his perthremembered.com website as: “A pictorial journey throughout the history of the Town of Perth and Lanark County.” The site is well organized in sections such as “Historical & Interesting Events” and “Places of Interest & Street Names”, and the history is accompanied by many old photos and newspaper articles which have been restored by Bromley, a graphic artist. Through the site you can obtain a photo-restoration service from Bromley, who is an expert at enhancing and restoring old photos. Designated as a Coordinator/Professor at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Bromley’s main focus besides teaching is on logos. The college website mentions that “He has designed many popular logos for clients such as OC Transpo, Chez106, Ottawa Rough Riders Football, Lake 88.1FM Perth, Canada Pork International and the 200th Anniversary of Perth Ontario.” To explain the 200th Anniversary logo: The Perth 200th Anniversary Celebration took place in 2016, and plans were made under the guidance of an advisory panel. On June 9, 2011 the Perth Courier first reported the upcoming year-
long celebration which was to happen in 2016. The Courier also reported at the time that: “The advisory panel has also chosen a winner from the approximately dozen entries in public competition to design a logo for the anniversary. Subject to confirmation, the logo is set to be officially unveiled at the bandstand behind the Perth town hall at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 18, the same day as Doors Open Perth.” The logo was chosen by a panel of judges, and Dave Bromley was the winner. If you have any comments or suggestions, please email me at: terry@pdgmedia.ca
Terry O'Hearn
Dave Bromley with the “Perth Remembered” book, and his website showing on the screen behind him. Photo courtesy of Dave Bromley.
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