Lanark, North Leeds & Grenville - Hometown News March 2023

A.C. Towing

Service

Bruce Linton optimistic about Smiths Falls' future

Smiths Falls - Janelle Labelle editorial@pdgmedia.ca

On February 9, Canopy Growth announced massive measures for restructuring and downsizing, including closing their headquarters in the Smiths Falls campus, where they will no longer grow cannabis. The campus at 1 Hershey Drive, including labs, production, and the visitor’s centre, will be closed, while the remaining employees will work out of the facility across the street and on Air Care Drive.

When Canopy announced hundreds of layoffs in Smiths Falls, this came as a shock to much of the town. But Bruce Linton, the well-known former CEO of Canopy Growth has many thoughts about the potential life of the Canopy building at 1 Hershey Drive. He believes the town is in a much better place now than before Tweed (now Canopy Growth) moved into the former chocolate factory. “I’m optimistic. What we have as an asset in the town

is so much more valuable now than it was ten years ago. The buildings are in top shape; they will be good for another 20 years without another penny spent.”

When Linton first explored the possibility of purchasing the factory at 1 Hershey Drive, there were big leaks in every building on the campus. “Over time, there had been a lot of infrastructure deterioration,” Linton recalls.

“Areas which were supposed to be protected against earthquakes weren’t. It was in relatively terrible shape.”

Tweed did extensive renovations and upgraded the facilities. “Every building is currently in top shape,” Linton explains. “The building closest to the Queen Street end is upgraded for medical production, pharmaceuticals: there is a very big opportunity for that building.”

The central part of the facility has been upgraded in power, and has potential for a shipping/logistics centre. The growing rooms were built in 2013, only a decade ago. “If you took them out

it could easily be a logistics centre,” he suggests.

In another area, two laboratories offer yet another array of opportunities. “Depending on how they sell them, there are a diverse number of business plans that could go to them.”

The north end of the building was used for shipping and receiving. These contain high end technical shelving systems. “If they leave those assets, it could be really enticing to an expanding business,” Linton says. “Usually when they’re in a big hurry, someone is going to get a very terrific deal.”

The real question, Linton says, when it comes to the town attracting businesses to move into these prime facilities, is, “How quickly can [Canopy] get out of the way? How long until they’re out so someone who wants to be in can get things rolling and start hiring?”

Linton, of course, is no longer connected with Canopy Growth, but still has a soft spot for Smiths Falls. “This place was nice to me, I feel

fondly for it,” he says, with obvious warmth in his voice.

The restoration of the former post office on the corner of Market and Russell Streets in Smiths Falls was Linton’s labour of love for the town, a way to say thank you. He invested an “absolutely unreasonable amount” of money into the restoration, “it was necessary, to make it really nice.”

As for his impact on Smiths Falls, Linton recalls speaking with town council when he first wanted to bring Tweed into the facility at 1 Hershey Drive. “I told them I hoped to bring a hundred jobs to town, and I think they will still see more than one hundred jobs retained,” he says, referring to the two Canopy Growth buildings that will continue to process cannabis products.

“I do think about this place, and what I could do with it,” Linton confesses, explaining that he can’t help dreaming of the possibilities that await 1 Hershey Drive, and what could grow from the seed of an idea. “My father once built a fireplace because someone

gave him a log lifter. I might get that from him.”

The metaphor is clear: opportunity is once again knocking in Smiths Falls,

and the infrastructure is ready for a myriad of possibilities. This is a town that continues to be open for business.

Will Carleton Place take the Kraft Hockeyville title?

runner-up towns will receive $25K each). While the usual focus of Kraft Hockeyville grants are local arena upgrades, Carleton Place has a very different idea.

allow hockey to be played by anyone who wants to and the financial implications would not be the barrier that keeps someone from playing or not playing.

Carleton Place - Brian Turner editorial@pdgmedia.ca

For the last 16 years, Kraft Foods and its partners have been investing in community sports via their Kraft Hock-

eyville program. To date they’ve donated over $4.5M to 93 communities across Canada. Carleton Place is applying to be this year’s winner of a $250K grant (three

The Neelin Street arena recently received a major expansion along with new change-rooms and a foyer upgrade for its two-ice surface facility, but town councilor Linda Seccaspina and recreation staff have come up with a program proposal to increase access to Canada’s favourite sport: hockey. Their application involves creating an equipment-lending program to outfit up to 300 players to hit the ice. As Carleton Place’s community programmer Jessica Hansen told CTV news, this would

The process for selection begins with getting community members to post pictures and comments on social media indicating what hockey and their local arenas mean to them. Applicants are judged on the strength of their proposal and the number and quality of community engagement posts. As Carleton Place Mayor Toby Randell stated in his entry, “Hockey has always been a staple in Carleton Place. Whether it be at the original rink where our current library stands and in a twist of fate directly across the

road to where I live now, to the dozen or so outdoor rinks that dotted the town when I was a child, to our current rink which was expanded in 1997, and now houses out bustling minor Kings and a Cyclones program. We have a Rep B (MTK) program, U18 and Jr. B Canadians teams, 3 levels of men’s adult hockey, as well as an adult women’s group along with many programs from seniors, moms and tots as well as a very active figure skating program.

“Like many small towns, our arena is a meeting place, where lifetime friendships are forged, lessons are learned and sometimes hearts are broken. Hockey has been in the fabric of our community for generations and our arena

is where our citizens keep returning throughout their lives to celebrate our friends and loved ones, playing the game we grew up loving.”

Councilor Seccaspina, herself a very active author and engager on social media, provided the strong launch for Carleton Place’s application. The nomination and rallying phase of the contest ends on February 19. Judging by Kraft Hockeyville’s panel takes place until March 11 to narrow the field down to 4 participating towns. Then on March 31 and April, online public voting will take place to decide the winner and the runners-up.

You can find out how to cast your ballot at hockeyville.kraftcanada.ca.

Bruce Linton. Photo credit: Submitted.

Photo credit: Kraft Hockeyville.

Page Two

Letter to the editor

Earlier this month, the Ontario government touted a win when it announced that recipients of the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) could now earn more money from working without their ODSP support being affected. But for Ontarians with the most severe disabilities, including amputees, it’s status quo amidst the skyrocketing cost of living. What the government

misses completely is that amputees receiving ODSP simply cannot work – let alone work more – without the artificial arms or legs needed for basic tasks such as walking, dressing or holding objects. Thanks to outdated funding models from the Ontario government, these crucial artificial limbs are often impossible to afford for ODSP recipients, leaving amputees literally without a leg to stand on.

While Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program (ADP) states “75 percent coverage” for artificial limbs, this coverage is based on outdated prosthetic costs. In reality, ADP covers only about 20 percent of the cost of an artificial limb for the average Ontarian.

As a first step to alleviate this double whammy against amputees, ODSP must be increased to be on par with other provinces. At a maximum of $1,228 per month,

Ontario lags behind Quebec ($1,463), BC ($1,358) and Alberta ($1,685). Better still, the government must recognize that this amount is well below the poverty line and provide a living wage to all persons with disabilities and increased coverage for artificial limbs – it’s the least we owe to Ontario’s most vulnerable and in need.

Annelise Petlock Director of Advocacy for The

- 1951

Am I the only one? opinion: crisis of confidence

When Jimmy Carter addressed the US in 1979, he talked about a growing doubt about the meaning of our lives and the loss of a unity of purpose for the nation. He said the erosion of confidence is what threatens to destroy countries.

The fabric of society used to be woven by strong families, close knit communities, our faith in God and pride in hard work and a job well done. These shared values have been replaced with owning and consuming things. There’s not enough stuff in the world to fill that longing for meaning in our lives. Consumption isn’t making us any happier. Society is getting sicker and sicker, and the solution isn’t more meds.

We are confronted with a moral and spiritual crisis and a growing disrespect for government, churches, schools, news media and other institutions. Classic liberals, small ‘c’ conservatives and reasonable middle folks seem to have evaporated

Carrie Wynne

as we wrestle with culture wars, forever wars, war on drugs, political and corporate corruption, inflation, climate change, etc. I certainly feel the decline in optimism. No one is carrying a vision of the future that we can fully trust. Am I the only one? There’s never been a time when everything is perfect. We have conquered terrible things in the past and have overcome massive obstacles and there’s no reason to assume we can’t do the same thing again. Jimmy Carter’s speech reminds us that we are heirs of generations who survived threats much more powerful and awesome than those that challenge us now. Our fathers and mothers were strong men and women who shaped a new society during the great depression. They carved out a new chapter of peace for the world.

To rebirth the Canadian spirit, we need to regain the strength of every household. We can’t rely on the divisive and visionless leaders we have today. We need communities to unite with a shared vision. We don’t need a protector. We need each other.

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.

War Amps Ontario

Cartoon by Patrick Labelle.

community

Smiths Falls Rotary Club Ladies Night remembers Eileen Crosbie

Smiths Falls - Kathy Botham

editorial@pdgmedia.ca

The Smiths Falls Rotary Club held its first Ladies Night since 2019 on Wednesday night at the Legion. This has been an annual event for many years for the Rotary Club so it was no surprise that the event sold out of tickets shortly after announcing it was happening again.

It was clear as soon as you arrived at this event, greeted by the volunteer coat checkers Noah Gladden and Hunter Algie, it was going to be a great evening.

This Ladies Night was held in honor of Eileen Crosbie, an evening to remember her legacy to both the Smiths Falls Rotary Club and to her community. Rotarian Dennis Staples spoke about Eileen's many accomplishments and the support she gave to our town. She was a longstanding member of our Smiths Falls Hospital Foundation. Eileen was the Rotary Club’s Past President, and she received Rotary's Paul Harris Award for "Ser-

vice above Self," just to name a few of her honours.

The evening included a meal prepared by the Smiths Falls Legion's Ladies Auxiliary. There was a silent auction with 28 items donated from many generous members and businesses in town.

The Rotary Club committee that organized this Ladies Night were Donna Blair, Tracy Staples, Claire Smith, Julie Furlotte and Jodi Storey. Members of the Rotary that served the meals to the ladies were Stewart Blair, Dennis Staples, Doug Hazen, Daryll Gladden, Gary Reilly, Murray McLellan, Larry Allen, Ken Graham, Peter Kosmas, Nick Pilon, Clare Minielly with guest server Terri Johnson.

The keynote speaker was Brittany Rodford from Perth. She spoke of her time working in housekeeping with the Royal Family and living in Buckingham Palace. Her memories included her conversations and time spent with members of the Royal Family which included the Queen. Britta-

ny's respect and admiration for the Royal Family were clearly received by her audience. Brittany spoke about The Queen having a sense of humor and her amazing work ethic even until her death at 96 years of age.

Brittany brought some souvenirs and items she collected during her stay at the palace. They were on display for people to look at and ask further questions of her.

The proceeds from this evening's Rotary Club Ladies Night will go towards SFDCI bursaries.

New health hub in Carleton Place

Carleton Place - Brian Turner

editorial@pdgmedia.ca

A new health hub being led by the Ottawa Valley Family Health Team (OVFHT) will begin construction this fall on Costello Drive in Carleton Place.

OVFHT has received Ministry of Health approval and related funding to expand its Mississippi Mills catchment to include Carleton Place and Beckwith. The goal is for a fall of 2024 opening. Approximately $1.2 million in new annual funding from the province will be combined with $1.7 million in funding over ten (10) years from the Township of Beckwith and the Town of Carleton Place. It will offer 40K square feet of space built on a 15K square foot footprint.

The new hub will bring

the 14 local family physicians under one roof and offer Beckwith and Carleton Place residents access to OVFHT's specialized programming.

Carleton Place Mayor Toby Randell said at the on-site announcement on Wednesday March 2, "Council recognizes the benefit of investing in the future healthcare needs of our residents to ensure that we have the opportunity to attract both doctors and ancillary healthcare amenities not currently available locally. We were proud to collaborate with OVFHT, M+H Properties Group, and a large group of local doctors willing to make significant investments in our community to ensure the long-term health care of our residents. Council is looking forward to the day

when our collaborative efforts, hard work, and dedication with these partners over the past 18 months see the creation of the Carleton Place Regional Health Hub, which will provide a solid foundation of health care in our region for all our citizens in the future."

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Peter Hamer, Executive Director of the OVFHT, for all his hard work and dedication in expanding the family health team to Beckwith and Carleton Place,” said Richard Kidd, Reeve, Township of Beckwith. “This service will improve our residents' ability to navigate the health system. I would also like to thank John Jordan for his help in securing the funds provincially."

OVFHT noted that they are not yet able to create a waiting list at this time.

Some of our servers for the evening Ken Graham, Dennis Staples, Peter Kosmas, Gary Reilly, Terri Johnson, Stewart Blair, Doug Hazen and Clare Minielly In front: Daryll Gladden and Nick Pilon. Missing from the picture are Larry Allen and Murray McLellan.

Photo credit: Kathy Botham.

Brittany Rodford speaking to the ladies. Photo credit: Kathy Botham.

Room view.

Photo credit: Kathy Botham.

Photo courtesy of Linda Seccaspina.

lifestyle

Garden Matters: The frugal gardener

plants need. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the macronutrients needed but micronutrients are also required. Drainage is a necessity for raised beds and pots. Large pots, the kind that trees come in, can be partially filled with wood chips and topped with 8-10 inches of soil. A bonus feature being that pots can be moved around to sunnier locations. Water is critical to plants. Use rainwater whenever possible. Rain barrels are a good investment. At least 1 inch of water is needed each week. Pots will need watering more often. It is better to water the soil rather than the foliage. Should you buy seeds or transplants for your garden?

May. Most horticultural Societies grow vegetable seedlings, and often rhubarb, raspberry canes, etc. GET A BARGAIN!

Some vegetables like peas, lettuce, onions and radishes can be planted as soon as the ground can be worked. If you plant spring salad crops (a package may contain lettuces, beet greens, kale, etc.) you can harvest an early crop with scissors, leaving 2 inches and they will grow again. Sometimes you can harvest 3 times.

Grow several crops of beans, green onions, carrots,

By Helen Halpenny Master Gardener

With grocery prices soaring, we gardeners look for ways to feed our families with good nutritious food for less money. Vegetable gardening is a great solution. If you have a plot of land, or a small yard with a raised bed at least 8 inches deep or even large pots, you can grow lots of food. Fruit bushes can fit

into most gardens as well.

Plants need sun, soil. and water. They need at least 6-8 hours of sun to thrive.

Garden soil, amended with compost, will ensure good growth. Raised beds, and large pots often use potting soil, sometimes with garden soil and compost added.

Soil holds the nutrients that

Seeds are cheaper, and you can find your favourite variety in seed catalogues or on- line. You can save seeds of open pollinated vegetables and share packages with a friend if you only need a few seeds. Transplants cost more but harvest time will come sooner. If you only want four cabbages, for example, transplants may be the better choice. Transplants need to be hardened off (acclimatized to outdoor conditions) if they have been started indoors.

Watch for plant sales in

and cucumbers by planting at intervals throughout the summer months, thus ensuring tender, young harvests.

Pickling, freezing, and preserving can be real money savers. Picking your own fruit and vegetables can result in significant cost saving and fresher food.

Leave root crops in the ground until a hard frost is predicted. Dig, and clean carrots, beets, turnips, and parsnips. Put into plastic bags with some holes to aid ventilation. Store in the vegetable compartment of

your fridge. They will keep for several months. Potatoes and onions need an above freezing, dark, dry storage area.

Grow the vegetables that your family likes to eat. Keep an eye out for garden pests and use environmentally friendly controls. Rotate crops around the garden. Some fungal diseases can stay in the ground for several years.

Growing your own food can bring real satisfying results well beyond the cost savings. Enjoy your garden…

Maple Run Tour returns this April

Regional - Submitted

editorial@pdgmedia.ca

The Pakenham Maple Run Tour returns April 1-2 with eight fascinating tour stops and over 30 artists and artisans. A tour like no other, Maple Run is a unique blend of art, fine craft, interesting and heritage buildings, spectacular spring scenery, and to top all that off, it takes place right in maple syrup country. Maple Run, a self-guided free tour, truly offers something for everyone in the family.

An incredible gathering of artists and artisans from the area, up the Valley, and across eastern Ontario will present an impressive array of artistic expressions: ceramics, wood carving and turning, jewellery, baking, leatherworking, painting, watercolours, photography, weaving, felting, handmade soaps, miniature quilts, mosaics, fabric sculpture, paper art, children’s literature, basketry, honey products, clothing design, natural skin care, barn art, textile designs, art glass, pewterware, and artistic blacksmithing.

Art and fine craft are the roots of the tour, but the Maple Run venues are a tour all by themselves, whether for their history, their architecture, or their function.

Farmgate Cider’s heritage post and beam cider barn

– reconstructed during the pandemic and now open as a tasting room and event space – is our newest and biggest stop, located just off the 417 at the Kinburn Side Road. The “home farm” for Farmgate Cider, it’s the tour’s largest stop and will present 7 artists and yes, cider tasting and sales. In the village of Pakenham a cluster of 4 tour stops will welcome you. First visit the three artists at Stonebridge Haven, a peaceful heritage home and retreat perched high on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Cross the unique Five Span Stone Bridge – the only bridge of its kind in North America – and venture into the heart of Pakenham village, with its historic stone general store and unique shops, and find a further 3 tour stops. Photography, clothing design, and textile design can all be found at Paddye Mann’s clothing design studio in a heritage stone building that was home and workshop to one of the first tailors in Pakenham. The sunny and welcoming Pakenham branch of the Mississippi Mills Library hosts an Ottawa Valley landscape painter, a paper artist, and a children’s book author as well as a lunch stop. St. Andrew’s United Church, built of local stone in 1897 and featuring a rare sanc-

tuary design, offers 6 artists presenting miniature quilts, pewterware, felting, soaps, jewellery, and fine art. Heading west from Pakenham, travel to the base of the Pakenham Mountain and visit a ceramic artist and an artistic blacksmith at Cartwright Springs Brewery. While there, you can of course enjoy a tasting – the brewery is known for offering fine craft brews and even bottled carbonated maple sap! The warm and entertaining Chris van Zanten studio offers you demonstrations of the fiery art of glass making – an experience of colour and drama. At our eighth tour stop, the Cedar Hill Schoolhouse, step back in time to a oneroom schoolhouse hosting five artists presenting leatherworking, hand painted pottery, gemstone jewellery, baking and honey products. Continue down the Cedar Hill Road for a visit to Fulton’s Sugar bush.

Following the entire route of the Maple Run tour is easily done in a day, since the tour stops are open from 10am to 5pm. A car will be a requirement – or if weather permits, why not cycle? - and the route covers about 40km. Information on the Maple Run Tour can be found at mapleruntour.com, and follow our Facebook page for news, updates, and more.

Photo courtesy of Randi Saunders.

Beer, Wine and Spirits Food & Drink

St. Patrick’s Day and all things Irish

Brian Preston | The Travelling Sommelier | brianpreston@hotmail.com

What can we look forward to in March this year? Well, let's see, there is International Women’s Day on 8 March; setting the clocks forward for Daylight Savings time on 12 March; St. Patrick's Day on 17 March; the Full Moon on 25 March. So what kinds of alcoholic beverages can we celebrate with as we start to think about Spring? How about the Irish theme? You could enjoy a nice Guinness draught stout coming in at 4.2%abv with a hearty Irish stew as the weather is still cold enough and they make a great match. This is a go-to Irish traditional meal dating back centuries known for its distinct and velvety character; mahogany brown in colour with a creamy white head and loaded with aromas of coffee, toasted malt and hops. Full and bold on the palate with a creamy texture and the same rich flavours, a delicate touch of bitterness adds a pleasing balance to the finish. Or you could try one of my favourites, Kilkenny Traditional Cream Ale with a bright amber colour; soft grain and malt aromas; medium-body; rich mouth-coating malt flavour and touch of bitter hops on the finish; coming in at 4.3%abv. For red ale fans there is Smithwick's Ale brewed since 1710 coming in at 4.5%abv with sweet/malty, caramel flavours, along with palate refreshing carbonation and light bitter hops tones on the finish. Perfect with bbq, spicy foods or pub fare; the well-seasoned, bold, smoky flavours of these dishes call for the contrasting malty tones and palate-cleansing ability of this beer.

You could enjoy an Irish whiskey by the two major distillers - Jameson and

Let's Eat

Bushmills. Unlike Scottish single malt whisky (note the Scottish spelling vs ‘whiskey’ in Ireland), which are normally double distilled, the Irish triple distill theirs which some say makes it smoother and generally more approachable - you be the judge. The Irish and the Scots always have to be different. If St Patrick ever had a tipple though, I venture to say that it would be a Jameson from Southern Ireland! A smooth blend of pot still and fine grain whiskeys; bright, pale amber with subtle aromas of white flower, nectarine, ripe pear and clove; mellow and approachable on the palate, with spicy vanilla, wildflower honey and ginger flavours. I prefer this regular version on the rocks or after a special dinner in an Irish coffee.

Jameson is now distilled at the New Midleton Distillery in County Cork. It is by far the best-selling Irish whiskey in the world; in 2019, annual sales passed 8 million cases.

John Jameson, after whom the distillery was named, was actually a Scottish legal clerk. He was born in Alloa in 1740 and started the distillery in Dublin in 1780. I just had to say this because my dad was born in Alloa where Maclays IPA beer is still brewed and available all over the world! It has a comparatively low price for a very good IPA! I have generations of Irish ancestors too on my grandmother’s side who married the Scottish marine engineer. But that’s another story.

Well, in fairness, we cannot leave out Northern Ireland where the Old Bushmills Distillery is, in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The company that originally built the distillery was formed in 1784, although the date 1608

is printed on the label of the brand – referring to an earlier date when a royal license was granted to a local landowner to distill whiskey in the area. I wonder if this has anything to do with the spirit of Irish competition where Jameson started 4 years earlier in the south?

Well, enjoy St Paddy’s Day and please, don’t drink adulterated green beer; wear the green Derby hat instead!

I also reviewed a number of LCBO Vintage release wines and I don’t know about you, but I am hard pressed to find decent wines in the $10 to $17 range anymore. Wines that not that long ago were in that range have been hiked to over $20, which I personally refuse to pay for our regular house wine enjoyment. I will splurge on special occasions for several wines I love and when company visits. I will mention one wine from a quality producer (Boekenhoutskloof) that is always consistent, Porcupine Ridge in Swartland, South Africa. Their Syrah, coming in at 14.5%abv is on special, hopefully still when you read this, at $13.95 (regularly $16.95). Even at regular price it represents good value in a red wine which matches grilled meats, from hamburgers to thick juicy steaks, and is a serious, dark and smoky Syrah, with black olive, black pepper, floral and black plum notes. Cheers, and feel free to drop me a line if you have a question or want a recommendation on what beverage to have with a particular meal you will be preparing. With Covid the last couple of years, I have missed holding sociable gatherings on food and wines/beers/ spirits matchings!

Brian Turner

Foundry Coffee Bar: A place to connect

In today’s busy and fastpaced world, it’s unusual to find a business (especially in food service) that has a primary goal of getting their customers to take their time and stay a while. That’s exactly what Kaitey and Kevin Cosgrove had in mind when they re-imagined a Bridge Street storefront in Carleton Place and created the Foundry Coffee Bar.

The couple moved to Carleton Place from Orleans in 2016 and found the more time they spent sharing pints with new friends at the local craft brewery, or chasing kids around the beach at Riverside Park, the more they knew that this was where they would set down their roots.

They both share a passion for good coffee and chocolate chip cookies but wanted to throw another item on the menu of Foundry by adding connections at no extra charge. By carefully designing the shop with particular attention paid to seating and tables they’ve crafted a special space that encourages patrons to relax, enjoy their wide array of coffees and teas, along with all-day breakfasts, ssandwiches, pastries, and make new acquaintances. My wife and I dropped in on a recent Sunday morning. I tried a Mighty Valley Coffee drip (they also have rotational drip, espressos, and cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and more). We chose an avo-toast and chicken-bacon wrap for our midday nosh. Service was quick and friendly and the dishes were great! My avo-toast was a light focaccia slice generously heaped with avocado and topped with cherry tomatoes, pickled onions and drizzled with a balsamic reduction. Their recipes

were developed by Melanie Boudens of The Vegan Chef at Home and Grow Your Roots Foods, making many of the items vegan-friendly. They’ve also connected with Practically Perfect Bakery to offer a selection of gluten-free baked goods.

The Cosgroves are proud of the fact they’ve discovered all the connections needed to bring the Foundry to life right in town. From finding Mighty Valley Coffee through the local farmer’s market, to hiring an expert baker, it’s a home-made success story. They’ve also taken the connection theme to the second level of the building where their office is located, by creating additional offices and a meeting room for those entrepreneurs starting out or in need of a professional space.

They also realized that spontaneous connections can happen at any time, hence their extended hours. The Foundry Coffee Bar is open Monday to Friday from 7 am to 8 pm and from 8 am to 6 pm on weekends. It promises to be the spark needed to put some night-life back on Bridge Street. They’re located at 122 Bridge with ample on-street parking but well within a comfortable stroll or cycle from a good part of the community. And a liquor license is coming! You can reach them at 613-7038964 and check out their offerings online at foundrycollective.ca

If you’re lacking connections for some great coffee, bites, and a new sense of community, the Foundry Coffee Bar is open.

Photo courtesy of Randi Saunders.

Fur, Feathers & Scales

Adopting a Pet: Eevee's story

She came into our life as a wet, shivering little puppy left in a cardboard box on the side of the road. We did not plan on keeping her - oh no. We were just going to care for her until a true dog person could be found. And yet, before two weeks had gone by, we realized that we didn’t want someone to come and take her home. She was home. She was ours.

Adopting a pet is a lot like bringing home a new family member, with additional expenses, wakeful nights and new demands and responsibilities.

I didn’t want the extra cleaning and physical and mental effort that came with having a dog. But she

needed a home, the children promised to do their share, and she was so tiny and precious. I could not say no.

We have learned a lot about Eevee since she arrived. She’s a very sociable girl, and she loves to play with her friends. She visits the dog park almost every day, schedule permitting, and takes us on several walks. She loves to dawdle and sniff, and she follows her nose wherever she goes. Eevee is a happy girl who howls with delight whenever her most-loved friends are near.

When she’s at home, Eevee loves to poke her nose through the curtains and watch the passersby … especially if those passing

by are squirrels. She leaves nose prints on windows and dashes from one to the next for a better view.

She likes to ride in the car, especially when the window is rolled down a bit so she can take in all the wonderful smells that stream in. She sheds a fair amount, but she is not a big drooler, and for this we are truly thankful.

When she was a puppy she nipped and gnawed on everything. As she grows up, she is more and more content to chew on toys and bones instead of shoes and table legs. She likes to sleep on a warm, recently-vacated chair. She will try every trick in the book to lure us out of our comfortable

Meet Snow

visit: ittakesavillagedogrescue.com/adoptable-dogs

spots before leaping up and stealing them. She nestles down, tucks her tail over her nose, and pretends to be instantly asleep.

We adopted our dog - or maybe, she adopted us? - a year and a half ago. In that time, we have spent hundreds of dollars in veterinarian visits, flea and tick medication, toys, treats, and food. In exchange, we have received the gifts of companionship, daily physical activity, laughter, and extraordinary love. We have gained in joy what we lost in sleep and hard work. There is a cost to consider when adopting a dog - but on this side of the experience, I would say it is a cost that is well worth the investment.

Gender: Female | Age: 1 | Breed: Husky x Shepherd

Snow is a young husky mix that recently flew in from Nunavut and delivered 8 health pups a few days later. She loves to go for walks and walks well on lead, loves to roll around in the snow and snuggle on the couch with her humans. She gets along well with her foster dogs as long as proper in-

troductions happen. She has a strong prey drive, so a home with no cats or small animals is a must. She loves all humans, big and small, however she is still young and a large breed and can be clumsy. She is fully house trained and knows basic commands, she is super smart and eager to learn new

things. She patiently sits while her meals are prepared, she loves her food! She will alert you when she hears a new sound with a loud bark. Snow will make an excellent addition to any family. Snow is not destructive, she is very obedient, loveable and has a super sweet personality.

Gender: Male Age: 3 years

Best friends three-year-old Salem and six-month-old Pawprika are still looking for their forever home! Both cats came from Perth. Salem is the perfect house panther with a cute white bowtie. He is an outgoing guy, who greets his foster parents with head butts

and purrs. He loves all cats, but especially loves his little Pawprika. He plays with her, protects her, cleans her, and of course give her tons of cuddles.

Pawprika, a cute little torbie, is shyer than her protector Salem. She has taken some time to warm

Gender: Female Age: 6 months

up to her foster parents and will now accept pets. She also LOVES to play. She will play with toys and her Salem. She loves getting groomed by him and especially cuddling with him. This duo is available for adoption at Furry-tales.ca

Janelle Labelle

Photo credit: Janelle Labelle.

Meet Tippie

visit: www.lanarkanimals.ca/cats

Gender: Male | Age: 3 - 4 years | Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix

Just look at that face! Mr. Tippie was a stray from Smiths Falls. This extra, extra large boy is one cool dude. Easy going, mellow and quiet are some of his traits. He enjoys lounging in his bed and snoozing the day away. Tippie would love for you to take him home! Come and meet Tippie. Tippie's adoption fee is $185. He is neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. Should you be interested in adopting Tippie then please call the Lanark Animal Welfare Shelter at 613-283-9308.

Meet Jade

visit: ittakesavillagedogrescue.com/adoptable-dogs

Gender: Female | Age: 1 | Breed: Husky X

Hi I’m Jade, a shepherd/husky mix from Waskaganish, Quebec, where I lived outside as a community dog with my sister. In February I traveled to Brockville, Ontario to live with my foster family. I have 2 fur siblings and 2 kids to play with now. I like to eat and do anything my foster mom asks me too so I can get a treat. I enjoy playing tug with my fur brother and I sleep curled with my fur sister. The kids walk me and are trying to teach me about this round bouncy thing they call “a ball.” I haven’t figured it out yet, but they sure like throwing it. I was born with a birth defect and with veterinarian partners, ITAV is working to make sure I get the best care possible. It doesn’t slow me down! I’m a happy girl, full of energy and I love snuggle time.

Meet Charlie

visit: www.lanarkanimals.ca/cats

Gender: Male | Age: 4 years | Breed: Domestic Medium Hair

This handsome man is Charlie, who was a stray from Portland. A kind lady was caring for him, and now he is with us waiting for his new home. Charlie is a large cat with beautiful long hair. He is particularly proud of his thick plume of a tail! His new owner will need to brush him regularly, as he does tend to get mats. Charlie is a friendly guy, who enjoys having a window to look out of. Contact us if you are interested. Charlie's adoption fee is $185. He is neutered, microchipped and vaccinated.

Smiths Falls History & Mystery: Sparkling water at Smiths Falls

by Ted Outerbridge

Several years ago, I unearthed a strange object in our backyard. It was a disc of pale green glass with the markings “F & G.” My efforts to research this artifact proved unsuccessful until recently, when I spotted an old, pale green bottle at a local collectable store. The quart sized vessel had the markings “F. & G. Conlin/Trade T & B Mark/Smiths Falls.” The round base markings read “F & G.” “The game is afoot,” I muttered to myself as I drove home with my newfound treasure. Ten minutes later, I was glued to my laptop. According to The Record News, I was not the first person to dig up an F. & G. Conlin bottle. Brenda Ferguson had found a similar artifact while digging in her garden years ago. My online soda water sleuthing continued, as I uncovered the origins of this sparkling phenomenon.

In 1772, Joseph Priestley was awarded the Royal Society's Copley Medal for his invention of what we know as sparkling, carbonated, fizzy, or soda water. In 1783, watchmaker and amateur scientist Johann Schweppe used Priestley’s research to mass produce carbonated mineral water and went on to produce the world’s first soft drink. Just over a century later, Atlanta pharmacist John Stith Pemberton combined the African kola nut with cocaine to create what remains the most popular soft drink on the planet—Coca-Cola. The powerfully addictive stimulant drug was later deleted from the recipe. In 1892, American inventor William Painter received a patent for his design of a crown cork bottle cap. This technological innovation revolutionized the beverage industry.

Priestley, Schweppe, Pemberton, and Painter set the stage for the soda water industry at the turn of the century. This was a time when many sources of drinking water were polluted. Death from typhoid was a very real concern. Many people chose to pay a premium for clean, healthy, sparkling mineral water. Soda water was successfully marketed as a beverage with health benefits including providing energy, help with digestion, and treating nervous ailments. In 1892, Toronto entrepreneurs Thomas Tune and Thomas Beck capitalized on the situation. They founded a soda water and mineral water business with the trademark T&B. The bottling business sold within two years. The new owner was British brewer Robert Edwin Irvine (1864-1927). He manufactured soda water in Toronto until 1895, using three bottle designs featuring the T&B trademark.

In the late 1800s, Toronto newspapers would routinely extol the virtues of living in the prosperous town of Smiths Falls along the Rideau Canal. This likely factored into Irvine’s decision to bring T&B soda water to the thriving railway metropolis of the Ottawa Valley in 1896. Upon his arrival, Irvine began a business as a soda and aerated waters manufacturer, which continued until about 1909. He used the T&B trademark on three different Irvine/ Smiths Falls bottle designs.

My internet research continued with help from the 1901 census. It documents Irvine as living in Smiths Falls with his wife Elizabeth Louisa McClure, their three sons, and his 80-year-old father-in-law. The same census lists Robert Irvine as a lodger at the Butler House Hotel in Ottawa. Irvine had expanded his business and was now a manufacturer of mineral water at 359 Wellington Street in the nation’s capital. By 1903, Irvine was also an agent for Sanitaris and had moved to offices at 200 Bay Street, living at the same

address. In 1904, his three sons between the ages of twelve and fifteen are listed as clerks, working at Irvine’s plant. Business must have been booming because in 1906, Irvine purchased one of the country’s finest livery and boarding stables in Ottawa. At the time, Irvine was the local agent for several beverages including Russell Lithia, a sparkling beverage made by Ottawa's Canada Mineral Waters Co. Ltd., and Toronto's Reinhardt beer. In addition, Irvine sold his own products, which included soda water, ginger ale, and sarsaparilla.

In 1907, the R. E. Irvine company changed its name to R. Irvine Ltd. By 1910, the Irvines had relocated to British Columbia. R. Irvine Ltd. had acquired Cross & Company Soda Water and was operating it in Vancouver. The Morel Bros. purchased the Irvine soda water business in Ottawa, and F. & G. Conlin acquired the soda water bottling rights with the T&B trademark in Smiths Falls. Patrick Francis “Frank” Conlin (1858-1930) and George Thomas Conlin (1860-1943) were the proud new owners of this local industry.

After exhausting all the online resources I could think of, I found myself in the basement of the Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum. Grateful for access to the museum’s collection including the Lanark County Genealogical Society Reference Library, I put on archival gloves, and carefully examined an old telephone directory. Goosebumps materialized when I discovered that in 1918, Frank Conlin was living at 110 Chambers Street with his wife Elizabeth Ann (Leach) Conlin and their only daughter, Francis. My search continued as I pored over a 1919 leather bound Assessment Roll. It contained a list of the assessed values of all the properties in Smiths Falls including the names of the property owners and tenants and their addresses. Frank Conlin is

listed as a Soda Water Manufacturer with his business address at 24 Daniel Street at the corner of McGill Street. Frank’s 1930 death certificate indicated he had a history of cardiovascular troubles. He was found dead at work at 24 Daniel Street at the age of 72. George Conlin was married to Elizabeth “Lizzie” Leech and they had eight children together. The 1940 directory lists G. T. Conlin living at 41 Main Street.

The final step of my investigation involved some social media assistance. I posted a photo of my F. & G. Conlin bottle in the hopes that someone might have some information to share. Facebook was very helpful! I had the pleasure of a telephone conversation with Barry Conlin, a descendant of the F. & G. Conlins. His great-grandfather was Joseph William Conlin. Frank and George were his great-granduncles.

Two days later the Keyhole House doorbell rang, and Barry was standing in front of me holding two F. & G. Conlin bottles. He explained that there were two sizes, a pint size and a quart size. Several bottles have survived with the markings “F. & G. Conlin/Trade T & B Mark/ Smiths Falls.” Two different base markings are known to exist including “F & B” and “C.” Due to impurities in the glass and prolonged exposure to sunlight some of the bottles have developed a pale green, pink, or purple colour.

Scientists use the term "solarized glass" to describe this phenomenon. Barry Conlin explained that the oldest bottle in his collection has a wire stopper on it. In the world of antique bottle collecting, it is referred to as a Quart Sized Blob Top Soda Bottle with a Putnam Closure.

My quest to celebrate the F & G Conlin bottle discovered at the Keyhole House is almost complete. I am excited to be sharing the story of Robert Irvine, brothers Frank and George Conlin and their Smiths Falls bottling business, and the Keyhole House.

In all likelihood, the bottle in our backyard brought sparkling refreshment to Augusta and Reginald Burroughs who lived at this address from 1907 to 1923 or to Alice McNeill who lived here from 1923 until 1933.

Ted & Marion Outerbridge are currently restoring the Keyhole House, a Smiths Falls heritage home built in 1892. They are also being swept away by local history & mystery. You can follow them on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok @thekeyholehouse or email ted@tedouterbridge.com.

LEFT: F&G bottle bottom.

RIGHT: F&G Conlin bottle. Photo credits: Ted Outerbridge.