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Vol. 8
No. 11
YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER - LANARK, NORTH LEEDS & GRENVILLE
NOVEMBER 2021
One-hundred-year-old golf ball links to Poonahmalee Golf Club Smiths Falls - Ted Outerbridge editorial@pd gmedia.ca Finding a one-hundred-yearold golf ball hidden in the Keyhole House has led to the discovery of some fascinating golf history. During the dining room restoration, an ancient, brittle piece of canvas was peeled off the lath and plaster wall exposing a large hole. An unusual ball with the marking WHY NOT was found nestled in some old wallpaper in the cavity behind the wall. Research has confirmed that it is a vintage, mesh pattern, Henley WHY NOT golf ball (circa 1918). The WHY NOT brand was manufactured by Henley’s Tyre & Rubber Co Ltd of London, England, which was established in 1895. A review of the deeds to the house indicates that the golf ball probably belonged to Reginald Edgar George Burroughs. Reginald was a prospector working for the Ontario Department of Lands and Forests at the time the ball was created. He lived at the Keyhole House from 1907 until 1923 with his wife Augusta and their two children, Nelson and Marion. The 1925 Smiths Falls Old Home Week Souvenir Programme documents the early history of the Poonahmalee Golf Club. Reginald Burroughs likely played his WHY NOT golf ball at this 9-hole, 2,600-yard course. The organization was founded in 1899 by four successful businessmen who were also enthusiastic golfers. Adam Foster operated a fleet of boats on the Rideau River. He was a supplier of coal, and developed an early system of waterworks and electricity for the town. William Henry Frost was President of the Malleable Castings Company, a manufacturing plant in operation for over
eighty years which employed over one hundred workers. Frederick Arthur Bethune was the Manager of the Molson’s Bank, Treasurer of Malleable Castings, and was also involved in the Smith’s Falls Electric Power Company. S. L. Forrest was the fourth founding member. From its inception, The Poonahmalee Golf Club was very popular with the social elite of the town. After only one year, in 1900, a small but attractive club house was built near the junction of Lorne Street (now Broadview Avenue) and Jasper Road. The Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum has provided us with an incredible photograph from a Frost family photo album taken in the early 1900s. Could this delightful lady be about to tee off at the Poonahmalee Golf Club? The original course was “exceedingly rough and difficult”, despite the fact that it was designed using the most level spots that could be found in the pasture. The club prospered for several years, but interest began to wane as members left town or died. Eventually the club closed. The Daily British Whig wrote that the club was reborn in 1922. Frederick Charles Clayton was a banker, William Frost’s son-inlaw, and Secretary of Smiths Falls Malleable Castings and Northern Buttons Limited. Monson Goudge Henniger was a builder of roads, railway, and bridges. Together with several original members, Clayton, in his role of Treasurer, and Henniger, in his role as President, revived and reorganized the club. Membership was composed of about sixty men and women and annual dues were an affordable $5. A new course was designed
Photo credit: AJ Photography.
which included a portion of the original. The starting point was moved to Brockville Street. The course extended down to Jasper Avenue and over to what is now Settlers Ridge Centre. The 1925 Smiths Falls Old Home Week Souvenir Programme tells us that progress was slow in 1922 due to the limited membership numbers and modest dues. Fortunately, a Mr. McLean, who held the lease on the property for pasturage purposes, kindly permitted the club to play on what was known as the “Tremaine” property at no charge the first year. In 1923, a lease was obtained on a portion of the property and a fence was built to keep cattle off the course. The lease was renewed in 1924 and 1925. The course improved over time as the fairway was cleared of stones, dead trees, and stumps. The Frost & Wood Company provided a mower to keep the fairway cut. Inter-club matches were arranged in 1924 and 1925 with clubs in nearby towns. At the time the Executive
Golf - Frost family photo. Photo credit: Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum.
Committee of the Poonahmalee Golf Club were making “strenuous efforts to put the links into excellent shape” for the 1925 Smiths Falls Old Home Week celebrations. In 1926, the Government of Ontario published Canada’s Premier Province, a booklet designed to promote Ontario tourism to American tourists. It advertised that guests could play at the Poonahmalee Golf Club for $0.25 per day. The Poonahmalee Golf Club closed its doors in the late 1920s. James R. Kennedy’s South Elmsley in the Making tells us that an early topographical map based on 1924
aerial photographs confirms that there was indeed a golf course where the Settlers Ridge Centre on County Road 29 is now located. Longtime Smiths Falls residents confirm that there are hills at Chimo School which were part of the Poonahmalee Golf Club, and they also share memories of a clubhouse on Broadview Avenue near Brockville Street.. Ted & Marion Outerbridge are currently restoring a Smiths Falls heritage home built in 1893. They are also being swept away by local history & mystery. You can follow them at The Keyhole House on Instagram & Facebook. ted@tedouterbridge.com
November 11th: Remembrance Day Ceremonies across the region Regional - Shannon McLellan editorial@pd gmedia.ca
Photo credit: The Great War Memorial Hospital Foundation facebook page.
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The first-ever poppy dates back 100 years ago to 1921, marking 2021 the 100th anniversary of the poppy, with the annual poppy campaign running until November 11th on Remembrance Day. Madame Anna Guérin, later christened "The Poppy Lady from France," inspired by John McCrae's poem "In Flanders Fields," had an idea: to adopt the distribution of the Poppy on Armi-
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stice Day as a way to raise money for Veterans' needs and to remember those who had given their lives during the First World War. Remembrance Day ceremonies this year are taking place at cenotaphs in communities across Smiths Falls and Lanark County, with a few areas offering their public ceremony in a virtual format as an alternative for those who wish to observe ceremonies from home. Ceremonies will be held in the following communities:
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In Smiths Falls, the ceremony will take place beginning at 10 a.m. beside the Senators Rink at the Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre, at the cenotaph beside the Afghanistan mission LAV III (Light Armored Vehicle). Legion members will lay wreaths at the cenotaph at the Smiths Falls Public Library. A veterans’ dinner will be held at the legion at 6 p.m., members of the public are welcome to attend, with tickets at $20. The town of Perth will offer a
full public ceremony at 10:50 a.m. at the cenotaph on the front lawn of the Great War Memorial hospital site of the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital. The town of Almonte is encouraging people to observe its Remembrance Day ceremony from home this year. They will be livestreaming the ceremony, that takes place on Bridge Street, at 11:00 a.m. via the Almonte Legion Facebook page www.facebook.com/branch240 continues on page 2
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2
November 2021
November 11th:
Page Two
remembrance day ceremonies across the region
Regional - Shannon McLellan editorial@pdgmedia.ca
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Continued from page 1 In Carleton Place, Remembrance Day ceremonies will begin with the local Legion Branch Colour Party forming up at the corner of Veterans Way and Judson
Street and marching to the Cenotaph at 10:45 a.m. The Colour Party will be led by Piper Cameron Ellis, SgtAt-Arms Mark Bissonette and Parade Commander Peter Schaffer, President of Branch 192. The Captain A. Roy Brown Branch 192 will be live streaming the Cere-
mony through Facebook for students, and anyone who wishes to participate from home, as well. A ceremony for Remembrance Day will also be held at 1:00 p.m. on November 11 at Beckwith Park located at 1319 9th Line, Beckwith. Covid protocols may vary within each community for in-person gatherings. The Royal Canadian Legion encourages all Canadians to wear a Poppy and observe two minutes of silence on November 11, to mark the sacrifices of the many who have fallen in the service of their country, and to acknowledge the courage of those who still serve. Lest we forget.
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The labour movement has ignited and for the first time in a long time the balance of power has shifted. It’s the great reset and one that I support. Years ago, companies and workers were cooperative alliances. The almighty dollar wasn’t the most important thing. Now it’s dog-eat-dog and every man for himself. Most working-class people are just trying to put food on the table for their families and sock some away for the future. “Can I do better?” is not a bad question to ask and in a tight labour market now is the time. There is burn-out among healthcare and frontline workers, essential workers, and food services and retail. The pandemic has created a whole host of issues: supply
chain disruptions, backlogs and labour shortages to name a few. Corporations are demanding extra time and effort, something people aren’t necessarily heartened to give. Companies need to sweeten the pie if they wish to keep their employees. The game is still rigged in favour of the corporation, but a unionized environment keeps the power and control freaks in check. John Deere reported record profits in 2021 of 4.7 billion in the first 3 quarters of the year. The CEO, John May was paid nearly $16 million in 2020, a 160% increase from 2019. John Deere is offering the workers $1.84 raise over 5 years. That’s why 10,000 of them are on strike. John Deere must come to the table and negotiate a fair contract. I support hard-working men and women. I support the right to strike. I support fair wages and compensation. Now is the time an amazon employee working in an anti-union environ-
ment might cut loose and shop around for a better job. Ordering your stuff on Amazon may be an advantage to you. For the Amazon employee however, working long hours and mandatory overtime doing a physically demanding job in unsavoury working conditions with high pressure expectations is far from ideal. For people that don’t want to work, no pie will be sweet enough for them. It’s not lazy as much as it is lack of confidence. The government will always grapple with the issue of how to get people off the dole and into businesses where they are needed. People need to be introduced to opportunities and opportunities need to be introduced to people and for some reason our government can’t figure out how to do that. 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.
3
November 2021
community ‘Think Local’ campaign supports economic recovery in Lanark County Regional - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca The Carleton Place & District Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Smiths Falls & District Chamber of Commerce and the Perth & District Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of a brand new ‘Think Local’ campaign in Lanark County. Think Local is a community building resource bringing together the nine communities within Lanark County: Mississippi Mills, Carleton Place, Beckwith, Perth, Smiths Falls, Montague, Drummond North Elmsley, Tay Valley,
and Lanark Highlands. The Think Local project is made possible thanks to the support of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and is a partnership project involving the three Lanark County chambers of commerce. “We are very excited to launch this campaign in Lanark County and support our local businesses who have been working so hard over the past year and a half,” said Jackie Kavanagh, General Manager of the Carleton Place & District Chamber of Commerce. “It’s been a long and challenging time for small business in our region and we’re pleased to be able to bring together our cham-
ber membership community and unite for a stronger voice in Lanark County.” The Think Local project will feature a county-wide marketing campaign that will encourage and support shopping local for goods and services as an impetus to stimulate the economic recovery in Lanark County. A multi-layered marketing approach will ensure this messaging is kept front of mind for the public now and leading up to and beyond the holiday shopping season. The campaign is set to run until January 31, 2022. “The timing for this launch couldn’t be better. October is Small Business Month in Ontario, and this is our way
Better action is often found closer to home Regional - Brian turner editorial@pdgmedia.ca The latest UN conference on climate change is set for Oct 31st and the fact that this is the 26th Conference of the Parties on the topic since 1995 is bound to have people wondering why it’s taking so long to see results. The ‘There is no planet B’ cry has been growing louder as global average temperatures creep up and wild variations in climate patterns wreak havoc around the world. Negotiators at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland will push nations to accelerate their efforts to keep global temperatures from rising by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius this century compared with pre-industrial times. Scientists say the chances of meeting that goal, agreed to as part of the 2015 Paris climate accord, are slowly ebbing away. The world has already warmed by more than 1.1C and current projections based on planned emissions cuts over the next decade are for it to hit 2.7C by the year 2100. That much planetary warming would melt much of the planet’s ice, raise global sea levels and greatly increase the like-
lihood and intensity of extreme weather, experts warn. But other than sit and complain about international leaders who can’t seem to get anything done, what is there to do? Many are turning to what’s close at hand and in the case of governments and climate change, that’s the municipal level. Many towns and cities have proclaimed climate action plans. These action plans merit more than passing interest as organizations such as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities state that over 40% of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) are controlled, directly or indirectly, by municipal governments. The elected council of the heritage town of Perth launched its climate action plan in June of 2017 with the goals of reducing GHG emissions under its control by 10% below 2015 levels by 2022. They also challenged the community at large to achieve a 6% reduction in the same time span. Those aims were supported by the Mayor’s Task Force on Climate Change, which was created in 2014. Hometown News caught up with Perth Mayor John
Fenik who is optimistic of his community’s efforts. He reported that the climate change newsletter, The Green Scene has been successful in reaching more and more residents, especially now with its online availability. A planned electric vehicle purchase for the town’s fleet in 2022 will reduce Perth’s GHG emissions by 1% on its own. The Reuse Centre project run from June to August of this year was very successful and diverted tons of material from landfill. Every staff report that comes to town council now must include recognition of GHG emissions impacts. Discussions are underway to look at Perth getting a soft-plastics recycling facility and plans are to increase the number of drinking water stations in the municipality to reduce the number of plastic bottles being used. These initiatives and more can be found at the town’s website at perth.ca. The climate advisory panel is always looking to connect with volunteers. Fenik is confident the first 5-year report of the town’s climate action plan will be delivered on time next year.
of showing our support to the business community and working behind the scenes to support the economic recovery of our region,” said Kavanagh. Purchasing goods and services locally has a direct impact on the prosperity of a region. Research has shown that for every $100 spent at a local business, approximately $68 is fun-
nelled back into the local economy, supporting local non-profits and community groups, and maintaining business diversity. “Thinking locally before making purchases or contracting for services ensures the Lanark County community stays strong both in good times and in challenging times,” said Kavanagh. “By encouraging residents
to keep funds in the area, the project will contribute to a thriving and diverse community that will be here for years to come.” Please keep a watch on social media for more information in the coming weeks as the Think Local Lanark campaign launches across Lanark County. To stay informed please visit www.thinklocallanark.com.
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November 2021
community
Vaccination mandates in municipalities: Who’s calling the shots? Regional - Brian turner editorial@pdgmedia.ca The global results on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines have proven beyond any reasonable doubt that getting two shots is the best way to avoid hospitalization and death. We are quickly becoming used to ever-changing public health restrictions and at this stage that means using vaccine certificates or passports to access certain services or facilities. It’s becoming our new normal. In the private sector, implementing and enforcing these policies for staff is an internal decision made by ownership and management. In some cases such as with restaurants and bars, their policies must match provincial legislation or run the risk of heavy fines. In other areas, such as hospitals and municipal facilities, the province has yet to introduce legislation spelling out what type of mandate must be in place and what actions can be taken against employees and visitors who fail to obey the rules. But in our region, town halls and hospital boards have started to take action, developing their own strategies to help protect the health and safety of both their employees and members of the public that interact with them or visit their facilities. Perth and
Smiths Falls District Hospital, for example, recently released the decision of their board indicating that all employees without recognized exemptions must be fully vaccinated or risk losing their jobs. As well, all hospital visitors, with the exception of those coming to outpatient clinics or client/patient support persons, must present proof of vaccine to enter the buildings. Lanark County council has passed a dual policy, mandating all employees of their long-term care centre Lanark Lodge to be fully vaccinated without exception, but other departments may accommodate those with recognized exemptions with regular antigen testing and other protective measures. At the time of this writing, Perth and Smiths Falls were in the middle of their vaccine policy discussions in open council and committee meetings and haven’t yet finalized their municipal policies. Mississippi Mills council approved their policy by a vote of committee of the whole and it, as with most policies, permits employment termination for those who fail to comply without recognized exemptions. It also contains accommodation language for those with exemptions. Carleton Place’s COVID-19 vaccination policy was handled as a matter of delegated staff authority,
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meaning no council vote was required. When contacted by Hometown News, Mayor Doug Black stated that council was in total support of staff ’s action. When these policies came to council and committee agendas there was plenty of discussion with some area politicians hesitant to fire an employee by the end of the year for noncom-
pliance when the premier announced on Oct 22nd that vaccine certificate requirements would end in March of next year. Others were concerned about legal challenges and claims from terminated employees. And some were concerned with maintaining vital services with reduced staffing levels if terminations proceeded. At this point, if you’re vis-
iting a municipal facility for a short time such as when paying a water-bill or picking up a recycling bin, you’re not going to have to produce proof of vaccination, but if you’re attending a 2-hour committee meeting in person, you’ll have to show it. The same goes for libraries and arenas. Libraries will generally allow book browsing and computer use without a vaccine cer-
tificate but some will require proof for indoor meeting room use or certain program participation. For arenas the province has made an exception for youth under 18 participating in organized sports indoors but everyone else attending needs vaccine proof. Pools generally require vaccine certificates to use the facilities and some make exceptions for spectators.
Town council unanimously votes to adopt new branding Perth - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca At the meeting held on Tuesday, Oct. 26, Town Council voted unanimously to adopt the new brand identity for the Town of Perth, as well as affiliate organizations: the Perth Museum, Perth & District Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Heritage Perth BIA. The rebranding project, which has been in process for over a year, was initiated by the Economic Recovery Task Force – a Committee of Council created to help Perth businesses thrive during the pandemic – as many individual business owners wanted a new, refreshed brand to be part of the recovery efforts. Further to this, the shift in technologies from when the original logo was created
necessitated a new brand identity that is adaptable and can be used consistently and effectively in a variety of digital formats. A public survey was conducted during the initial stages of the development process, which received nearly 600 submissions that helped shape the concepts. Within the survey were questions pertaining to how representative or abstract the logo should be, as well as if the word “heritage” should be included. Consultations were also held throughout the process with various stakeholder groups including the BIA, Chamber of Commerce, and Economic Recovery Task Force. As the project progressed, multiple concepts were developed and reviewed by Town Council and stakeholder groups.
Photo submitted.
“This has truly been a labour of love by all those involved,” says Mayor John Fenik. “Perth is a community that’s passionate about its heritage, and our new logo continues to pay homage to that while giving it a contemporary look and feel. By working together with the numerous groups that are involved in making Perth the incredible town that it is, we’ve been able to create a consistent brand identity which gives us a unique, competitive ad-
vantage compared to many other communities.” The new Town branding looks to the future providing an opportunity for growth, from business, to new residents, to tourists, while paying respect to the heritage which has shaped our community. The Town of Perth is excited to begin implementation of the new branding, and would like to thank the public, stakeholders, and Council for their passion and involvement throughout the process.
5
November 2021
lifestyle Smiths Falls Rideaus
player profiles: andrew mckenney, michael mckenney and dan lacroix Smiths Falls - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca These are exciting times for Mckenney brothers, Michael and Andrew, and their adopted triplet, Dan Lacroix. The three Rideaus have found their way on the eastern Ontario hockey scene. Thanks partially to Lacroix
and M. Mckenney’s past chemistry with the Athens Aeros; they were a driving factor in the Aeros’ storybook run back in 2012. The trio combined for fifteen goals and thirty points in the last six games. The Rideaus are on a 6-0-0 run before heading into week seven and now find them-
Welcome Dr. Blair Hogan Smiths Falls - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca
The team at Smiths Falls Family Chiropractic are pleased to announce that Dr. Blair R. Hogan will be joining our office. Dr. Blair was born and raised in Smiths Falls. He earned his Bachelor of Science at Redeemer University in Hamilton and his Doctor of Chiropractic at CMCC in Toronto where he met his wife, Kayla. After practicing for 2 years in Almonte he has returned to Smiths Falls to continue his career. He has a passion for helping people achieve their highest quality of life. He is
Photo submitted.
accepting new patients as of Nov. 1, 2021. Please contact our office at 613-283-4100.
selves ranked top on the EOSHL as the only remaining undefeated team. M. Mckenney, the great nephew of 1954-1968 National Hockey League Don Mckenney, and his fivefoot-10, 185-pound brother hail from Smiths Falls. They began playing on a line together this year, when Andrew found a new hockey home with the Smiths Falls Rideaus of the Eastern Ontario Senior Hockey League. Dan Lacroix played for the Athens Aeros Jr B 20072013 (300 point club), and was drafted by the Smiths Falls Bears "We played together on and off during training camp," the six-foot-one, 180-pound Lacroix said. "It's different playing with them. They kind of do their own thing. They've been playing together for such a long time they know where each other are and will be. "I try to get them the puck and let them do their own thing and find open ice." The 30-year-old Lacroix remembers the first time
Smiths Falls Rideaus' November schedule. Photo submitted.
he played on a line with the brothers, "It was cool and it has been a lot of fun since." 1-2-3 punch Lacroix has become to the Mckenney’s what Alex Burrows has been to Henrik and Daniel Sedin with the Vancouver Canucks. The Mckenneys and Lacroix have enjoyed quite a bit of on-ice success - all playing for the Smiths Falls Junior A Bears during their careers. It was only natural that the three wound up back at Smiths Falls together, along with other local friends and teammates. "We started playing together on that pond when we were younger, only now can we capitalize on that developed chemistry," Andrew said. "We've developed a strong friendship with Dan. Sometimes you take your
teammates for granted. We don't take Dan for granted, he’s a book of knowledge and continues to act as our mentor. We have something special with him.” "It's hard to explain," Michael said. "We've been playing together so long we just know where each will be. We have a sixth sense. We don't have to call for the puck from each other and Dan gives us space to let us do our work." "We're the same type of player," Andrew added. "We've been playing alongside each other for so long we have that familiarity. It's an advantage." Is it an advantage to spend so much time with one another or do they get on each other's nerves? "Most of the time we get along," Michael said. "There obviously are times
we don't. A few times we go back to the bench and say 'you should have passed to me' or ‘should have passed to him.’ But it doesn't last long. I think it's good that we play together. We've become good together and we push each other." “A few!” Dan added with great sarcasm. The brothers are serious about their hockey. They haven't used their likeness to play the odd prank on another. The sons of Cindy and Dave Mckenney are enjoying their time together playing a childhood game they have always loved. It has become a family affair with a village of Mckenneys taking to the stands to witness this duo execute any hockey brothers’ dreams.
November 2021
6
Food & Drink
Beer, Wine and Spirits In the words of their distiller, Andy Hawkey, "We started Top Shelf in Perth, Ontario, in 2014 because of the deep whisky-making history in the town. Our first batch of whisky in 2019 ended a 100-year distilling drought (of legal, whisky distilling, at least)." While some of the first products made at Top Shelf (gee, I wish I could print this upside down like their labels) were Vodka and some fruit based cordials like one I tried a few years ago called 'Apple Pie', the range of products since then has undergone quite an expansion. Andy informed me about how they make whisky saying, "We decided we would borrow a page from our
Southern cousins and make corn the backbone of our whisky (similar to bourbon, where maize must make up 51% of the grain bill). Our corn is sourced from within a 50km radius of the distillery and it makes up roughly 75% of our grain bill. We use close to equal parts of rye and barley to make up the remaining percentages. The barley has been malted, but the rye hasn't. Once our fermentation is complete, we can add our wash to our 100% copper hybrid pot and column still. We source our barrels from the only craft cooperage in North America - Kelvin Cooperage outside of Louisville, Kentucky. All of the barrels we're now purchasing are virgin casks, and
Top Shelf Distillers
in Canada whisky must be aged in barrels a minimum of three years." They produce Perth Canadian Whisky at $49.95 which was awarded Gold at the 2020 Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition - Young Whisky Category. As well, there is Perth Canadian Whisky Sherry Cask Finish at $79.95 Top Shelf Vodka, their original premium artisanal spirits product is $31.75 and it won the prestigious Double Gold award at the 2018 SIP Awards held in Irvine, California - the world's only consumer-judged spirit competition. Then along came Top Shelf Gin at $33.95, a premium small batch artisanal gin made from juniper berries, fresh & dried grape-
Brian Turner
Let's Eat Bubba and Bugs: The next level doesn’t have to be complicated
fruit peel, with faint notes of cardamom, angelica and licorice root blend. Their Canadian craft gin is a double winner of the SIP Awards, where it won Platinum in 2017 and Double Gold in 2018. I reviewed some of the earlier products in previous columns, but recently at the LCBO I came across their half bottle of golden coloured Butter Tart cordial for $22.00 at 17%abv, and it was spectacular. My wife loved it too. It had the expected aromas of butter, caramel, and pecans, and the expected sweetness. But what surprised me most was that it was not cloyingly sweet but rather it was slightly viscous, and the alcohol was smooth and balanced allowing your senses to smell and taste all the goodness of butter tarts in one harmonious sip. This is the newer one. Previously, in what they call their Reunion Moonshine line of products, they also produce 750ml sized Reunion Butter Tart Moonshine at $36.95 and 25%abv which is dark in colour due to the use of a darker cane sugar. Amazingly, it was even more complex and harmonious. While both are very good, my wife and
I think that the Moonshine version edged out the more civilized newer version carried in certain LCBOs. There are several other varieties of fruit based cordials to try, which we enjoyed at a tasting bar where they offer complimentary tastings. And if this wasn't enough, they also have a full line of Bitters, hand-crafted in small batches serving as the perfect accompaniment to their Spirits: Golden Ginger Honey, Evergreen, Sweet Reaper, Midnight Currant, Northern Harvest Spiced Cranberry, Fresh & Floral Cherry Blossom, Softly Stirred Rose, Artfully Blended Aromatic; Freshly Pressed Blueberry,
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Bubba and Bugs has been a go-to favourite for Kemptville and area coffee lovers since opening early last year. Located at 146 Prescott Street in the downtown district, this well-frequented shop is owned and run by Scott Godwin and Luc Vincent. Their coffee bar is named after their nicknames for each other. They prove every day that elevating nourishment to the next level really isn’t all that complicated if you care about the foods you serve and those you share them with. My wife and I dropped by on a recent beautiful Sunday afternoon for lunch and like many, we were instantly impressed with the heritage look, feel, and layout of the diner with its high ceilings, exposed brick-work and wooden floors. The long space reaches back to a set of doors leading out to a secluded patio, just perfect for sipping on one of Bubba and Bugs’ famous blends along with one of their delicious sandwiches or some in-house baked goods. I tried the Rueben sandwich and an Americano coffee while my wife ordered
the turkey club and an iced Americano. Bubba and Bugs’ cold brew menu is almost as long as their comprehensive hot coffee and tea listings. They make great use of their sandwich press grill and my Rueben was piled with tender smoked meat, some tangy sauerkraut, a generous slice of Swiss cheese and drizzled with a house-made Russian sauce. The marble rye this was all served on got just the right amount of crunch from the grille and was mouth-watering from the first bite to the last. My wife’s turkey club was equally substantial with thick slabs of roasted turkey with crispy bacon, greens, and tomato slices on a unique and delectable purple wheat bread. Of course there was no question that our coffees would be spot on and they exceeded expectations. Scott and Luc’s talents in selecting just the right beans and crafting the perfect blends bring coffee that you’ll savour long after the cup’s empty. Just a note for newcomers, all of their iced coffee blends are made without sweetener, unlike the over-
loaded concoctions from fast-food chains, so expect to be wowed by true coffee taste, not sugary sweetness. Their coffee list covers everything you’d want from lattes and cappuccinos to Chai teas and hot cider including, of course, espresso. Bubba and Bugs is open Tuesday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm and on the weekends from 9 am to 2 pm. You can drool over their menu via their Facebook page or contact them at 613 258 2782. They have both inside and outdoor seating and just two steps up to the front entrance. We give the last words on this delicious topic to the owners Scott and Luc. “What we would say makes us different from the rest is perhaps our willingness to always try new things. We never want to become complacent and are always wondering ‘what's next?’ Whether it’s a new drink or food feature or an in-cafe event, we have a lot of fun coming up with the new ideas that we hope friends of the shop will be excited about.”
Brian Preston
The Travelling Sommelier brianpreston@hotmail.com
and several more. And just to showcase how innovative Andy can be in the mixology department, I will finish with Reunion Garlic Moonshine at $36.95 which is handcrafted using local corn spirit and locally sourced garlic. Give it a shake and have it in Canada's national cocktail, a Caesar, using their Garlic Grove cocktail recipe. Spiced up tomato flavours and garlic are a match made in heaven savoury, refreshing, and delicious. They have drink recipe cards and several other local products so be sure to get out to see them at the south end of Perth just off County 10 (South Street).
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November 2021
culture Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at open house Carleton Place - Brian turner editorial@pdgmedia.ca Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada hosted an open house October 28 at the upper auditorium of Carleton Place’s historic town hall. (A jama’at is a congregation or assembly). A wide array of artifacts, literature, and visual displays were laid out to allow visitors to take self guided tours, with informa-
tive volunteers standing by to answer any questions. As one of the organizers Faheem Affan, who happens to be a new resident of the town put it, “it’s an icebreaker to introduce ourselves to our neighbours and share our culture and Islamic beliefs.” Mayor Doug Black told Hometown News, “This was a very significant and special event for Carleton Place.
Council was honoured to be invited and I was proud to speak on behalf of our community. Faheem Affan and his team put a tremendous amount of work into organizing the event. It gave everyone who attended an opportunity to reflect and learn together about the Islamic culture and the valuable contributions Muslim people have made to Can-
ada and around the world. I hope this is the beginning of many such events in our community where we can encourage inclusivity, acceptance and promote diversity and friendship.” Photo caption: Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at open house, where visitors took self-guided tours to learn about Islamic beliefs and culture. Photo credit: Brian Turner.
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