Discover Smiths Falls - Hometown News, May 2015

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MAY 2015

Y O U R LO C A L , I N D E P E N D E N T N E W S PA P E R - S M I T H S FA L L S

Inside This Issue

HOME AND GARDEN EDITION Smiths Falls native in race to improve handy skills on new Discovery Channel show.

SEE OUR STORYPAGE 12

Community New therapeutic saltwater pool set to open in Smiths Falls in early May

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culture Remy’s Dilemma: Canadian humour in a Canadian landscape

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food & drink DAVE PRINGLE/PHOTOS

Local residents Harold Hawkins and Peter Maddock, who live near the shores of Lower Reach Park in Smiths Falls, rescued this snapping turtle around the end of April. They found the turtle with fence wire wrapped tightly around its neck. Hawkins and Mad-

Two Rivers Food Hub breathes new life into Meals On Wheels program

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dock estimated the wire had been there since last fall and the turtle had to survive the winter under ice unable to draw its head into its shell.

The wire has been removed and the turtle can now breathe freely.

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Page Two

CommunityEVENTS Events COMMUNITY Dec. 19

www.discoversmithsfalls.ca

May 10, 2015

Dec. 22

ONGOING

• 2nd Annual Community Christ- • Tim Horton’s Free Skate, Youth Arena, 1:00 p.m. mas Run - Leaving from Coffee Culture, 6:00 p.m.

• Holiday Movie Night- Rise • Holly Days Children Workshop. of the Guardians - Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum. 1:00 – Civitan Club, 7:00PUBLIC p.m. SKATING - $2 4:00per p.m.person • Jewel’s Gently Used Clothing • Tim Horton’s Free Skate, Youth Arena, 1:00 p.m.

Bag Sale. 18 William St. E. Youth Arena - Monday - 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. Wednesday - 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Dec. 23

Dec. 20

Dec. 24, 25 & 26

• Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, • Santa at the County Fair Mall, Friday - 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Saturday 12 -:)2:00 p.m.

Boxing -Day 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

jan. 2, 2015 Community Centre - Monday - Friday - 11:00 a.m. - 12 Dec. 21 • Tim Horton’s Free Skate, Youth

• Santa at the County Fair Mall, Arena, 1:00 p.m.

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.mSunday - 11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m.

• Legion Jamboree - Smiths Falls Canadian Legion Branch 95, 1:00 - 6:30 p.m. NOTE: Skating is cancelled• during Taoist Tai Chi Open special eventsHouse • Movie & Skate - Smiths Falls Week at the Seniors Activity CenYouth Arena, 4:50 - 8:00 p.m. tre, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. such as hockey tournaments

jan. 5

PUBLIC SWIMMING FOR ALL AGES AT THE HUB 361 Queen St. in the Gallipeau Centre Mondays - 6-7 p.m.; Tuesdays - 6-7 p.m.; Fridays 6-7 p.m.; Saturdays 2-3:30 p.m.

Cost: Drop In Pricing or Membership Fee apply

Sunday ladies dart league Every Sunday - 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. - RCAFA Hall

MONDAY DUPLICATE BRIDGE Held at the Royal Canadian Legion every Monday evening at 7:00 p.m.

MONDAY BID EUCHRE Held at the Royal Canadian Legion every Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Canadian Room.

pdg media Publisher

Reporters:

photographers:

Patricia Krotki Email: pmkrotki@pdgmedia.ca

Amy Hogue Hanna Lange-Chenier

Jason Code Kathy Botham Dave Pringle

Spring is in the air...

TUESDAY NIGHT BINGO Smiths Falls Civitan Hall, Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Bingo starts at 7:00 p.m.

THURSDAY NIGHT BINGO Smiths Falls Legion in the Lancaster Hall, 7:00 p.m.

FRIDAY NIGHT BINGO Rotary Collegiate Hall, 2 Gould St. 7:00 p.m.

WALKING CONCOURSE Smiths Falls Memorial Center open 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. 7 days a week

MIXED DARTS Every Thursday from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the RCAFA Hall on Abbott St. New Players welcome.

JASON CODE/PHOTO It may not feel like spring but the presence of mallards in the Rideau Canal is a surefire sign that the birds know something we don’t.

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community New therapeutic saltwater pool set to open in Smiths Falls in early May AMY HOGUE It’s taken more than a year and a half but Good Vibrations owners Mark and Danielle Leach are in the final stretch of the next evolution of their Smiths Falls gym, and the grand opening of their indoor saltwater pool.

With an opening date target of May 1, Mark said they are in the final stages of a process that has included extensive research into every step of the construction process to ensure the highest efficiency possible.

And their due diligence appears to have paid off. Their 18 by 33 foot saltwater pool will offer special features to increase its attractiveness to users. The pool itself is four and a half feet deep with a flat bottom to allow the entire space to be useable. Therapeutic temperatures in the pool should range between 85 and 90 degrees Celsius, and a cover at night will maintain water temperatures overnight, and reduce heating costs.

Every decision made in the construction of the pool was geared towards increasing efficiency. With features like the pool cover, a super-efficient pump, an HRV system to remove moisture from the air and plumb it back to the pool, and a well-insulated pool and pool room, the Leaches are well positioned for energy cost savings.

“Everything’s been planned out to be super-efficient,” Mark said. “It’s taken a long time but every step of the way it’s been researched and well thought out.”

The Good Vibrations pool will also offer swimmers the benefits of an “endless pool” located at the far end of the pool. The endless pool is created using jets that simulate a current which simulates a longer pool, allowing the swimmer to swim continuously without reaching the end.

The Good Vibrations pool is a Class B pool, which means it’s for members only, and is not supervised by a lifeguard. Membership to the pool is available through the gym, and Mark said they will be offering separate member-

Good Vibrations owner, Mark Leach, stands in front of the gym’s newest addition – a therapeutic saltwater pool complete with and endless pool at one end. Mark said he is aiming for a pool opening date of May 1st.

ships for the pool, gym, or a combination of the two at a reduced rate. There will be on-site change rooms, showers and an on-deck video surveillance system that will be monitored at the Good Vibrations front desk.

Mark said the intent is to provide members access to Aquafit classes, and a water safety instructor will also be offering swimming lessons for lower swim levels on Saturdays. An adjacent 400-square-foot pool lounge will accommodate birthday parties and special events, and a licensed physiotherapist will provide Aquatherapy either

one-on-one or in group sessions.

Mark said although the Good Vibrations gym started out with vibration equipment, it now offers something for every physical fitness interest, including strength equipment, free weights, cardio equipment and classes.

“That’s what it’s all about, diversification, the more variety keeps people from getting bored and you get better results,” Mark said, pointing out that swimming is beneficial because it works every muscle in your body without pressuring joints.

There could be a long line-up for

membership to the pool after its opening; Mark said there is a waiting list of over 100 people who are interested in purchasing membership to the pool.

“That’s how we built the gym, was finding out what the need is and what people want,” Mark explained, “And we did see a need for this.”

Once open, the swimming pool hours will match Good Vibrations’ hours, and will be open for use Mondays to Thursdays 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Montague water loss verification delayed by Smiths Falls’ frozen water issues AMY HOGUE The year 2015 could be a good year for Atironto residents, at least on the water bill front.

Although the municipality is fairly confident the more than 60 per cent water loss in Atironto has been resolved, Smiths Falls’ current water issue means Montague Township and Atironto residents may need to wait a

little longer for 100 per cent certainty.

The water loss issue came to light in November 2014, when a water main leak was discovered beneath a section of Fifth Street. At the time, Montague’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Glenn Barnes, said the leak may help to explain the high water usage in Atironto, which he confirmed was operating with a two-

thirds, or 66 per cent water loss.

Barnes says he’s fairly confident that the variance has now been rectified, but noted that it can’t be confirmed 100 per cent until the township receives more accurate readings from Smiths Falls, which has been difficult in recent months.

“We’ve only been getting estimates from Smiths Falls from water

meters because of the broken pipes,” Barnes explained, referring to the broken water mains that have plagued Smiths Falls in recent months due to frost issues. He stressed that “although we’re confident, we have to confirm the leak’s been stopped.”

Barnes expressed concern with the possibility that by correcting the issue on Fifth Street, it could create pressure on

other weaknesses in the system, and cause another leak.

“We’re cautious, as much as we’re optimistic that the system is online and there’s no great loss except for what the industry standard is, until we get hard data facts and give it a bit of time we can’t be 100 per cent positive,” Barnes said.

Barnes is hopeful to receive accurate water meter readings the end

of April, and will wait to receive further readings in June to confirm the water issue has been resolved.

Residents of Smiths Falls were asked to keep their water running for more than a month in an attempt to keep pipes from freezing. Smiths Falls’ issue with frozen water pipes has created more than $400,000 in costs to that municipality.

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Smiths Falls, Montague Community Foundation a collaborative success story AMY HOGUE The Smiths Falls and Montague Community Foundation (SFMCF) is off and running following the March 25 signing of the agreement between the Perth & District Community Foundation (PDCF) and the SFMCF. With a steering committee in place, and an agreement with Perth on hand, the next step for the group of community members that include committee chairs, Montague Township Reeve Bill Dobson, and Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow, is to seek out advisors for the fund and begin collecting donations.

Steering committee member and Smiths Falls & District Chamber of Commerce Manager, Melissa Hillier, explained the idea of starting a community foundation came about when both she and Montague Reeve, Bill Dobson, were at a Funders Forum together and heard a representative from the PDCF speak about foundations.

With both Hillier and Dobson enthusiastically on board, things moved forward quickly and a steering committee was formed, then a meeting set up with the PDCF to develop a plan to get the SFMCF up and running.

“Our next step is to appoint fund advisors,” Hillier said, explaining the advisors will be professional people in the community with a vested interest in the foundation.

The fund advisors will advise the PDCF Board of Directors on how the SFMCF funds will be allocated. Hillier stressed that as with all community foundations, the SFMCF is an endowment fund and the capital remains untouched.

“It’s a legacy fund,” Hillier stressed.

Until such time as the

SFMCF accrues $2 million in capital, it will function under the umbrella of PDCF, and donations to the fund will be received by PDCF. The SFMCF fund advisors will advise the PDCF Board of Directors how the funds should be dispersed to Smiths Falls and Montague community and charitable organizations. A kick off fundraiser that took place on the day of the signing of the agreement between PDCF and SFMCF has already raised more than $1,600.

Although the SFMCF is not a municipal endeavour, Hillier said it is an indicator of the collaborative abilities of both communities.

“This is a great success story of collaboration between two communities,” Hillier said. “We represent the municipality on both sides, we get along well together, now we just really need to advertise.”

Lynn McIntyre, executive drector for PDCF, said donations for SFMCF will be received by the PDCF, and donors need only specify their donation is to be attributed to the SFMCF fund.

McIntyre said community foundations, like charities, are held to a higher standing by the government, and funds are carefully managed and administered.

McIntyre also stressed that the Perth foundation is happy to assist in the formation for the SFMCF in whatever means possible.

McIntyre said the PDCF will be providing advice, and helping to administer funds until the SFMC are ready to go out on their own.

“The issues facing Smiths Falls and Montague are similar to what is facing every small community,” McIntyre said. “It takes time to grow these community foundations but over time you do reap the rewards.”

What is a Community

Young Leaders: Smiths Falls Student Council

SUBMITTED/PHOTO

Smiths Falls’ Student Councillors Charles Wang and Jane Ford sat in on their first official council meeting on Tuesday, April 7, offering their points of view on several issues before council. Wang and Ford are both grade 11 students from SFDCI. Foundation?

The first community foundation was established in Canada in 1921, and today there are more than 180 community foundations found in virtually every corner of the country.

As one of Canada’s largest grantmakers, community foundations contribute more than $154 million to thousands of charities, and hold more than $3 billion in shared assets.

A community foundation is typically an independent philanthropic institution serving a specified region that collects donations into a fund from which a percentage of the interest is dispersed to community organizations and charities.

Community foundations are supported by donors and seek out contributions from within the community it serves. Because only a percentage of the interest is dispersed, a community foundation fund is self-sustaining.

A community foundation is attractive to donors as it allows them to have more control over how their donation is dispersed, and to specify what kinds of organizations they would like to be a recipient. A community foundation is legislated to disperse a minimum of 3.5 per cent of their assets annually.

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community

Workers co-op decides on exciting value-added product, chooses new name AMY HOGUE It’s been several weeks since the former Smiths Falls Worker’s Co-operative was last heard from, but far from being idle, the group has been working diligently towards creating a formal identity for the co-op, beginning with a new name.

Their new name, Turkey Run Flats Organics Co-op (TRFOC), is only one of several recent steps forward the group has undertaken.

The name was selected by the group in recognition of Smiths Falls’ longstanding relationship with turkeys that dates back to the late 1800s. In fact, Smiths Falls once claimed to be the world’s turkey market centre, and held annual turkey fairs.

The group of community members have been meeting weekly to move forward with their business concept.

Towards that end, co-operative founder and president, Carol Anne Knapp, explained the steps the group have gone through over the past few weeks, noting that “we’re excited to move forward with the co-op.”

The 14 co-operative members, whom Knapp called “a cohesive group” have started indoor plants in anticipation of the upcoming growing season, opened a business bank account, established formal roles for founding members within the co-operative, and plan on incorporating as a non-profit within the next few weeks.

The co-op has also creat-

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AMY HOGUE/PHOTO The official membership of the Turkey Run Flats Organics Co-op. From left to right (front): Ray Chamberland, Brad Milne, Heather Lupick, Jonathan Lupick (holding Murray Lupick), Tom Patterson. (back) Sylvia Pudsey, Tracey Stoddard, Christel Oliver, Heather Mitchell Adams and Carol Anne Knapp.

Missing from the photo are Carolyn Rayfield, Crystal Murphy and Anne Marie Tremblay.

ed a mission statement and are currently working on a formal business plan that will assist them in sourcing funding through grants and business loans. They have been in touch with Valley Heartland, and will be meeting with a representative to discuss potential funding opportunities for which the co-operative may be eligible.

Their mission statement is straightforward and embodies many of the values of a co-operative: “To provide a stable egalitarian work environment. To provide sustainable local food in abundance. To foster education, leadership and opportunity to all worker members. To ensure a family-oriented

workplace, that assists in any way possible the needs of worker members. To extend our values and commitment to helping the greater community prosper.” Their vision is short and sweet: “Taking responsibility for organic conservation.”

The group circulated a buyer’s survey online and Knapp said the responses were overwhelmingly in support of the endeavour.

Of the 100 surveys that were circulated, Knapp said there was interest from 60 per cent of the respondents in purchasing a weekly box of produce at the cost of $30.

Knap said comments from the survey were “100 per cent positive” in re-

sponse to the co-op’s formation.

“We didn’t find one negative comment,” Knapp said, “People were excited that it could grow into something larger, excited for the community, and excited to have access to organic foods.”

Knapp added that there was also an interest in having the co-operative’s products available for purchase in retail grocery outlets like Your Independent Grocer, in addition to food boxes.

Despite these recent great strides forward for the burgeoning co-op, the even more exciting news from the group is their decision to produce a value-added product that Knapp feels

could be a hot commodity in the local food market.

“We’ve decided on an exciting value-added product that will really fill a niche in the market,” Knapp explained, adding that they are keeping a tight wrap on exactly what that product will be in order to prevent any competition from moving in on their idea, but hope to unveil it over the next several months.

According to Knapp, further developments remain in the works for the Turkey Run Flats Organics Coop, and she encourages the community to “stay tuned.”

Snow Road Snowmobile Club Donation

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SUBMITTED PHOTO The Snow Road Snowmobile Club hosted a breakfast on Saturday, April 18, 2015, raising $954.00 for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Relay for Life representatives Norene Allen (Health and Safety), far left, and Melissa Hillier (Chair), second from left, attended the breakfast to accept the donation.

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Council Briefs:

Smiths Falls Police Watch

Monday, April 20, 2015 Reported and Written by Amy Hogue 1) Crime stoppers celebrating 25 years in 2016 Rick Kirkwood from the Smiths Falls and District Crimstoppers made a presentation to council on April 20 to keep them up to date on the important work Crimestoppers undertakes. Crimestoppers is a program that allows a member of the community to anonymously provide information in the form of tips about criminal activity.

Kirkwood explained to council the Smiths Falls’ chapter of Crimestoppers receives no funding from the municipality, police and government, but instead uses corporate sponsors to offset costs. Beyond accepting tips, Crimestoppers also owns a van with a sound system in it which was used for 156 different functions last year at no cost.

Kirkwood stressed that no one at Crimestoppers wants to know the identity of a tipster, and the system is completely anonymous, including the receipt of any rewards following a tip that leads to a conviction. Kirkwood urged anyone with information about a crime to contact Crimestoppers at (613) 284-CASH (2274) or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

2) Susan Shirley to host annual golf tournament As part of council’s reports, the Susan Shirley ‘Golf 4 Our Girls’ fundraising golf tournament at the

Smiths Falls Golf & Country Club was mentioned.

The event will be held on May 23, 2015 and is an annual fundraising event for the Susan Shirley Program, where 100 per cent of the proceeds raised go directly to assisting young mothers.

Tickets are $100 for a single ticket and $400 for a foursome. To purchase tickets please visit www. susanshirleyprg.ca or by calling 613-701-3354.

3) Real Deal looking for community feedback The REAL Deal is hiring a second manager of Renovation Materials and are considering expanding their hours. They are looking for community feedback about the new hours and have posted a survey online to get some community input. Currently their hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To complete the survey, please visit www.realaction.ca.

4) Zoning amendment approved for 159 Lombard St. The zoning amendment application for 159 Lombard St. to allow for the construction of a dental office was approved at council on Monday, April 15.

Yazdani Family Dentistry will be expanding from their current Kemptville location into Smiths falls and will be offering complete dental services at the new location on Lombard St.

PAIR OF SHOPLIFTERS CAUGHT RED-HANDED On the 20th of April, 2015 at 6:30pm it is alleged that loss prevention staff from Wal-Mart on Lombard St in the Town of Smiths Falls observed a pair of females inside the store selecting and concealing merchandise. The pair proceeded through the cash, but failed to pay for the concealed items. They were arrested by the loss prevention officer and turned over to officers who arrived a short time later.

A 41 yr old female from Perth and a 24 year old female from Smiths Falls were both charged with Theft Under $5000 and were released on Appearance Notices to appear in court at a later date. The allegations have not been proven in court.

ARREST OF WANTED PERSON LEADS TO DRUG CHARGES On the 23rd of April, 2015 at about 3:27 pm officers had an opportunity to investigate a pedestrian near the downtown core. The male was found to have an outstanding warrant held by the Ontario Provincial Police. The male was arrested on the strength of the warrant. A quantity of a substance believed to be marihuana was found during a search of his person.

A 29 year old male from Smiths Falls has subsequently been charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance. He was released to a future court date on a Promise to Appear and an Undertaking Given to an Officer in Charge. He was turned over to the OPP for their warrant. The allegations have not been proven in court.

MALE WANTED FOR DOMESTIC, THREATENS AND ARRESTED On the 10th of April 2015 police had investigated a threatening call in relation to a domestic dispute. The male was wanted for a domestic mischief in a prior incident. The male was located a short distance away and was arrested by police.

A 33 year old male has been charged with mischief, unlawfully in a dwelling house, uttering threats to cause bodily harm and 6 counts of breach of probation. He was held in custody pending a bail hearing. The allegations have not been proven in court.

ADULTS DAMAGE POLICE CELLS Two grown adult males awaiting their court appearance decided to purposely damage and set off the sprinkler system to the cell area. It caused extensive damage to the system.

A 33 year old male and a 25 year old male were charged with mischief along with their other charges pending. The allegations have not been proven in court.

DOMESTIC LEADS TO CHARGES On the 18th of April 2015 police were called to a residence on Empress Ave Smiths Falls in regards to an assault on a female. A 31 year old male was arrested for the assault. Once in cells the male decided to flood one of the cell toilets. He was further charged with mischief and held for a bail hearing. The allegations have not been proven in court.

OFFICER HEADBUTTED DURING ARREST On the 18th of April 2015 police responded to an intoxicated male found lying on someone’s front lawn. Upon awakening the 22 year old male, he decided to resist officers’ attempt at arresting him, head butting one officer in the process.

He was later charged with being intoxicated in a public place, assault police officer and resisting arrest. He was later released on an undertaking with conditions. The allegations have not be proven in court.

MALE ARRESTED FOR DOMESTIC OCCURENCE IN DOWNTOWN AREA On the 16th of April 2015 police were called to the area of the Beckwith St bridge on a report of a male assaulting a female. Police attended and spoke to witnesses in the area.

As a result of the investigation a 24 year old Smiths Falls male was arrested for one count of domestic assault and one count of criminal harassment.

Smiths Falls Police Service urges anyone with further information regarding this incident, or similar incidents, to contact our service at 613283-0357. Information may be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Crime Stoppers Releases PELLET GUN SUSPECTED IN MISCHIEF TO APARTMENT WINDOW Crime Stoppers and the Smiths Falls Police Service are seeking your assistance in solving a mischief. At approximately 9:06pm on March 20, 2015 the window of an apartment on River Street was damaged. It is suspected the damage was caused by a pellet gun. Two suspects were seen fleeing the area. One suspect was seen wearing a blue coat and blue jeans.

VEHICLES ENTERED OVERNIGHT

Crime Stoppers and the Smiths Falls Police Service are seeking your assistance in solving mischief done to two vehicle overnight from March 23 to March 24, 2015. Both vehicles were parked in

driveways, one on Abel Street and one on Davison St West. Both vehicles were entered and their ignition vandalized.

HOUSE EGGED Crime Stoppers and the Smiths Falls Police Service are seeking your assistance in solving a mischief. Sometime overnight from March 25 to 26, 2015 a house of Merrick Street was pelted with eggs.

PELLET GUN SUSPECTED IN MISCHIEF AT LOCAL BUSINESS Crime Stoppers and the Smiths Falls Police Service are seeking your assistance in solving a mischief. On March 28, 2015 a small hole was discovered in the window of a business on Chambers Street. The damage is suspected to have been caused by a pellet gun. It is un-

known when the damage occurred but two similar incidents occurred on the evening of March 20, 2015.

If you have any information on these or any other crimes call Smiths Falls Crime Stoppers at 613-284-CASH (2274) or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Did you know? Crime Stoppers does not receive funding from any level of government. Crime Stoppers operates exclusively on funds raised by the board members of each individual program and on donations provided by the public. Crime Stoppers is making a difference in your community! If you would like to make a donation or have time to volunteer with Smiths Falls and District Crime Stoppers, please contact Carl Evoy at 613-2832444.

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OMB reserves decision on rezoning of 1 Hershey Drive AMY HOGUE There will be no immediate resolution following an Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) hearing held in Smiths Falls on Wednesday, April 15. The hearing was called in response to the appeal of a zoning by-law amendment for 1 Hershey Drive passed by council on Dec. 15, 2014. OMB Board Member, Marc Denhez, heard from both parties in the appeal; the appellant, Mark Greer, and the town’s representative from the law firm Cunningham Swan, Tony Fleming.

Greer filed his appeal to the OMB following the December decision of council to approve a zoning by-law amendment for 1 Hershey Drive, with the addition of a Holding Zone and the requirement of a Development Agreement. At the April 15 OMB hearing, Greer presented concerns which centered on the public notice circulated for the rezoning, which he claimed was misleading to the public on several points, and the potential environmental impacts to the community if the rezoning were upheld.

In reference to the public notice, Greer argued that it was not clear to the public what part of the property was to be encompassed by rezoning. He stated

that at the Nov. 17 public meeting the public was told the former Hershey peanut building was to be rezoned, but that the final version of the zoning amendment was for the entirety of 1 Hershey Drive, or approximately 40 acres.

Greer further claimed that other pertinent information contained within the public notice for the rezoning was altered between the November and December meetings, when the amendment was formally passed by council.

After listening to Greer’s claims, Denhez expressed his concern with what he termed a ‘bait and switch’ of information pertaining to the rezoning, which would violate Sections 34 (12) and 34 (13) of the Planning Act, and the rules a municipality must follow in reference to public notice.

Denhez went on to explain that while Section 34 (17) of the Planning Act, which outlines a municipality’s responsibility when determining if further public notice is required following a change to the proposed bylaw, may appear to convey a substantial amount of discretion to municipal council, it is in fact limited.

“Courts and boards have intervened and laid out a series of tests as to when a municipal council can adjust boundaries of

a rezoning after the public meeting,” Denhez said.

Smiths Falls Senior Planner, Nicole McKernan testified on behalf of the town, and explained that in the public notice the rezoning was in fact applied to the entire property of 1 Hershey Drive, and that any mention of the peanut building as a location for the proposed activity at the public meeting was simply to provide a scale of reference to the public.

“The purpose of the public meeting was to add more clarity,” McKernan told the OMB Board Member.

McKernan stated that the municipality adhered to the rules for public notice. She stated that at the time of circulation of the public notice the uses for the property were not defined, and that her opinion was that the general intent in the public notice was not altered in the final draft of the amendment.

McKernan claimed there was sufficient planning rationale for the development, citing a reuse of infrastructure and existing building stock, which is supported by the Planning Act. She further clarified that the zoning amendment is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, the town’s current Official Plan and Zoning Bylaws, and the draft Official Plan and Zoning Bylaws

which are currently under review.

“The lands were used as an industrial site for 50 plus years,” McKernan told the Board Member, “It’s rational to ensure the future viability of the property.”

McKernan acknowledged the potential for air pollution concerns, but noted it was best dealt with through the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC), and that the purpose of the Holding Zone was to address potential information gaps.

Prior to closing arguments, Denhez addressed Greer, questioning him if his concerns with the rezoning were with pollutants or with the location, stating that there are two questions attached to any industrial facility, the first being the impacts on neighbours and the community, including environmental impacts, and the second being a consideration of whether or not the proposed location is in keeping with industrial uses.

“The first question is the day to day business of the MOECC,” Denhez said, and cautioned that “the basic rule at the board (OMB) is we can’t rely strictly on our apprehensions.”

Denhez went on to explain that the reason for the Holding Zone was to allow information to come forward which the munici-

pality did not have access to.

“That’s as much as the town can be expected to do in an area of chemical engineering,” he pointed out.

In closing arguments, Greer argued that in his opinion the municipality did not present sufficient information to the public, and that there were “too many unanswered questions” in reference to the impact the rezoning could have on the community.

In his closing argument, Fleming argued that “the apprehensions raised by the appellant would not satisfy the test for a motion to dismiss” and that the application conformed to the PPS, is consistent with the Official Plan and represents “good land use planning.”

He further argued that there was no ‘bait and switch’ by the municipality, that the information was accurate in the initial public notice and that the clarifications of the by-law did not change the application. He finished by noting that any concerns regarding air quality and pollutants are the purview of the MOECC and would be addressed by the Holding Zone.

Denhez said he would reserve his decision until he has the opportunity to review all the documents. It’s anticipated a decision will be released within six to eight weeks.

Rotary Club donates $1,200 to benefit disaster survivors

Smiths Falls Councillor and Rotary Club of Smiths Falls President, Jay Brennan, presented a cheque for $1,200 to ShelterBox Ambassador, Sue Landry, on Friday, April 24, 2015.

Jay Brennan, President of the Rotary Club of Smiths Falls, recently presented a cheque in the amount of $1,200 to Sue Landry, an Ambassador for ShelterBox Canada. Sue, also a Rotarian, is from the Perth Club, and has been raising money and awareness for ShelterBox Canada for the last several years.

ShelterBox responds following disasters such as earthquake, flood, tsunami, hurricane, cyclone or conflict by delivering boxes of aid and emergency supplies such as a high quality relief tent, stove, water filtration system, blankets and other tools to help families live independently and with dignity in the weeks and months after they’ve lost their homes in a natural disaster or other humanitarian crisis.

The Rotary Club of Smiths Falls has donated $1,200 to the disaster relief organization, enough to sponsor one ShelterBox and assist a family as they rebuild after a disaster. The Club and its members have been supporting ShelterBox

since 2010 when they donated to support efforts in Haiti. Their donation will go directly to support a family in need and provide lifesaving equipment and relief following a natural or manmade disaster.

ShelterBox is currently working in eight countries around the world responding to conflict, Cyclone Pam and flooding.

ShelterBox is an international, non-profit organization that provides humanitarian relief in the form of supplies that bring shelter, warmth and dignity to people affected by natural disasters and other humanitarian crises. Since 2000, the organization has delivered boxes of aid and supplies such as tents, water filers, stoves, blankets and other tools to help disasters in over 95 countries worldwide.

ShelterBox’s Canadian affiliate, ShelterBox Canada, is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. Donations to ShelterBox Canada can be made at www.shelterboxcanada. org, by calling toll free 1 (855) 875-4661.

Submitted by the Rotary Club of Smiths Falls.

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community

Council approves 2015 budget by a narrow margin AMY HOGUE It was a tight vote at council on Monday, April 20, when the 2015 budget was passed by a narrow margin of 4-3. The budget, which had received first and second reading two weeks prior, was read for a third time, and finally passed.

Since early 2015, council had been working towards a goal of zero per cent increase for Smiths Falls residents, but recent costs to repair frozen water mains have added up to more than $400,000 in additional expenses. Although staff were able to find $167,000 in savings in the budget, which offset that cost, it still left a $270,000 shortfall for the municipality.

At a Special Committee of the Whole meeting just prior to the council meeting where the budget was officially voted on and passed, Councillor Joe Gallipeau made a final plea to his fellow councillors to reconsider approving the budget as presented.

Gallipeau said he asked for the special meeting because although he had

supported the budget in an earlier voting through first and second readings, he would not be voting in favour of the 2.11 per cent tax increase it will mean for residents. Gallipeau explained he doesn’t feel that with the losses of industry over the past several years, including the more recent losses of Staples and Target, that residents can afford the tax increase.

“A lot of taxpayers in Smiths Falls are on minimum wage,” Gallipeau pointed out, noting that there are also many small businesses in the municipality who he claimed “are struggling to make ends meet.”

Gallipeau told council that with an overall budget of 1.6 million dollars, the $270,000 shortfall amounts to only 1.6 per cent of the total budget. “I feel if council and staff work together for the next year, I feel they should be able to come up with a 1.6 per cent reduction for 2015.”

Councillor Quinn was another dissenter to the budget. She told council that she would not sup-

port it because she feels the taxes in Smiths Falls are higher than in surrounding municipalities.

According to Quinn, homes that are assessed at $100,000 in Carleton Place, Perth and Smiths Falls would pay annual taxes of $1,200, $1,500 or $1,700, respectively.

“I don’t know why anybody can’t figure out our taxes are higher than everyone else because here’s proof,” she said after outlining the differences in cost for living in the different municipalities.

Quinn also said that the commercial taxation rates are similarly higher than in surrounding municipalities. She explained that a commercial property which is assessed at $100,000 in Carleton Place, Perth, and Smiths Falls would pay annual property taxes of $3,500, $3,000 and $4,500, respectively.

Quinn also expressed concern with council’s decision to increase water rates, which she felt would add a further burden to taxpayers. As an option for offsetting the $270,000 budget shortfall, Quinn suggested

two properties on Queen Street which she said could be sold for approximately $60,000 to $70,000 a piece.

“Let’s get our minds together, let’s rolls up our sleeves and let’s get to work,” Quinn challenged.

Council took a straw vote to determine if the budget would pass at third reading, which indicated that there was a majority of councillors willing to vote in support of the budget.

Councillor Jay Brennan, who abstained from comment during the committee meeting, voiced his concerns prior to the formal vote at council. He told council he calculated that they have met for over 20 hours to discuss the 2015 budget, and that it had been previously agreed upon that there would be no tax increase for this year.

Although he acknowledged the more than $400,000 in costs to repair frozen water mains, Brennan said he felt council should stick to the zero per cent without passing on that burden to taxpayers.

“I’m not going to support the budget and I don’t

do that lightly,” Brennan stressed. “It’s up to us to take care of this and make it attractive to come to Smiths Falls and live.”

Councillor Chris Cummings also provided comments on what he said is his ninth budget. Cummings explained that the creation of the budget meant council had to make 2,592 decisions, and that while in the nine years he’s been a councillor he has never agreed to all 2,592 decisions, he has always agreed with the principal of council coming together and working together as a council to create a budget.

“I don’t support a tax increase, but I support the budget,” Cummings stressed.

Mayor Shawn Pankow said he acknowledged that no one wants to see taxes raised, but that the alternative is to support further deferral of capital expenses. Pankow also noted that the industrial taxpayers in Smiths Falls are paying less than they were a number of years ago, “which unfortunately places a burden on taxpayers.”

“If you look at the future, we know we can’t continue with this method,” Pankow said.

Pankow said he found it encouraging to hear the other councillors talking about the service review as a potential source of municipal costs savings, because it told him there was a commitment on council to reduce expenses. Pankow said he had recently met with CAO Malcolm Morris to discuss moving forward with the service review, and that Morris will soon be bringing forward a report on how the review will proceed.

“This is going to be a year of transition,” Pankow stressed.

A recorded vote was called for the final reading of the budget, with Mayor Pankow and Councillors Allen, Cummings and Maloney voted in support of the budget, and Councillors Gallipeau, Brennan and Quinn voting against.

Food Hub receives $103,500 in funding the orient express AMY HOGUE

The staff and Board of Directors of the Two Rivers Food Hub (TRFH) are smiling a little wider today (April 9) after receiving $103,500 in funding through the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP), Collaborative Projects stream. The funding will go towards supporting infrastructure for the aggregation, storage, processing, marketing and distribution of locally grown food.

The TRFH’s goal is to increase agricultural production and create a food value chain that will allow the development of new, stable markets for local producers and new opportunities for farmers. The food hub also supports a local food economy that provides buyers with a year round source of quality local food products, and increases opportunities for farmers to scale up production.

Lanark, Frontenac, Lennox-Addington MP, Scott Reid, called the food hub part of a “broad trend” to promote and distribute local food. Reid pointed out that the distribution of local foods are often hampered by supply chains that are set up to favour large amounts of produce, and that farmer’s markets are one means of filling these gaps.

Reid noted that because farmer’s markets only deal with products that don’t go through processing, producers need an inspected facility like the kitchens available at the food hub.

“That’s the particular element the food hub brings to communities,” Reid said.

Leeds-Grenville MP, Gord Brown, said he was delighted to see the food hub receive funding, calling the food hub “great news for agriculture and our food producers.”

“This is going to make a difference throughout the counties and down to Brockville,” Brown said.

TRFH Chair, Ray Elgersma, extend-

AMY HOGUE/PHOTO

Two Rivers Food Hub representatives and local government officials were all smiles after formally announcing the food hub’s receipt of $103,500 in funding from the EODP Collaborative Project stream. From left to right: Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow; Lanark, Frontenac, Lennox-Addington MP, Scott Reid; TRFH Chair, Ray Elgersma; TRFH General Manager, Matthew Brearley; and Leeds-Grenville MP, Gord Brown.

ed his appreciation to the many individuals and organizations that have made the food hub possible, including varying levels of government, volunteers, and community organizations.

Elgersma pointed specifically to Rideau Community Health Services, who allowed the food hub to operate under their umbrella to obtain funding, Valley Heartland, local municipalities and the Gallipeaus, who negotiated reduced lease rates for the food hub’s first year.

“This is quite an undertaking that’s happened really quickly,” Elgersma said, pointing out that the committee only began meeting formally in March 2014 and a year later are now operational with a general manager and coordinator on staff. Elgersma stressed the food hub’s plan is to be self-sustaining within five years of operation.

TRFH General Manager, Matthew Brearley, explained that the food hub’s kitchen sharing component cur-

rently serves 13 producers, including a baker and producers of salsa, bone broth and kale chips. On the farming side of the organization, there are 11 farmers involved in the food hub.

Brearley said the EODP funding will be used for staffing, cold storage and infrastructure projects, and will give the food hub “a little breathing room.”

“The funding today will help us to realize the next stage,” Brearley said.

The EODP is a $48 million economic development initiative focused on addressing economic challenges in eastern Ontario and taking advantage of innovative opportunities in the region. The EODP Collaborative Projects stream provides 50 per cent matching funds for eligible initiatives that demonstrate broad support from the region and/or various partners and offer sustainable, measurable, economic benefits to the regular economy.

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lifestyle home and garden feature

Community Supported Agriculture It’s nothing new. You’ve heard it all before. “Buy Local”, “Shop Local” or “EAT Local”. As a grower of farmfresh produce in the Smiths Falls area, it is difficult to disagree with the sentiment.

The benefits to all parties involved ARE quite extensive.

Keeping your dollar in the community, job creation, freshness, reduced carbon footprint, and countless other reasons, definitely make ‘eating local’ a sensible goal.

But enough about the “Why”. You know that already, don’t you? Let’s talk about the “How”!

With careful searching, and reading of labels in the produce section, discerning shoppers can certainly find “local products”. Be aware though, that by new provincial standards, “local” translates to mean “Ontario Grown”. It’s a big province, and there is still considerable trucking, handling, and

precious time(!) involved in bringing some of that “local” product to your nearby supermarket.

Other great options for buying local (in season) are farmers markets, on farm stores, or farm-gate sales.

Each of these provides at least ‘some’ opportunity to open the dialogue and learn a bit more about the story of your food.

Perhaps the best way (other than growing it yourself, of course) to really get a true, local food experience is one you have not heard of yet. It goes by different names; Farm Share, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), or, our personal favourite…Bountiful Baskets!

The details vary from program to program, but in essence, it’s a weekly basket, brimming with locally produced, in-season, delicious goodness! Some produc-

ers offer strictly produce, while others incorporate items such as eggs, meat, baked goods, syrup, honey, and more – either as part of the program, or as optional “add-ons”.

Generally prepaid at the beginning of the season, such programs provide participants with a basket of goods for a set number of weeks. In our area, it is usually from late spring through late fall, although there some producers who offer year-round CSAs as well!

Would a weekly produce basket be a good fit for your household? It depends on

your lifestyle and cooking habits. If you are a “super-planner” and have your menu in place weeks ahead of time, or if you struggle to “go-with-the-flow” and work with the ingredients you are presented with, then you may not enjoy it as much as most subscribers do.

If, on the other hand, you enjoy variety; prefer to use produce that is truly “in-season”; and are not afraid to try a new recipe now and then, you will most likely be pleased. It has been shown that families who take part in CSA-type programs tend to consume a larger quan-

Golf tournament and women’s tour no small potatoes for Smiths Falls AMY HOGUE What began as a single day Pro Am tournament has evolved into a three day golfing marathon in Smiths Falls, with the potential for big economic impact. Two golfing events have been scheduled for June at the Smiths Falls Golf & Country Club, a Pro Am tournament on June 15, and a two day Canadian Women’s Tour on June 16 and 17.

Officially titled the Magenta Mortgage Pro-Am presented by Mike Fair Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac Ltd. In support of the Team Henderson 110% Club, Brooke and Brittany Henderson’s June 15 Pro Am tournament is already sold out, with a total of 31 teams competing with an additional 11 teams on a waiting list.

The 2015 Pro Am tournament will be a charity event for both Lanark County Support Services and Doefstrong, and the intent is to move the tournament throughout Eastern Ontario, returning to Smiths Falls every three years. The event will feature a silent and live auction as well as a tournament dinner and reception.

On June 16 and 17, the Canadian

Women’s Tour will feature 90 golfers, 72 professionals and 18 amateurs, with a purse of $60,000, $10,000 to the first place professional, plus an exemption into the Canadian Women’s Open.

David Dargie, Executive Director for the Team Henderson 110% Club, made a presentation to Smiths Falls’ council on April 20, to officially request the municipality’s support.

Dargie informed council of the potential economic impact the tournament and women’s tour could have in Smiths Falls, and the opportunity it represents for the community.

“This is no small potatoes,” Dargie said, noting the event has already garnered national media attention and there is the potential for “thousands of dollars of economic impact” from visitors to Smiths Falls throughout the tournament.

Comparing the event to the 2014 Tankard in Smiths Falls, Dargie said it will be a big draw to the community and visitors will be looking to rent hotel rooms, eat and shop while in town for the event. Spectators will be permitted to watch free of charge during the event, and people from Golf Can-

ada will begin arriving in Smiths Falls the Thursday before the event.

“This is a good news story for the town of Smiths Falls and Eastern Ontario,” Dargie said, “This is going to be a significant event for this town.”

Dargie made two requests of council, asking for a letter of recommendation to be used for a grant application from Valley Heartland, and for council to consider how best to welcome golfers in Smiths Falls. A welcome package from the town is something Dargie said would be needed for the participants.

“I’d like you to put on your thinking caps,” Dargie said.

The event organizers are also looking for volunteers to assist with the event. Dargie said volunteers will have the opportunity to get “up close and personal” with the golfers throughout the event, adding that to date there have been approximately 60 volunteers come forward but 120 are needed for the event. Anyone interested in volunteering can visit the Smiths Falls Golf & Country Club website at www. smithsfallsgolf.com.

tity, and a wider variety of vegetables than non-participants.

Customers often compare unpacking their baskets with opening a gift. The element of surprise is certainly an added bonus. This is the perfect mindset, since the only predictable thing about farming is that....it’s unpredictable! As well-planned as the planting process may have been, what goes in the baskets each week depends largely on what the fields are producing at that point in the season.

If you would like to take your “eating local” to the next level, a weekly food basket program is a great alter-

native. You will want to act quickly though. Programs often fill up, and many producers have a pre-season cut-off date for registrations, which allows them to plant accordingly.

You may have heard the saying, “Keep your friends close, and your farmers closer.” Programs like these are the way to do it. At the same time, you’ll be putting food on your table that is fresher, healthier, and simply tastes better. What are you waiting for?

We’ll see you at the farm!

Submitted by Shannon Miller, Miller’s Bay Farm, Lombardy

please respect the planet

recycle this paper

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lifestyle

Celebrating the women who run in heels

DARLENE MACLACHLAN

It’s May and we celebrate those who give us life, raise us, nurture is and whether biological or not, the woman in our life we simply call mom. If there is one thing I noticed about mothers, it’s how they always seem to be running. They run to school events, sporting events, all those activities, meetings, juggling work and family and keeping it all together.

They run, whether in flats, running shoes or heels.

I’ve always loved that quote - Women who run in heels should be feared - it resonated with me. It was personal. Why? I run in heels. I have been running in heels for a long time.

I then began to re-examine the whole “feared” concept of this quote. Fear is defined as: to be afraid of (someone or something) as likely to be dangerous, painful, or threatening. Really, was this how I wanted to be viewed or for that fact any woman? No, for all of those women, those mothers, who run, whether in heels or not, it is about keeping it together from a place of strength, caring and compassion.

So here’s the deal on my heels-I wear them... a lot...

From the cute black pumps to the nude coloured 4 inch knock ‘em dead ones. It is a running joke among my professional colleagues, my heels, which look great, but

can totally impracticable, such as those nude ones.

What does it say how women are looked upon because they happen to wear heels?

It’s too feminine, not strong, or she should be feared?

Here is what my heels are about and why I run in them: I have ran in them, literally, off an aircraft and across the ramp to see my daughter on her 5th birthday, who was on the other side of the airport fence. I was a flight attendant and being at the bottom of the seniority list, ended up being called to work that day. I ran as fast and as hard as I could as I only had 10 minutes to see her and didn’t want to miss her big day. Money was tight and my heels were cheap. I ran.

I have ran in them when responding to a fire call when I was a volunteer firefighter in Newfoundland. I proved that yes, you can wear a dress under bunker gear and heels are easier to remove than other shoes. I ran.

I have ran across a busy road and have been in heels hanging half-way out of a car involved in a terrible crash to keep someone alive until emergency services arrived.

I ran.

I have ran in them to make birthdays, parties, special family events, dance recitals and every other important event. I have ran to make classes at the yoga studio I own, as all of these people, I value and cherish. I ran.

I have ran in them to make meetings where my attendance was required, whether I wanted to be there or not. I have ran harder for these sometimes!

I have ran in them in public service career to meet the mandate towards the public I serve. My heels have been there and I continue to run in them.

I have ran in them when I founded a not for profit to get a community pool operational. Running from working eight hours in my professional career to meetings and presentations to various town councils, hoping they would provide some financial support so residents could have access to an alternative form of recreation and children and adults could learn to swim. In retrospect, I ran probably the hardest to make this happen. I ran.

Yes, I might be in heels but does that make me feared? I don’t think so. In fact I think it is quite the opposite. As a mother, I like to think me heels are just an external manifestation of my strength and that of many other women, who run in heels; even if it is figuratively. It is our ability to have strength to multitask; to balance work; community; family and friends.

For me, they are a reminder of what I have achieved in life and what I have done, and continue to do for others.

So, for those women who run, keep it all together-Happy Mother’s Day.

Tax Season 2015: When are medical travel expenses allowed?

ACCORDING TO THE INCOME TAX ACT, IF A TAXPAYER TRAVELS MORE THAN 40 KILOMETERS TO OBTAIN MEDICAL SERVICES NOT AVAILABLE LOCALLY, THEY MAY CLAIM TRANSPORTATION COSTS AS A MEDICAL EXPENSE. Steve Bennett Senior Tax Professional H&R Block Smiths Falls, ON A 2014 case by the Tax Court of Canada has drawn a lot of interest and may have you wondering whether you can submit similar expenses. While most people are probably not eligible to claim a trip to Indonesia on their tax return, it may surprise you that this could be considered an eligible medical expense for some taxpayers.

Ms. Tallon was suffering from severe chronic pain and, on the recommendation of her doctor, had been wintering with her husband in various warm destinations – including Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico, India, and Venezuela. Ms. Tallon claimed her travel costs as a medical expense on her tax return, but, not surprisingly, CRA disputed whether these expenses should be claimed.

When are medical travel expenses allowed? According to the Income Tax Act, if a taxpayer travels more

than 40 kilometers to obtain medical services not available locally, they may claim transportation costs as a medical expense. If a taxpayer travels more than 80 kilometers, they may also claim accommodation, meals, and parking expenses. One other important criterion is that it must be considered reasonable for the taxpayer to have travelled there to obtain those services.

In the case of Tallon v. The Queen, one of the central arguments of the Crown was that Ms. Tallon did not obtain any medical services and, therefore, no expenses should be allowed. This argument relied on a 2001 decision in a similar case. Though the cases are similar, since that decision, there have been a number of other rulings broadening the interpretation of “medical services.”

Taking that into account, Ms. Tallon’s full medical expense claim of $17,404.50 was reinstated.

The Justice did leave the door open for future court challenges as she men-

Sat. May 2nd 10 - 6pm

tioned that the number and variety of destinations was troubling. She did not take this into consideration when rendering a decision since the reasonableness requirement for medical travel was not raised by the Crown.

Interestingly, CRA had previously disallowed Ms. Tallon’s nearly identical claim in 2008 and lost the corresponding court case.

Now, the question is whether the case is finally closed or whether CRA will try next year with new argument.

This article provides only an overview of the regulations in force at the date of publication, and no action should be taken without consulting the detailed legislation or seeking professional advice. Therefore, no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material contained in this bulletin can be accepted by Steve Bennett or H&R Block Canada, Inc.

Sun. May 3rd 10 - 4pm

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lifestyle

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home and garden feature

Chemical free pest control and gardening!

SARAH SWITZER Summer weather will soon be upon us, and so will the creepy-crawlies who inhabit our homes, gardens and pets.

So many people are becoming conscious of ingredients listed on labels of store-bought gardening supplies, and are searching for alternative ways to combat annoying and often very destructive insects.

The biggest pests in my home are ants and spiders. I try to be nice and delicately catch them to release them outside, but more than half the time they go running from me like a child running after the ice cream truck... there has to be an easier way - a way I can get these guys out without having to load the kids up in the van and go on a day-cation.

The solution? Vinegar is a 100 per cent natural ant repellant!

Load up a spray bottle with vinegar and spray it where you most commonly see ants (for me it’s around the catfood dish).

Black pepper and cayenne pepper work too! If you have any peppermint essential oil, adding a few drops to a glass spray bottle with a pinch of sea salt, you can spray this around your house to ward off a plethora of critters AND enjoy a delightfully fresh home!

Easy on you and your family!

Other essential oils that have insect-repelling properties are cedarwood, lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint,

rosemary, lavender, and bergamot.

Adding a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil to a cotton ball and placing them around your tasty veggie garden will help keep mice and other hungry creatures out!

Mixing 10 drops of both rosemary and lavender essential oils in 1 litre (4 cups) of salt water can be used as a pesticide for your garden. This will help keep nasty aphids and other pests from devouring your beautiful aromatic garden. Sprinkling calcium powder at the base of your plants will also keep them away!

Mosquitoes are Canada’s national bird, and often I feel as though they could carry me away! We spend a lot of time in the Lanark Highlands at our family’s cabin and boy are they thick out there.

Applying lemon grass, citronella, lavender and peppermint oil to a ribbon and hanging it in doorways, patios and windows helps to keep them out. And diffusing lemon grass and/or citronella oils is amazing for keeping them away, without having to apply toxic chemicals to your skin.

Also, mixing citronella and/or lemon grass oils into a (glass) spray bottle with sea salt and water can be used topically if you are heading away from the house.

If you have been branded with bites from these greedy guests, applying lavender and/or tea tree oil to the affected areas can significantly lower symptoms

gym stars

of the bites.

Essential oils can also be added to a carrier oil such as coconut oil - or my new favorite, grapeseed oil - and applied for longer-lasting and water resistant use.

The ratio of EO to carrier oil is 5-10 drops of essential oil per 15-20 ml of carrier oil. If you are applying this mixture to children, please cut the essential oils in half and dilute accordingly.

If you are going to be in the sun for long periods of time, try adding a few drops of carrot seed oil to some coconut or avocado oil. This mixture gives you the protection of 38-40 SPF. * For the best results, please make sure you are using therapeutic grade oils. Please do your research if you plan to use this on pregnant women, young children or someone undergoing holistic treatments as essential oils can interact with certain treatments. * Lavender and tea tree oils are the only essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin. ALL others should ALWAYS be diluted. This mixture could also be sprayed on your dog’s collar to help keep pests off of them.

For more tips, tricks, recipes and info on ratios, please visit my facebook page @ www.facebook.com/EOwithSarah http://ohlardy.com/using-essential-oils-safely/

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The Smiths Falls Gym Stars held their 18th Annual Gymnastics Show on April 19th. Approximately 150 gymnasts took part in two shows to an audience of about 300 spectators! The Show wrapped up the Winter Session and showcased the gymnastics skills acquired by participants in all recreational school-aged and competitive programs with gymnasts ranging in age from 4 through 16.

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lifestyle

blood, sweat & tools Smiths Falls native in race to improve handy skills on new Discovery Channel show HANNA LANGE-CHENIER A Smiths Falls man is hoping to improve his handyman skills and join forces with partner Holly for a shot at winning $50,000 on Discovery Canada’s new show, Blood, Sweat & Tools. Jesse Graham and partner Holly Dusome as the Blue Team will be competing against four other couples in an attempt to snag the top prize and be named “Most Improved” by voters across Canada.

The duo made the cut for the show because they don’t always see eye-to-eye on issues in their home reno, they say.

“I think my skills are pretty good, I’ve done quite a bit of work around here and nothing’s really fallen apart,” Graham says. “So I think my work speaks for itself.”

But Dusome disagrees. “He calls himself the jack of all trades and the master of none.

And he really is the master of nothing. Maybe demolition.”

In the show’s first episode of nine, aired on Discovery on April 13, the couples faced off in Northern Ontario’s cottage country to three challenges: building a workbench to exact specifications, constructing a fire pit and swing bench, and installing a toilet! (And yes, there was a flush test.) The teams must impress three expert judges, Rob Koci of Canadian Contractor magazine, fourth-generation tradesman and carpenter Helder Brum, and power tool expert Hillary Manion.

The challenges were an op-

portunity to for the pair to re-think their approach to working together.

“The toughest part for me was letting Holly actually do anything, I guess,” says Graham.

“For me it was the tools. I mean, I’m used to Jesse not letting me do anything,” Dusome notes.

The couple live in Penetanguishene, Ontario, about a five-hour drive south-west of Smiths Falls, where they bought a house that needed serious renovations. That’s where most of the DIY home renovation trouble began, says Dusome.

“We purchased a house a couple of years ago and we ended up gutting it because it wasn’t being taken care of.

But I think we bit off more than we could chew because we definitely needed a lot of help putting it back together,” she says.

Despite relocating, Graham keeps close ties to Smiths Falls. “I was born there, and I lived [there] my entire life pretty well up until I was 20 or 22. My mom is there and I’ve got my aunt, a ton of friends – I’ve got family all over Smiths Falls and Perth and Ottawa,” he says.

Graham said he was “shocked” that his Dusome had nominated him as a bad handy person for the show, and says that friends and family were also surprised.

“Everybody thinks it’s pretty funny. I guess everybody’s kind of surprised that I was this closet bad handyman, because I can always make things sound really good – a little bit larger than life. And

home and garden feature

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then when they see what I’ve done on TV, they’re like ‘Oh, really? Wow… That’s interesting,’” he laughs.

But overall, Graham says everyone has been supportive. “Everybody’s pretty ex-

cited for the show. I know lots of people are watching and they’re following our fan page, and they’re laughing at my embarrassing moments so that’s good,” he says.

Fans can follow Jesse and

Great Container Planting Recipe: Thriller, Filler, Spiller Every spring the challenge of coming up with fabulous containers is a challenge for many gardeners. If you want to be the envy of your neighbourhood this season then here is an easy three-ingredient recipe to follow when headed to the garden centre to choose your plants.

The first and most important ingredient is called the thriller - a centerpiece plant with star quality, something big, bold, and beautiful. As the name implies, thrillers are the big, attention-getting plants.

They are usually tall, upright plants, with outstanding qualities, such as colorful foliage, intriguing shape, or dramatic flowers that will last all season long. Thrillers are also the starting point in a container design, select your thriller, then build around it. At planting time, the thriller either goes in the center of a pot that will be viewed from all sides or at the back of a pot that will be displayed in a corner or against a wall. Great examples of thrillers are African Sunset Cannas, Red Riding

Hood Pennisetum, Alocasias, or Cordyline Red Star.

Then mix with this, a few spicy fillers, which are either foliage or flowering plants that will compliment but not overwhelm your main player. Since fillers are usually plants with a mounded silhouette, they also do just what the name implies: they fill up the pot while embracing the thriller. These plants are often billowy, more finely textured plants that surround and weave through the thriller while adding mass to the overall compo-

sition. A few examples of filler plants are Begonias, Coleus, Petunias, Lantana, Heliotrope, Nemesia, or Diamond Frost Euphorbia.

Finally, add a savory splash of flavour with a spiller that will tumble over the side of the pot. These plants really anchor the pot.

The main role of a spiller is to sprawl over the side of the container, softening its edges and tumbling toward the ground. Well chosen spillers help pull together the thriller and fillers so be sure to choose plants that either echo the colour

Holly’s

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for a monochromatic feel or contrast with the other plants in shape, colour or texture for a more dramatic effect. Some of the most popular spillers are Sweet Potato Vines, Bacopa, Lobelia, Silver Licorice Vine or Creeping Jenny.

This simple plant recipe planted in a good rich potting mix that contains a slow release fertilizer will guarantee success with your container plantings.

To maintain the health and ensure constant blooms all summer long, it is extremely important to fertilize all annual container plantings with a water soluble fertilizer ever third watering.

Annuals are the work horses of all plants because they produce blooms continuously so keep them well

fed. If extreme heat and constant drying out is an issue then consider adding water holding crystals to your container before planting. These super stars absorb water and expand then release the water back in to the soil to keep plants evenly moist.

As long as you use these basic concepts in any planting arrangement, taking care to balance colours and textures that compliments each other then you can easily create a pot with pizzazz every time. Drop in to your local garden centre for help in choosing the best plants for your containers this spring!

Kelly Heath, Gemmell’s Garden Centre

may 2015

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www.discoversmithsfalls.ca

lifestyle SHERRY CRUMMY In 2015, the importance of a strong website to promote your business is paramount. If your business does not have one, it is time to think about your marketing goals.

Your website is your marketing hub and a tool that should be maximize to its full potential. Launching a new website is exciting, a little scary at times, and can be overwhelming to think about.

As the old adage goes, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Building a website without a plan is like constructing a building without blueprints. Here are some key components to consider: What is the goal of your website?

Think strategically on what is your website’s role, what content goes into it, so it’s crystal clear what you want the new site to do. Put yourself in the shoes of your customer and design your information architecture, what should be their action points?

For example; sign up for your newslet-

ter, buy your products or rally behind a cause. Who is your target audience? Set measurable, specific goals for your website that are in line with your marketing goals. An analytics tool like Google Analytics will allow you to monitor your website’s performance over time.

What is lacking in your current website?

Ask your current users what they like and dislike in the current website, any common complaints

from frequent visitors. A lot can be learnt from Google Analytics, where are the users spending most time, where is the exit point, where are they going from your site. Follow the facts and don’t assume here. Is it mobile-friendly? The new updates to the Google Algorithm on April 21 means that all websites need to be adaptive or responsive design for mobile devices.

If they are not, they may not show up in a Google search

SPRING FLING RUNNING THING

on these devices, which can greatly hurt your business.

A Content Management System (CMS) is a must today, you can add, modify, delete your photos, text, pages, sections and be in complete control of your content on the fly. The most common CMS tool is Wordpress.

Create a content strategy. What kind of content will you be displaying on your website? Content is basically anything that gives your visitors information. It can include, but is not limited to: blog posts, documents, video, pictures, embedded social media feeds.

Your content strategy is the way that you plan to

present your content over time. For instance, you may want to publish two blog posts a month, regular news posts or a regular report.

Since content is such a vital aspect of a website, bring in help if you need it. Hire a writer who is experienced with writing for the web, and invest in some professional looking pictures of your business and staff.

Probably the most important aspect of website ‘structural design’ is how you breakdown the content into logical sections (Main Areas, Pages, Headers, Sub-Headers, etc).

A major aspect of usability for a website is the need for people to be able to

find what they want, and quickly. Logical, practical and sensible navigation is essential if your site is to succeed.

Maintain your site. Once your site is launched, the work isn’t over. A website is an ongoing entity that continuously represents your business, so maintenance is very important. Monitor your analytics to see how your website is performing.

Keep an eye on metrics like your number of unique visitors, bounce rate, and which pages are most popular on your website.

Consider also ‘future proofing’ your website. This means your site having a built-in ability to expand. You don’t want to have to rebuild the site again from the ground up, every time you have a new idea you want to add to it.

Launching a new website is by no means easy, but with a strong plan and a launch strategy in hand, your website launch should run smoothly. Visit me at www.crummymedia.com for tips on optimizing your website in 2015.

Fresh cuisine catered to your style & taste Full or Light Buffets Sit Down Dinners Appetizers & Entrees Specialty Gourmet Desserts

SPORTS April 19, 2015 - Smiths Falls Spring Fling Running Thing on the Cataraqui Trail was a huge success. Runners competed in 2K 5K, 10K and half marathon races.

Photos by Jason Code

Small Weddings, Rehersals, Showers & Parties Call us today (613) 283-9400 5 Main St. W. Smiths Falls

may 2015

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www.discoversmithsfalls.ca

culture Remy’s Dilemma: Canadian humour in a Canadian landscape AMY HOGUE You don’t have to be Canadian to read former Smiths Falls This Week reporter Andrew Snook’s book, Remy’s Dilemma, but it definitely helps. In fact, Remy’s Dilemma is filled with references to Canadian locations and iconic humour that makes total sense when you consider the author is not only Canadian, but also has a long standing passion for Canadian culture.

Remy’s Dilemma offers a satirical, yet insightful look at the world of Mississauga resident, Remy Delemme, who suddenly realizes the world is coming to an end and panics, since he still hasn’t completed his life-long goals. Set in a future where America and Canada have merged and are taken over by a pharmaceutical corporation who rebrand North America, “Glamerica,” Remy sets off on a road trip to find the answer to mankind’s greatest question.

Remy’s journey carves a path of destruction through the Ottawa Valley and down the 401 into New Quebec (the merger of Quebec and New Brunswick, which separated because of Glamerica’s refusal to recognize French as an official language), leading the police and his government in pursuit. Andrew explained that creating Remy was the most fun

part of writing the novel – he’s not a good guy or a bad guy, he just sees the world in a different way.

“Remy’s an interesting character,” Andrew explained, “He has this extremely destructive tunnel vision where he has to reach his goal and just tears through whatever’s in his way.”

It’s that tunnel vision that unknowingly leads Remy in and out of hilarious escapades throughout his journey. Remy’s Dilemma will be the first book in a three-book series.

Andrew’s wife, Cristine Snook, who has supported Andrew throughout the writing process, said she’s likely read the book a dozen times at this point, and it still makes her laugh out loud.

“It’s not just humorous, there’s a little bit of suspense; and with the character development I think it’s a full product now,” Cristine said, adding that the feedback they’ve received has been positive and readers definitely have all had their own favourite part of the book.

“It’s not just for one personality type, it’s for anyone,” Cristine said.

The road to publication wasn’t an easy one for Andrew, who said Remy’s Dilemma is the rewrite of a novella he wrote while living in Nova Scotia, called Wasted Days.

Although Snook decided to throw away the bulk of the novella, he

said he still liked the premise of the story, and eventually combined Wasted Days and a subsequent novella to create the basis of Remy’s Dilemma, while working as a reporter in Smiths Falls.

He said the idea for Remy’s Dilemma came to him in a dream while at university. When he woke up from the dream, he wrote for 12 hours straight. Only after reviewing the novella several years later, did he realize that the book’s plot and writing quality were weak, and they had to be rewritten.

“It was a long process,” he laughed.

While working full time as a magazine editor in the Toronto area, Snook said writing was challenging and required a substantial commitment, particularly after having children.

“Ever since having kids, on the weekends I wake up earlier than I do for work, at 5:30 or 6:00 a.m.,” Snook said. “Basically, I got the book done by sleeping less.”

Working long hours is nothing to new to Snook, who remembers working for Smiths Falls This Week when he was up at 7 a.m. and worked non-stop until late at night, but said that he still remembers his time in Smiths Falls as an important learning experience.

“I made some great connec-

tions and met some great people in Smiths Falls. To this day it’s still the most rewarding job I’ve had my whole life. I absolutely loved it,” Snook said, adding that he has plans for Remy to visit Smiths Falls in the third book of the series.

So far, Remy’s Dilemma has been through three drafts, including two rounds of revisions at the publishers. Snook has a book tour planned for this summer, where he will make stops in Smiths Falls, Carleton Place, Arnprior and Renfrew for book signings.

Remy’s Dilemma is available for purchase in hardcover and paperback from Chapters Indigo, Amazon Books, or directly from the publisher at the Friesen Press bookstore. E-books are available through FriesenPress, Amazon Kindle, Nook, iTunes, Google Books and Kobo. For purchasing information, please visit Andrew’s website at www.snookbooks.com.

Stay tuned for more information about the upcoming book tour in Smiths Falls, and your opportunity to get a signed copy of Remy’s Dilemma.

my crazy life BECKIE BROWN May is a month of promise. The warm weather is upon us. We start to see the new flowers and plant our gardens. We clean our windows, open them up and let our kids play outside until bedtime. May also had a very important day.

One day in 365 designated for mothers. It is only fitting that this special day is during such a beautiful and amazing month.

My grandmother is in

her 70’s now. Her mother has been gone for over 50 years now and she still gets tears in her eyes when she talks about her. I know it is sad but it’s beautiful too.

The day I had my first baby I saw my own Mother through a new set of eyes.

I wasn’t sure how I was going to live every day the rest of my life with such a raw vulnerable part of me being out there in the world. I wasn’t sure how my Mom did it with 5 of us. My Mom - who also

had a baby boy before me who died before birth only weeks before his due date. How did she survive this? She had to have super powers. I still believe this.

My Mom must have super powers.

When I am sick I still want my Mom. I remember being a teenager and being sick on the floor, all I wanted was my Mom. I went into her room and told her what happened and she opened her covers to let me crawl in. Just the

memory of it brings tears to my eyes because I know now how much it means to hold your baby close. No matter how big they are.

A year and a half ago we experienced loss in our lives and I couldn’t believe the strength I saw in my Mom. How does a woman whose whole world is falling apart keep herself so strong for her adult children? I felt like a child again being wrapped in her arms. There is nothing like having your Mom.

So this Mother’s day I want to say happy mothers day to my own Mom but to all the other Moms out there. You have super powers you don’t even know about. Your voice is comforting in times of trial, your arms are like a warm blanket and just having you near has the ability to make almost everything more bearable.

No matter what age your children are I hope this mothers day is full of love and hopefully some choc-

olate.

To those of you, like my grandmother whose Mom cannot be here this year.

She lives on through you and your memories. Memories are such a beautiful thing when you can have them with joy and love.

Please think of your Mom and all the amazing things she did for you to make you who you are today.

And if you see a lady bug it just might be a message from your Mom that she is thinking of you too.

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www.discoversmithsfalls.ca

culture

Local architectural model business carves out successful niche HANNA LANGE-CHENIER Construction is on and business is booming at Smiths Falls’ Monolith Architectural Models. But not the sort of construction you may think – this kind involves a laser cutter, 3D printer, and endless painstaking hours making sure every detail is accurate.

“They’re very time consuming and difficult to make, very detailed, and nobody wants to do it except us here. So that’s how we keep ourselves in business,” says Noel White, Monolith’s owner and founder.

The company’s to-scale replicas are typically used by developers in condo sales to show prospective buyers what the building will look like when it’s completed. Each model follows the exact measurements provided by the developer, and includes the proposed construction or building as well as elements of the community surrounding it, like greenspace and sidewalks.

And every last detail is included, right down to lounge chairs on balconies, bricks in the building, play structures outdoors, and lines on the sidewalk.

White has worked on projects for clients such as Tamarak Homes, Ashcroft Homes, and Kemptville’s first condo building, and is currently in the process of replicating a Kanata rental office unit complex.

“A lot of the time it’s just 2D drawings, and the model is the first 3D version that people have seen,” White says. “[The clients] are usually very excited and they like to walk around it, and they notice things about the building that they didn’t notice before, because it’s actually there,” he says.

The models also have the effect of helping potential condo buyers picture the space. “People always want to see and touch for themselves. The models really draw people in.”

On one hand, technology has allowed for more convenience and precision in the workshop. White uses a laser cutter to accurately slice and engrave the plastic sheets used to construct the buildings. He can input exact sizes and measurements, and the cutter goes to work.

The company has also invested in a 3D printer which White says is a huge time-saver, but still might

not be as much of a daily staple as you’d think. “It’s mostly used for weird elements, maybe like a dome or a spiral staircase, or something that would just give you nightmares trying to assemble.”

On the other hand, many of the elements are still pieced together the old-fashioned way – by hand. For example, most of the trees and landscaping are built from scratch, involving many hours of twisting the base wire together and gluing on foliage in the perfect spots.

White typically works on most projects single-handedly, though hires additional help at busy periods. He says his success over the past five years of business is due to the huge demand for quality building models in the area.

Before Monolith came along, developers “were getting theirs from Toronto or Montreal, and there were some who didn’t have any models at all because they didn’t know where to get them,” he says.

The profession is a good fit for entrepreneurs, since there isn’t any training for new model makers hoping to start a career – many must learn from seasoned professionals in the industry. White says he got his start making models in an architect’s office in Toronto, but that the in-house model making practice is now being phased out at most firms in favour of specialized model makers.

White says that when he

HANNA LANGE-CHENIER/PHOTOS

Noel White busy at work taking freshly cut parts out of the laser printer.

moved to Smiths Falls for family reasons, it was the perfect opportunity to jump in and start up the business.

“I sort of saw an opportunity and there seemed to be enough business in Ottawa, so I thought I would take the plunge and try it myself.

Five years later here I am, still doing it. I hope to be still doing it for a long time because I’m not very good at anything else,” he laughs.

As White looks ahead to the coming months, he says he is considering expanding from his current backyard workshop into a larger space. “I’m finding it a little crowded and I’m not able to take on every job that I want, just because we’re simply running out of room.”

THE BUSINESSES OF

Davidson Courtyard W E L C O M E

N E W

O W N E R S

OF

Cafe 7 West CHERYL GULSETH AND BRIAN MCCARTHY

The Artisan Loft & General Store TUE - SAT: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (613) 284 - 4200

The Gilded Monarch TUE - SAT: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Cheryl & Brian welcome you to enjoy a cup of coffee on the patio this spring in beautiful Davidson Business Courtyard. Come try the Cafe 7 West menu for breakfast, lunch, sandwiches, soups, wraps or desserts.

7 Russell St W Smiths Falls, Ontario (613) 283-4024

MON - SAT: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Dawn’s Closet WED - SAT: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM OR BY APPOINTMENT ANY OTHER DAY

(613) 284-2664

Apollo Computers MON - FRI: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM (613) 284-2446

CHECK OUT THESE OTHER BUSINESSES IN THE

Davidson Courtyard

may 2015

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www.discoversmithsfalls.ca

culture

Excelerator lends jumpstart to businesses and local economy HANNA LANGE-CHENIER A new business hub is taking shape in Smiths Falls with the launch of the Excelerator at the Gallipeau Centre. The newly-established business resource centre offers a collaborative co-work space while supporting new and expanding businesses in the area.

Renovations have been under way for several months, and the centre will host its grand opening on May 1. Though the official launch is still ahead, the Excelerator has already attracted several clients, and organizers say this interest is promising, both for the business itself and for the area.

“We’re the pioneers doing this in this whole area. I think the next closest one is Kingston, and then east of us is Ottawa,” says Ryan Rigby, coordinator of the Excelerator. “We’re trying to create a brand, and brand Smiths Falls as a place where entrepreneurs can come and excel. We’ve had a lot of interest,” he says.

The Excelerator offers two main services – a co-work space, and a business incubator. The co-work space will serve as a resource for home based businesses, travelling professionals, and others in need of a professional space. And there are plenty of spaces to choose from, including a computer lab, semi-pri-

vate offices, private offices, meeting space, and a drop-in lounge. Rentals are flexible, allowing users to pay by the hour, day, week, or month.

More frequent users can register to become members, allowing them access to discounts on rentals, free printing, use of the kitchen, 20 GB of cloud storage, discounts on seminars and events, and a bonus for caffeine-fuelled entrepreneurs: use of the coffee machine. Rigby says the Excelerator has invested in online scheduling, allowing users to save the hassle and book a space right online.

But the real benefits lie in the ability to make connections, network, and take advantage of the Excelerator’s seasoned business experts.

“You step out of your house, and you’re exposed to a lot more. Not only in terms of ideas and meeting people, but also the resources that we offer, and that the federal government offers, and that Valley Heartland offers that a lot of people don’t know about,” Rigby explains. “So I think that’s the value it will create.”

The second facet of the Excelerator is the business incubator, which connects business experts and resources with fledgling local companies to help them grow and become successful. There are two classifications of business – incubated and excelerated.

“We’re looking for emerging busi-

HANNAH LANGE-CHENIER/PHOTO A look at the Excelerator’s drop-in lounge, which offers users wifi, a comfortable co-work space, and the chance to network.

nesses and businesses that are growing – almost too big to be at home.

We’re looking to give them tenant space here where they get subsidized rent and also access to all of our resources for funding, for finding marketing material or markets, and also to work in the space in a collaborative effort,” says Rigby.

Incubated businesses are typically very new companies who haven’t yet had a chance to put down many roots or develop. The Excelerator offers business consulting, helps companies develop key business plans and infrastructure, and guides them through the next steps. For incubated companies, Rigby says “it’s almost like a university.”

“You have to produce under certain benchmarks and there’s a graduation requirement. It’s like going to

school, and we’re teaching you how to make it in the world,” he explains.

On the other hand, excelerated companies typically have a little more experience and are better established, and will consult the centre for help taking the company to the next step. “In the excelerated companies, we’re not there so much to teach them but to provide economic stability and help them expand.”

The centre already has three excelerated companies signed on to use more permanent, full office space as well as Excelerator resources – Creative Relations Event Planning; EMSEC Solutions, a high-tech product developer; and PLP Technologies, which has moved its headquarters from Ottawa to the Excelerator.

“What [the Excelerator] does for the area is it attracts companies from

Ottawa. Because we’re in a rural area, we can provide these services at a discount for what they would be in the city,” Rigby says. “We find that we’re getting a lot of interest from a lot of Ottawa companies.”

Its location in the Gallipeau Centre is also an important asset to users, who have access to all of the centre’s amenities and businesses.

“I think Smiths Falls deserves something like this and it’s good to get people coming back,” says Rigby.

In honour of the May 1 grand opening, the Excelerator is hosting a competition for companies to prove why they should be incubated for a chance to win free use of Excelerator resources. And, if you like the Excelerator on Facebook, you get a 20% discount on memberships if you sign up on May 1.

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HANNAH LANGE-CHENIER/PHOTOS Smiths Falls’ newest consignment shop, Fashion Envy, held its grand opening April 1 at the store’s Russell Street East location. Kerri Whan, the store’s owner, says the opening was a great success. “It’s been a great traffic flow. I had people here since 9 a.m.,” she said. The store has a variety of consigned clothing on display, and also boasts a wide selection of new items, accessories, and gift ware.

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may 2015

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www.discoversmithsfalls.ca

culture

spotlight on business:

to dream, to dance, to teach

SILOKI CENTRE Local laser tag business expansion proof of success in Smiths Falls

HANNA LANGE-CHENIER

SUBMITTED PHOTO

ALLISON GRAHAM Chelsea Gardnier was always an athletic child but very early on it became clear that ballet was her passion. She started dancing at the age of four in Perth and shortly after she was traveling to Westport, taking classes at the Rideau Lakes School of Dance.

It was there, that she was encouraged by one of her teachers, Debra Lamothe, to audition for more prominent companies.

After further training at The School Of Dance, in Ottawa, where she studied six days a week for over a two year period, Chelsea auditioned for The National Ballet School. She was accepted into their summer program and at the end of grade nine, moved to Toronto, lived in residence and began her professional training.

“The competition was intense,” she said. “I went from being one of the strongest students at my local school to being at the bottom of the class in Toronto.” At the end of the summer, Chelsea was accepted into the year long program at that school.

“You eat, sleep, train, do

everything as a family unit. Your best friends are also your competition.”

After graduating, Chelsea traveled to Germany as a member of The National Ballet School for a joint performance with the Hamburg Ballet School and The Paris Opera Ballet School. This particular experience opened up a lot of opportunities to look elsewhere to dance. She decided to stay in Hamburg for the following four years, training at The Hamburg Ballet School and eventually joining The Hamburg Ballet Company, performing 120 shows a year and touring extensively across Europe.

“In the ballet world, you live to push for success.

As a dancer you’re always striving for more and that gets very tiring. I got burned out. I didn’t want a rest but I needed one,” she tells me.

Chelsea returned home to Perth in 2008 and began exploring her faith; enroling in a one-year discipleship program and spending time with her family.

“It was an adjustment - at one time being iden-

tified as ‘Chelsea the dancer’ to simply being, Chelsea,” she said.

Without professional dance, she grew to understand her ‘self ’ better.

Through time she accepted that she can be defined as an individual rather than by what she does.

In 2010 she got married and she and her husband have two young children.

Encouraged by her husband, Chelsea opened her own studio in 2014 called Redeemer Dance Academy. At present, most of the classes offered are traditional ballet. Eventually she plans to have a professional and recreational division and offer classes as diverse as contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop.

There are also plans for a coffee bar and a store supplying dance wear. “Most of my students are fairly new to ballet. What I offer is encouragement; trying to bring out who they are, their passion and the dancer in them. But I also push them,” she says with a smile.

For more information please visit, redeemerdanceacademy.ca

If you’ve ever taken a drive down Poonamalie Road, chances are you’ve seen the Siloki Centre.

The large, cream-coloured all-purpose canvas building is hard to miss. And you might be surprised at how much activity fits inside.

“At this facility here we offer birthday parties, from paint ball to laser tag; P.A. day camps, March break camps, and summer day camps,” says Richard Peskett, the owner.

But Peskett is careful to stress that the business is a family effort. “We’ve been in business for five years now. It started up as a project for my kids and I to work together, and it grew from there,” he says. “Siloki actually stands for Sierra, Logan and Kira. It’s a family based business, all my children work with me and my wife,” he explains.

The business originally started out offering travelling laser tag parties, and has since grown with the support of the community. The centre is unique to the area, and offers activities many would otherwise make the trip to Ottawa for.

“We opened on the premise that we wanted to offer affordable entertainment to Smiths Falls. We were tired of travelling in to the city for everything, and we decided ‘why not bring

entertainment to Smiths Falls?’” he says. “From there it’s grown from a mobile business where we travel around with our laser tag, to semi-permanent where we shared a facility with a local karate club, and then to this permanent facility here.”

Peskett is gearing up for this summer’s round of day camps, and the schedule is already packed and bursting with fun activities.

Each week follows a different theme and promises lots of excitement for kids – ‘Choose Your Adventure’ week, Medieval week, Minion Madness week, and Space Adventure week are just a few of the theme options sure to please and engage kids.

And Peskett says in addition to good old fashioned fun for campers, convenience and affordability for parents is also a priority.

“There’s no extra charge for early drop off or late pick up. We have very flexible care. You can choose one day at a time, or you can choose weeks at a time, or you can choose a whole summer,” he says. “Because we understand that it’s not easy to find care if you’re a shift worker, or you might not want to commit to a full week, and we understand that.”

In addition to purchasing the permanent facility two years ago, Peskett says the latest growth in the company has been a partnership

with another small company that helps offer bouncy castles and rock climbing walls. He says the decision to expand from offering mobile laser tag into also having a permanent facility was because of the positive reception the business has received from the community. “As the support of us grew, we knew the business had to go in a certain direction, and it was nice to be able to stay here in Smiths Falls and serve the community.”

And the centre’s popularity with customers is proof that putting down roots in Smiths Falls was a success, and that the town appreciates the affordable entertainment. “Most of our weekends are packed solid, due to the fact that we try to offer a reasonable price for a quality product,” says Peskett. “We’ve kept everything at a reasonable cost.

A lot of the time when you go to a party expecting to pay one price, you end up paying a lot more. All of our parties, you know what you’re paying before you come. There’s no surprise.”

As summer is quickly approaching, Peskett says that day camps are already selling out, so it is best to register ahead of time. The centre is also looking to hire a chief adventurer to help with the camps. You can find all of the details online at www.siloki.com.

may 2015

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www.discoversmithsfalls.ca

food & drink Two Rivers Food Hub breathes new life into Meals On Wheels program HANNA LANGE-CHENIER As it celebrates its EODP funding victory, the Two Rivers Food Hub is also expanding its reach to helping to freshen up the meals on wheels program offered by Lanark County Home Support Services.

The program’s organizers recently made the decision to look for a new supplier of the home delivered meals that elderly, disabled, and house-bound clients receive, and Matthew Brearley, the food hub’s organizer, saw the perfect opportunity.

“You know how you dig a carrot and you spike it with a fork? Well there’s nothing wrong with that carrot, but the problem is it doesn’t look pretty when you’re trying to

sell it at a market stall,” he explains.

“So what it does is allows us to have the opportunity to cut it and make the useable parts useable.”

His goal is to supply healthy and delicious meals while at the same time using local produce and the “ugly” vegetables that are still perfectly good, but otherwise wouldn’t sell.

“So imagine, there’s going to be fresh, local product going into a meals on wheels program. Right now, a lot of the meals on wheels programs, the frozen ones, are coming from a factory down in Toronto,” Brearley says. “Now all of the sudden you’re getting your neighbour’s carrots or your neighbour’s potatoes in a meal, which is the way it used to be.”

Brearley, a successful chef,

HANNA LANGE-CHENIER/PHOTO Food Hub director Matthew Brearley.

works with food hub coordinator Sarah MacKenzie to make about 20 meals each week day, though they say that orders are expected to grow. “We are talking with some other municipalities as well, with the possibility of providing them with the meals,” he says. “More frozen meals because it’s a little more difficult to get hot meals out, but there is definitely a market for

Food bank receives generous meat donation for winning top spot in competition HANNA LANGE-CHENIER Visitors to the Smiths Falls Community Food Bank enjoyed a rare ham dinner this Easter, after the food bank won second place in a meat donation contest hosted by Ontario Meat & Poultry, the organization representing Ontario Independent Meat Processors.

The contest is dubbed ‘Be a Good Egg,’ and Ontario Meat and Poultry says it aims to “grow awareness for local food banks across Ontario.”

It allows communities across the province to vote for their local food bank and gives them the chance to win a donation of meat and poultry from one of the producing members.

The Smiths Falls food bank came in second place, beating out dozens of other food banks and earning a donation of 50 hams on April 2 from local butcher Seed to Sausage in Sharbot Lake and Ottawa.

The meat was a special alternative around Easter for some of the nearly 564 clients, including 250 families, the food bank serves on average every month, says Carolyn Barr, the food bank’s manager.

“We have hamburger that we give to all of the clients when they come in, but this gave us an alternative. So for families of 4 and up, they had a [choice] of having ham or hamburger,” she says. “They were beautiful hams.”

Barr says that a volunteer who manages the website and Facebook page was the reason the food bank did so well in the contest. “She sent out the word, and we were fortunate enough to come in second. We got out there and touched base with people and said ‘Hey look – this opportunity is there, why don’t you go out and vote for us,’” Barr says. “We actually were leading the competition up until the morning of the last day.”

“But I have informed anybody who cares to hear that we will win next year!”

Moving forward, Barr says they still have a few hams left, and are looking forward to fresh produce season. “We’ve been trying to increase the nutritional component of our food over the last couple of years, and I think we’ve been able to do that somewhat.”

“We’re coming into the season of fresh produce so we’ve been very fortunate that the local grocery stores have been providing some fresh produce over the winter,” she says.

Barr says she is grateful for the community’s support, both in the Be a Good Egg contest and all year. “I just want to let the community know how much we really do appreciate their support. The food bank is supported on donations and nothing else. So we need them, and they seem to be there for us,” she says. “And the clients appreciate it, and certainly the board of directors do as well.”

the frozen meals within the community.”

So far, Brearley says, volunteers have been crucial in helping the food hub to take root. “We’ve got a coop student from SFDCI here helping out. And we are always looking for volunteers to help out with the meals on wheels program,” he says.

The food hub is establishing it-

self as just that – a hub for locally produced food. It will provide farmers with connections to sell their produce, large purchasers to buy the produce, offers kitchen space for bakers or food processers to expand from their home kitchens, and helps create a network of local food producers and consumers to connect.

around the community...

SUBMITTED PHOTO Smiths Falls’ gymnasts from the Gym Stars Gymnastics Club, Carlee Lyons (left), Shona Turnbull (centre) and Tessa Gilligan (right) competed against 22 other competitors at the provincial championship on April 12 in Windsor, Ontario. Carlee placed 10th overall, Shona placed 5th overall and Tessa placed 14th. Congratulations girls!

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may 2015

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food & drink

Modern Thymes celebrates 15th anniversary KATHY BOTHAM Dave and Sharon Brown will be celebrating their 15th anniversary as owners of Modern Thymes now on Russell Street.

Modern Thymes has changed venues, owners and even how it spells its name since the original door opening more than 30 years ago. Dave and Sharon took ownership 15 years ago and changed its name from Modern Times to Modern Thymes.

When they took on this establishment, the Brown’s wanted “to keep a reputable spot alive” and it was “something we can learn more about”. They accomplished that and are constantly growing.

Their bulk foods are very popular. Sugar, flour, rice, chocolate and baking supplies to name a few. Spices are ground after you order it. Items you need just a certain amount of for those special recipes, you get them here in bulk. Gluten free items are also available which is important to some people. The Brown’s make their own variety of granola in the store.

Health and beauty products and supplements are in stock and sought after in Modern Thymes. The Browns have an in store resource section filled with books to use as a resource and guidelines.

Supporting their community is important to the Browns. “Local is important to us” Sharon says. They help out local providers and sell their products. Along the same lines, the Browns want to connect with this community. Recently they provided a space for a “Skate Swap” where skates were donated and given away to local children.

They could skate particularly on Smiths Falls new SensSkate Rink.

Modern Thymes has customer appreciation days on the first Monday and Tuesday of each month where they offer 10% off bulk items and supplements. They have frequent buyer cards for supplements and if you spend more than $100 on bulk items and supplements, you get 15 per cent off.

On June 1 and 2, the Browns will be celebrating 15 years as owners of Modern Thymes. They welcome you to join them and celebrate this milestone.

KATHY BOTHAM/PHOTOS Dave and Sharon Brown took ownership of the store 15 years ago and changed its name from Modern Times to Modern Thymes. They’re celebrating 15 years of ownership of the bulk health and beauty store. On June 1 and 2, the Browns will be celebrating 15 years as owners of Modern Thymes and they welcome you to join them and celebrate this milestone.

COLUMN:

VICKIE DICKSON

Aren’t lunches just the most boring thing in the world to have to think about? If you’re anything like me, you dread trying to pull something together for lunches for your little ones, never mind your own lunch.

I remember the days of lining everything up the night before and being ready to pull my hair out trying to think of different snacks for school lunches.

Of course, the bigger issue is making sure that the lunch you pack is nourishing the bodies and minds that it is being prepared for.

There really aren’t any good choices in packaged foods. Sorry. So how do you build a healthy lunch, without nuts I might add, that covers all of the bases?

Start with this rule of thumb: at every snack or meal, make sure that you are including fat and protein to balance blood sugar. This goes for you and your little ones.

Try things like veggies and hummus, an apple with nut butter (not at school, I know), a handful of sunflower seeds, 2 hard boiled eggs,

build a better lunch box cold sweet potato fries with tahini, a small salad topped with shredded cheese and seeds, homemade guacamole with Mary’s crackers, etc… You get the idea.

Preparation is everything. I know it’s hard – believe me, I struggle with it too, but if you can possibly set aside one evening or half of a day on the weekend to prepare for the week, you will stay on track. Here are some ideas to get you started: - make a batch of quinoa to make into salads throughout the week - cut up veggies to have on hand - buy boxed, organic greens to add to salads and sandwiches - make a couple of batches of no bake granola bars - make healthy muffins - cook a whole chicken to use throughout the week - cook a couple of pieces of wild salmon to top salads with Since you’re working towards a better, more nutritious lunch, you might as well go one step further and swap that juice box for water.

Have you read the label for the sugar content in that juice box you’re sending? Do it now. 4g of sugar = 1 tsp. See? Water is best. Our brains need to be properly hydrated in order perform well throughout the day.

I’ll make you a deal. Try this for 30 days and see if it helps.

I’m betting you’ll feel better,

have more energy, and feel in control of your food choices – instead of resorting to lunchables or take-out on a bad day. Being prepared ahead of time will free up your time in the mornings. Maybe even make it a family project? If you don’t all feel better, you can go back to your old ways of throwing packaged foods into the lunch bag, but it will make me sad.

Vickie Dickson is studying Holistic Nutrition at CSNN in Ottawa and offering workshops all over the Ottawa valley.

You can follow her blog at www.vickiedickson. com

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