Fall | Winter
2012
www.mycommunitymagazine.com
Keep warm
with thrum mitts...?
G L ENV I E W
I R O N
&
M E T A L
COMPETITIVE PRICES
WASTE DUMPSTERS • ROLLOFF CONTAINERS
“Most People Talk Recycling, We Do It”
GLENVIEW
Adventures of a Girl Entrepreneur Unhappy Gut? A look at Gluten-sensitivity Sources and Symptons
WE PAY CASH FOR SCRAP LICENSED DEMOLITION PROFESSIONALS
IRON & METAL LTD.
www.glenviewiron.com
Smiths Falls - 3954 Hwy. 43 W.
Brockville - 2411 Lyn Rd.
613-283-5230
613-345-3263
Keep Your Copy of
Details on page 3
and qualify to win!
INTEGRATED BUILDING TECHNOLOGY clean
intelligent
SOLAR WATER HEATING APPLIANCES
C O R P O R A T I O N
INSULATED CONCRETE WALL SYSTEMS
Self-Limiting Solar Collector One, Two, Three or Four Collectors. High performance selective coating with absorptance 94% +/- 2%, emittance 5% +/- 2%
CCMC
Canadian Construction Materials Centre
Built-in Freeze Protection
13063-R
Up to 2x greater*
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Home Hot Water Heating
NUDURA is a highly insulated concrete wall, with no air spaces or studs, that vastly reduces air infiltration. When combined with an air exchange system, NUDURA technology helps even out the effect of external temperature swings and provides superior energy-efficiency as compared to typical wood-framed homes. Greater**
COST EFFICIENCY Because of NUDURA’s innovative design, it is faster and easier to build with and has much fewer post construction problems to deal with. The patented folding web design also makes NUDURA products more cost effective to ship. Up to 4x greater*
Up to 9x greater*
FIRE RESISTANCE
COMFORT
Up to 3x greater*
Up to 9x greater*
SOUND RESISTANCE
DURABILITY
The Cabinet Shop:
Quality workmanship at competitive prices At The Cabinet Shop, getting that kitch- work at very reasonable prices,” notes en or bathroom of your dreams is just a Gervais. “Our pieces are of exceptional simple phone call away. quality and are all done by hand… and our price points are very reasonable The business, a 2,000 square foot cus- considering what we do for it.” tom manufacturing facility of kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, is located five With The Cabinet Shop, clients get that kilometers west of North Gower at 3435 one-on-one experience and Gervais said Roger Stevens Drive. Owners Deborah she and Clayton take pride in their work Gervais, an accredited kitchen and and will cater to their clients’ specific bath designer; and Alex Clayton, cabi- needs. “Everything we do is built and set net maker extraordinaire have been at to the space you have, so it all fits propthe Roger Stevens Drive location since erly,” she said. 2006. Collectively, they have more than 40 years of combined experience in the Interior design services can help clients manufacturing, construction and design plan their project (and choose the proper finishes, hardware and accessories) industries. and The Cabinet Shop also uses 20-20 “We offer custom cabinetry and mill- design software to produce detailed three-dimensional renderings of what your new kitchen our bathroom could look like.
Solar Storage Tank
“We go to your home and measure up the space, with a free consultation by appointment. The experience is much more personalized that way,” Gervais stated.
Auxiliary Storage Tank (existing or new, electric, natural gas, propane or oil)
All cabinetry is created on-site in the manufacturing facility, which is equipped with a variety of machinery, including a complete countertop cutting station. Another unique feature to the woodworking shop is the self-contained spray booth. Its state-of-the-art finishing equipment allows The Cabinet Shop to provide custom staining to their clients as well.
*Compared to a typical wood framed house. **Compared to other ICs
The Cabinet Shop operates on a by appointment basis only and is not a walk-in retail outlet. Their facility is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and evening and Saturday appointThey also offer a variety of wood, ther- ments are also available upon request. mofoil and laminate doors from suppli- To schedule an appointment, please ers including Richelieu, Premoule and call 613-489-2323 or email thecabinetCaron, in addition to local suppliers. shop@xplornet.com. “Everything comes in here (manufacturing facility), we build it and finish it here and then ship it out. Everything is done in-house,” Gervais commented.
Building a greener tomorrow • Solutions for all sizes of rooms and homes • Temperatures up to 140˚ F • Self-powered – no electrical hookup required SOLARSHEAT 1500G • Thermostatically controlled • Save on high cost of oil and gas
From material to design, JELD-WEN is paving the way for a more energyefficient, healthier and sustainable future. Our products help you conserve energy, save money on energy bills, and provide you with some of the most environmentally beneficial features on the market. Learn more at www.JELD-WEN.ca
WINDOWS & DOORS
RIDEAU LUMBER 58 Abbott Street, Smiths Falls, Ontario
613-283-2211 Fax 613-283-8537
Installation Services
Toll Free 1-800-890-0690 info@rideaulumber.com
www.rideaulumber.com
Laminate post-formed counter and bar tops from Premoule are also available, as are counter and bar tops in materials such as granite, solid surface and engineered stone.
s r
r
TM
The net i b a C p o h S
Alex Clayton Deborah Gervais, AKBD
613-489-2323 fax 613-489-3720 ph
3435 Roger Stevens Drive North Gower, ON
Interior Design Services Available Manufacturers of quality kitchen and bath cabinets to suit all budgets. Postformed and custom countertops also available in laminate, granite, marble, solid surface, and more...
www.thecabinetshopottawa.com
Contents
is published twice annually by
FEATURES Adventures in Recycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Custom Homes in Perth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Christmas in the Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Building Wisely... Building Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Restoration with a Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Victory Farm Alpacas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Welcome to The PickleDish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Perth Veterinary Clinic nears 30 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 goDjango true to style. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Rideau Lumber – COLOUR ME AND WIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Purest “gluten-free” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Window & Eavestrough Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
REGULARS Editor’s Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Winning Number Contest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Weddings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 & 27 Tropical Escape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Local Legends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Reader Survey & Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 & 51
ARTICLES Eco-friendly Winter Survival Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The FAB Light - Linda Pond. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Perth’s Annual Nick of Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Christmas in Merrickville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Winter Fun in Lanark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Specialty Publications
Contact us: c/o Performance Printing Specialty Publications Box 158, 65 Lorne St., Smiths Falls, ON K7A 4T1 phone: 1-800-267-7936 or 613-283-5650 fax: 1-800-956-6249 or 613-283-5545 www.perfprint.ca
Publisher’s Note My Community is one of many products published by Performance Printing Specialty Publications. Other publications include Community Resource Guides in 25 Eastern Ontario communities, Seniors Activities & Services Directory serving Lanark, Leeds & Grenville counties, and Destinations Eastern Ontario vacation guide.
Notice Regarding Advertising The publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors in advertisements or listings beyond the amount paid for the space occupied by that portion of the advertisement in which the error occurred, whether such error is due to the negligence of its servants or otherwise and there shall be no liability for non-insertion of any advertisement beyond the amount paid for such advertisement.
If advertising with us is something that interests you, contact EMC Specialty Publications at 1-800-267-7936 for advertising rates. We offer ad designing by our visual team as well as editorial composition by our writing staff.
MY COMMUNITY
Fall 2012
1
Editor’s Note
Dear Readers, e received so much positive feedback and valuable constructive criticism on the Spring W (launch) issue of My Community; thank you all so much for your participation! —We made a few mistakes, missed a few typos, but overall it was as well received as I could have hoped for. Our advertisers reported some great feedback from their customers and we got lots of surveys sent in to us with positive comments. So again, thanks to everyone who enjoyed reading it and I hope you enjoy this issue even more. We’ve made a lot of friends in the preparation of this issue of My Community. When you aim to provide quality, informative editorial pieces on local business owners and their stories, you can’t help but get to know them and develop a keen interest in their future success. I hope you’ll get to know them too by reading about them and taking the time to visit their places of business. My new friends are Jan, Val, Rob, Kathie, Debbie, Brian, Alanna and Linda, to name only a few. You’ll find their stories and more in these pages; they are our community small business KEMPTVILLE owners and I admire them all for 613-258-0877 their independence, courage and the integrity they build into their BROCKVILLE businesses. 613-342-3217 We’ve followed up our Readers’ Survey — “Just for the fun of it.”—with some of the results of our first survey, and a new one with a different type of question. We thought we’d give you an opportunity to express your true quirkiness; we are all eccentric in one way or another! These questions will show us the real weird you. Again, feel free to remain anonymous.
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MY COMMUNITY
Fall 2012
SMITHS FALLS 613-284-0877
CARLETON PLACE 613-253-0877
One of the questions brought to us by a discerning reader was regarding the contest rules and the stipulation that the winner must present a “full and intact copy” of the magazine bearing the winning number…..but then we asked you to tear out and mail in the Readers’ Survey! Doh! So thanks for that comment— you know who you are ;-) … to clarify: the copy bearing the winning number must be complete with the exception of any tear-out pages such as the survey or any colouring pages we may include. Can’t wait to receive your feedback and comments again, keep’em coming. Have a safe and happy holiday season and we’ll see you again in the spring.
MADDEN Hearing Centre Established Family Business Since 1989
Providing: ■ Hearing testing in a sound proof booth ■ Advanced technology in all digital hearing aids including BLUETOOTH TECHNOLOGY ■ Excellent free parking ■ Wheelchair accessible building
PERTH 613-267-4877
“Ask the Maddens!” www.maddenhearing.com
WINNING NUMBER Contest! Save your copy of
My Community Fall 2012 edition for your chance to win a $ 5 shopping spree at $500 participating vendors! Fall | Winter
2012
itymagazine.com www.mycommun
Keep warm
Sources and Symptons
s...?
with thrum mitt
Adventures of a Girl Entrepreneur Unhappy Gut? A look at ty Gluten-sensitivi Sources and Symptons
Details on page
989898
Keep Your Copy of
3
!
and qualify to win
989898
Keep Your Co
Each and every copy of My Community is labeled with a unique six-digit number. In the Spring 2013 issue of My Community the winning number will be announced, so keep your copy of My Community Fall 2012 until April 2013 to see if you’re a winner! The reader who submits a complete and intact copy* of My Community Fall 2012 with the winning number printed on the cover will get 20 vouchers valued at 25-dollars each to spend at any of the participating vendors. That’s $500 spending cash! See below for a list of participating vendors, and the reverse page for complete rules and regulations. *with the exception of tear-out pages such as the Readers’ Survey and/or colouring pages. Evergreen Concepts Inc, Winges Carpentry Service, Residential Plus Inc, Cabinet Shop The, Rideau River Music, Rideau Home Building Centre, Re/Max Connections Realty, Perth Veterinary Clinic, Madden Hearing Centre, Finnegan Insurance Broker, McAdoo Don Construction Ltd., Charles Ebbs Photography, Victory Farm Alpacas, Goliger’s Travel Plus, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Echo Tours & Travel, HeritageTravel Plus, New Beginnings Hair Stylists, Purest, Rebecca’s Parkside Beauty Parlour, Sugold Jewellers, Farrell Hall/Jameson’s, The PickleDish.
MY COMMUNITY
Fall 2012
3
THE MY COMMUNITY “WINNING NUMBER” CONTEST THE MY COMMUNITY “WINNING NUMBER” CONTEST (THE “CONTEST”) IS INTENDED TO BE CONDUCTED IN CANADA ONLY AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND EVALUATED ACCORDING TO APPLICABLE CANADIAN LAW. NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY. PARTICIPANTS MUST BE OF THE AGE OF MAJORITY IN THEIR PROVINCE OR TERRITORY OF RESIDENCE OR OLDER AT THE TIME OF ENTRY. VOID IN WHOLE OR PART WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. ENTRY IN THIS CONTEST CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF THESE CONTEST RULES (THE “CONTEST RULES”). 1. ELIGIBILITY. To be eligible for this Contest, an individual must: (a) be a legal resident of the Province of Ontario; and (b) be of the age of majority in the Province of Ontario or older at the time of entry. Employees or contractors of Performance Printing Limited (the “Sponsor”), its parent company, subsidiaries, affiliates and/or related companies and each of their employees, directors, officers, suppliers, agents, sponsors, administrators, licensees, representatives, advertising, media buying and promotional agencies, and any person domiciled with any of the above are not eligible to participate in the Contest. The Sponsor shall have the right at any time to require proof of identity and/or eligibility to participate in the Contest. Failure to provide such proof may result in disqualification. All personal and other information requested by and supplied to the Sponsor for the purpose of the Contest must be truthful, complete, accurate and in no way misleading. The Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any entrant should such an entrant at any stage supply untruthful, incomplete, inaccurate or misleading personal details and/or information. 2. CONTEST PERIOD. The Contest begins at 9:00am Eastern Standard Time (“EST”) on October 19, 2012 and ends at 5:00pm EST on March 31, 2013 (the “Contest Period”) after which time the Contest will be closed and no further entries shall be accepted. 3. CONTEST MECHANICS. A unique six digit number will be printed on each copy of the fall 2012 issue of the My Community magazine distributed with the EMC Your Community Newspaper (the “Unique Six Digit Numbers”). One of the Unique Six Digit Numbers will be selected at random on or about February 15, 2013 (the “Winning Number”) and will be published in the spring 2013 edition of the My Community magazine. 4. HOW TO ENTER. (a) There is no purchase necessary to enter the Contest. Enter using the method of entry outlined below. No entries will be accepted by any other means. (i) To enter, submit a complete (with the exception of any tear-out survey page and/or colouring page) copy of the fall 2012 issue of the My Community magazine bearing the Winning Number (the “Winning Submission”) in-person to the office of the Sponsor during regular business hours. The office of the Sponsor is located at the municipal address known as 65 Lorne Street, Smiths Falls, Ontario, K7A 4T1. (ii) The prospective winner must submit the Winning Submission in the form set out in 4(a)(i), above, before the end of the Contest Period in order to be considered valid. Invalid entries will not be accepted. 5.
PRIZE. (a) There is one (1) prize available to be won by the prize winner (the “Winner”) consisting of twenty (20) C$25 vouchers, representing an aggregate value of C$500, for products and services in Ontario offered by the Sponsor and/or the companies or persons that have products or services advertised in the fall 2012 issue of the My Community magazine, as listed in Appendix “A” to these Contest Rules (the “Prize”, and each voucher collectively, the “Vouchers”). (b) The Prize has an approximate value of C$500. The Winner shall not be entitled to the monetary difference between the actual Prize value and stated approximate Prize value, if any. Any taxes, fees or surcharges in excess of the value of the Vouchers are the sole responsibility of Winner. (c) The odds of winning will be dependent on the number of published copies of the fall 2012 issue of the My Community magazine. (d) The Prize will be provided to the Winner by the Sponsor within five (5) business days after the Winner has successfully fulfilled the requirements set out herein. (e) The Prize must be accepted as awarded and cannot be transferred, assigned, substituted or redeemed for cash, except at the sole discretion of the Sponsor. Any unused portion of a Prize will be forfeited and will have no cash value. For greater clarity, the Winner will not be entitled to receive cash equal to the difference, if any, between the total purchase price of a product(s) or service(s) and the value of the Voucher. (f) The Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to substitute a prize of equal or greater value if a Prize (or any portion thereof) cannot be awarded for any reason. (g) Any shipped element of the Prize shall not be insured and the Sponsor shall not assume any liability for lost, damaged or misdirected elements of the Prize. 6.
WINNER SELECTION.
The Winner shall be selected as follows: (a) Before the end of the Contest Period, the prospective winner will submit the Winning Submission in the manner set out in 4(a)(i), above. The prospective winner will be required to attend the office of the Sponsor at the prospective winner’s sole expense. (b) If, as a result of an error relating to any other aspect of the Contest, there are more eligible winners than contemplated in these Contest Rules, the first prospective winner to submit a Winning Submission shall be awarded the Prize. (c) Before being declared the Winner, the prospective winner shall be required to correctly answer, without assistance of any kind, whether mechanical or otherwise, a time-limited mathematical skilltesting question to be administered by the Sponsor, to comply with the Contest Rules and sign and return the signed Release (defined below in section 7). (d) In the case of a dispute regarding who is entitled to submit a particular entry, the entry will be deemed submitted by the person who attends at the offices of the Sponsor as set out in section 4(a)(i) above. 7. RELEASE. The Winner will be required to execute a legal agreement and release (the “Release”) that confirms the Winner’s: (i) eligibility for the Contest and compliance with these Contest Rules; (ii) acceptance of the Prize as offered; (iii) release of each of the Sponsor and its parent company, subsidiaries, affiliates and/or related companies and each of their employees, directors, officers, suppliers, agents, sponsors, administrators, licensees, representatives, advertising, media buying and promotional agencies (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all liability for any loss, harm, damages, cost or expense arising out of participation in the Contest, participation in any Contest-related activity or the acceptance, use, or misuse of any Prize, including but not limited to costs, injuries, losses related to personal injuries, death, damage to, loss or destruction of property, rights of publicity or privacy,
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MY COMMUNITY
Fall 2012
defamation, or portrayal in a false light, or from any and all claims of third parties arising therefrom; and (iv) grant to the Sponsor the unrestricted right, in the Sponsor’s discretion, to produce, reproduce, publish, broadcast, communicate by telecommunication, exhibit, distribute, adapt and otherwise use or re-use the Winner’s name, photograph, likeness, voice and biography, in any and all media now known or hereafter devised, in connection with the Contest and the promotion and exploitation thereof. The executed Release must be returned within two (2) business days after being provided to the prospective winner or the prospective winner will be disqualified and the Prize forfeited. 8. INDEMNIFICATION BY ENTRANT. By entering the Contest, the entrant releases and holds the Released Parties harmless from any and all liability for any injuries, loss or damage of any kind to the entrant or any other person, including personal injury, death, or property damage, resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, use or misuse of any Prize, participation in the Contest, any breach of the Contest Rules, or in any Prize-related activity. The entrant agrees to fully indemnify the Released Parties from any and all claims by third parties relating to the Contest, without limitation. 9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. The Sponsor assumes no responsibility or liability for lost, late, unintelligible/illegible, falsified, damaged, misdirected or incomplete entries, notifications, responses, replies or Release, or for any computer, online, software, telephone, hardware or technical malfunctions that may occur. The Sponsor is not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by technical or human error which may occur in the administration of the Contest. The Sponsor assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, entries. The Sponsor is not responsible for any problems, failures or technical malfunction of any telephone network or lines, computer online systems, servers, providers, computer equipment, software, e-mail, players, or browsers, on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet, at any website, or on account of any combination of the foregoing. Entrants assume liability for injuries caused or claimed to be caused by participating in the Contest, or by the acceptance, possession, use of, or failure to receive any Prize. The Sponsor assumes no responsibility or liability in the event that the Contest cannot be conducted as planned for any reason, including those reasons beyond the control of the Sponsor, such as infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or corruption of the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this Contest. 10. CONDUCT. By participating in the Contest, entrants agree to be bound by the Contest Rules, which will be published in the fall 2012 issue of the My Community magazine. Entrants further agree to be bound by the decisions of the Sponsor, which shall be final and binding in all respects. The Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any entrant found to be: (a) violating the Contest Rules; (b) tampering or attempting to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Contest; and/ or (c) acting in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner, or with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT TO DELIBERATELY UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE CONTEST MAY BE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS. SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, THE SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK REMEDIES AND DAMAGES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. 11.
PRIVACY / USE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION.
(a)
By participating in the Contest, each entrant: (i) grants to the Sponsor the right to use his/her name, date of birth, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address (the “Personal Information”) for the purpose of administering the Contest, including but not limited to contacting and announcing the Winner; (ii) grants to the Sponsor the right to use his/her Personal Information for publicity and promotional purposes relating to the Contest, in any and all media now known or hereafter devised, without further compensation unless prohibited by law; and (iii) acknowledges that the Sponsor may disclose his/her Personal Information to any of their respective third-party agents and service providers in connection with any of the activities listed in (i) and (ii) above. (b) The Sponsor will use the entrant’s Personal Information only for identified purposes and will protect the entrant’s Personal Information in a manner that is consistent with the Sponsor’s privacy policy which is available online at: http://metroland.com/page/privacy%20policy. 12. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. All intellectual property, including but not limited to trade-marks, trade names, logos, designs, promotional materials, web pages, source code, drawings, illustrations, slogans and representations are owned by the Sponsor and/or its affiliates. All rights are reserved. Unauthorized copying or use of any copyrighted material or intellectual property without the express written consent of its owner is strictly prohibited. 13. TERMINATION. The Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate the Contest, in whole or in part, and/ or modify, amend or suspend the Contest, and/or the Contest Rules in any way, at any time, for any reason without prior notice. 14. LAW. These are the official Contest Rules. The Contest is subject to applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations. The Contest Rules are subject to change without notice in order to comply with any applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws or the policy of any other entity having jurisdiction over the Sponsor. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of the Contest Rules or the rights and obligations as between the entrant and the Sponsor in connection with the Contest shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario including procedural provisions without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions that would cause the application of any other jurisdiction’s laws. 15. LANGUAGE DISCREPANCY. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between the terms and conditions of the Contest Rules and disclosures or other statements contained in any Contest-related materials, including but not limited to the Contest entry form, or point of sale, television, print or online advertising, the terms and conditions of the Contest Rules shall prevail, govern and control.
And the
WINNER is....
22991 If you have the Spring 2012 issue of My Community with this number on it, please claim your prize! Please note: Contrary to our Contest Description and Rules the Spring 2012 copies of My Community were numbered with 5-digit numbers, and some copies (approximately the 8000 to 9999 range) did not have their leading zero’s, due to an ink-jetting error. Sorry for the confusion! So we’ve drawn a 5-digit winning number, and had we drawn a number in the above mentioned range, we would have made clear that the leading zero is implied. It also says in the Contest Rules that you must present a complete copy of the magazine in order to claim your prize. Please know that tearing out your Readers’ Survey to send it in to us, or tearing out the colouring page, will not make you ineligible to claim your prize. We merely aimed to discourage readers from saving only the front cover of the magazine.
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1 MY COMMUNITY
Fall 2012
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Most people talk recycling, by GLENVIEW IRON & METAL
Glenview Iron & Metal Ltd. is a privately owned family operated business, specializing in scrap metal processing, demolition and waste removal. The Cassell family started the business in 1937 and now, three generations later, GIM is still growing and changing to meet the needs of the scrap metal industry. Our processing equipment allows us to get a better price for our product and that means better prices for you! Our state-of-the-art shredder allows us to process light and heavy grade scrap quickly and efficiently. Our qualified staff are always on hand to grade and process your metals so you, the customer, are treated with fairness and professional courtesy.
We turn your scrap into cash! Bring in your old vehicles, appliances, barbecues, copper piping, wire or any other metal items you have around and we will pay you cash on the spot! That’s not all! GIM offers a number of services for individuals and small and large business owners throughout the Ottawa Valley & St. Lawrence Seaway & beyond.
The Cassell family started the business in 1937. Three generations later, GIM is still growing and changing to meet the needs of the scrap metal industry. sizes for your convenience. We can designate a container for cardboard and one for garbage. Please call our office to discuss your disposal/recycling needs.
Roll-off Containers: GIM offers 16 to 40 yd. containers for customers to accomplish everything from small clean-ups to large renovations. We accept all materials in our containers excluding hazardous waste such as paint, pesticides, asbestos-based materials, etc. Please call our office for further information on what we accept and what can or cannot be placed in our bins (such as propane tanks & car batteries, which you can bring in separately).
Frontload Containers: Have a business but don’t know what to do with the pile of packaging material you accumulate every week? How many garbage bags and/or cardboard boxes do you stack at the back of your building waiting for garbage day? GIM has your solution. Our frontload containers come in 2 to 8 yard
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MY COMMUNITY
Fall 2012
Demolition: If you have a building you need brought down to size GIM is the place to call. We are licensed demolition professionals and we have all of the manpower and equipment needed to bring it down and haul it away. Call for a site visit and quote today...
Waste Transfer Station: GIM is a licensed Ministry of the Environment Waste Transfer Station. At our facility in Smiths Falls, we accept all non-hazardous waste materials where we process it and haul it to a landfill site. Bring in your household garbage, construction materials or yard clean-up waste for disposal.
GLENVIEW IRON & METAL
COMPETITIVE PRICES
7 -/ Ê 1 *-/ ,-ÊUÊ," " Ê " / ,-
“Most People Talk Recycling, We Do It”
GLENVIEW
WE PAY CASH FOR SCRAP LICENSED DEMOLITION PROFESSIONALS
IRON & METAL LTD.
Smiths Falls - 3954 Hwy. 43 W.
613-283-5230
www.glenviewiron.com Brockville - 2411 Lyn Rd.
613-345-3263
McAdoo offers top quality custom homes in Perth Quality products, unmatched attention to detail and an ideal location. That’s what awaits customers looking to establish their new home in McAdoo Construction’s Ashgrove Estates in Perth. Company Vice-President Sean McAdoo says the houses in the new subdivision, located along Mac Campbell Drive, are built with top quality products that far exceed requirements under the Ontario Building Code. Everyone who makes a purchase with McAdoo is guaranteed a home that offers unparalleled energy efficiency and comfort, he says. “We try to stay ahead of the curve,” Sean says, referring to the company’s efforts to keep up to date on the very latest innovations for ENERGY STAR homes. “Energy efficiency is key.” This means every home features airtight construction, effective insulation, in-floor radiant heat in concrete slab, high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment and high-performance windows. Several factors have gone in to building McAdoo Construction’s excellent reputation over the years, not the least of which is the company’s ability to involve the customer in the building process right from the start. Starting from the choice of beautiful designs offered in Ashgrove Estates, each home features between 1,200 and 1,600 square feet of living space.
The custom options are impressive—from stone, brick and stucco for the exterior—to choice of high-end kitchen cabinetry from Ottawa Valley Kitchens, bathroom fixtures, windows, flooring and trim inside. A security system and central vacuum are standard, with radiant heat built into the floors that helps ensure each home is warm throughout the winter from top to bottom. The construction process is completed in stages, Sean says, “so that it’s not too overwhelming” for the customer, adding McAdoo Construction works hard to provide the very best quality—whether that’s the products used in each build or the licensed professionals hired to complete the work.
We can make your home an Energy Star home
ÕÃÌ Ê iÃÊUÊ,i Û>Ì Ã Sean & Sandy McAdoo
613-264-1172 www.mcadoo.on.ca 1857 Rogers Rd., Perth SOLD
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Don McAdoo Construction Limited presents:
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MC
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Now selling Block 22 Tri-Plex Units. Visit www.mcadoo.on.ca to view plans
MY COMMUNITY
Fall 2012
Ashgrove Estates Subdivision in Perth. All Energy Star Homes: Single and Triplex Houses
Having selected the design of their custom home—from the cozy 1,176 square foot two-bedroom McIntosh to the elegant 1,540 sq. ft. three-bedroom McDougald – customers are engaged in the construction process every step of the way. They can even choose their options from the comfort of the McAdoo showroom, located in the former Brown Shoe building off Rogers Road. Sean says the Ashgrove Estates homes appeal to a specific demographic. “Our target is seniors who are 60 and up and are looking to right size,” he explains. “We may have limited ourselves to a smaller market, but that’s what we want to do.” Some customers are former town residents who have chosen to return home, continued…
while others have come out from the city looking to set down roots in a smaller community with a high quality of life.
his son Sean joined in 1995, the third generation to enter the business. Sean says, “No pressure.”
“Perth is a very central location, if they have family in Ottawa or Toronto,” Sean says.
McAdoo Construction Ltd. has been a member of Tarion for 37 years (formerly known as Ontario New Home Warranty Program), which gives the customer a seven year warranty, in addition to McAdoo Construction’s in house warranty, Sean says, “we build every house like it will be our home.”
Company history Don McAdoo Construction dates back to 1949. First established in Kingston by Donald McAdoo Sr., it focused primarily on residential construction and light commercial work. Over the years, the company continued to grow, building a strong reputation for quality construction and customer satisfaction.
For more information on what McAdoo Construction can do for you, call them at 613-264-1172, email d.mcadoo@mcadoo. on.ca or visit them online at www.mcadoo.on.ca.
Donald’s son Sandy moved the company to Perth in 1980, and
Make raking leaves easier and maybe fun Raking leaves is an annual event for people in many parts of the country. Some people enjoy getting out in the crisp, autumn air and spending a day cleaning up the yard. Others do not relish the idea of hours upon hours of leaf removal from their lawns. The majority of homeowners realize that in order to keep their lawn pristine, leaves and debris must be routinely removed from the yard. Raking leaves is an activity that takes time and energy. It also can be strenuous work. However, by employing a few techniques, the work doesn’t have to be that difficult and it might even be fun. * Invest in a quality rake, particularly one that bends a bit with raking. Have contests to see who can rake the largest pile in each stroke. This will help maximize the number of leaves that the shortest amount of time. Take breaks so that everyone can will be collected with each pass. enjoy jumping in a giant leaf pile or horsing around. * If raking routinely causes aches and pains in your arms, * Host a leaf-raking party with friends and family members. shoulders and wrists, look for ergonomic rakes that are the * Use two garbage pail lids to pick up leaves and put them into proper height for your body. disposal bags. You’ll grab more leaves in each pass. * Move your legs when you are raking instead of remaining * There are some leaf blowers that can vacuum up leaves and stationary and just using your arms. This will help reduce your mulch them at the same time. * If your town collects leaves risk of back pain. * Use smaller passes of the rake to collect leaves. This method curbside, be sure to keep them in a neat pile to reduce the likelihood of leaves making their way into a nearby sewer. is more efficient and less taxing on your muscles. * Be sure to rake downwind; otherwise every pile of leaves you Leaf cleanup is a necessary task, but the task doesn’t have to be tedious and time-consuming. collect may end up blowing around and giving you more work. * Rake leaves in groups. Enlist the help of all family members so that it will take much less time. * Use a leaf blower sparingly. It may seem advantageous to simply blow the leaves to the curb, but this can take more time and leaf blowers are much more Ê UÊ,i> Ê ÃÌ>ÌiÊ*ÕÀV >ÃiÃ]Ê-> iÃÊ> `Ê ÀÌ}>}ià noisy. Use the blower to dislodge leaves Ê UÊ7 ÃÊ> `Ê* ÜiÀÃÊ vÊ ÌÌ À iÞ from hard-to-reach areas, like behind Ê UÊ ÃÌ>Ìià bushes or under decks. Then rake the leaves into manageable piles. Fax * Wait until after the peak time for leaves Suite 202, Code’s Mill, 53 Herriott Street, Perth to be falling before you do the majority of raking. www.reidlaw.ca * Create family-centered games while
Michael Reid Law Office 613-267-7280
613-267-7285
MY COMMUNITY
Fall 2012
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Christmas in the Valley
w o h S n a Artis
Are you looking for gifts with originality, quality and attention to detail? Then forget the big impersonal box stores with their foreign merchandise and get an old fashion shopping experience at the Christmas in the Valley Artisan Show November 3 & 4 from 10-4pm. Over 25 local and area artisans, crafters and bakers will be showcasing their hand made creations and delicacies that will surely make for memorable and thoughtful gifts for those on your shopping list…or maybe something for yourself! The Christmas in the Valley Artisan Show strives to bring in new vendors and old favorites to give you a wide variety of hand crafted items for those special people and pets on your shopping list. Realistic wildlife carvings, sun catching stained-glass and fused, rustic pottery in many forms, doggie treats that look good enough to eat, scented soaps and scrubs, maple products and gift baskets, flavoured honey and beeswax candles, silky scarves to dress up a winter coat, jewellery in wire and fair trade beads, delicious cakes, cookies and sweet confections, framed miniature quilts, twinkling glass boxes wrapped in pretty bows, creative floral arrangements to adorn your home, decorative and useful woodworking items are just examples of what you will find at this popular Almonte Christmas sale. This year we are collecting for the Lanark Animal Welfare Society. A donation of Canadian Tire money, canned tin of dog or cat food, a roll of paper towels, container of bleach, dishwashing soap or bungee cords would be of great value and completely voluntary (admission to the show is free). Or check the LAWS website for other items on their wish list. www.lanarkanimals.ca
Christmas in the Valley Artisan Show
The canteen will be hosted by The Friends of the Mississippi Mills Textile Museum who will be serving tasty snacks, sandwiches and drinks with the proceeds going towards museum projects. Free admission to the Almonte Community Centre show, lots of parking, wheel chair accessible and a fabulous door Upper Hall 182 Bridge Street. prize for a lucky winner. November 3 & 4, from 10am-4pm Are you looking for gifts with originality, quality and attention to detail? Then come join us where a juried selection of over 25 artisans, crafters and bakers will be presenting their work in a relaxed, friendly and festive atmosphere.
www.valleyartisanshow.blogspot.com
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Make plans to come to the Almonte Community Centre Upper Hall 182 Bridge Street to begin your 2012 Christmas shopping and visit the pretty village of Almonte. More information at www.valleyartisanshow.blogspot. com and updates on Facebook.
Building Wisely... Building GREEN!!!
A
t Evergreen Concepts, the idea of building “Greener”, more environmentally sensitive homes and cottages is important of course, but often this vast and complex concept is lost, or at least misunderstood, as states Pat Shank, who together with his wife Celine own and operate this successful custom design and shell package company. With a design office and models located on highway 7 near Perth, their strategic location serves a market stretching from the Perth area itself to cottage country and beyond. In fact, some of their clients live as far away as Georgian Bay in Ontario to the far reaches of Quebec. Their main focus is strictly based on efficient “Budgeting and Custom Designing” while incorporating cost effective methods of building wisely. In many cases, green aspects are as simple as creating energy efficient designs, while taking the site conditions into account. This keeps the home or cottage footprint where it needs to be while removing unnecessary and sometimes very expensive wasted space. “Green isn’t always about solar arrays and wind mills,” Celine says… “it’s also about showing people that even the most modest budget can and should incorporate certain basic things that do make a difference in the end.” The idea they use every day is to simply use common sense while putting a home or cottage project together. This could be anywhere from reducing or eliminating unnecessary features and/or space within a design to, for example, taking advantage of passive solar for partial home heating. “It often also includes well thought out site plans that make sense…environmentally speaking” Pat says. He goes on to say that “one of the most critical things is to seriously consider and evaluate what we are doing to our sensitive waterfront and other building sites in order to reduce our environmental impact.”
Custom Homes & Cottages
waiting on photo of Pat Celine
At Evergreen Concepts, their philosophy is simple, says Pat…“if a design is cost effective and logically put together as a complete building project, no matter what the budget level is… and it also happens to be a little friendlier than others to our eco system as a result… then it is in fact “GREEN” !!” Please check out both their websites at www. evergreenconcepts.ca or www.cabinkits.ca for more info and model home hours. You can also reach them on their toll free number 1 877 267-6721. www.cabinkits.ca
“Environmentally Responsible Design, Building & Renewable Energy Systems” UÊ À ÊV ÃÌÊivv V i ÌÊ iÊ«>V >}iÃÊÌ Ê«Ài ÃÕ >Ìi`Ê«> i âi`ÊÃÞÃÌi à UÊ Õ ÊV ÃÌÀÕVÌ Ê > >}i i ÌÊ ÀÊÃi v LÕ `iÀÊÃÕ«« ÀÌ 2 Model Homes on Display: UÊ ÕÃÌ âi`ÊÃiÀÛ ViÊEÊ>ÀV ÌiVÌÕÀ> Ê`À>Ü }à 420 Leach’s Rd. (at Hwy 7) Perth
613-267-6721 or 1-877-267-6721
www.evergreenconcepts.ca MY COMMUNITY
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Eco-friendly winter survival tips The winter season is right around the corner, soon to usher in cold temperatures, snow and ice for many people across the country. There are plenty of people who revel in the idea of frolicking over snow-capped hills or skating on a frozen pond, but many others hope winter passss them by rather quickly. Much of the focus each winter is on staying warm and surviving this often harsh season at whatever the cost. But there are ways to survive winter while helping the environment. Lighting: Thanks to daylight savings time, many areas of the country experience nightfall around 5 p.m. during the winter months. That means people are more likely to turn on artificial lighting to illuminate homes and surroundings. If you must use nighttime lighting, select a low-wattage bulb and point it downward. Motion sensor lights save energy and also will turn on intermittently, not enough to disturb animals. Reconsider winter traction techniques. Before you throw down chemical ice melt products, think about safer alternatives. Regular table salt will melt ice and may not be as harmful to the surrounding environment. Sand can offer improved traction when scattered on walkways and it’s nontoxic. Select a real tree.When holiday decorating, choose a real tree. These trees are harvested from tree farms that replenish stock as soon as trees are felled. They can be recycled into mulch, and real trees are also biodegradable. Keep houseplants thriving.Houseplants serve as natural
air deodorizers and provide fresh oxygen inside of a home. Considering most people spend the majority of their time indoors when the weather is cold, breathing poor air can result in illness. Houseplants are an all-natural way to filter out offensive air without relying on powered air purifiers or chemical air fresheners. Weatherproof the home. Do yourself -- and the environment -- a favor by weatherproofing your home. Add a storm door, check weatherstripping or caulking for drafts, seal entry points for cable, phone and water lines with foam insulation, and also be sure attic and other spaces of the home are thoroughly insulated. This will keep from wasting energy on heating, which is harmful to your budget and the environment. Don’t warm up the car. Many cars can do a cold-start and get on the road without the need for idling in the driveway. Instead of wasting gasoline and pouring engine emissions into the air unnecessarily, just get in and drive. If you’re sensitive to a cold car, try to park it in the garage during the winter.
C AMPBELL’S T RUCKING
613-283-16L9T3D.
, - / ÊUÊ " , Septic System Installation Sand & Gravel Equipment Rentals Screened Topsoil Residential Building Lots
www.campbellstrucking.com
Smiths Falls, Perth & Carleton Place 12
MY COMMUNITY
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Carpool. Individuals who used to bike or walk to work when it was nice outside may be tempted to take the car when it’s cold. Maximize energy savings by carpooling with like-minded individuals. Invite people over.Instead of turning up the heat when the indoor temperature drops, invite friends and family for an impromptu party. Research indicates that each guest is the equivalent of a 175-watt heater! Not only will you have fun, you’ll feel toasty, too. Surviving the winter in an environmentally friendly way really isn’t that difficult when you employ some simple strategies.
Winges Carpentry Service:
Restoration with a
difference When a meaningful home improvement project goes beyond the expertise of the average homeowner, Tim Winges of Winges Carpentry Service is prepared to step in and help you realize your goals.
With three decades working in the profession, Tim has worked throughout Ottawa and the Valley. Just a few of his career highlights include: • the restoration of nine large oak doors at McKay United Church in Ottawa in 2000,
With more than 30 years of experience in all aspects of the profession, Tim will treat your project as though it was his own home.
• the restoration of the main Victorian fence around the Pakistan High Commisioner’s Residence in Rockcliffe Park in 1998,
Now a Period Restoration Specialist, the carpenter has learned his craft over the years, ever since taking on his first real job at age 17, working for D. Kemp Edwards Lumber Company in Ottawa as the Lathe Operator. His work involved turning balusters, newel posts, table & chair legs, etc. on a turn-of-the-century lathe that could handle material up to 14 ft long. Winges Carpentry Service has been a registered business for 16 years now and is registered with The Better Business Bureau of Eastern Ontario. While Tim specializes in bringing heritage pieces back to life, he also does all aspects of carpentry including small additions, plaster repair, drywall, painting ceramics, flooring special and plain decks, bar tops and more. He also reproduces certain pieces of special woodworking. “I always try to get as much detail out of my clients as possible,” he says. “So then I am able to show them how I will achieve the results that they want. I always love a good challenge.”
• various jobs in the Glebe and New Edinburgh neighbourhoods in Ottawa such as vinyl tile floors, window replacements, kitchen storage cabinets, basement insulation and water proofing, painting and trimwork, ceramic work, porch and deck work. He has also completed many bathroom restorations in the nation’s capital, as well as a large porch restoration on Main Street in Winchester. For more information, be sure to contact Winges Carpentry at twwinges@xplornet.com.
Winges Carpentry Service Period Restoration Specialist
– Stair and Door Refinishing – Ceramics – Fine Carpentry – Painting Fully Insured ence ri e p 31 Years Ex
TIM WINGES 613-714-4550 Email: twwinges@xplornet.com
MY COMMUNITY
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Linda Pond has an infectious smile and an infectious enthusiasm for everything she undertakes. She is an inventor, an author, a CEO and a public speaker. It all began for her one summer night some seven years ago when, at a meeting of her local ladies fastball league, her daughter Rhonda, a fellow player, went to the cooler for a drink and exclaimed in evident frustration, digging blindly through the ice water: “why is there a light in a fridge and not a light in a cooler?” Voila: an idea was born. But it was only an idea. Linda’s company Customer Connects was, at this time, hosting an event called a “needs event”—a workshop geared to new community members to help them find new opportunities and brainstorm on business ideas. At the event Linda used the “light-in-a-cooler” idea as an example of the process of finding a solution-to-need match that gives rise to innovation. But people started saying: “that really is a good idea!” Linda heard this remark so many times when she mentioned the light-in-a-cooler idea she felt her destiny was
slapping her in the e face. She needed to go for it! Her two partners in the needs event, engineers Dave Watson and Gary Baker, were so enthusiastic about the idea they agreed to make the first prototype and partner with her in the patenting process. And so Linda started the long, often arduous, often inspiring, spiring, expensive process of patenting, producing and distributing an invention. Her first stop was the engineering firm Panasis based in Ottawa. It was Steve Carkner and his team that came up with the prototype and the critical design elements of what would become the “FAB Light”. The challenge facing the engineers in the design of this “light-in-a-cooler” was that the mechanism could not interfere at all with the seal of the cooler lid; it had to be very bright and it had to last. They determined to use an LED light source diffracted into a plexi array so that it illuminates out from the edge and doesn’t direct glare into the eyes of the user. They engineered a mechanical activation switch that uses gravity to trigger the illumination; when you close your cooler lid, the gravity switch interrupts the circuit and the light extinguishes. It is completely self-contained and compact; it sticks to the underside of the lid of any cooler with no wires or gizmos. It’s inexpensive and effective— it’s just simply fabulous. continued...
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The engineering firm was so excited about the FAB Light that they agreed to be paid for their services with future royalties from sales. That’s how much faith they had in Linda and Rhonda’s idea, and that’s how a woman of moderate means can follow a dream of entrepreneurship without bankrupting herself and her family. Even so, there were hurdles, obstacles and delays before Linda found a manufacturer and distributer and saw her FAB Light on store shelves. Linda refers to the notion of “need” when she talks about the creative/innovative process of identifying “holes” and finding solutions to fill them. “It’s more like scratching an itch—they make life that much more convenient; that much less frustrating.” To her point: We didn’t need 3M’s Postit Notes before they were invented but now that we have them—darn but aren’t they handy to have around? The FAB Light is bound to become the same kind of indispensible convenience for our fast-paced culture. “FAB” originally stood for “find a beer” in the spirit of the camping/cooler scenario, but really the FAB light can be installed under any lid where shadow tends to obscure your search through the contents. I put one in my fabric chest; I’m an avid sewer and I have a fabric chest the contents of which are often hard to differentiate without the added illumination of my FAB Light. In fact, I hadn’t realized the degree of frustration I was incurring with every rummage through the contents until it was relieved and I could discern the black brocade from the black jersey without squinting and blinking. So in my case, FAB is “find a brocade”. The FAB Light, after a lengthy process of designing and patenting, is now distributed by the Winnipeg-based company Coghlan’s “The Outdoor Accessory People” under the brand “Cooler Light” and can be found in Canadian Tire Stores across Canada, and Walmart and Target stores throughout the US. Imagine that: our neighbor from Carleton Place Ontario invented a product, had it prototyped, patented and produced— and she lived to tell about it! In fact, Linda is such a seasoned entrepreneur after her experience with the FAB Light, she has written an inspiring book, Top Secrets of a Girl Entrepreneur, and speaks publicaly on the theme of innovation, collaboration and following ones dreams of entrepreneurship to fruition. Linda also offers consulting services to other budding entrepreneurs who have found a “needto-solution” match and need help and guidance in getting the invention process started. Linda has an electrifying personality and that spark tends to ignite everyone around her. Not only is she CEO of her own company, she is closely involved with many organizations in her community including the legendary Ladies Fastball team, now dubbed the “ F.A.B.u.Lasses “ in honor of the invention that was born on that late summer evening. The F.A.B.u.Lasses even took the invention to the ominous and fearsome moguls of the television
show “The Dragon’s Den” to see if the FAB Light could gain some investment and national momentum. Linda was also featured in Entrepreneur Magazine explaining the merits of the royalty arrangement she struck with the engineers— this is an inspiring story for anyone out there with a brilliant idea but little investment capital [http://www.entrepreneur. com/article/222811]. Linda is now pitching her invention to a broader audience of corporations as a branded corporate gift: visit www.lumincity.com to see how the FAB Light can carry your company’s corporate band or logo and illuminate many different types of product displays. You can learn more about Carleton Place’s Girl Entrepreneur and her F.A.B.u.Lasses by visiting www. lindaleepond.com and if you, like so many of Linda’s friends did, find yourself saying “yeah, that is a good idea!” you can pick up some Coghlan Cooler Lights at any Canadian Tire Store in the camping section, or just contact Linda herself through her website.
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The festive season is gearing up Connections Realty Inc. (Brokerage)
®
John Gray Broker of Record
Cell 613-868-6068 johngray@cogeco.ca
www.rcrhomes.ca
613-283-4900
Proudly Independently Owned and Operated in
Michael Reid Law Office 613-267-7280
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Fax
613-267-7285
Suite 202, Code’s Mill, 53 Herriott Street, Perth www.reidlaw.ca 16
MY COMMUNITY
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Hearty meals and roaring fires lie just ahead for the lucky among us. Home owners want the house to be ready for whatever Mother Nature will dish out. Your house will need to be scrutinized using a Fall/Winter checklist. Before the snow flies, repairs could still possibly be addressed. Categories on your list could feature the following areas including exterior, interior, doors and windows, water and septic (if applicable), plumbing including bathrooms and laundry, attic garage, kitchen, heating and electrical. Include the individual elements to be assessed and make notes beside them. Having a handle on the status of your home can help you make the necessary updates and relegate other work to a more appropriate time. Once you have made notes or checked off all list items it is time to reap the rewards. Grab your hot chocolate and join your loved ones by the hearth knowing that you are well prepared to enjoy cozy days and nights over the next few months.
Stop clogged home gutters Faced with the prospect of another season spent precariously climbing a ladder and reaching inside to clear out debris and leaves, many homeowners are considering the installation of a gutter protection system. A gutter protection system is a cover or barrier that prevents leaves and large items, such as twigs or blown-around matter, from lodging in a home’s gutters and eventually preventing rain runoff from draining effectively. Clogged gutters and downspouts have been known to contribute to rainwater pooling around the foundation of a home, potentially causing seepage issues. Blocked gutters can also be a haven for stagnant water, which breeds mosquitoes and other insects and potentially harmful bacteria. To combat these issues, manufacturers have come up with a series of protection systems that allow water to enter the gutter while keeping debris out of it. Gutter protection systems range from do-it-yourself options to professionally installed products. There are a few different styles, and each offer their share of pros and cons. * Screen: A mesh or screen system consists of a screening material that fits inside or over the gutter. It serves as a sieve, allowing the water through but blocking leaves and debris. This system is affordable and can be a DIY project. But over a period of time the mesh itself can be blocked with a build-up of debris and will need periodic cleaning.
Also, in some screened systems water can freeze up in the screen openings, causing ice dams. * Aluminum covers: There are many different aluminum options. Some work with a small crevice along the top that is narrow enough for the rainwater to enter but not allow debris inside. They may not allow as much water to enter as a mesh system because they cover a greater surface area over the gutter. Closed systems also may provide an area for insects to make nests. *Foam inserts: A relatively inexpensive protection system is a foam insert. These pieces of porous foam are fitted inside the gutter, allowing water to flow through (albeit a little more slowly) while keeping leaves out. Foam inserts are an easy do-it-yourself project and can serve as a test of the efficiency of gutter systems before a more expensive system is purchased. * Surface tension products: These are closed plastic or aluminum products where the water entry holes or channels are on the bottom and sides of the product. This way nothing can ever get clogged from above. The system works by water surface tension; the rainwater will adhere to the product and then flow into the bottom or side holes. The nose of these products may have to be kept clean or the surface tension may not occur.
Established in 1959.
Personal care for all your insurance needs Back: Gordon Sowten, Dianne Elderbroom, David Harry, Kathy James, Troy Noonan Middle: Christine Lafrance, Susan Whyte, Lindsay Somerville, Tresna Walker Front: Lori McMunn, Terry Finnegan, Sylvia James
613 267-3788 1-800-903-7506 Fax: 613 267-5166 help@finneganinsurance.ca 49 Gore St. East, www.finneganinsurance.ca Perth, ON K7H 3E3 MY COMMUNITY
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My visit to Victory Farm Alpacas I drove down the narrow lane and pulled up in front of the Victory Farm shop on a sunny Friday morning. It had just rained for a few minutes and the air smelled dewy and earthy. A white Turkish Akbash (I would later learn) barked at me persistently but non-threateningly as if to say “Dad, someone’s here!” like a little kid answering a strangers knock at the door. I was a little bit early for our meeting. I could see my host Brian walking up from the barn leading two Alpacas by a lead. “Hello, you must be Brian” I said. Brian greeted me warmly and turned to introduce his friends. “This is Riley” he said, petting the long slender neck. Riley was black and small—like a pony; his head came only up to my eye-level. The curly tuft of hair on his head reminded me of a French beret and his black glossy eyes looked timidly into mine. I approached cautiously, a hand extended to pet his neck and he withdrew shyly, like a toddler clinging to a parent’s leg. But with some encouragement from Brian he relaxed, and I touched his soft coat, a little damp from the light shower, but dense and warm. The other Alpaca, a black colour as well, was introduced as Maze. These Alpacas, I sensed from the moment of this introduction, are more than just livestock to Brian and his daughter Alanna of Victory Farm. They are their livelihood, their passion, and their cherished friends. Alpacas are bred for their fibre and for showing; each one a registered individual with lineage and pedigree precisely mapped and tracked with DNA testing and imbedded electronic identification markers. Brian and Alanna are breeding for the dark brown or black fibre particularly as quality dark fibre is rarer than the light brown or white fleeced alpacas. continued...
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We went into the cozy farm house and Brian put on some coffee while Alanna showed me around the Alpaca shop situated in what was once the original hewn log farm house. “What’s the best-selling item in your shop?” I asked. Alanna showed me a pair of terry socks made from alpaca fibre. What struck me first about them was how soft-textured they were, yet how dense and bouncy they felt—like Riley’s coat when I tried to pet him. A comparable pair of wool socks would have been limp and scratchy; these were almost like slippers. Alanna explained that they get them from a Mill in Palmerston Ontario where they also sell their fibre. So though the fibre of the socks is not directly made from the fibre produced on their farm, they may well contain some of their animals’ contributions.
*The term “wick” refers to the capillary action of a candle wick which draws forth wax as it burns. Materials that wick away moisture possess capillary qualities that draw moisture away from the skin (where it can evaporate) rather than absorb and hold it, as do other fibres.
Visitors to the shop, Alanna continued, sometimes balk at the price of the alpaca socks and the mitts. At forty dollars per pair, you won’t find them in an econo-six-pack like you might see at Wal-Mart when they’re blowing out cotton tube-socks. These are high-quality socks and mitts. And they treat your feet like royalty. They have innumerable advantages over the pilly cotton variety already mentioned, but they are also superior in quality to the typical wool sock often worn by the Ontario outdoorsman/ woman in his/her winter boots. They have superior thermal qualities over sheep’s wool and they wick away moisture.* Alpaca Fibres are also hypoallergenic, i.e. they do not contain common allergens sometimes found in various other fibres, such as the lanolin found in wool or the chemicals, irritants and plastics found in other fabrics. I put the alpaca terry socks to my nose and inhaled deeply and smelled….nothing. These characteristics of the alpaca fibre sock happen to be perfectly suited to the needs of diabetes sufferers. continued...
You can’t even talk about the lifespan of an alpaca fibre sock over that of a cotton tube sock; they’re not even in the same league. A cotton sock, worn and washed maybe once per week, will last about six months during which time you’ll be shunned by your spouse due to the odor your feet emanate. The alpaca fibre sock doesn’t wear the same way; it won’t make your nose hairs curl after one wearing; you don’t even need to wash them as often — get over it germaphobe, it’s true: Socks go nasty when sweat harbours bacteria and the sweat stays around. Alpaca fibre is naturally anti-bacterial and because the sweat doesn’t hang around in the sock, but is wicked away and evaporates, bacteria does not proliferate. When you do wash your alpaca socks they just need a run through the gentle cycle and an air dry— just like your bras and lingerie. MY COMMUNITY
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A “thrum mitt” is a mitten with fuzzy-soft alpaca fibers sewn into the inside so your hand basks in a silky heaven of unbelievable softness while you’re strolling on a bitter winter day. Over time the thrum felts up and forms to your hand, like a print in sand, making a wind-resistant, custom fitted mitten just for you.
I’m an expert-byassociation when it comes to diabetes as my partner has had Type 1 diabetes most of his life, so I know what the deal is when it comes to diabetes foot care. A diabetic needs to make sure their feet don’t get wet, don’t get cold, and don’t get cut—and all this without being able to feel their feet much, if at all. That’s a challenge. The tiny blood vessels and nerves in the feet of diabetics are sometimes so damaged that they become the perfect site for an opportunistic bacterial infection which can escalate very quickly in a damp, poorly oxygenated environment into a serious condition called cellulitis. The alpaca Fibre sock keeps them dryer and warmer than any other fibre, and Victory Farms even offers a “relaxed -fit” variety that omits the elastic band around the ankle which can contribute to poor circulation. So there’s your Christmas gift conundrum solved for the diabetes sufferer on your list—or, of course, any loved one for whom you wish warm, happy feet and hands this winter.
As I walked around the shop my eye was caught by the skeins of knitting and crocheting yarn; the colours were so rich and varied. I picked one up and touched it to my cheek. I’ve never felt anything so soft! The fiber has a slight sheen to it so the colours reflect beautifully and with vivid contrast. Alanna showed me a pair of elbow-length kids’ fingerless gloves in bright pink and explained that, what with texting being such a perpetual activity among youth nowadays, these fingerless gloves are all the rage. The next item that caught my eye was the alpaca duvet. Brian showed me a cut section of duvet used to diagram how the fleece is quilted into small 6-inch squares keeping the fibres uniform and stationary. A traditional feather duvet contains small down feathers which eventually break free from the quilting and form “bunches” in the pockets, leaving bare spots with no thermal protection. An alpaca fiber duvet, on the other hand, requires less bulk due to the superior thermal value, and because of the length of the fibres and the anchoring effect of the stitches, there is consistent thermal value all over (or I should say under) the whole duvet. What results is a lighter, yet warmer, duvet. Victory Farm’s duvets are made by hand in Ontario with the fibre of the alpacas living on the farm.
G®ò ã« G®¥ã Ê¥ W ÙÃã« ã«®Ý W®Äã Ù RR#3 Lanark, ON 613-259-0228 www.victoryfarmalpacas.com
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Next I got a lesson on the intricacies of spinning; I learned such terms as “roving” and “carding” and two-ply and three-ply—(I’m trying not to think of toilet paper). Alanna explained the continued...
mechanics of the spinning wheel and how the twisting forces of the plies keep the yarn strand intact and keep it from twisting up on itself. She showed me examples of various plies of yarn available in the shop as well as some products made from that very yarn. The striking thing about the scarves and sweaters, to a person used to the feel of wool or acrylic, is the weight; the density of the knitted fabric. I commented on how a sweater of alpaca fibre would be an investment for life; a garment you would cherish and wear into your elderly years. Alanna, as it turns out, is part of a group called Fibre Roads which strives to promote the heirloom quality—the artistic value—of handcrafted, locally made garments and textiles. Imagine how your great, great grandchild might cherish an alpaca sweater that was passed down to her by you and your children. (It seems incongruous to think of garments having that quality in today’s consumer-driven economy where nothing is priced according to what it actually costs and we cycle through our “stuff” and send it to the landfill after a brief and unexciting life….) For a small shop it certainly offers a variety of products: There are felting kits for those looking to learn a new
hobby, all types of winter apparel to keep your neck, head and hands warm, even thick felted insoles to add extra insulation between your feet and the cold ground. I loved the little knitted finger puppets and immediately thought what adorable stocking stuffers they would make. Some of the alpaca products in the shop come directly from the farm but many are purchased from Peru— Fair Trade organizations through which Peruvian villagers are able to earn money for their crafts and are free from exploitation. You can see the villagers’ imaginations at work in the variety of the little colourful finger puppets; there are bears, rabbits, lions and monkeys (with bananas!) and so many more. After my tour of the shop (and my coffee) Brian invited me to come down to the barn and pastures to see the alpacas up close. The sun was out in full force by then and the numerous farm dogs— and even the neighbor’s dog apparently—greeted us with excitement. The grass where the alpacas were grazing was short, like a golf green. I asked Alanna if, after this dry summer we’ve had, the grass is in low supply and the alpacas are short on nourishment. She said they have indeed continued... MY COMMUNITY
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had to supplement the alpaca’s diet with more hay than usual this year. There were about thirty alpacas in various fenced off sections, all looking very contented and relaxed. The aromas surrounding me were totally inoffensive as were, I found, the little patches of pellet-like dung looking almost organized among the other elements of terrain: the tree stumps and stones poking up through the ground. (Alanna informed me that alpaca dung is a particularly good fertilizer as its nitrogen content is moderate so it won’t burn the crop.) Some of the alpacas were snoozing on the ground, some of the little ones were play-fighting, and some babies were nursing. The baby alpacas are called crias, Alanna explained, and when they are in a playful mood they sometimes engage in a activity called “pronking”, a sort of bouncing around using all four limbs to jump off the ground, like cartoon reindeer. I was lucky enough to see a brief example of this by one of the crias and I found it irresistibly comical. Alanna told me of a time when Brian plowed a pathway after a particularly heavy snow-fall and the alpacas joined together (even some of the adults) in a celebratory pronk parade around the path. What a site that must have been; I laughed at the picture it painted for me. Victory Farm is less than thirty kilometers outside Perth, or about a half hour drive from Perth, Almonte or Carleton Place. The drive takes you through beautiful countryside and weaves through the towns of Lanark and Balderson if you come from Perth, as I did. Being a rocky and hilly part of Ontario you won’t see too many field crops, just lots of trees, rocks and old buildings; remnants of the textile industry that once flourished in the mills on the Clyde River. Brian and Alanna have their shop open to visitors on a drop-in basis or by appointment, though regular shop hours are 10 - 4 on Saturday and Sunday. “If one of us is home”, says Brian, “we’re open to visitors”. You can make an appointment by visiting Victory Farm’s website where you will also find detailed driving directions from any originating direction. This is a fabulous destination for a day-trip with the kids; lots of pit-stop locations on the way, beautiful scenery and an alpaca experience you won’t soon forget—not to mention the warm hospitality of Brian and Alanna who love to share their passion for alpaca farming with anyone who has time to drop in. I said goodbye and thank you to Riley and Maze and their two devoted caretakers and drove back toward Perth reflecting on my experience. I now have a perfect birthday gift for my diabetic partner who is, as are so many men, impossible to buy for. (He may get another pair for Christmas, or maybe some mitts…) and I’m already planning a trip with my two “city” kids, if I can entice them away from their technology for a day with descriptions of “pronking” and promises of fingerless gloves. I’m sure it will be a day to remember and cherish.
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Welcome to...
The PickleDish on Bridge Street No…it’s not a deli, it’s a quilting pattern actually. It looks like a dish…of pickles. But PickleDish— the shop—is a place where quilters go. Novice quilters visit PickleDish to be inspired and maybe take a lesson or two. Experienced quilters go to use the long-arm quilting machines, buy fabric and supplies and see Jan, proud owner and long-time expert quilter. Novice quilters come to PickleDish ...and turn into experienced quilters. Jan’s been quilting for decades. She started with a sewing machine, as so many do, and as her craft established itself into a real passion, she invested in a long-arm quilting machine, and started a business of finishing quilts for customers. A month ago she opened her business in a new store-front on Carleton Place’s Bridge Street where the public is invited into the world of quilting with open arms—men and women alike. Jan offers quilting lessons, sells quilting supplies and machines and offers her own skill with the long-arm continued... MY COMMUNITY
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quilter for those wishing to have their works completed by a pro. She also rents time on the long-arm quilter, much like a pottery studio will rent out time with a kiln. Handi-Quilter’s™ long arm quilters are specialized machines that transfer a design, called a pantograph, from a computer to the quilt in thousands of carefully placed stitches. The machine can be used “free-hand” or with the guided precision of the computer. Any imaginable kind of thread can be used, from the traditional cotton, to glossy polyester—even iridescent mylar that adds glimmery highlights to your work. Quilting is more than the traditional pinwheel or flower-basket patchwork you might know from continued...
Fabrics, Classes, Books Handi-Quilter Dealer Longarm Services Always Friendly Service
613-212-8770 Jan@ThePickleDish.ca 113 Bridge St., Carleton Place
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Quilting 101: Making quilts involves two distinct phases: there’s the piece-work (or patchwork), and the quilting. The piecing is obviously the sewing together of many small pieces, and the quilting is the step of securing the pieced fabric to batting and the back with many, many, close-together stitches. This part of the work is best done with a long-arm quilting machine, as keeping those three layers together without puckers and wrinkles is a tricky thing.
your grandmother’s spare bedroom; there’s no limit to the possibilities, the fabric combinations, and the stitching styles. Visit PickleDish and get in touch with your inner quilter. If you’ve never tried quilting before allow me to share with you some of the crafts special qualities: - you can be very much a novice quilter and still make something very beautiful; it doesn’t take three years of practice to get good enough to make something you’re not embarrassed to show off. Your first project will be a quilt you will display proudly. - Quilting satisfies your innate craving for colour, colour combining and colour variation. If you’ve never experienced this craving, you will when you see all the quilting fabrics displayed like a rainbow at PickleDish. - Quilting is therapeutic. It is a creative process that takes you into the state known as “flow”. It calms nerves and thoughts and gives you a sense of proud accomplishment. It is an expressive vent for anxious energy, or a meditative diversion from busy thoughts. You can quilt in solitude, or quilt with friends. Start a quilting guild! There are no limits to what quilting can be for you as a creative outlet; we are all, every one of us, artists awaiting a medium.
Flow is the mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. Proposed by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, the positive psychology concept has been widely referenced across a variety of fields.[
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eddings
Echo Tours and Travel Destination weddings are our specialty at Echo Tours and Travel. With more than 25 years experience we know how to make your dream wedding a reality. Whether your ideal is tropical, exotic, classical or on a romantic beach at sunset—you can have your fantasy wedding anywhere in the world! Did you know? We also provide a gift registry service for bridal shower and wedding gifts. Ask your friends and family to give the gift of travel. You’re busy enough with your wedding and reception plans—let the experts at Echo Tours and Travel handle your honeymoon arrangements. Feel the reassurance of experienced people working on your behalf and have one less wedding-plan to worry about! Visit Echo Tours and Travel and tap into that experience. Please call 613-284-2003 for more details.
Rebecca’s Parkside Beauty Parlour You just might need a personal hairstylist for your wedding day that can accommodate your entire wedding party theme or individual hair needs. At Rebecca’s we can pre-book now for your wedding day. Please contact Rebecca Buffam, owner/licensed hair stylist. Visit Rebecca’s Parkside Beauty Parlour at 13 Wilson Street East, Perth, or by calling at (613) 267-2320.
Charles Ebbs Photography Unique and timeless images—weddings a specialty for more than two decades. “My first concern is to provide my clients with top-quality photography at an affordable price—regardless of the occasion. That’s why all of my wedding and portrait packages include all the digital files: so you have full control over the images you buy. Taking the time to put people at ease enables me to shoot relaxed, natural-looking photos that compliment my subjects and use light and location to their best possible effect.” Contact us at 613-257-1102 or at charles@ebbsphoto.ca
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Sugold Jewellers At Sugold, we specialize in Custom Designed Jewellery. Using our expertise and your ideas we can create a “one of a kind” and truly unique engagement ring or wedding band, that not only suit your style but your Personality. We also offer the largest selection of custom designed wedding products.... everything after the dress. Sugold offers the largest selection of personalized accessories to make your wedding a jaw dropping event. There are products to meet everyone’s needs and looks. Our accessories are stylish, contemporary, modern, traditional, vintage.... and all readily available. Guest books, pens, bride/groom glasses, attendants gifts and ring bearer/flower girl gifts..are just a few examples of what we carry. You can visit both locations... Sugold Jewellers, 107 Prescott St.Kemptville Ontario 613-258-1118 or Sugold Jewellers, 3 Main Street, Smiths Falls 613-283-6596.
New Beginnings Hair Stylists Let us create something spectacular and romantic for your ‘special day’. Whether it is a colour or a cut, manicure or pedicure, or that very special and ‘only for you’ up-do. Let our experience and well trained staff make “your” new beginning the best start to the rest of your life. Brides, bridesmaids, flower girls, mother of the bride, mother of the groom and lets not forget the groom and groomsmen too. For a free consultation contact us at New Beginnings Hair Stylists, 18 Beckwith St. N., Smiths Falls, ON K7A 2A8 613-284-0555.
Farrell Hall / Jameson’s
We specialize in making dreams come true with elegant and creative wedding catering services tailored to fit your budget & taste. For groups of 100 or less at Jameson’s, to groups up to 300 at Farrell Hall, our friendly and professional staff can make your moment special. We offer great food with dinners starting at $15.95, flexible menus, and we are fully licensed. We can also cater your special day off-site. For a consultation call 613-267-7895 (Farrell Hall) or 613-2649255 (Jameson’s) or email us at impscl@ripnet.com.
Country Girl Cakes “No Matter What the Season, A Custom Cake For Every Reason” As seen on Slice TV’s Cake Walk: Wedding Cake Edition, Award-Winning Cake Designer Miranda Kenney-Pellett will work with you to create a custom designed wedding cake of your dreams. Here at Country Girl Cakes, we believe that your wedding cake should be yours, and yours only. Using the best in quality of tools and ingredients, we customize your wedding cake to suit your personality, style, and taste and of course, the theme and colours of your wedding day. Book your FREE wedding cake consultation today. Your wedding day starts here, at Country Girl Cakes. Contact us at 613-341-7074 or go to www.countrygirlcakes.org
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Travel agencies guarantee peace of mind If you’re thinking about heading south for a vacation in the sun this winter, using the services of a travel agent is the right way to go. By dealing with an agent you’ll not only save time but you’ll also have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your trip was well organized by a specialist who knows the business. There are many advantages to dealing with a travel agency. Your safety is certainly one of the major Present this ad at our office ones. Travel agents hate surprises and work very hard to satisfy their clients. In many ways they are and receive 25 Air Miles. responsible for the smooth running of your trip abroad. When a vacation involves the organization of specific needs, such as obtaining travel visas, travel T l.l.:l : (613) 258-4 Te 487700 340 340 0 Colonnade Colon Col lon nnad de D Drive rive i e agents are able to guide you through all the Kemptv Kem p ille, e Ont Ontari ario o necessary steps. This way you can rest assured that K0G K0G 0 1J 1J0 J0 everything has been done properly and that nothing w www .marli .ma marlintr lintrave t ave avel.c v ll.ca/6 ca/677 ca/6 77 7 is forgotten; fewer mistakes will pop up to compromise your dream vacation. Many people believe that going through an agency Serving the Leeds & Grenville area since 1990 is a more expensive way Locally owned and operated to travel, but that is not For all your travel needs generally true. One of an DREAM... PACK... AND LEAVE THE agent’s goals is to ensure REST TO GOLIGER’S TRAVELPLUS that you benefit from preferential rates, which (613) 345-6285 U 1-866-345-0899 they obtain through deals 2348 Parkdale Ave., Brockville with their suppliers. www.brockville.travelplus.ca
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“We Now Give Air Miles”
613-267-7374 www.travelplus.ca/1038 PERTH MEWS MALL 80 Dufferin St., Perth
205 Franktown Road, Carleton Place
613-257-4111 www.cwtuniversal.ca
INSURANCE
REWARDS
Perth’s
Annual Nick of Time Show D
ecember and the holiday season are just around the corner and so is Perth’s own Annual Nick of Time Show featuring some of the area’s finest artisans. Over the years the Nick of Time Show has established itself as in integral part of Downtown Heritage Perth’s olde fashioned traditional Christmas festivities at McMartin House, 125 Gore Street East. You will be able to enjoy browsing through a wide array of fine arts and crafts. Admission is free. The Nick of Time show is more than just another craft show. It’s a juried show with high quality, one of a kind gift items fashioned by skilled local artisans. It is also a unique shopping experience in one of Canada’s most elegant homes. Styled in the Federalist tradition, McMartin House’s history goes back to 1830 when a wealthy young Perth lawyer decided to build the most imposing mansion in Perth. Today, 175 years later, we can still enjoy the results of his dreams. McMartin House will host the Nick of Time Show where you will be welcomed into cedar and pine draped halls of the old mansion by greeters dressed in period costume offering up free hot cider and cookies. continued... MY M Y COMMUNITY CO OM MM MU UN NIITY
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Three floors of stately rooms will be filled with a diverse range of creations from heritage pewter, hand woven clothing and quilting to handmade soap and beeswax candles providing you with unique gift ideas for that special person. The aim of the show is to offer traditional, original and exceptional items that can’t be found anywhere else. This year the 15th annual show has gone “green” offering ‘50-mile’ gifts made by artisans using organic, renewable and recyclable materials. Handmade quilts, twig baskets, natural centrepieces and carvings made from driftwood will be among the many green creations. So step back in time and take a break from the hustle and bustle of Christmas activities to enjoy some relaxed shopping in a truly festive atmosphere. While in town, check out the dozens of unique shops in Downtown Hertiage Perth, stay to watch the Santa Claus Parade and don’t forget to visit the Perth Museum for a gracious Victorian open house (1:00PM - 5:00PM) For more information call Bonnie Jehu (613) 278-2712. Heritage Downtown Perth takes you back to the late 1800s to present an Olde Fashioned Christmas. A town crier, merchants in period costume, carolling and music in the streets, chestnuts roasting on the fire at the Perth Museum, a special Christmas Farmers’ Market and seasonal specials at the local restaurants and pubs all contribute to the feeling of an Olde Fashioned Christmas. This Festival has been combined with the Annual Festival of Lights, the Crystal Palace full of Christmas trees decorated by local merchants and businesses, an old fashioned bon fire and a Grand finale of Fireworks over the Tay Basin.
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The Perth Veterinary Clinic
nears
Established to service large and small animal needs in Perth and district, it has grown from its small beginning to a progressive multi-service practice for all needs. Our sister practice, Westport Veterinary Services, is an exclusive small animal practice at the head of the Big Rideau and serves the Westport and Rideau Lakes areas. The Perth & Westport clinics are owned by three well known veterinarians: Dr. Steve Scott, Dr. Scott Robertson and Dr. Andrea Stringel. They are joined by Dr. Sarah Logan, Dr. Kim McGrimmon and Dr. Julia Brown in Westport.
years
in business!
Our practices strive to provide state of the art preventative medicine, elective surgery and, when needed, emergency care and surgery. With a friendly welcoming staff and four fulltime registered veterinary technicians—Anita McLean RVT, Amy Campbell RVT, Kristyn Knapp RVT and Roseanne McGill-Shaw—our team is here for your needs. Both clinics offer preventative examinations, consultations and surgery. We have in-clinic laboratory facilities, x-rays, ultrasounds and endoscopic exams on site. We also have an ultrasonic dental unit to provide your pets with state of the art dental care. For large animals these services are available by our field veterinarians on farm. Our latest purchase is a therapeutic class 4 laser, used to treat acute and chronic inflamatory conditions. This will be used to reduce pain and enhance healing, especially for hard to treat problems like arthritis. We cover a large area and have been a proud sponsor in our communities. PDCI revitalization sports field project, Stewart Park Festival and the Perth Fair are just a few of our beneficiaries. We look forward to being part of the Perth and Westport communities as we go forward.
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Local Gypsy Swing band true to style
goDjango
At 4:00 on July 20, 2012, an audience of about 2000 attendees at The Stewart Park Festival in Perth, Ontario, went silent as the first notes from the local Gypsy Swing band called “goDjango” began to fill the park. A pleasant surprise to many festival goers and an absolute must see for others who left work early to catch the much anticipated show. True to the style, goDjango delivered the 1930’s European flavoured swing sound. Soon toes were tapping and hands were clapping along with people just compelled to get up and dance. “Dr. Dave Foster” from the band “The Jivewires” was quoted as saying, “I’m so glad we got here early to hear your set. You did it! You captured the sound of ‘The Hot Club’!”. Who knew? A gem, right here in our own backyard. Dave Balfour, the festival’s M.C., was astonished by the incredible response. The band, consisting of local musicians, John Dorsch and Claude Langevin on maccaferri/selmer style guitars, John Richard on 5 string violin and Kathi Moore on double bass, were equally surprised when the banquet hall at the Perth Restaurant filled to capacity later that evening for the ‘After Hours’ show. The gracious audience filled the room with applause after every solo, and there were many. The “Gypsy Swing” style is a joyous uptempo form of music that originated in Paris in the 1930’s. Legendary guitarist
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Django Reinhardt and extraordinary violinist Stephane Grappelli formed the Quintet of the Hot Club of France and brought the style to prominence. Reinhardt used a two-finger playing technique he’d developed after a caravan fire badly burned his left hand and two fingers were rendered almost useless. Instead of playing across the neck in familiar box shapes, he now had to play along the length of the fingerboard of his guitar with a curved wrist and new picking style. To this day our guitar heroes are trying to match his speed and dexterity. continued....
Guitars, Drums, P.A.’s, Brass, Flutes, Ukes, Mandolins, Banjos, Fiddles, Microphones, Digital Recorders, Books, Djembes, Bodhrans, For All Your Musical Needs!
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Snark Tuners Reg. $29.95
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While the Gypsy Swing style is ‘de rigueur’ in Europe, it is currently enjoying a renewed popularity here in the west. Internationally renowned Gypsy Swing guitarists such as Bireli Lagrene, Tchavolo Schmitt and Jimmy Rosenberg have been thrilling crowds at the Montreal Jazz Festival and other venues that draw delighted devotees. A tribute event was held at the Montreal Festival in 1991 to Stephane Grappelli, with the master himself in attendance. Subsequent performances of this style of music have drawn audiences estimated to be in excess of 90,000. Lucky for the Ottawa Valley and local area, we don’t have to travel far to get a taste of that Gypsy Swing. The band ‘goDjango’ is serving it up at a venue near you soon. Your ears will be delighted by the repertoire which includes favorite traditional swing tunes and songs from the era, along with compositions by Django Reinhardt, the guitarist who invented the gypsy swing style. The trio goDjango is.. John Dorsch who is highly rated as a soloist in local rock bands such as “Big Act” and “Hard” among others over the years. His technical prowess has earned him the title “The Professor”. Kathi and Claude have been teaching rock, pop, blues and country styles of guitar, bass, fiddle and mandolin to beginners and performers alike for the past 30 years. Individually, they have performed with many bands throughout the Ottawa Valley. Together with their love of 1930’s swing and gypsy jazz they have put together “goDjango”. John Richard teams up with goDjango when he’s available. He has performed with well known country and celtic performers throughout the valley. He has joined up with Steve Piticco and members of The Family Brown on occasion.
Choosing the right windows for your home Windows enhance the charm and interior ambiance of a home, and are often the first things to be noticed. A window’s location and quality can also affect a home’s heating costs, beauty and comfort. Windows can become energy gluttons, allowing heat loss during the winter and loss of cool air in summer. Because they offer little thermal resistance, windows can lose 10 times more heat per square metre than walls, and may represent 30 percent of a home’s total heat loss. Quality windows of the right size and in the right location increase comfort, retain warm or cool air, reduce drafts and increase humidity without risk of condensation. Key criteria for choosing windows include the windowpanes, frame material and space between panes. A window’s position in relation to the sun can minimize heat loss while maximizing solar heat. Planting trees in front of windows facing east or south can prevent overheating during summer months, but large glass surfaces should be avoided on these windows if they are not shaded. MY COMMUNITY
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RIDEAU LUMBER 58 Abbott Street, Smiths Falls
613-283-2211 Fax 613-283-8537 Toll Free 1-800-890-0690
info@rideaulumber.com
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$AVING$ RIDEAU LUMBER 58 Abbott Street, Smiths Falls
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Fax 613-283-8537 Toll Free 1-800-890-0690
DESIGN & INSTALLATION s r
r
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www.rideaulumber.com
MC
COLOUR ME AND WIN! To enter, colour in the Pink Panther™ and fill out the official entry form.
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Store Hours Monday - Thursday - 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday - 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday - 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
RIDEAU LUMBER 58 Abbott Street, Smiths Falls
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A GIANT
YARD $ALE Sat., Oct. 27th, 2012 Sun., Oct. 28th, 2012
GREAT DEAL$ FOR TWO DAY$ ONLY ON THE FOLLOWING ITEM$.... TWO FOR ONE $ALE PRICING ON BUNDLE$ OF CULL LUMBER & $HEETING AND FLOOR JOI$TS ETC. MAKE U$ AN OFFER ON DI$CONTINUED & $HOPWORN MI$C BUILDING $UPPLIE$ – $HINGLE$ – FLA$HING$ – DOOR$ & WINDOW$ – DRY R WALL – LAND$CAPE PRODUCT$ AND MANY OTHER ITEM$ TOO NUMEROU$ TO MENTION ERM$ ON YARD Y $ALE ITEM$
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RIDEAU LUMBER 58 Abbott Street, Smiths Falls
613-283-2211 info@rideaulumber.com
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Fax 613-283-8537 Toll Free 1-800-890-0690
DESIGN & INSTALLATION s r
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TM
www.rideaulumber.com
How to stay safe on winter roads Snowy weather can be a time for fun, especially for avid skiers or children who relish spending days off from school tossing snowballs and building snow forts. Many adults, however, do not look forward to the snow as much as youngsters do. Snow can be hazardous when driving, but putting snow tires on a vehicle can improve vehicle safety.
* Be aware of black ice. Black ice gets its name from its veritable invisibility. It is so thin and hard to spot, it just looks like the black asphalt of the road. Black ice tends to form in areas that have had snow or ice melt, which then refreezes at night when temperatures drop. Be extra cautious on turns and on highway exit and entrance ramps, where black ice frequently forms.
It is important to know how to drive when weather conditions are dangerous. It is also wise to outfit a vehicle to reduce its risk of slipping and sliding on icy, snowy roads. Here are some tips to follow.
* Steer your car into the skid. Remain calm and do not panic and jam on the brakes if your car starts to skid. Slamming on the brakes will only exacerbate the skid. Rather, take your foot off the accelerator, allowing the car to naturally slow down as you turn your wheels into the direction the car is skidding. This should help right the car and get you back on track.
* Limit time spent driving in the snow. Avoid driving during snowstorms or directly after whenever possible. Snow not only makes roads slick, but falling flakes can impair a driver’s visibility and reduce his or her response time. Try to wait until snow-clearing teams have salted, plowed and sanded roads before venturing out. * Be sure you can see clearly. Clear off the snow from the windshield, side mirrors and windows so it does not compromise your view. Also, top off the windshield fluid so you will be able to clear snow and salt kick-up from your windshield. Look for a washer fluid that has an antifreeze component, otherwise, your washer jets and wiper blades could be rendered useless. * Drive slowly. Reduce your speed when driving in inclement weather. It can be more difficult to stop or maneuver around a potential obstacle when conditions are less than ideal. Traveling at a high speed will increase the risk of accidents. * Leave enough room between you and other motorists. Tailgating is responsible for many accidents, even when there is no snow on the ground. In inclement weather, it can take longer to slow or stop the car after pressing on the brakes. Having an additional space between your car and the one in front of you helps you avoid a collision.
* Invest in snow tires. Those who live in especially snowy climates and do a lot of driving would be wise to purchase snow tires. Snow tires, also called winter tires, have special tread patterns that offer better traction in snow and ice. They also are made from softer rubber compounds than regular tires that retain their flexibility in cold weather, allowing the tire to conform to the surface of the road. Although many vehicles come with technology to prevent accidents, they cannot do their jobs if tires are not maintaining their grip on the road. All-season tires are not a replacement for snow tires. All-season tires are designed to work in all sorts of conditions, from rainy weather to dry roads. Therefore, it is better to invest in a set of snow tires that will offer you better protection. When putting snow tires on a car or truck, be sure to do so on all the wheels -- not just the driving wheels. Otherwise you may still risk spin outs or uneven gripping of the road. It is not a good idea to keep snow tires on all year. Because they are softer, snow tires tend to be more noisy and can wear out faster in warmer weather. Therefore, switch out the tires at the beginning of the snowy season and then before the spring arrives anew. MY COMMUNITY
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Catch the Holiday Spirit at Christmas in Merrickville December 1, 2012
The ‘strollable’ village of Merrickville, with its 19th century homes, shop fronts, restaurants, pubs, artist studios and galleries, is the classic picture of Christmas past. Christmas in Merrickville, Merrickville’s annual kick-off to the holiday season, which takes place on the first weekend in December, has grown into a much anticipated celebration for villagers and visitors alike. Filled with outdoor and indoor fun and festivities for families and friends of all ages, Christmas in Merrickville is the perfect occasion to catch some old-fashioned holiday spirit. Festivities begin on Friday, November 30 at 4:30 pm with
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a village lighting ceremony. Ring in the holiday season at Blockhouse Park with church bells, carolers and a tree lighting ceremony. Then you can start scratching those names off your Christmas gift list as most Merrickville stores are open late. On Saturday morning you and your family can enjoy breakfast with Santa at the Merrickville Legion and then take a horse-drawn wagon ride through the village. Check out all the sweet treats for sale at the Cookie Walk and Weigh at the Merrickville United Church. Scheduled to continued...
run from 9 am till 1 pm, the sale is always a sell-out. So come early! The Merrickville United Church is also the location for the Children’s Activity Centre. Hosted by the staff of the Merrickville District Day Nursery School, the centre provides a great opportunity for parents and children to participate in some great hands-on fun and catch some great entertainment and a visit from Santa. And do check out the silent auction at the Knock Knock Shoppe Quilt Room where you can bid on dozens of items donated by local business owners. Shop at participating merchants and enter a draw to win one of a series of shopping sprees valued at up to $1000. Both events run until 9 pm. Can Christmas shopping get any easier? Other Saturday afternoon and evening events include carolers, photos with Santa, strolling magician, hot chocolate, steamy cider, marshmallows and hot dogs toasted on open fires, a chili tent and more. Horse-drawn wagon rides continue into the evening - a perfect time to view Merrickville’s decorated shop fronts and homes. In the true spirit of the season, you can drop off donations of non-perishable goods for the Lions’ Christmas hamper fund at select locations along St. Lawrence Street. On Sunday, December 2 at 2 pm, the 40-member North Grenville Concert Choir will be leading their continued... MY COMMUNITY
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audience in an inspiring and spirited sing-along Messiah concert in the Baldachin Inn’s Ballroom. Selections of familiar Christmas carols will also be performed. Proceeds go to support community improvement in Merrickville. For up-to-date information about these and other Christmas in Merrickville festivities please phone 613-269-2229 or visit www.christmasinmerrickville.ca.
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Gluten is a protein and a natural component of most cereal grains, particularly wheat. It is what gives wheat bread its bouncy, elastic texture. For some people gluten is a problem and causes digestive disorders ranging from the very severe (celiac disease) to what might be considered mild by some diagnosticians (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) but is none-the-less bothersome to those who suffer from it. So the obvious suggestion for those effected: cut gluten from your diet. Sounds simple, right? Not so much…. See—gluten isn’t only found in grain and wheat products. It is used as an additive and stabilizing agent in countless processed foods and personal care products1. And, because of the way factories and food transportation systems operate, gluten finds its way into many additional food products that don’t include it directly in their ingredients or processing systems. So gluten is, effectively, everywhere. Celiac disease is diagnosed when a person has a “heightened immunological responsiveness to ingested gluten proteins”2 but there is much debate in the medical community about what tests confirm or rule-out that diagnosis. The Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) is working to refine and enhance the methods of diagnosing celiac disease but until then: you may have it, yet be tested negative for it. Also, aside from celiac disease, many studies indicate that gluten in the diet is responsible for a very large range of symptoms and maladies affecting many organ systems beyond your digestive tract. In light of this medical “Gluten” uncertainty the recommended means of self-diagnosis is to is the Latin simply remove gluten from word for your diet for 30 days, then glue…… reintroduce it in a controlled way, and feel what you feel…. yeah – glue!
What is gluten, and what’s the big deal about living
?
“gluten-free”
But this is not so easily done. Living gluten-free becomes a ‘boy-in-the-bubble’ problem when you consider that half the food in the supermarket either contains or is contaminated with gluten. What’s a sensible, self-diagnosing, conscientious Canadian to do? It’s not enough to learn what products contain gluten continued...
How can gluten be so bad when it’s everywhere in our food? Here it is, in a nutshell: we humans evolved for 2.6 million years never, ever, having encountered the gluten molecule in our diets. Not until the advent of agriculture, a mere 10,000 years ago, did this protein make its way to our intestinal lining. It is simply foreign to our bodies and we have not had time enough to evolve to accommodate it. But if it’s so bad for us, wouldn’t we know? Not necessarily: the symptoms of gluten sensitivity are difficult to associate in our awareness to specific foods, because it’s hidden in so many products. And gluten sensitivity ranges in intensity and symptoms, bringing symptomatic waves which are also not apparently associated with having ingested specific foods. If you feel kinda bad most of the time… you may be gluten-intolerant. MY COMMUNITY
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as a part of their natural makeup or have gluten hidden in the ingredients list — though that’s a fair bit of study on its own. You need to learn what products have trace amounts, or are likely to be contaminated with gluten during processing. If it doesn’t say “gluten free” on the label chances are it does have gluten in it. And even in trace amounts gluten can cause symptoms in those that are sensitive to it. So to properly determine its effect on you, you really do need to eliminate it completely from your diet, before you do the re-introduction. Turns out the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is on our side. On August 4th 2012, the CFIA made it mandatory for food labels to indicate when a product may contain gluten, either in the ingredients list or just under it in a “May Contain…” section. We owe this enforced transparency in part to the Canadian Celiac Association, but many other allergen-concerned groups have been pushing for this legislation for a long time. So now when you read “seasoning” on an ingredients label, or “natural flavours” you don’t have to guess if those ingredients contain gluten (or milk, peanuts, corn, etc). This is a huge step in the right direction but still, when you go to the grocery store you might want to pack a lunch…and don’t forget your reading glasses!
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Symptoms of gluten-intolerance range from gut problems (abdominal pain, bloating, gas, etc.) to fatigue, headaches and paresthesia (tingling of the extremities). 3
There’s an easier way to be certain your groceries are free of Gluten’s particular structure gluten: buy products makes it difficult for our that bear the claim enzymes to break it down into “gluten-free” on their amino acids. Inside your body label. Eureka! How easy large gluten fragments trigger is that? Not at all easy immunological reactions and for food manufacturers: causing localized inflammation in the CFIA has made joints and other tissues. 4 its threshold for gluten presence in a product one of the lowest in the world: 20 parts per million and the CCA is pushing to lower this threshold. That presents a huge challenge for manufacturers: The mere proximity of gluten-containing grains in fields, factories, processing facilities and even cargo containers poses a threat of contamination, hampering the efforts of the manufacturers aiming to produce gluten-free products. As a result, you won’t find too many mainstream products in your grocery store, even down the health-food aisle, that bear this claim. It’s just too difficult for large manufacturers to quarantine those products throughout the whole process—from field, to facility, to store-shelf. continued...
The way to make gluten-free products that meet the strict requirements of the glutenfree claim is to make them in isolation, and that is exactly what Val Dyer and her business partner Rob Duncan have done in Perth Ontario. Purest is a manufacturer, a distributor, a bakery, a laboratory and a brand—not to mention a quaint and welcoming storefront. Val and her team at Purest have gluten-free cooking and baking down to a science—and that is not a metaphor, we’re talking literally here. There are freshbaked goodies in the pastry case every day and always a hot lunch meal offered. “People visit the shop for lunch because the food is delicious, not because it’s gluten or dairy free” Purest—as the name suggests— makes, packages and distributes food products made from the purest ingredients, free from continued... Another challenge facing manufacturers of gluten-free products is that gluten is a kind of a “keystone” ingredient in many foods, meaning it is the gluten in the food that makes it recognizable; that gives it the defining characteristics of a bread product. Taking the ‘sponginess’ out of cakes and breads often leaves you with…something not so much resembling cake or bread! Many peoples’ experience of gluten-free products may already have biased them. The inadequate [read: gross] texture they have found in a typical health-food-store gluten free baked-good is less than desirable. Wait till you try Purest’s bread, cookies and scones. This is what we mean when we say they’ve made a science of it: they have miraculously made delicious gluten-free baked goods. MY COMMUNITY
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the twelve major allergens—not just gluten. (The other 11, in case you’re wondering, are crustaceans, egg, fish, peanuts, milk, tree nuts, soya, sesame, corn, wheat and sulphur dioxide). You will not find these substances in any of the products made in their factory. In order to make this claim with confidence, the strictest level of hygiene and quarantine is maintained in the factory and bakery. Anyone visiting the site must wash their hands like
that satisfies the Celiac representatives’ demands for extreme purity yet is not cost-prohibitive (and essentially self-defeating) to the small scale manufacturer. This degree of purity is, in fact, only viable in a small-scale operation as large manufacturers have simply too many avenues of food production and delivery crossing paths and sharing spaces; too many variables to control, and too small a market segment to cater to. The way Val explained it to me is like this: “It’s not that our products are super-refined or specialized; they are what baking and cooking used to be—basic, simple and wholesome. Before the modern food-processingmega-businessenterprises came along food went directly from the farm to the table— there was no time or place for contamination with genetically modified corn, trans fats, hormoneinjected meat, or whathave-you. Everything has changed now and the norm (food from the supermarket) is full of objectionable ingredients that, as a culture, we now accept; we accept it when we buy it and close our eyes to what it does to our health and our bodies.”
the doctors on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, put a hair cap over their hair and booties on over their shoes. Workers are asked to not handle these allergens at home before they come to work. Maintaining this The fact is these allergens are everywhere in our kind of contaminant-free environment takes huge industrial food supply in every additive, coating, commitment and investment in terms of equipment, texture-enhancer, filler, thickener, emulsifier—you laboratory testing, knowledge—this is no simple name it. At Purest, Val has developed recipes and undertaking. The right to claim “gluten-free” on a continued... product takes meticulous quality control standards, Rob and Val face many challenges. Oats, for example, that are not expensive testing and contaminated with gluten cannot be purchased in Canada; there are no incurred liability. Yet this oat-processors that will dedicate their entire mill to oats and thus keep the is Rob and Val’s passion product quarantined from wheat and other gluten-containing grains. Nonand their life’s work. They genetically modified corn, also, is virtually extinct in Canada. This is what are actively involved with our grocery-store shelves are filled with: products that, if not directly made the Celiac Association from “Frankenstein” ingredients, are more than likely prepared alongside and the Canadian Food them and thus “may contain….etc.” (This is a huge, global issue and involves Inspection Agency to every intricate branch of our food system from the huge corporations to establish a Canadian the small-scale farmer fighting to keep his crop pure. There are lots of great certification program documentaries and books out there for anyone wishing to learn more.) 44
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baking mixes and sourced raw ingredients that are free from all these questionable elements. You don’t need wheat flour to thicken gravy—it’s not even the best way to thicken gravy. You don’t need to find hydrolyzed wheat protein and MSG in your beef broth—it’s there to hyper-stimulate your taste-sensors and trick you into blind loyalty to that brand. We assume that the food produced by the big name brands is safe—it’s sanctioned by our government; how could it be on our shelves if it’s not safe? Of course it is safe, for the most part—but is it optimal? Is it right that we’re plagued with the so called “lifestyle diseases” (see sidebar), and what, if not the processed foods we consume, is causing all that? The skeptical reader might say “if the food was all bad, wouldn’t we all be sick?” Well the fact is many of us are sick…. There’s no simple answer to these questions and the various “authorities” (the manufacturing corporations; the governmental bodies; the industry lobbyists; the representative specialty groups) all have interests that may or may not include the wellbeing of you and your family. It’s you, and you only that has that interest truly at heart. We are animals existing in a food environment that, just a brief moment ago (10,000 years is a brief moment in evolutionary terms) drastically changed to include all kinds of new and untested compounds, of which gluten, corn and milk are only the most infamous examples. But we still have time, as consumers, to steer the freight-train of industry in a direction that does not make extinct the pure foods we evolved with. We can educate ourselves, we can respect our bodies and what our bodies are telling us and we can buy and eat be the purest food available. STORE HOURS
Wikipedia says…. “Lifestyle Diseases” are diseases that appear to increase in frequency as countries become more industrialized and people live longer. They can include Alzheimer’s disease, atherosclerosis, cancer, chronic liver disease or cirrhosis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome or so-called Syndrome X, Crohn’s disease, kidney failure, osteoporosis, stroke, depression, obesity, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)…
GLUTEN FREE STORE & BAKERY
www.purestnaturalproducts.com 1. Gedgaudas, Nora T., CNS, CNT Primal Body, Primal Mind, Healing Arts Press, Rochester, Vermont, 2011, pp 31. 2. Gedgaudas, Nora T., CNS, CNT Primal Body, Primal Mind, Healing Arts Press, Rochester, Vermont, 2011, pp 33. 3. http://www.celiac.ca/index.php/gluten-sensitivity/ about-gluten-sensitivity/ 4. Hartwig, Dallas & Melissa, It Starts With Food, Victory Belt Publishing Inc., Las Vegas, 2012, pp 113.
Tuesday to Saturday 9am - 5 pm 613-267-6449
ALL NATURAL GOODS DELICIOUS BAKED GOODS FROZEN & FRESH MEALS TO GO WIDE SELECTION OF GF PRODUCTS GIFT BASKETS BULK INGREDIENTS HOT & COLD LUNCH SPECIALS!
Check-out website: www.purestnaturalproducts.com
105 Dufferin St. Unit #10 PERTH, ON Behind Wendyʼs facing the Hwy #511 MY COMMUNITY
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Residential Plus Inc. e started in business in 1990, just arriving in the country from Scotland. The previous owner of the business was looking for a manager to look after the day to day running of his business. After about six months the owner was looking to sell the business and asked if I would be interested. It wasn’t exactly what I had in mind to be doing for the rest of my working life.
W
Twenty years later here I am. Residential Plus (formerly Residential Window Cleaners), is a Window and Eavestrough cleaning company that we have owned for the past twenty years. We have been servicing the Ottawa west area including, Kanata, Stittsville, Nepean, Manotick, Spencerville, Merickville, Carp, Dunrobin, Carleton Place, Almonte and as far as Sharbot Lake. We offer customers the facility of cleaning their windows throughout the season from April until the end of November. We operate our home based business out of the family
home and have and will continue to work under a family base which we feel continues to offer the utmost service. Currently we have three employees, one has been with us for at least 18 years, and having this dedication can only attest to how committed we are as a family owned business to take pride in everything that we service. In fact some of our customers ask if Louis would be coming to clean their windows as they put a lot of trust in the work that he does.
Window & Eavestrough Cleaning You’ll clearly see the difference Established for 20 years
591-0101 46
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Toll Free:
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rplus@bellnet.ca
1-877-737-7587
Fax:
599-1039
Winter Fun The County of Lanark has been blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. Throughout the year, residents and visitors alike can partake in stunning views and vistas of the forest and woodlands in both the Lanark Highland and along roads bordering its more than 100 lakes and its rivers. Throughout this natural abundance are hundreds of kilometers of trails for hiking, cycling, skiing, snowmobiling and ATVing. These recreational trails are open to all regardless of fitness level or appetite for physical challenges.
Kingston. It is a nonmotorized trail making it an ideal venue for hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. For those looking for an afternoon walk, the Point Trail in Murphy’s Point Provincial Park is a 5.5 km stroll. Lanark County has more than 4,600 hectares of county forests; many of these reserves have walking trails, such as the interpretive trail in the Baird Community Forest. The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority maintains trails in its conservation areas as well.
in Lanark
For those both brave of heart and strong of heart there is the Rideau Trail, which is a well marked and cleared footpath running more than 300 km from Ottawa to
Most of the trails in Lanark County are opened and maintained year-round, such as the Havelock to Glen Tay Trail, the Ottawa Carleton Trail and the Cataraqui Trail. These continued...
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are all open to for walking and hiking, horseback riding, cycling, skiing and snowmobiling. The Havelock/Glen Tay Trail runs on an abandoned rail bed parallel to Highway 7 for more than 8 km. The Ottawa Carleton Trail from the western edge of the City of Ottawa to Carleton Place, and the 80 km Cataraqui-Trans Canada follows along an old rail bed of the Rideau Valley and then south to Napanee. For snowmobile adventuring the K&P Snow Trails Association consists of more than 300 kms of patrolled and groomed trails. These are part of the 40,000 kms of registered trails in Ontario. For snowmobiling information there are clubs in almost every town and community, look up your local club in your large print phonebook. For those who like to travel at a slower pace in winter there are 25 kms of groomed ski trails in Murphy’s Point Provincial Park, and 5 kms at the Timber Run Golf Course. There are many organizations to assist cross-country skiers, to learn how to ski, find trails and organize events: The Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors, The Ontario Ski Council and locally the Tay Valley Cross Country Ski Club. For dog sledding… Yes!!! Dog sledding the Cataraqui trail provides a 104 km run, one of the finest runs in eastern Canada. And unlike sledding in the Yukon or Alaska, you will never be too far from a road and always have cell phone coverage. One of Ontario’s best snowshoeing trails is at Chaffey’s Lock on the Rideau Canal; it is part of
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the Westport Rideau Trail. It is just under 29 kms, so be sure to pack a thermos or two of something hot. The Sylvan Trail at Perth is only 2.5 kms, or the Loon Lake Loop also near Perth is just 1 km in length, so perhaps you should do a few laps of these before heading out to Chaffey’s Locks. Walking, hiking or any other activity in the outdoors of Lanark County contribute towards a healthier lifestyle, community development and offer an increased awareness and understanding of nature and the natural environment. Please remember that most of these trails are near our lakes and rivers, so be aware of ice conditions and thickness and always check the weather before heading out even for a few hours. Be safe and enjoy the natural wonders of Lanark County.
Local Legends is a feature column where we showcase the lives of not-so-famous people who deserve a little lime light! To nomintate someone you admire for our next issue’s Local Legend, please email cpetite@perfprint.ca. Nominees should be presently living in either Lanark or Leeds & Grenville County and have an interesting story to tell. He or she should be willing to be interviewed and maybe have some photos taken for publication, or submit older photos. All ages welcome! Dan Lapointe lives in Perth Ontario, is 21 years old, and is on his way to college. But a few years ago, no one would have been able to predict that this young man’s future had any promise of prosperity at all. His story is a rare one, and it begs the question: why is it so often a struggle for todays youth to begin on a path toward independence and a good quality of living? Dan dropped out of high school and found himself living on government assistance, unable to find a job. 8.2% of Ontario youth drop out of high school and the trap of hopelessness and a lack of direction can be a life sentence. Opportunities seem out of reach and life becomes a day-to-day struggle to just get by. Poverty is seemingly inescapable and depending on the social safety net for basic subsistence becomes a matter of course, while the harsh judgment from the rest of society fosters resentment on the one side and a lack of compassion on the other. Something made Dan change his mind and decide he wasn’t going to travel that prescribed path. He signed himself up at “YAK” (Youth Action Komittee of Perth & District) and availed himself of the services offered by this incredible organization. YAK provides an array of youth programs to help young people, like Dan, who find they are incompatible with the traditional high school route and need help establishing a foundation of life skills and work experience. YAK’s youth services include, among others, a Social Development Program, a Youth Engagement and Leadership Program, Crisis Support and they’ll even teach you how to cook a good dinner. Critically, they helped Dan finish high school, that ever-imperative step toward the gateway of real employment opportunities. Dan got a job and proudly relinquished his monthly government assistance. His Ontario Works social worker exclaimed that it is a rare thing to see some-
one living on social assistance for such a short duration; evidently Dan’s story is the exception to the rule. In preparation for college Dan’s academic standing was measured with standardized tests and showed that his average rating is between 80 and 90%. So why was high school such a challenge—it obviously wasn’t the curriculum? Is there some other force that’s making high school unviable for a percentage of our youth? Are they being labeled and left behind, pigeonholed into an arbitrary category that becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy? How often does this incompatibility with the public school paradigm make a victim of a young person, obscuring their real potential and frustrating their efforts to find identity and purpose in their adult lives? These are big questions with multi-faceted answers that could fill a hundred magazine columns. What I want to stress is the profound respect and commendation I feel for Dan for having taken his future into his own hands and steered away from the life the statistics seemed to predict for him. Dan is now a volunteer at YAK and will undoubtedly affect a similar turn-around in countless other young people who observe his example. For more information on YAK, and links to similar programs in neighboring counties, please visit their website www.yakyouth.ca.
I’d like to thank Janey Nagle, Dan’s fond and inexpressibly proud mother, for nominating her son for this issue’s Local Legends. I hope this article lights a few fires under the butts of some young people starting to develop patterns of complacency, hopelessness and ingrained laziness. It’s an easy trap to fall into and once in it—really hard to climb out of. But Dan did it: he changed his mind, changed his work ethic and changed the course of his life. MY COMMUNITY
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The results are in! Last issue’s Readers’ survey, “just for the fun of it”, turned up some interesting findings… 45% of responders preferred pie over cake, while 20% preferred neither. 26% were cat owners and 35% dog-owners, and only 7% had a non-feline/non-canine pets. Overall, we thought the pet-ownership component of our reading audience was on the low side. We have 47% that are readers of fiction and 39% readers of non-fiction with only a small 13% not being readers at all. Only 11% of responders consider themselves city-slickers while the split between country bumpkin and a-little-of-both is almost down the middle: 41 and 47% respectively. This one really surprised us: 71% of responders say they rarely go on facebook; 13% sometimes and only 15% often. This is somewhat clarified by the admission by 67% of responders that their kids are more technically savvy than are they. We looked for a correlation between the non-readers and the avid facebook users, but there was none. Also, only 9% of responders get their daily news from the internet. Overall, the internet seems to be playing a smaller role in the lives of our readers that we would have predicted. 60% of our responders were decidedly against the wearing of pajamas in public with only 11% being for it. Interestingly, all those ‘for’ the public wearing of pajamas were home-
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owners (rather than renters or free-loaders), wearers of gloves rather than mittens in winter and proponents of artificial Christmas trees over real ones. But those three criteria were majority-winners by between 64 and 75% anyway…so we won’t draw any conclusions there. 30% of responders barbeque all year round while 40% close it up for the season— that’s a pretty devoted group of chilly barbequeers. 30 % of responders don’t barbeque at all…. Wow, they’re missing out. Coffee versus tea drinkers were split exactly at 47% each, 6% drink neither. The biggest common trait among all our responders is their preference for turkey at thanksgiving over ham or something else: 84% find turkey and indispensible component of thanksgiving festivities. So we have a generally book-reading, computerwary, turkey-loving, home-owning, glove-wearing reading audience. That was fun.
For this issue’s survey we decided to make the questions a little more thought-provoking; less black-and-white. We’re not going to get analytical data from these questions, but we might find some interesting commonalities in our readers. Besides, it’s just for the fun of it!
... just for the fun of it! Name one thing you worry about running out of. ______________________________________________________ What famous person do you (or other people) think you resemble? _____________________________________ What is your favorite pizza topping? Do you crack your knuckles?
__________________________________________________________________________________
❏ yes ❏ no
Where did you last go on vacation?
__________________________________________________________________________________
What is your best physical feature? _________________________________________________________________ What 3 things can always be found in your refrigerator? _______________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
What superstition do you believe/practice? __________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________
What is your favourite saying? _____________________________________________________________________ What do you do when no one is watching? ___________________________________________________________ Do you talk to yourself?
❏ yes ❏ no
Do you sleep with one pillow or two? ________________________
What is your favourite ice cream: __________________________________________________________________ What is your favourite type of family game to play: ____________________________________________________ What is your favorite movie of all time: _____________________________________________________________ What’s your favourite smell? ______________________________________________________________________ What is your favourite place to eat out: _____________________________________________________________ What is your favourite quote? ______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________
What is your favourite winter activity: _______________________________________________________________ What saying or term you know you say waaaaay too often: _____________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________
What are your favourite eggs—scrambled or fried : ____________________________________________________
my two cents... _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ MY COMMUNITY
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Reader Survey PO Box 158 Smiths Falls, ON K7A 4T1
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DURABILITY
The Cabinet Shop:
Quality workmanship at competitive prices At The Cabinet Shop, getting that kitch- work at very reasonable prices,” notes en or bathroom of your dreams is just a Gervais. “Our pieces are of exceptional simple phone call away. quality and are all done by hand… and our price points are very reasonable The business, a 2,000 square foot cus- considering what we do for it.” tom manufacturing facility of kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, is located five With The Cabinet Shop, clients get that kilometers west of North Gower at 3435 one-on-one experience and Gervais said Roger Stevens Drive. Owners Deborah she and Clayton take pride in their work Gervais, an accredited kitchen and and will cater to their clients’ specific bath designer; and Alex Clayton, cabi- needs. “Everything we do is built and set net maker extraordinaire have been at to the space you have, so it all fits propthe Roger Stevens Drive location since erly,” she said. 2006. Collectively, they have more than 40 years of combined experience in the Interior design services can help clients manufacturing, construction and design plan their project (and choose the proper finishes, hardware and accessories) industries. and The Cabinet Shop also uses 20-20 “We offer custom cabinetry and mill- design software to produce detailed three-dimensional renderings of what your new kitchen our bathroom could look like.
Solar Storage Tank
“We go to your home and measure up the space, with a free consultation by appointment. The experience is much more personalized that way,” Gervais stated.
Auxiliary Storage Tank (existing or new, electric, natural gas, propane or oil)
All cabinetry is created on-site in the manufacturing facility, which is equipped with a variety of machinery, including a complete countertop cutting station. Another unique feature to the woodworking shop is the self-contained spray booth. Its state-of-the-art finishing equipment allows The Cabinet Shop to provide custom staining to their clients as well.
*Compared to a typical wood framed house. **Compared to other ICs
The Cabinet Shop operates on a by appointment basis only and is not a walk-in retail outlet. Their facility is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and evening and Saturday appointThey also offer a variety of wood, ther- ments are also available upon request. mofoil and laminate doors from suppli- To schedule an appointment, please ers including Richelieu, Premoule and call 613-489-2323 or email thecabinetCaron, in addition to local suppliers. shop@xplornet.com. “Everything comes in here (manufacturing facility), we build it and finish it here and then ship it out. Everything is done in-house,” Gervais commented.
Building a greener tomorrow • Solutions for all sizes of rooms and homes • Temperatures up to 140˚ F • Self-powered – no electrical hookup required SOLARSHEAT 1500G • Thermostatically controlled • Save on high cost of oil and gas
From material to design, JELD-WEN is paving the way for a more energyefficient, healthier and sustainable future. Our products help you conserve energy, save money on energy bills, and provide you with some of the most environmentally beneficial features on the market. Learn more at www.JELD-WEN.ca
WINDOWS & DOORS
RIDEAU LUMBER 58 Abbott Street, Smiths Falls, Ontario
613-283-2211 Fax 613-283-8537
Installation Services
Toll Free 1-800-890-0690 info@rideaulumber.com
www.rideaulumber.com
Laminate post-formed counter and bar tops from Premoule are also available, as are counter and bar tops in materials such as granite, solid surface and engineered stone.
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The net i b a C p o h S
Alex Clayton Deborah Gervais, AKBD
613-489-2323 fax 613-489-3720 ph
3435 Roger Stevens Drive North Gower, ON
Interior Design Services Available Manufacturers of quality kitchen and bath cabinets to suit all budgets. Postformed and custom countertops also available in laminate, granite, marble, solid surface, and more...
www.thecabinetshopottawa.com
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