Almontecarletonplace012518

THURSDAY

JANUARY 25, 2018

Newsstand price, $2 per copy

2014 Honda Accord Sport $13,495 104

BI-WEEKLY

Stk# 7303A One owner, Local trade, Serviced here since new, 18" Alloys, Heated Seats, Bluetooth, Auto, 119,000 km

Highway 15 North, Smiths Falls • 613-283-1880

www.rallyhonda.com

callanmotors.com Highway 7, Perth 613-264-0115

Check Out All Our Cool Cars

CANADIAN Diamond Ring!

Serving Perth and Area for over 24 years

Community Official Plan drop-in sessions set for Jan. 30 BY ASHLEY KULP

akulp@metroland.com

Property owners will have a chance to discuss concerns regarding proposed changes to the Mississippi Mills Community Official Plan (COP) during drop-in sessions Tuesday, Jan. 30 at Almonte Old Town Hall. One-on-one appointments with senior planner Marc Rivet of JL Richards & Associates Limited, the firm undertaking the five-year COP review, can be made from 1 to 8 p.m. “People can call in and sign up for an appointment time,” chief administrative officer Diane Smithson explained to council at its Jan. 16 meeting. “The intention is to have 15-minute allocations to ensure we are seeing as many people as possible.” One-on-one meetings or small groups can be accommodated if concerns are similar in nature. “This is not a public meeting,” Smithson stressed. “This is an opportunity to discuss issues on a per topic basis.” Coun. Alex Gillis questioned if more than one planner would be in attendance, “because I think that would make a difference.” “I had hoped a number of these issues would already have been addressed on Dec. 14 but it’s unfortunate

www.burnsjewellers.com

that didn’t happen and at this point, we have only scheduled one planner (Rivet),” answered Smithson. “If council wishes to allocate more funds to have the people who were at the Dec. 14 meeting available, I can see if it’s not too late.” She indicated the municipality’s junior planner, Andrew Scanlan Dickie, would not be in attendance. “(Andrew) is doing the job of two planners right now so he will be here in the office.” At the Dec. 14 open house held in the upper hall of the Almonte Community Centre, concerns from residents regarding the proposed designation of Natural Heritage Systems (NHS) dominated the session and JL Richards & Associates representatives were denied the chance to make a presentation of its overall review of the COP. “The Dec. 14 meeting was not a Community Official Plan open house,” Gillis stated. “An open house with information boards was what we intended but what was put forward was a big surprise.” In the draft COP, a NHS is referred to as an integrated system of environmental features (including wetlands, woodlands and conservation areas)

66 Foster Street, Perth • 613-267-4466 115 Bridge Street, Carleton Place

ONLINE at

insideottawavalley.com

News, events and information on your desktop, laptop or mobile device FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

The 2018 Pakenham Frost Festival was in full swing at Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm on Sunday, Jan. 21. Above, enjoying the tobogganing hill, from left, Pakenham youngsters Lyall Badham and Lily Baron. Left: Quebec magician Darell McCorriston and his dove, Cleopatra.

See SESSIONS page A/CP2

Tara Gesner/Metroland

A Division of Hinton Auto Connection Ltd.

NOW up to $13500 OFF 2017 GRAND CARAVANS while stocks last

... Take Some “You” Time!

JANUARY

www.hintondodge.ca 1 mile East of Perth on Hwy 7, 613-267-2300

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

15 11

See what’s happening by visiting www.insideottawavalley.com/ ottawavalley-events

www.facebook.com/canadiangazette @InOttValley

HURRY IN - THEY’RE MOVING OUT FAST. 2017 MODEL CLEARANCE SAVINGS UP TO PLUS

$12,000

LOW RATE FINANCING.

STK#17247 Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac

www.famousforfairness.ca

199 Lombard Street, Smiths Falls

613-283-3882

Transgender awareness workshops to educate on gender diversity through art, politics BY PAULINA HREBACKA

phrebacka@metroland.com

Trans artists and educators Cara Tierney and Behc Jax-Lynx strive to stimulate conversation on gender diversity in rural communities with performance art and educational workshops, sharing their expansive knowledge in art history, health and wellness, and politics. Behc and Cara don’t identify with gender binary terms (man, woman) and use the pronoun “they,” or simply their first names, as opposed to “he” or “she.” Transgendered people are not new, they are not rare, and they are not confused. These are just three of the many things you’ll learn about the transgender identity if you attend the Building through Education and Community Knowledge workshop by Cara Tierney and Behc Jax-Lynx. The dynamic duo is striving to raise transgender awareness in rural communities as they make their stop at Geraldine’s Gallery in Kemptville (2505 County Road 43) on Monday, Jan. 29, from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. during their tour of the area. Other stops include Thursday, Feb. 1 at the Perth & District Union Library. Workshop times remain the same as the Kemptville event. Jax-Lynx and Tierney are dedicated to the de-stigmatization of transgender individuals, as they teach best practices, talk gender affirmation, educate on the history of transgenderism, and fight for equity for universal gender diversity. With their work, Jax-Lynx and Tierney go beyond the basic definitions of transgender, non-binary, genderfluid, and gender non-conforming. They present an expansive understanding of health and well-being, history, politics, artistic expression, and the current human rights legislation Bill C-16, which amends the Canadian Human Rights Act to add gender identity and gender expression to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination. Collectively, their impressive educational and professional backgrounds include performance art, social work, activism, community development, anti-oppression work, and education. Tierney is a performance artist from Montreal, who currently teaches photography and art history at the University of Ottawa. They’re also a current student at Carleton University in an interdisciplinary program. As an artist, Tierney strives to build a better understanding of gender identity. “What I’m trying to do is take education, trans and queer studies, and see if art can be used as a tool to create educational opportunities and experiences for people to gain access to information about gender identity and expression,” Tierney said. “The goal is to fill the gaps that I perceive as being lacking in society.” The workshop will incorporate an educational element on art history,

Submitted photo

Cara Tierney, left, and Behc Jax-Lynx are bringing a gender diversity awareness workshop to Kemptville on Monday, Jan. 29 called Building through Education and Community Knowledge. Through their work, the dynamic duo educates rural communities with an expansive look at transgenderism in art, history, health and wellness, and politics, and strive for institutional change to better accommodate all gender identities equally. and Tierney will present an artist talk on the inspiration, process, and medium behind their art pointedly towards trans identity. “I deconstructed my gender through my art,” Tierney said. “For example, in one performance, I wore my prom dress and waxed my bikini line, then I put the strips that I had waxed off my bikini line on my face and I built a mask. Through that, I addressed how I was using femininity as a mask to try and exist in the world.” “It’s sort of like an attention-grabbing way that we can talk about these ideas and use these images to address gender identity,” they said. Jax-Lynx and Tierney decided to work together when they connected over shared passions and interests. They have very different, but complementary backgrounds, which allows them to collaborate well in their workshops. Their approach is bold and honest, as well as educational and fun. Jax-Lynx’s background is in social work and community development. “My first degree was in fine arts and contemporary critical theory,” they said. “I then worked doing art in shelters, and became heavily involved in the anti-poverty movement.” Jax-Lynx’s main focus has been in instituting organizational change, and establishing small collectives doing anti-poverty work and arts inclusion. They’ve worked in several mainstream organizations as a counsellor, community developer, and educator. One important aspect of learning about alternative gender identities through Jax-Lynx and Tierney’s work is that it’s coming directly from people who are openly transgender, who experience first-hand the everyday struggles of simply trying to be themselves in our society. This means they are the

“first voice,” from which we can learn about alternative gender identities directly. The opportunity to learn through a “first voice” source is important and rare, as this type of education isn’t taught in high schools, and often, a transgender child, youth, or adult will go through an assessment process with their doctor when they initially come out as transgender. This causes not only the stigmatization of alternative gender identities as a whole, but also prompts the pathologization of them. “A lot of social workers, psychologists, doctors, and other medical professionals speak and teach about transgender individuals, which perpetuates a pathologization and an othering,” said Jax-Lynx. “It’s like we are this medical model or study that is a category.” For this reason, Jax-Lynx believes that deep-rooted organizational change needs to take place, and their work with Tierney helps lay a foundation. “Cara and I know our own experiences, but we also spend a lot of time with trans children and youth,” JaxLynx said. “We hear what the youth are saying about their experiences in hospitals and clinics. We hear them telling each other what to say to their doctors, and that’s devastating to me. It’s really a call to action.” After a decade of this kind of work, Jax-Lynx has seen doctors and nurses tell self-identified transgender people that they need to display a certain set of behaviors in order to be affirmed as a boy or as a girl. “One thing that people don’t really check in on is where the doctors get their knowledge from. Who taught the doctors this information, and how to distinguish between the sexes? We

are the experts,” they said. “If anyone at any point in time are going to do a clinical assessment to have someone demonstrate who they are, that should be a red flag right there. That’s what we are working on undoing – it’s just unethical.” It took Tierney 30 years to realize that they were transgender, and part of the reason why it took so long is that there was very little information available on gender identity. “The concept of alternative gender identities didn’t exist when I was growing up, and they still aren’t teaching this stuff in high schools,” they said. Tierney wondered how people are learning about gender identity outside of hospitals, clinics, and medical assessments. “The only way anyone comes by this kind of knowledge is if you are queer, or you know somebody who is, and you take the time to educate yourself.” For this reason, Tierney and JaxLynx decided that there has to be more holistic and supportive places for people to learn about gender iden-

tity that don’t just see being trans as a diagnosis. “We shouldn’t have to learn about our identity through a doctor – we know who we are, and we’re just trying to be ourselves,” said Tierney. The Building through Education and Community Knowledge workshop also explores the history of gender clinics. “In the ‘60s, transgender people were considered to be sociopaths, and clinics were developed to function like charm schools, where people were taught proper etiquette and behaviors to fit within a certain gender,” said Tierney. In 1966, Dr. Harry Benjamin was the first to write a book about it, called The Transsexual Phenomenon. The subtitle of the book reads, “All the facts about the changing of sex through hormones and surgery.” Benjamin is notably quoted as stating that “The transvestite has a social problem, the transsexual has a gender problem, and the homosexual has a See WORKSHOPS page 4

Call today for our 2018 Getaways Catalogue! DAYTONA BEACH FEB 17-MAR 4 $1735 APR 4-7 APR 15-19 APR 23-27 APR 28-29 MAY 7-10 MAY 13-16 MAY 29-JUNE 1 JUNE 10-13 JUNE 14-15

JAN 31 MAR 1 MAR 4 MAR 8 MAR 8 MAR 9 MAR 13 MAR 17 MAR 17 MAR 31

ALASKA CRUISE AUG 21-29 $2799

TORONTO RAPTORS SUITE EXPERIENCE VS. OKC MAR 18 $250

EXTENDED TOURS

NEW ENGLAND QUILT ATLANTIC CITY & NYC OHIO AMISH MONTREAL WEEKEND GETAWAY BOSTON NIAGARA FALLS MOTHER’S DAY QUEBEC CITY ATLANTIC CITY PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY WINE COUNTRY

$669 $605 $799 $235 $895 $495 $869 $469 $299

ONE DAY TOURS

AKWESASNE CASINO $39 JAMES WILSON MORRICE EXHIBIT $65 BELLEVILLE SENATORS VS. TORONTO MARLIES $85 DEL LAGO CASINO $55 WATERLOO PREMIUM OUTLETS $55 OTTAWA SENATORS VS. CALGARY FLAMES $125 OTTAWA VALLEY FARM SHOW $35 CANADA BLOOMS $89 TORONTO SPORTSMEN’S SHOW $90 TORONTO BLUE JAYS VS NY YANKEES $139

Check Out www.howardtravel.ca or stop in today for a full list of our trips

YOUR FULL SERVICE TRAVEL AGENCY All rates in Canadian funds per person. Taxes included. All extended tour rates per person based on double occupancy.

Reg. #2510616

15 LOUIS STREET, BROCKVILLE 1-800-267-4432 613-342-4791

Connected to Your Community A/CP/K/P/SF - 2 - Thursday, January 25, 2018

Please join Food Banks Canada and feed your neighbours today

www.foodbankscanada.ca

G IN N M O O C SO

Look forward to the the most functional and innovative gym equipment in Eastern Ontario. VERY CLOSE TO OPENING! Settlers Ridge Centre · 275 Brockville Street · Smiths Falls

www.functionalperformancefitness.ca Submitted photo

1 WEEK LEFT! BUY YOUR PRE-PAID MEMBERSHIP AND SAVE OFF OUR REGULAR GYM MEMBERSHIP.

Kendra Noseworthy and Bruce Fullarton of Developmental Services of Leeds and Grenville are searching for volunteers to help with their distress centre lines throughout Lanark, Leeds and Grenville counties. Please contact them at 613-345-1290 or visit www. DevelopmentalServices.com for more information.

Volunteers sought to connect with others on distress centre phone lines

BY LAURIE WEIR

ljweir@metroland.com

Now is a great time to delve into new opportunities, and if you are an empathetic sort, why not pick up the phone? Literally. The Distress Centre of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville is searching for volunteers to help them on the phone lines as an active listener. Volunteers for the Distress Centre of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville help with positive change in the communities by helping to empower others through active listening. “This can promote selfgrowth, development, communication and consultation skills,” said Bruce Fullarton, volunteer co-ordinator. “All of our volunteers are trained to allow callers to talk about their issues, and to explore different options that will work best for the caller.” This Distress Centre is a confidential and anonymous service that is provided by non-judgmental and empathetic volunteers. It is based on an active listening model, which encourages in-

dividuals to help themselves through exploring their feelings and their options. “Everyone at some point in their life needs someone they trust to listen to their cares and worries,” added Kendra Noseworthy, volunteer co-ordinator. “The Distress Centre can be that someone if you are alone and don’t know where to turn. Our trained volunteers are a caring and concerned voice on the other end of the phone.” The line is open from 5 p.m. until midnight every day. No issue is too small. If it is bothering you, call the distress line. The Distress Centre also provides the Warm Line Service, which is a beneficial service to those within the community that may require some extra support in the evenings. The Warm Line Service can provide support for 20 active service recipients between the hours of 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Once the service has reached its maximum 20 service recipients, any referrals at that point can be put onto a waiting list until a spot be-

comes available. The Warm Line can provide many beneficial services for individuals, such as medication reminders, support calls and wellness check-ins. Recently, the Distress Centre started assisting individuals living in supported independent living or independent living settings by providing reminders to lock their doors and check their windows; to ensure stoves, toasters, ovens or any electrical appliance are turned off; to take medication; and for confirmation of returning home after an extended leave to ensure they feel safe. “The Warm Line has grown quickly over the last few years, as many agencies in our community are seeing the effectiveness and benefits of this service to the people they support,” Fullerton said. All Warm Line service recipients need to be referred to the Distress Centre for this service by an agency service provider or family physician. For more information, please contact Bruce Fullarton or Kendra Noseworthy at 613-345-1290.

PRESENTS

EXPERIENCE NASHVILLE THE MUSIC CITY and a Tale of Twin Cities

MAY 31ST – JUNE 3RD, 2018

$1689.00 CAD

Includes all taxes and fees • per person DBL Occupancy ($1443.39 + Tax + Fees $245.61) • Non-refundable deposit of $150.00 per person • Single, triple and quad pricing is available • Final payment due by February 27th, 2018

Package Includes:

DIRECT AIR FROM OTTAWA • HOTEL • BREAKFAST DAILY HOTEL TRANSFERS • VIP CHECK IN • NO BAGGAGE FEES • ONSITE HOSPITALITY DESK • OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS & MUCH MORE!

DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN

Grab your hat and boots ladies and gentlemen... We’re heading to Nashville. That’s right, Carlson Wagonlit Travel has put together a fantastic four day trip Mark to fabulous Nashville Papousek Tennessee. You’ll jump on a private charter and fly direct to Nashville complete with complimentary food and drinks… After you are shuttled downtown to the fabulous Sheraton Grand, you will be treated to a welcome reception. Then off to explore the sights and sounds. One of the main highlights of the trip is to discover Carleton Place’s Twin City, Franklin Tennessee. Since 2005 they have been formally linked as part of the “hands Across The Border Arrangement” You will be amazed how much Downtown Franklin resembles Carleton Place. Plan to tour Franklin, where you will find retail businesses dominate Main Street as well as fine Restaurants and entertainment venues. Don’t delay, this exclusive package promises to sell out quick. Give Carlson Wagonlit a call today to book your seats.

Photo Credit: ICHABOD

CWT UNIVERSAL Tel: 613.257.4111 Toll:1 888 486.6490 geoff@cwtuniversal.ca

BE A PART OF HISTORY AND BE AMONG THE FIRST TO FLY TO NASHVILLE FROM THE OTTAWA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT! For Complete Details Contact:

205 Franktown Rd. Carleton Place ®/TM Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under license.

www.cwtuniversal.ca

Connected to Your Community A/CP/K/P/SF - 3 - Thursday, January 25, 2018

*TICO LIC # is 3327268

WORKSHOPS

From page 3

sex problem.” “It basically became the study manual for the trans community,” said Tierney. “Queer people would buy this book and study it so that they could pass the tests with their doctors.” At their rural gatherings, Tierney and Jax-Lynx hope that representatives who attend from social services will take what they learn back to their organization and apply their knowledge to the much-needed institutional change which the workshops are striving for. “We’re told that in order to be affirmed as who we are, we need to be assessed and questioned by someone who is not trans, who is in a position of power, and is cisgender,” said JaxLynx. “To have them decide whether we are transgender – the whole thing is fraught, and I would say unethical. It’s doing a disservice to people who are just trying to be who they are.” Jax-Lynx further explained that the assessment process is harmful to children, youth, and adults going through life, because it makes them feel like something is wrong with them. “Nobody other than trans individuals goes through an assessment to be defined on who they are based on their gender identity.” The workshops are not intended for transgender people to attend, as they might not learn anything they don’t already know; the workshops are for

non-transgender people, or “cisgender” people, to learn more so that they can come to understand and support transgender people in their pursuit to live normal lives, and have the same basic rights as everyone else. “We come to the table to say we are here, we are beautiful, and so are all the transgender people who’ve come before us, and they will continue to come after us,” said Jax-Lynx. “Gender-diverse children, youth, and adults are in every community. We always have been, and there are some very gentle and practical ways to let people be who they need to be. Everyone deserves that freedom.” When asked what cisgender people can do to better support transgender people in their community, Tierney and Jax-Lynx suggested that they start by listening. “They’re smart, and they know who they are,” said Tierney. “They’re just trying to negotiate what they’ve been told that they are.” Tierney also suggested that cisgender people try their best to respect a transgender individual’s chosen pronoun. “If you insist on calling them a ‘he’ or a ‘she,’ you’re telling them what they are. People aren’t claiming trans identities for fun, or privilege,” Tierney said. “It’s not going to make your life any easier to say that you’re trans, so you should just believe us when we say we don’t identify as a man or as a woman.”

Jax-Lynx spoke to the importance of affirming gender diversity in a way that it is understood, accepted, and respected – not just heard. “When a transgender person opens up to you, they are speaking from the expertise that they have in knowing themselves. Those who don’t understand us like to say that we’re confused, but it’s them who’re confused. We know who we are, and we just want to be accepted.” They also had a message for transgender youth in the community who may be in need of support that they don’t currently have. “Hang in there,” said Tierney. “Find your peers, your trans allies, and your community, and just keep being your glorious self.” Jax-Lynx stressed the need for trans youth to inform themselves on their history. “We still don’t live in a time when we have the privilege to not think about and honor those who came before us - those who have lost their lives, and those who have fought tirelessly for us to be where we are now,” they said. “Do your research and learn where your current rights came from, and understand that Bill C-16 is something that doesn’t just happen in one go. It took multiple goes.” The workshop is informative, artistic, and fun. “You’ll learn a lot and have a great time while doing it,” said Tierney. Jax-Lynx and Tierney ask that

children do not attend the workshop, but anyone 12 and up are welcome. Tickets to the workshop are $15 each, and registration is required to attend. To do so, visit www.buildingthrougheducationandcommunityknowledge.

wordpress.com. Those interested in booking Tierney or Jax-Lynx for a kid-friendly workshop may do so, or inquire about their workshops in general at booking@behcjaxlynx.ca or 613-818-0443.

Safe Snowmobile Week Jan. 20-28 The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to 27 snowmobile deaths during the 2016-2017 season, marking the highest number of fatalities since the winter of 20032004. Last season was also the worst on record for snowmobilers whose ride took a tragic turn while travelling on frozen waterways. One-third (9) of last season’s victims died as a result of their snowmobiles either going through the ice or entering open water. As the OPP kicks off Safe Snowmobile Week with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC), they are urging snowmobilers to leave all forms of risky behaviour behind when heading out for a ride, especially when riding on frozen waterways. “The spike in snowmobile fatalities and all-time record high in ice-related deaths last season are unacceptable. The vast majority of the 27 snowmobilers who died took

unnecessary risks instead of making it a safe, enjoyable ride that got them home safely to their families,” said Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair, Provincial Commander, Traffic Safety and Operational Support. “With very few exceptions, speeding, driving too fast for the conditions, consuming alcohol, riding on unsafe ice and other risky behaviours are what lead to snowmobile deaths every year.” “Snowmobiling occurs in an unpredictable and uncontrollable natural setting with inherent risks that demand constant rider preparedness, vigilance, caution, unimpaired reaction and smart decisions. The OFSC encourages all snowmobilers to click on http://www.ofsc.on.ca/ experience/go-safe our website to learn about how they can enjoy the safest ride possible,” stated Lisa Stackhouse, Manager, Participation and Partnership Development with the OFSC. Source: Ontario Provincial Police

4th Annual Homan/Hogan Charity Open Cash Spiel Find your perfect fit With more than 180 programs — including degrees and graduate certificates — we have the right option for you.

for

Fri. Feb. 23 - Sun. Feb. 25, 2018

Open Spiel

24 Teams, 2 Games Guaranteed Hearty Lunch Saturday and Sunday

Prize Money $2,500 Total

Apply to your program today

Draw Times Friday, Feb. 23

7 PM Friendly Flight

(Once a year curlers and friends)

Saturday, Feb 24, 9 AM Competitive Flight (Regular season Curlers)

11 AM Competitive Flight

Cost $200/Team

(Regular season Curlers) Entry Deadline:

FEB. 12, 2018

REGISTRATION FORM Ashley _ STUDENT

Skip’s Name: ______________________________________________________ Phone Number: ______________________ Home Club: ____________________ Email: _____________________________ Preferred Draw:_________________ Make cheques payable to: Smiths Falls Curling Club c/o Ann McGahey, Box 84, 13 Old Slys Road, Smiths Falls, ON K7A 4S9 PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

Changing Lives algonquincollege.com/explore Connected to Your Community A/CP/K/P/SF - 4 - Thursday, January 25, 2018

Lanark County Community Justice encourages relationships through sharing circles with new BE STRONG initiative Creating a community culture by building, encouraging and supporting trusting relationships on neutral ground is exactly what the Lanark County Community Justice ‘BE STRONG’ is setting out to do in 2018. Over the past year, elementary schools and youth centers in Lanark County have been infused with facilitators who gather students, volunteers, youth workers, administrators, and teachers to exercise the time-honoured Indigenous practice of the talking circle. Workshops have also been offered to Upper Canada District School Board teachers (Kemptville Summer Institutes, 2017) who participated in the talking circle enthusiastically. Educators left the workshops feeling a need for more training to deepen equity and inclusive education practices in their school community. As a talking circle facilitator, Laurie Clark said she personally feels a need to answer to the calling of promoting the circle as an empathetic communication activity to encourage dialogue, respect, co-creation of learning content, and social camaraderie. The talking circle as a restorative communication approach was introduced to her in 2003 when working at a cultural outdoor education program mentored by Indigenous elders and foster children in the Canadian Rockies (located on the cusp of Banff National Park). The elders introduced the act of passing the talking piece (their eagle feather) in the talking circle that created a sense of honour for the person speaking.

Personally, circle-sharing daily for months/years at a time provided me with a profound sense of interconnectedness. Taking turns in the circle to speak from the heart and listen from the heart ensures all voices are heard in a respectful way, which leads to enriched cognitive growth and learning while interacting genuinely with eye contact and without techno-distractions. The adaptively of the circle sharing approach prepares a safe space for participants to respond and share their perceptions and opinions without being judged. Another benefit of the circle communication process is that it provides invaluable information about each participant’s knowledge base, skills, talents and/or interests. Each person’s knowledge base may scaffold the class curriculum and/or restorative conversation for future learning. Yet another advantage of this communication practice is that the circle is adaptable for anyone and may be practised in all sectors of the Lanark County community. The ultimate long-term goal is to embed the restorative practice of the talking circle into all aspects of community, but first the community needs to fully recognize how essential this communication process is. To initiate the restorative communication process within a talking circle is simple … Start in your own backyard, go out and find a talking piece of interest, sit in a circle and start the respectful act of honouring the speaker holding the talking piece. Then, trust the process and watch your relationships grow

... one circle at a time. If one is interested in learning more about Lanark County Community Justice’s (LCCJ’s) BE STRONG pro-

gram or feel a need to invite LCCJ to facilitate an orientation workshop demonstrating restorative practices, contact Lanark County Community

MEET THE EXPERTS!

Justice at info@commjustice. Submitted by Laurie Clark, org or call 613-264-1558/1BE STRONG talking circle 888-264-1558. The office is facilitator, outdoor educator located at 8 Herriott St. Suite for Lanark County Commu10E Perth. nity Justice.

Best the

just got

Your Family Furniture Store

QUEEN HEADBOARD, FOOTBOARD AND RAILS

$498 BY ASHLEY

Erin, DESIGN COORDINATOR Andrea, DESIGN COORDINATOR ER

’S

EA ’S

$598 BY ASHLEY 2 COLOURS

5 PIECE

Delivery Available

ROCKING & RECLINER

SOLID PINE WOOD CONSTRUCTION & DARK GREY UPHOLSTERED CHAIRS

$1498

www.laceysfurniture.com

40 Main Street East Smiths Falls

www.heartandstroke.on.ca

r e t t e B

284-8206

Connected to Your Community A/CP/K/P/SF - 5 - Thursday, January 25, 2018

Delivery Available Monday to Friday 9:30 to 5:30 Saturday 9:30 to 4:00 Sunday Closed

‘On A First Name Basis’ showcases the talents of two great actors Start with a wonderful playwright (Canada’s favourite in fact, Norm Foster), add two incredibly talented actors, and what do you have? All the comedy, romance and drama you could ask for, in an astonishing play called On A First Name Basis. Premiering at Perth’s Studio Theatre Feb. 1, On A First Name Basis is one of Norm Foster’s more recent plays. As it opens we meet reclusive spy novelist David Kilbride (think Ian Fleming) and his housekeeper of 20 years, Miss Hopperstaad. Early on, we don’t know Miss Hopperstaad’s first name, and neither, surprisingly, does David. For two decades she’s been nothing more to him than a hireling, cooking, cleaning, and keeping order in his house. He quite literally hasn’t bothered to learn anything about her life, even though she knows virtually everything about his. One day, in a rare moment of selfanalysis, David proposes that they get to know one another, at long last, on a first name basis. This is where Miss Hopperstaad – Lucy – comes to life, and two decades of anonymity dissolve before our eyes as an unexpected relationship develops. It’s fascinating to see how playwright Foster weaves this very human, very funny story. And a pure joy to see two phenomenal actors at work. On A First Name Basis is what theatre folk call a “two-hander,” a

Krista Duff and Hugh McCulloch star in Norm Foster’s brilliant comedy/drama On A First Name Basis, directed by Jeremy Dutton. The show premieres at the Studio Theatre Thursday, Feb. 1. Visit studiotheatreperth.com for details. Submitted photo/ Len Modderman

play with just two actors. Obviously those two actors need to be superb, and director Jeremy Dutton has cast two of the best, Krista Duff (The Game’s Afoot; Hilda’s Yard; An Ideal Husband) as Miss Hopperstaad, and Hugh McCulloch (Wait Until Dark; Romantic Comedy; The Drowsy Chaperone) as David Kilbride. Krista Duff observes that, acting skill aside, keeping the momentum going in a twohander can be tricky. “In most plays there’s a cast of characters who enter, exit, and share the stage,” she says. “But in this show there’s just two characters, Lucy and

David, and it can be challenging to keep the energy up.” (Krista’s being modest; it’s hard to take your eyes off her when she’s on stage). “Fortunately, when the writing’s this good it only takes two great characters for the audience to become totally engrossed. And if one of the actors is Hugh McCulloch, well, you’ve got a gem on your hands.” Hugh plays author David Kilbride, skillfully exposing his character’s insecurities and, yes, humanity. “My character is a millionaire who is totally out of touch with reality, drinking cognac and being waited on

all day” he says. “But Lucy Hopperstaad cuts me open and lays me bare – one minute he’s an arrogant snob, and the next he’s revealing the truth about his marriages, his painful upbringing, everything. She turns David Kilbride into a human being.” When quick-witted housekeeper Lucy Hopperstaad is finally given license to put her employer in his place she doesn’t waste the opportunity. “You can’t help falling in love with Lucy,” says Krista. “Her boss, David, doesn’t have friends, he just has hired hands. So when Lucy levels the playing field it’s a funny, satisfying revelation for the audience.” Krista and Hugh credit veteran director Jeremy Dutton with making On A First Name Basis all that it can be. “Jeremy is one of the best directors around, pulling things out of his actors that other directors don’t always see,” says Hugh McCulloch. “When Jeremy says ‘Let’s look at it this way...’ you know he’s going to stretch you as an actor, and give the audience something to think about. And of course Krista Duff is one of my favourite actors to work with. She’s solid as a rock.” The ending of On A First Name Basis is authentic, heartfelt, and surprising. “You’re going to leave the theatre having been thoroughly entertained, but also with your own ideas about

where Lucy and David’s relationship will go from there,” says Krista. “You’ll think about and laugh about this show long after the curtain falls.” With just two characters, everything has to be perfect in the wings as well. Krista and Hugh are ably supported behind the scenes by stage manager Penny Silberhorn (who also dresses the set and manages props), assistant stage manager Bob Feduke, Producer Jane Stott, set designer Reiner Silberhorn, costumer Loree Tannett, lighting and sound technician Lucas Tennant, and tech apprentice Annie West. On A First Name Basis premieres at the Studio Theatre on Thursday, Feb. 1 for seven shows, Feb. 1, 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 4 and 11 at 2 p.m. Advance tickets are $24 at Tickets Please in the Matheson House Museum Visitor Centre, 11 Gore St. E. (613 485-6434; ticketsplease.ca) which accepts in-store, phone, online and credit card purchases. Tickets are $24 at the Studio Theatre box office on show nights. Rush tickets for Students with ID are just $10 at the door, subject to availability. Attend opening night and save $5! Don’t miss the chance to see writing and acting at its finest in Norm Foster’s On A First Name Basis. For more details, please visit studiotheatreperth.com. Submitted by Paul Joyce, Studio Theatre

Proudly Sponsored By:

INVENTORY

TOY

OVERSTOCK

SELL-OFF! FINAL DAYS!

SHOW & SALE

Saturday, January 27th, 2018 Almonte Civitan Hall 500 Almonte St., Almonte, ON 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

SEE OUR FLYER IN YOUR COPY OF TODAY’S PAPER*

Admission $5.00 at the door Children Under 12 FREE (Early Admission @ 9:00 am for $10.00) Lunch & Door Prizes

A Little Something for Everyone! Special thanks to: Bean Chevrolet Buick GMC and CSN Collision Centre in Carleton Place for their support & to our media partners, Lake 88.1 and Metroland Media In Support Of:

*in select areas

www.lzb.ca/emc

COLLECTIBLE

All That Kids Can Be Help children and youth reach their full potential.

Connected to Your Community A/CP/K/P/SF - 6 - Thursday, January 25, 2018

More Info at www.lanarkunitedway.com

Free income tax preparation for residents with modest income Lanark Community Programs, in partnership with Canada Revenue Agency, is gearing up to start community clinics for the Free Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. Nineteen qualified volunteers are coming together for a training update in February 2018. Our volunteers have been with us a number of years; they are quite skilled at filing income tax papers. They will be volunteering their time in one or more community clinics beginning March 1, running through till the end of April. With the program co-ordinator, volunteers will choose locations to volunteer at, working alongside one of our lead volunteers. Lanark Community Programs has partnered with multiple agencies and secured 12 in kind donations of space throughout Lanark County. Clinics this year will be held at the 5 Arches in Pakenham; The Mills Community Support in Almonte; Lanark Community Programs and Community Home Support in Carleton Place; Ontrac, Community Health Centre and the Salvation Army in Smiths Falls; the Perth & District Union Li-

BREW BY YOU SINCE 1992

Celebrating

25 YEARS

Ron Brus - Owner Make exceptional wine in house Wine & Beer supplies - For home brewing

French/Italian/Argentina bbysfcasper@aol.com

$20.00 OFF new customer special

Tuesday-Friday 10-5, Saturday 9-2:30

140 Lombard St., Smiths Falls

613-284-1777

RIDEAU RIDGE RIDERS SNOWMOBILE CLUB

Annual Fish Fry Featuring Haddock

At Lombard Glen Golf & Country Club

$14.00 Adults • $7.00 Children (12 years old & under)

2 pieces of Fish, Beans, Baked Potato, Coleslaw Drinks can be purchased from the staff at Lombard Glen

Sunday January 28th, 2018 11:30am to 2:30pm Proceeds to Various Charities

Submitted photo

Lanark Community Programs, in partnership with the Canada Revenue Agency, will once again be offering the Free Community Volunteer Income Tax Program to Lanark County residents with modest incomes. Above, the trained volunteers who will help operate the program. brary, the Salvation Army and The Table in Perth; as well as the Community Health Centre in Lanark. Members of the community, who have a modest income, can have their income tax papers prepared and filed for free by

one of our trained volunteers. Lanark Community Programs hopes to reach seniors on fixed incomes, low income families, students, those on Ontario Works and/or Ontario Disability Program. Clinic dates and times to be

PERTH CAMPUS

Winter Open House Saturday January 27, 2018 10 am to 2 pm

released the week of Feb. 19. If you have any questions about our program, please call the co-ordinator of the program, Maureen at 613-2572779 ext. 3104. Submitted by Lanark Community Programs

PLEASE, JOIN FOOD BANKS CANADA AND HELP FEED YOUR NEIGHBOURS TODAY!

www.foodbankscanada.ca

Find about programs, financial aid, how to apply, academic upgrading, and more...

- we are here to help! Programs at a Glance Business

Why choose a Program or attend a Heritage CE Course at Algonquin College Perth Campus? Because we’re dedicated to helping you build the foundation for a successful career. Algonquin College Perth Campus offers its students a personalized approach to learning in an encouraging, supportive environment. Come experience our small class-sizes, student-centred faculty and staff, and convenient facilities. You’ll see the difference that being small can make!

Changing Lives

Office Administration — General

1 Year (30 Weeks) Ontario College Certificate

Office Administration — Executive