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No. 2

YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER - LANARK, NORTH LEEDS & GRENVILLE

MARCH 2019

Small-town vibe makes Smiths Falls a natural stopping place for musicians “There’s a vibration [in Smiths Falls] now.

People are expecting things to happen” Smiths Falls - Jane Hobson editorial@pd gmedia.ca Locations such as Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa and Montreal are easy to name when it comes to popular live music venues. But newcomers to Smiths Falls think the booming cannabis town of 8,700 people could be the next dot on the map for musicians “There’s a vibration [in Smiths Falls] now. People are expecting things to happen,” says folk singer Pat Maloney, who moved to Smiths Falls with his wife, Emma, and daughter, Clementine, about four months ago from Hamilton.

Having toured every Canadian province, Maloney learned all the best connector towns that carry musicians between major cities.

“When you’re touring, nights off are expensive so finding a venue in a smaller town is what you want. It always ends up packed and it’s such a good night,” he said. He will be playing his first Smiths Falls gig soon.

After calling Southern Ontario home for two decades while

his music career took him from Montreal, Quebec all the way to Dublin, Ireland, the Greeley-born guitarist was craving a return to his Ottawa Valley roots. Maloney chose Smiths Falls for its smalltown vibe, its proximity to his family in Ottawa, and its current growth opportunities—many of which he thinks stem from cannabis producer Tweed setting up shop at the former Hershey Factory four years ago—where Maloney’s wife now works.

“Canada has so many flavours and I love them all, but it’s nice to have a backyard and to park in a laneway—and people know my daughter’s name at the hardware store,” Maloney said.

An ideal mid-point between classic tour locations, such as Ottawa and Kingston, Maloney said he thinks more musicians will start adding Smiths Falls to their tour list, too.

In fact, it was Maloney’s friends Rosalyn Dennett and Rob McLaren who scoped out the town first and made the recommendation to move.

Greeley-born folk singer Pat Maloney rocks out at a concert in Dublin, Ireland. Photo submitted.

“We moved here [in August of last year] to start our family and there seem to be a lot of advantages to being a musician in a more rural setting,” said Dennett, a

Parkinson’s doesn’t hold him back Carleton Place - Sally Smith editorial@pd gmedia.ca

Dan Linton has a sense of humour.

With a glimmer in his eye, as he glances at his 21-year-old daughter, he says he’s recently added a lot of salt and vinegar chips to his diet. He’s done this, he says, switching from humour to seriousness, because the salt helps with his blood pressure.

For Linton, hypotension is a real problem. It makes him lightheaded; when he stands up from sitting there’s a change in altitude where, as he explains it, “blood to the brain is not flowing fast enough. The primary concern is falling down.” He says he takes medicine to help with the low blood pressure, but “salt makes a difference.”

Linton is almost 49; he’s been

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living with Parkinson’s disease for over ten years, maybe longer. He’s not typical, he adds; it was a difficult decade for him ending with a final diagnosis of young onset Parkinson’s.

You’ve seen people with Parkinson’s — involuntary movements, slow walking, mask-like faces.

Think Michael J. Fox or boxer Muhammad Ali. “Typically it takes 10 years for someone under 50 to get diagnosed,” Linton goes on. It’s a long struggle; you don’t know if it might be a brain tumour, multiple sclerosis (MS) or even Lyme disease. The progression is slow.

“If you’re 51 you’ll get diagnosed in five years; if 60, it usually takes a year to get diagnosed.”

So for Linton, falling down is a big deal.

As of yet no one knows what causes Parkinson’s. It could be

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genetic, Linton muses; his grandfather had it. According to his reading, there are strains in Jewish, Italian and Japanese ethnic groups. Or, there’s a possibility of chemical contamination i.e.

Agent Orange, or even repetitive head injury like boxer Muhammad Ali. There seems to be a higher incidence in farm communities, possibly because of farm chemicals, a higher incidence in north east USA maybe because of leaded gasoline pollution. “There are hot spots all over the US,” he adds.

“Unfortunately,” he continues, “rural people don’t get diagnosed as often.” Their numbers are smaller and doctors don’t see as many people with Parkinson’s; often they don’t know much about the disease, maybe seeing only one or two in their entire career.

Continues on page 11

touring fiddler and singer-songwriter. She and McLaren are expecting their first child. “Smiths Falls is positioned really well to have access to bigger cities without being surrounded by the constant hustle.”

McLaren, who teaches lessons in bass, ukulele, fiddle and guitar, agrees that Smiths Falls is on the rise between its economic renaissance from Tweed and the influx of artists settling in town.

“All of us have this idea that Smiths Falls has the opportunity to really become a natural stopping place for musicians,” McLaren said. “We’re very excited to be involved in helping grow the musical community in a much more intentional way, whether it’s providing lessons or spreading the word to other people that we know.”

These newcomers aren’t the only ones investing in the culture of the community. The Town of Smiths Falls announced in February that the On the Roll funding program is expanding in 2019.

The initiative helps fund cultural events and artists in Smiths Falls, including visual arts, music and performers.

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“The enthusiasm for the program is contagious. It’s building on the fact that Smiths Falls is a great place to live, to raise a family and to visit,” said Jennifer Miller, the Manager of Economic Development and Tourism for the Town of Smiths Falls.

Ambre McLean and Matt Connell felt this enthusiasm immediately when they visited Smiths Falls while looking for a new place to call home. The couple relocated to Smiths Falls in January from Southern Ontario.

“With Tweed there seems to be a lot happening here. Smiths Falls is becoming an exception to the rule in terms of a small town embracing newness and getting excited about change,” said Connell, who owns his own record label called Northwood Music. “We’re ready to create some meaningful connections here and get involved with songwriters and music events.”

With so many new musicians and artists in town, Pat Maloney says people will just have to wait and see what’s in store for Smiths Falls. “I’m looking forward to discovering who [else] is out there and to collaborating locally.”

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March 2019

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Artist Profile

Page Two

Patrick Labelle Cartoonist Patrick Labelle is one of Smiths Falls’ own hidden gems.

In his cartoons, he reveals moments from his own life: sometimes quirky, sometimes touching, and almost always funny. The crazy things his kids say and do are his biggest inspiration - he and his wife and their four children are featured regularly.

Patrick has always loved cartoons. He grew up reading Calvin and Hobbes (by Bill Watterson) and The Far Side (by Gary Larsen). He describes his style as somewhere between The Family Circus (by Bil Keane), and The Far Side. These days, he’s a fan of webcomics like explosm, nataliedee, and adam4d. If time and money were no

object, he would choose to be a writer; however, as a busy working father, his time for creative expression gets squeezed into the edges of his evenings, after a long day’s work, diaper changes, and bedtime stories. “Drawing isn’t time consuming,” he shrugs, smiling, “it’s easy.” While his writing is placed on the back burner for now, his cartoons capture and preserve the moments that make him - and the rest of us - laugh.

As well as being published in The Hometown News, Patrick shares his cartoons regularly on his Facebook page: facebook. com/dogpeedoodles.

He has been doodling since he first picked up a crayon.

Cartoon by Patrick Labelle

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MARCH 10 #BalanceforBetter In today's world, a woman can do whatever she sets her mind to...or can she? Truth is, while Canada has gained gender parity in terms of education attainment, this country loses points on the global gender gap rankings when it comes to political empowerment, and economic participation and opportunity. On a global scale, the World Economic Forum ranks Canada as number 14 out of 137 countries.

Lanark County residents and those in the surrounding areas should be proud, however, of the number of politically and business minded women there are in our region. While Perth and Smiths Falls have five women councillors combined, Mississippi Mills boasts a town council

of seven people, four of whom are women, and Carleton Places has two.

As for businesses, it’s hard to count the number of female business owners and decision makers due to the sheer diversity and volume of them. If you look at the Business Improvement Associations of these same communities, you see a significant number of women holding seats on the boards.

March 8 is International Women’s Day (IWD), a day to bring awareness to these gains and gaps that exist between the sexes.

Embrace the IWD theme and #BalanceforBetter this March. A balanced world is a better world. Let’s celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness against bias, and take action for equality.

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March 2019

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community Private commuter rail proposal faces big year

Photo submitted.

By the end of this year Smiths Falls residents will know if the rail tracks going through town will be bringing them a private commuter train service known as the MOOSE Consortium.

Above, the tracks are shown winding their way towards the Tweed plant on Hershey Drive. Photo credit: Sally Smith.

Smiths Falls - Stacey Roy editorial@pdgmedia.ca By year’s end, Smiths Falls will know if the Moose Consortium’s proposal to run a private commuter rail service through the Greater Ottawa area has legs or not.

The proposal is to stitch communities like Smiths Falls together with the City of Ottawa and parts of Gatineau via a commuter rail service that is designed to serve low-density populations. Joseph Potvin, Moose Consortium’s director general, said his company is looking to sell $1 million licences to qualified applicants who wish to set up a service station in one of the communities serviced. The station would be independently operated and the licence could be resold if the station didn’t pan out.

“The ball is now in the court of the market,” Potvin wrote in a Feb. 4, 2019 email

exchange with Hometown News.

By year’s end the consortium must see 12 of these stations purchased in order to move forward with the project. These funds would be used by the consortium to fund engineering designs and studies for the project.

At present, Moose Consortium is working off of a preliminary business plan.

“By end of 2019 this is either a go or a no go,” Potvin said.

He has great hope that entrepreneurs in communities like Smiths Falls, which is being considered as a terminus location, will see the value in their system. Potvin was unable to provide specifics on station negotiations throughout the line, but did say: “I can confirm that we are in touch with private sector interest.”

They have also been in touch with the Town of Smiths Falls to see if a

public/private partnership might be possible. Jennifer Miller, economic development officer for the town, confirmed they are reviewing various transportation options between Smiths Falls and Ottawa, including the information provided

by Moose Consortium.

“There’s a lot of data,” Miller said.

The town has hired a local firm to help bring together this data into a digestible report that Council members should be seeing in the next couple of months.

Potvin hopes Moose’s proposal is at the top of the heap. His group plans to have an Ontario terminus location operational by 2020. This could be in Smiths Falls, Arnprior or Alexandria. Across the river in Quebec, the consortium is looking at establishing a terminus in Thurso.

“They’re exciting places,” Potvin said, pointing to the drive and innovation that exists within this pulp and paper town and Smiths Falls.

The big news in Thurso is Fortress Global Enterprises Inc.’s $2.5 million purchase last March of S2G Biochemicals Inc. The pulp and paper factory plans to ultimately open the world’s lowest cost producer of Xylitol, using by-products from the paper plant itself.

The Moose service will have to find a way to cross the Ottawa River to connect Thurso citizens with Canada’s capital. Moose Consortium continues to fight the City of Ottawa at the Canadian Transportation Agency level for the Prince of Wales bridge to be renovated. They hope to hear a decision before the summer break this year. The Greater Ottawa commuter line isn’t the only region interested in the Moose Consortium vision. Potvin has been contacted by communities in the United Kingdom and Denmark. For more detail on Moose Consortium please go to www.letsgomoose.ca.

Photo submitted.

Winter warriors Regional - Arlene Stafford editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Eastern Ontario winters are not for the faint of heart.

They are bitterly cold. They are relentless… and they are long. They are not for the casual skier wanting a fashionable romp down a pretty hill only to return to the safety and warmth of their faraway homes. They are not for the frivolous winter vacationer staying at a rustic lodge to photograph a deer or a moose, from the comforts of their cozy cabin windows.

These winter days are for hardy souls only; all others need not apply. These are for people prepared to use a heavy shovel and an ever-present snow brush on a daily basis. These are for people possessing the knowledge and necessary techniques for walking on different types of ice… without falling. Some ice is flat and smooth like a hockey arena. Some ice is snow-covered, just enough to make the hidden surface even more perilous. Some days the ice is black, unseen, undetectable, rendering the

walker completely unaware of their vulnerability.

This is where you’ll find the stalwart souls who soldier on, through ice and snow, from October through April each year, month after long winter month. These are the people who listen to reports of schools closing, and distant cities shut down because of the ‘bad’ winter weather, as they trudge through the snow on their way to work because it’s ‘just another day’. These are the people, young and old who wade through snow, stroll on the ice, and drive on slick roads in freezing rain, for months each year.

Before their school day or work day has even begun, they have shovelled their sidewalks, brushed off their cars, stepped gingerly on ice, trudged through resistant snow drifts, all of this while bitter cold winds sting any skin unprotected by cumbersome layers of clothing and boots.

These are the enduring rank and file, possessing rare perseverance, stamina and patience. They are

dreamers and unflinching optimists. In the final unbending weeks of the coldest season they will study seed catalogues, plan gardens, visit boat shows, and envision themselves under clear, blue skies on calm, warm, July afternoons. They conjure endless images of cottages, muskoka chairs, hammocks, beer and barbecues. They dream of tulips and trilliums, green grass and sunny days.

As the late winter unwinds its final few weeks in Eastern Ontario, perhaps the most anticipated signal to herald the new season for these enduring folks will be the time-honoured, and always sublime, first taste of their beloved maple syrup. It spells the defeat, the finish, the finale, the wind-up, and the end-of-the-line for winter. It marks the beginning of spring, of brighter longer days, and the sweet, golden taste of victory for the hardy souls who have survived yet another long, cold Canadian winter. http://www.staffordwilson.com

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March 2019

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community

Perth Inside Out:

Terry O'Hearn

Army Signals Corps base was known to few Perthites A Canadian Army facility in one of Perth’s neighbouring townships from 1962 until 1994 was known to few local residents, and even fewer have ever set eyes on it. There was little to see anyway, as most of it was underground.

The Richardson bunker, and installations at Dunrobin and Almonte, were satellites of the well-known “Diefenbunker” at Canadian Forces Station (CFS) Carp. Richardson was officially known as “CFS Carp Richardson Detachment.”

While the detachments at Dunrobin and Almonte were remote antenna receiver stations, each with a small radio building and antennas, Richardson was very much like its Carp mother, except it was half the size. It was still connected to Mother Carp by the world’s longest umbil-

ical cord - a 50 kilometer landline.

Retired Chief Warrant Officer Bill McKenzie was Detachment Commander of the base from 1970 to 1974, as part of his 30 year career with Royal Canadian Corps of Signals. Like most military personnel who were posted to Richardson Detachment, McKenzie gave substantial time contributing to the community.

He started the Perth Legion Fastball team when he came to Perth, and still lives in his adopted community.

McKenzie recalled the underground bunker had four 60kw diesel generators, and approximately 20 civil servants and a number of military personnel worked there. The military information is still protected under the Official Secrets Act, and anyone who was cleared for “Top Secret” is bound by those laws for life.

Those laws are contained in what is now known as The Official Secrets Act (Canada) 1981.

The natural curiosity of

local civilians led to many questions of McKenzie over the years about what went on at the base, and the pat answer was: “Sorry, I am not allowed to discuss that.”

The Ottawa Citizen of May 31, 2015, carried a story by freelance writer Andrew King: “The hunt for our other Diefenbunker”, in which King has outlined much of the Richardson detachment history. He was able to locate the site on his own using some clever detective work, including satellite mapping.

King’s excellent article reads something like the script for the movie “2012”, a scary tale about a post-apocalyptic world: “Heading along the nearest road to the site, a stretch of rusted barbed-wire fencing became visible, followed by a rusted metal gate and an illegible weathered plywood sign marking an entrance to something down an overgrown asphalt road.

“After a two-kilometre hike down this crumbling, overgrown road, I came

across an old parking lot.

Passing a variety of odd ruins that included transmitter cables, anchor pads and other electronic equipment strewn about, I saw what I needed to conclude this was the site of the second bunker: A mound of earth approximately 100 feet square

Le Boat puts Rideau Canal on the map

Photo credit: www.leboat.ca/en.

Smiths Falls - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca Le Boat was at council in late February presenting a wind-up of its first year in Smiths Falls and on the Rideau.

By all accounts it was good.

The first question Lisa McLean, marketing manager for Le Boat, answered (one that many who have boated on the Rideau for years asked) was why don’t those who rent Le Boat need to have a licence? Ontarians require an Ontario Boaters card, McLean acknowledged, but Le Boat renters “don’t require a licence or previous boating experience. We can check you out and have the authority to say you’re competent.

Passengers take a one to two hour training session on the boat — how to drive, safety procedures — and we take you through the first lock.”

McLean said at the completion “we are confident we can say you do not need experience or a licence.”

With that question out of the way, McLean went on to

answer Councillor Allen on how the boats handle. They have bow and stern thrusters, she explained, so that with literally the push of a button the boat moves sideways (good for parallel parking?). “Hit a button and the boat moves right or left. You don’t need to know how to reverse or manoeuvre, just line up where you want to go and hit a button.”

She added these aren’t speed boats, they only go 10 km/hr. which is a calming and easy way to cruise. “You can take time and enjoy the surroundings.” And you can drive from either the top or bottom deck.

McLean said Le Boat has a fleet of 940 as well as a 50year history of sailing the rivers and canals in Europe.

The 16 boats that arrived in Smiths Falls last year were brand new, built in Poland, put on ocean liners and shipped to Montreal; from there they came overland and were stored under wraps until the spring kick-off.

First passengers in 2018

were a military couple from the United States; McLean added that many vacationers came to the Rideau instead of the Muskokas last year, many from western Canada, some from Germany, Australia, South Africa, the UK and France, with people driving from Toronto, Oakville and up from the US, too.

On average, there were six people per boat, the average night stay was seven, the most frequent a three-night visit. The months of July and August were sold out, McLean said, and Le Boat is already “exceeding expectations” for this year.

Exciting for 2019 is the addition of four more boats to be based at a satellite mooring in Seeley’s Bay, three of them with five bedrooms and five bathrooms each.

Asked how Smiths Falls could further accommodate the new-to-the-town company, McLean made some suggestions: shuttle bus services to Seeleys’ Bay, and to and from Ottawa airport.

Councillor Alford noted

that the business was a good investment opportunity. McLean explained that after a three-year building period in Smiths Falls, investors will be able to ‘buy’ the boats.

For more information, go to https://www.leboat.ca/en

and 15 feet high with sealed hatch ports, concrete entrance walls and old ventilation shafts.”

King concludes his story: “Sealed up and silent, this remote second bunker ground continues to be shrouded in secrecy. Its adversary is no longer the blast of a nuclear bomb, but the encroaching elements of nature that will one day consume this relic from our Cold War past.”

Much of the history is also documented on the website: https://militarybruce.com by Bruce Forsyth: “Following the end of the Cold War, most of the Diefenbunkers were decommissioned, including CFS Carp and the Richardson Detachment in 1994.

Communications functions were taken over by CFS Leitrim outside of Ottawa.

The detachments at Richardson, Dunrobin and Almonte were all abandoned.”

Forsyth points out that Richardson was: “One of several government bunkers built across Canada as a part of a continuation of government program.

These facilities were designed to withstand a nearhit from a nuclear explosion. Each underground facility had entrances

through massive blast doors at the surface, as well as extensive air filters and positive air pressure to prevent radiation infiltration.

Underground storage was built for food, fuel, fresh water, and other supplies for the facilities which were capable of supporting several dozen people for a period of several weeks.”

Another source of public information about those communications facilities is the website http://www. rcsigs.ca, which has declassified descriptions of Signal Transmit Receive And Distribution (STRAD) System, and Telegraph Automatic Relay Equipment (TARE).

These were cutting edge technologies at the time, and STRAD had message handling capabilities on a par with the Internet we know today.

The legendary secret base outside of Perth is no more. Land which was once farmed by the early settlers now abandoned like an old movie set. Another piece of precious earth tainted by the debris of an obsolete military installation.

If you have any comments or suggestions, please email me at: terry@pdgmedia.ca

March 2019

5

community

Carleton Place Council holds special meeting for Bodnar updates Carleton Place - Brian Turner editorial@pdgmedia.ca On Thursday, Feb 28, Carleton Place Council held a special session of its committee of the whole at the Bob Rintoul meeting room in the arena. The sole purpose of the session was listed as an update to the Bodnar lands subdivision (situated between Hwy 7 and the end of Lake Avenue West). The first order of business was a motion from Mayor Doug Black to suspend the town’s procedural bylaw in regards to meeting notices. While the agenda for the meeting apparently did appear on the town’s website beyond the mandated 48 hour notice period, it was not actively sent out via electronic newsletters or social media until that deadline had passed. The assembled councilors voted unanimously to waive the rules without discussion. Committee chair, councilor Theresa Fritz explained the meeting would be for information only and

that no decisions would be made.

Only around 25 people were in attendance in addition to councilors and the town’s CAO and clerk. Of those, the majority were either town staff, staff of agencies making presentations or presenters themselves. Fritz explained that as four members sitting around the council table were new, it was appropriate to arrange a session with the groups involved in reviewing and approving the variety of items in a subdivision plan so that all of council could have chances to ask questions.

First up was Lanark County Planner, Julie Stewart, who simply covered the county’s role in subdivision and land planning approvals and the steps taken to date by the Bodnar land’s developer, Cavanaugh Development.

There were no questions from council after her brief presentation.

Next was former town CAO, and current town engineer Paul Knowles, who covered the histo-

ry of the Bodnar lands project. He noted that this project involved three unique situations.

It was close to the town’s source water, it was adjacent to a public park (Roy Brown Park), and it involved Low Impact Development (LID) features. He also noted that, as a section of the property was within a high-risk source water protection zone, storm water run-off and management required specialized treatment. He also postulated that LID features wouldn’t work well on the Bodnar lands due to the shallow soil and rock substrate conditions. LID features are treatments which reduce water runoff by incorporating porous landscape surfaces and building and road features' designs to permit more water seeping into the ground at a controlled rate.

Knowles was followed by Matt Craig of the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority and Paul Lehman (MVCA's former head) and Brian Stratton, the technical lead for

drinking water source protection of the Mississippi-Rideau Protection Region. Craig explained that the MVCA had two roles in regards to the Bodnar lands proposal; advisory and regulatory position. He noted that the developer was asked to install LID features as part of the plan and that the MVCA was generally satisfied with the latest version for the subdivision. That version would put a storm water management pond on Roy Brown Park property in exchange for the developer doing work on municipal land that would otherwise be a town responsibility.

Stratton covered the requirements of Ontario's Clean Water Act and indicated that the latest version of the subdivision's plan met or exceeded those regulations in terms of storm water treatment. Angela Jonkman of Robinson Land Development and J.F. Sabourin of Sabourin and Associates gave a joint presentation of their peer review of the

project. They've been contracted a second time by the municipality to complete another review (with funding from the developer to cover the cost). They provided no time-line during their talks on when that second study would be complete.

Presentations ended with brief comments from Robin Daigle, the town's manager of engineering, and Chris Collins from Cavanaugh Development.

Councilors' questions (members of the public were not given any opportunity to pose inquiries) ranged from the expected reliability of the pond and how flows might be affected by extreme storms to concerns about e-coli contamination from pet and bird waste. Councilor Toby Randall asked Paul Knowles if the town ever considered asking for environmental protection conditions that went above and beyond current provincial regulations. Knowles’ answer was no. Town CAO Diane Smithson asked

Knowles if an alternate discharge site down river from the town's water intake point was reviewed and again that answer was no (due to the slope of the land).

Deputy Mayor Sean Redmond pointed out he participated in the first peer review and as a result of that study, 50 extra conditions were imposed on the project.

Mayor Doug Black commented after the meeting to Hometown News that the session succeeded in getting everyone around the council table on the same page. When asked about the absence of the town's Urban Forest River Corridor committee during presentations, he answered that they would be making a future presentation to the town's CoW committee. He closed his comments by indicating he and the town would be focused on the final plan including the best protection for the town's water source and hopes any future hurdles can be solved in a manner of cooperation.

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March 2019

6

lifestyle Parkinson’s doesn’t hold him back

Dan Linton stands with his daughter Karen-Amy at last year’s Parkinson’s Superspiel. This year’s is slated for March 9 at the Carleton Place Curling Club. Photo submitted; Arranel Studios.

Carleton Place - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca Continued from page 1

There are 100,000 people living with Parkinson’s right now; by 2030 that number is expected to double — that’s in just over 10 years. It’s Linton’s observation that “more and more young people are getting it. Something’s changing, maybe chemicals, something in the environment.“ He says, also, that as people live longer, more will get it, inferring that it’s no longer just an old person’s disease.

On a daily basis, throughout the day, Linton takes 19 prescribed pills. He relies on his three children immensely but he points out, too, that for them (referring to his Parkinson’s) “this isn’t a change. That’s just the way life’s been.

“They’re very sensitive to me and my needs. If I’m going somewhere and having trouble walking, if they get too far ahead and realize I’ve fallen back, not keeping up because I have trouble freezing, they’ll come back and take hold of my arm, walk with me,

keep me going, give me a pace to walk at.”

That last part is important. More and more research is showing how significant exercise is in managing Parkinson’s.

“Forced exercise at a certain rate makes a difference,” Linton explains. He uses a treadmill and walks at a certain speed for 45 minutes, three times a week.

“I can’t slow down; it forces me to walk faster to a rhythm, and music helps with the rhythm.

The forced speed changes brain chemistry…which affects everything else; medicine is important but exercise is just as important “It affects my ability to think. I can meditate, solve a problem….”

Exercise has become a watchword for the family — especially Karen-Amy. The family lives in Montague and does its part to give back. On March 9, for the second year in a row, Karen-Amy has planned and is running a Parkinson’s Superspiel at the Carleton Place Curling Club, 120 Patterson Cr. Watch for her there; she’s become

a competitive curler over her short two decades.

Last year the competition raised almost $1,500, and — on a wing and a prayer — the hope this year is to outdo that. All the money (as it did last year) is going to Parkinson’s Canada supporting group work and research.

The day starts early and (for only $5) could end with a plate of spaghetti.

Linton is realistic about the scariness of what lies ahead. He’s looking forward — in the near future — to electric cars when he can sit and be driven.

At the moment, his kids do this for him. He’s not so certain about another possibility his neurologist has mentioned — deep brain stimulation — essentially a pacemaker in his brain.

“At some point I might want it but I’m not fussy about holes in my head.

It might be practical. But invading [my] head with wires and running electrical signals in there…at this point I don’t need it, don’t desire it.”

For now, he’s okay. He works at home through Shared Services Canada which is computer support for other government departments; his children — Amanda 16, Karen-Amy 21 and Zachary 23 — drive him where he needs to go. He exercises which keeps him motivated and able; he’s made accommodations to his house like catch-bars and an extra railing on the stairs, he monitors his medicine regularly, stays involved with the community, and best of all, he has “a doctor that cares.

“He can’t cure me, but he can make me feel good.

He says we’ll do the best we can for now and maybe down the road, brain surgery. But, let’s do whatever it takes, now.”

Linton bolsters that with his own research. “I can make decisions on what’s best for me; it’s up to me what I need to do.”

March 9 is on the near horizon; check out Karen-Amy’s Superspiel in Carleton Place at pdsuperspiel.ca or for information contact her at pdsuperspiel@outlook.com.

And from April 1 to April 30 is Parkinson’s Awareness month; Mayor Pankow in Smiths Falls is expected to declare it so at an early March council meeting.

For information about Parkinson’s disease, go to https://www.parkinson.ca

Rideau Lakes skating Club PRESENTs

f o t s e B e h T

opinion: Am I the only one?

Carrie Wynne

Self-motivation is the new super power

I grew up in an ordinary middle-class blue-collar home. We had street smarts and work ethic. There were no hand-outs. We were ruled by the Law of GOYA: Get Off Your A……android. Yes, the good old days when parents still ran the household.

We were self-motivated because of scarcity and boredom. I quit lower-paying jobs for higher-paying jobs because I wanted more.

The world didn’t fall at our feet. Now it seems that isn’t true anymore. I think abundance is the problem.

Our social and intellectual needs can be met without ever leaving the house and

if Mom’s cooking, all the better. Throw in some cannabis and video games and you have the new world order.

Nobody is bored anymore. When we grew up, we left the house and found something to do because we were bored. Boredom launched me. I moved out at 19 because I got bored living at home with my parents. I must thank them for the effort not to make my life too easy at home.

We can’t blame the younger generation for being demotivated. They grew up with technology and thanks to Google and algorithms we never have to engage with the outside

world. There are many corporations benefiting from the demise of the middle class such as big pharma, the food industry, healthcare and alcohol to name a few. Did they take away the middle class or did we hand it to them?

The school of hard knocks. It was a good education and provided common sense solutions for everyday problems for generations.

Am I the only one?

The opinions stated in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Hometown News’ management, staff or writers.

Presents:

17th Pakenham Maple Run Tour

Wander - Experience - Indulge Regional - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Visitors to the 2019 Pakenham Maple Run Tour on the weekend of April 6 & 7th will discover the largest showcase ever of participants and locations to wander, experience and indulge. Wander up to Pakenham, just a short drive from Ottawa via Hwy 417 or from Carleton Place on Hwy 29. Experience inspiring art, craft, food, drink and heritage locations. Meet the artists who have created their work and find out what feeds their passion. Indulge your taste buds in locally produced food and beverages.

The Maple Run Tour website at www.mapleruntour.com gives

detailed descriptions of all 33 participants, 10 tour venues, food stops, demonstrations, special events and a map with locations taking you through Pakenham and surrounding area. Brochures with tour information can be picked up at the Pakenham General Store (right in the heart of the village) or drop by at any tour stop displaying the green maple leaf logo.

There are returning favorites and several new artists to this year’s tour who present a wide variety of artistic expressions. Brighten up your home both inside and out with award winning pottery, pewter ware, textile and paper artistry, artistic blacksmithing,

fine woodwork, unique birdhouses, photography and miniature quilts, Treat your body and soul with luscious soaps, natural skin care and coconut wax candles. Tempt your taste buds with flavoured honey, jams, fudges, sauces and sweet breads, solar roasted coffee, craft beers, hard apple ciders and a pink food truck serving up a gourmet lunch menu.

Add to your spring wardrobe with custom clothing, felting, weaving and unique jewelry designs. Read along with an award winning children’s book author and also visit the fiery spectacle of daily glass blowing demonstrations and other glass art forms. All this adds to

A stop at the Pakenham General Store for art, food and heritage is always a highlight of the Maple Run Tour. Photo credit: mapleruntour.com/blog/

the excitement of the 2019 Maple Run Tour.

Leave time in your day for Lanark County’s maple syrup season (www.mapleweekend. ca) and plan a visit to Fulton’s Pancake House and Sugar Bush ( www. fultons.ca). Try out local restaurants and bakeries; many have maple inspired food items for this annual spring celebration. Take advantage of the rare opportunity to visit St. Peter’s Celestine Church for a guided tour of its heritage architecture and

ecclesiastical art on Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 (donations appreciated). Take photos of the only surviving five arch stone bridge in North America and the thunderous Mississippi River spring run off. Check out the Pakenham General Store in its impressive pre confederation stone building which has been the longest continuously running general store in North America since the 1840’s. All the details of Maple Tour weekend can be found

at www.mapleruntour. com and follow us on www.facebook.com/MapleRunTour for updates and more. Towards the end of your afternoon head out to Almonte to see the artwork being presented by the Ten Collective (www.tencollective.com) being held at the Mississippi Textile Museum. And then relax after a very busy day while you enjoy the play production of ‘The Phantom of the Hubera’ a fundraiser for the Hub’s building fund; it’s sure to be a great show!

Penny's Fudge Factory is in an old 1.5 story home located close to the Pakenham Bridge. A place where you can satisfy your sweet tooth with over 50 flavours of fudge! Two Maple Run Tour participants will be here. Photo credit: facebook.com/MapleRunTour

Events around the region CARLETON PLACE Tuesdays CP Bridge 1:00pm - 4:00pm Carleton Place Legion 177 George St tdimnik@yahoo.com 613-492-1099 Olde Time Bingo 7:00pm - 9:15pm Carleton Place Arena 75 Neelin St. 613-257-1690 Carletonplacecivitan.com

Wednesdays

Thursdays

March 29

Naismith Men's Shed 8:00am 1st & 3rd Thurs each month at Mamma's 2nd & 4th Thurs at the Mill of Kintail's gatehouse boardroom almontecarver@gmail.com Menssheds.ca 613-461-0013

Almonte Lectures: Social Enterprises 7:30pm Almonte United Church 106 Elgin St. Almontelectures.net

March 7 Travelogue: Tanzania 7:00pm Almonte Library 155 High St. Missmillslibrary.com

Open Jam 9:00pm - 1:00am Waterfront Gastropub 12 Bell St. 613-257-5755 facebook.com/TheWaterfrontGastropub

March 12

Saturdays

March 15 & 17

Blues w/Redneck Limousine 3:00pm - 6:00pm Waterfront Gastropub 12 Bell St 613-257-5755 Thewaterfrontgastropub.ca

Meet Curious George March 15 at 11:00am March 17 at 2:00pm Mill Street Books 52 Mill St 613-256-9090 Millstreetbooks.com

March 10 Celtic Kitchen Party 1:30pm St. James Anglican Church 225 Edmund St 613-257-3178

March 14 Toastmasters 7:00pm - 8:30pm Riverview Seniors' Residence 204 Lake Ave 613-250-9282

March 22 Senior’s T.G.I.F. 2:00pm - 5:00pm Carleton Place Legion 177 George St. 613-257-1727

Music Trivia Night 8:00pm Almonte Lobby Bar 81 Queen St facebook.com/almontelobbybar

March 16 AiC: Ensemble Made In Canada 7:30pm Almonte Old Town Hall 14 Bridge St Almonteinconcert.com

March 17 Opera & Broadway 1:00pm Almonte Old Town Hall 14 Bridge St

March 19 & 26 Learn 6-Hand Euchre 4:00pm - 6:00pm Mississippi Mills Youth Centre 134 Main St.

March 26

March 23

Square Dancing Open House 7:30pm - 9:30pm Brunton Community Hall 1702 9th Line, Beckwith 613-838-3788 Mississippisquares.ca

Workshop: Early Spring Crops 10:00am - 12:00pm Almonte Library 155 High St kkiddey@mississippimills.ca 613-256-1037

March 29

Folkus: Betty and the Bobs w/Beth Tufts 8:00pm Almonte Old Town Hall 14 Bridge St. 613-256-9090 Folkusalmonte.com

Lanark Laughs 8:30pm - 10:00pm Waterfront Gastropub 12 Bell St. 613-257-5755 thewaterfrontgastropub.ca

MISSISSIPPI MILLS Wednesdays Duplicate Bridge Club 7:00pm Almonte Legion 100 Bridge St. 613-256-4747 Open Celtic Jam 7:30pm - 10:00pm Naismith Pub 411 Ottawa St. 613-831-6208

March 24 SRO Big Band Tea Dance 1:00pm - 4:00pm Almonte Old Town Hall 14 Bridge St john.haysom@gmail.com 613-563-7044 Srobigband.weebly.com Trad Song Pub Session 2:00pm - 4:00pm The Barley Mow 79 Little Bridge Street dave@barleymow.com 613-256-5669 Barleymow.com

Rachelle Elie Comedy Bash 8:00pm Almonte Old Town Hall 14 Bridge St Crowningmonkey.com

March 30 Reconciliation Event 9:30am - 1:00pm Almonte United Church 106 Elgin St Mmallmyrelations.ca MVTM Soup for Thought Fundraiser 12:00pm - 2:00pm Mississippi Valley Textile Museum 3 Rosamond St. E info@mvtm.ca 613-256-3754 Mvtm.ca Hub Hospice Palliative Care Presentation 2:00pm Fairview Manor 75 Spring St. 613-256-3113 familycouncilfm@gmail.com

82 Peter St. Perthparksideinnandspa.com

March 12 Brock Zeman 8:30pm O'Reilly's Pub 43 Gore St. E. 613-267-7994 Oreillyspubperth.com

March 15 Anita Sont & Matt Larabie 6:00pm - 8:00pm Maximilian's Restaurant 99 Gore St. E. Maximiliansrestaurant.ca Bad Times 7:30pm Studio Theatre 63 Gore St. E 613-267-7469 Studiotheatreperth.com Stephen Mark Fisher 8:45pm O'Reilly's Pub 43 Gore St. E. 613-267-7994 Oreillyspubperth.com Logan Brown 9:00pm Golden Arrow 71 Foster St. 613-267-4500 Goldenarrowpub.com

March 16

Pancake Breakfast 8:00am - 12:00pm Union Hall 1984 Wolf Grove Rd. at Tatlock Rd.

Bring in St. Patrick's w/ Matt Dickson 9:00pm Golden Arrow 71 Foster St. 613-267-4500 Goldenarrowpub.com

PERTH

March 17

March 31

Wednesdays Karaoke 9:00pm Golden Arrow 71 Foster St. 613-267-4500 Goldenarrowpub.com

March 8 Joseph McDonald 8:30pm O'Reilly's Pub 43 Gore St. E. 613-267-7994 Oreillyspubperth.com Jordy Jackson 9:00pm Golden Arrow 71 Foster St. 613-267-4500 Goldenarrowpub.com

March 9 Pat Maloney 8:45pm O'Reilly's Pub 43 Gore St. E. 613-267-7994 Oreillyspubperth.com Poetic Justice 9:00pm Golden Arrow 71 Foster St. 613-267-4500 Goldenarrowpub.com

March 10 Women’s Health & Wellness Show 9:00am - 3:00pm Best Western Plus Perth Parkside Inn & Spa

Jono Townsend 12:00pm - 3:00pm O'Reilly's Pub 43 Gore St. E. 613-267-7994 Oreillyspubperth.com St. Patrick's Day w/Matt Dickson 3:00pm - 6:00pm Golden Arrow 71 Foster St. 613-267-4500 Goldenarrowpub.com George Turcotte 4:00pm - 7:00pm O'Reilly's Pub 43 Gore St. E. 613-267-7994 Oreillyspubperth.com Riley Donnelly 8:30pm - 11:30pm O'Reilly's Pub 43 Gore St. E. 613-267-7994 Oreillyspubperth.com Poetic Justice 9:00pm Golden Arrow 71 Foster St. 613-267-4500 Goldenarrowpub.com

March 19 Brock Zeman 8:30pm O'Reilly's Pub 43 Gore St. E. 613-267-7994 Oreillyspubperth.com

March 20 Shoplifters 2:00pm & 7:00pm Full Circle Theatre

26 Craig St filmnightperth@gmail.com Filmnightinternational. blogspot.com

March 22 Lanark LiPS Poetry Slam 6:30pm - 8:30pm YAK Youth Services 1 Sherbrooke St. E

March 22 Jono Townsend 8:45pm O'Reilly's Pub 43 Gore St. E 613-267-7994 Oreillyspubperth.com Jenna Wright 9:00pm Golden Arrow 71 Foster St. 613-267-4500 Goldenarrowpub.com

March 23 The Tennessee Jed's 8:45pm O'Reilly's Pub 43 Gore St. E 613-267-7994 Oreillyspubperth.com The Brockolees 9:00pm Golden Arrow 71 Foster St. 613-267-4500 Goldenarrowpub.com

March 26 Brock Zeman 8:30pm O'Reilly's Pub 43 Gore St. E. 613-267-7994 Oreillyspubperth.com

March 27 Meditation & Associated Processes 1:30pm - 3:00pm Perth Library 30 Herriott St. 613-225-4675

March 29 The Peter Principle 5:30pm - 9:00pm Parkside Bistro 82 Peter St. Anita Sont & Matt Larabie 6:00pm - 8:00pm Maximilian's Restaurant 99 Gore St. E. Maximiliansrestaurant.ca The Tritones 9:00pm Golden Arrow 71 Foster St. 613-267-4500 Goldenarrowpub.com

March 30 Bring Out Your Sparkle 6:00pm - 11:00pm Perth Civitan Hall 6787 County Rd 43 Perthcivitan.org Jordy Jackson 9:00pm Golden Arrow 71 Foster St. 613-267-4500 Goldenarrowpub.com

March 31 Listening Room Series: David Olney w/Brock Zeman 7:00pm Perth Restaurant 23 Gore St. W 613-267-3170

SMITHS FALLS Mondays Smiths Falls Duplicate Bridge Club 7:00pm Smiths Falls Legion 7 Main St. E. office95@cogeco.ca 613-256-4747

Tuesdays Smiths Falls Duplicate Bridge Club 1:00pm Smiths Falls Legion 7 Main St. E. office95@cogeco.ca 613-256-4747

March 7 The Guilty 2:00pm & 7:00pm Station Theatre 53 Victoria Ave. filmnightperth@gmail.com Filmnightinternational. blogspot.com

March 8 Queen Flash 8:00pm Gallipeau Centre 361 Queen St. 613-284-9916 Gallipeaucentre.com

March 11 & 12 Kids Photography Workshop 10:00am - 12:30pm Lower Reach Park sandrajones.perth@gmail. com

March 11 - 15 Winter Carnival Various locations in Smiths Falls recreation@smithsfalls.ca

March 13 March Break Craft Fun 1:00pm - 4:00pm Buck or Two Plus 275 Brockville St March Break Unicorn Bath Salts Workshop 2:00pm Settlers Ridge Centre 275 Brockville St Cardinals a Courtin’ 6:45pm - 9:00pm Fort Hemlock 32 Beckwith St

March 14 Kids Art Free Program 1:00pm - 2:00pm Heritage House Museum 11 Old Slys Rd 613-283-6311 heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca smithsfallsarts.ca facebook.com/smithsfallsarts

March 15 Babysitting Course 8:30am - 4:00pm Smiths Falls Lions Club

19 Abbott St Helpinghandsfirstaid.ca

info@coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN

March Break Dance 7:00pm - 10:00pm 23 Beckwith St St Patrick’s Dance 7:00pm - 11:00pm

March 9

Hanley Hall 0 McGill St. N 613-283-0676

Head over Heels 6:00pm - 9:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com info@coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN

March 15 & 16

March 13

A Star is Born 7:00pm Station Theatre 53 Victoria Ave 613-283-0300 Smithsfallstheatre.com

Open Mic w/Shawn McCullough 6:30pm - 9:30pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com info@coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN

March 17 Community Dinner 4:00pm St. John's Anglican Church 2 George St. S vawillis723@yahoo.com

March 21 Shoplifters 2:00pm & 7:00pm Station Theatre 53 Victoria Ave. filmnightperth@gmail.com Filmnightinternational. blogspot.com Rideau Childcare Centre Fundraiser 6:30pm Rustic Sign Workshop Gallipeau Centre 361 Queen St. tallan19@hotmail.com SFDHS Speaker Series: Whiskey & Wickedness in the Rideau Valley 7:00pm - 9:00pm Rotary Hall, Settlers Ridge Mall 275 Brockville St heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca 613-283-6311

March 24

March 15 The Valley Shantyman 6:00pm - 9:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com info@coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN

March 16 'St. Practice Day' w/Shawn McCullough & Wade Foster 7:00pm - 10:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com info@coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN

March 17 St. Paddy's Day w/ Turpin's Trail 2:00pm - 6:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com info@coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN

March 20

RLSC Presents The Best of Broadway 1:00pm Smiths Falls Community Centre facebook.com/RLFSC rideaulakessc@gmail.com

Open Mic w/Shawn McCullough 2:00pm - 6:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com info@coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN

March 26

March 22

Spring / Summer Recreation Open House 6:00pm - 9:00pm Community Centre Hall 613-283-4124 x 6105 recreation@smithsfalls.ca

BOTR: Ria Reece Band 7:00pm - 11:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com info@coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN

March 29 Payadora Tango Ensemble 8:00pm Station Theatre 53 Victoria Ave 613-283-0300 Smithsfallstheatre.com

March 30 Two Rivers Market 10:00am - 2:00pm Gallipeau Centre 361 Queen St. 613-284-9916 gallipeaucentre.com

WESTPORT & RIDEAU LAKES March 8 Tony Silvestri 6:00pm - 9:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com

March 27 Open Mic w/Shawn McCullough 6:30pm - 9:30pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com info@coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN

March 29 Benni Vander 6:00pm - 9:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com info@coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN

March 30 Yuk Yuk's Comedy Night 7:00pm - 11:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St.

Coveinn.com info@coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN

REGIONAL BOLINGBROKE

Wednesday Line Dancing 3:00pm ABC Hall 3166 County Rd. 36 rhondaaisbitt@hotmail.ca 613-885-8543 abchall.ca

Thursdays Mah Jongg 1:00pm ABC Hall 3166 County Rd. 36 613-268-2548 abchall.ca Musicians Circle 7:00pm ABC Hall 3166 County Rd. 36 mattchurchill@hotmail. com 613-273-9005 Abchall.ca

Fridays Line Dancing 3:00pm ABC Hall 3166 County Rd. 36 rhondaaisbitt@hotmail.ca 613-885-8543 Abchall.ca

APPLETON

March 19 - 23 NLHS: Genealogy Workshop March 19, 20 & 22 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm March 23 at 9:30am 12:00pm North Lanark Regional Museum 647 River Rd. appletonmuseum@hotmail.com lanarkcountymuseums.ca 613-257-8503

PAKENHAM

March 8 Games Night 4:00pm - 9:00pm Mount Pakenham 577 Ski Hill Rd. Mountpakenham.com 613-624-5290

March 9 Pakenham Youth Group 10:00am - 2:00pm Pakenham Library 128 MacFarlane St 613-257-9772 Bridges Blues Series 6:00pm - 10:00pm Bridges Bar & Grill 2496 County Rd. 29 613-624-5939

March 10 Après-Ski: Braedon Vincent 2:30pm Mount Pakenham 577 Ski Hill Rd Mountpakenham.com 613-624-5290

March 15 Open Mic 6:00pm - 9:00pm Mount Pakenham 577 Ski Hill Rd Mountpakenham.com 613-624-5290

Abba Revisited live on stage Smiths Falls - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca With unstoppable hits like Mama Mia, Waterloo, SOS, Dancing Queen, Take A Chance On Me, Fernando, and many more, ABBA is one of the most popular groups in the world today.

Their record-breaking hits continue to thrill music lovers of all ages. Since their first triumph at Eurovision in 1974, ABBA has sold over 400 million copies of their albums. Furthermore, new renditions of popular ABBA songs now permeate modern

musicals and media, stimulating a new generation of ABBA fans.

In April of 2018, ABBA announced to the world their reunion after 35 years. They released two new songs in December of 2018. The group’s avatars will now perform “I Still Have Faith in You” on NBC and BBC specials later this year; meanwhile, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again premieres in June, proving that their brand synergy is truly thriving!

ABBA Revisited is North America’s #1 tribute to ABBA and its members

have been dazzling audiences across the globe since the year 2001. ABBA REVISITED recreates the magic of ABBA with authentic costumes, spectacular harmonies and note-perfect musicianship, taking their audience on a musical journey back in time. From Vegas to Bermuda, Mexico to Dubai and Guatemala, ABBA Revisited recreates the show stopping look and sound that ABBA fans around the world can’t deny! This show is a MUST SEE!!!

Doors at 7:15pm Show at 8:00pm

NEXT UP: A MAN IN BLACK

North America’s #1 tribute to Johnny Cash

Celebrate the sweetest time of the year at the 5th annual Maple Weekend Regional - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca It’s the sweetest time of the year, and the Lanark & District Maple Syrup Producers’ Association (LDMSPA) is inviting visitors to join them April 6 and 7 in celebrating the 5th annual Maple Weekend event and a new season of maple syrup production in the region.

Since its introduction in 2015, Maple Weekend has become a popular spring excursion for visitors to celebrate the sweetness of the season, while getting a firsthand-view of maple syrup production. Visitors to Maple Weekend come from Ottawa, Brockville, Kingston, and beyond, eager to experience the maple season and

sample the sweet treats and outdoor adventure at local sugar bushes.

In Lanark & District, maple syrup producers are excited at the opportunity to treat visitors to a full day of maple-inspired interactive fun.

“We’ve had a very long winter leading up to the 2019 maple syrup season, and we’re looking forward to the coming of spring and the launch of another season producing maple syrup,” LDMSPA President, Harold Walker, explained.

Maple Weekend is ideal for everyone from families with young children, to teenagers, couples, and seniors.

Walker explained that visitors can take home what they

would like from the event, whether it’s a chance to learn more about how maple syrup is made, or a chance to experience a fun day with their family.

“Maple Weekend is a family-friendly spring outing, and the perfect time for visitors to learn more about Canada’s maple heritage, sample maple taffy, and have fun at a local sugarbush,” Walker said.

“Whether you’re watching sap being gathered, or boiled over an open fire, watching maple syrup being made is always interesting.”

In 2019, Lanark & District maple syrup producers are celebrating the 5th year for Maple Weekend on April 6 and 7. In 2017, the event was nominated as a provincial

tourism event of the year, and each year in Ontario more than 15,000 visitors flock to local sugarbushes to celebrate the sweetest time of the year.

Activities vary depending on location, however they typically include pancake breakfasts, trail adventures, wagon rides, sugar-making demonstrations and taffy on snow.

In Lanark & District, 15 producers will be participating in Maple Weekend in 2019, at sugarbushes located in Almonte, Pakenham, Frankville, Lanark, Sharbot Lake, Athens, Crosby, Mallorytown, Clayton, Perth, and McDonald’s Corners.

Participating producers include: Conboy Maple (Shar-

bot Lake), Coutts Country Flavours (Perth), Fortune Farms (Almonte), Fulton’s Pancake Houses and Sugar Bush (Pakenham), Jameswood Maple (Lanark), Gibbons Family Farm Maple Sugar House (Frankville), Golden Moment Farm (Athens), Leggett’s Sugarbush (Crosby), Oliver’s Mapleworks (Perth), Oso Sweet Maple Farm (Sharbot Lake), Quabbin Hill Farm (Mallorytown), Springdale Maple Farm (Clayton), Temple’s Sugarbush (Lanark), Thompsontown Maple Products (Clayton), Wheelers Pancake House & Sugarcamp (McDonald’s Corners) For even more maple experiences, visitors are invited to attend Lanark & District’s

annual tapping out party on March 9, 2019 at Golden Moment Farm, in Athens.

The tapping out party will kickstart the maple syrup season with a traditional tapping of the first maple tree of the year at 11 a.m. by local MPP, Steve Clark. This fun, family-friendly event will include maple syrup and candy demonstrations, taffy on snow, trail walking, wagon rides, samples, and more.

A full list of Maple Weekend participants from the Lanark & District region is available on the website www.mapleweekend.ca, along with specials on offer at each location. An interactive map makes it easy to find a participating sugarbush across the province.

Fortune family shares the wealth of maple season joy for over four decades

Photo credit: Stacey Roy.

Regional - Stacey roy editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Handel's Messiah - Hallelujah!

Perth - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca Most of us recognize the joyful strains of the Hallelujah Chorus when we hear it.

But we may not know that it is but one exciting chorus from an overall gorgeous musical masterpiece: Handel’s Messiah.

Messiah was first performed at Easter time in Dublin in 1742 and has been a ‘hit’ ever since. Handel wrote the glorious music based on a text prepared for him by Charles Jennens with whom he had worked previously.

Drawing most of his texts from the Old Testament, Jennens laid out Christ’s life and work in three parts: 1.

The prophecies of his coming, his birth and subsequent rejoicing; 2. his life, and the bitter rejection, by most, of him and his message; and 3. his resurrection and victory over death. He did not

Photo submitted.

include any specific characterizations, not even of Christ, whose words are not quoted. Nor is the crucifixion described. And yet, with joy and with pathos, Messiah celebrates the whole of the Christian faith.

At 7 PM on April 28th the 85-voices of the combined choirs of St. Paul’s and St. James’ Churches and Friends along with soloists and 17-piece orchestra, under the direction of Brad Mills, will perform this beloved music in the recently renovated sanctuary/performance space of St. Paul’s United Church, Perth.

This performance of Messiah can be considered a celebration of Mills’ 40-year tenure as Director of Music at St. Paul’s. During this time, he has conducted many large musical works including, Elijah, The Bach B minor Mass, Missa Gaia, The Brahms Requiem, The Rutter Requiem,

and 32 years ago, Handel’s Messiah.

Although the performance is 2 months away, preparations are well underway. The choir has been rehearsing for 2 months; the soloists and musicians have all been selected; Carolee Mason, a drama teacher and respected adjudicator and dramaturge, is selecting images of relevant 18th century art to be projected during the concert; new risers to accommodate the large choir are being built and more than half the tickets have already been sold. In a short time, Hallelujahs will ring out at St. Paul’s! Be there and enjoy!

Tickets ($30) are available at the St. Paul’s Church office 25 Gore St. West, Perth, ON or from ‘Tickets Please’ 613-485-6434, www.ticketsplease.ca For more information: www.stpaulsperth.ca or on Facebook @stpaulsperth.ca

The gift of hard work, precious memories and invaluable skills has been handed down at Fortune Farms for six generations and counting, as each year around this time family and friends gather at the Fortune Farms Maple Sugar Bush in Almonte and Clayton.

This local sugar bush was born out of a father’s desire to keep his family of four kids busy in the same way his parents kept him busy – working on the farm. For Ray Fortune, an engineer working in the high tech sector, the obvious choice was to operate a sugar bush.

“It was the one part of farming I kind of liked,” Fortune said.

For three years the family, whose children were 12 years and under at the start, rented a sugar bush in Kanata where Fortune saw his kids learning many skills and really getting their hands into the work.

“They pitched right in,” he said.

The family was working in the bush on weekends and living in the city during the week, which continued throughout their lives even after purchasing their own sugar bush in Almonte in 1972. The kids worked hard cutting and stacking wood and walking the equipment into the bush until they were old enough to begin learning the process of maple syrup.

The maple syrup season of March and April is demanding. Fortune recalls his wife, Ruth, calling the

high school to pull their kids out of school so they could help on the farm. Often, the kids would bring friends or peers along when extra hands were much appreciated.

“They [the kids] had something different to show and tell. This is one of the things that kept them interested because they were different,” Fortune said.

One of his sons, Jamie, took away more than the customer service, work ethic and hands-on skills he developed at the farm.

In 1990 Jamie and his wife, Sherry Fortune, became partners in Fortune Farms and full-time operators when his mom and dad relocated to Edmonton for work.

“We love the farm and Sherry, my wife, loves making the product,” Jamie said.

The opportunity to work alongside his parents in a natural setting is something he is proud to do.

“We make a good team,” Jamie said.

Since Jamie and his wife have taken over the farm they have introduced new upgraded equipment, expanded into a second bush in Clayton to fill the growing customer orders they have, and are currently partners in the restaurant at Temple’s Sugar Bush with long-time maple syrup producer Charlie Temple.

“Charlie’s a terrific mentor,” Jamie said.

Currently Fortune has three great-grandchildren who are toddling around the farm, but will one day get to work alongside their

parents, grandparents and great-grandparents amongst the trees.

2019 maple season This month, families will once again be welcomed to Fortune Farms (2442 Wolf Grove Road, Almonte) where many springtime memories will be made.

The farm has an enlarged parking lot and is free to visit. They operate a maple products store on site where all things maple can be purchased. Planning a day at the farm must include a visit to the Shanty Shack. This served as production headquarters for the family until 1990, and today is operated as an educational space to show people how syrup is evaporated. Kids can safely look into and see work in progress. Under the open skies you will find a wood fired setup depicting traditional maple syrup practices and the jovial Kettle Boys who are eager to share their stories around the fire and a tune or two.

“They have an awful lot of fun,” Jamie said.

Trails are open and visitors are encouraged to meander through and enjoy the serenity of rural life.

Between 1989-1991 Jamie worked tirelessly to plant 600 diverse tree species on the lot as part of their plan to maintain tree diversity on the farm. Many of these trees are maturing and can be tapped. In the future, they plan to continue this stewardship program for the longevity of the farm.

Before heading out for the day be sure to go to the Fortune Farms website (www.fortunefarms.ca) for condition updates.

March 2019

11

Health Matters

lifestyle

Dr. Robert Rodine

How to manage chronic symptoms that impact seniors ‘Golden years? More like the rusty years!’ It’s a phrase I hear often from patients as they come to terms with years of wear and tear on their bodies. Whether by dietary neglect, physical stress, cumulative injuries, excessive alcohol intake or smoking, the human body’s healing and regenerative system is eventually eroded and exhausted over time. Ultimately, systems begin to fail and symptoms are produced.

These, and a number of other factors, contribute to the list of chronic degenerative conditions/ diseases, such as high blood pressure, arthritis, osteoporosis and diabetes.

However, it is important to remember that these conditions do not only affect seniors. According to the Government of Canada, 44% of Canadian adults over 20 years of age will have at least 1 of the 10 most common chronic degenerative diseases.

Garden Matters:

This is staggering, not only given the impact this has on public health but that these conditions can be prevented (or largely delayed in their onset) and even improved with healthier lifestyle management.

In North America, we have terrible dietary practices. Our food consumption is highly reliant on manufactured and processed foods. Our diets are very high in animal fats and sugar, and we

Winter getting to you? Force spring indoors!

Lanark County Master Gardeners

Late January through early March is a great time to take branches from your favorite flowering trees or shrubs to force blooms indoors as they have by now been through the required cold dormancy of six weeks or more. This is also a good time to go out and prune such plants, so why not do both at the same time on a milder day when the temperature is above freezing.

This will help the branches as the sap will flow easier.

Look for branches that are rubbing, crossing, diseased, old or damaged to prune. From this, select the nicer branches for forcing that are less than ½ inch in diameter with nice flower buds. Cut them a little longer than the desired length

and bring them indoors.

Here are a few recommended plants to try: Cherry (Prunus), Crab apple or Apple (Malus), Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), Forsythia, Lilacs (Syringa), Magnolias, Quinces (Chaenomeles), Serviceberries (Amelanchier), Willows (Salix) – for catkins.

After bringing the branches inside, using a laundry sink or some large/ deep tray/container, or even your tub, add warm water to cover branches.

With a clean and sharp blade/knife, hold the stems underwater and recut them at an angle an inch or two above the original cut. Then split the branch up about two inches to help the stem

take in water. Leave the branches for up to 24 hours sitting in the water.

Place the branches in a bucket of water that is heavy enough that it won’t tip over in a location, such as the basement, changing the water every week until the buds start to open.

Once you do see the buds open, move the branches to a brighter, warmer location (regular room temperature) to help speed up the process. Mist daily. Keep away from heat registers which will dry them out, and away from cold windows.

Timing will vary. Times are reduced the later you do this towards spring as well depending on the temperatures in your home. Have fun experimenting with the timing. Stagger the timing of when you bring branches in so that you have fresh flowering branches for several weeks. Enjoy experimenting with a variety of plants.

over consume meat as our preferred protein source.

These trends provide poor nutrition to our systems and place added stress on our pancreas and intestinal system. After decades of this pattern, it is no wonder that we suffer higher rates of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, obesity and cancer than most other countries in the world. This is the curse of the developed world: as we adopt convenience and abandon the lifestyle our bodies evolved to crave, we are sacrificing our health. But it’s not too late.

It’s never too late.

Adopting a healthier lifestyle that includes a diet focused on balanced protein sources (meat, fish and plant-based proteins), reducing our fat intake, reducing/eliminating processed foods from our diets and consuming more fruits and vegetables (organic when possible) will not only improve

our health, but restore our energy and vibrance day to day. In fact, I am frequently told of reduced sluggishness and abdominal bloating following the restoration of gastrointestinal health when these strategies are implemented.

It is also important to remember that our bodies were designed to move.

Our bodies crave movement, and characteristically show deterioration when they are robbed of it. This isn’t to say that all people are designed to run a marathon, or bench press 300lbs. But our bodies will rejoice with whatever they can handle and what they are offered. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, cycle or swim. If you can’t move fast, move slow. Just move.

There is always a solution to introducing more physical activity into your life.

Lastly, seek assessment and treatment should pain

or limited mobility be acting as a barrier to physical activity for you. Whether it’s back or hip pain, knee pain or a foot disorder, a healthcare professional may be able to reduce its impact and help you progress back into activity and recreation in order to further improve your health.

The first step is assessment to determine your problem. Only then can the problem solving begin.

Just remember it’s never too late, and it’s never too early to give your future a healthier outlook.

Which is why I always tell my patients, ‘It’s not about vintage, it’s about mileage.’

And it’s never too late to start a restoration.

Dr. Robert Rodine is a chiropractor with Optimum Health: Chiropractic, Massage & Fitness in Smiths Falls and Cordick Chiropractic & Optimum Health Clinic in Perth.

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Judy Wall is a member of the Lanark County Master Gardeners. Want to know more about the Master Gardeners group or ask a gardening question? Visit our website at www.lanarkmg.blogspot. com or contact us at lanarkmg@gmail.com

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March 2019

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lifestyle

Ontario communities recognize sexual trauma through public art making RESIDENTS OF NORTH BAY, CARLETON PLACE, BRANTFORD AND PETERBOROUGH WILL CREATE 4 MONUMENTS TO HONOUR SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE Carleton Place - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca In collaboration with Amelia Rising Sexual Assault Centre of Nipissing, Lanark County Interval House, the Sexual Assault Centre of Brant, Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, and Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre, the public works will be developed and built with the participation of several hundred residents in North Bay, Carleton Place, Brantford, and Peterborough, Ontario.

Initiated by the Women’s Sexual Assault Centre of Renfrew County (WSAC) in 2014, and led by Red Dress Productions in 2016, the initial impetus was to create a work to mark the centre’s 25th anniversary.

Along with the support of Ottawa Valley Creative Arts Open Studio (OVCAOS) — and created in collaboration with 400 residents — four mosaics were realized in Eganville, Killaloe, Pembroke, and Pikwàkanagàn First Nation, Ontario.

Three years later, in 2019, there is much anticipation for the four new works, as collaborating centres recognize the project’s deep significance.

“Having a monument for learning about and giving respect to survivors of sex-

What began as a request by one sexual assault centre in rural Ontario has evolved into a quest to dignify the experiences and visibility of survivors across the province. Photo submitted.

ual violence is extremely important to our community because it helps us to inspire empathy and build resilience. This monument will give us a place to mourn, to celebrate, to reflect, and to take action,” explains Lisa Clarke, interim executive director of the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre in Peterborough.

“I hope that through this monument, we will build

community understanding of the issues facing survivors of sexual violence, including missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people, as well as survivors of childhood sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, sexual assault and harassment, and intimate partner violence.

“This monument might be a place where survivors name their abuse and reach out for help. This

monument might be a place where survivors lay their abuse to rest,” Clarke affirms. “What I know for sure is that this monument will be a place where we can gather in solidarity, and that connectedness builds our strength.”

Today, the Countdown Public Art Legacy Project flourishes, with continued partnerships with WSAC and OVCAOS, and increasing interest from front-line workers in sup-

port centres throughout the province. Red Dress Productions hopes to extend the project over the next three years.

The four mosaics will be permanently installed and unveiled throughout the spring and summer months this year.

Lanark County Interval House workshops will take place on March 6 – 8, 2019 Lanark County Interval House

Wed Mar 6, 12–4 p.m.

Thurs Mar 7, 4–8 p.m.

Fri Mar 8, 1–5 p.m.

All Nations Church 39 Bridge Street Carleton Place, Ontario (613) 257-3469 info@lcih.com For additional information feel free to contact; Erin Lee - Executive Director - 613-257-3469 ext.

22 or Brianne Luckasavitch - Public Education 613-257-3469 ext. 63

March 2019

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lifestyle

Food & Drink

Beer, Wine & Spirits

King's Lock Craft Distillery

King's Lock Craft Distillery: Canada's Whiskyjack Rye, Prescott White Rye, 1000 Islands Moonshine and Von Schoultz Vodka.

Photo credit: Brian Preston

Rob and Laura Bradley are the founders of King’s Lock Craft Distillery, named after King's Lock built near the rapids at Johnstown enabling early travel along the St Lawrence.

They are located in Johnstown near Prescott and Fort Wellington just along the river from the Battle of the Windmill historic site at a narrow stretch of the St Lawrence right across from Ogdensburg, New York, where you can almost see the Frederick Remington Art Museum (makes for a great day visit). This is also a favourite scuba diving site where we used to take

our students for their 'check-out' dives, their practical exam before certification, where divers from shore can explore the wreck of 'The Rothesay' a 19th Century wooden twin side wheeler.

The Bradleys created the company on the basis that double-distilling spirits in small batches in a pot still creates a spirit that has more body and flavor, and their team has over a decade experience distilling spirits. They also believe in sustainable processes and green energy using methods that conserve power, water and gas.

King's Lock won 4 medals at the 2018 Canadian Artisan Spirits Competition and 2 at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirit Competition. Their products are available at LCBO but call your local retailer to be sure. Here are their product descriptions in their own words: VON SCHOULTZ VODKA - made from local organic corn this spirit is gluten free!

Double distilling makes this nicely smooth with a velvety mouth feel.

This vodka has a small hint of the corn giving it a gentle aroma and sweetness in the tail.

BRONZE medal - 2018

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Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition CONESTOGA GIN - using our double distilled vodka as the base and thus it is gluten free as well! Our gin is a simple six botanical recipe bringing the spice cardamom forward. There is a delightful juniper aroma with the cardamom forward notes - this is the gin for everyone, not just gin lovers!

PRESCOTT WHITE RYE - our double distilled local organic rye is snappy and spicy. This grain forward spirit is an unaged whisky which is smooth and warm. Incredible for mixing in traditional rye cocktails

or creating your own!

SILVER medal - 2018 Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition CANADA'S WHISKYJACK RYE - we take our white rye and age it on oak! This spirit is pleasant and like traditional whisky tones with strong oak and vanilla notes. GOLD medal - 2018 Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition; BRONZE Medal San Francisco World Spirit Competition LIGHTHOUSE SHINE - we take a beautiful light organic sugar cane extract and double distill it just right! Sugar means it is gluten free again. This is a lovely white spirit that is great for mixing.

1000 ISLANDS MOONSHINE - also gluten free, we age our double distilled sugar cane on oak and create a delicate sweet cane spirit (rum like). Sweet caramel notes in this spirit make it delightful on ice or neat! BRONZE Medal, 2017 International Spirit Challenge, SILVER medal - 2018 Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition, SILVER Medal 2018 San Francisco World Spirit Challenge SMUGGLERS GOLD RUM - Take 1000 Islands Moonshine and let it age in a bourbon barrel for one year to legally call it "rum" in Canada.

This spirit is smooth with incredible oaky and light char notes - just a hint of apple, vanilla with sweet finish - incredible.

Brian Preston The Travelling Sommelier brianpreston@hotmail.com

WINTER GIN - Seasonal - This is a more traditional juniper, angelica, anise, cinnamon recipe compared to Conestoga Gin. Then to make it even more unique - we aged it!

That's right, this is gently oaked to add some of those oak and vanilla notes. Unbelievable flavour - martinis will never be the same!! Quantity Limited.

What I particularly like about this distillery, and in fact many of the newer craft breweries and distilleries in Ontario, is that they are being named after local sites of historical significance which gives you that sense of your own place. Reading the labels informs you about local history and of our predecessors on this land. That's what I pondered when I tried their 1000 ISLANDS MOONSHINE. Pale golden colour with a lovely, approachable sweet aroma that didn't give the nose a big alcohol hit, followed by a rounded mouth-coating texture and a light to medium sweetness that was not cloying as some Caribbean rums can be. It had a nice balance of sweet to cleansing tang hinting of spice with a clean finish. I can hardly wait to try their Smugglers Gold Rum! They are located at 5 Newport Drive in Johnstown and can be contacted at 'info@klcraftdistillery.ca' or call (613) 704-2529.

March 2019

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lifestyle vISIT US ON FACEBOoK OR www.cafewhim.ca

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Yellow Canoe Café Merrickville;

By Brian Turner You don’t need a special reason to visit, but it will be extraordinary The Yellow Canoe Café, located at the entrance to Merrickville’s storied main street shopping area, isn’t new, having been around for over 15 years, but it recently changed owners with a former life-time (as she puts it) employee having taken over the reins in 2014. And while Danielle Moizer may be young, her dishes demonstrate a level of expertise few kitchen veterans can match.

The Yellow Canoe is tucked in one of Merrickville’s heritage stone buildings (at the corner of Lawrence and Main Streets, just south of the Rideau Bridge). It can’t be missed thanks to the large yellow canoe parked out front. While Danielle boasts that everything on the menu is house made, fresh, every day, you don’t have to take her word for it; one taste will tell you.

The menu is geared to lunches, brunches, and

afternoon teas with a variety to suit every taste and requirement.

But unlike a lot of gluten-free offerings, Danielle’s take is full of flavour with just the right texture.

My wife and I dropped by on a recent sunny Sunday afternoon and while the number of tables and seats are limited, we never felt crowded. I opted for the Blue Cow half-sandwich and soup while she ordered a savoury scone with soup. The Blue Cow is a piled-high roast beef creation served on house made foccacia bread topped with a heavenly blue cheese spread, avocado slices and alfalfa sprouts.

Danielle’s foccacia is unlike anything I’ve ever tasted; light, airy, but just the right texture and flavour. Of the 2 choices of soup-of-theday we both choose the cream of mushroom and weren’t disappoint-

ed. Tip of the day; leave the salt and pepper alone until you try their soups, they’ve got the seasoning bang on right out of the pot. Our lunch with tax, before tip, came to a reasonable $40.

My wife’s over-sized scone was served warm with a whipped herb butter that would leave even the finickiest eater weak in the knees.

Because we were conservative as to our diets in our lunch choices we splurged on dessert and split a unique carrot cake. Again, like their bread, the Yellow Canoe Café crafts this cake into a much lighter and more flavourful decadence than you might expect, and it’s also served warm with a delightful cream cheese topping.

The Yellow Canoe’s menu is full of options allowing you to choose either full or half-sandwiches, with or with-

out soup or salad sides.

It lets you tailor your choices to your appetite and stick by your diet.

If you happen to over indulge, it’s easy to walk off some calories enjoying the wide variety of craft and artisan shops that Merrickville is famous for.

The Yellow Canoe Café is open Sunday through Friday from 11 am to 4 pm and to 5 pm on Saturdays. Their winter hours are Wednesday through Sunday 11 am to 4 pm. You can reach them at 613 269 2833 or check them out online at theyellowcanoecafe. com or on their FaceBook page. Reservations are recommended.

There are several steps up to the door and nearby on-street parking is plentiful. They are fully licensed and have a bountiful selection of wines (all available by the glass or carafe), craft-beers and cocktails.

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GREAT FOOD GREAT TIMES

7 Church Street, Westport 613-273-7733 www.tangledgardencafe.com

7 Church Street, Westport 613-273-9900 www.lostpennypub.ca

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March 2019

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YOUR TRUSTED

Neighbourhood Professionals Tax Time; Don't wait til the last minute

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to your own car: if you have some basic knowledge on the subject and you are mechanically inclined, it may be something you want to tackle. When it comes to taxes, if you feel like you are out of your depth, you might want to call a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). Get it done early and get it done right!

CORPORATE TAX RETURNS

you may want to submit your return as quickly as possible in order to receive your refund sooner. There are also other benefits to filing early for those taxpayers who have a balance due. Nowadays there many different apps and software for a doit-yourself approach to taxes. However it's similar to doing repairs

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Just like Christmas shopping or changing over to your snow tires, there are a lot of people who leave the important task of filing their income taxes to the last minute.

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March 2019

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business Spotlight on business New career direction for first-time business owner

Smiths Falls - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca

There’s a new ‘pot’ store in town — hmm…that’s ‘pot’tery store.

Gene Amell’s store — Simply Ceramics+ — officially opened Saturday with a ribbon-cutting, and cake and coffee for customers.

The front half of the small space was crowded with curious visitors and well-wishers, while the back was filled with shelves of bisque figures waiting to be painted.

Amell, relatively new to Smiths Falls, has been open a month and candid-

ly admits he knows little about pottery and ceramics but has a strong back-up crew, his mother and sister, helping him. He also says he’s a lifelong learner (and licensed teacher) having been in the education business for close to 30 years teaching in many northern fly-in communities.

His family is from Prescott and his mother and sister owned a business there (Ceramics+) for over 20 years. After returning south, he convinced his mom to help him with his own business in Smiths Falls — his initial aspiration

was to start a real pot store through the pot lottery but didn’t meet the “parameters” — so a pottery store it became.

His mother, Sandra McDonald, closed her shop along the St. Lawrence and is now available on a daily basis to help Amell; in other words, it’s become a family business.

With his strong teaching background, Amell’s intent is to take his ceramics into schools around town; he says he knows the education curriculum and can link what teachers do in art classes with painting ce-

ramics.

As a first-time business owner, he learns something new every day and says, with a grin, “I do what my Mom tells me.” Painting classes are scheduled Monday from 7 to 9 p.m.; students can use Amell’s paints and brushes but have to “buy the bisque”, which, once painted is fired in kilns.

For information, give the store a call at 613-402-8066, email him at simplyceramics021@gmail.com, or visit his facebook page. The store is located at 18 Russell Street E in Smiths Falls.

Councillor Niki Dwyer was on hand to cut the ribbon at the official opening of Simply Ceramics+. Photo credit: Sally Smith.

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Sister Jessie Amell (left) and Mom Sandra McDonald help new business owner Gene Amell at the official opening of Simply Ceramics+. Photo credit: Sally Smith.

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