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YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER - LANARK, NORTH LEEDS & GRENVILLE

JANUARY 2021

Linton's plan for Smiths Falls former Our Perth writer is a water treatment plant very much alive man of many talents Perth - Chris Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca Newspaper reporter and photographer, sailor, police officer, elite distance runner, community volunteer, and seeker after intelligent life in outer space – Perth’s own Terrance O’Hearn is a man of many talents.

After contributing a monthly column to the Hometown News for a number of years, Terry will be stepping back a bit due to health issues in his family. He does plan to keep writing when he can.

A native of Gananoque, Terry has lived in Perth since 1967.

Although Gananoque is a long way from any ocean, Terry joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1961 because his father and uncles were all navy men. His father served in World War II as a stoker aboard HMCS Waskesiu, the first Canadian-built frigate. He was a member of the crew when Waskesiu sank a German U-Boat in the North Atlantic on Feb. 24, 1944.

Terry’s own naval service began in a top secret commu-

Plans to build an attractive modern development on the site of Smiths Falls’ former water treatment plant are still alive. The developers, led by Bruce Linton, are shifting their focus from office space to residential units. Photo credits: AJ Photography.

Smiths Falls - Chris Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca Bruce Linton’s dream of turning Smiths Falls’ former water treatment plant into an attractive modern development is still alive.

The entrepreneur and former chairman and CEO of Canopy Growth Corporation told the Hometown News this week that although Canopy Growth is no longer backing the project, he has found new partners. Plans for the site at 25 Old Mill Road have also evolved to meet the changing times.

“It’s a phenomenal total site, that before Covid was a bit too long a drive from Ottawa,” said Linton.

A very detailed proposal for the site was presented to Smiths Falls in June of 2019, showing plans for a large hotel and office space. The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a re-evaluation of those plans.

Linton said the pandemic has proven it is possible for many

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people to work from home, and could make traditional offices obsolete. He has been working on new plans with a group of partners, one an expert on apartment buildings, another with experience in construction, and another with a finance background who is working to bring in capital for the project.

The group, whose partnership has not yet been formalized, are shifting the focus of the project from office space to residential units, with “some commercial on the first floor,” said Linton.

“It’s an evolution of a great site,” he added.

Linton noted that his team has just hired a talented individual from Calgary, which is only possible because of the team’s ability to work from home. “We can hire anyone from anywhere,” he said.

The partners will make a new presentation to town council, but a date has not yet been scheduled because details of the project are still being worked out.

Linton said the location is at-

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tractive because of Smiths Falls’ pedestrian-friendly main street and the proximity to the Rideau Canal, which provides recreational opportunities for those interested in canoeing and kayaking. The potential for new residential space in town is obvious, Linton said, because “If you put a house up for sale, it still sells quite rapidly.”

Linton’s interest in the Old Mill Road site dates back to his tenure as CEO of Canopy Growth. “When I ran Tweed I was driving from our offices in Kanata, and I thought we should have offices in Smiths Falls,” he said. “Then I got fired.”

However, Linton’s involvement in Smiths Falls has continued, including a recent project to renovate the historic post office building on Russell Street.

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nications branch as a “radio man special,” spending nine months at Inuvik. Located a few miles from the existing community of Aklavik, Inuvik was specially built by the government during the late 1950s to meet the need for a Cold War installation in the Arctic. The small community was home to “a huge array of antennas,” Terry recalled.

In 1963 Terry headed to the East Coast to serve on HMCS Chaudiere (DDE 235), a destroyer escort. He also managed to spend a few weeks aboard HMCS Lanark, the World War II frigate named for Lanark, Ontario. (The ship would have been named after the town of Perth, if the Australian navy had not already commissioned a vessel named for Perth, Australia.)

Prior to joining the navy, Terry had worked for a couple of years at the Kingston Whig-Standard “right out of business school.” He covered both country and city beats before becoming a photographer.

Continues on page 4

Terrance O’Hearn, far left, was a member of this OPP running team which competed at the Detroit Police Games in 1983. This photo was taken after a five-mile race. Fourth from left is Brendan Keenoy, who still holds the world record for quickest time to ascend the steps of the CN Tower. Photo credit: Terrance O’Hearn.

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January 2021

Page Two

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Letter to the Editor 12th Annual Christmas Stocking Drive exceeds all expectations

STODDARDS' HILL - 1912

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT ALIVE AND WELL IN LANARK COUNTY

PART OF THE DISCOVER COMMUNTIY NETWORK

Hometownnews

“Support Local” has been the battle cry throughout the stress and strain of this overriding Pandemic experience. So many needs in so many areas caused grave concerns about our ability to support one another; especially as we approached a very personal and sensitive time of the year, with high expectations as we gather and gift one another by our presence and presents.

Thoughts of giving focused closely on the nature of the need and our community provided an overwhelming response.

Thanks to our local newspapers, radio stations and social media, a strong push to raise awareness of the nature of those needs was magnified to great effect.

To say that this year's 12th Annual Christ-

mas Stocking Drive exceeded all expectations, is more than a catch phrase. It translates into ample donations of designated dollars and Christmas stockings filled with well-needed toiletries and well-appreciated treats and articles of clothing.

Certainly, enough to gladden the heart each of our adult clients and to enable our Food Bank to stock their 'personal needs' shelves well into the new year!

Aiding the collection of these donations was the regular participation of Thrift Stores’ giving us empty stockings to kick start our annual campaign and flexible options opening up through the inventiveness of the COVID experience.

Whole communities were rallied by a sin-

gle, motivating member, leader or resident.

Offers of assistance poured in as we rallied to respond to the deluge of donations; some inspired, for the first time, by social media connections and some welcoming the 'porch pick-up' and 'delivery' service.

Service groups co-operated with each other to bring about a Merry Christmas to all.

In short, but in no way diminishing the response, “Support Local” gained momentum and provided the needs identified in and through our caring community.

Thank you to all.Sandra Schappert, Co-ordinator of the Stocking Drive for the Lanark County Food Bank Sylvie Powell 613-290-1497

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Tobogganing down “Stoddards’ Hill” on Morphy Street in Carleton Place, circa 1912. Photo credit: Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum

Hometown News is available at Your Independent Grocers across the region. Pick up your copy at: Andress' (Smiths Falls) • Barnabe's (Perth) Mitchell's (Carleton Place) • Patrice's (Almonte) PLEASE SUPPORT THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES.

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January 2021

community Looking forward with warden lowry Regional - Brian turner editorial@pdgmedia.ca Hometown News had an opportunity to catch up with a very busy newly-elected Lanark County Warden Christa Lowry (also mayor of Mississippi Mills) to get her take on 2020 and what 2021 will bring to residents and to the county council table.

Lowry won a 3-candidate race in November for the position at the head of the county council table in an election where only the council members vote.

Lowry was elected as Mississippi Mills’ first female mayor in 2018 and was a Ramsay Ward councillor from 2014-2018. She was appointed this year to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario board’s rural caucus. She also sits as a director on the boards of Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation, Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority, Mississippi River Power Corporation and the Rural Ontario Municipal Association.

She started off the conversation by acknowledging that like everyone else, the county will continue to adapt and adjust to life and business operations in a pandemic, and that lens will be used in just about every aspect of all operations. She quickly gave credit to county staff for their outstanding performance with respect to Covid-19 measures in 2020 and noted that it put the county in a good position to face the upcoming year. Every year county council reviews and updates a priori-

ty list of projects for the upcoming year.

She commented that the redevelopment of Lanark Lodge (the county owned and operated long-term care facility in Perth) and long-term care operations in general were on the top of the list. She added that the county is examining the best options for the future of Lanark Lodge that may include rebuilding or a new model of facility entirely. Queen’s Park had previously mandated updated design standards that are to be complied with by 2025. The Lodge has demonstrated superior performance in infection control throughout the current pandemic, so much so that the Eastern Ontario Warden’s Caucus has chosen it for a study and analysis of best-practices for municipally-operated centers.

Lowry will be chairing a seminar on rural seniors’ housing at the upcoming Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference in January.

Another issue that’s continually on everyone’s priority and interest list according to Lowry is social housing and it has brought new discussions and challenges due to Covid-19. The county is currently constructing a multi-unit residence on Arthur Street in Carleton Place which is expected to be ready for occupancy in 2021. Their next build will be scheduled for 2022 with details yet to be announced.

Covid-19 seems to creep into many topics on the county’s priority

Christa Lowry. Photo credit: Brian Turner.

list and cell and internet accessibility are no exceptions. As more people were forced to work and study from home due to pandemic restrictions throughout 2020, the lack of reliable data service in many areas of Lanark became a major concern for residents and county officials alike. Lowry states that Lanark will continue to work with the Eastern Ontario Regional Network on their cell expansion and ‘GIG to Home’ projects to get improve-

ments as well as working in partnership with neighbouring jurisdictions and private suppliers to bring better access.

The county will send another $350K to area hospitals in 2021 as part of a multi-year commitment according to Lowry as well as providing leadership on the climate protection front. Work will continue on Lanark’s 1 million tree planting goal and are working towards a ban of single-use plastic bags and electric vehicle purchase

assistance for municipal fleets will continue along with other initiatives.

The county will have its fair share of challenges next year and with Lowry’s history of team and consensus building along with her strong roll-up-the-sleeves work ethic we can expect action and results on these issues and many more.

Her own words from her year-end address to council are fitting for all of us to reflect upon 2020 and look forward with

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hope to next year.

“As 2020 draws to a close, I would invite you to reflect on all that has been this year, to project positivity into the New Year, trusting that the next few weeks will bring you a renewed sense of peace and togetherness as we celebrate a quiet holiday season. My hope is that when the pandemic is long behind us, we remember that kindness, gratitude and community can help us weather any storm.” Christa Lowry.

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January 2021

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Cornerstone Landing secures first of its kind housing for homeless youth in Lanark County Perth - Shannon McLellan editorial@pdgmedia.ca Youth without a place to call home in Smiths Falls & Lanark County will soon have a new option for housing thanks to Cornerstone Landing Youth Services’ efforts to secure a residence in Perth.

On December 22 2020 Cornerstone Landing officially took possession of a residence in Perth that will be able to accommodate at least six homeless youth.

“A first of its kind,” said Terrilee Kelford, Board Chair for Cornerstone Landing. The purchase of this residence is unique, as the sustainability of the project is not dependent upon support from Government funding.

The timing couldn’t be more appropriate when “staying home and staying safe” is a unique challenge that many are up against

in the face of Covid-19, including those especially vulnerable such as homeless youth. There are a number of youth across Lanark County that face the reality of not having a home to stay in, which is why Cornerstone Landing has been actively fighting to provide a solution for displaced young adults throughout our communities.

Although often out of sight, youth homelessness is not out of mind. Cornerstone Landing’s recent house purchase supports evidence-based solutions such as the ‘Housing First’ model. Homelessness continues to be an intricate issue in small towns across Lanark County. Whether it’s couch surfing or relying on friends or shelters, these options are shortterm, unstable and unpredictable. They make the living situations for homeless youth precarious,

and can often be unsafe.

According to Without a Home: The National Youth Homelessness Survey, 20% of the homeless population in Canada is comprised of youth between the ages of 13-24. In any given year, there are approximately 35 000 - 40 000 youth experiencing homelessness in Canada.

Over the years, Cornerstone Landing Youth Services has offered rent subsidies to young people in an effort to enable them with affordable housing.

According to Terrilee Kelford, housing prices have continued to climb by $10 000 - $15 000 per year causing a substantial strain on fundraising dollars.

Cornerstone Landing’s recent home acquisition will be pivotal in more effectively and consistently providing housing for homeless young adults. This will offer both short-term and long-

term accommodation solutions.

The four-bedroom home requires significant renovations to be completed in order to be move-in ready for young adults in need. According to Kelford, they are hopeful that the house will be ready by the end of February 2021 to accommodate occupants with a safe, clean and cozy environment.

Fundraising efforts by members of the community and aligned organizations have been instrumental in contributing to the purchase of Cornerstone Landing’s first property in Perth.

Cornerstone Landing hopes to have properties available to support homeless youth in neighbouring towns in the future.

Visit www.cornerstonelanding.com for further details on this project, and for more information about Cornerstone Landing’s programs.

Pictured above are Cornerstone Landing Board Members (Lonna, Shirley, Terrilee and Hugh - missing is Christine, James and Shane) celebrating this first of its kind for Youth Housing in Lanark County. Photo credit: Shannon McLellan

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Our Perth writer is a man of many talents Perth - Chris Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca Continued from page 1

After leaving the navy in 1964 he went back home to Gananoque and took a year off “partying with the boys.”

But it wasn’t long before he moved on to the job he would occupy for nearly 30 years, joining the OPP in 1967, and moving to Perth. Terry didn’t spend a lot of time at home, since he was attached to the OPP’s General Headquarters in Toronto and tasked with helping to implement the first computerized reporting system province-wide. This involved a lot of travelling.

“I saw pretty much every detachment in the province,” said Terry.

At home in Perth, Terry joined forces with local high school teacher Tom Graham in 1980 to form a running club. Perth Runners had a large membership, including some residents of Smiths

Falls, which didn’t have a club of its own. Members included Smiths Falls lawyer Mike Cliffen and Dr. Rick Moxon, the club’s unofficial physician. Terry had met Graham through the Glen Tay Block Race, the iconic 14.7 km run which has been held in Perth since 1907. In fact, Terry helped organize the race every year for a large portion of its history – four decades – making him the organizing committee’s longest-serving member.

He also found time to train for and compete in 14 marathons, with his best time clocking in at 2 hours, 41 minutes. A time like that is good enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon, which Terry (then aged 39) and Smiths Falls runner Andy Taylor competed in together back in 1982. Unfortunately, they found the weather a little too hot, and became dehydrated, so their times weren’t the best. Terry recalled that help-

ful spectators were offering beverages such as orange juice along the route, and the sugary drinks made Taylor sick.

Terry also contributed to the community by providing websites and social media promotion for both the Glen Tay Block Race and the annual Perth Polar Bear Plunge until recently. He is proud to have been involved in promoting Perth’s World Record Kilt Run. In 2016 the run attracted an official total of 3,670 participants, to enter the Guinness Book of Records as the largest number of runners to take part in a race while wearing kilts. “It’s hard to believe you could pack that many people into downtown Perth,” said Terry.

Terry says his volunteer work was inspired by the example of others, such as Tom Graham and fellow OPP officer, past Legion president and former Perth deputy mayor John Gemmell. “It just seems to happen that you’re in a

certain position at a certain time,” he said.

When Terry volunteers for a cause, Gemmell told the Hometown News, “he gives 100 percent, or he doesn’t get involved.

“When he’s in, there’s no quitting.”

Of Terry’s 40-year commitment to the Glen Tay Block Race, Gemmell said, “A lot of times he was the driving force.” Appropriately enough, given Terry’s service in the navy, he described his long-time friend as “always an anchor.”

Terry’s volunteer work has also included serving on the Royal Canadian Legion executive and working on the exhibits in the local branch’s war museum. He helped produce life histories of veterans Eric Devlin and General Don McNaughton, who have both passed away, to give to their families. In the last municipal election, Terry was campaign manager for Gemmell’s un-

successful run for Perth mayor. (He came within 70 votes of winning.)

Since 2000, Terry has also been a participant in the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) project, an international effort based in the University of California at Berkeley. Data from a worldwide network of telescopes is “crunched” through hundreds of computers operating constantly. In case anyone thinks this is not a serious effort, Terry added, the late theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking was involved in it at one time.

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January 2021

community

Hockey fights cancer: A mural of hope Lindsay’s fight:

the battle continues

Regional - Brian Turner editorial@pdgmedia.ca

LEFT: “A stunning piece of art” by Perth artist Michael O’Shea. TOP RIGHT: A signed photo from Dominic Hasek to Hope McCallum of Brockville. BOTTOM RIGHT: Garrett McCallum’s former bedroom in Frankville. Photos courtesy of Jennie Hope.

Dominic Hasek fighting against cancer for John Paul Dunster and Darryl Piercey successfully remove the original mural. Brockville’s five year old Hope McCallum.

Photo courtesy of Jennie Hope.

Photo courtesy of Jennie Hope.

Perth - Janelle Labelle editorial@pdgmedia.ca It almost sounds like a Hallmark Christmas movie. It began on an ordinary evening - Jennie Hope of Frankville was having dinner with her neighbour Heather Coote when she mentioned she was thinking of redoing one of the bedrooms in her home. “The one with the mural,” she said.

Fourteen years and two homeowners ago, the bedroom Jennie was talking about had belonged to a young hockey player named Garrett McCallum. The McCallums commissioned local artist Michael O’Shea to paint a mural of former Ottawa Senators goalie Dominic Hasek on Garrett’s wall. Over the years, the mural had remained untouched and undamaged by each successive owner; it was too good to paint over. “That reminds me,” Heather said, “did you hear the

bad news?”

Garrett and his wife Amanda recently found out that their 5 year old daughter, Hope, has cancer.

Jennie, who also has a young family, was heartbroken to hear this. She wanted to help.

“I had to do something,” she explains, “And here was this mural that had once belonged to Garrett. Why not cut out the wall and auction it off?”

A lot of people told her it wouldn’t work, that you can’t cut out a mural, that it would surely break. But, miraculously, the mural was painted on a sub-wall in this old stone home, and local contractor John Paul Dunster donated his labour to carefully remove the sub-wall. “He spent five or six nights trimming, cleaning it up, replacing my wall,” Jennie said, “And Darryl Piercey helped with the takedown too.” So many helpers were involved, Jennie points out, “my neighbour Ro-

berta Shane. Brad Weir, of the Ottawa Senators Community Foundation. Michael O’Shea, the original artist, took the reinforced mural back and turned it into a stunning piece of art.

An anonymous donor, who donated an autographed 2005-2006 Senators jersey to be auctioned in support of the McCallums too. Bill Gibbons, who donated his bid. Home Hardware Brockville, which donated the supplies to reinforce the mural.”

In a post on Facebook, Jennie thanked the community for pulling together for the McCallum family.

“As a parent, I cannot begin to think of what Amanda and Garrett must be going through, what their families and Hope’s grandparents must be feeling. All of your bids will mean the world to this family, and to me!”

Brad Weir, of the Ottawa Senators Commu-

nity Foundation, got in touch with Dominic Hasek in Prague.

He told him about the loving community of Senators fans who were rallying around young Hope McCallum. Hasek chose Hope as his Hockey Fights Cancer hero, and sent her a signed photograph with a note to “Stay strong, Hope!”

The mural and jersey, along with signed photographs by Dominic Hasek, were sold online at Rideau Auctions in December. Together along with generous donations they raised $3425 to help the McCallum family with expenses related to Hope’s cancer treatments.

In true Hallmark style, the mural - which now represents the love and hard work and kindness of a community, spearheaded by Jennie Hope - will be making its way back to Garrett McCallum. His mother, Sue Polk, made the winning bid.

We first told readers about Lindsay Forsyth Brochu of Almonte in March of this year, just before the pandemic landed. She’s a young and vibrant woman that Mother Nature dealt a cruel blow in the form of Pulmonary Capillary Hemangiomatosis, or PCH. It’s a condition that left this fit and energetic being out of breath after only a few minutes of light to moderate exertion and one that could only be beaten by a double-lung transplant. It took some time to actually get on a transplant list and while Lindsay was waiting, Covid-19 struck hard putting surgery schedules everywhere in limbo.

The good news is that Lindsay had her surgery on June 13th in Toronto, but her recovery has been marred by setbacks and complications. Stubborn mucus build-ups have required multiple bronchoscopies and the installation of a stent to improve airway volume. She spent more time in hospital than originally planned and has had several post-op checkups and followed all recommendations but today, 6 months after surgery her critical FEV1 stat (the volume of air expelled from the lungs during a forced exhale) sits at 43%, far below normal or healthy. Prior to the transplant it was at 80%. And just to add injury to insult, she managed to break 3 ribs while trying to expel old mucus and blood from her airways. Like

everything else 2020 has thrown at Lindsay, she takes it all with a proverbial grain of salt.

But as she has since the beginning, Lindsay remains positive. Her latest news was good; the last bronchoscopy revealed no evidence of organ rejection and some of her daily regimen of drugs has been reduced. In her own words from her well-followed Facebook blog she writes, “Recovery is different for everyone and mine just seems to be a little bit more complex than others, but despite these setbacks I am grateful to be home with my husband and pups for the holidays as we continue to stay safe during this pandemic. It will be a quiet Christmas but it will be nice for a change. I pray that 2021 will be a better year for everyone all around. I will update you all again once I receive results on my biopsies. Waiting is the hardest part.”

Those who have been somewhat isolated with fear from Covid-19 can take a page from Lindsay’s book of hopeful outlooks. For someone with her condition, the coronavirus would likely be fatal and yet she continues to remain positive and as active as her condition permits. The closing line from our first story on Lindsay seems to be an appropriate way to conclude this update.

Her strength empowers those she connects with to learn what she has while on this roller-coaster: you really do have to appreciate all that life throws at you, good or bad.

Lindsay Forsyth Brochu (right) with her husband, Jason Brochu (left). Photo credit: facebook.com/lindsay.m.forsyth

January 2021

6

Food & Drink

Kothu Labs: Beer, Wine and Spirits aLet's Eat great place to expand your tastes

Canadian Whiskey All Canadian whiskey is blended except for Glen Breton, a single malt made in Nova Scotia. Production is in column stills (Coffey stills) using blends of between 15 and 50 different whiskies.

As in Scotland, the spirit must be matured for at least 3 years, but most are aged 6 to 8 years before release.

The base spirit is light and relatively neutral in character, distilled from rye, barley, wheat or corn. A proportion must use rye to add spice to the blend and body, which we generally call Canadian rye whiskey. By 1840 there were already over 200 distilleries in Canada under well known names such as Hiram Walker, Seagram's JP Wiser and Gooderham & Worts, the name given to Toronto's waterfront distillery district.

The Chinese were distilling in 1000 BC. By 1832 the process was improved, producing a pure, cleaner, less harsh neutral spirit by Aeneas Coffey using what was called a Coffey still, now commonly referred to as a Column still. The oth-

er major still design is that used by the Scottish distilleries called pot stills which are usually made of copper.

Both use the technique of heating the base liquid into a gas running it through cooler piping where it condenses into liquid again as a clear concentrated alcohol. Scottish whisky (note the spelling) is made from malted barley while whiskey (note the spelling) from Ireland and all other countries is made from various grains which can include barley.

Canada's Glen Breton is the only distillery producing malt whiskey. While the big names of Canadian whiskey producers remain, a growing number of craft distilleries are popping up across Canada, and indeed North America. Resurrecting the old northern rye recipe a few years back, Crown Royal won Best in the World in 2015 in its class as I recall for this one. Two other big producers I recommend are Forty Creek of Ontario's own Kittling Ridge Distillery under the expert eye

Photo credit: facebook.com/glenbretonrare

The ultimate wines for the craft winemaker

LOVE YOUR WINE GUARANTEES

www.winexpert.com

Brian Turner

Brian Preston

The Travelling Sommelier brianpreston@hotmail.com

and hand of John Hall; and Alberta Distillery's smooth, made in Calgary 'Alberta Premium Cask Strength' just named 'World Whisky of the Year,' by Murray in his Whisky Bible 2021.

Whiskies come in all sorts of styles and flavours, from single malts to blends, light to heavy, from mild to smoky and peaty, and to iodine nose (Scottish Isle of Islay). Thus, they range from tasting alone versions to those making cocktails and to matching all kinds of foods. Classically, the match to the annual January 25th birthday of the great Scottish bard, Robbie Burns, with haggis (animal entrails, spices and oatmeal), neaps and tatties (potatoes and turnip, or rutabaga, if you are refined from Edinburgh), could be any number of Scottish single malts.

You can also have whiskies 'neat' in a glass to sip, or add a few drops of water to really open up the flavours and reduce the 'heat' or harshness some may experience. Whiskies go well with cheeses and charcuterie plates where you could have a lighter Lowland Scottish whisky like Glenlivet or any other Canadian versions mentioned above. A softer cheese like Boursin, a rich and creamy cow's milk cheese, is perfect with the blend Canadian Club by Hiram Walker, the oldest Canadian whiskey. The lighter creamy flavors work really nicely with the more refined and floral drams. Or step it up with cheddar cheese or Parmigiana and taste with a JP Wiser's Triple Barrel Rye or the 15 Year Old. The world of whiskies is broad and complex, so enjoy your taste explorations!

Slange!

Photo credits: Brian Turner

Perth’s newest purveyor of great food, Kothu Labs is a great departure from the usual fare. Not that the usual fare in Perth is bad; on the contrary, this picturesque heritage community has more than its share of top-notch dining establishments covering a wide variety of cuisines and food cultures. Kothu Labs, located at 40 Foster Street serves authentic Sri Lankan food with their main course being called kothu, hence the name of the facility.

Kothu roti or kottu is to Sri Lanka as hamburgers are to North America in terms of popularity.

A base of roti (unleavened bread), chickpeas, pasta, fries, noodles or rice, is chopped together with fresh veggies, meat, and seasonings and cooked on a flat-top griddle. Diners are given choices of the base, veggies, meat, and type of sauce, but for the uninitiated, their menu has some popular mixtures listed for easy selection. On a recent Sunday afternoon, my wife and I dropped in. First and foremost, if you plan on opting for some appetizers (or even sharing one between 2) along with your mains, come hungry as

the portions are generous at Kothu Labs. I chose the beef kothu with egg, onion, chili, carrot, leeks, cabbage and banana pepper and my wife (looking for low heat) had the shrimp kothu with a sweeter and less intense spice heat.

The Kothu Labs’ chef is loyal to the culture of these dishes, using spices to accentuate and not overpower the great mixture of flavours from the ingredients. In Sri Lanka the common spices used in daily meals are coriander, turmeric, cumin, pepper, mustard and fennel seeds, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Both of our dishes certainly brightened up an otherwise grey-skies afternoon. The combination of ingredients provided great taste and the textures and spices elevated these South-Asian dishes to a new level. And unlike some spice-heated dishes from other cultures, kothu servings won’t leave you with any unpleasant lingering aftertastes.

For the less adventurous and perhaps younger tastes Kothu Labs has many choices of meat and spring rolls, meat patties, samosas, along with pasta and pizza choices. But don’t assume

someone in your party won’t adopt kothu dishes as their new favourite: as your mother always told you, you won’t know unless you try. And for vegetarians, they have undoubtedly one of the most diverse menus in the region. Our lunch came to a reasonable $45 before tax and tip.

The founders of Kothu Labs fully intend on opening more restaurants in Ontario, but those who live in or visit this area are lucky that when they first visited Perth, they, like many others, were captivated by its vibrancy which is a perfect match for the nature of their dishes, so it got the nod for the flagship location. They plan on a full seven-day per week schedule, but our current pandemic has temporarily reduced their hours, so calling ahead (or checking their website and/or Facebook page) to check on their hours is recommended. The front entrance is wheelchair accessible and they have a great outdoor patio area that will come alive with the warmer weather. You can reach them by phone at 613 201 5227 and there’s plenty of on-street parking nearby.

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January 2021

lifestyle Gentle therapy helps seniors with body alignment Perth - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca Bowen Therapy is a relatively new practice, with initial beginnings in the late 1970s, early 80s in Australia.

Elena Richmond is a practitioner in Perth; she’s been at her present location for just two weeks but she’s been practicing Bowen Therapy for some time (since 2007); in fact, she’s put her massage practice aside for now and concentrates on Bowen exclusively.

She remembers when she first had a Bowen session: “It was life changing.” She admits “it sounds dramatic…but it was.”

“I’d be willing to swear on a stack of bibles she (therapist) was lifting my shoulder blades off my body. I knew there was no way she could do that but that’s what it felt like.”

That was the moment she decided to study Bowen and “now here I am.”

‘Here’ is 10 Market Square, a spacious tworoomed office in downtown Perth. Lou McCann, one of her clients, was quick to visit her there when she moved her practice from her home. He talks about Bowen work-

ing on both the physical and emotional challenges of his everyday life.

Bowen, he says, “makes sure my body is in the right alignment so it can use its natural healing abilities.”

Richmond goes on to describe the beginning of Bowen: it’s based on the work of Tom Bowen. He “was not trained in a particular modality. He studied with osteopaths, studied what they were doing, developed his own way of treating.” He eventually had his own clinic, Richmond explains. There were no individual treatment rooms, just table after table of clients. “He was very intuitive, and as he got older he let others observe what he was doing. He didn’t necessarily teach them, but allowed them to observe and question.”

So what is it? A bit of reading describes how Bowen deals with muscles and fascia; but how does that work?

Richmond explains like this: if you pull the skin off chicken breasts there is a very thin layer underneath. “That’s the fascia.”

How do you find the fascia? “Find the point on the muscle at the junction of the tendon. The belly of

the muscle narrows there “before it inserts onto the bone. At this point there are a lot of nerve bundles and blood vessels.

“The fascia is a little thicker there, and that’s often where we concentrate the move. We call it picking up the slack.

“You apply a slight bit of pressure to the skin, move the skin out of the way in preparation for performing ‘the move’, then challenge the muscle that is pressing against it lightly.

“We work with our client’s breath, so as they exhale, we pop over it very quickly.”

What does that do?

“It affects the stretch receptors. They determine how far they’ll allow the muscle to move based on injury, or daily habits,” Richmond says.

“A little move here, another there, and then hands off. Sometimes I see a vibration or flutter in the muscle and then it releases.

“It’s fascinating to me.

I love it!”

Some clients have told Richmond it’s like lightning going through their body, and for Richmond herself it was “like a tingling around shoulder blades and an incredible

feeling of lightness.”

That sounds eerie.

“Yes,” Richmond laughs.

“It’s a little out there, a little granola.”

A bit more reading discloses that Bowen can pretty well help whatever ails you; but because it’s a gentle practice, it’s particularly good for seniors.

Richmond details why: seniors’ skin thins as they grow older, pressure used during a session is soft, the practice is gentle, change is affected without forcing it and there are no high-amplitude thrusts.

She adds “seniors are almost more receptive, their minds aren’t as stirred up with other daily things.

“As hooey as it sounds,” she says, “I get a sense of a whole-body sigh,” at the end of their sessions.

Almost, she adds, as if their body is coming back to alignment.

McCann agrees. “At my last session I could feel my body righting itself from the minute I stepped off the table.” His wife Lynn is more succinct: “I go because it works!”

Richmond talks a bit more about the therapy.

When muscles become short and tight there’s

Photo credit: Submitted.

swelling and redness, and the body starts to hold muscles more rigidly. When both muscles and fascia are tight, not enough nutrients or water pass through.

“If that pattern is released by affecting the stretch receptor, it allows a greater range of motion.”

So that’s what Bowen Therapy is. It takes some time to understand, and after a few moments, Richmond quietly and thoughtfully adds —

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there has to be a mind connection. “Clients have to believe. They have to be here with a sense that something might, could, will happen…” she says, under her mask, eyes crinkling in a smile.

If interested, contact Elena Richmond at 613864-6483; her office is at 10 Market Square in Perth. The Clinic name is Flourishing Families and Richmond is in the process of adding her own practitioner profile.

8

January 2021

Senior-friendly services available

by Janelle Labelle during lockdown Can you enjoy a meal from your favourite local restaurant, stock your kitchen, and have a friendly chat during the lockdown for the second wave of Covid-19?

You bet! There are services available in our area to meet these needs.

A Friendly Voice

While you might be feeling lonelier than ever, It is important to remember to care for your mental and emotional health. Research has shown that conversation can be a gateway

for seniors to move from loneliness to greater connection and engagement with their community leading to better overall health and well-being.

Schedule some time in your day to connect

with a friend on the telephone, or have a video chat with a loved one over the internet. When you might wish to chat but no friends are available, A Friendly Voice is a volunteer-run service in Eastern and Northern Ontario providing an available conversationalist on the other end of the line. A Friendly Voice serves seniors 55+ who may be feeling lonely or isolated.Volunteers are available for a chat Monday-Sunday, 8am-midnight; they can be reached at 613-6929992 or 1-855-892-9992.

Valley Eats With mandatory closures, many restaurants have reduced hours - although most continue to offer curbside pickup and meal delivery services.

Valley Eats is a local delivery service, accessible through a user-friendly application on your smart phone, which will bring food hot from the restaurant’s kitchen right to your door. Payments and tips are made through the app, so there is no fumbling for change at the door. This stream-

613-201-7172 info@morepep.ca

www.morepep.ca

Ben Hutton shootout for Alzheimer's Regional - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca Thank you to Ben Hutton Shootout for Alzheimer's for this generous donation. This will go a long

way in helping families to reduce the effects of social isolation in our community, especially during these trying times.

If you would like to support the Alzheimer Society

Lanark Leeds Grenville this holiday season please visit our website at www. alzheimer.ca/llg Click the Donate Now button and choose Holiday Campaign from the drop down menu.

Photo credit: ValleyEats.ca

lined service is currently available in Smiths Falls, Perth, Arnprior, Ren-

frew, Carleton Place, Almonte, Pembroke, and Petawawa.

Grocery Delivery Grocery shopping is another challenge during lockdown, and grocery store owners recognize that it can be particularly challenging for those most vulnerable. Many grocery stores have designated the first hour of the day as a seniors-only shopping time, requesting the general public to refrain from shopping until later.

Additionally, curbside pickup is available at many grocery stores for those who wish to shop online or with a telephone call and then collect their groceries by pulling up into designated spots in the parking lot. There are also two grocery delivery services available in Lanark County: Grocery Delivery Smiths Falls (613-803-

2186); and E-Grocery Canada in Carleton Place (613-53-5253).

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The Symphony Moments® Memory Care Program is very different from other more clinical programs that are offered elsewhere. At its core, the Moments ® program places a very high importance on the intrinsic social needs of their residents: • the need for companionship and understanding; • the need to belong to a social group of peers; • the need to be an active participant in their lives through decision-making and participation in meaningful activities throughout the day.

In the words of Symphony Founder and CEO, Lisa Brush, “We care for our residents as if they were our own parents, offering compassion and love to those who live with us and peace of mind for their family members.” Families can rest easy knowing caregivers are available for residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Staffing levels are determined by the number of residents and their care needs.

The higher the numbers, the more staff that are put in place.

This is a unique care model that ensures they can meet the needs of their residents.

Carleton Place Terrace can provide an extensive range of individualized care from a little daily assistance and cueing, up to total care, including Palliative. This allows residents to stay in their home, even if their health needs change, thus reducing the stress of another move for both the resident and their families.

Carleton Place Terrace strongly encourages families and friends to be a part of the circle of care. There are events and activities, in person or virtually, that welcome family members as participants as well as education sessions provided about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This knowledge can help the whole family not only understand disease symptoms and progression, but also learn how to cope with the impact on their own lives.

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10

January 2021

lifestyle

Perth Inside Out:

Terry O'Hearn

Perth’s airport dreams shattered after years of bickering

When the president of Eastern Ontario Development Association, J.A. (Joe) Perkins, addressed a large crowd at the grand opening of Perth Municipal Airport on August 30, 1956, he could not have realized his remark that “such an airport would be as necessary as a railroad” would prove to be so prophetic, although not in the way he intended. Perkins felt at the time that the airport would help draw new industries to Lanark County.

A front-page news report from Aug. 30, 1956 carried the headline: “Opening Ceremony at Perth’s Airport Draws Record Crowd …” Many speakers took to the podium in front of 3,500 spectators, all optimistic about the future of aviation in Perth, and even suggesting a customs office would be established “for the convenience of American visitors.” Four T-33 jet trainers made low-level sweeps across the new airstrip to open the show, and cap off the day, three CF100s from Ottawa made a fly-past in salute.

No aviation news of

consequence was reported until a Perth Courier July 9, 1959, headline: “On Saturday two airmen were killed when their plane crashed at the Municipal Airport …” The plane went into an uncontrolled tailspin before a crowd of 1,500 at the third annual air show, and the pilot and observer plummeted to their deaths.

The tragic accident of 1959 appeared to have dulled the enthusiasm in Perth for flying, and it was not until May 5, 1963, that the first commercial plane officially landed in Perth.

“It brought a former Perth couple from Saranac Lake, NY to Perth for visiting and fishing. Then on Tuesday a pilot from Saranac Lake flew to Perth to ferry the couple back home, arriving in a twin engine Piper Apache. The pilot went through customs and departed soon after.”

The airport was being run by the first version of the Perth Flying Club, and the members had joint ownership of a plane.

However, it appears that the flying club ceased to exist after a member demolished the plane while landing in a cross-wind.

Although the airport was still officially in business, the facility was not being maintained properly.

It was reported in the fall of 1964 that the airport’s licence had been denied by the Department of Transport for failing to meet safety standards. The licence could not be re-

Perth Courier photo of Perth Municipal Airport opening in 1956, enhanced by Dave Bromley, Perth Remembered.

A DC-3 is shown in the upper left.

newed “until flight safety regulations have been approved.” The licence was renewed, but soon the club ceased to exist, and the strip began to deteriorate again. Another flying club was proposed a few years later in 1970.

The handwriting was on the wall by the fall of 1976, when the town planning board began discussing an amendment to the official plan in relation to

opinion: Am I the only one?

Carrie Wynne

discrimination

How is a person with disabilities, mental health issues and addictions supposed to improve their lot in life when the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits get clawed back whenever they go out and work for extra income.

We discriminate because we don’t understand the struggle is real for so many Canadians trying to live on $1100 per month or less.

Under this benefit, they can earn an extra $200 per month before the government starts clawing back the benefits. With no incentives, no encouragement, job coaching or family support such as transportation or childcare for example, how is it possible that

someone can lift that boot off their neck? It takes a toll on someone’s health trying to get basic needs met, trying to reach out to people who do not listen, trying to do the right thing and make good decisions. Throw in some addiction, depression and violence and you have yourself a taste of what it is like living hand to mouth year after year after year under the threat of homelessness.

I use BRADPOV as an acronym for bullying, racism, addiction, depression, poverty, obesity, and violence. These social problems are so intertwined leaving so many Canadians vulnerable. These issues seem insurmountable and governments get too big to resolve them. It is no wonder the burn out rate for social workers is so high. It is no wonder there is a mental health crisis. We blame society but we are society.

We walk past these people every day. Discrimination has a lot of layers and is very painful to those who are unfairly disadvantaged or excluded from society.

Dr. Paul Farmer, known for providing medical care to impoverished countries says the idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong with the world. We carry on these disapproving charades because it is easier than trying to understand what it is like to walk in that person’s shoes. So, the next time you see someone who appears to be struggling hold the door open for them. After all they have walked through it is the least you can do. 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.

land used by the airport.

A flying club was not in existence at the time, and the town was in control of the airport. In August the airport had been visited

by Transport Canada, and a report was submitted to the town noting a long list of problems.

On August 29, 1979, a meeting of area flying enthusiasts was called in an effort to get a club off the ground again. A club was formed, but the town was already considering a new industrial park at the airport location. Almost a year later, it became known that town council had turned down an option to purchase some 200 acres of land for an airport, so local flyers would have to make do with the current airfield.

It was felt by council that such a purchase would

bankrupt the town.

Early in the year of 1982, serious talks began taking place again about the land use at the airport.

A planning board meeting took place on March 17 of that year to discuss the possible move of Albany International from Cowansville, Quebec, while the Perth Flying Club still maintained the position that the town should consider a new airport in another location if the move went ahead. The Perth Flying Club then filed a formal objection to the rezoning plan.

Late in April, an agreement was reached where the town would pay the flying club a relocation fee of $4,000 and the club would withdraw its objection to OMB, allowing the sale of the land to go ahead in June. The airport would no longer exist. But by 1984,

town council was again discussing a site for a possible airport. It was decided that “the airport committee would look at sites to determine if the town can afford an airport.”

Sadly, the commercial aviation industry in Canada would take a sudden turn for the worse that affected small operations, when the country underwent a deregulation program similar to what had already happened in the United States. The regional airline industry would disappear.

Even though the airport dream never really took off, local pilots would find a way to continue flying for a few years, and we will discuss that in next month’s column.

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

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11

January 2021

business Wonton Crunch owner offers to lead charge to save local businesses

Prim Singh and his family appeared on Dragon’s Den to make a successful pitch for the wonton-making machine he spent seven years inventing. Now his successful business is struggling due to the pandemic. Photo credit: wontoncrunch.ca.

Smiths Falls - Chris Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca A Smiths Falls business owner hard-hit by the Covid-19 pandemic is appealing to others in the same boat to join forces and “fight for what we have.”

Prim Singh is the owner and founder of Wonton Crunch, the only business in Canada which manufactures and sells

wontons. Featured twice on the Dragon’s Den TV show, the business was a local success story incorporated in 2015.

“We started off in the garage at home,” Singh told the Hometown News this week. As owner and founder of Wonton Crunch, Singh was also the inventor of the machine the company uses to make wontons.

Singh and other family members took their invention to the Dragon’s Don, where, he recalled, “We got offers from all the Dragons.” They agreed to an offer from Jim Treliving, who was going to provide $70,000 in return for 30 per cent of the business.

However, the makers of the show carry out 18 months of “due diligence” after an offer is made, and

at the end of that process Treliving changed his offer to a larger amount of money in exchange for 51 per cent of the business.

“It was a done deal, almost,” said Singh. “But we didn’t want to give him ownership of the business.”

All was not lost, however. Representatives of Sysco, Canada’s largest food distribution company, had seen the Dragon’s Den epi-

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very good to us,” said Singh. The BDC, which allowed the business to pay only the interest on its loan during the first wave of the pandemic but is now insisting on full repayment each month, has been less forgiving.

Singh recently had an opportunity to appear on CTV Dec. 30 to appeal for support, which has helped sales to pick up again. He was also offered 25 free advertising spots on two Ottawa radio stations.

A Go Fund Me campaign was recently launched, which will run for three weeks and has already collected close to $5,000 in donations to help Wonton Crunch stay afloat.

“The public has been very supportive,” said Singh. He noted that his products are available for sale at Sobeys and Foodland stores, as well as at Andress’ Your Independent Grocer and Garden Market in Smiths Falls.

They can also be ordered online at the Wonton Crunch website.

“People don’t realize how bad it is for the small business owners right now,” said Singh, adding that he believes business people in the area should form a group and “do something.

“I have no problem leading the charge,” he said.

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sode and asked for a product demonstration. A deal was made with the company to distribute Wonton Crunch products in seven provinces. With no storefront to sell directly to customers, Wonton Crunch markets its products through grocery stores and restaurants.

Last summer the company was able to get distribution deals with the Metro, Sobeys and Foodland grocery store chains.

All was well until the onslaught of the pandemic, which forced the company to stop distribution outside Ontario. The economic impact of the pandemic has also meant that business with restaurants “has gone to nothing,” said Singh.

The relationship with grocery stores has also suffered. Wonton Crunch was doing in-store demonstrations, but Covid-19 also put a stop to that.

“We have lost between 70 and 80 percent of the business,” said Singh. Cash flow problems have put his ability to repay loans from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation in jeopardy.

Valley Heartland has shown leniency and “been

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