Local cyclists say Dalgity's motion is a major step backwards
Almonte - Brian turner editorial@pdgmedia.ca
A motion that hit the floor of Mississippi Mills council Committee of the Whole on Aug 11 has some local cyclists ringing their alarm bells in a move they say is a major step backwards in cycling safety. The motion, proposed by councilor John Dalgity, requests that the municipality’s Public Works Advisory Committee complete a general review of Almonte’s cycling infrastructure to identify safe cycling routes without the use of designated cycling lanes or loss of on-street parking. At the end of the com-
mittee discussion it was decided to put off any decisions or staff directions until later this fall when the strategic and transportation plans are up for review, Dalgity told Hometown News.
Jeff Mills, a local cycling advocate and creator of the Mississippi Mills Bicycle Month (MMBM) group as well as the past chair of the now defunct Mississippi Mills Active Transportation Advisory committee calls the idea a “disturbing move” and “colossal waste of time and money.” He tells Hometown News that “cyclists are being relegated to the back streets with this motion.” The MMBM Facebook page lit up with a mod-
erate number of comments (most in opposition to removing bike lanes) after the wording of the motion was published in the municipal website under the committee of the whole agenda.
Dalgity states that the overall speed mixed with the density of regular and commercial traffic on Ottawa & Martin streets make them a poor choice for designated cycling lanes in terms of safety. He is asking the committee to explore alternative safer routes that not only avoid these thoroughfares but continue on past where the bike lanes end to also accommodate safe passage to the OVRT, schools, or other areas in town in-
Marks’ Cobbler saves their last sole
- Brian turner editorial@pdgmedia.ca
This month the friendly folks at Marks’ Cobbler on Gore Street in Perth will close their doors. For 47 years, Dennis Marks (who retired from regular hours last year) was the shoe and boot repair expert that customers from all over the region turned to when they needed either some new quality footwear or something fixed on their favourite pair. His employees continued running the very popular store and recently announced they too were packing it in and closing up shop. Originally they had planned on running things for another year or two.
One might think a downward
demand for shoe repair was the cause and that certainly contributed to things. When Perth area factories closed, there was a noticeable drop in sales and service at Marks'. Factory floor workers know better than anyone the value of a well-made and well-cared-for pair of shoes. Competition from off-shore shoe suppliers didn’t help either as well as a disposal versus repair philosophy that seems to have invaded almost every facet of our lives. A sideline of Marks', skate sharpening has also experienced a decline as hockey has become a pastime with ever-increasing costs.
But the biggest reason, Dennis told Hometown News, is the lack
of interest from younger people in working in the trades. “No one seems to want to work with their hands anymore, they’d rather sit in front of a computer screen,” bemoaned Dennis. Even though the shop remains busy with several days' worth of backlogged shoes needing attention, the long term success of the shop was doomed because of this worker shortage. He added he knows of only 2 relatively good shoe repair shops in Kingston, but going east he said you’d have to travel to Cornwall to find one closer.
Almost every trades employer will tell you the same story leaving consumers in a sorry state. It’s a vicious cycle that drives most
cluding to Highway 29, but without removing parking spaces on these residential streets. He also notes that during his election campaign and since taking office he has knocked on 95% of the doors of Ottawa and Martin Street residences that saw on-street parking removed when cycling lanes were installed, and 99% of the people he spoke with were not in favour of bike lanes installed in their residential neighbourhood. He states there are many residents that feel that Ottawa and Martin Streets are just too busy for bicycles, that alternative routes can address this issue and that most providing the feedback recently are parents or
recreation bike users that are not loud on social media. The motion also included that the committee explore traffic calming measures from the top of Almonte St. at Highway 29 to the roundabout on Ottawa St.
The MMBM cycling group FB posts on this topic had more than 1 contributor urging cyclists and residents alike to contact their councilors to let them know how they feel about designated cycling lanes and other safety measures.
As it currently stands, this issue will be back on the agenda for council sometime after September.
shoppers to replace rather than repair because they either can’t find the right professional or the cost of new is more attractive than the cost of restoring almost anything. Eventually, however, we all find the benefits in selecting quality over something less. Marks’ motto says it best, “we sell the best and fix the rest.”
In his golden age, Dennis can look back with pride on his career and the countless loyal customers and friends he’s made over a journey on well-made and well treated shoes.
Photo credit: Submitted.
Photo credit: Brian Turner.
Perth
Photo credit: Brian Turner
Progress since dry wave hit town 1918
In December of 1918
Thomas J. Reid, who had a men’s clothing and furnishings store on Mill Street in Almonte said: “Understand,” said Mr. Reid, “there is not so very-much credit asked for nowadays, but when it is asked for by men who used to spend their money on liquor, we feel safe, in giving it to them.” For people wondering this was Don's Meat Market and the building next to it was the People's store that was where the Hub is now... it burned down and O'Brien's was built.
Credit: Linda Seccaspina Photo: Photo-Almonte.com
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.
regonal - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca
The Ontario Provincial Police reminds motorists that school buses are returning to area roads very soon. Motorists are reminded to exercise caution due to the expected increase in pedestrians, cyclists and school buses, and to give themselves extra commuting time. Students will no doubt be excited and may forget some of the safety rules required for safe travels.
their vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus, even if they weren’t driving. The fine for failing to stop for a school bus is $400 to $2000 and 6 demerit points for the first offence. Subsequent offences carry a fine between $1000 and $4000, six demerit points and possible jail time (up to six months). Drivers should also be prepared to yield to student pedestrians and cyclists. Parents of students who will be walking or cycling to school are encouraged to speak with their children about the rules of the road that apply to them. Drivers
OPP officers will be watching for drivers who disobey traffic laws in relation to school bus safety.
A zero tolerance approach will be taken. In accordance with the Highway Traffic Act (HTA), motorists encountering a stopped school bus, that has its safety lights and equipment activated, must stop before reaching the bus and shall not proceed until the bus moves or the safety lights and equipment have been deactivated. This applies whether you are meeting or following a school bus, and includes multi-lane roads. The only exception is when driving on a road with a median – traffic coming from the opposite direction is not required to stop. Vehicle owners can be charged if
Publisher Patricia Krotki pmkrotki@pdgmedia.ca
Editorial
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Cartoon by Patrick Labelle
Photo credit: Submitted.
community
Rideau Lakes Lodge brings new life to the old Maple Crest
regonal - John Kessel
editorial@pdgmedia.ca
For almost seven years the motel and cabins along Rideau Ferry Rd., once known as Maple Crest, seemed to curse its new owners.
At least two owners after Maggie and Doug Moore of Smiths Falls first sold it in 2013 tried to renovate, but failed to reopen.
As of this Sept. 1 after months of renovation the place has finally re-opened under a new name, Rideau Lakes Lodge. There are, however, no vacancies in the five new cabins and large brick house, say the new owners Brian Comeau and Trevor Strickland. The brothers-inlaw bought the property July 13 and have been working
non-stop since.
The purchase, says Comeau, was part of a plan.
He bought Bass Lake Lodge three years ago. He says he wanted access to the Rideau as well so he teamed up with Strickland. By next year, he says, they’ll also be renting boats. They’ve already had approval from Parks Canada for a new fixed dock on the south side of the Rideau Ferry Bridge.
Fixing up the brick house on the property, once used as a bed and breakfast, says Strickland, was a no-brainer. They divided the house into two apartments. The two units were filled even before renovations were complete.
Both men are from the area, so they have the Ride-
au in their blood.
The plan for the cabins is to rent them over the winter and then look for seasonal renters starting next spring.
Scott Cameron, commodore of the Rideau Ferry Yacht Club, says the new digs are something the community needs. Accommodation for boaters participating in the bi-annual regatta has been a problem as racers had to find spots for the two-day event in Smiths Falls and Perth.
The partners also have other businesses. Comeau owns Unique Mechanical out of Toledo and Strickland owns TS Computing.
Maggie Moore says “it’s great the place has re-opened.”
Brett Pearson Run for your Life goes virtual
Carleton Place - Brian Turner editorial@pdgmedia.ca
For the first time in its 10 year history there will be a virtual version of the annual Brett Pearson Run for your Life fundraiser run. Started by Brett’s mom and Carleton Place resident Nicole Pearson, the event has been used as a public awareness and community support gathering to shed the light on the need for mental health
and addiction services for those at risk. Brett lost his life to suicide in 2006 at the age of 16. Rather than grieve in silence, Nicole has dedicated a good part of her life since that day to speak openly about suicide, mental health and addiction issues. She has delivered countless talks to students of all ages in a wide variety of educational institutions from elementary schools to universities and police training facilities. She has also been a dedicated member of Carleton Place’s Drug Strategy committee since its inception.
At the beginning of the run’s history, held in September, she almost single-handedly organized the event from registration details, to the run’s route through the town’s streets and recreational trails to finding just the right motivational speakers to help get runner's off to a great start, but more importantly to start some much needed conversations on
topics mired in stigma. She has now recruited a solid volunteer committee to help. She even created a parade, because there's no better way to get people talking than by holding a parade down the main street in September. Past speakers have included area celebrities, members of parliament, doctors, a sitting senator, and experts in the fields of mental health and addictions. Possibly one of the most memorable speeches came the year Nicole reached out to first responders to become involved and the public in attendance learned firsthand (many for the first time) of the difficulties and stresses that emergency personnel face while performing their duties and the numbers of those heroes lost each year to suicide.
Funds raised each year have been donated to a variety of great charitable causes in the realm of supporting those at risk, including the Kids Help
Phone, Carleton Place’s Youth Centre, the Dave Smith Treatment Centre, and Cornerstone Landing among others. Nicole estimates the run has brought in well over $30K.
On September 26, 2020, on their own time Nicole is asking everyone interested to complete a 5k walk, run or cycle, take pictures, and send the run committee their name and picture for posting on the event Facebook page. For more information go to www. brettpearsonrun.com. Everyone is reminded to keep a two-metre physical distance from others and take advantage of the beautiful scenery in Carleton Place or wherever one may be on September 26. Donations can be made at the Scotiabank in Carleton Place at 85 Bridge Street. Please mention that it is for The Brett Pearson Run for Your Life. And finally, Nicole hopes that whatever you decide to do make sure it makes you happy. Happiness is a gift!
Photo credits: R MacDonald
Rideau Lakes Lodge owners Brian Comeau and Trevor Strickland take a break from renovating cabins at Rideau Lake Lodge. Photo credit: John Kessel
Food & Drink
Beer, Wine and Spirits
South African wines and world prices
This month I want to use South Africa as an example of one of several countries whose wines represent 'good value at a lower price'. We all want to find that magic bottle of wine that tastes fabulous and costs way less than we thought it would. In fact, we can even compare these occasional finds to other more expensive bottles we have tried. How many times have we said, "Wow, this is a $12 bottle of wine that tastes like a $20+ bottle!" LCBO Vintages Release of 22 August features South African wines but some 30 non-Vintages wines still come in from $10 to $12. Wines from newer and emerging markets always enter Canada at lower prices and they rise in price as their popularity and sales expand. Have you noticed, like I have, how that Portuguese wine or that Chilean wine has gone up over 30% in the space of a decade or so? The same goes for any country, Canada included. But I have chosen to use South Africa this month as my example because I toured many wineries there in February & March just before COVID19 shut down all
travel. The Red Shack Red is chosen for its price and value. This bottle strikes my nose and palate as one that could sell for $19.95. I also chose it because of its local availability so you be the judge. Remember, we are our own Sommelier because we each know what we like and don't like!
Rib Shack Red Vintage Blend LCBO# 392761
$13.00 13.5%abv Medium ruby colour; aromas of smoke, black cherry and roasted red pepper; medium bodied and dry, with flavours of cassis, smoke, vanilla and pepper; blend of Pinotage and Shiraz. Made in South Africa by Dgb (Pty) Ltd which was formally established in 1990, although their true roots extend over 300 years when winemaking began at the Boschendal and Bellingham farms in the Cape Winelands. Today, they are one of South Africa's largest independent wine and spirit producers and distributors. Because of the now 6 month and continuing pandemic, in a regular memo to staff, DGB's CEO Tim Hutchinson said that his agreeing to taking a 50% decrease in salary was followed
Workshops for Adults
Brian Preston The Travelling Sommelier
by the company's senior executive management unilaterally supporting the proposal to have their salaries reduced by 25% for the months of April, May and June. “Like most sectors of the South African and global economy, DGB is taking tremendous strain during the current pandemic,” said Hutchinson. “As an added blow, DGB’s wine exports have ground to a halt as a result of government regulations prohibiting the industry from shipping alcohol products to global markets. None of the other wine producing countries such as Chile, Spain, Australia, New Zealand have these restrictions on their exports. Really not what we need now - imagine the loss in foreign currency.”
Vinpro is a non-profit company which represents 2,500 South African wine producers, cellars and industry stakeholders. The organization liaises closely with government and industry role players on issues that have an impact on the profitability and sustainability of its members and the industry as a whole. 2019 facts: Growth in contribution to the GDP has been at least 10% per annum since 2003, and in terms of world wine production, South Africa ranks eighth in overall volume production of wine at 3.3% of the world's wine. But total exports of wine decreased by 24% in 2019, mainly as a result of a three-year drought, and now because the government has shut down all alcohol export to foreign markets.
In 2016, the country with the most affordable imported wine was South Africa costing $7.97 a bottle , according to the Wine Price Index. Price Rankings by Country of Mid-Range Bottle of Wine (expensive to least expensive) ranked USA 21st, Canada 27th, and South Africa way down at 93rd of 102 countries listed. So keep on hunting for those wine gems that come along every once in a while and you will have the satisfaction of a surprisingly good wine at a price you didn't expect! Don't forget to get in touch with me if you have any questions or if you are looking for other really good values...I have my list ready! Cheers!
Private Lessons SMITHS FALLS MUSIC
Let's Eat Perth’s Stone Cellar; New owner, same artistically created comfort as always
When the Stone Cellar regulars heard that a new owner had taken possession of their go-to favourite place for a special dinner or lunch, there was more than a little trepidation of what might come. Would the menu drastically change? Would Nick still be at the helm of kitchen creations? No worries. Nick is still there crafting one-of-a-kind dishes, one at a time with his unexplainable talent for matching flavours and textures from locally sourced meats and vegetables as well as sea-food delights to amaze guests with almost any cravings and appetite levels.
The Cellar has been an institution for fine dining in Perth for longer than many restaurants survive and a lot of this has to do with their skill at taking a simple comfort food, like meatloaf for example, and elevating it to the next level by selecting the finest cuts of meat, gently seasoning it with new and exciting combinations of spices and herbs, and plating it in imaginative ways with great veg pairings.
My wife and I attended recently during the province’s phase 3 of pandemic restrictions easing and found no reason to be anxious about our health safety due to the staff’s care, preparation, and execution of all the required protocols. I ordered the braised short rib and my wife selected the bourbon peach salmon and we split a sea scallop appetizer. My short rib was a generous size, cooked to perfect tenderness with a
Brian Turner
horseradish crust and red wine demi on a cloud of whipped potatoes with ideal al-dente finished greens. My wife’s New Brunswick salmon was served with a not-too sweet peach chutney done with a drizzle of bourbon. Again the salmon was perfectly cooked and presented. Our scallops were cooked in honey-butter and served with slices of prosciutto that were seared to bacon crispiness; an unusual mix that worked well. We paired our entrée choices with a glass of house chardonnay and a local craft blonde ale. For dessert we finished with wedges of lime coconut and chocolate orange cheesecake. Even many regulars to the Stone Cellar may not know about their spacious second level which is per-
fect for large family and celebratory get-togethers. This dining area is seeing more use now due to table spacing requirements on the ground floor. They’re open 7 days a week from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm and extend their hours to 9:00 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings. I’ve attended for lunch in the past and found it amazing that they’re able to create their unique level of a great dining experience for the normally humble midday repast. Reservations are definitely a good idea due to current indoor spacing restrictions and you can either make one online via their Facebook page or simply call them at 613-267-0200. Our total came to $133 before tip for our 2 entrees, shared app, 2 desserts, and single servings of wine and ale.
Photo credit: www.pacific-hwy.com
Photo credit: Submitted.
Presents:
OTTAWA VALLEY WEB DEVELOPER CREATES GUIDE TO THE REGION’S CRAFT LIQUOR SCENE
Regional - submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Almonte resident Daniel Post launched his new website, craftottawa.ca, aimed at connecting people with their local craft liquor scene. The website combines the advertising of events and festivals with a comprehensive map of the Ottawa and Seaway Valley’s craft liquor makers. Each crafter’s mark -
er includes a link to Google Maps, social media, and the crafter’s homepage. Special markers identify those crafters and venues with upcoming events within the next eight weeks.
Daniel and his wife Taucha met in Vancouver BC and their love for craft beer nearly rivaled their love for each other. They were married in 2018 in Vancouver’s Steamworks microbrewery. They
settled in Almonte ON and wanted to learn what the region had to offer with regard to craft liquor. Quite a lot, it turned out! Craft Ottawa began as the perfect project and became much more.
Coding and site development started in late 2019. Just as the site neared completion Ontario began announcing COVID-19 shutdowns. Development continued in isolation and
the site, with an expanded feature list including a cycling map layer, was announced to the public on June 11th. The site is receiving positive feedback with over 4,000 visitors in the first month alone.
“I built Craft Ottawa with ‘local’ in mind,” Daniel wrote to all 112 businesses on the map, “to make it easy for anyone, wherever their interests lay, to connect with
local crafters.” Today craft liquor is thriving, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs and quality community-focused products. People are looking for ways to support local businesses now more than ever and Craft Ottawa is determined to promote the local craft liquor scene. Visit craftottawa.ca or any of Craft Ottawa’s social media channels to learn more.
Top Shelf Distillers. Photo credit: facebook.com/tsdistiller
Photo credits:
Events Around the Region
CARLETON PLACE
SEPTEMBER 11 - 13
Museum Vintage Clothing Sale
10:00am - 4:00pm CP&B Heritage Museum 267 Edmund St 613-253-7013
SEPTEMBER 12
Warden's Slow Roll for the United Way
11:00am Almonte Alameda cmunro@lanarkcounty.ca lanarkcounty.ca/AboutLanark/NewsMedia/WardenSlowRoll.htm
SEPTEMBER 17
Take Back the Night
March
6:00pm - 8:00pm Town Hall 175 Bridge Street www.lcih.org
PERTH
SATURDAYS
Farmers Market
8:00am - 1:00pm
Crystal Palace perthfarmersmarket.ca
Maximum of 100 people
SMITHS FALLS
SEPTEMBER 3
Movies Under the Stars: Star Wars - The Rise of Skywalker 7:30pm Centennial Park Confederation Drive Maximum attendance is 100 guests
SEPTEMBER 4, 11 & 18
Music by the Basin
2:00pm – 11:00pm Centennial Park Confederation Drive Maximum 100 People
SEPTEMBER 5
Boardwalk Yard Sale
8:00am - 12:00pm Heritage House Museum 11 Old Sly's Rd Yoga in the Park with Emily Dickson 8:00am - 12:00pm
Centennial Park Confederation Drive
WESTPORT & RIDEAU LAKES
SUNDAYS
Head Over Heels
12:30pm - 3:30pm
The Cove’s Outdoor Patio 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 613-273-3636 thecoveinnwestport@ gmail.com
FRIDAYS
Hamburger Fridays
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
The Upper Rideau Legion Branch 542 10099 County Road 10 613-273-3615
SEPTEMBER 3 & 17
Spencer Evans “Mr. Jazz Night”
5:00pm - 8:00pm
The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 613-273-3636 thecoveinnwestport@ gmail.com
SEPTEMBER 4
Eric Uren
5:00pm - 8:00pm
The Cove’s Outdoor Patio 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 613-273-3636 thecoveinnwestport@ gmail.com
SEPTEMBER 5
The Westport Market
9:00am - 2:00pm 38 Concession Rd westportmarket.on@gmail. com
SEPTEMBER 5
Tom Savage
5:00pm - 8:00pm
The Cove’s Outdoor Patio 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 613-273-3636 thecoveinnwestport@ gmail.com
SEPTEMBER 6
Tunes on Tap with Scott Owen 2:00pm - 4:00pm Westport Brewing Company 41b Main Street
Brock Zeman 12:30pm - 3:30pm
The Cove’s Outdoor Patio 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 613-273-3636 thecoveinnwestport@ gmail.com
SEPTEMBER 7
The Goodnight Irenes 5:00pm - 8:00pm
The Cove’s Outdoor Patio 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 613-273-3636 thecoveinnwestport@ gmail.com
SEPTEMBER 8 & 22
Matt Dickson 5:00pm - 8:00pm
The Cove’s Outdoor Patio 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 613-273-3636 thecoveinnwestport@ gmail.com
SEPTEMBER 10
Terry Gillespie Trio 5:00pm - 8:00pm
The Cove’s Outdoor Patio 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com
613-273-3636 thecoveinnwestport@ gmail.com
SEPTEMBER 11
Jason Kent Plays the Rock ‘N Roll Alphabet 5:00pm - 8:00pm
The Cove’s Outdoor Patio 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 613-273-3636
thecoveinnwestport@ gmail.com
SEPTEMBER 12
Upper Rideau Open Golf Tournament
1:00pm - 7:00pm Rideau Lakes Golf Club
613-273-3615 613-273-8890 rlc542sports@gmail.com
REGIONAL TOLEDO
SEPTEMBER 5
Toledo Legion Pop-up Wing Night 3:00pm - 8:00pm Toledo Legion 320 County Rd. 8 613-275-2400
Almonte home Gala a ‘virtual’ fundraising success
regonal - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca
More than 80 guests, including Mayor Christa Lowry, Hospital Chair Dave Perley, and Foundation Chair Rob Scott, were treated to a sumptuous meal, entertainment, an online auction, and prizes in support of the Almonte General Hospital Fairview Manor Foundation, and they never even had to leave the comfort of their own home. The virtual Home Gala raised over $8,000 which will be used to help fund replacement and new equipment at both
the Hospital and Manor.
“We want to sincerely thank our guests, partners, especially the Bank of Montreal and Emond Harnden LLP, the musicians, auction item donors and volunteers for helping to make this ‘out of the box’ fundraiser a success,” said Rob Scott, Chair of the AGH FVM Foundation’s board of directors.
“Quality local health care has never seemed so important, and the support we received for this event shows that our community knows we’re fortunate to have both the Hospital and
Manor so close to home.”
Volunteers began delivering the individually packaged meals at 5:30 p.m. Each was presented in a special tote bag which also included napkins, a candle, sparkling water, and various other items from our partners. Two of Almonte’s finest restaurants, Heirloom and North Market Café, had prepared the cold selections which included such delicacies as Escabeche w Corn Tortilla, Shrimp Cocktail, Smoked Salmon Devilled Eggs, Smoked Duck Breast on Cornmeal & Cheddar
Scone w Cranberry Relish, Potato & Fennel Vichyssoise w Tarragon and Truffle Oil, Prosciutto Wrapped Peach w Sage Pesto & Balsamic, and Vodkow Caramel Truffle, to name but a few of the dishes.
“We wanted to do something to support some of our local restaurants during this difficult time,” said Al Roberts, Managing Director of the Foundation. “A virtual event was created to do that and to help replace some of the funds we were counting on from our Spring Dance, Golf Tournament and Pad-
dle event, which were all cancelled.”
Gala guests were also treated to special entertainment via the web. The 40-minute concert was produced exclusively for this event and featured long-time hospital supporters and award winning entertainers Tracey Brown and Randall Prescott, as well as Canadian Country Music Association award nominees Kelly Prescott and Chad Murphy, plus some other special guests.
Wayne Rostad recorded a special message to thank everyone who helped sup-
port the Home Gala.
An update by Hospital President Mary Wilson Trider, an online auction and a special door prize (a BBQ donated by Patrice’s Independent and $100 Gift Certificate donated by Don’s Meat Market) rounded out the Home Gala experience which cost $150 per person ($75 tax receipt).
The Foundation would like to thank the Bank of Montreal, Emond Harnden LLP, Bean Chevrolet, Cooney Construction and Shoppers Drug Mart - Almonte for partnering on the Gala.
Dave Perley, Hospital Chair, receives his dinner. Photo submitted.
Mayor Lowry and her dinner. Photo submitted.
Guido and Brianna Patrice get ready to dig in. Photo submitted.
Perth medical clinic expands team of Family Physicians
regonal - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Perth Medical Clinic is pleased to announce that they are expanding their team of Family Physicians.
Dr. Chandra Eberhard will join Dr. Shelly Xu, Dr. Scott Charenko and Dr. Peter Jechel at the clinic, located at 14 Isabella Street in September of this year.
Dr. Chandra Eberhard was born and raised in London, Ontario. She completed her Honours Bachelor of Sciences with Specialization in Biochemistry and a Masters in Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Ottawa. She obtained her Medical Degree from uOttawa as well and completed her residency with Queen’s University Department of Family Medicine in Kingston and the Thousand Islands.
Chandra is pronounced “Shaun-dra”, similar to the name Chantal. She is married to a software engineer,
Mike Mackie, who works for a company in Kanata. She enjoys the outdoors, whether work or play, and stays active playing volleyball, racket sports, and snowboarding. She enjoys home cooking, guitar and playing games with friends and family.
Dr. Eberhard has been drawn to rural medicine since her first exposure in medical school and is very excited to start her practice in Perth. She aims to keep her practice general, in line with her wide range of medical interests. She values preventative medicine and enjoys working with patients to address their health goals and needs. She is looking forward to meeting future patients and becoming part of the Perth community.
With the recent retirement of a few long-standing family physicians, the community of Perth and the surrounding area has experienced a shortage of primary care physicians. The addition of Dr. Eberhard to
the Perth Medical Clinic will ease some of this strain as she welcomes new patients who currently do not have a family physician to join her practice.
The Perth Medical Clinic and its group of family physicians are in the early planning stages for a major renovation of the existing medical clinic, slated to commence before the end of 2020. The changes will generate improvements to the general layout of the clinic and will extend capacity to allow for the addition of 3 to 4 new family physicians in the near future.
A strategic physician recruitment process is currently underway, with the help of the PSFDH Physician Recruiter, Carlene MacDonald, who was instrumental in introducing Dr. Chandra Eberhard to the community and to Perth Medical Clinic. In addition to the family physicians, Perth Medical Clinic is also home to Perth Family Pharmacy, Bayshore Home Health, Back on Track Physiotherapy, Dr. Michael Storr (Consulting Pediatrician), and McKay Massage Therapy (Registered Massage Therapist). The provision of a variety of health care services all under one roof allows patients to attend to multiple health care needs at the same time, without the need to travel to more than one facility. It also enhances collaboration and communication between all of the healthcare professionals. The clinic is currently in discussion with additional allied health professionals, and hopes to add more services in the near future.
To register as a new patient with Dr. Eberhard, please send an email to: pmcwaitlist@gmail.com.
You will be contacted to register and to book an initial intake appointment.
Shout Sister! Virtual Choir smiths
falls chapter
Wednesday evenings from 7:00pm - 9:00pm
COME ZOOM WITH US COME SING YOUR CARES AWAY
regonal - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Shout Sister! has created a unique, enjoyable choir experience while singing from the comfort of your own home. We use Zoom to meet virtually every Wednesday evening. Zoom is easy to install, user-friendly, and works on most computers, smartphones, and tablets. We have support to help you get set-up and
running every step of the way. We will return to in-person practices when we are able to do so safely. You can Zoom from anywhere, so we also welcome out of town singers.
Linda Grenier directs the Smiths Falls chapter of Shout Sister! Choir. Linda is an accomplished musician, and a fabulous Choir Director.
There are 25 Chapters of Shout Sister! Choir in Ontario and we are constantly growing.
Shout Sister! takes an unorthodox approach to choral singing. We do not audition, and we sing a fun variety of music from pop and Motown, to folk, to a touch of country and blues. We learn from recorded tracks, so we require no reading of music. Our method is fresh and fun, and we are a warm and welcoming community.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME. WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU JOIN US!
For information on joining please contact members@shoutsisterchoir.ca
ARI FLEET
Smiths Falls
Photo credit: submitted.
Perth Inside Out:
Terry O'Hearn
The Lasting Legacy of former Perth resident Dave Lavery – Part One
A thick, icy fog blanketed the runway, and the temperature registered around 60 degrees below zero Fahrenheit, when a Canadian C-130 cargo plane crashed while attempting to land at Fort Wainwright’s Ladd Field in Fairbanks, Alaska on Jan. 29, 1989. The huge plane broke in half after hitting the end of the runway, and skidded about a quarter of a mile down the tarmac, killing eight crew members instantly. Another would die later.
On the ground that fateful evening was Pathfinder Sergeant Dave Lavery, who would move to Perth a few years later and bring his beloved Polar Bear Plunge event with him from CFB Petawawa. The Perth Polar Plunge event has raised more than $342,000 for worthy community organizations since 1994 under the guidance of Lavery.
The Patrol Pathfinders to which Lavery belonged were an advanced infantry unit, and while most members were already elite paratroopers before joining, the Pathfinder training included airmobile, rugged terrain, and amphibious operations. The Pathfinder qualifying course is known as one of the world’s toughest for special forces.
On that night Lavery was with Captain Dave Hirter, and they were part of an advance group for the joint Canada-USA airborne Exercise Brim Frost. The Canadian forc-
es had been scheduled to participate in the exercise with about 435 paratroopers, but after the crash Canadian officials decided not to take part.
Lavery recalls that: “It was bloody cold when the plane crashed, and by the time I got to the scene, the wreckage and bodies were on the runway. At first, I thought some of the bodies I came across were mannequins, or training aides for the exercise. They were frozen solid in such a short time.
“I came across one of the soldiers, and he was still strapped in his jump seat, so myself and a U.S. soldier worked on removing him. I used my jump knife to cut the seat and straps that were frozen to the runway. We were able to get him
onto a stretcher, and I remember he wasn’t wearing his parka. His wounds appeared superficial - broken bones etc. We were able to get him to the hospital and I stayed with him as they tried to revive and stabilize him, but unfortunately, he passed away.” After spending a long night checking up on the survivors, and accounting for the dead, Lavery and his friend Hirter had the grim task of going to the morgue and identifying the rest of the victims.
Continuing with the narrative: “The people of Fairbanks reached out and did everything they could to assist with this disaster during a very emotional time. They held a service when we departed. It was my job to bring back the deceased, and I remember
draping the flags on all the coffins inside the cold C-130 Hercules aircraftsuch a weird feeling.
“We moved down the runway close to the wreckage of our other bird - then revved up the C-130 ready to take off. The coffins were all shaking, and it was damn cold inside that bird, but I just wanted to get in the air as soon as we could. It was a sombre flight back into Edmonton.”
The night before departure, Lavery recalls going to one of the local bars to try and drown his sorrows and obscure the memories of what he had seen, and also to pay tribute to the men who had died. “As it turned out this was a bikers bar. When I went into the washroom, I noticed there was a back door lead-
ing outside, and I thought to myself I certainly would not want to fall out there and pass out. You would freeze to death in minutes.
“I saw through the mirror three or four men come in and stand behind me, and when I turned around, I was confronted by them immediately. They asked what I was doing and if I was a cop.
I said ‘No, I am with the Canadian Airborne Regiment.’ With that, they said they were so sorry and brought me back to the bar and looked after me all night. They were the local Hell's Angels chapter.”
Lavery moved from Perth to Kabul, Afghanistan in December, 2009 where he is the owner of a successful business located within a compound
there. Ironically, he and his partner Junping survived a 2011 attack on the Finest supermarket on Jan. 28, the day before the anniversary of the plane crash. So, memories come flooding back every Jan. 28 of the bombing attack, and then the next day of the horrific plane crash. What led Lavery to settle in Kabul, was that he served with the United Nations as a Security Specialist from October, 2001 to December, 2005. The exceptional career of David Lavery is a perfect example of why Canadian warriors are revered by allies and feared by the enemy, and will be continued in next month’s column. If you have any comments or suggestions, please email me at: terry@pdgmedia.ca
The 1989 Canadian C-130 crash site at Fort Wainwright’s Ladd Field in Fairbanks, Alaska, with Dave Lavery inset. Photo courtesy United States Army.
opinion:
Carrie Wynne
Am I the only one?
six lessons from covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic has reduced to tatters the illusion that nothing could catastrophically go wrong in the world. Covid-19 has increased global and economic instability. Everyone is clamoring for their voice to be heard. Like many people, I try to maintain a healthy perspective.
As Viktor Frankl, a holocaust survivor, wrote in his famous memoir Man's Search for Meaning, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” Life comes with lessons. During Covid I’ve learned about having enough, being enough and doing enough that I might not have learned any other way.
1. Enough money to get what you need and some left over. The comfort-
able homes we live in, the cars we drive, the beds we sleep in, would be dreams come true for people living among us today. The pandemic made me realize putting too much emphasis on money destroys relationships, health, and well-being. Chances are if you were doing alright before Covid you probably still are.
2. Enough blessings to be thankful. Bricks fall out of the sky and land on people’s heads. Covid-19 has taught me to count my blessings and take nothing for granted.
3. Enough joy to be positive about the future. I love the part of me that knows that joy is the point and missing it is a mistake. Covid has disrupted our routines and restricted us in many ways but to be forced to step back and reevaluate our plans and priorities is not a bad thing either. Covid cannot cancel joy. If anything, it has shined a light on the ordinary and everyday things we love to do that are essential to our well-being.
4. Enough peace to live your own life and let others live theirs. We tend to absorb every ounce of discomfort like a sponge and get involved more than we ought to
or should. Relationships cause a lot of anxiety and frustration. People are on edge and doing their best. The coronavirus made me realize the more peaceful your life becomes the more you can be a blessing to others. Give people the privilege of solving their own problems and trust that they will.
5. Enough adversity to make you strong and resilient. It activates your potential. It is your becoming. We are not a marshmallow generation. We must learn to take full responsibility for our lives at every age starting as young as you can. In troubled waters we must learn to paddle our own canoe.
6. Enough grace to meet people where they are. We are in the same storm, only different boats. Some people are worse off than others. Grace is an act of goodwill that offers someone fuel to get through another day. Grace is a divine principle. It is undeserved kindness. It makes the world a better place when we spread it around.
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.
Life rings missing from the Rideau Ferry Docks
You can see the anger in John Van Dusen’s eyes. He’s holding up one of what were four life rings attached to the Rideau Ferry Docks. They are there as a safety precaution, meant to help rescue anyone who either falls off their boat while at the docks, gets in trou-
ble on the water or one of the kids who jump off the Rideau Ferry bridge, a 30foot drop to the water. That jump is what the locals consider a rite of passage.
At one point in the past two months, three life rings went missing.
Scott Cameron, head of Drummond North Elmsley township's public works has reported the thefts to
replaced. They’re not meant as souvenirs. They’re essential to the docks, says Van Dusen, a boater. “You’re endangering life if you take one,” he says about the $80 rings. There is still one missing.
Conservation ambassador encourages youth to enjoy nature and protect it
regonal - John Kessel
editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Anika Smithson has a passion for the great outdoors and she’s about to promote this with a 202 km paddle from Kingston to Ottawa.
Her project, she says, “will promote conservation by encouraging local youth and their families to get out, enjoy nature and protect it through activities they can get involved in, like garbage clean-ups and water testing.”
Her sponsor is a federally funded program
called Ocean Bridge, a national program that connects Canadian Youth from coast to coast to coast, empowering them to make a difference towards ocean conservation.
The 27-year-old Embrun woman has just finished her masters degree in community development at Acadia University in Wolfville, N.S. Her journey up the Rideau waterway as an ambassador for Ocean Bridge will take eight days from Sept. 26 to Oct. 3. She has already asked several organizations such
as Friends of the Rideau to partner with her.
Part of the project also involves creating a video about what the waterway means to people. “Along the route a couple of my fellow ambassadors and I will encourage people to get out, enjoy nature and protect it through posting about our activities on social media and promoting the work of groups that are involved with the canal.”
She says that anyone wanting to participate can call her at 519-2167052 or email her at anika.smithson@gmail.com.
John Van Dusen holding up a life ring from the Rideau Ferry Docks. Photo credit: John Kessel. regonal - John Kessel editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Ontario Provincial Police. One has been found floating in Lower Rideau Lake. Another has been
Photo credit: Submitted.
