Lanark, North Leeds and Grenville - Hometown News December 018

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Vol. 5

No. 12

YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER - LANARK, NORTH LEEDS & GRENVILLE

DECEMBER 2018

Smiths Falls Bears help create lasting memories for young hockey hopefuls

Photo credit: Midway Sports amd Trophies Inc.

Smiths Falls - Submitted editorial@pd gmedia.ca A group of young hockey players in Smiths Falls had an enjoyable evening of pizza , gifts and a chance to meet the town's CCHL Jr. A Hockey team The Smiths Falls Bears.

The evening was arranged by team sponsor, Midway Sports and

Photo credit: Chris Uhlig.

Trophies Inc, in partnership with the Jr. A organization.

The entire organization welcomed the young Novice B players into their dressing room, exchanged high fives, and posed for pictures. Head Coach/GM, Alex Armstrong, spoke to these young players and offered many encouraging words before taking additional time to give a full tour

of the team's facilities.

The young players were in the stands for the game and although the final score was not in favour of their team, these kids cheered, danced and congratulated the Bears on their effort. This night wasn't about the final score...it was about the lasting memories for the two teams. It was about bringing together young hockey

players with the players they can look up to.

The majority of players on the Jr. A team come from out of town, something seen on teams of this calibre. The players are here to chase their dreams and their families rely on the team to take care of them.

We, as a community, need to support all of our hockey players.

Whether it is a group of five year olds learning the game or a group of teenagers playing Jr. A hockey. These hockey players deserve to be supported no matter what level they play...get out to your local arenas and CHEER on your teams.

Submitted by Ian Richardson, Owner of Midway Sports and Trophies Inc.

Santa C laus comes to town on the North Pole Express

Smiths Falls - Staff Last Saturday saw the North Pole Express pulling into the station at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario. Visitors were greeted to many activities and of course enjoyed the trips in the caboose of the brightly lit train. Santa dropped by as well, and it looks like the old badger likes trains too! Santa had a great time as well.

Photos by Chris Uhlig.

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December 2018

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Page Two

HAVE A SAFE AND

HAPPY HOLIDAY

Wishing you and your family

Merry Christmas Sincerely,

Cartoon by Patrick Labelle

Santa Claus Parade - 1930

Christmas Together December is upon us; the season of giving.

Some years find us with fat bank accounts and the gifts pile up under the tree. Some years find us with fewer resources, and the pile of gifts is small.

And some years find us with nothing to give but ourselves. I would argue, however, that spending time with the ones you love is the best gift of all.

This year, WestJet conspired to surprise my parents with the gift of spending time with my sister Jennifer, who has lived in Korea for the past seven years. My mom has long been a WestJet fan, commenting on their posts and following them on Facebook. Seeing she was such a positive supporter, they reached out to ask if they could include her in their WestJet Christmas Miracle com-

mercial. Chatting with her, they discovered she had a daughter living in Korea, and with that, they began to create a beautiful Christmas surprise.

WestJet told my parents that they wanted to fly my parents to London, UK, to film a travel-log style commercial. My parents were thrilled! They are loving, hardworking people who are always looking out for people around them, and this trip is something they never would have done for themselves.

They flew first class to London and were welcomed at the airport.

Their chauffeur ushered them to a beautiful hotel, where they were urged to rest and take some time for themselves. They spent the next two days sightseeing and recording clips with the film

crew. Suddenly, my sister slipped up beside them and their eyes filled with tears. The sights of majestic London faded into the background as they looked on the beautiful face of the one they love.

This was a true Christmas miracle.

Time with loved ones is precious, something you will never regret spending. Hugs and conversation leave a warm and lasting glow that makes our hearts merry and bright through the dark months of winter. Whether you’re traveling to see a friend far away, playing board games with neighbours, or simply sharing dinner with family, we wish a very Merry Christmas to you and the ones you love.

Janelle Swan Labelle ~ Editorial Staff, Hometown News

Santa Claus Parade, Perth, 1930; sponsored by James Brothers. Photo by Perth Remembered.

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Photography:

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editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Kathy Botham

EditoR editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Kathy Botham Sally Smith Sarah Cavanagh Janelle Labelle Brian Turner Stacey Roy Trevor Oattes

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December 2018

3

community Giving gifts to seniors makes Janet Carleton smile Perth - SAlly Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca She’s doing it for her community but in fact, Janet Carleton gets just as much out of it for herself.

If future plans develop to expand Adopt-A-Grandparent into some of the other small towns around Perth — like Smiths Falls and Carleton Place — she hopes to entice her whole family (two sons and husband) to get involved, too.

Carleton, a dental hygienist as well as a Mary Kay representative, started Adopt-A-Grandparent three years ago by embracing Mary Kay values wholeheartedly — faith first, then family, and finally career.

Much of Mary Kay fundraising goes to women’s shelters as well as the Look Good, Feel Better program which helps women with cancer feel like themselves again.

But Carleton also champions Go Give — “donating to people without expecting anything in return.” She says she sees a lot of donations to children’s organizations like the Angel Tree but felt there was a lack of the same for seniors. With

Perth being “such a senior area with a lot of retirees” she wanted to do something for “seniors living in nursing homes.”

Carleton starts in October accepting donations; a donation is $20 per senior, and the money is collected for those who “may not have anyone close enough at Christmas time” or, indeed, for “someone who may not have anyone here.”

It’s not just a card, she adds, “it’s a little gift which might bring a bit of a smile Christmas morning.”

Carleton makes a call to the residences in Perth — Lanark Lodge and Perth Community Care in particular — inquiring about numbers. Last year Carolina Court and Rideau Ferry Country Home weren’t in need.

Initially when she started she filled 38 bags, last year 101 bags and her goal this year is 125 bags. “I’m confident I can do that,” she smiles. At the moment she has donations for just over 70 bags so she’s well on her way.

In early December she starts her shopping and purchasing; once that’s done, and after making a

call to the residences for numbers, she begins to fill the bags.

She uses brightly patterned brown paper bags (so they can be recycled or re-used) and the content is different for men and women. Men get shaving cream, women receive hand cream and sparkly, stretchy bracelets but from there it’s pretty much the same — bright, warm socks, toothbrushes, Christmas tissues, old fashioned Christmas candy, chocolate, note pads and pens, — “whatever catches my fancy to add a little bit of cheer.” Hand cream and shaving cream are Mary Kay products. On occasion she receives feedback.

“I used everything,” one woman enthused.

Donations come from businesses, her friends at the Running Room, and strangers. “Someone saw me walking through a store and handed me $20,” she says, a certain delight in her voice. It’s not too late to donate. Drop money off at her home, 21 Thom Street in Perth, at Dr. Hall’s, 14 Gore Street W in Perth where she works, or by e-Transfer to carleton1@ superaje.com. She adds not

Janet Carleton is gearing up for Christmas gift-giving to seniors’ residences around Perth.

Photo credit: Sally Smith.

to forget the password if using e-Transfer.

“If the program grows, we can go into other areas,” she says, like Smiths Falls and Carleton Place; if that’s the case she might need volunteers, so keep your

eyes peeled for a shoutout next year. But so far, so good, with her family helping.

“I get more out of it than the residents do. It makes me feel good,” she adds projecting far into the fu-

ture that someday “I may be the last person in my family” who would enjoy a pretty Christmas gift. “Do unto others….” she says.

“It makes me smile thinking about making others smile.”

Planet Youth expert speaks to crowds in Lanark County CARLETON PLACE - SUBMITTED editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Photo submitted.

On Wednesday Nov 28 and Thursday Nov 29, the Planet Youth Lanark steering committee held open town-hall style meetings to discuss their plans to help delay the onset of substance use among youth. The first meeting was convened in Carleton Place at All Nations Church and the second happened at the Royal Canadian Legion branch in Perth.

The Planet Youth Lanark group has been meeting and planning regularly since early 2017 in an attempt to start the same process that residents of Iceland began in the late 1990s to combat excessive and record-setting use of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis among high-school aged teens.

Their efforts saw their European

Union high rates of 48% drop to 5% over a twenty year time span.

The guest speaker at both events was Alfgeir Kristjansson PhD, MSc Associate Professor, West Virginia University School of Public Health and Senior Researcher at ICSRA Reykjavik University, Iceland. Kristjansson was involved in research from the beginning and worked closely with policy makers and stakeholders as well as residents including youth. They started with an in-depth questionnaire of 75 questions given to 15 and 16 year-olds and through amazing levels of cooperation achieved an outstanding 80% participation rate. This survey continues to this day on an annual basis.

Kristjansson told the large gatherings (which

included many local politicians and residents from as far afield as Saskatchewan) that from the research done, the planners knew that short term solutions would only bring short term relief. They learned that the earlier in life youth started using substances, the worse things would get for them in young adulthood, so early prevention was key. He also stated that full cooperation among what he termed the trinity (researchers, policy makers, and practitioners) was absolutely necessary to achieve any progress.

The steps that made the biggest difference in substance use in Iceland was providing more access for youth to recreational and artistic opportunities and increasing the amount of time parents

spent with their children.

Every child in Iceland was provided with a user card annually which gave them the equivalent of $400 CDN to offset the costs of sports, cultural, and artistic activities. Families were encouraged to sign pledges to detail the number of hours they spent together. The Icelandic Model (now known as Planet Youth) has been successfully copied in over 40 countries around the globe.

Planet Youth Lanark members have been making presentations to local councils and school officials for several months now and are planning on beginning the research/ questionnaire phase soon with cooperation from school officials.

You can learn more at planetyouthlanark.ca.

December 2018

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community

Historic building revitalization prompts the Hub’s first-ever public appeal to reach a $350,000 goal Regional - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca The Hub has worked to improve the community of Mississippi Mills in large and small ways for 44 years offering donated recycled goods at fair prices. In all that time, not once has it made a public appeal for financial donations. But long-time volunteer and current President Eloise Caverson is announcing an ambitious $350,000 fundraising goal.

“I can guess what people are thinking,” said Eloise.

“We better have a good reason to ask for their money!

We think we do.” $350,000 is the amount required to complete the Phase One revitalization of our longtime home at 118 Mill Street. We have already raised just over $170,000.

So with another $180,000 we can continue our 44year tradition of directing funds to deserving community causes.”

Since it began, Eloise pointed out that the Hub has contributed: Over $1 Million in donations to more than 100 good causes including Hub Hospice, Youth Center, Christmas baskets, sports

teams, Interval House and Lanark County Food Bank; Over 500,000 volunteer hours from just over 500 people who have given their time and talent; An estimated 350 tonnes of usable items diverted from landfill, including clothing, toys, games, books and kitchen items, plus, large furnishings and electronics from the Rebound home décor store operated by the Hub. The Hub has a very long history in downtown Almonte. It opened its doors at 66 Mill Street in May of 1974 until suffering a devastating fire there in 1997.

In 1998, the organization’s Board of Directors convinced the Royal Bank to sell them the Hub’s current location at 118 Mill Street for the grand sum of $1.00.

Now that building, which used to be the old O’Brien Theatre at the start of the 20th century, is closed for overdue repairs and a rethink by local Architect Peter Mansfield. The “wrecka-vation” phase of removing false ceilings and drywall has revealed the glorious original theatre ceilings over 20 ft. high, burgundy walls and turquoise blue trim cornices … even the

projection booth!

Projecting forward, the Hub’s Phase 1 renovation plans show a building that can perform double-duty with offices for social services delivery on an upper mezzanine, and a far more spacious and improved retail display area. The plan also adds communal and sorting areas, upgrading an accessible public bathroom to ensure a more barrier-free environment.

In its revitalized home, the Hub’s recycled community treasures will continue to clothe so many, equip the homes of many more, and provide needed funds to causes and individuals in need throughout the community.

“The fundraising to fix our building is underway,” stated Eloise, “But we need another $180,000 to reach our goal.”

Over the years, in their wisdom the Hub’s Board of Directors set aside $100,000 in a building contingency fund. They also applied for grants totalling $58,000, and volunteers have undertaken building fundraisers like the Royal Wedding Breakfast (raised $3,500), a Canada Day Bake Sale ($1,300) and a recent coun-

Photo submitted.

try music benefit dance ($8,000).

Here’s what members of the downtowns Almonte retail district wrote about The Hub in its successful building grant application: “The HUB has anchored the top end of our retail district and has contributed to the vitality and wellbeing of our community for decades. It has helped democratize the shopping experience and brought people into the downtown that might otherwise not come.

It has given people jobs that they might otherwise not be able to get and has

put hundreds of thousands of dollars into various causes and projects that have helped make Mississippi Mills a progressive, inclusive, sustainable and protective community.”

“Isn’t that great?", said Eloise. “Now we need to do more. With more financial help from local individuals and businesses, The Hub can honour its past and enjoy a bright future in Almonte’s Historic District.

Our volunteers can continue to inspire the 13,000plus people in our community to help each other in very meaningful ways.”

The Hub is a charitable organization and can issue tax receipts. Please make cheques or money orders out to the Almonte Community Coordinators. Then mail them to The Hub, Box 538, Almonte, Ontario K0A 1A0. Or donate on-line at www.thehubalmonte.com.

“I hope we can count on many new and existing contributors to help The Hub. Please be generous,” urged Eloise. “I think you’ll agree The Hub is a community institution that deserves to inspire more acts of kindness and volunteering throughout our town.”

Shop Perth support your loc al businesses JB Robillard office 613-706-2191 toll-free 1-800-267-1571 email jb@earingisbelieving.com Code’s Mill 17 Wilson St. E., Suite 103 Perth, ON K7L 1L3 www.hearingisbelieving.com

December 2018

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community

Terry O'Hearn

Perth Inside Out: Judge John Ross Matheson was a friend of Perth

John Ross Matheson, OC CD QC FRHSC, was seemingly a paradox in that he was seen as a kind and compassionate man, although he had fought for his country in World War II, and was severely wounded and initially paralyzed from the neck down. Matheson was also a lawyer, judge, and politician, who helped develop both the Canadian flag, the Order of Canada, and the Perth Medal.

On March 23, 2015, Kyle Sinon of St. Lawrence College in Kingston wrote the following comments, following a celebration in the Memorial Room of City Hall in Kingston of Sir John A. MacDonald’s life during which Matheson was recognized: “(The Canadian

Flag) ‘It was basic heraldry. White and red is considered the most powerful combination in heraldry. That's why the Canadian flag has the brightest red and the starkest white. It had to be that way.’ Those were John Matheson's words during an interview last June, as he described the colour scheme behind the most iconic accomplishment of his life: our national flag.”

Matheson’s military career and early years are best put forward by the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery website: “John was born in Arundel and raised in Quebec City. He attended Queen’s University, graduating in 1940 with a B.A. Honours in Economics. He served in World War II with the First Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, 1st Canadian Infantry Division. As a Forward Observation Officer, he was wounded near Ortona, Italy in 1943. “… studied Law at Osgoode Hall, graduating in 1948. He later earned degrees from Mount Al-

Deputy Judge of the Small Claims Court Doug James stands in front of the Hall of Remembrance museum display for his friend John Ross Matheson. Photo credit: Terry O'Hearn.

lison University (Master of Arts), and the University of Western Ontario (Master of Laws). John was appointed a Queen’s Counsel in 1967. He also received Honorary Doctorates from Queen’s University and the Royal Military College in Kingston.

“In 1948 … settled

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in Brockville, where he was a founding member of the firm Matheson, Henderson and Hart. John was elected Federal Member of Parliament for Leeds in a 1961 by-election … and served as Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Pearson. In 1968, he returned to the practice of law and was appointed Judge for the Judicial District of Ottawa-Carleton. In 1979 he moved to the County Court of Lanark, Perth, Ontario. In 1985 he was appointed a Judge of the District Court of Ontario and served on the Ontario Court of Justice (General Division) from 1990 to 1992.

“During his political career, John was a leading member of the parliamentary committee which successfully shepherded the adoption of the Canadian flag. Years later, his master’s thesis was published under the title ‘Canada’s Flag: A Search for a Country’.

Heraldry was another of John’s passionate pursuits. He was a driving force in the foundation of the Canadian Heraldic Authority … he held honorary militia appointments of Lieutenant Colonel and then Colonel with the 30th Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery from 1972 to 1982.”

Doug James, currently a Deputy Judge in Small Claims Court for Lanark County, Ottawa, Renfrew County, and Leeds & Grenville County, and retired from law practice with the firm Barker, Willson, fondly remembers his years

of litigation before Judge Matheson. They became fast friends, having many things in common, including the practice of law and a love of Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.

“He was an excellent mediator,” said James, “He did not want to impose a decision on them that would be contrary to the intentions of one or both of the parties.

These decisions were sensitive, especially in a family court setting.

“He was a very compassionate man, who did not want to be seen as making what the parties would deem a wrong decision, or a bad decision. He would try to avoid the appearance of favouring one side over the other. In other words, he wanted the parties to come to their own resolution, and therefore a meeting of the minds.”

In January of 2014, Globe and Mail reporter Jeff Gray wrote: “In 1982, he (Matheson) presided over a courtroom battle in Perth that captured the country's attention and was seen at the time as a milestone in the rights of the disabled.

At the centre of the case was then-20-year-old Justin Clark, a man with severe cerebral palsy who could not walk, talk or care for himself and who had spent his entire life confined to an institution for the mentally disabled in Smiths Falls, Ont. He wanted to move into an Ottawa group home. But his parents wanted him declared mentally incompetent so they could block the move.

“Mr. Matheson heard from various doctors and from Mr. Clark himself, who addressed the court using a communication tool called a Bliss board – the first time such a device had been used in a Canadian courtroom. “ … Matheson read his ruling out loud in court declaring that Mr. Clark could make decisions for himself. ‘We have, all of us, recognized a gentle, trusting, believing spirit and very much a thinking human being who has his unique part to play in our compassionate interdependent society,’ the ruling reads.”

At age 80, Matheson celebrated his 53rd wedding anniversary with his first skydive. Among his many awards, he was inducted into the Order of Canada in 1993, the honour he helped create.

He was also honoured at CFB Kingston by the renaming of the Garrison’s Hwy 15 gate to ‘Matheson Gate’, and in 2013 his name was fixed to a street sign in front of the courthouse in Brockville. There is also a permanent Matheson display at the Hall of Remembrance military museum in Perth, Ontario.

And so, the kindly and compassionate Colonel and Judge left a permanent mark on his country, and every community in which he lived.

Such a legacy was left by so few, but we hope John Ross Matheson’s life’s work will inspire many.

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

December 2018

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community

Issues in obstetrics department cited as cause for doctor leaving town SMITHS FAllS - STACEY ROY editorial@pdgmedia.ca Unresolved issues between family physician, Dr. Hillary Lawson and the obstetrics department in the Smiths Falls hospital site has prompted the highly admired family doctor to close her Smiths Falls practice as of February 2019.

The details of what took place to cause the loss of Dr. Lawson for the community are unknown, however Vickie Kaminski, acting President and CEO of the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital (PSFDH) did confirm that Dr. Lawson’s decision was made after a negotiation process with the hospital.

“It is with regret that we accept Dr. Lawson’s plan to relocate from our community in early 2019. The PSFDH administration respects Dr. Lawson’s decision to leave her practice and relocate which came after many months of discussions with PSFDH colleagues,” Kaminski added during a phone interview with Hometown News. “She made a personal decision.”

This newspaper reached out to Dr. Lawson for comment and received word that her

contract with the PSFDH (which she is still currently bound by) disallows her to respond to media requests. In a Nov. 13, 2018 press release the hospital board and executive clarified that the hospital welcomes the involvement of family doctors in their obstetrical programme. Kaminski added during a phone interview that physicians are asked to work within the existing system that is in place. The press release went on to say that “the hospital is committed to working with our physicians to enable us to once again have family doctors wanting to work together with our obstetricians in the Obstetrical Programme.”

Dr. Lawson’s patients will be transferred to a new doctor who began working part-time with Dr. Lawson this month in preparation for taking over the practice by February 2019. Kaminski was unable to provide information about the incoming doctor or the number of patients impacted by Dr. Lawson’s leave except to say: “There will be no gap for the patients.”

“Dr. Lawson has been very responsible,” Kaminski said regarding her efforts to find her re-

The Cornelia Court Family Medical Centre has welcomed a new physician to its ranks. An unnamed doctor has begun part-time hours this month in preparation to replace Dr. Hillary Lawson who is closing her practice in town as of February 2019 due to unresolved issues between herself and the obstetrics department. She will be greatly missed by patients and the community.

Photo credit: Stacey Roy.

placement.

It is unknown as to where Dr. Lawson will be moving her practice.

Information from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario website shows that Dr. Lawson has hospital privileges in the Almonte General Hospital, The Perth and Smiths

Falls District Hospital (Smiths Falls site) and the Temiskaming Hospital in New Liskeard, Ontario.

Physician recruitment Kaminski said the hospital is currently in a good place with physician staffing, adding there are very few holes

to fill. Currently there are two candidates being considered to fill a position as an internal medicine specialist at the local hospital.

“Hopefully one of those will come through,” Kaminski said.

The hospital does have a physician re-

cruitment officer who works with hospital staff to identify physician needs in the community now and going forward. Kaminski said these efforts are now focusing on future planning with a number of anticipated retirements expected in the coming years.

Animal shelter launches building fundraiser this Christmas season SMITHS FAllS - STACEY ROY editorial@pdgmedia.ca There is no better present to give our feline friends than a warm place to rest their heads this Christmas morning.

That is what a $50,000 building campaign launched on gofundme. com (under the name

Photo submitted.

laws shelter rebuild) aims to achieve. The fundraiser was launched by Gerry Van Loon, president of the Lanark Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) Nov. 7 and received $500 within the first few days.

The shelter is currently in the midst of constructing a permanent addition to

their building between Smiths Falls and Perth with the expectation that it will be complete by the end of December.

“We’ll have a new half a building,” said Van Loon.

The project was necessary due to persistent frozen pipes and water dishes caused by lack

of insulation in the old additions, which were nothing more than former school portables.

The 2017-2018 winter season was the last time shelter cats will experience these conditions.

The building project currently has footings poured and the walls

framed as of Nov. 16.

“We’re hoping to have it kind of enclosed by the end of the month,” Van Loon said during a November phone interview.

When complete, the new addition will usher in a new era of shelter care for the roughly 600 cats a year that come through their doors. Van Loon said the board is passionate about moving away from cats in cages to a free space where cats can roam around and enjoy their runs at will. This would include plans to have a fenced in rooftop cat run that would allow shelter cats to get some fresh air whenever they wish.

Last year’s successful fundraiser brought in $30,000 towards this goal, which the board hoped would cover the cost of the addition with the help of volunteer labour. However, a number of volunteers have dropped out, requiring additional costs of $20,000 just to cover the necessary labour. Add

to this the discovery of mold and rot under the window sills of the existing shelter that will be connecting to the new addition and the unplanned need to replace a seized water pump, and the need to raise an additional $50,000 is self explanatory.

“It’s one thing after another,” Van Loon said.

The gofundme.com fundraising campaign will be ongoing until the end of January when all the bills for the addition will be paid out. LAWS is one of the few nokill shelters in the area that serves all of Lanark County, Lombardy and Smiths Falls. There are currently 40 cats who are at the shelter during construction, but this number swells to 80 or 90 that are typically housed at any given time. What pet wouldn’t share their warm bed if they could?

The LAWS animal shelter fundraiser is a perfect present for any family’s furry friend to receive this Christmas.

Presents:

Kintail Country Christmas returns on December 15

Celebraon of Lights Let the Spirit of the Season embrace you as Victoria Park Campground comes alive with illuminaon!

Celebraon of Lights presented by

Together Smiths Falls, Community Enhancem ent

Associaon

November 24 - December 31st, 2018 5:00 - 10:00 pm Victoria Park Campground, Smiths Falls

There is no admission charge to visit the eve nt.

Photo credit: Stacey Roy.

Regional - Stacey Roy editorial@pdgmedia.ca There is no place in the valley where you can find the magic of Nat King Cole’s white Christmas better than at the 12th annual Kintail Country Christmas at the Mill of Kintail Dec. 15.

This highly anticipated community event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. just outside of Almonte and is set in a beautiful woodland conservation area that a trio of staff is currently transforming into a sparkling Christmas landscape for one and all to enjoy this month.

“It’s actually quite fun,” said Stephanie Kolsters, museum cura-

tor and site supervisor at the mill, of the decorating.

This classic country Christmas scene is brought to life that day with the help of countless volunteers and entertainers who operate free wagon rides around the venue, demonstrate outdoor woodworking techniques and keep the bonfire stoked to warm red cheeks of bundled up participants of all ages. Craft tables and a children’s only gift shop with items under $10 will entice the youngest in from the outdoors to warm up. Kids can take home a bag of handmade reindeer food to sprinkle on their front lawns so Rudolph and

his eight friends won’t be hungry while waiting for Santa’s many deliveries.

The jolly man in red will be returning this year, but in a new location. Staff have moved Santa’s big red chair to the front room of the gatehouse in hopes of spreading the crowd out across the site.

“It’s going to ease up on the congestion,” Kolsters said.

This is especially important for the crowd that is expected to gather for the lively music of fiddle player Ken Ramsden who will be inside the museum at the base of the site.

“He’s a huge highlight with stories by the fire,”

Come capture the magic of the holiday seas on as you walk or drive through the many beauful ligh t displays in Victoria Park Campground along the Rideau Canal.

Visit our website at www.togethersmithsfalls .com or our Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/smithsfallscelebraono flights

Kolsters said.

Visitors are encouraged to sit down amongst the cotton-filled winter scenes atop the piano and the smell of real pine wreaths and boughs for a classic Christmas story and a tune or two.

Admission to such a magical Christmas experience is just $10 a vehicle. Kolsters said the mill reduced their

fees in the past from $15 to encourage all families to come out and experience the day.

“For me, it’s great when you see a minivan and it contains all generations,” Kolsters said.

Such a lengthy list of happenings can’t be done without a team of volunteers. The Mill of Kintail thanks these individuals from the

Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists, Ramsay Women’s Institute, North Lanark Regional Museum and Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, as well as Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) staff, family and friends who contribute to make this day special every year. For more information please call Kolsters at 613-256-3610 ext. 2.

Upcoming events The annual Kintail Country Christmas takes place the weekend after the Almonte Santa Claus Parade, which is slated for Sunday, Dec. 9 from 5-7 p.m.

The parade starts at the Almonte & District Community Centre and makes its way down Mill Street, around town and back again. Hot chocolate, hot dogs,

and public skating at the arena will be on tap following the parade.

If you want to keep the country in Christmas consider taking in the Pakenham Santa Claus Parade as it makes its way through the village on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 1-3 p.m.

Events around the region CARLETON PLACE December 13 Tuesdays CP Bridge 1:00pm - 4:00pm Carleton Place Legion 177 George St tdimnik@yahoo.com 613-492-1099 Olde Time Bingo 7:00pm - 9:15pm Carleton Place Arena 75 Neelin St. 613-257-1690

Wednesdays Open Jam 9:00pm - 1:00am Waterfront Gastropub 12 Bell St. 613-257-5755 Thewaterfrontgastropub.ca

Thursdays Karaoke 9:00pm Waterfront Gastropub 12 Bell St. 613-257-5755 Thewaterfrontgastropub.ca

Saturdays Al Tambay Duo 3:00pm Waterfront Gastropub 12 Bell St. 613-257-5755 facebook.com/TheWaterfrontGastropub

December 7 - 9 The Mikado Dec 7 - 8 at 7:30pm Dec 9 at 2:00pm Carleton Place Town Hall 175 Bridge St. 613-257-1976 Mississippi Blues Society Open Jam 8:30pm - 11:00pm Waterfront Gastropub 12 Bell St. 613-257-5755 Thewaterfrontgastropub.ca

December 8 Xmas Crafts for Kids/Skate 10:00am - 2:00pm Carleton Place Arena 75 Neelin St. 613-257-1690 www.facebook.com/ events/570396046740778/ Lanark Co. Genealogical Meeting 12:30pm Brunton Community Hall 1702 9th Line, Beckwith lcgsinfo34@gmail.com

December 9 Blues w/Redneck Limousine 3:00pm - 6:00pm Waterfront Gastropub 12 Bell St. 613-257-5755 Thewaterfrontgastropub.ca

December 10 Hackberry Men's Shed Potluck 6:00pm Lanark Community Programs 30 Bennett St hackberrycp@gmail.com Lcp-home.com

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

December 16, 27 & Jan 3 Free Holiday Skate Dec 16 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm Dec 27 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm Jan 3 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm Beckwith Recreational Complex 1319 9th Line Rd., Beckwith 613-257-1539 Twp.beckwith.on.ca

December 16 Blues w/Redneck Limousine 3:00pm - 6:00pm Waterfront Gastropub 12 Bell St. 613-257-5755 Thewaterfrontgastropub.ca

December 23 Skate with Santa 1:00pm - 2:00pm Beckwith Recreational Complex 1319 9th Line Rd., Beckwith 613-257-1539 Twp.beckwith.on.ca Blues w/Redneck Limousine 3:00pm - 6:00pm Waterfront Gastropub 12 Bell St. 613-257-5755 Thewaterfrontgastropub.ca

December 28 Lanark Laughs 8:30pm - 10:00pm Waterfront Gastropub 12 Bell St. 613-257-5755 Thewaterfrontgastropub.ca

December 30 Blues w/Redneck Limousine 3:00pm - 6:00pm Waterfront Gastropub 12 Bell St. 613-257-5755 Thewaterfrontgastropub.ca

December 31 New Year’s Eve Family Fireworks 4:00pm - 7:30pm Beckwith Park 1319 9th Line, Beckwith

MISSISSIPPI MILLS Tuesdays Mississippi Wood Carvers 1:00pm - 3:00pm Orchard View 219 Patterson St. almontecarver@gmail.com Music Trivia Night 8:00pm Almonte Lobby Bar in Alm Riverside Inn 81 Queen St. facebook.com/almontelobbybar

Wednesdays Open Celtic Jam 7:30pm - 10:00pm Naismith Pub 411 Ottawa St., Almonte 613-831-6208

December 6 Naismith Men's Shed 8:00am - 9:00am Mamma's Place 413 Ottawa St., Almonte almontecarver@gmail.com 613-461-0013 Travelogue: Jordan & Egypt 7:00pm Almonte Library 155 High St., Almonte

December 7

Comedy: Twas the Trial Before Xmas 6:00pm & 9:00pm Almonte Old Town Hall 14 Bridge St. facebook.com/ events/341813503316379

December 20 Riverwalk Holiday Variety Fundraiser 7:00pm Almonte Old Town Hall 14 Bridge St.

Light Up The Night 7:00pm Downtown Almonte, Mill St. tmaclaren@mississippimills.ca 613-256-1077 Lightupthenightalmonte.com

December 22

December 8

December 24

Almonte Farmers' Christmas Market 9:00am - 2:00pm Almonte Community Centre 182 Bridge St. almontefarmersmarket.com

Special Christmas Eve Service 6:00pm - 8:00pm Almonte Baptist Church 207 Reserve St. 613-256-5655 Almontebaptistchurch.com

Santa Claus Parade 1:00pm Stewart Community Centre 112 MacFarland St., Pakenham tmaclaren@mississippimills.ca 613-256-1077 Exploremississippimills.ca

December 31

Bridges Blues Series 6:00pm - 10:00pm Bridges Bar & Grill 2496 County Rd. 29, Pakenham 613-624-5939 AiC: Classical Christmas Concert 7:30pm Almonte Old Town Hall 14 Bridge St. Almonteinconcert.com

Christmas Market 10:00am - 4:00pm Rock-n-Horse Farm 1267 Rae Rd., Almonte www.rocknhorsefarm.ca

Rag Bag Cabaret 6:30pm Mississippi Valley Textile Museum 3 Rosamond St. E., Almonte info@mvtm.ca 613-256-3754 mvtm.ca

PERTH

Tom Savage 9:00pm Golden Arrow Goldenarrowpub.com

Jesse Stone 9:00pm Golden Arrow Goldenarrowpub.com

December 8

December 22

Local Colours Gift Show 9:00am - 5:00pm McMartin House 125 Gore St. E.

Shawn McCullough 8:00pm O'Reilly's Pub Oreillyspubperth.com

Brea Lawrenson 9:00pm Golden Arrow Goldenarrowpub.com

December 26

December 9 Christmas Tea 2:00pm Best Western Plus Perth Parkside Inn & Spa 82 Peter St. 613-267-2152 perthparksideinnandspa.com Breakfast w/Santa Start Time TBA Michael's Table 110 Gore St. 613-267-0008 www.michaelstable.ca

December 14 Jono Townsend 8:30pm O'Reilly's Pub Oreillyspubperth.com Danielle Hewitt 9:00pm Golden Arrow Goldenarrowpub.com

December 15

Wednesdays

Ladies of the Tay Xmas Market 10:00am - 3:00pm Perth Legion 26 Beckwith St E. rcl244@ymail.com 613-267-4400

Open Celtic Jam 9:00pm Golden Arrow Goldenarrowpub.com

Meet Santa 10:00am Crystal Palace 63 Gore St. E.

Meet Santa!

12:00pm - 2:00pm Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm 951 Conc. 8 S., Pakenham 613-256-3029 cedarhillchristmastreefarm.com

Fridays

December 15

Scottish Country Dancing 9:30am McMartin House 125 Gore St. E. 613-264-2767

Shawn McCullough 8:00pm O'Reilly's Pub Oreillyspubperth.com

The Santa Clause 2:00pm - 4:00pm Almonte Old Town Hall 14 Bridge St.

Hansel & Gretel Dec 6 - 7, 13 - 14 at 7:30pm Dec 8 - 9, 15 - 16 at 2:00pm Full Circle Theatre 613-267-1884 barndoorproductions.ca

December 9

Almonte Night Parade 5:00pm Downtown Almonte, Mill St. tmaclaren@mississippimills.ca 613-256-1077 www.downtownalmonte.ca Valley Voices Xmas Concert 7:30pm Almonte United Church 106 Elgin St. facebook.com/ events/207102516855518/

December 15 Kintail Country Christmas 11:00am - 3:00pm Mill of Kintail 2854 Concession 8, Almonte 613-256-3610 Mvc.on.ca

Tuesdays Brock Zeman 8:30pm O'Reilly's Pub Oreillyspubperth.com

December 6 - 9, 13 - 16

December 7 The Everything Craft Event 4:00pm - 9:00pm Best Western Plus Perth Parkside Inn & Spa 82 Peter St. 613-326-0082 perthparksideinnandspa.com Ennis Sisters Xmas Show 7:30pm Perth & District Collegiate Institute 13 Victoria St. 613-485-6434 Ticketsplease.ca Tom Watson 8:30pm O'Reilly's Pub Oreillyspubperth.com

Poetic Justice 9:00pm Golden Arrow Goldenarrowpub.com

December 18 Perth Citizens' Band Xmas Concert 7:30pm St. James the Apostle Anglican Church 12 Harvey St., Drummond 613-256-4221 stjamesperth@superaje.com

December 20 Peter Brown Jazz Trio 6:00pm - 9:00pm Parkside Bistro 82 Peter St. prbrown@magma.ca 613-257-2657 Peterbrown.ca

December 21 Stephen Mark Fisher 8:30pm O'Reilly's Pub Oreillyspubperth.com

Matt Dickson 9:00pm Golden Arrow Goldenarrowpub.com

December 28 Jingle Boots: The Big Yellow Holiday Show 2:00pm Studio Theatre 63 Gore St. E. 613-267-7469 studiotheatreperth.com

December 28 The Godfreys 8:30pm O'Reilly's Pub Oreillyspubperth.com Shawn McCullough 9:00pm Golden Arrow Goldenarrowpub.com

December 29 Mission Impossible: Fallout 7:30pm Studio Theatre 63 Gore St. E. 613-267-7469 studiotheatreperth.com Poetic Justice 9:00pm Golden Arrow Goldenarrowpub.com

December 31 New Year's Eve Dinner 8:00pm - 12:30am 8:00pm - 12:30am 613-264-0050 www.perthmanor.com New Year's Eve Party 8:00pm Golden Arrow Goldenarrowpub.com

SMITHS FALLS Mondays Smiths Falls Duplicate Bridge Club 7:00pm Smiths Falls Legion 7 Main St. E. office95@cogeco.ca 613-256-4747 Pickle Ball 6:15pm - 8:30pm Chimo Public School Gym 11 Ross St. annemiskelly985@gmail. com 613-283-0482

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

Public Swims 6:00pm - 7:00pm Gallipeau Recreation Centre 361 Queen St. 613-284-9916

Thursdays Pickle Ball 6:15pm - 8:30pm Chimo Public School Gym 11 Ross St. annemiskelly985@gmail. com 613-283-0482

Thursdays Public Swims 12:00pm - 2:00pm Gallipeau Recreation Centre 361 Queen St. 613-284-9916

December 1 - 20 37th Annual Art Show Heritage House Museum 11 Old Sly's Rd 613-283-6311 heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca

December 6 Serice of Remembrance 11:30am Trinity United Church 41 Market St. Pictures with Santa 6:00pm Smiths Falls Civitan

December 6 - 7 20th Annual Festival of Trees Public Viewing of TreesDec 6 at 6:00pm - 9:00pm Raffle and Auction of Trees Dec 7 Hall opens at 6:00pm

December 7 Xmas Open House Dec 7 at 5:00pm - 8:00pm Dec 8 at 10:30am - 4:00pm Heather's Studio 94 Beckwith St. Movie Night 6:00pm Trinity United Church 41 Market St. Christmas Extravaganza 6:00pm Gallipeau Centre Theatre

December 8 Breakfast with Santa 10:00am - 12:00pm Upper Hanley Hall 30 McGill St. N. 613-206-4316 Christmas Parade 5:00pm Starts at Smiths Falls Community Centre Ends at Kinsmen Pavilion 613-283-2690

December 9 Breakfast with Santa 9:00am - 11:00pm Smiths Falls Legion 7 Main St. E. 613-283-2690

December 7 - 9, 13 - 16 Panto: Beauty & the Beast Dec 7, 13 - 14 at 7:30pm Dec 8 - 9, 15 - 16 at 2pm Station Theatre 53 Victoria Ave. 613-283-0300 Smithsfallstheatre.com

December 12

December 14

A Tribute to Paul Smith 7:00pm SFDCI Cafetorium

John Wilberforce 6:00pm - 9:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com

Deck the Small Halls 7:30pm Lombardy Aricultural Hall 6 Kelly Road, Lombardy ontariosmallhalls.com 613-402-1425

December 13 Community Holiday Dinner 4:30pm - 6:00pm SFDCI 299 Percy St.

December 14 East Region OPP Pulling for United Way! 10:30am - 3:30pm Settlers Ridge Centre 275 Brockville Street aelsner@unitedwaylanarkcounty.ca 613-253-9074

December 15 Milk and Cookies with Santa 10:00am - 1:00pm Smiths Falls Kia Craft & Vendor Show 11:00am - 4:00pm Smiths Falls Legion

December 16 Lessons & Carols for Christmas 4:00pm St. John's Anglican Church 2 George Street South

December 19

December 15 Young Petty Stones 7:00pm - 11:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com

December 19 Open Mic w/Shawn McCullough 6:30pm - 9:30pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com

December 21 Healy & Orr Rock 'n Roll Christmas 7:00pm - 11:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com

December 22 Jazz w/Spencer Evans 9:00pm - 11:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com

December 24 Carol Sing & Candle Lighting Service 7:00pm Westport United Church 27 Spring St.

Old Time Christmas 7:00pm Westminster Presbyterian Church 11 Church St. W. info@scottwoods.ca 1-855-726-8896 www.scottwoods.ca

December 26

December 21

Henry Norwood 7:00pm - 10:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com

A Rhythmfoot Xmas 8:00pm Station Theatre 53 Victoria Ave. smithsfallstheatre.com

December 22 Rock The Hall - A Basic White Christmas: Featuring Campbell Woods 8:00pm - 1:00am Royal Canadian Legion 7 Main St E

WESTPORT & RIDEAU LAKES December 7 MonkeyJunk 7:00pm - 11:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com

December 8 Jeff Callery & Wade Foster Xmas 6:00pm - 10:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com

December 12 Open Mic w/Shawn McCullough 6:30pm - 9:30pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com

Open Mic w/Shawn 6:30pm - 9:30pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com

December 28

December 29

December 1 to 22

Exhibition: Christmas Comes to Heritage House An ongoing exhibit at the Heritage House Museum.

Info: 613-283-6311 or heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca or www.facebook.com/heritagehousemuseum

December 1 to 31

5th Annual Celebration of Lights Victoria Park will be lit with thousands of Christmas lights between Nov. 24 and Dec. 31, during this month-long festive celebration. New Year’s Eve closing night event with reworks to ring in the New Year!

Info: www.togethersmithsfalls.com

December 7 - 9

Smiths Falls Community Theatre We end our season with our usually delightful family-friendly pantomime. This year’s selection is Beauty and the Beast by Ben Crocker at the Station Theatre, 53 Victoria Ave.

Henry Norwood 6:00pm - 9:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com

Info: 613-283-0300 or www.smithsfallstheatre.com

December 31

We end our season with our usually delightful family-friendly pantomime. This year’s selection is Beauty and the Beast by Ben Crocker at the Station Theatre, 53 Victoria Ave.

New Year's Eve w/Turpin's Trail 7:00pm - 1:00am The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com

December 13 - 16

Smiths Falls Community Theatre

Info: 613-283-0300 or www.smithsfallstheatre.com

REGIONAL December 15 Pancake Breakfast with Santa 8:30am - 11:00am Centennial Hall 152 Church St. Franktown

December 16 The Last Bell Christmas Market 10:00am - 4:00pm Middleville Community Centre 4203 Wolf Grove Rd., Lanark degrandmont_30@hotmail. com 613-697-7372

www.smithsfalls.ca OntheRollSmithsFalls

Christmas in Carleton Place Carleton Place - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca The halls are decked, or at least on their way; the parades have started, and streets are alight with holiday twinkle lights. In downtown Carleton Place there are 17,000 lights and the festivities are all underway.

The parade has travelled down Bridge Street and re-affirmed its place as the best holiday parade in the valley. The theme of 2018 was “Christmas Carols” and lights and music filled the spectator-lined streets for nearly an hour of festive fun. Santa and Mrs. Claus have had breakfast with the Carleton Place high school band and the holiday shopping kick off “All Wrapped Up” has come and gone.

Carleton Place does love the holidays. With over a month of festive fun each year there is hardly a dull moment between mid November until the end of December. It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy a stay-cation in Carleton Place and let this bustling little valley town fill you with holiday cheer. With so much having passed already one might ask what fun could be left?

It’s the reason for the season, and in Carleton Place the opportunities to give generously and support the community are in full focus. There are familiar campaigns, the Angel Tree for Seniors, the Christmas Hut, Christmas Basket program and the Carleton Place Community Christmas dinner. The Angel Tree for Seniors has been providing gifts to seniors throughout Lanark County since 2014. The program partners with Primary Care Outreach and local nursing homes to give gifts to local seniors who are alone this holiday season or just in need of a smile.

To participate you can sign up online or pick

up an Angel at Carleton Place Canadian Tire. The Christmas Hut is entering its third year in Carleton Place at 355 Moffatt Street. This annual fundraiser for the Lanark County Food Bank is a Christmas shop for the kids. Bring your child 3-12yrs of age to the hut where they can “go behind the curtain” and choose a gift from hundreds of donated treasures to give to a loved one. Volunteers will help your child pick a gift and wrap it. The cost is a donated food item per gift. Follow their page on Facebook (facebook. com/kidschristmashut/) for hours of operation! The Carleton Place Christmas Basket program is a local institution, supporting families in the K7C area.

Each basket contains a pancake breakfast, and a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. In addition, the Angel Tree Program that is affiliated with Carleton Place Christmas Basket ensures that local children receive gifts for Christmas. For residents who might be facing the holidays alone or without the means to provide a festive feast, all are welcome at the Carleton Place Community Christmas Dinner at the Carleton Place Legion on Christmas day from 11am-4pm. Since 2006, this event has provided meals, companionship and festive gifts and entertainment to hundreds. With stockings, food, live music and a visit from Santa, this is a holiday tradition that delights both volunteers and attendees alike.

Speaking of traditions, what would the holidays be without a visit from Jolly Old St Nick? There are many opportunities to see Santa throughout December. Some notable Carleton Place visits are December 1st at the Queens Crafters and

Antique Market as part of the Granary’s annual Chocolate party from 1-3pm. On December 8th from 10am-2pm join the Carleton Place Civitan and Santa himself and build some toys at Santa’s Workshop in the Arena Upper Hall. Finally, December 15th Santa will be visiting Mitchell’s – Your Independent Grocer from 10am-2pm in the community room upstairs. Enjoy gingerbread cookie decorating and hot chocolate with your visit.

If you’re still looking to get festive, look no further than Carleton Place. Obviously having a Christmas Tree Farm in town is a plus when stepping up your festive game but why stop there?

Go tobogganing with the kids, go cross country skiing through town on the newly opened Carleton Crossing trail, go public skating or take in one of the many craft shows happening at Carambeck Community Centre, local school gym or Arena. There are hockey games, performances at Town Hall by the Mississippi Mudds (December 7th, 8th and 9th) and of course music! The CP Town Singers are performing “Winter’s Gifts” at All Nations Church on December 2nd and 4th at 7pm, The Bowes Brothers “Home for Christmas” concert takes place at the arena on December 2nd and on December 20th Julia’s school of music presents their Winter Recital at Town Hall. Not only are the streets aglow and decked out in their holiday greenery finest, every store front is equally adorned. With ample free parking, ambience and unique gift ideas, not to mention some of the best spots in the area to grab a bite and a cocktail, Carleton Place should surely top your holiday destination list.

December 2018

11

community

Rideau St. Lawrence hockey team sees international action this January

Photo submitted

Regional - Stacey Roy editorial@pdgmedia.ca Be it facing off against a team from Finland or racing towards the net during the International Silver Stick Hockey tournament in America, four Smiths Falls hockey players and the rest of the Rideau St.Lawrence Kings team will be carving out lifelong memories on the ice this January.

The competitive team will be inviting peers from Finland to their home ice on January 4, 2019. The boys said they are excited for their first experience playing against European athletes.

“That sets us up for Silver Stick,” said Noah Cyr, a player from Smiths Falls.

Cyr and fellow Smiths Falls and Rideau St.Lawrence Kings players Mac Spinelli, Kyle Dagg and Ty Storie have been carpooling down the highway between Smiths Falls and Cardinal for years now as part of their team experience. This January the trip will take them nine hours down the road to Port Huron, Michigan for the 57th annual International Silver Stick Finals. The boys earned an invitation to the Jan. 24-26 tournament by capturing the top spot in a regional play down held

Nov. 24-25 in Pembroke.

“It could have gone any way,” Dagg said.

The game had both teams racing back and forth between the boards all night for supremacy leaving the Kings on top with a 2-1 victory over the Mississauga Terriers after an over-time shot made

by Cyr. Dagg passed the puck off to Cyr who made the final goal ending the November game. Cyr said that moment was a rush of many emotions.

“We wanted to go backto-back [at Silver Stick] and we had to fight for it this time,” Cyr said.

The Rideau St. Lawrence

Kyle Dagg sends the puck soaring down the ice, while fellow Rideau St. Lawrence Kings teammate Mac Spinelli skates by Dec. 3 at their Smiths Falls practice. The regional team has earned a spot in the International Silver Stick tournament in Port Huron, Michigan, in January 2019.

Photo credit: Stacey Roy.

Kings took part in the New Market Silver Stick competition last year, but lost out in the semi-finals during over-time. They are keen to take part in the larger Silver Stick competition in Port Huron, Michigan, this January, saying they feel strong.

“This year we have a little bit of experience,” Spinelli said, pointing to the 2018 New Market tournament.

Each team is guaranteed three games during the tournament, which they must win to reach the

From left to right: Smiths Falls Boys, Kyle Dagg, Mac Spinelli and Noah Cyr sit in the change room at the Smiths Falls Youth Arena for a Dec. 3 practice. Missing is Ty Storie. Photo credit: Stacey Roy.

quarter finals, semi-finals and final game.

“We’re excited and we’re ready,” Cyr said.

Their Major Bantam AA league includes a handful of American border teams, but Cyr said the Silver Stick is special as it welcomes the best of the best to the ice where they are sure to meet new faces and new styles of play.

The team won’t likely have family by its side, but the love and cheers from

this support network is strongly felt by team members who had the opportunity Dec. 1 to play for family in Smiths Falls. The boys thank their parents for their commitment to traveling 600 km a week to get them to practice, and their coaches Terry Gray and Gord Schultz for the guidance that has led them to better seasons each year.

The International Silver Stick began Feb. 6, 1958 in Richmond, Ontario.

Noah Cyr skates the puck down the ice during a Dec. 3 practice at the Smiths Falls Youth Arena.

Cyr scored the over time goal in the regional play off game in Pembroke to win the finals and secure the Rideau St. Lawrence Kings place in the International Silver Stick tournament Jan. 2426. Photo credit: Stacey Roy.

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December 2018

12

community

opinion: Am I the only one?

School Boards

Support your frontline, that’s just good business.

I hope the 72 school boards in Ontario figure out soon that it’s the schools that need the money and resources, not the obscene amount of administrative office buildings full of staff that never see a kid’s face in a day. School boards have taken all the fun out of teaching.

Enough of the online tools, enough of the forms!

Forget the make work projects, new rules and protocols. Make forms easier--not harder and supplies a cinch to get. Encourage fields trips and special activities and squash the 28-

Carrie Wynne

page document that needs to be filled out before they can go.

We send our kids to school trusting that they will learn, have fun and be safe. Unfortunately, nowadays every school has a drawer full of pills. Where’s the nurse? Every school has delinquent kids, where’s the security guards? Every school is filled with anxious and depressed kids, where’s the counsellor? Every school has neglected children, where’s the social worker? Every school has underdeveloped and special needs kids. Where’s the resource teachers and teaching assistants? Our teachers are the front line in the trenches dealing with all these problems with limited resources and rights.

The annual Ontario budget for education is $23 Billion dollars. Show us the money and put it back into the building where the kids are.

Then there is the Education Quality and Accountability Office, (EQAO) an independent agency that creates and administers large-scale assessments to

measure Ontario students 'reading writing and math skills. Don’t regular tests, exams and standardized curriculum cover all that?

Am I the Only One? EQAO testing is a disaster in the city. The results are published in the newspaper and suddenly people think their school is below average, our kids aren’t smart, and our teachers aren’t doing their jobs. None of it is true. EQAO has 10 board of directors with an annual cost to Ontario taxpayers of $32 million dollars. Does this help the public education system or is it just another gigantic waste of money? All it did in the city was create a lot of animosity, comparison and unwarranted gloating.

Supply teachers are in high demand. Teachers are taking more sick days and I can certainly understand the burn out from stress and frustration. We all know what happens on a day when the supply teacher comes in. Not much learning is going on that day either.

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December 2018

13

lifestyle Smiths Falls has the potential to create global change with cannabis Smiths Falls - Stacey Roy editorial@pdgmedia.ca In the mid-1800s Smiths Falls was at the centre of the agricultural revolution thanks to Frost and Woods, but Nate Morris, founder of William Bond Ai sees the town at the edge of a greater revolution if we dare to take a leap of faith.

“I sincerely believe that our wild hemp has the potential to save the world”, Morris said to a robust crowd Nov. 22 at the Smiths Falls and District Historical Society’s final speaker series presentation held at the Memorial Community Centre.

Morris has been interested in the abilities of the cannabis plant since he grew his first seedling as a 12 year old boy from Toronto. Since then he has dedicated his professional life to analyzing the chemical components of cannabis to see what it can do, but he isn’t the first one to see this potential.

Between 1801 and 1823 the British government sent veterans to Canada under the auspices of the Upper Canada Hemp Program (UCHP). This program was meant to seed strong hemp varieties in industrial-sized quantities for the use of the British military. Back then, hemp was valued mostly for its strong fibres and used for everything on a military war ships except the wooden blanks. With a need to replace the hemp materials every couple of years, the British were concerned there would be a hemp shortage, which would put their military at risk, so 20 years before the threat was expected to happen the British invested heavily in their hemp crops in the new world.

“That’s what it takes in order to run an empire”, Morris said.

This effort failed due to a lack of farmers in Canada at the time, the lack of farm equipment able to process the thick hemp fibres and a lack of political will since the shortage never happened in the end.

What this program left Ontario with is an incredible amount of wild hemp growing along the fence lines of many farms and in fields.Once the UCHP ended, farmers used the wild hemp as a wind break to protect their crops, but Morris sees greater value in these plants that reseed themselves.

“The potential to really make a dent in the climate crisis is real. This could work”, Morris said.

Hemp can be used for clothing, a feed for animals and as fuel to power a plant for renewable energy. it is this last idea that Morris feels could significantly reduce the damage caused by carbon monoxide (CO2), which is causing global warming and heating up the planet. Hemp like other plants absorbs CO2 in the atmosphere and captures it until it dies or is burned up. Once it is burned for energy Morris envisions the plant would recapture the CO2 and inprison it in hemp crete (lime product) or in salt fields for 100 years. Such a plan would require multiple energy plants around the country and the government acting as the British did and subsidizing the effort.

Morris said what he is talking about is “basically breathing life into the UCHP”.

Using hemp in this way would require a lot of plants to be seeded. Morris sees it growing on the highway in the medians, along fences and literally anywhere land isn’t being used.

Using cannabis on a large scale isn’t impossible.

Australia has taken a page

from the ancestral British and is actively using hemp as a building material in their construction industry. According to a Sept. 25, 2014 article published in The Guardian, the Science Museum built a three-storey archival store using hemp back in 2012 and have found it resists fire and decay when treated with lime. The article pointed to research that showed construction materials account for 50 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Morris would like to see Smiths Falls as a showcase community for how cannabis and hemp can be used to save our planet by using it in construction, roads, energy production, etc.

“People need to see it”, Morris later added. “We should have corn mazes with wild hemp”.

He applauds the work of Tweed to bring about medical discoveries using cannabis, adding this work is part of how Smiths Falls will once again bring a revolution of thinking to the world.

“I’m super proud to be here”, Morris later added.

“We’re helping more people than almost anywhere”.

“A place like Smiths Falls is genuinely special”, Morris said.

Morris moved to town a year-and-a-half ago. Bill Dobson, president of the historical society thanked Morris for his innovative comments Nov. 22, which brought out a record crowd, and his passion for the community. He pointed out that one of the first steps to making such enormous change in society is education, which is exactly what the Nov. 22 talk aimed to do, and expressed his interest in seeing a repeat of Morris’ presentation at the county level.

The historical society speakers series will begin its 2019 session in March.

Nate Morris is founder of William Bonds Ai whose headquarters is in downtown Smiths Falls.

This company uses artificial intelligence to determine the best variety of cannabis for each patient to use that will give them the best quality of life. He was the finale speaker Nov. 22 for the Smiths Falls and District Historical Society’s 2018 speakers series bringing in the largest crowd the organization has seen for such an event. Photo credit: Stacey Roy.

613-283-5556 Health Matters Holiday Stress ‘’Are you ready for the holiday season?’’ The question itself implies the stress we all feel during the holiday season; a time supposed to be focused on sharing memories with friends and family can quickly be taken hostage.

If it’s not the hectic schedule derailing exercise or the treats and heavy meals overloading you with calories, it’s the stress of guilt, finances, and sometimes exposure to stressful relationships that can throw you into a holiday tailspin and make you quickly forget about the meaning of Christmas.

This can leave us ending the year feeling exhausted and regretful.

Most typically, there are three key areas that will cause you holiday turmoil: Reduced physical activity or exercise schedules, overindulgence, and stressful situations. If you can manage even small parts on this list, you are sure to feel more grateful come Boxing Day. Keep Fit This Season Make an exercise plan that takes into account your holiday schedule.

Plan around dinners, parties and shopping and ensure you are making time for the gym, for a run, or to enjoy your regular yoga practice.

Take note of what derails you from exercise normally and tackle it with vigor.

If it’s late nights at work, try morning workouts for a few weeks. If it’s spontaneous invites out for dinner with friends, stick to your guns and decline when needed.

Use a fitness tracker to show you if your activity level is decreasing from your average. That way you can make changes immediately.

Be sure to add more seasonal activities to your recreation list this year. Sports such as skiing, snowshoeing and skating are loads of fun and an easy way to burn some energy off.

Be sure to keep a gym bag in your car. That way you have workout gear handy when you are travelling to visit family.

Eat Right This Season The season is filled with moments to indulge. The key is to pick your moments. Don’t sloth your way through a high calorie graze for three weeks, but rather pick your holiday favorites to enjoy.

Hydration is key. Not only does hydrating reduce your appetite and interest in snacking, it also helps your body process all that extra caffeine and alcohol during the season.

Never skip meals, as this will lead to overeating later.

Limit the number of holiday cocktails you consume, as these tend to be high in calories. Whenever you are at a holiday party, enjoy one of your favorite cocktails and then switch to lower calorie drinks such as wine, light beer or even sparkling water.

At calorie heavy dinners, eat your veggies first to ensure you get the nutrients, and are less likely to fill up on richer foods.

Dr. Robert Rodine

Reduce Stress This Season Set a budget for purchasing gifts and stick to it. Be realistic and don’t waiver.

Remember that most people appreciate gestures rather than consumer obligation, and generosity doesn’t have to come with a price tag. Small efforts and creativity, like thank you cards, compliments, a surprise cup of coffee or helping a neighbor shovel their driveway, often mean more to the receiver than a fancy gift.

Plan your shopping ahead of time so you can quickly navigate the retail arena, and well before the 24th!

Be sure to set your limits for entertaining and for attending events. Essentially, prioritize your yeses to reduce holiday exhaustion.

Lastly, show gratitude whenever you can.

I hope these tips help you this season, and empower you to keep the holidays on point. Merry Christmas, happy holidays and may you ring in the new year with renewed energy and purpose.

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

l l a r o f p o h s p o t s e n o r u o Y ! s d e e n g n i t s o h y holida

December 2018

15

lifestyle

Food Drink & Dairy Distillery Brian Preston

Column: Beer Wine & Spirits

brianpreston@hotmail.com I've had some weird and wonderful distilled products in my lifetime such as African Marula, a tree fruit which, when it ripens and falls to the ground, ferments. The elephants and monkeys love it as they wobble around in a drunken stupor after eating it. To find this micro-distillery in our backyard in Almonte was a surprise find! Almonte is becoming quite a destination for foodies as I've already written in this paper about Hummingbird Chocolate and Equator Coffee which are just around the corner, and now this new distillery owned and operated

by Omid McDonald and Neal McCarten is the talk of the town. Dairy Distillery produces Vodkow and is at 34 Industrial Avenue in Almonte. Further contact information: 613-2566136, info@dairydistillery. com.

Neal McCarten, Director of Operations, spent his childhood summers on a dairy farm and knew that milk solids were being dumped by the industry.

When making ultrafiltered milk, a sugar-rich liquid (milk permeate) is produced, and they had the idea that if they could distill this into a drinkable product, it would be good for the Canadian dairy industry, especially during the current NAFTA negotiations, and it would also be good for the environment.

They set up their company by clinching a contract with Parmalat in Winchester (a Canadian subsidiary of this multi-national corporation which, by the way, just clinched a $1.62 billion deal to buy Kraft's natural cheese business which includes brands like Cracker Barrel, P’tit Quebec and aMOOza) for Ontario milk per-

Photo credit:Facebook

meate. The yeast they selected consumes all the lactose and converts the sugars to make this beautiful vodka, so don't worry if you are lactose intolerant. "The yeast will convert the lactose into their basic sugars and then consume them. So there is absolutely no lactose in the final product," Omid said.

First they had to come up with the proper yeast to ferment the milk permeate base. Working with a biologist at the University of Ottawa, they came up with a perfected process creating an unbelievably smooth spirit. After about 8 trial batches using 20 people in blind tastings, 16 out of the 20 preferred this recipe and they came up with the name Vodkow which they sell in what fittingly looks like milk bottles! Once they settled on the recipe and process, they ramped up production, producing 94 percent pure alcohol which is diluted to 40% alcohol by volume using Lanark Pure Springs water. They can’t legally use the term 'vodka' in Ontario because that is restricted to alcohol made from grains or vegetables.

I couldn't believe the clarity of the product and just how smoooo-th it was with a sweet, fruity, creamy nose. Even the aroma was mellow. As well, it didn't kick back with any alcohol burn that you would expect from taking vodka neat. On the palate and the finish it was unbelievably, dare I say, creamy and mouth-filling and only after was there a nice warming heat. On my second sip there was a sweet caramel and chocolate-like finish. Omid did say, "It is a smooth experience that you could mix with your favourite cocktails such as White Russian or a Chocolate Martini." And this is the only vodka that I would drink neat like a nice single malt!

And did I mention their own unique craft distillery building? It is a union of agricultural and contemporary design with a 30 foot pitched roof supported by gorgeous Douglas Fir timbers that create a stunning workspace where German-made copper Christian Carl stills are proudly displayed in an all glass front facade.

Consistent with their environmental mission, the distillery uses the latest conservation technology including radiant floors, heat exchangers and water reclamation. "We hope that more people will start making use of Ontario milk permeate, which is currently being wasted. So we will see it as a positive thing if other dairy farmers and distillers follow suit." To my knowledge, there is only one British company listed on LCBO doing this and I am not aware of another Canadian company making milk based spirits.

They opened for sales at the distillery in November and will be listed in about 25 LCBO locations next Spring. At full production, they’re hoping for 250,000 bottles a year, priced in the $30 range, creating maybe 15 or 20 full-time jobs.

Another new Canadian product to try! 'Ungava' Canadian Premium Gin, 43.0%abv LCBO#: 374231 $34.95, made in Quebec by Les Spiritueux Ungava The unique colour of this spirit comes from the mix of Arctic sourced botanicals that include cloudberry, labrador tea, rose hip and more. Medium lemon yellow in colour; aromas of juniper, herbal tea, spice and tart fruit; dry and medium-bodied followed by a warm and spicy finish.

(LCBO descriptor) Brian Preston The Travelling Sommelier brianpreston@hotmail.com

Photo credit:Facebook

Neal McCarten and Omid McDonald

Let's Eat

Brian Turner

Axe and Arrow Gastropub; "A New Approach"

Axe and Arrow Gastropub is located in the old Coffee Cuture location at the corner of Beckwith and Russell Streets.

Photo submitted.

Review an eatery without ever stepping foot inside? How can that be done? If you consider that the place in question is the creation of local community supporter and enthusiast Brian Paquette, you’ll find your answer. Brian and his wife Vanessa MacLellan moved to Smiths Falls only 7 years ago, but they’ve both made major and positive marks in this community. For Brian, the Axe and Arrow (located at 2 Russell St E, the former home of Coffee Culture) will be the sixth business enterprise which includes such notables as Café Whim (in the Davidson’s Courtyard at 7 Russell St. W.) and Smiths Falls Gym Fitness Centre (now operating as Zendragon Martial Arts). He brings over 30 years of experience in restaurant kitchens of all types and takes pride in every aspect of his culinary approaches, constantly aiming for a great dining out experience,

whether it’s a breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or anything in between. As he puts it, “you’ve got to have the right food, served in the right atmosphere, by the right people.” As Café Whim has exceeded all attendants’ expectations from day one and now consistently draws visitors from far afield, it’s hard to argue with his methods.

Brian’s plans for the Axe and Arrow menu reflect his current offerings at Café Whim. There will be a wide variety of crafted sandwiches and platters, gourmet burgers, among others, with an international twist on existing pub favourites. Think mouthwatering delights such as duck sliders, tacos, and raw tuna bowls for example, all prepared fresh to order. Brian will continue his strong support of craft beers but will also offer a few popular North American brews to keep fans happy. Being an inventive recycler and re-purposer,

the Axe and Arrow will keep a current take-out counter in place to provide those in a rush with a great alternative to mass-market fast food that they can enjoy at work or home. Being named a pub, the bar will be a focal point of the large space and will be built using some heritage lumber from an area 150-year-old home. An extremely large farmhouse style community table will serve as a place for new friends to become acquainted. And for live music entertainment lovers there will be a combo corner to add just the right atmosphere.

Brian looks at what he’s done at Davidson’s Courtyard and at the Axe and Arrow as part of a revitalization of the Russell Street village, which he considers to be the heart of downtown Smiths Falls.

He’s noticed a trend in day visitors from all over Eastern Ontario benefitting not only his businesses but the entire community. He’s overwhelmed at the amount of support he’s received from all corners including facility upgrade grants, a loyal customer base, and the large number of youth who attend his martial arts school and their families.

The Axe and Arrow Gastropub will be open for breakfast lunch and dinner with exact times to be announced and Brian expects to cut the ribbon in early December. You can check out their progress and drool over upcoming menu items at their Facebook page titled Axe & Arrow Gastropub. See you there!

December 2018

16

lifestyle

The CP Holiday Train visits Smiths Falls and Perth Regional - Kathy Botham editorial@pdgmedia.ca

The CP Holiday Train started in 1999 and is entering its 20th year. Each year, the crowd grows with anticipation of the decorated train and the entertainers on board on Wednesday November 28.

The CP Holiday Train travels across Canada and the US supporting local Food Banks. Since 1999, more than 14.5 million dollars has been raised and 4.3 million pounds of food collected.

Food and donations were collected by the Smiths Falls Fire Department and members of our Smiths Falls Community Food Bank.

One of the entertainers

on the Holiday Train was Terri Clark, a 3 time Juno Award winner, 5 time winner of CCMA Female Vocalist of the year, CCMA Hall of Fame member and so much more. Kelly Prescott a third generation singer and songwriter and Sierra Noble a singer, songwriter and fiddle player performed as well.

Santa Claus and members of the Smiths Falls Fire Department met with children and families as the lit train pulled away from the Station Theatre heading to its next destination in Perth.

Top and bottom right photos by Chris Uhlig.

Bottom left photo by Kathy Botham

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