Lanark, North Leeds & Grenville - Hometown News November 2019

Groceries Produce Fresh Flowers

Vol. 6

Fresh Deli Fresh Fish

No. 11

Bakery Salad Bar

Smiths Falls

Butcher’s Counter

YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER - LANARK, NORTH LEEDS & GRENVILLE

see our full inventory online @ SMITHSFALLSHYUNDAI.COM

NOVEMBER 2019

Cascading Poppy Wall at the Perth Great War Memorial Hospital

For the first time the Great War Memorial Hospital of Perth has a Cascading Poppy Wall on display from October 25 until November 11 in honour of Remembrance Day. Hometown News spoke with Great War Memorial Hospital of Perth District Foundation’s Margot Hallam on what inspired the project.

“I saw an example of one when I was in Calgary last year and thought that it would be great to create one in Perth,” Hallam said. “In January of this year, I put the ask out to the Community for help in knitting/crocheting poppies for a Remembrance Day project. The response was amazing.” The Cascading Poppy Wall was made possible by more than 70 volunteer knitters to produce a total of 7300 poppies involving more than 4800 hours of labour. Hallam would like to thank the Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command and the GWM site of the Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital for their permission and support of this project. Two additional banners will be placed alongside the poppies for the Remembrance Day ceremony.

Photo credit: Emilie Must.

Carleton Place’s veteran banners; Providing cause for remembrance Carleton Place - Brian Turner editorial@pd gmedia.ca If you suspect there are more Veterans’ Banners hanging from Carleton Place’s street lamps this Remembrance season, you’d be correct. There are 24 more to be exact, according to the local Legion’s proj-

FIND US ONLINE

ect head Linda Pond, bringing the total this year to 68. It’s a project Branch 192 began just 3 years ago, and thanks to collaboration with the town, it shows no sign of slowing down. Pond tells Hometown News that the idea blossomed in Ontario after Hanover Vet Chris Taibinger saw his first one in New Bruns-

Facebook/HometownnewsPerth

wick. He discussed the possibility of producing the banners (which contain a photo and name of a Canadian veteran, their theatre of service, and the name(s) of their sponsor) to his employer, OnePromo, a printing and promotion firm. continues on page 20

Photo credit: Brian Turner

Facebook/HometownnewsCarletonPlace

Facebook/HometownnewsSmithsFalls

A.C. Towing 613-284-3465 Owned & Operated By:

24/7 Service Local & Long Distance Lockouts Boosts

Ogilvie's Telephone: 613-283-7444

www.Hometownnews.ca

November 2019

2

Page Two

Cartoon by Patrick Labelle

ALMONTE

PAKENHAM

Cenotaph beside the Almonte Old Town Hall on Bridge Street - 2:00pm

Cenotaph, Public School County Road 29 - 10:45am

BECKWITH

Great War Memorial Hospital, Drummond St - 10:45am

Cenotaph - Memorial Park 37 Franklin Street - 10:45am

KEMPTVILLE 100 Rueben Crescent | RC Legion Br 212 - 10:30am

MERRICKVILLE Merrickville Cenotaph St. Lawrence Street- 11:00am

NEWBORO Newboro War Memorial, County Road 42- 12:00pm

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 231, 2314 Harlem Road - 10:45am

SMITHS FALLS Smiths Falls War Memorial, 41 Canal Street - 11:00am

WESTPORT Lockwood Memorial Field, 31 Spring Street - 11:00am

Photo taken on the battle field in France between 1917 and 1918 shows several members of the Canadian Medical Corps including Perth native (left) Sergeant P.J. McParlan. Sgt. McParlan was the man responsible for designing and maintaining the Legion ‘Crest” on the banks of the Tay Basin near Gore Street. Also pictured are Corporal T.Monday, Captain D.R. Wark A.M.C and Private H.E. Fletcher. Photo: Shirley Brousseau (McParlan). Photo credit: www.perthremembered.com

The details listed here are for the Remembrance Day ceremonies only. For more information on other Remembrance day events see our events around the region pages or visit your community’s website.

H.M.C.S. Lanark, the frigate which was named for the Town of Perth, lowered her ensign for the last time on Oct. 24th, at Shelbourne, N.S. and was decommissioned after fifteen months service with the Royal Canadian Navy. The Secretary of the Naval Board, Ottawa, has written in appreciation of the way in which citizens of the Town of Perth have provided comforts for men serving in their ship, and offering the Lanark’s bell, accompanied by a presentation scroll, as a memento of the association of the town with the ship. Photo credit: www.perthremembered.com

PART OF THE DISCOVER COMMUNTIY NETWORK

CARLETON PLACE

PORTLAND

Hometownnews

1319 9th Line, Cenotaph, Beckwith Park - 1:00pm

PERTH

Publisher

Photography

Patricia Krotki pmkrotki@pdgmedia.ca

Kathy Botham

Editor

advertising@pdgmedia.ca

editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Sales

Reporters

Scott Semple scott@pdgmedia.ca

Kathy Botham Sally Smith Sarah Cavanagh Chris Must Janelle Labelle Brian Turner Emilie Must John Kessel

PDG Media 613-206-0708

Advertising:

Angela Tyhy angela@pdgmedia.ca

Submissions editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Got an Event events@pdgmedia.ca

1 Chambers Street, Smiths Falls contactus@pdgmedia.ca

3

November 2019

community Borrow a meter, get house tested for radon

november is lung cancer awareness month around here if you need a professional consultation. He’s been educating homebuyers and homebuilders for 13 years since Health Canada lowered the acceptable level of radon in a house from 800 Bq/m3 to 200 Bq/ m3. If needed, Mahoney will install a ”sub-slab depressurization system” in your house. This “radon mitigation system sucks radon out of the ground so the house can’t suck it in.” On average, a system costs $2,680.

He suggests if you want more information on what radon does to human bodies to watch this 12 minute YouTube TED Talk on radon and DNA — https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=tHoITOI1d8k.

Mahoney says Smiths Falls is in a “low grade uranium belt. I don’t see really high radon numbers; at most, they could go as high as 1200 Bq/ m3.” In Kanata, however, he sees them as high as, or higher than, 20,000 Bq/m3.

Mahoney is all for education; he doesn’t charge for a free consultation often spending a halfhour with customers.

“It’s all about sharing knowledge.” He adds that customers can frequently mitigate the problem themselves, if handy.

And he agrees that the first step is borrowing or buying a monitor to get the numbers. “Monitors put the homeowner in charge.”

Under the ‘For Homeowners’ section on The Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARST) website — www.carst.ca — homeowners can find out what questions to ask

LANARK--FRONTENAC--KINGSTON

“everywhere. It’s part of life.” Health Canada calls it a radioactive, colourless, odourless gas that’s emitted when uranium breaks down in soil, rock or water.

Accumulation often occurs in lower levels of homes, especially where basements are unfinished and built on bedrock; but it can be found anywhere.

And the only way to know if there is radon gas in your home is to test for it. At REAL there are now four radon meters available to borrow. A homeowner takes one for two weeks, chooses two different spots to test over the 14-day period, reads the figures every day and decides if there’s a problem. There’s a problem, according to Health Canada guidelines, if there is more than 200 becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m3) in your home; if between 200 and 600, take action within two years. If greater than 600, do something soon.

REAL’s stats show that six of the 47 meters rented came back over 200 Bq/m3; so a little over 12 percent of homes topped out over the accepted level. Other REAL information says nearly 20 percent of homes tested in the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit area were over 200 Bq/m3. It gets in through cracks or joints in foundation walls and floor slabs, dirt floors, spaces around pipes and posts, floor drains and sump pump holes, ventilation systems, window casements, cavities inside walls, and well water.

Health Canada also says there can be large variations within the home, so long-term testing is recommended. If radon is detected there are some steps you can take to reduce the level: Ventilate the basement sub-flooring by installing a small pump to draw the radon from below the concrete slab to the outside; Increase mechanical ventilation by a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) to allow an exchange of air; Seal all cracks and openings in foundation walls, floors, around pipes and drains.

Rob Mahoney of Radon Works (radonworks. com) is the person to call

SCOTT REID, MP

Smiths Falls - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca It’s like a science fiction movie — creepy, silent, pervasive — out of sight (and out of mind) but always there.

Think of Jaws — the shark lurking beneath the swimmer; it’s there. You just don’t know when it will attack.

Radon gas is like that.

There are spots in the area which test relatively high for the insidious gas. Cheryl Beckett found out when she tested three houses for its presence — her cousin’s in Greeley, her own in Smiths Falls, and her cottage in Tay Valley. The two in Smiths Falls and Tay Valley tested relatively low with readings between 40 and 48. “There were no issues in these houses,” she said.

But her cousin’s in Greeley tested between 400 and 500.

Those readings made Beckett wonder if there wasn’t a connection between radon and her cousin’s recent diagnosis of lung cancer. She had never smoked.

Beckett scratches her head a bit. She’d never heard of radon gas and was truly surprised when she started reading about it. “I’m surprised there’s not more awareness,” she adds. “It’s easy to check (she bought two detectors), and fixable.” Because we’re situated on the edge of the Canadian Shield where there could be more exposure to the gas, “there should be more awareness,” she reiterates. “There could be long term consequences if people aren’t aware…”

Long exposure to radon gas causes serious health problems. The gas breaks down to form radioactive elements that can be inhaled into the lungs; inside the lungs, radioactive particles release small bursts of energy which are absorbed by lung tissue, damaging the lung cells. When cells are damaged there is a potential to result in cancer when they reproduce.

A further big risk is if the homeowner is a smoker; tobacco and exposure to radon greatly increase the risk of lung cancer.

Katie Hoffman, president of Rideau Environmental Action League (REAL) says radon is

and how to reduce radon in the home, among other things.

To borrow radon meters from REAL, call Hoffman at 613-983-3360 or email her at kthoffman@cogeco.ca. She says already there’s a waiting list but with four meters the wait isn’t too long. Be prepared to hand over a security cheque for $300 which will be held until the meter’s returned in good condition.

And the Leeds Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit has organized a radon information event for November 21. For when and where, call them at 613-2832740.

For even more information, go to canada.ca/ radon.

Katie Hoffman will put you on the list to rent a radon meter.

Photo credit: Sally Smith.

Scott Reid wins another term Regional - Brian Turner editorial@pdgmedia.ca While the Liberals were counting some losses after Monday Oct 21st’s election, in our region, Conservative incumbent Scott Reid sailed to another easy victory winning by a two-to-one margin over his closest competitor, Liberal candidate Kayley Kennedy. Reid took a commanding early lead in the evening’s count and ended with 48.3% of the ballots cast. This was Reid’s 7th consecutive win, having entered parliament in 2000. Reid has garnered strong support in the riding of Lanark Frontenac Kingston in part due to his policy of polling his constituents on major issues via mail-in referenda. He also has donated dozens

of automatic defibrillator units to communities in his riding as well as making a name for himself as extremely knowledgeable in federalism, our constitution and parliamentary reform.

During the campaign’s doorstep visitations and candidate debates and meetings, Reid noted that the two major issues he heard about the most were rural internet connectivity (or rather the lack thereof) and affordability. But the latter concern involved both sides of the equation; on the part of residents and the government. Reid noted he heard from plenty of constituents who couldn’t comprehend how certain parties planned on paying for all their promises of new spending if elected.

THANK YOU!

I want to thank the voters in the electoral district of Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston for giving me a seventh mandate to serve as their representative in the House of Commons.

The election campaign is over and, for the 338 MPs elected to the 43rd Parliament, the business of governing the nation now begins. With each new election, all MPs---both new and old---have to be prepared to adjust to changes in government and changes in the political issues that dominate the news. Representing all residents of this riding, regardless of how they voted in the election, will be my top priority in the coming months.

From Kingston in the south end of this riding to Pakenham in the north, I hope you will always feel my door is open, and that you will always be aware that my staff is eager to help you with any government issue.

Sincerely, Scott Reid

1-866-277-1577

mp@scottreid.ca  www.scottreid.ca

When Hometown News asked for Reid’s opinion on his local competition, he remarked that all of the candidates were very good. He noted he said so publicly at several all-candidate events and even praised the aspects of their platforms that made sense and would be good for Canadians.

He wasn’t surprised that the younger candidates, such as Kennedy and the NDP’s Satinka Schilling did well, as his own party leader Andrew Scheer was first elected to parliament at the age of 24.

When asked if this campaign was harder or easier than the last in 2015, he replied ‘much easier’ as there was no blowback against Stephen Harper as there had been during that election.

4

November 2019

community

Perth council to defer decision to close Last Duel Park campground Perth - Emilie Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca

GENERAL CONTACTORS, CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS AND DESIGN BUILDERS

Bourgon Construction is proud to be undertaking the revitalization of Smiths Falls’ historic Town Hall. We are looking for local construction professionals interested in working on this project, and others in the region. If you are an experienced carpenter, general foreman, lead hand or general labourer, please see rjbourgon.com/careers/ for details.

rjbourgon.com

“Ok folks, you have a lifeline, you have until February,” Mayor John Fenik said at a Perth council meeting on Oct. 22.

Council decided not to make a final decision on the future of the Last Duel Park campground until a meeting in February of next year.

Deputy Mayor Ed McPherson moved a motion to defer the decision.

“It’s a park that’s run on a shoestring budget for 30 years,” Deputy Mayor Ed McPherson said. “Leave the campground in its current state for at least a year. We’re right in the middle of a master recreation study.”

Last Duel Park has “never been properly supported by the town,” McPherson said. “I always wanted to see the trailers moved away from the shoreline. It is something a lot of towns don’t have.”

For the last few months, council has heard from several delegates on how to solve some of the issues surrounding the campground. However, staff reports recommend the campground be closed.

“One (security) person is a dangerous situation

in a campground that’s not secure,” Fenik said. “[There’s] no upside to maintaining a municipal campground. It should be a public green space and be a place to picnic and enjoy.”

Since the 2016 season there have been numerous incidents in the parks involving the OPP. “I get the calls. I’ve had it in terms of the corporation providing a municipal campground,” Fenik said. “We see municipalities getting out of this thing for the exact reason we’re seeing here.”

“Staff are threatened by someone in that campground every season. The CAO was verbally threatened,” Fenik said.

Long-time seasonal camper Dale Moore told council that the majority of calls to the OPP are because of weekenders and squatters, not the seasonal campers.

“We have 21 seasonal RVers,” Moore said.

“Come Labour Day weekend it’s quiet, it’s like the cemetery down there, it’s peaceful.”

Staff recommends the town install a security gate in the park to help with trespassing.

On Oct. 22 Rebecca

Worden, a representative from the park, told council, “you’re not there, we’re there.”

“I think it’s time to harness our tourism on the UNESCO site and offer more docks, a picnic spot, hiking trails,” Worden said. “At Last Duel all these opportunities could be shared by the boaters and the townspeople. We need this green space.”

After weeks of discussion, council was still unsure how to proceed and all councillors were in favour of deferring the decision except for Mayor Fenik.

“I believe we don’t continue operating what we are operating there,” Councillor David Bird said. “What we do with it is up for further discussion. We need to make it more available to every member of our community. The front area is used far more by the residents than the campground area.”

“We will still have some staff presence,” Director of community services Shannon Baillon said. “We put up surveillance cameras in the middle of the park and are in conversation with the OPP to continue doing drive throughs.”

SCOTT REID, MP HAS TWO OFFICES TO SERVE YOU! CARLETON PLACE AND PERTH If you require assistance with Service Canada, Canada Revenue Agency, Passports and the Phoenix Pay system, please contact my staff. We are able to provide congratulatory certiicates to mark signiicant milestones in your family.

SCOTT REID, MP

1-866-277-1577 Lanark, Frontenac and Kingston

The entrance to Last Duel Park in Perth on Oct. 27. Perth council voted 6-1 in favour of deferring the decision to close the park. Photo credit: Emilie Must.

For Your Information with Kathy Botham

5

November 2019

community

WE’VE MOVED TO A NEW LOCATION

Carleton Place holds Property Standards committee meeting Carleton Place - Brian Turner editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Trailers & Parts IN EASTERN ONTARIO

New & Used Trailers USED EQUIPMENT

PARTS & ACCESSORIES

SERVICE DEPARTMENT

2181 Tennyson Road, Perth | trailercountry.ca | 613-267-3580

opinion: Am I the only one?

Carrie Wynne

F is for Family

Family is the group of people you see when you peek through your childhood windows. It’s our link to the past. It’s where our story begins.

Whether we like or not we are put into these familiar tribes that are meant to be sacred relationships, yet we’re jerks to each other. Then we get all self-righteous about it. Then you go months, if not years, not talking. Sometimes you can’t even be in the same room. The gap keeps getting bigger and bigger and all over what? Do you even remember? I think it’s a pretty relatable story. No family is immune to these conflicts.

Some broken relationships will stay estranged for obvious reasons, but most family squabbles are petty and about uncontrolled anger and judgment. Conflicts that are due to pride and intolerance.

Don’t spend your last penny on a grudge.

Families should stick together and stand by each other even when our differences may launch us in opposite directions.

Families seem to be modelling the rest of the world which is full of tension and strife. We must guard against anger strongholds, so our careless words don’t slip out and hurt people. Anger never produces good fruit. It’s an emotion that can hijack you.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox, an American author and poet wrote this quote: “There’s one sad truth in life I’ve found while journeying east and west.

The only folks we really wound are those we love the best. We flatter those we scarcely know, we please the fleeting

guest, and deal full many a thoughtless blow to those who love us best.”

Love and acceptance should drive our family relationships. It doesn’t mean that circumstances aren’t difficult but keeping our own anger in check will prevent any type of resentment from building a wall between you and your other family members. It’s futile to insist on our own way or expect everyone to fall in line. Expectations are future resentments.

If you’re waiting for the other person to make the first move toward reconciliation, you’re wrong, even if you’re right.

Grudges are heavy and hard to put down. Some people never experience the joy of surrender. They nurse those wounds until the day they die. Who has that kind of time?

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

On Sept 10th Carleton Place council took the rare step of convening a Property Standards committee meeting to review an appeal submitted by a resident regarding a municipal order to remedy an issue with her home. This committee is comprised of all members of council, the mayor and deputy-mayor. Nicole Pearson (known well in the community as the organizer of the annual Brett Pearson Run for Your Life fundraiser) received a visit at her Arthur St duplex home from the town’s bylaw officer in late 2018. A neighbour had complained to the town that rainwater was running off of Pearson’s home onto their property. The cause identified by town staff was the lack of an eaves trough on one small section of Pearson’s roof. She reports that she has tried numerous times to obtain a contractor to quote on installing an eaves trough on the section in question, but had experienced difficulty due to the close proximity of her home’s electrical service entry to the roof edge involved and the small scope of the job. In order to comply with workers’ safety regulations, the contractors required that the service be disconnected during the installation. This was reported to town staff, according to Pearson, as soon as it became apparent.

After a series of communications between Pearson and town staff (which included dealing with a replacement bylaw officer due to a per-

sonnel change), the town issued an order for Pearson to install the eaves trough. She appealed that order which led to the September committee meeting. There she was permitted to outline her situation and council also heard from the current bylaw officer involved.

Pearson indicated her home was built in 1994 and to her knowledge met building codes in effect at the time. She purchased the property in Dec 2007 and learned that at least 2 other owners had occupied the residence before she moved in. Her first question to the committee was, “why wasn't this an issue before?” The town's response to Hometown News on the issue of codes came from bylaw officer Kurt Fisher who explained that council has the ability to enforce higher standards than Ontario building codes.

Pearson brought up a conversation between herself and town staff in Nov of 2018 where they indicated that the drainage problem was actually caused by her neighbour's property (the complainants) and not hers. Fisher's response to this point was “a condition on a neighbouring property doesn't give someone the right to violate property standards bylaws.”

When asked by Hometown News if the complainants provided any proof of damage to their property caused by Pearson's roof drainage, Fisher's answer was “diverting roof water onto neighbouring properties is a violation of the Property Standards Bylaw regardless of whether or not the water does dam-

age to the property”.

During the committee meeting when Pearson outlined some of the difficult conversations she had with her neighbours over this matter and her position that their roof was directing rainwater onto her own property, Councilor Theresa Fritz asked her why she didn't file her own complaint against them. She replied she was trying to keep the peace. Pearson also noted in her presentation that she asked bylaw staff for their interpretations of specific sections of the bylaw to improve her own understanding but received no reply.

In the end, the committee voted to order Pearson to comply with the order to install an eavestrough and gave her a deadline of Nov 15.

If the work was not completed by that date, the town warned it would obtain its own contractor to do the job and bill Pearson accordingly. She reports she has dealt with 7 different eavestrough firms since the first bylaw officer visit without obtaining a reasonable price or time commitment but she finally has some promise. A company has responded and has been contracted and hopes to have the installation complete by the Nov 15 deadline.

Pearson feels she is being unfairly singled out on this issue as no one can demonstrate that the water coming off one small gable of her home is causing any damage to her neighbour's property and that if the town is set on enforcing this order, they should examine every property in their jurisdiction to see if everyone is in compliance.

Personal and group training available First response & student rates

613-205-1000

STRONGFITSMITHSFALLS.COM

6

November 2019

community

A little lift, a little lightness on December 25

Meet Daphne at the Angel Tree Walk into Dawn’s Closet and find an Angel Tree for Pets. Each year Dawn Quinn decorates a tree for dogs and cats. She hangs up treats, customers make a donation, and take home a pet gift. Money goes to Mel’s Farms, Furry Tales Rescue, Rocky Road Rescue, I Am Alive Dog Rescue in Maitland (near Brockville), and LAWS. The tree goes up November 1. Daphne will be there to greet you.

Dawn Quinn has already started collecting goodies for Christmas gift bag donations to lonely seniors in the area.

Photo credit: Sally Smith.

Smiths Falls - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca She’s not quite as visible as she was just a year ago, but Dawn Quinn is largerthan-life when it comes to Christmas.

One Sunday, seven or eight years ago, while enjoying a quiet pre-church chat, Quinn learned the woman she was speaking to wanted to work every Christmas Day. The explanation was she went to her job at the nursing home to see everyone there received a gift, “to make sure they had something that was theirs.”

Quinn checked it out.

Indeed, there are people in nursing homes, or living on their own, who are left out at Christmas. On that day the idea of Christmas for Lonely Seniors was born, and the first year 60 lonely seniors received a small stocking stuffed with goodies on December 25.

“These are seniors who don’t have a family, or who don’t have a family here,” Quinn explains.

The first year Quinn covered Broadview Retirement Lodge, Rosebridge Manor, Victoria House and Hilltop

Manor.

“Then I heard about others…so I reached out further.”

For the last couple of years, lonely seniors at Shardon Manor, Willowdale Retirement Residence, Lanark County Housing (for seniors living by themselves in Smiths Falls), Lombard Manor and the Rideau Ferry Nursing Home (plus the original four) received small gift parcels — 265 in all.

Quinn goes even further.

She hands out 10 on her own and another 10 go out from volunteers on her ad hoc lonely seniors Christmas committee. Then there’s Eunice, in her 80s, who travels the garage sales all summer. Last year she put together 34 baskets and handed them out. Plus the staff at Tweed, Quinn adds, who were “very generous.

“It makes you feel good.

It gives a little pleasure and happiness.”

Her collecting has already started. She’s set aside a corner of her basement that is quickly filling.

There’s a change-up this year. Instead of stockings, seniors will receive small gift bags. “Stockings are

difficult to get and hard to pack,” Quinn laughs, eyes glinting.

The bags are donated or bought and each bag contains the basic must-haves of socks, gloves, and a hat (even if the senior doesn’t go outside). As well, Quinn makes sure other favours are included — tangerine, candy cane and a couple pieces of chocolate — not a lot (of candy), Quinn says quickly as some have dietary problems.

And she also ensures a box of fresh fruit goes to each home.

If you want to donate, Quinn says ask yourself what you might want — small Kleenexes, hand lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, perfume, after shave, hand soaps, a little ‘bling’, things to do with your hands like puzzles with bigger pieces, or wooden puzzles which are easy to hold and pick up. Wool, knitting needles or small crafts are welcome. Don’t forget puzzle books with bigger print and the always necessary magnifying glasses.

The best thing about each bag, Quinn grins, is the small stuffed toy, “something to hold onto.” She says

small lap covers have been added in the last couple of years and one year someone donated kids’ dollar store binoculars. She scratched her head about that one a bit but realized some of the homes have bird feeders outside and are surrounded by wooded areas; residents got to experience outside through binoculars inside.

Each year Chris Saumure has offered an emp-

ty space to store donations and fill bags. Quinn is not sure yet where that will be.

And last year between 20 and 25 people at the United Church helped with packing stockings and delivering.

If you’re in the collecting mind-set already, call Quinn at (613) 284-2664, check out her Facebook page https://www.facebook. com/dawnsclosetsmithsfalls/ or even drop off donations at Dawn’s Closet,

7 Russell Street W; Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays are the best days. On those days she’s open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If otherwise, give her a call and she’ll set up an appointment.

Here’s a P.S.: If Quinn had her wishes come true it would be that all organizations around Christmas worked together “to join forces rather than duplicating so we’re not stretching ourselves so far.” Something to think about…



  .    

ENT V E E L A S G A T YELLOW B E R 3 0 , 2 0 19

EM SPORTS.COM UNTIL NOV ER W PO H RT PE | H RT PE , #7 613-267-3443 | 17100 HWY

7

November 2019

community

Perth council to decide next steps on Little Tay River

r e b m e v No vents E

#experiencesmithsfalls

November 23rd & 24th

November 8th

Hank Williams Revisited

Watch this authentic tribute with

The centre of the Rocky Ramp includes a main channel, which allows the free flow of water through the rocky ramp and fish passage and is made up of granular material and sands, allowing water to pass through. Photo credit: Emilie Must.

Perth - Emilie Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca The town of Perth has been up in arms this year over one of the local attractions, the Little Tay river.

Council was in agreement that the state of the river had to change as it was affecting the overall appearance of the town. It is still unclear if the construction of the Rocky Ramps in 2015 is the cause of unwanted algae growth and stagnant water. The Rocky Ramps replaced the failing Haggart Island Dams to reduce flooding in Stewart Park while improving fish migration.

“Something has to be done,” Mayor John Fenik said. “What are the options—consult experts, and RVCA and Parks Canada, identify options and costs.

The town is in good financial shape. We have to get it right. Money is not an issue.”

Perth council hosted a public meeting on Oct. 15 to hear ideas from residents

on how to fix the issue.

A representative from Parks Canada was present along with ten delegations.

However, questions addressed to Parks Canada went unanswered, as the representative was only there to observe and take notes.

Perth resident Jeff Lee suggested removing the Rocky Ramps to improve the water flow. Lee told council that in August 2006 there was a high flow in the Little Tay even though the rainfall for that year was average. In august 2019 he tested the water levels again and said that on a wetter than average year, the river had low flow levels.

“People want to see change but there’s opposition to it,” Lee said. “Knowing the circumstances we have, why would we not want to improve it?”

Phil Ratcliffe, 24, of Perth said he witnessed a lot of change in just three summers.

“Garbage is getting caught in the stagnant wa-

ter and will impact property values and tourism,” Ratcliffe said. “A swamp has no place in the centre of Perth.”

Another problem identified at the public meeting was vandalism to the rocks.

Ann Hogan moved to Perth 13 years ago and fell in love with her home beside Stewart Park. “The once-submerged rocks by our building are now being used as graffiti media,” Hogan said. The installation of the rocky ramp “came as a complete surprise. I hope we can work together to restore the Little Tay to its former beauty.”

Council voted in favour of forming a committee for both the Little Tay and Rocky Ramp issues in hopes of creating a comprehensive improvement action plan.

“We have to come out with an action plan from that meeting, there’s really no use for a public meeting.

If we have any ideas for the rocky ramps we should forward them to the experts,” Mayor John Fenik said.

special guest tribute to Ray Price at the Station Theatre.

North Pole Express

Take photos with Santa, ride an authentic caboose and send a Santagram at the RMEO. A-one-of-a-kind Christmas event found only in

smithsfallstheatre.com

Smiths Falls. rmeo.org

November 9th

Christmas Artisan Market

November 27th

One-of-a-kind items hand made by

CP Holiday Train

local artisans and makers at

The CP Holiday Train will set out

SFDCI.

once again to entertain hundreds of

facebook.com/smithsfallsarts

thousands, collect food and raise funds for The Food Bank at the Smiths Falls VIA Rail Station. cpr.ca/holiday-train/canada

November 15th

New Kid in Town - Tribute to the Eagles

Canada's premier tribute to the Eagles is the ultimate experience at the Gallipeau centre.

November 29th & 30th

Photos with Santa

A fun, festive pantomime for young and young at heart playing

gallipeaucentretheatre.com

at the Station Theatre. smithsfallstheatre.ca

November 15th & 16th

Maiden - A Documentary

November 30th

The inspirational film on the 1989

Photos with Santa

all-female crew in the Whitbrand

Get photos with Santa! Donations

Round the World Race at the

will go to local school breakfast

Station Theatre.

programs at Word Church.

smithsfallstheatre.com

wordchurch.ca

www.smithsfalls.ca

TODDLERS, CHILDREN & ADULTS OF ALL AGES WELCOME!

www.kidsworldcp.ca

26 INDUSTRIAL AVENUE, CARLETON PLACE

33 Ferrara Dr., Smiths Falls

optimumhealthclinics.com

613-205-0978

24,000 SQUARE FEET OF FUN! THE LATEST GAMING AND MOVIE VIRTUAL REALITY TECHNOLOGY. FULLY IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERIENCE!

GET 10% OFF UNTIL MARCH 2020 TRAMPOLINE PARK · INDOOR PLAYGROUND · SOFT PLAY · ANIMAL RIDES ARCADES · BIRTHDAY PARTIES · BOWLING ALLEY

HOURS OF OPERATION Monday - CLOSED Tuesday to Thursday 9AM TO 12PM & 3PM - 7PM Friday - 9am - 8pm Saturday - 10AM - 8PM Sunday - 10AM - 7PM

8

November 2019

lifestyle opinion:

Cannabis edibles legal, but few The culture has changed options for local consumers John Kessel

Photo credit: John Kessel.

The culture has changed, even the paranoia surrounding marijuana.

Since legalization a year ago, the question is obviously not “will I get busted,” but will I get ripped off?” Even then, some bold growers display their plants on the front deck or lawn. It’s like a cheer after hiding their plants for too long, saying, “Hey, I grow good s---” In one case, a driver stopped at a RIDE program, answered the requisite question with an emphatic, “No.” He then told the female officer, “But if you let me turn into the next driveway, mine, I will be pouring one and smoking one.” Two minutes later that driver waved at the officers and blew smoke rings. That's bold.

In the past month, I’ve interviewed new and old growers, young and old.

The relief expressed is common, almost as if they were talking in unison. “It’s an herb, it’s medicinal, why have so many thousands been busted and now have criminal records?”

Jeff is a 60-something Smiths Falls grower, only a couple of plants. He suffers from hip and back pain and steeps the marijuana in tea to allow him to sleep. “I can’t afford all the prescriptions I’m on.” He’s worried about being ripped off. He’s medically unfit to work, he says.

It helps his budget.

Believe it or not, you can even call police if you’re been ripped off. You will probably be given an occurrence number unless you have a deer cam that captured the thieves, but even

then, you have to be able to identify the thieves.

A retired OPP officer scoffs at the way Ontario has implemented the marijuana legislation. His cop buddies, he says, know where the grow ops are, but can’t be bothered busting them. Too much hassle. “They even hesitate busting marijuana impaired drivers because of the hoops they have to jump through to get a conviction.

“Another retired officer who has smoked the weed while still on the force calls this province’s regulations “a farse, designed to fail. I can get my stuff for half of what the Ontario store charges.”

A Lanark grower, meanwhile, says “the way the government created the lottery setup for bricks and mortar shops, the amount of money that has to be put up front, is like a lottery win for us.

They’ve made it easy for us to thrive.”

A woman who has never smoked the stuff, upon request from a group of friends managed to score a few joints because they were holding a “girl’s weekend.”

It’s not something the group had ever tried or requested before.

“We had a great time, not like any other of our events.

Some of the girls ended up with their heads on the table, totally blasted,” she laughs.

“Others were mildly giddy.

It was definitely something new. A lot of fun.” Her son grows the stuff, has a medical certificate, but wasn’t the one who gave her the joints.

Some growers have even gone hi-tech, buying machinery that speeds up

the process of making the plant smokable. It’s a drying machine that tumbles the plant, blowing warm air onto it. The plant goes in one end of the tumbler and spills out the other when it’s dry enough to smoke. The owner of one of these driers shares it with friends and neighbours.

Those who grow more plants than the four allowed, fly below the radar. For the longest time, the largest producers of marijuana in the area have been in the Lanark Highlands, historically the land of draft dodgers and hippie communes.

The communes have disappeared and the dodgers are by now Canadian citizens.

The high-volume growers are still there though.

A young native grower bragged he had harvested at least 100 pounds. He didn’t say what he’d do with it, but it is likely to be on the counter of a native smoke shop.

Because there are no Ontario sanctioned brick and mortar shops in the county, something Sean Pankow, the mayor of Smiths Falls says will change soon, likely with Canopy Growth setting up shop. But until then, the Lanark Highlands bounty will sell best here.

It’s less expensive than the stuff from sanctioned shops and the quality’s good – most, like those selling good wine, will even let you try it before purchasing. You can’t do that in an Ontario sanctioned shop.

By the sounds of it, Pankow wants Smiths Falls to be Canada’s marijuana tourist capital.

Those dealers look at Ontario’s foot-dragging on outlets like a lottery. “More for us, at least for a while. And never mind that the sanctioned shops say their stuff is government inspected.

Ours is just as good or better.” It sounds like the competition will last for a while, a long while.

And they guarantee, they will not lose $42 million in the first year of operation.

As the pundits say, Ontario “has to be the worst drug dealer in the world.”

Even with no bricks and mortar shops in Lanark, cannabis is available, even in edibles, which the province says won’t be sanctioned until December. Gummy bears are available at native smoke shops.

My opinion? I think the province should be passing marijuana around to those in control of the stuff.

Maybe they could be a little more inventive. Maybe look at Saskatchewan, which according to a CBC survey, has had none of the problems with supplies or quality.

Regional - Chris Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca The sale of edible cannabis products became legal in Canada as of Oct. 17, but consumers are being advised not to expect to be able to purchase them for another couple of months.

On Oct. 17, exactly a year after cannabis in dried form was legalized for recreational purposes, licensed producers were given the opportunity to begin sending applications to sell edible products to Health Canada. The approval process is expected to take two to three months.

Cannabis edibles will include drinks, candy and baked goods infused with cannabis.

Regardless of how long the application process takes, consumers in Eastern Ontario will continue to face limited options in the near future. Canada’s largest province has only 25 licenced retail outlets, most of them in the Toronto area.

Licences to retailers were awarded through a lottery system. A second lottery for the awarding of another 25 licences took place in the summer, with the results yet to be announced.

The population of Eastern Ontario is served by just two outlets in Kingston (Brock Street Cannabis and Spiritleaf Fire) and three in Ottawa (Superette, Hob Recreational Cannabis and Flower York Street Cannabis.) Residents of other communities can make their purchases online from the Ontario Cannabis Store.

Jennifer Miller, head of economic development and tourism for the town of Smiths Falls, said local entrepreneurs had applied for retail licences to sell cannabis in both Ontario

licensing lotteries, but were unsuccessful. “The community had to be 50,000-plus people, so that eliminated a lot of our smaller towns,” said Miller.

The town of Smiths Falls, along with other Eastern Ontario communities, is hoping for changes in provincial regulations to allow local sales. “Our hope is that Canopy Growth will be able to sell here in Smiths Falls at some time,” said Miller.

Having recently unveiled a cannabis tourism strategy for Smiths Falls, Miller added, “We’re champing at the bit to get going.”

Although direct product sales remain out of reach for local entrepreneurs, opportunities in other cannabis-related businesses do exist, such as in cannabis packaging, laboratory testing, or security.

Newly announced federal guidelines on the sale of cannabis edibles have specified that the products “must not be appealing to youth.” Producers are interpreting this requirement to mean that candy-like products such as gummy bears or gummy worms can’t be sold. With each province developing its own additional rules, Quebec has indicated it intends to keep edibles out of the hands of children by restricting the sale of almost all products, according to a report from CTV News. Other restrictions on edibles, according to information on the Health Canada website, include a requirement that each package of edible product may not contain more than 10 milligrams of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

Packaging for cannabis edibles must also be child-resistant, plain, and

make no health claims. The products may not contain any alcohol or caffeine, or added sweeteners, and health warning messages are also required.

Health Canada has cautioned consumers that edibles may be more potent than inhaled cannabis, with longer-lasting effects.

Smoking cannabis can result in noticeable effects within minutes, while the effects edible products can take 30 minutes to two hours to be felt. Health Canada also advises that the effects of inhalation usually wear off after six hours, while it can take up to 12 hours for the effects of edibles to fade.

Along with edible items the federal government is also legalizing sale of “topical” cannabis products, which are creams to be applied to skin, hair or nails as a pain reliever. An individual package of a topical product may contain no more than 1,000 mg of THC. Another product on the horizon for Smiths Falls is a cannabis-infused beverage. This summer Canopy Growth completed construction of a bottling works and a plant for global distribution of the product – whenever it becomes legal.

The Town of Smiths Falls recognizes that the province is proceeding cautiously with regulations surrounding cannabis products, and remains hopeful that changes in the rules will open up new markets for local businesses. As of now the town has not seen any information from the province regarding Ontario-specific rules about the sale of cannabis edibles. “We’re very keen to see it,” said Miller.

Canopy Growth - An employee trimming cannabis at the Canopy Growth plant in Smiths Falls. The company has been preparing to take advantage of further economic opportunities as edible cannabis products become legal, and has also built a bottling plant to produce cannabis-infused beverages.

Photo credit: Chris Must.

9

November 2019

Let's Eat When seeking out a restaurant for a first-time visit, many of us rely on word of mouth with a hint of social media ratings. But no water-cooler endorsement or high Tripadvisor score can prepare you for what awaits at the end of a pleasant country drive to Oxford Mills (just west of Kemptville). Located at the crossroads of this small hamlet, the first thing that will impress is the lovingly restored and repurposed 1850s era general store/ post office. The Brigadoon opened in 1990 and its proprietor Cheryl is the next to impress first-timers and regulars alike. She has a detailed and often humorous version of the building’s history to relate, even though she’s invested a lot of sweat-equity into its reincarnation. And yes, a complete tour of the threefloored stone and timber structure is well worth the time. Cheryl or one of her staff or any of the resident spirits are happy to oblige these requests.

The main dining room will make the next set of memories and whether you’re a fan of historical architecture or period collectibles or not, you will be gobsmacked at the large array of everything from swords to saucers. Every table is set to remind you of a more civilized era even though many are made of lumber from original siding and floor boards from removed

Food & Drink

Brian Turner

The Brigadoon; more rewarding than you’d expect

sections and stair cases.

My wife and I visited for lunch on a beautiful fall Sunday. She had the chicken crepes and I ordered the Sicilian sandwich plate. Mine was served open-faced on a fresh ciabatta baguette with grilled zucchini, roasted red pepper prosciutto, ham, avocado mousse topped with melted cheese. It included a generous serving of salad greens with sangria pear, toasted almonds, tomato and cucumber with spiced mango dressing. My wife’s choice came as 2 goodsized crepes with perfectly cooked chicken breast and asparagus sautéed in a parmesan cream sauce with a choice of Caesar or chef salad. She opted for the Caesar. Like all dishes on the luncheon, main dinner or dessert menu, everything is cooked from scratch. The service was quick and both dishes (including the salads) were flavourful, temperature correct and perfectly seasoned. And both filled us to the point we had to skip dessert, which is a real crime at the Brigadoon according to some of those who were in attendance with us that day.

The dinner menu is just as diverse as our luncheon choices with something for every taste and appetite from rack of lamb to Tuscany chicken to roasted beef short ribs and more. Luncheon prices range from $20-$23 and dinners from $33-$53. They also offer

Photo credit: Brian Turner.

a traditional English tea and to say they have a well stocked bar is an understatement. There are separate dining and meeting rooms on the upper level to handle small intimate gatherings to large family affairs and have a well appointed and landscaped outdoor patio for warmer weather dining. They are wheelchair accessible with plenty of on-street parking. Our luncheon with tip came to less than $70.

You can reach them for reservations at 613 258 4433 or check out their website at brigadoonrestaurant.com. They make it very easy to reap the rewards of choosing the right place for dining out with class.

Photo credit: Brian Turner.

Photo credit: Brian Turner.

E V E N T S

&

C A T E R I N G

#LiveSimpleEatWell Photo credit: Brian Turner.

WE PROUDLY SALUTE OUR VETERANS ON REMEMBRANCE DAY FOR THE COURAGE

AND DEDICATION THEY HAVE SHOWN TO PRESERVE OUR FREEDOM. THANK YOU

TO THOSE WHO SERVED AND ARE NOW SERVING FOR OUR COUNTRY.

Presents:

TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Canadian Federation of University Women Perth & District Annual Fundraiser

Heritage Perth Christmas House Tour Advertorial - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca Tickets are selling fast as patrons of the 14th Heritage Perth Christmas House Tour gear up for another fabulous festive weekend of touring delightful, decorated homes – this year on 7-8 December from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. We love to see our regulars back again, but it’s especially gratifying to attract new men and women to this popular annual event. To help everyone get oriented, here is some useful information about the tour.

First, the ticket is actually a small booklet that includes photos and descriptions of the eight tour houses, a road map to guide you from house to house, advertisements with coupon incentives to shop and

dine in the area, and a list of tips for getting the most out of the tour. Be sure to read the whole booklet before you leave home, or check out the information online at: https://cfuwperthanddistrict.wordpress. com/2019-house-tour/. The houses can be viewed in any order and can be covered in a single day, though this can be a bit overwhelming. Consider planning a get-away weekend of house tours, shopping, eating and exploring. Historic Perth and the surrounding countryside are best enjoyed at a leisurely pace and you will retain more impressions of the design, architecture and local history from the tour.

The booklet also identifies the sponsor, decorator and florist for each tour home as well as other local businesses that support this fundraiser

for community education awards and initiatives. The major event sponsor for the eighth year is Coldwell Banker Settlement Realty, Brokerage in Perth. Thanks to the generosity of all who contribute to the tour, the Perth and District Club of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) has raised over $225,000 in proceeds since the tours began 14 years ago.

House Tour tickets at $30.00 each may be purchased online from Tickets Please (ticketsplease.ca) or in person from the locations listed in the accompanying ad. If these options are not available to you, please call CFUW member Isabel at: 613-326-0437 or email cfuw.perth@gmail. com Nestled on a wooded lot in Burgess Wood, a community planned by Perth dentist Dr. Grover Lightford, you will find a unique stone home, carefully styled after a Quebec farm house. With soaring ceilings, and three large windows, the open living space affords views of the treed lot, and the busy bird feeders. Local artisans provided the carved stone bathroom sinks and blown glass kitchen lights, while other features such as the copper countertops and ripple glass kitchen cupboard doors came from abroad. The tranquil setting, with low maintenance landscaping, allows the natural vegetation to flourish. Photo submitted.

FORTUNATE ONES

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29 AT 7:30PM

Almonte Old Town Hall and

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 AT 3PM

Merrickville United Church

CÒIG

Tickets & Info

www.ontariosmallhalls.com (613) 402-1425

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 AT 7:30PM

Manotick United Church and

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 AT 3PM

St. Andrew’s United Church, Pakenham

December 7 & 8, 2019 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Eight unique homes, beautifully decorated for the holidays by local designers and florists

Tickets: $30 (cash or cheque only) available at Perth Home Furniture 18 Gore St. E., Perth 613-264-9876 Elizabeth Interiors 8 Cham bers St., Smiths Falls 613-283-7581 Tara Natural Foods 81 Princess St., Kings ton 613-546-4439 Windsor's Courtyard 211 St. Lawrence St., Merrickville 613-269-2999 The Blossom Shop 167 Bridge St., Carleton Place, (613) 257-1855 Tivoli Florist 282 Richmond Rd., Ottawa 613-7 29-6911 Crush Marketplace 14 Mill St., Almonte 613-4 61-2211 Dockside Living, The 1000 Island Shoppe 6 Broad St., Brockville 613-865-7328 On Line at ticketsplease.ca (credit cards accep ted) Or Call Isabel at 613-326-0437 For details, visit www.cfuwperthanddistrict.w ordpress.com/20 19-house-tour

Deck the Small Halls with live music this holiday season Advertorial - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca Get festive in small halls across Eastern Ontario!

The Ontario Festival of Small Halls is bringing big names in music to even more special places this holiday season.

The Festival is growing its holiday offerings, while presenting 13 shows leading up to Christmas starting with the undeniable musical talent of Royal Wood, as well as Fortunate Ones known for their dynamic live performance and unforgettable harmonies. The Festival is delighted to bring back Còig, one of Atlantic Canada’s premiere traditional groups, and Newfoundland’s own The Once, who will fill beloved halls with their modern indie folk take on the holidays.

Small Halls is also at the big hall in partnership with the National Arts Centre, presenting extraordinary evenings of music, featur-

ing A Winter’s Night with Donovan Woods and The Opposition, Skydiggers & Basia Bulat and the legendary Matt Andersen and Friends with special guest appearances by Terra Lightfoot, William Prince and Joey Landreth.

“These holiday shows are a chance to gather together, celebrate community and dive into the season’s festivities,“ said Kelly Symes, General Manager of the Ontario Festival of Small Halls, noting this is the fourth year of bringing holiday-themed performances to beloved venues and the biggest series yet.

The 2019 Small Halliday Series features: Friday, Nov. 29 Royal Wood – Joshua Bates Centre, Athens Fortunate Ones – Almonte Old Town Hall Saturday, Nov. 30 Royal Wood – Marble Arts Centre, Tweed Fortunate Ones – Seeley’s Bay Community Hall Sunday, Dec. 1

Fortunate Ones – Merrickville United Church Friday, Dec. 6 The Once – St. John’s United Church, Brockville Còig – Delta Old Town Hall Saturday, Dec. 7 The Once – DACA Centre, Dacre Còig – Manotick United Church Sunday, December 8 Còig – St. Andrew’s United Church, Pakenham Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14 A Winter’s Night with Donovan Woods & The Opposition, Skydiggers & Basia Bulat – National Arts Centre Friday, December 20 Christmas with Matt Andersen and Friends with special guest appearances by Terra Lightfoot, William Prince & Joey Landreth – National Arts Centre For tickets or more info please visit www.ontariosmallhalls.com or call 613.402.1425.

Events around the region CARLETON PLACE

SUNDAYS

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

TUESDAYS

Olde Time Bingo 7:00pm - 9:15pm Carleton Place Arena 75 Neelin St. 613-257-1690 Carletonplacecivitan.com

THURSDAYS

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

NOVEMBER 9

Vintage Finds Christmas Sale 9:00am - 3:00pm Carleton Place & Beckwith Heritage Museum 267 Edmund St. 613-253-7013

NOVEMBER 11

Remembrance Day Parade 10:30am Town Hall to the Cenotaph carletonplace.ca Remembrance Day Ceremony 10:45am Cenotaph - Memorial Park 37 Franklin Street carletonplace.ca

NOVEMBER 11 & 25

Hackberry Men's Shed 7:00pm - 8:30pm Hackberry Men's Shed Opposite 98 Donald St. almontecarver@gmail.com 613-461-0013

NOVEMBER 14

Get All Wrapped Up 1:00pm - 8:00pm Downtown Carleton Place Bridge Street Downtowncarletonplace.com Toastmasters 7:00pm - 8:30pm Riverview Seniors' Residence 204 Lake Ave. 613-250-9282

NOVEMBER 14 - 16, 20 - 23

CP200+ Time to Remember Nov 14 - 15 & 20 - 22 at 7:30pm Nov 16 & 23 at 2:00pm Carleton Place Town Hall 175 Bridge St. Mississippimudds.ca

NOVEMBER 16

Christmas Bazaar 10:00am - 2:00pm Zion-Memorial United Church 37 Franklin St.

NOVEMBER 23

CSS Christmas Bazaar 9:00am - 2:00pm 390 Flora St. Santa Claus Parade 2019 – An Old Fashion Christmas 5:00pm Downtown Carleton Place Bridge Street Downtowncarletonplace.com Mississippi Masala Child Haven Fundraiser 6:00pm - 9:00pm Carleton Place Curling Club 120 Patterson Cr. 613-257-1944 janehamilton@live.ca Childhaven.ca

NOVEMBER 29

Lanark Laughs 8:30pm - 10:00pm

Waterfront Gastropub 12 Bell St. 613-257-5755 Thewaterfrontgastropub.ca

NOVEMBER 30

Beckwith Christmas Craft Show 10:00am - 3:00pm Beckwith Recreational Complex 1319 9th Line Rd. 613-435-8929 Chocolate Party 10:00am - 3:00pm The Granary 107 Bridge St info@granary.ca 613-257-5986 Granary.ca St. Andrews Day Party 1:00pm - 3:00pm Carleton Place & Beckwith Heritage Museum 267 Edmund St. 613-253-7013

DECEMBER 1 & 3

Town Singers Xmas Concert 7:00pm All Nations Church 39 Bridge St. Cptownsingers.com

MERRICKVILLE

NOVEMBER 9

Fall Trails Talk: Peru 10:00am - 11:30am Holy Trinity Anglican Church 106 Church St. tim.allen@arul.ulaval.ca

NOVEMBER 11

Remembrance Day Ceremony 11:00am Merrickville Cenotaph St. Lawrence Street

NOVEMBER 27

CP Holiday Train Arrival - 4:45pm Event - 5:00pm - 5:30pm 103 East Broadway & Count​y Road #2. South side of crossing near Bay Street cpr.ca/holiday-train/canada

DECEMBER 1

Fortunate Ones 3:00pm Merrickville United Church 100 St. Lawrence St. 613-402-1425 Thefestivalofsmallhalls.com

MISSISSIPPI MILLS

MONDAYS

Cancer Support Group 10:00am - 11:00am Almonte Library 155 High St. 613-726-8040 Sage Age Theatre 10:00am - 12:00pm St. Paul's Anglican Church 70 Clyde St. m.mullan454@gmail.com Stpaulsalmonte.ca

TUESDAYS

Music Trivia 8:00pm Almonte Lobby Bar in Alm Riverside Inn 81 Queen St. facebook.com/almontelobbybar

WEDNESDAYS

Duplicate Bridge Club 7:00pm Almonte Legion 100 Bridge St. 613-256-4747 Writing for Kids 4:15pm - 5:30pm Curious & Kind Heritage Mall 12B Mill St. curious.and.kind.almonte@ gmail.com

Curiousandkind.ca

THURSDAYS

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

NOVEMBER 7

Bazaar/Chili Luncheon 10:00am - 1:30pm Fairview Manor 75 Spring St. 613-256-3113 slefebvre@agh-fvm.com Almontegeneral.com Books of Remembrance Talk 1:30pm - 2:30pm Orchard View 219 Paterson St. Missmillslibrary.com Folkus Launch Party 7:00pm Equator Coffee 451 Ottawa St. 613-256-9560 Folkusalmonte.com

NOVEMBER 9

Farmers' Harvest Market 9:00am - 2:00pm Almonte Community Centre 182 Bridge St. Almontefarmersmarket.com Vernissage & Talk re Indigenous Beadwork 2:00pm - 4:00pm Mississippi Valley Textile Museum 3 Rosamond St. E info@mvtm.ca 613-256-3754 Mvtm.ca SchoolBOX Latin Fiesta 7:00pm - 11:00pm Almonte Civitan Hall 500 Almonte St. schoolbox.ca/fiesta

NOVEMBER 10

Adventure In Your Ear LIVE! 7:00pm - 8:30pm Curious & Kind Heritage Mall 12B Mill St. curious.and.kind.almonte@ gmail.com Curiousandkind.ca The Brindled Cats 7:00pm - 9:00pm Almonte Lobby Bar in Alm Riverside Inn 81 Queen St.

NOVEMBER 11

Remembrance Day Ceremony 2:00pm Almonte Cenotaph Bridge St. exploremississippimills.ca

NOVEMBER 12

Book Launch: Lesley Choyce 1:30pm Almonte United Church 106 Elgin St. 613-256-9090 Millstreetbooks.com Book Launch: Lesley Choyce 7:00pm Curious & Kind Heritage Mall 12B Mill St. curious.and.kind.almonte@ gmail.com Curiousandkind.ca

NOVEMBER 13 & 27

Movie Day 1:30pm - 3:30pm Almonte Library 155 High St.

NOVEMBER 14

Holiday Street Market

5:00pm - 9:00pm Downtown Almonte Mill St. downtownalmonte.ca Women & Investing 6:30pm - 7:30pm Almonte Library 155 High St. Missmillslibrary.com

NOVEMBER 14 & 28

Board Game Night 5:30pm - 7:30pm Almonte Library 155 High St. Missmillslibrary.com

NOVEMBER 16

Carriageway Studios Open House 10:00am - 5:00pm Carriageway Studios 65 Mill St. Close to Home Marketplace 10:00am - 3:00pm Almonte General Hospital 75 Spring St. 613-256-2514 x 2610 Book Reading of Jan Andrews 3:00pm Curious & Kind Heritage Mall 12B Mill St. curious.and.kind.almonte@ gmail.com Curiousandkind.ca Double Vision - Foreigner Tribute 8:00pm Almonte Old Town Hall 14 Bridge St. intenseffex.com/products/ double-vision-foreigner-tribute-concert

NOVEMBER 18

Almonte Quilters' Guild 7:00pm - 9:00pm Almonte Civitan Hall 500 Almonte St. almontequiltersguild@gmail.com

NOVEMBER 20

Healthy Men, Healthy Minds 7:00pm - 9:00pm Almonte Old Town Hall 14 Bridge St.

NOVEMBER 21

Equator Xmas Open House 6:00pm - 9:00pm Equator Coffee 451 Ottawa St. 613-256-9560 Equator.ca

NOVEMBER 23

Buntline Concert 7:30pm Almonte Old Town Hall 14 Bridge St.

NOVEMBER 24

Trad Song Pub Session 2:00pm - 4:00pm The Barley Mow 79 Little Bridge Street dave@barleymow.com 613-256-5669 Barleymow.com Christmas Bazaar 4:00pm - 8:00pm The Herb Garden 3840 Old Almonte Rd. herbs@herbgarden.on.ca 613-256-0228 Herbgarden.ca

NOVEMBER 28

Coffee 101 7:00pm Equator Coffee 451 Ottawa St. 613-256-9560 Equator.ca Meet the Artist: Sarah Moffat 7:00pm - 9:00pm Fairview Manor

75 Spring St. 613-256-3113 Almontegeneral.com

NOVEMBER 29

Almonte Lectures: Media 7:30pm Almonte United Church 106 Elgin St. AlmonteLectures@gmail.com Almontelectures.net Fortunate Ones 7:30pm Almonte Old Town Hall 14 Bridge St. 613-402-1425 Thefestivalofsmallhalls.com

NOVEMBER 30

Vernissage: 5th Anniversary Show 3:00pm - 6:00pm Sivarulrasa Gallery 34 Mill St. info@sivarulrasa.com 613-256-8033 Sivarulrasa.com Indigenous Artists Fundraiser 5:30pm Curious & Kind Heritage Mall 12B Mill St. curious.and.kind.almonte@ gmail.com Curiousandkind.ca Trivia Night for the Riverwalk 7:00pm Almonte Old Town Hall 14 Bridge St.

DECEMBER 1

Charlotte Gray: Murdered Midas 1:30pm Almonte Old Town Hall 14 Bridge St. 613-256-9090 Millstreetbooks.com Coins & Strings 3:00pm - 6:00pm Alliance Coin & Banknote 88 Mill St. sean@alliancecoin.com 613-256-6785 Alliancecoin.com The Brindled Cats 7:00pm - 9:00pm Almonte Lobby Bar in Alm Riverside Inn 81 Queen St. Canadian Winterscapes w/ The Algonquin Ensemble 7:30pm Almonte United Church 106 Elgin St. thealgonquinensemble@gmail. com 613-612-0623 Brownpapertickets.com

PERTH

TUESDAYS

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

WEDNESDAYS

Karaoke 9:00pm Golden Arrow 71 Foster St. 613-267-4500 Goldenarrowpub.com Meditation & Associated Processes 1:30pm - 3:00pm Perth Library 30 Herriott St. 613-225-4675

THURSDAYS

Open Mic w/Kevin Choffe 8:00pm Fiddleheads Bar & Grill Code's Mill, 53 Herriott St.

Fiddleheadsbarandgrill.com

FRIDAYS

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

NOVEMBER 8

Exposure Exposure 8:00pm Fiddleheads Bar & Grill Code's Mill 53 Herriott St. 613-267-1304 Fiddleheadsbarandgrill.com Shawn McCullough 8:30pm O'Reilly's Pub 43 Gore St. E. 613-267-7994 Oreillyspubperth.com Danielle Hewitt 9:00pm Golden Arrow 71 Foster St. 613-267-4500 goldenarrowpub.com

NOVEMBER 8 - 9

E. ON Drama League's 1-Act Play Festival Nov. 8 at 7:00pm Nov. 9 at 1:00pm Studio Theatre 63 Gore St. E. 613-267-7469 isabeljoyce9@gmail.com Studiotheatreperth.com

NOV 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 29 & DEC 1

Public Skating All Day Perth Community Centre 2 Beckwith St. E.

NOVEMBER 9

Perth Library Bake Sale 10:00am - 3:00pm Perth Library 30 Herriott St. Lanark Co. Quilters Guild Xmas Sale 11:00am - 2:00pm Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church 160 Wayside Dr. 613-267-3295 Gtpcperth.com Blue Moon Concert: Best of Edge 7:30pm St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Cnr Drummond & North St. pccweb.ca/standrewsperth Theresa Thomason & Paul Sullivan 7:30pm St. Paul's United Church 25 Gore St. W. 613-485-6434 Ticketsplease.ca Jeff Leeson 9:00pm Golden Arrow 71 Foster St. 613-267-4500 Goldenarrowpub.com

NOVEMBER 10

Coco Love Alcorn 7:30pm Studio Theatre 63 Gore St. E. 613-267-7469 Studiotheatreperth.com

NOVEMBER 11

Remembrance Day Ceremonies 10:45am GWM Hospital Perth 33 Drummond St. East 613-267-4400

NOVEMBER 14 - 17

Coco Love Alcorn Nov 14 - 16 at 7:00pm Nov 16 - 17 at 2:00pm PDCI Perth & District Collegiate Institute

13 Victoria St. Ticketsplease.ca

NOVEMBER 15

Guatemala Stove Project Fall Fundraiser 7:00pm Perth Civitan Hall 6787 County Rd 43 613-267-2181 Perthcivitan.org Loaded SixString 8:00pm Fiddleheads Bar & Grill Code's Mill 53 Herriott St. 613-267-1304 Fiddleheadsbarandgrill.com Tom Watson 8:30pm O'Reilly's Pub 43 Gore St. E. 613-267-7994 Oreillyspubperth.com

NOVEMBER 16

Wasted 6:30pm Studio Theatre 63 Gore St. E. 613-267-7469 Studiotheatreperth.com Jordy Jackson 9:00pm Golden Arrow 71 Foster St. 613-267-4500 Goldenarrowpub.com

NOVEMBER 18

PARO Info Sessions 11:30pm - 1:00pm & 6:30pm - 8:00pm The Table PARO Info Sessions parobizeast@paro.ca 343-543-8370 paro.ca

NOVEMBER 19

Perth Hort Holiday Social/AGM 6:00pm - 9:00pm St. Paul's United Church

25 Gore St. W. robinmcintosh435@gmail.com 613-253-5690

NOVEMBER 21

Day Hospice Xmas Craft & Bake Sale & Silent Auction 10:00am - 3:00pm The Factory 40 Sunset Blvd.

The Butterfly Fan Club - Perth & District Breast Cancer Support Group 7:00pm - 9:00pm Perth Family Health Centre 33 Lewis St. 613-812-4474

NOVEMBER 22

Jon Van Wingerden 8:00pm Fiddleheads Bar & Grill Code's Mill 53 Herriott St. 613-267-1304 Fiddleheadsbarandgrill.com Chris Strang 8:45pm O'Reilly's Pub 43 Gore St. E. 613-267-7994 Oreillyspubperth.com Matt Dickson 9:00pm Golden Arrow 71 Foster St. 613-267-4500 Goldenarrowpub.com

NOVEMBER 23

Book Signing: John McKenty 10:00am - 2:00pm Perkins Building 2 Wilson St. W. bookwormperth@hotmail.com 613-264-7257 Celtic Kitchen Party Duo 8:45pm O'Reilly's Pub 43 Gore St. E. 613-267-7994 Oreillyspubperth.com

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

NOVEMBER 27

Wild Rose 2:00pm & 7:00pm Full Circle Theatre 26 Craig St. filmnightperth@gmail.com Filmnightinternational.blogspot.com CP Holiday Train Arrival - 7:40pm Event - 8:00pm - 8:30pm Old Train Yard nr Herriott St & Sherbrooke St. E. 613-267-3311 pr.ca/holiday-train/canada

NOVEMBER 29

What Women Want 7:00pm Studio Theatre 63 Gore St. E. 613-267-7469 Studiotheatreperth.com Henry Norwood 8:00pm Fiddleheads Bar & Grill Code's Mill 53 Herriott St. 613-267-1304 Fiddleheadsbarandgrill.com Blair Hogan 8:30pm O'Reilly's Pub 43 Gore St. E. 613-267-7994 Oreillyspubperth.com Nolan Hubbard 9:00pm Golden Arrow 71 Foster St. 613-267-4500 Goldenarrowpub.com

Ennis Sisters set to return to Perth Regional - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca With the holiday season on its way, one of the area’s favourite Christmas traditions is set to return to Perth.

On Friday, December 13, Newfoundland’s Juno award-winning Ennis Sisters will take the stage as part of their annual Christmas tour. The sisters, Maureen, Karen and Teresa, deliver one of the finest family Christmas shows in the country and this show is sure to once again be a sell-out.

The trio combine original songs, holiday classics, humorous recitations and Irish step-dancing to create an evening that’s sure to ignite the true holiday spirit. While their tightly-woven harmonies produce a sound that only siblings can achieve, the multi-award winning sisters move audiences to tears with their hilarious banter and poignant seasonal sentiments.

The Ennis Sisters were born and raised on Irish Newfoundland tunes.

Throughout their childhood, if their parents weren’t making music, it was coming through the radio – particularly the Irish radio shows which aired on Saturday and Sunday mornings. There was no escaping the traditional music all around them.

“When we first began singing for an audience, these were the songs we sang. It’s what came easiest and most natural, and still does,” says Karen.

Photo submitted.

Some say it’s in their bones to sing, that their beautiful harmonies and powerful voices reflect the very strength of the Atlantic itself.

“That’s all we knew growing up,” says Maureen. “Newfoundland is a very unique province and because of this, we have a different perspective of our surroundings.”

With multiple accolades – a Juno Award, SOCAN Award and multiple East Coast Music Awards – the Ennis Sisters have proven themselves to be gifted musicians. While Maureen is a guitarist, Karen plays the tin whistle and flute, while Teresa plays the bodhran.

Their Christmas tour has been an annual event for the sisters since their album “Christmas on Ennis Road” landed them their own Christmas special on CBC television.

Their 2018 album, Keeping Time, was produced

by Alan Doyle of Great Big

Sea. It was part homage and part celebration of life, honouring their father whom they had recently lost.

A portion of the proceeds from the Perth show go towards Stewart Park Festival, a free community festival held each July in Perth.

“It's a great feeling knowing we're helping to make a difference to communities across the province, especially this time of year,” said Karen Ennis. “It's always amazing to see people come together in the true spirit of Christmas.”

The Ennis Sisters Christmas show will take place in Perth on December 13th in St. Paul’s with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $35, taxes & fees included, and are available at www.ticketsplease. ca, the Visitor Centre at the Perth Museum or by phoning 613-485-6434.

A wonderful way to greet the holiday season, this show is a Christmas tradition you won’t want to miss!

NOVEMBER 29 & 30, DECEMBER 1, 5 - 7

SATURDAYS

Little Red Riding Hood Nov 29, Dec 5 - 6 & 12 - 13 at 7:30pm Nov 30, Dec 1, 7 - 8 & 14 - 15 at 2:00pm Full Circle Theatre 26 Craig St. 613-267-1884 barndoorproductions.ca

NOVEMBER 30

Festival of Good Cheer 10:00am - 5:00pm Crystal Palace 63 Gore St. E. Vernissage & Fashion Show 11:00am - 4:00pm Strévé Design 16 Gore St. E. strevedesign@gmail.com 613-267-0230 Matt Dickson 9:00pm Golden Arrow 71 Foster St. 613-267-4500 Goldenarrowpub.com

DECEMBER 1

Farmers' Christmas Market 10:00am - 3:00pm Crystal Palace 63 Gore St. E. perthfarmersmarket.ca Artists' Xmas Sale 11:00am - 4:00pm Studio 7 Thom St. Candlelight Advent Carol Service 4:00pm St. James the Apostle Anglican Church 12 Harvey St. cnr Drummond stjamesperth@gmail.com 613-267-1163

SMITHS FALLS

MONDAYS

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

TUESDAYS

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

2nd & 4th Tues. of month 10am-11am Fun & Fellowship First Baptist Church 73 Beckwith St. N. 613-283-1579

THURSDAYS

Open Stage 8:00pm Bowie's 20 Russell St. E. Bowiessmithsfalls.com

Funk Yeah!

9:00pm Bowie's 20 Russell St. E. bowiessmithsfalls.com

NOVEMBER 8

Gillian Nicola, Brooklyn Doran, Jack Pine 8:00pm Bowie's 20 Russell St. E. Bowiessmithsfalls.com Hank Williams Revisited 8:00pm Station Theatre 53 Victoria Ave 613-283-0300 Smithsfallstheatre.com

NOVEMBER 9

Christmas Craft Sale 10:00am - 3:00pm Lombardy Agricultural Hall 613-283-3631 Christmas Artisan Market 10:00am - 3:00pm Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute 299 Percy St. smithsfallsarts@gmail.com Pretty Ugly Trio 9:00pm Union St. Bar & Grill 7 Union St.

NOVEMBER 10

Fall Supper 4:30pm - 6:00pm Westminster Presbyterian Church 11 Church St.

NOVEMBER 11

Remembrance Day Ceremonies 10:15am - Laying of a wreath at the arena cenotaph by the lav iii 10:30am - Laying of a wreath at the cenotaph at the library 10:45am - Veterans and members will meet at the legion for a march to the main cenotaph at Veterans’ Memorial Park 11:00am - Remembrance Day Service at the Cenotaph

NOVEMBER 14

Meal Planning 101 7:00pm - 8:30pm Trinity United Church 14 Market St. Redhawks Wing’s Kitchen Community Dinner 4:30pm - 6:00pm SFDCI Cafetorium 299 Percy St

NOVEMBER 15

Brock Zeman & Jasper Bridge 8:00pm Bowie's 20 Russell St. E. Bowiessmithsfalls.com Eagles Tribute 8:00pm

Gallipeau Centre 361 Queen St. 613-284-9916 gallipeaucentre.com

NOVEMBER 15 & 16

Maiden 7:00pm Station Theatre 53 Victoria Ave. 613-283-0300 Smithsfallstheatre.com

NOVEMBER 16

Tim Nast Solo Piano 7:30pm Westminster Presbyterian Church 11 Church St. Timnast.com Community Hospital Auxiliary Bazaar and Bake Sale 9:00am - 1:00pm Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95 613-283-2967 Christmas Bazaar 10:00am - 1:30pm Westminster Presbyterian Church

NOVEMBER 17

Rob McLaren & Tiz McNamara 8:00pm Bowie's 20 Russell St. E. Bowiessmithsfalls.com

NOVEMBER 22

John Dorsch w/Graham Nicholas 8:00pm Bowie's 20 Russell St. E. Bowiessmithsfalls.com

NOVEMBER 23

3rd Annual Mrs Claus’ Holiday 9:00am - 1:00pm Settlers Ridge Centre 613-206-0374 613-223-9256

NOVEMBER 23 & 24

North Pole Express 11:00am - 3:00pm Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario 90 William St. W. 613-283-5696 info@rmeo.org rmeo.org

NOVEMBER 27

CP Holiday Train Arrival - 6:20pm Event - 6:30pm - 7:00pm Smiths Falls Train Station 63 Victoria St. pr.ca/holiday-train/canada

20 Russell St. E. Bowiessmithsfalls.com

NOVEMBER 29 & 30, DECEMBER 1, 5 - 8

Robin Hood & the Babes in the Wood Nov 29, Dec 5 - 6 at 7:30pm Nov 30, Dec 1, 7 - 8 at 2:00pm Station Theatre 53 Victoria Ave. 613-283-0300 Smithsfallstheatre.com

NOVEMBER 30

Free Pictures with Santa 9:00am - 12:00pm Word Church 79 McGill St. Christmas in the Rideau Craft Sale 9:00am - 1:00pm Gallipeau Centre 361 Queen St. 613-284-9916 Gallipeaucentre.com SFDCI Reunion Band 7:00pm Trinity United Church 41 Market St N

DECEMBER 1

Victorian Family Christmas Party 1:00pm - 3:00pm Hertiage House Museum 11 Old Slys Rd heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca 613-283-6311

WESTPORT & RIDEAU LAKES

SUNDAYS

NOVEMBER 22

Tribute to Carole King & James Taylor 7:00pm - 11:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN

NOVEMBER 23

Henry Norwood & Shawn McCullough 1:00pm - 4:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN

NOVEMBER 24

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

NOVEMBER 29

John Wilberforce 6:00pm - 9:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN

NOVEMBER 30

Tony Silvestri Band 7:00pm - 11:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN

Zachary Lucky 6:00pm - 9:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN

APPLETON NOVEMBER 17

NOVEMBER 8

NOVEMBER 9

Brock Zeman 6:00pm - 9:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN

NOVEMBER 11

NOVEMBER 28

NOVEMBER 29

Riley & Riley 6:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN

Little Nerves 8:00pm Bowie's

NOVEMBER 17

Faithful Friends 7:00pm Westport United Church 27 Spring St.

Open Mic w/Shawn McCullough 7:00pm - 10:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN

Remembrance Day Ceremony 11:00am Lockwood Memorial Field 31 Spring Street

Wild Rose 2:00pm & 7:00pm Station Theatre 53 Victoria Ave. 613-283-0300 Smithsfallstheatre.com

7:00pm - 11:00pm The Cove Country Inn 2 Bedford St. Coveinn.com 1-888-COVEINN

NOVEMBER 15

NOVEMBER 15 & 16

BOTR: Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar

REGIONAL

Fashion, Fun, and Fabulous Tea 2:00pm - 5:00pm Mississippi Golf Club 314 Wilson St. appletonmuseum@hotmail.com 613-257-8503

PORTLAND NOVEMBER 11

Remembrance Day Ceremony 10:45am Royal Canadian Legion Br. 231 2314 Harlem Road Remembrance Day Ceremony 3:00pm Portland Cenotaph 2764 Highway 15

LANARK NOVEMBER 15

Maple Grove Public School Fall Ball 8:00pm - 1:00am Lanark & District Civitan Club

Retired Independent Living Residence O P E N I N G I N M A B E R LY , O N TA R I O Waterfront facility, 8 private luxurious spacious rooms with private television, private/shared bathrooms.

Common family room, recreational room, kitchen, dining room, gym, and laundry room.

Sprigs & Spirits SPECIAL GUEST GEMMELLS FLOWERS

This Festive Holiday Workshop will teach you the art and techniques behind creating the perfect charcuterie and cheese board all while tasting specifically selected wine pairings

THE PICKLED PIG

1 CHAMBERS STREET, SMITHS FALLS FACEBOOK.COM/THEPICKLEDPIG.SF

613-283-7707

PERSONAL SUPPORT WORKERS ON SITE 8:30AM TO 12:30PM AND 4:00PM TO 6:00PM.

$2,500.00 PER MONTH Services include internet, executive limousine transportation to Perth biweekly (Wed and Sat 4 hours in town). Complimentary continental breakfast, complimentary soup and sandwich lunch, meal preparation assistance for dinner, laundry wash, dry and fold. weekly grocery pickup and delivery (food costs not included)

PLEASE CALL 613-229-4535

2144 Pine Grove Rd. 613-812-3660

DECEMBER 1

The Biggest Little Christmas Market 9:00am - 4:00pm Foy Hall 91 Princess St. livwelltoys@hotmail.com

MCDONALDS CORNERS NOVEMBER 10

Vernissage: Emily Wilson 2:00pm MERA Schoolhouse 974 9th Concession A meraschoolhouse@bell.net 613-278-0388 Meraschoolhouse.org

NOVEMBER 14

Valdy 7:00pm Knox Church 5664 McDonald’s Corners Rd Meraschoolhouse.org

NOVEMBER 23

MERA Christmas Fair 9:00am - 3:00pm MERA Schoolhouse 974 9th Concession A meraschoolhouse@bell.net 613-278-0388 Meraschoolhouse.org

PAKENHAM NOVEMBER 7

Movie Day 1:30pm - 3:30pm Pakenham Library 128 MacFarlane St

NOVEMBER 11

Remembrance Day Ceremony 10:45am Pakenham Cenotaph Highway 29

NOVEMBER 15

Tim Nast Solo Piano 7:30pm St. Andrew's United Church 2585 County Rd 29 Timnast.com

NOVEMBER 17

Dessert Tea & Gift Basket Auction 2:00pm - 4:00pm St. Andrew's United Church 2585 County Rd 29

NOVEMBER 21

Ladies Night 6:30pm - 8:30pm Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm 951 Conc. 8 S. Cedarhillchristmastreefarm.com

NOVEMBER 30

Country Christmas 10:00am Pakenham - Village

15

November 2019

food & drink

Beer, Wine & Spirits

Brian Preston

Sweet wines and the sweet life As I write this, I am sitting in the Bordeaux Wine Lodge in Bordeaux, France enjoying an exceptionally warm autumn and all the wines of Bordeaux. Today I want to focus on the sweet wines of Bordeaux, and especially the special area of Sauternes where they are famous for this style of wine.

Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes are left until the fall to undergo Botritus cinera which is a process whereby fungus causes what is referred to as 'noble rot' to take place. It results in grapes losing a lot of their water and the sugars and concentrated juice remains

to be harvested by hand several times taking just the clusters that are ready. The juice is then processed and put in new French oak barrels for ageing and then bottling. It is an expensive process and this is why the most famous Chateau d’Yquem prices are highest at hundreds of dollars for a 375ml bottle. They were given top status of Premier Cru Superieur in 1855, along with several of the most famous Bordeaux wine Chateaux.

We visited Chateau Guiraud, also a Cru Classe. The wines, both the white table wine, the second growth as

well as their Grand Cru Classe Sauternes were tasted with a selection of blue and goats cheeses, nuts and fruits. The blue cheese match was heavenly as it contrasted the unctuous sweetness of the wine and the mouth-filling wine balanced perfectly with the creaminess of the cheeses. Sauternes is a rich, opulent wine with a minimum 13 percent alcohol by volume, and it reveals fruit cocktail aromas and a honeyed texture in its youth maturing to dried fruits and roasted nuts with age. Sauternes can age for 50 years or more!

After looking at the

vineyards stretching out for miles in all directions over the rolling land, our tour bus arrived back at the AmaDolce riverboat docked in Cadillac, where we settled in to our cabins storing our purchases (including my new black wine apron naming Chateau Guirard in beautiful gold stitching), and then making our way on deck for cocktails before supper. This is one of the reasons I love being a Sommelier, but it really comes down to travelling to the vineyards, meeting all the wonderful people that make it happen, and enjoying a glass or two with friends and the right accompanying foods. So go out and buy that favourite bottle of wine and maybe expand your horizons by picking something different like a Sauternes, and do get some baguettes and cheeses to go with it as you sit and enjoy conversation with family and friends.

Salut from Bordeaux Wine Lodge in Bordeaux, France.

The Travelling Sommelier brianpreston@hotmail.com

Photo credit: www.chateauguiraud.com

NOW OPEN

ENJOY THE DRIVE LOVE THE FOOD

GREAT FOOD GREAT TIMES

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

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

16

November 2019

Senior Series Health Matters Dr. Robert Rodine

Seniors’ Fitness

Increasing the value of your golden years It is well accepted that as the human body ages, it loses strength, muscle mass, balance, mobility, agility, bone density and the ability to recover and heal quickly. What is not well accepted is that this process will happen to us (the first-person tense); that business is clearly going to happen to somebody else!

The real shock is that this process starts well before the pre-retirement years. You see, the human body reaches (on average) peak physical status in the mid 20’s.

And we all know what happens after something has peaked! This is not to say though that we can’t improve on what we’ve lost in some respect.

Take balance for example. Maintaining good balance helps you to reduce the risk of trips and falls and helps you to build upon your agility.

This improves your performance in every sport you play, makes your weekend chores quicker and more efficient and allows you to keep up with the grandkids for soccer in the backyard.

(It also comes in handy when the cat decides to curl around your ankle at the bathroom sink!)

But balance can be one of the quickest things

to be lost as we age or spend prolonged time being inactive. The good news is that we can quickly regain our balance with work and consistency; simple physical activity like walking can be a great place to start before moving on to balance work while standing on one leg.

Another great example is grip strength; something few have really stopped to consider when examining their fitness levels. But when push comes to shove, grip strength is a tremendous indicator of not only physical strength and capacity, but also mortality. As grip strength decreases, the incidence of cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, cancer and diabetes increases.

All while an increased grip strength is associated with a reduced incidence; it’s almost protective in a sense. This is because higher levels of physical activity and health typically involve doing more with one’s hands; particularly moving heavy things. The result is a stronger handshake and a longer life.

So how does this relate to you, the reader?

Well, the reality is that it doesn’t matter what

your age, the best time to take up fitness and challenge your body physically, is now. But seniors do need to take extra care during that process. Ensuring the right programming, activities, movements and intensity is crucial to reduce the risk of overtraining as well as injury.

As above, our ability to recover decreases with age. And that’s without the addition of other limitations like being diabetic, having arthritis, previous sports injuries, back problems or joint replacements. Everyone is different and has a different starting place; it is extremely important to embrace that on day 1.

These thoughts, alongside the vision of more active weekends with family and vacation adventures with your partners, should be ample motivation to start your journey into fitness. My only advice is start today, as it’s the best way to add years to your life and more value during your golden decades.

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

OUR SERVICES ∙ Meals On Wheels ∙ Diners Clubs ∙ Assisted Transportation ∙ Home Help ∙ Respite ∙ Hospice Palliative Care Service ∙ Foot Care Clinics For more information please call 613-267-6400 or 613-283-6745

chslc.ca

Community Home Support Regional - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca

“I don’t feel like cooking for one” or “it’s no fun eating alone” are phrases that we hear often when speaking to older relatives and neighbours. Many seniors find it a chore to plan and make a meal for themselves.

Perhaps they don’t have the energy required to cook a well balanced meal. Some seniors can’t stand for long periods of time and making a meal becomes more difficult because of loss of strength, pain or fear of falling. Perhaps it is difficult to get out to the grocery store. Factors such as these can have a negative effect on physical, emotional, and mental health.

Eating healthy meals is important to maintain independence and wellbeing, particularly for frail seniors and individuals with disabilities. Eating healthy food provides essential energy & nutrients required for every-

day living. The good news is that there are services in our community to help seniors maintain healthy nutrition whether at home or in a social setting.

Meals on Wheels is a low cost, healthy option for individuals who may be struggling with proper nutrition due to illness or frailty, or those who are convalescing from falls or surgery. Family members and caregivers can feel more confident and less stressed knowing that meals are taken care of. Healthy hot meals that include soup or juice, a main course and a dessert, can tempt the appetite of a reluctant cook, and options are available such as no added salt, diabetic meals, or gluten free meals.

In addition to delivering nutritious meals, Meals on Wheels volunteers perform a valuable security check for isolated clients, and can notify the proper authorities in the case of accident or injury.

Diners Club offers seniors

the opportunity to eat meals in a sociable group setting which is also very good for health and well-being. A good meal shared in fun atmosphere is a great way to boost the appetite! Seniors who socialize regularly report better overall wellness; make a point of sharing a meal with friends and enjoy the benefits to both body and soul.

Hot meals are available from Meals on Wheels in Perth at a cost of $6.50; these meals are prepared by our partners at Lanark Lodge.

Frozen meals are available throughout our service area, including more than 20 favourites such as roast beef with all the trimmings for $6.50 each; soups $1.50 .

For more information about our services please call us at 613-267-6400.

Article submitted by Suzanne Bourbonnais, Client Service Manager Community Home Support Lanark County

17

November 2019

senior series

Medical cannabis ‘pilot’ at Rosebridge Manor

Debbie Green presented the cannabis pilot project to residents and their families at Rosebridge Manor in late October.

Photo credit: Sally Smith.

Regional - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca It’s a cannabis pilot project for 500 residents who live in 18 long term care residences throughout Ontario. One of these is Rosebridge Manor in Jasper.

Staff and family were introduced to the concept in late October at education sessions with Debbie Green, project manager for In Initiative, a company specializing in delivering evidence-based disease management programs to long term care and senior living locations.

Green calls the pilot a “quality of life issue for residents living here” and once underway she hopes it will “better facilitate happier folks.”

She’s been a nurse for 46 years, both an administrator and a director, has managed 13 homes of her

own, and has won awards for quality outcome of the homes under her care.

She’s seen a lot, and wishes, in fact, that this possibility had been available for her mother who had Alzheimer’s.

The other player in this project is Canopy Growth Corporation situated on the outskirts of Smiths Falls; Canopy will provide cannabis, up to 40 milligrams per day per resident (if needed), for free, for the duration of the six month pilot. After that, if, in fact, there has been a noticeable difference in behaviour, insomnia or pain, the resident will be supplied by Canopy, for free, for the duration of their stay in the residence.

Joni Thornley’s Mom is at Rosebridge. Thornley listened to Green’s presentation and feels it’s a “winwin situation.” In the last month she has had calls

from the Manor regarding her mother’s unusual aggressive behaviour “because of her dementia.”

Thornley’s hope is to see a reduction in this behaviour with “less anxiety, more happiness.” She listened with a critical ear, as her background is nursing (as is Green’s), and in thinking the pilot through feels it’s a good study — “across Ontario with a base of 500 residents.”

Green says this pilot could have an immense impact on families and caregivers who deal with, or observe, mothers, fathers, or extended family members in dire pain, who can’t sleep (insomnia), or are lashing out aggressively because of associated dementia behaviours on a daily or hourly basis. With correct dosing and over a period of time much of this could be alleviated.

The pilot hasn’t started yet but 18 homes have been chosen and, at Rosebridge, few residents have been excluded in the initial pre-selection. The final consent rests with the doctor, the family and the resident (if compos mentis — in full control of his or her mind).

Green cautions this is a brand new area and the pilot is proceeding on anecdotal evidence at this point; the desire is to give ‘anecdotal’ a solid base, apply good sound authentication gathered through consistent, same-style monitoring, look at both good and not-so-good effects, and begin to develop a firm data base for future prescribing.

Sound easy?

Not so much. Green says

lifestyle

KNOW THE SIGNS OF A CONCUSSION ontario.ca/concussions

amount of THC is added on a regular basis until the desired behaviour is seen.

“Dosing is initially done

by Canopy according to the prescriber (doctor),” explains Green. “Every resident is assessed for a time frame and each could be on a different dosage according to how they react — it’s very personalized.”

In Initiative has developed a “prescriber guide to assist physicians with prescribing because many of them may not be comfortable or knowledgeable about the dosing of medicinal cannabis,” explains Green.

Questions at the presentation covered hiring more nurses (no), when the pilot would start (not sure yet), contraindications with other medications (one identified so far and that’s only prescribed in Europe), effect of alcohol on CBD and THC (from nursing perspective “alcohol and pills don’t mix,” Green says) and, how can you be sure of what exactly is in cannabis?

Green’s answer: …this is a “quality control issue for Canopy.”

But Pat Evans has her

own concerns. She, too, was at the presentation. It’s a good idea to offer alternatives to opioids she says but her worry is “there didn’t seem to be enough scientific checks and balances in place.

“I’d maybe want more government involvement,” she says thoughtfully.

She went on to ask Green if In Initiative was a private company contracted by the Ministry of Health.

Green said she wasn’t sure “if you’d call it a contract” as she wasn’t involved in that part of it; she assured Evans she has done other pilot projects like a “COPD initiative and a stroke initiative,” adding once this particular pilot is finished it goes to the Ministry, “is reviewed with an analysis team, sorted through and rolled up for the Ministry to look at and review.” Interest has been shown from the Prairie provinces as well as British Columbia.

Green says she’s excited about the project. “It’s an opportunity to see what we can do for our residents. It’s something more than just a pill. I don’t see the harm — it’s a natural product.”

Have you been told you have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)?

Are you interested in learning more about what COPD is? Please join The Lanark Renfrew Lung Health Program (a program of Lanark Renfrew Health &

Rowan’s Law Day Sept 25

HIT. STOP. SIT.

this reporting has been thought about in the past “five to seven years. Homes have been interested in utilizing medicinal cannabis but there was no standardization in how to do so.”

In Initiative has developed just such a set of standardized reporting tools for floor nurses when describing observations; Rosebridge, unfortunately, doesn’t yet have this capability.

However, when this happens, and with this information in hand, the Ministry of Health will collate, analyze and report results at the end of 24 weeks — both good and bad.

Sound easy?

Again, not so much Dosing, particularly with cannabis, is tricky. What patients want in their dose is the cannabinoid — CBD; this tends to make patients relax and doesn’t usually cause euphoria. The more psychotic ingredient is THC, and can cause euphoria, particularly as doses increase.

Even when CBD is prescribed and given, behaviours might not change; if that’s the case, a wee

Regional - Janelle Labelle editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Rowan’s Law Day, a day to spread awareness of concussion safety, is celebrated on the last Wednesday of September; this year it was marked on September 25.

Rowan’s Law was implemented to ensure that coaches, parents, and players know the risks and signs of concussions, and how to care for persons with brain injuries. This law came into effect in July 2019, legislation that requires every coach, athlete and parent to review Ontario’s Concussion Awareness Resources and establish a Concussion Code of Conduct that sets out rules of behaviour to support concussion prevention. In 2020, all parties will also be

Community Services) and Rideau Community Health Services on November 27th from 1 - 2:30pm to bring awareness to COPD and visit our new Chronic Disease Rehabilitation program now offered at 40 Sunset Blvd, Perth Ontario. You will be able to tour the site and visit with our team of respiratory therapists and physiotherapist. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information please contact: Christina @ 613-259-2182 x2339.

required to establish a Removal-from-Sport and Return-to-Sport protocol.

Rowan’s Law was named for Rowan Stringer, a high school rugby player from Ottawa. She died in 2013 after sustaining multiple concussions while playing the sport over the course of six days.

She and her parents and coaches were unaware of her injuries, and so she kept playing, injuring a brain that was already damaged and needing to heal.

Rowan’s Law honours her memory by preventing Ontario’s young athletes from suffering this sort of hidden injury. With education and awareness, deaths like Row-

an’s can be prevented.

While those involved in sports must learn about the causes and signs of concussions under Rowan’s Law, this is an important topic for us all to learn about, not just those involved in athletics.

Any blow to the head, face, or neck can cause a concussion; even banging the head in a bad fall. Young children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to this kind of injury. Recently, my son sustained a concussion after a fall at the park.

He hurt his face, but otherwise seemed fine.

I would not have taken him to the doctor but he vomited in the night, and I knew that was a sign of a possible

concussion, which indeed he had. We were given strict care instructions, and within a week he was back to his healthy self. Some major signs of a concussion are: dizziness, headache, ringing in the ears, memory loss, nausea, drowsiness, depression, light sensitivity. If you injure your head or neck and notice these symptoms, please visit your doctor or nurse practitioner.

After an injury, the brain needs time to heal. This can include sleep, quiet time, calm body movements, and avoiding screens, reading and bright lights.

Your medical caregiver will direct you how to best care for your brain during this time.

18

November 2019

Chip Trucks around the region Why do we love buying food from chip trucks so much? Maybe it's the hand cut fries or the fresh curds on that yummy poutine, or maybe it is that old favourite

that you just can't find anywhere else.

Connoisseurs of hot freshcooked fries are part of Canada’s culinary identity. It's part of our culture.

If you are looking for a delicious home-made burger with a side of fresh hand cut fries then you don't need to look any further!

Try these locations to satis-

fy your cravings when you’re road tripping across Lanark County this summer, and be sure to let them know you found them on the chip wagon circuit!

Jac W rap

NOW OPEN!

Fries • Burgers • Poutine Hot Dogs • Chicken Burgers Wraps • Chicken Strips • Salads

613-812-0837

19

November 2019

culture Second career almost better than first

Smiths Falls - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Beverley Bennett is frequently asked when she’ll retire. A bit quizzically, she asks back, “Why should I? I love what I’m doing.”

At 71, she is well established in her second career with Maple Bear Global Schools, a worldwide net of schools recognized in almost two dozen countries.

Bennett retired from her last position as principal of Glen Tay School at a young 53. “Whoops,” she thought to herself. “What do I do now?”

A short time later, having fulfilled a supply teaching contract in London, England; three months as a supply principal in Cairo where she met fellow Canadian Don

Farrow; and several other short positions in Italy, Bangkok and Doha, Qatar; she headed to Brasilia for four months with Maple Bear Global Schools (MBGS) at Farrow’s suggestion.

Maple Bear Global Schools was a wonderful discovery, one where as a teacher, she felt most confident in her work. Previous contracts put her at a slight disadvantage — she worked in the British or American system — but Maple Bear was Canadian-based and familiar. To date she’s travelled to and worked under the Maple Bear aegis in 10 different countries.

Today, the more than 400 private education schools operate out of 20 different countries with more than 41,000 students; they offer

full Canadian programs utilizing Canadian methodology and curriculum developed for students from preschool through elementary and onto high school.

What’s so particularly Canadian about Maple Bear is its bilingual immersion component. “Canada is a leader in immersion learning,” Bennett says, adding that parents in the countries she’s taught in “wanted their children to learn in an English environment using up to date strategies.” Why English? Because it’s the “language of travel and business.”

Bennett is based in Smiths Falls. She and her husband, Bob Arnold, spend the colder months of the year in Florida (as ‘snowflakes’), then return to their home on the Rideau.

Carleton Place’s veteran banners; Providing cause for remembrance

Photo credit: Brian Turner.

Carleton Place - Brian Turner editorial@pdgmedia.ca Continued from cover.

The firm’s executive agreed to offer this service to legion branches at cost to allow them to create a fundraising opportunity to fuel the various charitable causes they support. Taibinger also took on the task of advising legion members who, like Pond, took on the campaign, which she called

“the warmest project I have ever been involved in”.

The banners are strong and colourful reminders of those who served and also act as virtual street sentinels reminding us all of the fact these selfless volunteers still stand on guard for us, even with their passing. Carleton Place’s Legion handles their storage and maintenance while partnering with town staff that ensures they’re in place long in ad-

vance of November 11th.

Not all who are honoured on these banners have left us, but rather are still very much alive and providing volunteer service to their community. One such individual is Keevin Moore, the branch’s PR officer and according to Pond and others, a steadfast and hard working volunteer who jumps up to any task. His banner can be found on Coleman Street.

Moore joined the forces in 1969 and served in a peacekeeping mission in Ismailia, Egypt (near the port city of Said) from 1976 to 1977 as a corporal. Even though he was part of the Air Force he served with the Army in a unified service mission. Moore retired from the military in 1979 and currently resides in Carleton Place.

He told Hometown News that in the struggle to maintain peace around the world, things have changed substantially since his term.

He noted that he and his comrades-in-arms were peace-keepers (operating in relatively secure areas) whereas today’s troops should be more accurately referred to as peace-makers, taking more active and frequently risky positions.

Improvised explosive devices, suicide bombers, and terrorist attacks were almost unheard of in Moore’s time, whereas today they are regular and savage occurrences.

Thanks to the sacrifices of Canadians like Moore and many others, residents and visitors to Carleton Place can enjoy the freedom to walk among the veterans, letting their banners speak for the need for continuing remembrance, not only as we approach November 11, but throughout the year.

Sometimes her husband travels with her but — as she’s going there to work — she often point blank says “it’ll be hot and boring. Don’t come!”

As an educational consultant with Maple Bear, Bennett has a varied workload; she oversees initial training and orientation with new staff, she trains the trainers (and sends them back to their schools to train their own teachers). Or, she goes to the schools and works with teachers there. And always, she’s a mentor for those she trains. An even further aspect of her work is developing training videos. “I help decide what to film, and the content.”

There is a quality assurance component, too, and Bennett laughs when she admits it’s probably her least favourite thing to do. She quickly adds that her expertise is “education and Canadian methodology” in which she has great experience.

As well as travelling to different countries, Bennett sometimes works from home via Skype. She uses these sessions to reinforce her on-thespot work.

Maple Bear has not only opened schools in faraway countries, it recently expanded closer to home into Arizona and Texas; the bilingual

Beverley Bennett has travelled to 10 different countries for her work with Maple Bear Global Schools. Photo credit: Sally Smith.

component there is English and Spanish. Bennett works closely with the school in Dallas.

She freely admits she doesn’t speak any other language except maybe some core French. She does learn key words in the language of the country she’s in, however, like “bathroom, exit, hello, thank-you” and “chicken,” she adds with a grin.

“It’s not necessary. People in the school speak English.

They’re hospitable and helpful.” She says she’s been places where “very little English is spoken and I’ve gotten by with smiles, nods and gestures.” She also points to the wonderful translation apps

available now.

Back to the question of retiring — if, when and why.

“I really, really like doing it,” she says with a contented sigh, and a quick grin. “They keep offering me opportunities and I keep saying ‘one more time.’

“I’m doing what I want to do, and doing it on my own.

I’m not ready to sit in a rocking chair and watch TV.” And she gives her husband “total kudos for his support over the years.”

For information about Maple Bears Global Schools, go to https://www.maplebear.ca; Bennett’s email there is beverley.bennett@maplebear.ca

20

November 2019

culture

Perth man, HMCS Kootenay crewman in deadly explosion

Jim and Ellen Dean at home with photo of HMCS Kootenay. Jim Dean was a crewman on the Kootenay in 1969, when there was a deadly explosion and fire at sea. Photo credit: Terry O'Hearn.

Perth - Terry O'Hearn editorial@pdgmedia.ca On the morning of Oct. 23, 1969, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Kootenay was part of a task force exercising in United Kingdom waters, and was returning to Canada, heading westward in the English Channel off Plymouth, England. After separating from the task force, the Kootenay started a full-power trial at 0810 (times in 24-hour format), and at 0821 a bearing in the starboard gearbox failed. An improper installation had restricted oil flow, and the coolant overheated, reaching a temperature of at least 650 °C. The resulting explosion and fire became the worst peacetime accident in the history of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).

Perth resident Jim Dean was aboard the Kootenay when the explosion and resulting fire occurred. Recently, he took time to reflect on those events: “I had the middle watch (midnight until 0400 hours), and then we had to ‘turn to’ again at 0800.” (The watches at sea are arduous, especially while on exercise.) “We were doing engine water cooler maintenance, a monthly routine. With a few other men, I proceeded towards the engine room, and when we were about ten feet from the door, it blew open in our faces. That first explosion occurred at 0821. We retreated to the engineers’ workshop nearby, but had no idea what has just happened, or what was happening in real time. Then Petty Officer (PO1) Ray McKinnon came into the workshop, and he was badly burned. All he could say was that there was an explosion.

“We all left the workshop and made our way to the upper deck of the ship, but became separated. The smoke was so thick we couldn’t see each other. We reached topside around 0830, and I can’t remember anything from then until noon. When I came back to my senses, I realized that eight shipmates had been killed. (Another was to die later aboard the HMCS Bonaventure). We

had no smoke masks back then, so I had taken in a lot of smoke, but was not treated. Most of the crew who were in the engine room were badly burned, and others were hospitalized for severe smoke inhalation.”

The Department of National Defence (DND) website takes up the story: After the explosion and fire, “The remaining crew members rallied on the Quarter Deck and swiftly organized firefighting equipment and rescue operations, however most of the fire-fighting equipment were rendered inaccessible or destroyed by the fire. As a result, three resourceful Ship’s Divers strapped on their SCUBA tanks and went below to assist in rescue operations, themselves at great risk of their tanks exploding. The fire was brought under control by 1010 hours, and was extinguished between 1030 and 1100.” The Captain of the Kootenay at the time was Commander Neil Norton, and he would later write, “… a less professional crew could easily have finished the day in life rafts.”

Ellen Dean worked for Revenue Canada (now CRA) in Halifax in 1969, and heard about the disaster through the grapevine there.

However, she had to endure the agony of not knowing her husband’s fate for two days, when he was able to reach her from a pay phone.

Following the incident, the Kootenay was towed by the HMCS Saguenay to Plymouth, England, where she was dry-docked and prepared for the tow home.

The navy began to prepare funeral services at once. At the time, Canadian military policy was that personnel who died overseas must be buried there. The men’s families had a choice between interment in England, or burial at sea. Four families chose interment, and four chose burial at sea. Petty Officer Lewis Stringer, who died aboard the Bonaventure, was the only victim to be buried on home soil.

The decision not to repatriate the remains and to put a limit on family members allowed at the funerals did not sit well with many. Ellen

Dean mentioned that only immediate family received expense money to attend.

The long tow home was by the Dutch tugboat Elbe, said Jim Dean. He recalls they arrived home - Halifax Jetty Five - on Nov. 27 at 2115. He was one of about 15 men from the original crew to stay with the ship for the trip home.

Perhaps a fitting tribute, the courageous actions of the Kootenay crew helped Canada move ahead with the creation of new bravery decorations. On May 10, 1972, Queen Elizabeth II approved three new decorations: Cross of Valour, Star of Courage, and Medal of Bravery. Several Kootenay crewmen were awarded bravery decorations posthumously.

The ship was repaired, refitted as a new class of Destroyer, then re-commissioned on Jan. 7, 1972.

According to the DND website, the Kootenay “… served in the RCN from 19591995. She was the fifth ship in her class and the second vessel to carry the designation HMCS Kootenay.” She carried a crew of approximately 255 at the time of the disaster at sea, according to Dean.

Along with long-term health effects from inhalation of smoke and other chemicals, some survivors have also had to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by a terrifying event - either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms can include flashbacks, night terrors, and severe anxiety.

Dean has some of those symptoms to this day, and it was indeed stressful for him when we talked recently. He spent a total of 33 years in the RCN, retiring in 1995 with the rank of Chief Petty Officer First Class (CPO1).

This year’s 50th anniversary ceremony will be held at the Bonaventure Anchor Memorial in Point Pleasant Park, Halifax, on Oct. 23 at 1000. The refurbished memorial honours those who died during peacetime, and features the names of the nine Kootenay members who were killed.

And so, the grim reaper came calling on the Kootenay crew wrapped in flame and smoke. He left that fateful morning with eight crewmen, and returned to the Bonaventure for a ninth a few days later. The dead lie in a foreign land, or at the bottom of the sea, and the living endure still the horrible memories.

Wherever you are on Oct. 23, please take a moment to remember the stalwart crew of the HMCS Kootenay from the tragedy of 1969, living and dead.

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

Never too late to start a second career Regional - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca Hugh Lafave, at 90, has published the first book of his trilogy, still has some way to go on the second and has ideas for the third. When You Tango with Death, She Leads is a semi-fictional story of a prairie boy from Saskatchewan with overtones of the supernatural. (‘My Lady’ appears early and stays throughout.)

Writing is his second career, medicine his first. He decided on medicine at an early age, he says, because he watched as his mother at times became completely debilitated with migraines.

He remembers them as “the worst ever I’ve seen even working in the field I work in.” She had them often.

Combine that early memory with the one hundred or so “near-death or sudden death” experiences he endured while often being told he only had 10 minutes or 10 days to live; this made him determined to pack as much as he could into those 10 minutes, he grins. Medicine, he thought, would help him do that.

Education-wise he began studying at the University of Saskatchewan, then went to McGill in Montreal, and finally to Harvard. He was taken on and mentored by Dr. Paul Yakovlev (a colleague of Freud’s) in psychiatry and neurology for a further six years, and eventually practiced both in Canada and the States.

In the tradition of that time, Lafave says, a student trained in both psychiatry and neurology. “You were not a good psychiatrist without being a good neurologist.”

All this time he was writing a book; he worked in five year increments, an idea he stumbled upon while looking through a two-volume Oxford Dictionary from Book of the Month Club, which his Dad belonged to.

He saw an intriguing word — lustrum, which means a five-year period of time. “I loved words. It was alliterative with Lafave, and I decided I was going to live my life in lustrums. I have.”

Even before he got down on one knee to propose to his soon-to-be wife, “I wanted her to know what she was getting into. I didn’t want to get down if there wasn’t a reason to,” he laughs, his face folding into wrinkles.

She said “yes.” Lafave and Joann have been married 63 years. They have three children, two grandchildren…and have lived their lives in lustrums.

Back to the book…

When did you start writing your book? “At five,” he says.

When did you actually start writing it? “At five,” he says again. It was 1934 and he wrote by hand. “I made up my mind about a lot of things on my fifth birthday.”

How long did it take to write? “Ninety years.” Over the years it’s been computerized, Lafave adds, giving a nod to modern day technology, and says now he talks into the computer while leaving the computer to write.

There’s a lot of Lafave in the story. He says the main character “Gordy” is not really him (although his second name is Gordon).

“Gordy is half-fact and half-fiction,“ he explains, a collection of people he’s known and has drawn from to create the character.

But why ‘Tango” in the title? He and his wife love to dance, taught dancing through the years…and the tango is their favourite.

Those two are personal facts; the next one isn’t. One of the other main characters is death but “only the good death.” This is his thinking behind My Lady: “God hadn’t thought through the creation of the world in so many days, about the dying and how to cope. His first

creation is the devil who does all the evil deaths like war and pestilence. This took some of the load off God’s shoulders — but the bodies were still piling up.

“He called up an angel who chose to be female (strawberry blonde with spike-heeled shoes); she said she would help with the deaths (because the men were making such a mess of things) but only the good deaths, those whose reasons for dying were good reasons. God, Himself, kept the vengeful ones, foisted the evil ones onto the devil, while My Lady kept the good deaths.

“But just as she was about to ‘collect’ Gordy (at his birth), she was trapped in a terrible springtime ice storm on the Canadian prairies and couldn’t move.

She was given a chance to see all the goings-on in an ordinary home, realized she hadn’t experienced anything to do with life, and decided to see life vicariously through Gordy’s eyes.

“She let him live where the previous two children had died.”

When You Tango with Death, She Leads ends on a pert, snappy one-sided conversation with My Lady.

Chances are readers will see much more of her in the second and third parts of the trilogy.

You can order the book (and read the first 15 pages) here: https://www.blurb.ca/ b/9501548-when-you-tango-with-death-she-leads.

Hugh Lafave sits in his bright living room in Elgin thinking about the third part of his trilogy When You Tango with Death, She Leads. Photo credit: Sally Smith.

21

November 2019

culture

Perth Inside Out: Jewish community finds success in Perth, Part II Terry O'Hearn

Last month we discussed the early days of the Jewish Community in Perth. The Hoffman and Karakowsky families were the backbone of the group, and went on to be successful merchants, giving back to their community at the same time.

To recap: David and Rebecca Hoffman came to Perth in 1928, and opened a store on Gore Street at Brock. David was born in 1894 in Yashin, Ukraine.

Rebecca, born in 1898, in Sebesh, Russia, was the daughter of Meyer Karakowsky. That store was the future location of Benny K’s store, Benny being the grandson of Meyer Karakowsky, who came to Perth circa 1914. Meyer lived in the stone house on South Street at Beckwith, and was known by the initials “M.K.” David Hoffman founded D. Hoffman & Son. Family history written in 1976 relates that “The

Hoffmans raised three sons: Israel, Joseph and Eli. Israel, the oldest boy, never became part of the family enterprise and went off to war in 1939 as a Pilot Officer with the RCAF. He eventually became a doctor in Ottawa and then was employed by the National Research Council ... Meyer Karakowsky retired in 1940 and moved with his wife to Montreal. By 1943 Joseph had also gone to war, entering the RCAF. The Hoffman family had undergone a change of location from M.K.’s store to a big double house just beside it …”

In the late fifties, Nelly Cohen arrived in Perth, and an advertisement on Aug. 25, 1960, showed that she had opened a store: “Nelly’s Shoe Store, 64 Foster St., formerly Erwin’s Store.”

A Courier from July 30, 1964 advertisement was titled “Demolition of Perth Public School” by Cohen & Cohen Ltd., Ottawa: “Perth representative Nelly Cohen at Nelly’s Shoe Store.” Ironically, Nelly Cohen was not related to the owners of Cohen & Cohen, but the Hoffman family was.

To explain the Hoffman to Cohen connection: Martha Hoffman, sister of David Hoffman, married Max Cohen of Minsk, Russia, who came to Ottawa in 1909.

Two of their sons, Abraham (Al) and Harold Cohen, started the Cohen & Cohen demolition business in Ottawa in 1963. The company became legendary for its scrap recycling and re-use store, and the brothers were affectionately known as “Mr. Brass” and “Mr. Copper.”

Canadian Jewish Heritage Network records indicate that “Agudath Achim Congregation was created in Perth on Dec. 16, 1946 and in 1947 obtained the building at 15 - 17 Harvey Street in the Town of Perth.”

Among the first directors were Louis Karakowsky, Abraham Cohen, David Hoffman, Joseph Hoffman, Boris Haber, Isadore Levine and Harry Handler.

The Synagogue was closed in 1980, due to insufficient numbers.

Probably the best-known member of the Karakowsky family was Benny, known to all as “Benny K.” He was the epitome of the idiom “larger than life,” because although his physical stature was relatively small, he was a gregarious soul with a heart of gold. Recently, lifelong Perth resident Al Chaplin remembered Benny K. as very generous when it came to hockey. “Benny K. supported Perth Minor Hockey events, and although it was not well known, support-

Sandra Hoffman in front of part of the Hoffman-Karakowsky family history on display at Gore Street Flea Market. Photo credit: Terry O'Hearn.

ed needy kids with equipment,” said Chaplin. Benny K. was also an ardent fan of the Perth Blue Wings Junior hockey team.

In 1977, the Karakowsky family tree was officially installed in Ottawa’s National Museum of Man, as reported in The Perth Courier in February 1978: “Last October when the Queen opened a new gallery in the National Museum of Man in Ottawa, there was one display of particular interest to the people of Perth and district. This was the Karakowsky Family Tree, 18231975 which is on permanent display …” In addition, both the Hoffman and Karakowsky family trees are record-

ed in the National archives of Canada.

An excellent piece on Eli Hoffman appeared in the Feb. 23, 1983, edition of The Perth Courier, written by locally renowned newsman and bluesman Steve Forster. He said of Hoffman at the time: “With his concern for community and involvement in local service groups, Eli Hoffman is one of many hard-working Perthites who make up the backbone of a vital, growing municipality.”

When Eli passed away on May 28, 2017, his son Aaron became the last Jewish merchant in the Town of Perth.

He currently operates Gore Street Flea Market, with his mother Sandra. Gore Street

Flea Market has a large display of family history, including the Hoffman and Karakowsky family trees, which were meticulously penned in calligraphic style

by Inge Hoffman of Ottawa in 1975.

According to a paper by Zvi Gitelman, written in 1973, the intensity of Jewish migration from Europe to the Americas between 1840 and 1946 was four times that of the general European population. Perth was indeed fortunate that some of those people found their way to this small town.

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

See the back page for Caslte Building Centre specials YOUR TRUSTED

Neighbourhood Professionals

Smiths Falls, ON

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

91 Cornelia St. W.

PERSONAL TAX RETURNS

613-283-6308

613.205.0463

10 Beckwith St N. Smiths Falls

CORPORATE TAX RETURNS

Free Consultation • Personalized Service Flexible Appointments

Your answer to small business accounting

BUSINESS SETUP ASSISTANCE QUICK BOOKS ONLINE

LICENSED INSOLVENCY TRUSTEE

SAGE BUSINESS ONLINE

BRIAN RABY & ASSOCIATES INC

Polcandesigngroup

built on integrity backed by reputation

Celebrating 20 years of Serving Our Community

Keep Calm and Trust Your Chiropractor

On Site Digital X-ray Registered Massage Therapy Advanced Health Analysis Surface Electromyography Thermography Heart Rate Variability Analysis THERALASE Low Level Laser for Muscle, Tendon and Joint Healing

Good Design is good business.

Graphic Design, Branding, Web Design, Logos, Marketing

PDG Media

contactus@pdgmedia.ca

613.206.0708

23

November 2019

business PARO teams up with The Table to support women entrepreneurs Perth - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Building on the success of sessions held in February of this year, staff of PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise will be returning to Perth on November 18th. Hosted by The Table at 190 Gore Street East in Perth, the

information sessions will provide an introduction to the range of services PARO offers to women who are in, or who are thinking of getting into business.

There will be information on microfinancing and grants, assistance with business planning, networking opportunities, support from other

women entrepreneurs and free one-on-one business counselling.

Two info sessions will be held on Monday, November 18th, the first from 11:30 am to 1 pm and the second from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Participants are welcome to join The Table’s Community Meal prior to the eve-

Photo submitted.

ning session. The meal runs from 4:30 to 6:00.

PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise is one of Canada's most successful business support and networking organizations.

PARO collaborates to support women, strengthen small business and promote community economic development across Ontario (excluding the southwest). PARO is Latin for "I am ready."

The organization has provided assistance to thousands of women through innovative

business services, peer support and inspirational events and is committed to adapting to the changing needs of entrepreneurial women and their communities. The last info session PARO held at The Table helped facilitate the start-up of a women’s support circle in Tay Valley so there is clearly a demand for services to help women entrepreneurs in Lanark County.

As food insecurity is fundamentally a question of economic resources, grass roots ini-

tiatives such as this that support people to develop skills and obtain supports to improve their economic situation is a great fit for The Table. The Perth-based organization is a part of a national network of Community Food Centres and works to improve access to healthy food, improve food skills and food literacy, advocate for individual well-being, and educate, engage and advocate on social policies to address food insecurity and poverty.

Photo submitted.

the marketplace directory ACCOUNTANT

ADVERTISE HERE $45 per issue. For more information call 613-206-0708 or email us at advertising@pdgmedia.ca

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

PRINTING

REALTY

Quick & Friendly Great Quality

PERTH SMITHS FALLS 40 Sunset Blvd 51 Abbott St. N 613-267-1080 613-283-2444 info@impressionprinting.ca

DENTURE CLINIC

Locations

613.788.7470

Excellent Customer Service And we are local ~ just like you!

PAINT N PAPER

DIRECT:

613.788.7470

OFFICE:

Cabinets refinished Staircases refinished Unpasted wallpapers Traditional painting

613-453-5253

613.236.5959

FAX:

613.236.1515

EMAIL: elaine.maclean@hallmarkottawa.com WEB: SoldOnHomes.ca

WELCOME WAGON

Quality // Workmanship // Pride

carseythepainter.com

DIRECT:

Affordable Pricing

QUALITY & SAVI NGS FIT FOR A KING

SALE!!

AMBIANCE WOOD PELLETS 100% HARDWOOD

AMBIANCE wood pellets are a top quality choice. Made from 100% hardwood, these hardwood pellets will burn longer and cleaner in your pellet stoves. AMBIANCE wood pellets are renowned for low ash content. It’s better for your pellet stove and requires less cleaning.

Submergible Tank De-icer

Log Splitter

Recochem Plumbing Antifreeze

Submergible Bucket Heater

*while quanties last

*while quanties last

Stock Tanks

Fencing

Gates

Paige Fencing

$315.99

Barwire Roll

$109.99

$209.99 103 Gal Galvanized $149.99 100 Gal Rubbermaid $189.99

$99.99 8' Galvanized Gate $129.99 10' Galvanized Gate $139.99

169 Gal Galvanized

*while quanties last

8' Red Tubular Gates

*while quanties last

*while quanties last

VENTURE INTO EITHER OF OUR 2 LOCATIONS RIDEAU LAKES

LANSDOWNE

7719 # 42, Crosby 613-272-0209

33 Railway St 613-659-2383